Places To Visit in California in 2021
We’re lucky to live in California with its wealth of outdoor activities, cultural treasures, and delicious food experiences.
Let us be your guide to all the best places to visit in California in 2021:
Table of Contents
Sonoma & Napa
One of the hardest hit areas in California with the wildfires and pandemic lockdowns of 2020, Sonoma & Napa will be yearning and ready for a strong rebound in tourism. On top of the great wineries and restaurants, there’s also so much to do like outdoor activities, great museums, interesting art galleries, and more!
Check out our great guide on things to do Sonoma.
Highlights:
Go on an actual safari at Safari West
Delicious Food and Organic Vodka at Hanson of Sonoma
Grab a pint at the world famous Russian River Brewing Co
Delicious wine tasting and beautiful ambiance at Scribe
The beautiful castle winery of Castello di Amorosa
Pamper yourself at the Michelin starred French Laundry
Take a ride in a hot air balloon in Calistoga
Interesting artwork at di Rosa
Intimate small group wine tastings at Far Niente
San Francisco
As a local, I’ve never seen the major tourist spots so empty and free of crowds before. As a result, this year will be one of the few times to enjoy all the major sights of San Francisco without crowds and at a big discount, since many hotels are barely running at capacity.
A slight downside is that due to the lockdown and departure of many tech employees, a large number of restaurants and cafes had to close down. But have no fear, many restaurants and cafes stayed and plan to come back strong in 2021!
Highlights:
Take in views of Golden Gate Bridge and walk across
Local secrets Baker Beach and Marshall Beach
Picnic at Palace of Fine Arts
Walk around Alamo Square and the Painted Ladies
Almond Croissant at La Marais Bakery
Morning Bun & Plain Croissant at Tartine
Carne Asada Super Burrito at La Taqueria
Amazing ice cream at Garden Creamery
Death Valley
A completely alien landscape ranging from infinite salt flats to towering sand dunes, a visit to California isn’t complete without a stop at Death Valley.
Just be prepared with a lot of water, sunscreen, downloaded maps, comfortable shoes, and a sense of adventure!
Highlights:
Towering Mesquite Sand Dunes
The beautiful layering colors of Zabriskie Point
Stunning colors of Artists Palette
Infinite salt flats of Badwater Basin
Big Sur & Carmel
Another area of California that was hit hard by the wildfires and the lockdown, this stunning stretch of Pacific coastline is one of my favorite drives in the world. It’s often recommended as one of the top 10 road trips of a lifetime with its jaw dropping ocean views along a curving mountain road and adorable towns & outdoor activities.
I’ve created a detailed guide on the iconic highway one road trip here.
Carmel is one of the adorable towns along the Big Sur Highway One drive and is worth 2-3 nights alone for its English countryside small town feel.
Highlights:
All the stops you’ll be making along Highway One for photo ops
Sunsets at Carmel Beach
McWay Falls
Elephant Seals
Kayaking Monterey Bay
San Luis Obispo & Central Coast
This is one of my favorite getaway spots since it’s nestled right at the end of the Highway One Big Sur Road trip (or beginning, depending on where you’re starting).
The Central Coast of California has a wide variety of interesting things to offer from the wineries of Paso Robles, sand dunes of Pismo Beach, laid back vibes of San Luis Obispo.
Highlights:
Walk along the amazing Montana de Oro Bluffs
Stop by colorful, kitschy Madonna Inn
Wine tasting at Paso Robles
Wagon Glamping at New Cuyama
Mammoth Lakes
This underrated area is full of hot springs, interesting terrain, and during winter it’s a great ski resort.
It’s also home to one of the most interesting natural phenomenons at the Devil’s Postpile.
During the fall, the autumn colors are in full display at Convict Lake.
If you’re up for it, both the Crystal Lake Trail and Duck Pass & Pika Lake Trail are some of the best hikes in California.
Santa Barbara
Affectionately known as the Riviera of California, this coastal town is full of beautiful hotels and restaurants behind the lovely backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountain range. It has a very European feel to it and was actually controlled by the Spanish for awhile.
Highlights:
The delicious Santa Barbara Uni (sea urchin)
Beaches of Santa Barbara
Lotusland garden
Dine at Loquito
Marin County
Reading like a who’s who of outdoor activities, Marin County is a literal gold mine of ‘all those places you’ve seen on National Geographic’.
From the famous Muir Woods to the stunning Point Reyes National Seashore - Marin is a nature lovers and photographers dream come true.
Highlights:
Point Reyes (Cypress Tree Tunnel, Point Reyes Lighthouse)
Mount Tamalpais
Angel Island
Muir Woods
Oysters at Tomales Bay
Amazing Dipsea Trail Hike
Gold Rush Towns in Sierra Nevada Foothills
Relive Gold Rush glory in these cute towns located in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Some favorites include Nevada City, Grass Valley, Auburn, and Placerville.
Mendocino
The coastal jewel of Northern California that is sometimes overlooked, this gem is loaded with wild nature, interesting towns, and a nice escape from urban life.
Highlights:
Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
Russian Gulch State Park
Jug Handle State Preserve
Mendocino Headlands
Brewery Gulch Inn
Yosemite
Due to the surge in interest for outdoor activities, Yosemite definitely had some growing pains in balancing crowds and social distancing. But overall, they managed to keep things safe while managing the incredible amount of people visiting the park.
It might take some extra preparation to visit in terms of reservations and park passes to visit Yosemite, but it’ll feel pretty empty due to visitor restrictions. That will feel nice to those who think Yosemite gets overcrowded during peak season.
Autocamp Yosemite is a great glamping option also.
Highlights:
Best bang for the buck Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop
A great workout - Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail
You’ll be sore - Upper Yosemite Falls Trail
Bucket list - Half Dome Trail
Stand amongst giants at the Mariposa Grove Giant Sequioa Trail
Lake Tahoe
Although locals will complain that everyone from the major cities moved here during the pandemic, it still feels relatively uncrowded in Lake Tahoe with so many outdoor activities to take in.
The beauty of Lake Tahoe is the abundance of things to do in all seasons whether it’s water skiing on the lake, skiing on the mountain, world class hiking, or boutique shopping - you won’t be bored here.
Highlights:
Assisted Rock Climbing with Via Feretta
All the amazing hiking options everywhere!
Skiing and Snowboarding - so many options!
Joshua Tree
One of my favorite parks in California and home to some of the most beautiful Airbnb’s - you’ll love having your own private place at the doorstep to Joshua Tree Park for daily adventures.
It’s hard to describe the beauty of the night stillness and how quiet it is here!
You’ll also love the famous Dr Seuss-like Joshua Trees and lunar landscape of granite boulders.
Highlights:
Scramble around the Jumbo Rocks
Stargazing the clear night sky
Rock Climbing Heaven
Hidden Valley Trail
Cholla Cactus Garden
Los Angeles
The entertainment and food capital of California and perhaps the USA, Los Angeles is ready to welcome all the tourists back with its endless variety of delicious food, entertainment, pampering, and outdoor activities.
You could spend a week here and not even touch the iceberg of all the things to do in this megacity.
Highlights:
Walk along Venice and Santa Monica Beach
See LA from Griffith Park
The cool streetlights at LACMA
Grab delicious food in Koreatown
Inventive tacos at Guerilla Tacos
The best fried chicken at Honey’s Kettle Fried Chicken
Catch a show at the Hollywood Bowl