Looking for places to visit in california that go beyond a beach stop? Think giant trees, a harbor full of sailboats and desert rocks catching the evening light.
These pictures give you plenty to work with, whether you love a city waterfront or a winding coastal path.
You can keep your trip focused on one region or save a few ideas for separate getaways. Some landmarks are easy to recognize, while a few photos are better treated as inspiration rather than exact map pins.
California travel ideas worth saving
Yosemite’s valley view
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous view of Yosemite Valley. El Capitan rises on the left, a waterfall drops down the cliffs on the right and green trees fill the space between them.
Save Tunnel View if you want this classic perspective. I’d leave time to simply stand and take it all in.
McWay Falls and turquoise water
How pretty is this little cove? McWay Falls drops beside the sand, with turquoise water and rocky cliffs surrounding it.
The waterfall is such a lovely detail against that huge stretch of ocean.
Read also: 18+ Magical Ethereal Places To Visit That Feel Otherworldly
Add this Big Sur viewpoint to your list, but check current trail access first. This is a view to enjoy from an authorized overlook, not a beach to climb down to.
Lake Tahoe’s clear coves
I am obsessed with the clear water in this Tahoe scene. You can see rounded boulders beneath the paddleboard, plus a whole hillside of trees behind the cove.
Lake Tahoe spans California and Nevada, so confirm the shore location when planning your stop. The exact cove pictured isn’t identifiable from this photo alone.
Joshua trees and golden rocks
If you love desert scenery, Joshua Tree belongs on your list. The branching trees beside this curving road look so striking against the sunlit rocks.
I especially love that golden patch on the big formation to the left. Plan a stop at a designated pullout rather than pausing in the road for your photo.
The Bay Bridge after dark
Who says your sightseeing has to end when the sun goes down? This is San Francisco’s Bay Bridge, with rows of lights stretching over the water and city buildings glowing behind it.
Try adding a waterfront walk to your evening plans. Those gold reflections are my favorite part of this view.
Napa Valley vineyard rows
Don’t want to fill every day with big landmarks? Napa Valley gives you a different kind of scenery.
I love the sunlight coming through these grape leaves and the neat rows running into the distance.
You could plan a vineyard visit around the landscape as well as a tasting. Check each property’s visitor arrangements before heading over.
A pink-sky beach evening
This beach scene may just be one of my favorites here. The little lifeguard tower, sailboats and pink sky are so pretty together.
The photo doesn’t establish which beach this is. Use it as inspiration for a California coast evening, then choose a confirmed public beach near your other stops.
Death Valley’s sand dunes
If you are looking for a landscape that feels completely different from the coast, then this one is for you. These Death Valley-style dunes have sharp crests, tiny ripples and rugged mountains behind them.
For a dune stop in Death Valley, look into Mesquite Flat. Check heat conditions before planning any walk out onto the sand.
Sunlight between giant trunks
How gorgeous is the light between these enormous trees? The reddish trunks fill both sides of the picture, with long shadows stretching across the ground.
For this kind of giant-tree scenery, consider a designated grove trail in Sequoia National Park. The image doesn’t identify the particular grove, so don’t treat it as an exact trail reference.
Cypress trees by the ocean
I love this narrow coastal path with the windswept trees above it. The pale rocks and little pockets of green make the shoreline just as interesting as the ocean.
If this is your kind of walk, look into the public trails at Point Lobos near Carmel. Choose a marked route rather than trying to locate this exact stretch from the photo.
La Jolla’s little cove
Want a coastal stop with cliffs and a small stretch of sand? La Jolla Cove is a lovely one to consider.
Here, palms rise above the bluff while people gather along the water’s edge.
The pale green shallows are so pretty next to the deeper blue ocean. Check local water conditions if you’re hoping to do more than enjoy the view.
Read also: 20 Beautiful Places to Visit in Korea, From Palace Gates to Coastal Views
Palm Springs color inspiration
Calling all fans of colorful houses! The orange chair, bright red door and low rooflines in this stylized image are such a fun combination.
Treat this as Palm Springs architecture inspiration rather than a verified property you can visit. You could look for a publicly offered architecture tour if those desert homes are high on your list.
Looking up through the forest
Here is another giant-tree view, but this time it’s all about looking up. I love how the tall reddish trunks lead your eye toward little patches of blue sky.
California’s sequoia and redwood groves are worth considering if this is the scenery you want. Pick a confirmed grove and trail, since this photo alone doesn’t establish the park.
A sea cave at sunset
That pink reflection is absolutely gorgeous. The dark cave opening frames a jagged offshore rock, with a narrow strip of orange light along the horizon.
The cave’s location isn’t confirmed here. Save the coastal-photo inspiration, but don’t enter an unfamiliar sea cave to recreate it. Tides and surf can cut off access.
Hot Creek’s mountain backdrop
There is so much to love about this Hot Creek view near Mammoth Lakes. The blue creek winds between pale banks, steam rises above it and snow streaks the mountains behind.
This is a sightseeing stop, not a soaking suggestion. Stay on designated routes and out of the geothermal water.
Solvang’s windmill streets
How cute is this Solvang street? The windmill is the obvious favorite, but those red-trimmed storefronts and big pots of flowers deserve a little attention too.
Give yourself room in the schedule for a wander rather than just a quick windmill photo. I’d start with the village streets and see which shops catch your eye.
A pool beside the surf
This is a different take on a beach view. A straight-edged pool sits beside the ocean, with golden cliffs and houses rising above the sand.
Read also: 20 Isle of Skye Hidden Gems and Beautiful Views to Inspire Your Trip
The scene resembles the coastal pools around South Laguna Beach, but the exact access point isn’t confirmed. Don’t assume a pictured pool is public or safe to enter just because people appear in it.
A cottage behind the flowers
Not every stop has to be about a huge view. I love this little gray cottage with its white window frames and flowers spilling over the path.
For a similar garden-and-cottage feel, consider exploring Mendocino’s public village streets. This particular building isn’t identified, so admire private gardens from public areas rather than following a path to someone’s door.
Avalon’s blue harbor
I am obsessed with this view of Avalon on Catalina Island. The round Catalina Casino sits right beside the water, with white boats scattered across the harbor behind it.
You could build your visit around a waterfront walk and time in town. Check boat schedules before settling your plans, especially if you’re making it a day trip.
Read also: 20 Places to Visit in the US for Gorgeous Views and City Strolls
Borrego Springs’ desert serpent
Last but definitely not least, we have this amazing serpent sculpture in Borrego Springs. I love the rows of rust-colored scales and the spikes curling along its back!
Look into the Galleta Meadows sculptures if you want an art stop among the desert scenery. The person standing beneath this arch gives you a sense of just how large the piece is.