The Best Sightseeing Places in California

California rewards travelers who slow down and take a closer look. The state’s scale is familiar, but its details linger, with coastal fog lifting off redwood groves, desert light shifting across rock formations, and vineyards glowing gold at sunset. Sightseeing here isn’t about ticking off landmarks; it’s about moving through landscapes that change dramatically within a single day’s drive.

This guide highlights the best sightseeing places in California for travelers who prioritize scenery, atmosphere, and a sense of place. Expect a mix of iconic views and quieter moments: dramatic coastlines, high alpine terrain, creative cities, and protected desert wilderness. Below are luxury vacation rentals in California, where staying well-positioned matters, ideally in a private home that gives you space, views, and easy access to what you came to see.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite’s scale is hard to process until you’re inside it. Granite walls rise abruptly from the valley floor, waterfalls trace vertical lines down sheer rock, and the light changes constantly as clouds move through. Spring brings peak waterfalls, summer offers long hiking days, and fall delivers quieter trails and cooler air.

Yosemite Valley is the visual anchor, but the park’s sightseeing rewards those who explore beyond the obvious pullouts. Tioga Road opens access to high-elevation meadows and domed peaks, while Glacier Point provides one of California’s most arresting panoramas.

Things to do

• Watch the sunrise from Tunnel View before the tour buses arrive.

• Walk the flat loop to Lower Yosemite Fall.

• Drive Tioga Road and stop at Olmsted Point.

• Photograph El Capitan in late-afternoon light.

• Explore Tuolumne Meadows when snow conditions allow.

Travel tips

• Spring road closures can limit access to higher elevations.

• Weekdays are noticeably calmer than weekends.

• Early mornings offer the best light and quiet.

• Shuttle systems alleviate parking stress during peak seasons.

Where to Stay near Yosemite National Park

Wander has a stunning collection of luxury vacation rentals in Yosemite and the surrounding areas. Some of our highlight properties include:

• Wander Yosemite Park - Tucked away inside one of the world’s most iconic national parks, cascading waterfalls, pristine wilderness, and granite cliffs are on your doorstep. 

• Wander June Lake - Sightsee in the soothing hot tub and enjoy the warmth of the cozy fireplace, surrounded by the stunning forest as your backdrop.

Wander’s Expert Tip for a Sightseeing Stay at Yosemite National Park

Enter the park before 7 a.m., then spend the midday exploring lesser-visited areas, such as El Capitan Meadow or Tuolumne Meadows. Save the Valley viewpoints for late afternoon when crowds thin and the granite warms in color.

Big Sur

Big Sur is about contrast, cliffs dropping straight into the Pacific, redwood groves just inland, and long stretches where the road feels suspended between land and sea. The scenery unfolds slowly, rewarding patience rather than speed.

Fog is part of the experience, often clearing in dramatic waves. Coastal hikes, hidden beaches, and elevated viewpoints make Big Sur one of California’s most visually immersive drives.

Wander’s Big Sur-area homes place you close to the coastline while offering privacy that hotels here rarely provide.

Things to do

• Stop at McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

• Walk among redwoods at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

• Watch the sunset from the Garrapata Bluff pullouts.

• Visit Point Sur Lighthouse when tours are available.

• Photograph Bixby Bridge from the north side turnout.

Travel tips

• Coastal fog is common in summer mornings.

• Cell service is unreliable, so download maps in advance.

• Allow extra time for slow scenic driving.

• Winter storms can temporarily close Highway 1.

Where to Stay near Big Sur

Wander has a luxurious collection of luxury vacation rentals in Big Sur and the surrounding areas. Some of our top picks include:

• Wander Big Sur Coast - Breath in the fresh ocean air at this mid-century modern architectural masterpiece, equipped with a gym and sauna for ultimate relaxation.

• Wander Pebble Beach - Combine wellness and leisure at this tranquil coastal escape, with a cozy fireplace, hot tub, and ping pong table. 

Lake Tahoe

Tahoe’s clarity is what stands out first. The lake’s deep blue shifts with the angle of the sun, framed by pine forests and granite peaks. Sightseeing here changes with the seasons: snow-dusted views in winter, alpine hiking and clear-water beaches in summer, and golden aspens in fall.

The north shore feels quieter and more residential, while the south shore offers broader beaches and easier access to trails. Wander homes around Lake Tahoe offer easy access to both scenic viewpoints and outdoor recreation, without the crowds of resort areas.

Things to do

• Drive the full Lake Tahoe scenic loop.

• Walk the East Shore Trail near Incline Village.

• View Emerald Bay from Inspiration Point.

• Take a kayak out in the early morning.

• Ride the Heavenly Gondola for panoramic views.

Travel tips

• Morning hours offer the calmest lake conditions.

• Winter chains may be required for driving.

• Parking at Emerald Bay fills quickly.

• High elevation means strong sun year-round.

Where to Stay near Lake Tahoe

• Wander South Tahoe – After a day of breathing in the beautiful scenery, you can relax on the private mini golf course, as well as enjoy a soak in the hot tub under the stars. 

• Wander Tahoe Slopes – This luxury mountain escape is fit for eight guests to enjoy relaxing in a private hot tub after a day of sightseeing.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree’s beauty reveals itself slowly. The desert feels sparse at first, then suddenly sculptural, twisted trees, stacked boulders, and vast skies that shift colors at dusk. The park is situated at the intersection of two deserts, offering it an unexpected ecological diversity.

Golden hour transforms the landscape, and nighttime brings some of Southern California’s darkest skies. Wander homes near Joshua Tree offer space, silence, and ideal stargazing conditions.

Things to do

• Walk Hidden Valley’s short loop trail.

• Watch the sunset from Keys View.

• Photograph Skull Rock at low-angle light.

• Stargaze near Cap Rock after dark.

• Explore the quieter Pinto Basin area.

Travel tips

• Summer heat limits daytime activity.

• Carry more water than you think you need.

• Sunrise and sunset are the most photogenic times of day.

• Cell service is extremely limited inside the park.

Where to Stay near Joshua Tree National Park

Wander has an incredible collection of luxury vacation rentals in Joshua Tree and the surrounding areas. Some of the highlight properties include:

• Wander Joshua Tree Pinnacle - Unparalleled luxury awaits at this gorgeous desert retreat. Roast marshmallows and converse around the crackling fire pit whilst appreciating the breathtaking views. 

• Wander Joshua Tree Solace - If breathtaking views are the sights you want to see, then a secluded desert oasis awaits at the heart of this luxurious retreat. Immerse yourself in the stunning natural landscape at the heart of the California high desert. 

San Francisco

San Francisco’s sightseeing appeal stems from its layers, featuring historic neighborhoods, dramatic topography, and constant interaction with the bay. Views appear unexpectedly at the end of streets or from hilltop parks, framed by Victorian homes or modern architecture.

Fog is part of the city’s personality, rolling in and out throughout the day. Staying in a residential neighborhood provides a more authentic experience than staying in a downtown hotel.

Things to do

• Walk the Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise.

• Visit Lands End for coastal trails and ruins.

• Explore North Beach’s cafes and bookshops.

• Ride a cable car over Nob Hill.

• Watch the city lights from Twin Peaks.

Travel tips

• Layers are essential year-round.

• Mornings are often clearer than afternoons.

• Walking is often faster than driving.

• Neighborhood dining beats tourist zones.

Where to Stay near San Francisco

• Wander Menlo Park - This modern designer retreat is a sight in itself, pairing sophistication with ease at the heart of Silicon Valley.  

• Wander San Rafael - One of the best sights here is the cinematic sunrise, viewable from this luxurious coastal escape. Its prime location and exceptional amenities offer unparalleled comfort and elegance. 

Napa Valley

Napa’s scenery changes subtly through the year: mustard blooms in winter, lush vines in summer, fiery colors in fall. Rolling hills, stone wineries, and quiet backroads make sightseeing here as much about the drive as the destination.

Wander’s Napa Valley homes allow you to stay close to vineyards while enjoying privacy, outdoor space, and slower mornings.

Things to do

• Drive Silverado Trail for vineyard views.

• Visit a hillside winery for panoramic terraces.

• Walk through Yountville in the early evening.

• Watch hot air balloons at sunrise.

• Explore smaller family-run tasting rooms.

Travel tips

• Morning light is best for photography.

• Reservations are essential at most wineries.

• Weekdays are calmer than weekends.

• Fall harvest brings traffic and energy.

Where to Stay in Napa Valley

• Wander Sonoma Haven - Conversations around the firepit, a hot tub under the stars, and a breathtaking mountain view are some of the lasting memories you will make at this luxurious stay.

• Wander Sonoma Sunset - Share stories and laughter at this luxurious wine country retreat, while being surrounded by stunning views. 

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley is stark and mesmerizing. Salt flats stretching to the horizon, pastel badlands, and mountain ridges catching first light. The extremes are what make it unforgettable: the lowest elevation in North America paired with unexpected color and texture.

Cooler months are ideal for sightseeing, especially sunrise and sunset.

Things to do

• Walk Badwater Basin at dawn.

• Watch the sunrise at Zabriskie Point.

• Photograph Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

• Drive Artists Drive in late afternoon.

• Visit Dante’s View for elevation contrast.

Travel tips

• Avoid summer heat entirely.

• Fuel up before entering the park.

• Sunrise offers cooler temperatures and color.

• Distances between stops are long.

Wander’s Expert Tip for a Sightseeing Vacation at Death Valley

Plan your day around light, not mileage. Start at Badwater Basin before sunrise, move toward Zabriskie Point, then finish at Dante’s View before sunset, as the elevation changes create dramatic shifts in color and temperature.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara blends coastal scenery with Spanish-style architecture and mountain backdrops. The city feels relaxed but polished, with palm-lined streets and long ocean views that invite lingering.

The nearby Santa Ynez Mountains add depth to the landscape, especially at sunset when the light reflects off the Channel Islands.

Things to do

• Walk Stearns Wharf at golden hour.

• Visit the Santa Barbara Courthouse tower.

• Drive along Butterfly Beach.

• Explore the Funk Zone’s galleries.

• Watch the sunset from Shoreline Park.

Travel tips

• Evenings can be cool near the water.

• Courthouse views are free and uncrowded.

• Mornings offer clearer skies.

• Bikes are ideal for coastal routes.

Where to Stay near Santa Barbara

• Wander Montecito Estate - This timeless aristocratic retreat is a sight to behold, with its modern elegance and sense of history, romance, and quiet grandeur.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

These neighboring parks offer a quieter alternative to Yosemite with equally powerful scenery. Massive sequoias create a sense of scale that’s hard to describe, while deep canyons and alpine roads open onto sweeping views.

Sightseeing here feels more contemplative, with fewer crowds, more space, and a slower pace of exploration.

Things to do

• Walk among the Giant Forest.

• Visit General Sherman Tree early.

• Drive Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.

• Stop at Moro Rock for valley views.

• Explore meadow trails in summer.

Travel tips

• Snow can linger into late spring.

• Elevation affects the weather quickly.

• Early mornings are calmest.

• Roads are winding and slow.

Plan Your Next Sightseeing Adventure with Wander

California’s best sightseeing places reward curiosity more than speed. The most memorable moments often occur outside peak hours, in early mornings, on quiet roads, and in changing light. 

Choosing where to stay matters just as much as where you go, especially in a state as varied as this one. With the right luxury vacation rental in California, sightseeing becomes less about logistics and more about being present in landscapes that genuinely surprise, even when you think you know California well.