7 Must-See CA Destinations To Visit In 2025

CALIFORNIA — California may be guilty of having the highest gas prices in the nation, but it also happens to be one of the most scenic places in the U.S. with thousands of bucket list-worthy destinations to visit up and down the state.

With stunning beaches, charming historic neighborhoods, scenic hikes showcasing fall foliage — and even ghost towns — the Golden State offers endless adventures and opportunities for social media bragging rights.

From a three-block-long trash art block to a cascading waterfall hike in Big Sur — kick off the new year by exploring somewhere new.

Solvang

Want to know how you can visit Denmark without leaving California? Take a drive down to Solvang, a Danish-inspired village nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara County.

With its iconic windmills, half-timbered buildings, and cobblestone streets, Solvang transports visitors to another time and place. Stroll through the picturesque downtown to explore boutique shops, authentic Danish bakeries, and cozy cafés serving specialties like aebleskiver and wienerbrød. There is even a Viking Museum for the kids.

Popular hotels are Hotel Corque, Wine Valley Inn & Cottages, Vinland Hotel and Lounge and Svendsgaard's Danish Lodge.

Skål!

Butterfly Grove, Pismo Beach

Want to feel like an actual fairy for a few minutes? We know just the place. Pismo Beach's butterfly grove is one of only five sites in California that sees counts of 10,000 butterflies in one spot annually.

A good time to visit is late October through February, the time of year when you can witness tens of thousands of migrating butterflies as they swirl among the eucalyptus trees above. But remember, these are endangered creatures, and it's massively frowned upon to disturb them in their natural habitat.

Also, while you're in town, be sure to visit the iconic Pismo Beach, a classic beach town with beautiful, sweeping cliffside views of the ocean.

Calico Ghost Town

If you’ve ever driven the stretch of desert highway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, you’ve likely spotted Calico Ghost Town.

Once a thriving silver mining hub founded in 1881, this Old West town saw its heyday fade by the mid-1890s as silver prices plummeted. The bustling streets grew silent, and families abandoned their homes, leaving behind the eerie remnants of a once-prosperous community.

Decades later, in the 1950s, entrepreneur Walter Knott — who founded Knott's Berry Farm — saw potential in Calico’s crumbling facades and set out to restore its surviving buildings to their former 1880s glory.

In 2005, Calico earned its designation as a State Historic Landmark.

A visit to this preserved ghost town is like stepping back in time.

Bart's Books, Ojai

"Everything, under the sun."

That's how Bart's Books — the world's largest outdoor bookstore — touts its inventory.

"Our serene, naturalistic setting embodies what attracts so many to the Ojai Valley: an emphasis on mindfulness, peace, and shared knowledge," according to the bookstore.

The shop has been serving the community since 1964 and says it hosts a collection of over 130,000 used and new books, ranging from rare out-of-print gems to well-loved paperbacks, according to the outdoor landmark.

Plus, while you're in town, be sure to grab a beer at Topa Topa Tasting Room and pay a visit to the Ojai Valley Museum. If you're up for a hike in this beautiful valley, check out Fox Canyon.

Salmon Creek, Big Sur

While it's been a challenging time to visit Big Sur-proper over the past year due to landslides blocking Highway 1, you can still visit Salmon Creek, which can be accessed by Highway 1 through San Simeon, coming from San Luis Obispo County.

Nestled within the landscapes that make up the gateway to Big Sur, Salmon Creek Falls is a must-see destination for those seeking a peaceful nature retreat. Located just off Highway 1, the cascading waterfall and pools are easily accessible and make for a perfect stop along the iconic coastal drive. Be warned, though; you'll need to keep an eye out for poison oak.

Beyond the waterfall, the Salmon Creek Trail offers much more for adventurous hikers as the trail extends into the Los Padres National Forest. Whether you’re stopping to admire the waterfall or embarking on a longer trek, Salmon Creek is a sight to be seen.

When you're done, be sure to cruise over to Ragged Point, about 3.6 miles from Salmon Creek, where you can grab a drink and a bite to eat and take in more breathtaking views.

Florence Avenue's Trash Art, Sebastopol

Sebastopol's three-block-long Florence Avenue offers imaginative sculpture and other art forms in the front yards of those who live along the block. The neighborhood installations are made from recycled trash, and depict playful, oversized figures.

While visiting this quirky and charming Sonoma County town, snap pictures of a rat at the wheel of a hot rod, a tea-sipping Mad Hatter, a joy-riding skeleton on a chopper, giant birds and many more.

While you're there, grab a drink at HopMonk Tavern or Old Main Street Saloon.

Cold Springs Tavern, Santa Barbara

Another California must, Cold Spring Tavern, is a lesser-known gem.

Tucked away in the mountains above Santa Barbara, Cold Spring Tavern is a historic hotspot that will take you back to a bygone era — with incredible Tri-Tip and cold, cold beer.

Originally established in the 1860s as a stagecoach stop, this rustic tavern is now a beloved destination for its cozy atmosphere, hearty food and rich history. Visit the old tavern on a Sunday, when they have live music.

When you arrive, you might also notice a gray-bearded, leather-clad fellow named Dino, the tavern's official unofficial bouncer. Cheers!