10 Most Beautiful Places in California
Escape to California’s Most Picturesque Landscapes
The most beautiful places in California include coastal towns with incredible ocean views, dense forests full of towering redwoods and hidden waterfalls that will take your breath away. Explore hiking trails that lead you through vast meadows and up jagged mountains, and kayak on shimmering lakes to take in sensational scenery.
California’s mild climate encourages visitors to get outdoors and discover nature. Locals love to photograph rainbows at cascades and camp at the foot of majestic mountains. But visiting pristine beaches and picturesque Victorian-era towns are also popular pastimes. Get your camera ready and prepare to be dazzled by California’s legendary beauty.
1. Lake Tahoe
Spectacular scenery
Ideal para: Econômico, Foto
Lake Tahoe will amaze you with its mesmerizing, clear water. Stand on the shoreline and take in the vivid emerald hue becoming a deeper blue further out. This huge, alpine lake is surrounded by stunning beaches and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and you can snap Instagrammable photos of the snow-capped peaks reflected in the water.
Water sports enthusiasts will delight in kayaking and parasailing on the lake. But for the best scenery, hike the Tahoe Rim Trail. It extends over 250 km through fragrant pine tree forests straddling California and Nevada and you’ll be awestruck at views of the shimmering lake. Most of the trail is open to equestrians too, so go horseback riding for an unforgettable experience.
Lake Tahoe
2. Mossbrae Falls
A hidden cascade
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico, Aventura
Mossbrae Falls plunges over 15 metres and flows into the Sacramento River. But it’s not just the height that’s impressive. The waterfall is exceptionally wide and spreads across several metres of vivid green, moss-covered canyon walls. It’s an enchanting sight and straight out of a fairytale.
This secluded waterfall is located close to Shasta Retreat, just north of Dunsmuir, in northern California. You’ll need to hike around 2 km from Shasta, but you can splash in the cool water of the river to refresh your feet once you arrive. Be sure to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes for your walk as the stony paths can be very slippery.
Mossbrae Falls
3. Emerald Bay State Park
The great outdoors
Ideal para: Econômico, Foto, Casais
The best way to see Emerald Bay State Park is from the water. Rent a boat or kayak and drift along the crystal-clear lake for breathtaking views. The bay is lined with dense forests of bright green trees which tower over the lake and give it a magical air of tranquillity. From dry land, you can also get stunning panoramic views over the bay and tiny Fannette Island from Inspiration Point.
Emerald Bay lies on the south-west side of Lake Tahoe and it’s home to Vikingsholm Beach. This immaculate stretch of sand has a desert island vibe, and it’s a great relaxation spot. Parking is limited in the area and spaces fill quickly, so be sure to arrive early in the day.
Emerald Bay State Park
4. Ferndale
Stepping back in time
Ideal para: Casais, Compras, História
Walk through the quirky Ferndale and immerse yourself in another era. This beautiful town features stunning architecture at every turn, with dozens of Victorian storefronts and mansions, and homes dating back to the mid-19th century. Take Instagram-worthy photos of the colourful facades and old-fashioned shops, including a traditional grocery store and a blacksmith’s workshop.
With its small-town charm and friendly welcome, Ferndale is an excellent choice for a romantic getaway. Stay in a quaint historic inn downtown and enjoy stunning views, with an old-time theatre and eateries on your doorstep. Check the town’s website before visiting, as Ferndale is known for its amazing events. The illuminations and decorations throughout autumn and the festive season showcase the town’s beauty.
Ferndale
5. Capitola Village
Wonderful sunset views
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico, Vida noturna
Capitola Village is a vibrant beach town in Santa Cruz County, known for its colourful waterfront homes, wooden pier and charming boutiques. Head to Venetian Court to see rows of cute cottages in vivid shades of purple, lime green, orange and fuchsia. To appreciate fully the dazzling effect, walk along the beach, then turn back and look up at the houses. You’ll be mesmerized by the bright hues of the buildings set against towering palm trees.
During the day, locals enjoy surfing and beach volleyball, but when the sun starts to go down, they make a beeline for Depot Hill. Grab your camera and head to this viewpoint to snap a panoramic sunset over the village, coastline and ocean.
Capitola Village
6. Fern Canyon
An enchanting UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto, Aventura
Fern Canyon lies in the heart of Redwood National and State Parks. Hike along the Fern Canyon Trail for around 1.5 km and you’ll pass towering walls of greenery. Several species of fern shroud the forest in every shade of green imaginable.
It’s a wonderful choice for a family day out as the trail is fairly level. Little jungle lovers will love the enchanted forest setting and dipping their toes in the clear stream, trying to spot frogs and salamanders. The sparkling waterfalls are sure to delight both kids and adults alike too. Between May and September, entry to Fern Canyon is by reservation only, so you’ll need to reserve online before visiting in the summer months.
Fern Canyon
7. Rainbow Falls
A colourful waterfall
Ideal para: Foto, Casais
For breathtaking scenery, the stunning Rainbow Falls is an unmissable experience. This majestic waterfall stands over 30 metres tall. It’s surrounded by a colourful landscape of old trees and vivid wildflowers. Be sure to visit at midday to catch the bright sunlight hitting the cascading water and watch a delicate rainbow form in the mist.
You can’t drive to Rainbow Falls in summer. You’ll need to take the shuttle which departs opposite Adventure Center in Mammoth Lakes. Then, it’s a hike of over 4 km to reach the waterfall. The hike is moderately difficult, but the magnificent scenery means it’s well worth the effort. Plan on arriving early shuttle wait times can be long after 11 am.
Rainbow Falls
8. June Lake
An incredible spot for photos
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico
Sprawling over 320 acres, June Lake is a huge expanse of crystal-clear water in Mono County. This beautiful area is often referred to as the \“Switzerland of California” for its glistening water and incredible alpine scenery. In winter, you’ll see snow-capped mountains, then the wildflowers start to bloom as spring arrives, coating the landscape with vibrant yellow and red hues.
Head to the eastern edge of June Lake for a lovely beach and swimming area. You can also rent kayaks and canoes or hike around the lake for great views. If you’re looking for an amazing scenic drive, try the June Lake Loop. You’ll experience all the charm and beauty of this region from the comfort of your car.
June Lake
9. Newport Beach
For ocean lovers
Ideal para: Casais, Foto, Vida noturna
Newport Beach is a wonderful option for beach lovers and boating enthusiasts. Located just over 60 km south of Los Angeles, this photogenic city has an amazing harbour that is home to rows and rows of colourful sailboats and yachts. Snap Instagrammable photos of them bobbing on the turquoise water or hire a boat for the day to soak up the sunshine and fantastic views of the golden coastline from the ocean.
The area is dotted with tiny islands, separated by winding canals. For a romantic date night, take a sunset cruise to take in Newport Beach’s beauty or relax in a gondolier and be serenaded as you drift between illuminated islands under a moonlit sky.
Newport Beach
10. The High Sierra
Alpine lakes and majestic mountains
Ideal para: Aventura, Foto, Casais
The High Sierra extends over 300 km from Lake Tahoe to the Golden Trout Wilderness and it’s home to 3 national parks. The landscapes in this region are nothing short of incredible. The High Sierra Trail winds over 100 km and you can hike across colourful meadows, up steep mountains and alongside gentle streams and huge lakes, with some of the most awe-inspiring nature you’ll ever see.
This is a popular area for camping too. You’ll see people posing for photos next to enormous sequoias and rising early to catch the orange glow of sunrise over Mount Whitney. The wildlife in this region is just as spectacular as its beauty, so don’t forget your bear boxes if you’re camping overnight.
The High Sierra
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