The Ultimate California Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit & Epic Road Trips

Best Places to Visit in California

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of California’s most famous destinations, known for beaches, entertainment, shopping and nightlife.

Popular places to visit include

• Hollywood

• Santa Monica

• Venice Beach

• Beverly Hills

• Malibu

Best things to do in Los Angeles

• Walk along Santa Monica Pier - One of California’s most iconic beachfront spots, known for ocean views, street performers and sunset vibes.

• Visit Universal Studios Hollywood - Experience movie-themed rides, studio tours and some of LA’s biggest attractions in one place.

• Watch the sunset in Malibu - Malibu’s coastline is famous for golden sunsets, scenic beaches and relaxed luxury beach culture.

• Explore rooftop bars and nightlife - From West Hollywood to Downtown LA, Los Angeles has rooftop bars, live music and nightlife for every style of traveller.

• Shop along Rodeo Drive - Browse luxury fashion stores and designer boutiques in Beverly Hills’ most famous shopping district.

San Francisco

San Francisco offers a completely different side of California, with waterfront views, famous landmarks and incredible food culture.

Best things to do in San Francisco

• Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge - One of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks, offering incredible views across the bay and city skyline.

• Visit Alcatraz Island - Step inside the famous former prison and uncover the history behind one of America’s most iconic landmarks.

• Ride the cable cars - Experience one of San Francisco’s classic attractions while travelling through the city’s steep streets and neighbourhoods.

• Explore Fisherman’s Wharf - A lively waterfront area filled with seafood restaurants, shops, harbour views and local attractions.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is one of California’s most breathtaking destinations and a must-visit for nature lovers. Known for giant waterfalls, granite cliffs and scenic hiking trails, Yosemite is one of the highlights of any California road trip.

Best things to do in Yosemite

•  Visit Yosemite Falls - One of the tallest waterfalls in North America, especially impressive during spring and early summer.

• See El Capitan and Half Dome - Yosemite’s most famous granite rock formations and iconic landmarks within the national park.

• Explore Glacier Point - A scenic lookout offering panoramic views across Yosemite Valley, waterfalls and surrounding mountains.

• Hike scenic trails - Yosemite is filled with hiking tracks ranging from easy walks to challenging full-day adventures.

• Visit Tunnel View - One of the park’s most photographed viewpoints, known for its incredible views over Yosemite Valley.

Big Sur

Big Sur is home to one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. Located along California’s Pacific Coast Highway, this stretch of coastline is famous for rugged cliffs, ocean views and unforgettable sunsets.

Best things to do in Big Sur

• Drive Highway 1 - One of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, with dramatic ocean views and winding roads along the California coastline.

• Visit Bixby Creek Bridge - Big Sur’s most famous landmark and one of the most photographed bridges in California.

• Stop at McWay Falls - A stunning waterfall that flows directly onto the beach, surrounded by turquoise water and coastal cliffs.

• Explore Pfeiffer Beach - Known for its unique purple sand, rock formations and incredible sunset views along the Big Sur coast.

• Enjoy coastal hikes and viewpoints - Big Sur offers countless scenic lookouts and walking trails with breathtaking views over the Pacific Ocean.

Best Things to Do in California

Go on a California Road Trip

California is built for road trips, with incredible drives connecting cities, beaches and national parks.

Popular routes include:

• Los Angeles → Big Sur → San Francisco

• San Francisco → Yosemite

• Los Angeles → Palm Springs → Joshua Tree

Road tripping is one of the best ways to experience California’s scenery and coastal towns.

Visit California Beaches

California is home to some of the world’s most famous beaches, from Malibu and Santa Monica to Laguna Beach and Venice Beach. Whether you want surfing, beach clubs or laid-back coastal towns, California has a beach for every style of traveller.

Explore National Parks

California’s national parks are some of the best in the United States. Popular parks include:

• Yosemite National Park

• Joshua Tree National Park

• Death Valley National Park

• Sequoia National Park

These parks offer hiking, waterfalls, giant forests and desert landscapes all within one state.

Best Time of Year to Visit California

March - May

Mild temperatures around 15°C–25°C, with fewer crowds and ideal conditions for road trips and national parks.

June - August

Warm summer weather averaging 20°C–35°C, perfect for beaches and coastal destinations.

September - November

Pleasant temperatures around 18°C–30°C, with fewer crowds and great travel conditions.

December - February

Cooler weather between 8°C–20°C, ideal for Lake Tahoe snow trips while Southern California stays mild.

Flights to California from Australia

Most Australian travellers fly into

• Los Angeles (LAX)

• San Francisco (SFO)

Direct flights to California are commonly available from Sydney to Los Angeles, with additional routes and connections into San Francisco and other major Californian cities. Sydney is often the cheapest departure point for Australians looking to fly to California for cheap.

To find the best fares, compare flights across different airlines, departure cities and travel dates using Mix & Match. Comparing multiple booking options in one place can help you secure cheaper flights to California, especially during sales and promotional periods.

Popular airlines flying from Australia to California include Qantas, United Airlines, Fiji Airways and Air New Zealand, with fares varying depending on season, stopovers and availability. Keep an eye out for airline sales, promo codes and flexible travel dates to help save even more on your trip.

Compare Flights & Start Planning

At Mix & Match AU, you can

• Compare flights to key cities in California

• Build flexible road trip itineraries

• Compare airlines and travel dates

• Plan multi-city USA trips

Start planning your California adventure and find the best flight deals for your travel style. Book with Mix & Match AU today.