50 Experiences for the Your California Bucket List

Sep 20, 2025

If you’ve ever tried planning a trip through California, you already know how quickly the list of “must-see” places fills up. Some travelers chase waves, others head inland for mountain trails and desert escapes, and plenty just want to check off the landmarks they’ve heard about for years. With so much ground to cover, it can be hard to narrow things down. Below, you’ll find 50 of the top things to do in California, from world-famous sights to lesser-known places that are easy to miss if you’re not looking for them.

Explore California’s Bucket List Spots with a Local Guide

A lot of the places on this list are worth seeing no matter how you get there, but riding between them with a local guide who knows the roads inside and out adds something different. Riders Share offers guided motorcycle tours across the state, giving you access to bucket list spots without having to plan every detail yourself. These tours are hosted by real riders who can take you through coastal highways, desert routes, and mountain towns at a pace that feels personal. Browse California tours today and let a local rider show you the places that make this state unforgettable.

1. Pacific Coast Highway

Stretching along the California coastline, Highway 1 delivers ocean views that shift from dramatic cliffs to sandy coves without missing a beat. Riding this road on a motorcycle makes every turn feel immersive, especially between Malibu and Big Sur, where the sea breeze and cliffside overlooks leave a lasting impression.

2. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite’s granite walls and waterfall-fed valleys are the kind of sights that feel larger than life, even before you walk the trails. Arrive early in the day to experience the shifting light on El Capitan and avoid peak traffic inside the park.

3. Golden Gate Bridge

You can cross the Golden Gate Bridge in less than five minutes, but the view stays with you. Look to one side and you’ll see Alcatraz and the Bay Bridge in the distance, and on a clear day, the Pacific opens up on the other. It’s one of the easiest ways to get a full look at San Francisco’s layout without leaving your vehicle.

4. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree’s alien-like desert landscapes are a bucket list experience for a reason. The winding roads through rock formations and twisted yucca trees offer a peaceful contrast to city life, especially if you time your visit for sunrise or dusk.

5. Santa Cruz Boardwalk

The Giant Dipper on the Santa Cruz boardwalk has been running since 1924, and it still holds up as one of the best wooden roller coasters on the West Coast. You can grab lunch on the sand, walk through the arcade, and be back on the road in under an hour. It’s right off Highway 1, so it’s an easy stop without needing a detour.

6. Death Valley National Park

Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America, sitting 282 feet below sea level. From there, you can drive to Zabriskie Point for an overlook that gives you a full view of the park’s ridges and valleys. Plan your visit between November and March, since summer heat can hit 120°F or higher.

7. Venice Beach

The Venice Beach boardwalk runs for about a mile and a half and is packed with street performers, artists, small shops, and bike rentals. Muscle Beach Gym, just off the path, still draws a crowd, and the nearby skatepark usually has something going on. It’s busy almost every day, but that’s kind of the point.

8. Alcatraz Island

A ferry ride from San Francisco gets you to the former prison that once held Al Capone. Touring the empty cell blocks and hearing stories through the audio tour feels oddly personal, especially when you’re standing in the solitary confinement wing.

9. Highway 74 to Idyllwild

Highway 74 climbs from Palm Desert to Idyllwild in under an hour, gaining over 5,000 feet in elevation. The road has tight turns, sharp drop-offs, and plenty of pullouts to take in the view over Coachella Valley. Once you get to Idyllwild, you’ll find a quiet mountain town with coffee shops, hiking trails, and shaded picnic spots.

10. Big Sur

Big Sur stretches about 90 miles between San Simeon and Carmel, with major stops like McWay Falls, Bixby Bridge, and Pfeiffer Beach all right off the highway. There’s little cell service and not many gas stations, so it’s smart to fill up in advance. The road hugs the cliffs almost the entire way, giving you uninterrupted views of the Pacific.

This part of the coast is popular with riders for a reason, and planning it out ahead of time can make the experience even better. If you're looking to explore more of California without mapping every detail yourself, there are guided rides and tours available all across the state.

11. Lake Tahoe Scenic Loop

The 72-mile drive around Lake Tahoe takes about three hours without stops, but it’s worth stretching into a full day. Emerald Bay State Park is the most photographed part of the lake, and you’ll find short trails, pull-off areas, and beaches all along the shoreline. The Nevada side tends to be less crowded, especially on weekdays.

12. Griffith Observatory

You don’t have to go inside to get something out of the Griffith Observatory. The view from the parking area looks out over all of Los Angeles, and you can see the Hollywood sign clearly from multiple angles. Admission is free, but weekends get packed fast, so weekday mornings are your best bet for parking.

13. Solvang Danish Village

Solvang feels like it was lifted out of northern Europe, with windmills, Danish bakeries, and shops that lean fully into the theme. It’s small enough to explore on foot in about an hour, and if you’re riding through the Santa Ynez Valley, it makes an easy stop for lunch or coffee. Be sure to try aebleskivers (fried pancake balls served with jam and powdered sugar), trust us on this!

14. Bodega Bay

Located about 90 minutes north of San Francisco, Bodega Bay is known for fresh seafood and quiet coastal views. You can hike along the bluff at Bodega Head or eat oysters with a view of the harbor. The town was also the filming location for Hitchcock’s The Birds, and a few landmarks from the movie are still around.

15. Mulholland Drive

Mulholland Drive runs from the Hollywood Hills to the Santa Monica Mountains, with several overlooks along the way that face downtown LA, the San Fernando Valley, and the Pacific. The best stretch for a drive or ride is between Laurel Canyon and Coldwater Canyon, where the traffic stays light and the views open up. It’s especially nice just before sunset.

16. Channel Islands National Park

You’ll need to take a ferry from Ventura or Oxnard to get here, but the Channel Islands feel completely separate from mainland California. Santa Cruz Island is the most popular for day trips, with hiking trails, sea caves, and beaches that often feel empty. There are no shops or restaurants, so you’ll need to bring your own food and water.

17. Napa Valley Vineyards

You can follow Highway 29 straight through the heart of Napa Valley, passing through towns like Yountville, Rutherford, and St. Helena along the way. Wineries often require advance reservations, especially on weekends, but you’ll still find a few open for walk-ins. If you're not tasting, the ride alone is worth it, especially during harvest season in the fall.

18. Salvation Mountain

Painted by hand over the course of decades, Salvation Mountain is a massive art installation made from adobe, straw, and bright acrylic paint. It sits just outside of Slab City in the Imperial Valley and includes walkable paths covered in biblical and spiritual messages. It’s open daily, but there’s little shade, so bring water and avoid midday heat.

19. San Francisco Cable Cars

There are three active cable car lines, and the Powell-Hyde line has the steepest hills and best views of the bay. A one-way ride costs $8, and it’s best to board at the turnaround points to avoid long waits. The California Street line is less crowded and still gives you the classic experience, especially during weekday mornings.

20. Glass Beach in Fort Bragg

Years of ocean waves have turned this former dump site into a shoreline covered in smooth, colorful sea glass. It’s illegal to take any home, but walking along the beach at low tide gives you the best view of the glass mixed with driftwood and shells. The nearby coastal trail runs through MacKerricher State Park and connects several scenic viewpoints.

21. Laguna Beach Tide Pools

The tide pools at Laguna’s Main Beach and Shaw’s Cove are some of the easiest to access in Southern California. At low tide, you’ll spot sea stars, urchins, and anemones tucked between the rocks, and there are signs nearby to help you identify what you're seeing. Parking is limited near the coves, so getting there early is your best bet.

22. Monterey Bay Aquarium

Located right on Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has two full floors of exhibits, including a massive kelp forest tank and a walkthrough wave crash tunnel. You’ll also see sea otters, jellyfish, and open-ocean tanks with tuna and hammerhead sharks. Tickets sell out fast on weekends and holidays, so it's worth booking ahead.

23. 17-Mile Drive

This coastal route between Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach includes pull-offs like Spanish Bay, the Lone Cypress, and Seal Rock. You’ll pay a small fee to enter by car or motorcycle, but the views and photo spots are worth the price. Bicycles can enter for free, and the road connects easily to other scenic routes in the Monterey area.

24. Mount Shasta

Standing over 14,000 feet tall, Mount Shasta is one of the highest peaks in California, and you can see it from over 100 miles away on a clear day. The town at the base has hiking, small diners, and gear shops, and the Everitt Memorial Highway takes you most of the way up the mountain by car. Spring and summer are the best times to visit since many roads close in winter.

25. Palm Springs Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tram climbs more than 8,000 feet in ten minutes, taking you from the desert floor to the pine forests of Mount San Jacinto. At the top, there’s a viewing platform, two restaurants, and several trailheads if you want to hike. The temperature usually drops by 30 to 40 degrees, so bring an extra layer even if it’s hot in town.

From desert highways to cooler mountain roads, this area gives you a mix of everything in a short span. If you're looking to ride with someone who already knows the best routes nearby, check out guided motorcycle tours offered throughout California.

26. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

This is the largest state park in California, with over 600,000 acres of desert terrain, slot canyons, and seasonal wildflowers. The metal sculptures scattered across Borrego Springs are easy to reach and make for quick photo stops. Spring is the most popular time to visit, especially if a rare superbloom hits.

27. San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter

This downtown district covers 16 walkable blocks filled with bars, restaurants, rooftop lounges, and live music venues. Most of the buildings date back to the late 1800s, and the neighborhood stays busy well into the evening. If you're riding in, there are several paid motorcycle lots nearby that offer all-day parking.

28. Hearst Castle

Built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, this estate sits on a hill above San Simeon and includes over 100 rooms, massive outdoor pools, and a private movie theater. Tours are available year-round, but reservations are highly recommended. The winding road up to the castle is only accessible by shuttle, which departs from the visitor center below.

29. Lassen Volcanic National Park

This lesser-known national park has boiling mud pots, fumaroles, and a peak that last erupted in 1915. The park road reaches over 8,000 feet and stays closed through much of the winter, so summer is the best time to drive through. Stop at Bumpass Hell Trail for a short walk to steaming geothermal vents that smell strongly of sulfur.

30. Pfeiffer Beach

This beach near Big Sur is known for its purple sand and the rock arch just offshore that lights up during sunset in winter. It’s not marked on Highway 1, so you’ll need to watch for the unmarked turnoff at Sycamore Canyon Road. The road to the beach is narrow and often closed to RVs, so check ahead before going in larger vehicles.

31. Mojave National Preserve

Located between I-15 and I-40, the Mojave National Preserve covers over 1.5 million acres and includes sand dunes, lava tubes, and dense Joshua tree forests. The Kelso Dunes are one of the main attractions, and if conditions are right, the sand will actually produce a low booming sound when you walk across it. Be sure to fuel up before entering the park, since there are no gas stations inside.

32. San Luis Obispo

Downtown SLO has walkable streets, local shops, and a handful of restaurants that stay open late for a smaller college town. Bubblegum Alley, which stretches over 60 feet, is one of the weirder attractions, and Thursday night farmers markets are a weekly staple. If you're coming in from the coast or heading inland, it makes a good stopover with a laid-back pace.

33. Downtown Sacramento Murals

Over 200 murals are scattered throughout Sacramento’s city center, with new ones added each year through the Wide Open Walls festival. Many are within a few blocks of each other, making it easy to walk between them and grab photos without needing to drive. The Midtown area has the highest concentration and also includes coffee shops, bars, and restaurants.

34. Carmel-by-the-Sea

This coastal town is known for art galleries, cottage-style architecture, and a beach you can walk to from downtown. There are no street addresses, so locals just go by cross streets or nearby landmarks, and many businesses close early in the evening. It’s a calm stop between Big Sur and Monterey with plenty of good spots to stretch your legs.

35. El Matador State Beach

Just north of Malibu, El Matador has sea caves, rock arches, and a steep staircase that leads down from the cliff to the sand. It’s best visited at low tide, when more of the beach is exposed and the sea stacks become easier to walk around. Parking is limited, but if you’re riding, motorcycles usually have space even when the small lot fills up.

36. Redwood National and State Parks

Located in far Northern California, this group of parks protects some of the tallest trees on Earth. The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and Howland Hill Road are two of the best drives through old-growth redwoods, and you can walk trails that feel more like forest tunnels than open hikes. Summer is the most popular season, but fall is quieter and still has full access.

37. Balboa Park in San Diego

Balboa Park covers over 1,200 acres and includes museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo, all in one walkable space. The Spanish-style architecture dates back to the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, and several museums offer free admission on select Tuesdays. Parking is free, but it fills fast near the zoo entrance, so look for overflow lots along Park Boulevard.

38. Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway

Running along Highway 395, this route passes through Lone Pine, Bishop, and Mammoth Lakes with views of the Sierra Nevada on one side and desert flats on the other. Stops like Alabama Hills, Convict Lake, and Mono Lake are all right off the highway, and there are hot springs scattered around the Mammoth area. Fall is a great time to ride or drive this road when the aspens start to turn.

The open roads up here are a favorite for long-distance rides, especially when you know where to stop along the way. Browse guided tours and riding experiences across California to see what lines up with your plans.

39. Big Bear Lake

Big Bear sits at about 6,700 feet and has boating in the summer, snowboarding in the winter, and forest trails year-round. The main village has restaurants, small shops, and a couple of walkable marinas, and it’s only a few minutes from the lake itself. Routes into town like Highway 18 or 38 are full of switchbacks, so it’s a popular ride for motorcycles coming from LA or Palm Springs.

40. Marin Headlands

Just past the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands offer some of the best high-angle views of San Francisco and the bay. You can take Conzelman Road up to Battery Spencer for a photo stop or continue further west toward Point Bonita Lighthouse. There’s usually fog in the morning, but it often clears by early afternoon for the full panoramic view.

41. San Pedro Fish Market

This waterfront spot is known for its massive seafood trays piled with shrimp, potatoes, peppers, and garlic bread. It’s located in the Port of Los Angeles, and outdoor seating lines the harbor so you can eat right next to the water. Arrive early on weekends or holidays, since the line gets long and parking can be tight.

42. Bristlecone Pine Forest

Home to some of the oldest living trees on Earth, the Bristlecone Pine Forest sits at over 10,000 feet in the White Mountains east of Bishop. The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Trail is a three-mile loop that passes by trees more than 4,000 years old. The road is steep and winding, but the views from the top look out over the Owens Valley and Sierra Nevada range.

43. Bishop Creek Canyon

This area west of Bishop is known for its alpine lakes, fall colors, and access to trails like Sabrina Basin and South Lake. The road climbs above 9,000 feet and passes by several campgrounds, picnic areas, and turnouts that overlook the canyon. Late September to mid-October is the best time for fall foliage, with golden aspens lining the hillsides.

44. San Juan Capistrano Mission

Founded in 1776, this mission includes preserved ruins, a central courtyard, and a small museum with artifacts from the Spanish colonial era. The original stone church partially collapsed in an earthquake, but you can still walk through what remains. It’s located just off I-5, and there’s metered motorcycle parking right near the entrance.

45. Pismo Beach Sand Dunes

The Oceano Dunes SVRA is one of the only places in California where you can ride directly on the beach and camp overnight by the water. ATVs and dirt bikes are popular here, but you’ll also see people driving Jeeps or trucks out onto the sand. The dunes change shape after every storm, so it’s never the same twice.

The Central Coast has plenty of riding potential beyond the main highway, and sometimes it helps to follow someone who already knows the backroads. Guided tours are available throughout California, and it’s a good way to add something new to your trip.

46. Gilroy Garlic World

This roadside stop just south of Gilroy is packed with garlic-themed snacks, sauces, and souvenirs. You’ll find everything from garlic pickles to garlic chocolate, plus local wines and produce depending on the season. It’s a quick exit off Highway 101 and a fun detour if you're passing through in the summer.

47. Tomales Bay Oyster Farms

Several small oyster farms line the eastern shore of Tomales Bay, with roadside stands offering fresh oysters you can eat right there on picnic benches. Hog Island and Tomales Bay Oyster Company are the two most well-known spots. Bring your own drinks and snacks, since food options are limited, and be prepared to wait if you arrive midday on a weekend.

48. Point Reyes Lighthouse

Built in 1870, this lighthouse sits at the edge of a rugged cliff and requires walking down 300 stairs to reach. On clear days, you’ll get wide views of the Pacific, and during gray whale migration season, it’s a common place to spot them from shore. Wind and fog are common, so check the weather and dress warm even if it’s sunny inland.

49. Sunset Cliffs in San Diego

Located just south of Ocean Beach, this stretch of coastline includes walking trails, sea caves, and drop-offs that face west toward the ocean. It’s busiest at sunset, when people line the cliffs to watch the light change across the water. Street parking is available nearby, but it fills fast in the late afternoon.

50. Mount Diablo Summit

The road to Mount Diablo climbs to 3,849 feet and offers views as far as the Sierra Nevada on clear days. There’s a small visitor center at the top, along with a short trail that loops around the summit. Weekday mornings are the quietest time to ride or drive up, and the road is narrow in sections with several blind curves.

Ready to Start Checking Off Your California Bucket List?

You don’t need to check off everything at once, but even a few stops from this list can make a trip through California feel well worth it. From coastal towns to inland parks, there’s a lot to see, and each part of the state offers something a little different. Pick a region, map out a few favorites, and start seeing what California has to offer.