Today I want to bring you my guide to the best places to visit in California in summer. If you’re wondering where to travel in June, July, and August, the Golden State has no shortage of exciting seasonal vacation destinations for you. From sunny beaches to mountain lakes and world-class cities, there’s something for everyone here. Read on for my top picks. I’ve included a map of all the places on my list, too.
Best Places to Visit in California in Summer
I was born and raised in California, and I’ve been to many of the best places to visit in summer in this part of the United States. From family trips to Lake Tahoe to sunny sojourns to San Diego, I’ve covered a lot of ground over the years.
Which is how I know there’s a summer vacation spot for every type of traveler here. Whether you’re seeking sunshine in Santa Barbara or hiking adventures in Yosemite National Park, the Golden State offers residents and out-of-state visitors alike a wide range of destinations to travel in the peak season.
My list includes ideas for Memorial Day weekend getaways, the best places to go for 4th of July in California, destinations to visit over federal holidays like Juneteenth, popular spots for Labor Day weekend, and other all-around great places to travel in the summertime.
Tips for Summer Travel in California
Before making a decision about where to visit in California in summer, keep in mind that a lot of places get crowded at this time of year. This is particularly true when it comes to beaches, cities, national parks, mountain destinations, theme parks, and other sites that are popular with visitors in the warmer months.
In light of that, it’s a good idea to book things like accommodation as far in advance as you can. You’ll have a better chance of finding lower rates and having a wider selection of properties to choose from. You can see options and book a place to stay here.
The same goes for theme parks and big attractions that are popular with families during summer break. If you’re planning on going somewhere like Disneyland, Legoland California Resort, Knott’s Berry Farm, or Universal Studios Hollywood, buying tickets early can ensure you get to visit on the dates you want to go.
Summer Weather in California
While many people assume California is hot in summer, it’s important to keep in mind that not all parts of the Golden State experience warm temperatures all season. Coastal fog can mean places like San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, Carmel, Monterey, and Santa Cruz are cool (if not cold) for at least part of the day in the summer months.
The good news is that the fog often burns off later in the day. Even if it doesn’t, a short drive inland usually means you’ll find the warm California climate you were hoping for. If it’s cold in summer in San Francisco, you can bet it will be hot in nearby wine country. It’s a great excuse to take a day trip to Napa or Sonoma.
Additionally, even places that seem impervious to cold weather in the summer months can experience a meteorological phenomenon locals call “June Gloom”. This is particularly true in Southern California, where overcast skies and cool temperatures often persist through early summer (and even into July). LA and San Diego can both experience this.
1. Malibu
First on my list of the best places to visit in California in summer is Malibu. This Southern California gem is a popular vacation destination year-round, but in summer it really shines.
There’s a lot to do in Malibu, from stunning beaches to fun hikes and great drives. Zuma Beach is often considered the best stretch of sand, but there are plenty of others. From Paradise Cove Beach to Carbon Beach, this part of Los Angeles County has an abundance of them (and part of the one in Leo Carrillo State Park is on-leash dog-friendly).
When it comes to hiking, the Mugu Peak Trail is hard to beat, and Tuna Canyon is a fun place to hit the trails. If you want to drive, cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway (call it PCH) or heading up the roads in Topanga Canyon is a treat (especially if you have a sports car or a convertible).
Furthermore, Malibu has great food and drink. From wineries to beachfront restaurants, this part of Southern California has it all.
Malibu Seafood is a great order-at-the-counter spot, Geoffrey’s is famous for weekend brunch, Nobu is known for sushi, the Inn of the Seventh Ray has creekside dining in the Santa Monica Mountains, and Reel Inn is popular with celebrities.
If you like shopping, Malibu Country Mart is just the spot. There are plenty of places to get your retail therapy fix here, and restaurants to boot. There are also a few cute places to shop at Trancas Country Market.
If this sounds like your kind of summer vacation, you can book a place to stay in Malibu here. My top pick is Malibu Beach Inn. It’s not only in a great location on the waterfront, but it also has beautiful rooms and an indulgent spa. You can book a room here.
2. San Diego
San Diego is another of my top picks for places to visit in California in summer. With sunny weather (apart from June Gloom), famous surfing beaches, and fun attractions and nightlife, this beach city in SoCal is a great place for every kind of traveler.
If you’re visiting with kids, San Diego is an ideal family vacation destination. From La Jolla to Del Mar and beyond, there are beaches for playing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Legoland in Carlsbad is popular with young children, too.
If you’re looking for something more grown up, you can enjoy activities like golfing or paragliding in Torrey Pines, shopping in Del Mar, doing a bar crawl in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, or partying in Pacific Beach.
There are lots of great attractions in San Diego, too. The San Diego Zoo is world famous, Balboa Park is beautiful, and Cabrillo National Monument is full of history (and tide pools). Visitors can also tour the USS Midway, go on a harbor cruise, and tuck into delicious Mexican food.
If you have time, places like Oceanside and Encinitas are also worth a visit. Oceanside is home to sandy beaches, historic landmarks, colorful street art, and great restaurants. Encinitas is known for its fun downtown area, wide beaches, and coastal cliffs.
If this sounds like your kind of summer vacation, you can book a place to stay in San Diego here. My favorite is the Andaz. A lifestyle boutique hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, it’s not only in a great location downtown, but it also has a rooftop pool. When I stayed, I loved the decor and atmosphere in equal measure. You can book a room here.
3. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is next on my list of the best places to visit in California in summer. My family had a place here when I was growing up, and it remains one of my all-time favorite spots to soak up the sun in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
This part of the Golden State is popular for outdoor activities like boating, river rafting, mountain biking, hiking, and other alpine activities. There’s plenty of shopping, spas, and restaurants if you want to go at a more relaxed pace, too.
If you like getting out on the water, there’s no shortage of things to do in Lake Tahoe in summer. Whether you want to go on a motorboat, kayak around the shoreline, take a cruise on a historic paddle wheel boat, kiteboard, SUP, waterski, wakeboard, or wakesurf, there’s something for everyone.
You can raft down the Truckee River and have lunch outside at River Ranch, too. It’s my favorite thing to do in Tahoe in summer.
There are plenty of things to entertain you on land, too. From hikes along the Rubicon Trail and in Desolation Wilderness to mountain biking down the ski slopes and cycling along the paved bike paths, there are lots of activities on offer. If you don’t want to exert yourself too much, there are great beaches in places like Carnelian Bay for soaking up the sun.
Beyond the outdoors, Lake Tahoe has a lot to offer visitors in summer. From the shops and restaurants in Heavenly Village and Truckee to the bars in Tahoe City, there’s something for every type of visitor. My itinerary for 4 days in Lake Tahoe has more ideas, too.
If this part of the Sierra Nevada sounds like your kind of summer vacation destination, you can book accommodation in Tahoe here. My favorite place to stay in summer is The Village at Palisades Tahoe Hotel. It’s in an ideal location if you want to mountain bike or hike at the resort, and the village has plenty of restaurants, boutiques, bars, and entertainment. You can book a room here.
4. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is another of my top picks for places to visit in California in summer. This coastal city is known for its beautiful beaches, great shopping, delicious wine tasting, and luxury hotels. There are excellent restaurants and plenty of sightseeing to do here as well.
There’s a lot going on in Santa Barbara in summer, too. This is a year-round destination, and you can enjoy everything from the downtown shops to the coastal areas and inland gems while you’re visiting.
Whether you want to go to the beach, visit museums and cultural sites, cycle along the waterfront, or head out to the Channel Islands National Park, you have lots of options.
And that’s to say nothing of the seafood restaurants on Stearns Wharf, the colorful street art murals in the Funk Zone, the mouth-watering food stalls in the Santa Barbara Public Market, the tasting rooms along the Urban Wine Trail, the old mission, and the nightlife scene. My 2-day itinerary for Santa Barbara will show you the highlights.
There’s a lot you can do on the water in summer, too. From parasailing to surfing, kayaking, sailing, and stand-up paddle boarding, there are plenty of things to get excited about in this part of the Golden State.
And that’s to say nothing of the rest of Santa Barbara County. From the shopping in Montecito to the beaches in Goleta, the historic stagecoach stop at Cold Spring Tavern, the wine tasting in the Santa Rita Hills, the cute streets in Los Olivos and Santa Ynez, and the unique Danish town of Solvang, there’s an abundance of places to visit here.
If this sounds like your kind of California summer vacation, you can book a place to stay in Santa Barbara here. There’s a variety of options in the city and surrounding area, from world-famous luxury hotels in Montecito to cool beachfront apartments and more. I love staying at El Encanto. This gorgeous hilltop hotel is a real treat. You can book a room here.
5. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of my favorite places to visit in Southern California during summer. With great beaches, amazing restaurants, and lots of attractions, LA has plenty to entertain every type of traveler.
From the beaches in the South Bay and Santa Monica to the nightlife in Venice and the Arts District, there’s a lot to get excited about in this part of the Golden State. And that’s to say nothing of the rooftop bars, hotel pools, clubs, and hip restaurants and shops in Downtown LA (DTLA).
The City of Angels offers much in the way of sightseeing and activities in summer, too. From Griffith Observatory to the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, the Marvin Braude Bike Trail in Manhattan Beach, the rooftop cinema in DTLA, and the rides at Universal Studios, there’s lots do and see. My Los Angeles itineraries can help you plan your trip.
If you want to go to the beach, LA has you covered. My favorite stretches of sand in this part of California are Manhattan Beach, Malibu, Santa Monica, and Long Beach, but you can’t go wrong here. There are pretty pebble beaches you can hike to in Palos Verdes, too.
If it’s hot outside, LA has cultural institutions like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and museums like The Getty and The Broad. If you want to get your retail therapy fix, shopping streets like Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and Abbot Kinney in Venice are hard to beat.
If this sounds like your kind of destination for a summer vacation in California, you can book a place to stay in LA here. My top pick is the STILE Downtown Los Angeles. This cool hotel is known for its great location downtown. If that sounds good, you can book a room here.
6. Catalina Island
Catalina Island is another of my favorite places to visit in California during summer. It’s a great travel destination if your idea of a perfect vacation is one where you soak up the sun and enjoy the island vibes.
While a lot of people visit Catalina as a day trip from Los Angeles or elsewhere on the mainland, there’s enough to entertain visitors in the summer months that it’s worth spending a night or two on the island. My Catalina itinerary will show you why.
There’s plenty to do and see on Catalina Island in summer. This is peak season, so you can take your pick of activities and excursions. From outdoor pursuits like the Garden to Sky Hike to shopping, dining, adventure tours, spas, museums, kayaking, and boating, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your time here in June, July, or August.
The weather is warm and sunny in summer, and you can go in the water to swim, stand-up paddle board, snorkel, scuba dive, and play in the waves. If you want to stay on land, you can sunbathe on the beach, go on a tour to see the resident bison, try zip lining, or ascend a climbing wall.
There are also plenty of seasonal events here in the summer months. From decorating contests on the 4th of July to a golf cart parade on Casino Way, a dinghy parade in the harbor, fireworks over Avalon Bay, The Catalina Wine Mixer weekend, and the Two Harbors Wine Fest, this part of the Golden State has a lot of summer celebrations.
If all that sounds like your kind of California summer vacation, you can book accommodation on Catalina here. There are lots of options, including hotels, B&Bs, and house rentals. My favorite place to stay when I’m here in summer is the Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel. It has beautiful rooms and great views over Avalon. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.
7. Orange County
Orange County is another of the most popular places to visit in California during summer. Given its warm weather and plethora of beaches, this part of SoCal is a hit with both locals and visitors. It’s a great summer break destination for families and a fun place for couples, groups of friends, and other travelers.
There’s no shortage of exciting things to do and cities to discover while you’re on summer vacation in Orange County. Whether you go to Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar State Beach Park, Newport Beach, or somewhere else, there are loads of options in this part of the Golden State.
If you visit Laguna Beach, you can go to the tide pools, visit the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, have a picnic at Treasure Island Park, snorkel at Divers Cove, or soak up the sunset from Crescent Bay Park.
If you don’t want to spend your whole time at the beach, there are plenty of other things to do in Orange County in summer, too. Theme parks like Disneyland, Adventure City, and Knott’s Berry Farm are popular places for kids of all ages to visit.
There are fun summer events in Orange County, too. From the annual Tustin Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off to the Sawdust Art Festival, Music in the Park, and Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach, there are celebrations all season long.
If that sounds like a fun summer vacation, you can book a place to stay in Orange County here. There’s a variety on offer, including beachfront apartments, hotels, and house rentals. My top pick is The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach. With a Tuscan vibe, it overlooks the Pacific Ocean and features a range of villas and bungalows. You can book a room here.
8. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is next on my list of the best places for summer vacations in California. One of the most famous natural wonders in the Golden State, Yosemite is known for its stunning beauty and abundance of outdoor activities.
There’s a lot you can do in Yosemite in June, July, and August, too. The Tioga Road and Glacier Point usually open in late spring or early summer each year (depending on winter snowfall), so you’ll likely have the whole park to explore when you visit. My itinerary for 3 days in Yosemite can give you more ideas.
Yosemite’s waterfalls are amazing in summer, and if you visit in early June you’ll be able to see them at their seasonal fullest (they’ll be great all summer, though). From Bridalveil Fall to Yosemite Falls, Vernal Fall, and Nevada Fall, you can admire some of the most famous while you’re here.
There are epic hikes in Yosemite, too. Whether you want to ascend the famous Mist Trail, soak up the views from the Panorama Trail, take a gentle walk around the Wawona Meadow Loop, or climb Half Dome, there’s something for every skill and fitness level.
If you want something a bit more relaxed, you can spend time at places like The Ansel Adams Gallery, check out the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, drive around the Yosemite Valley Loop, take a dip in Tenaya Lake, soak up the scenery from Olmsted Point, watch the climbers on El Capitan, or admire the vistas from Tunnel View.
If this sounds like your kind of vacation, you can book accommodation in Yosemite here. My top pick in summer is Yosemite View Lodge. Located just outside the Arch Rock Entrance, it’s the closest resort to the national park. I’ve stayed here before and I loved the location right on the river. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.
9. Paso Robles
Next on my list of the top places to go in California in summer is Paso Robles. This part of the Golden State is known for its hills studded with olive groves and vineyards. Given it’s situated midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, it’s a popular place to visit on a road trip.
There’s a lot going on in Paso in summertime, too. Paso Robles Concerts in the Park is a free series that goes all season long. Then there’s the annual Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival, FARMstead ED’s Open Farm Days, the free 4th of July Celebration in Barney Schwartz Park, the California Mid-State Fair, and Distillery Trail Weekend.
Beyond seasonal events and festivals, Paso Robles has a lot going for it. Exploring the downtown area is a great thing to do, and you can go on hot air balloon rides, hikes, scavenger hunts, and horseback rides as well. You can even soak in mineral hot springs here.
If you’re a fan of culture and history, you can visit the Estrella Warbird Museum or Paso Robles Pioneer Museum. And if you enjoy art (and you get excited about all things Instagrammable), Field of Light at Sensorio is an amazing multi-acre walk-through experience you’ll love.
There’s a lot more to do and see in the area around Paso Robles as well. San Simeon, Cambria, and Hearst Castle are all less than an hour away. And that’s to say nothing of spots like Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, and Avila Beach.
If this sounds like your kind of summer vacation in California, you can book a place to stay in Paso Robles here. My top pick is the Allegretto Vineyard Resort. This 5-star Tuscan-style property is one of the best hotels in the area. It features lush gardens, bocce ball courts, a spa, and a pool. If that appeals, you can book a room here.
10. Mammoth Lakes
If you’re a fan of the mountains, Mammoth Lakes is another of the best places to visit in California during summer. Mammoth is known for offering a range of outdoor activities in the warmer months. From mountain biking to hiking and waterfalls, there are all kinds of things to do here.
You can also visit the beautiful mountain lakes in and around Mammoth. From Mono Lake to the bodies of water along the June Lake Loop, they reveal the natural wonders of the eastern Sierra Nevada. My Mammoth Lakes summer itinerary can give you more ideas.
If you’re into history, you can visit old ghost towns like Bodie while you’re in the area. They’re unique spots to dig into California’s Gold Rush past and see what life was like in this part of the state in the olden days.
Summer is also a great time to go fishing, hike on the Panorama Dome Trail or Duck Lake Trail, bike along the paved cycle paths around the Mammoth Lakes Basin, visit Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls, ride the gondola to the top of Mammoth Mountain, take in the view from Minaret Vista, or admire the geothermal vents bubbling up in Hot Creek.
There are also annual events like the Mammoth Lakes 4th of July Parade, the Mammoth Feel Good Festival and other summer music festivals, Family Fun Day, Mammoth Margarita Fest, Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza, Mammoth Wine Weekend, and more.
If you’re visiting at the beginning or end of the summer, the Mammoth Lakes Film Festival takes place each year over Memorial Day weekend and the Rock N Rye whiskey festival and Summit Sunset Party take place over Labor Day weekend.
If this sounds like a fun summer vacation, you can drive to Mammoth from Los Angeles and the surrounding areas in around 5 hours, depending where you start from and what traffic conditions are like.
If you’re coming from the Bay Area or other parts of Northern California, you can get to Mammoth via Tahoe or Yosemite. It’s fun to combine them all in one trip.
If this California summer vacation appeals, you can book a hotel in Mammoth Lakes here. I’ve stayed at The Village Lodge at Mammoth, and I love that it’s located right in the heart of the area. The rooms are great, too. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.
11. Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta is another fun place to go in California during summer. The peak season here is June and July, and it’s the perfect time to visit this part of the Golden State for a number of reasons.
The best time to climb Mount Shasta is usually from May to mid-July when the days are long, there’s good snow coverage, and the weather is (usually) at its best. This makes June an ideal time to be here regardless of what the snow conditions are like in the winter.
The waterfalls are also amazing to see, especially in June. From Burney Falls to McCloud Falls, Ash Creek Falls, Whitney Falls, Faery Falls, and Hedge Creek Falls, they’re great to admire when the glacier runoff is going strong.
Regardless of when you visit, you can enjoy activities like the visiting Stewart Mineral Hot Springs, swimming in the mountain lakes, walking through meadows, hiking from Castle Lake to Heart Lake, and golfing at Mount Shasta Resort.
There are seasonal highlights, too. These include the 4th of July celebrations on Lake Siskiyou, the Shasta Mountain Art, Wine, and Brew Fest, the free Mt. Shasta Summer Concert Series, the Mt Shasta Enduro, the Grinduro, and the Shasta Gromduro. Whatever you’re into, there’s fun to be found here all summer long.
If that all appeals, you can book a place to stay in Mount Shasta here. My top pick is Summit Lofts Boutique Hotel. This upscale hotel in the middle of the downtown area has a variety of contemporary rooms and suites. It’s an ideal place to base yourself while you’re visiting. You can book a room here.
12. Mendocino
Another of my top picks for places to go for summer vacation in California is Mendocino County. I’ve done trips here in the warmer months, and I’ve always had a great time. It’s hard to beat a Mendocino road trip, after all.
On the Northern California coast, this county features stunning redwood forests, vineyards, boulder-studded beaches, art galleries, and classic scenery. The towns in Mendocino have good restaurants and historic charm as well.
This part of the Golden State has a lot for visitors to enjoy in the summer, too. Highlights include the Mendocino Film Festival, The World’s Largest Salmon BBQ, Willits Frontier Days, Art in the Gardens, Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, Mendocino Music Festival, Mendocino 4th of July Parade, Round Valley Blackberry Festival, and the Art in the Redwoods Festival.
If you’re not in town for any of those, Mendocino County has everything from hiking trails to local landmarks and wineries. Whether you want to visit Fort Bragg, go to Manchester State Beach, or explore Mendocino Headlands State Park, there’s something for every traveler on this part of the Northern California coast.
If that sounds like a fun summer vacation to you, you can book accommodation in Mendocino here. My favorite spot to rest my head in this part of Northern California is The Andiron. This retro-chic hideout features 1950s cabins dotted across five acres of woodland and meadow on the iconic Highway 1.
When I stayed at The Andiron I loved the natural surroundings and rustic atmosphere. Each cabin is individually decorated and completely one-of-a-kind as well. It’s one of the most unique places to stay in California. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.
13. Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is another of the best places to visit in California in summer. Situated near King’s Canyon in the Sierra Nevada mountains, this place is famous for its gigantic trees (it’s in the name, after all).
Most visitors to Sequoia National Park come to see highlights like the General Sherman Tree, the Tunnel Tree, the subterranean Crystal Cave, and Moro Rock. The park is also known for its mountains, foothills, and canyons.
Summer is a great time to visit Sequoia National Park, as seasonal roads like Generals Highway are open and there’s no risk of closures due to snow.
There’s great hiking here, and lots of outdoor activities to enjoy. Whether you want to drive along the roads to take in the views, climb Moro Rock, check out the visitor center, have a picnic, walk through the Giant Forest, or spot wildlife, there’s something for everyone here.
If you want to, you can combine a visit to Sequoia National Park with King’s Canyon National Park. They’re so close to one another that many people do a twin-center vacation and explore both in one road trip.
If this sounds like your kind of California summer vacation, you can book a place to stay in Sequoia National Park here. My top pick is Buckeye Tree Lodge. This hotel and ecolodge is right next to the entrance to the park, and it’s an ideal place to base yourself while you’re visiting. You can book a room here.
14. Big Sur
Next on my list of the best places to visit in California in summer is Big Sur. This is one of the most popular places to travel in the Golden State because the natural beauty here is hard to beat. The coastal scenery draws visitors from all across the globe, and there are plenty of great hotels and restaurants in the area.
From coastal hikes to bolder-studded beaches and awe-inspiring waterfalls, this part of the Central Coast has a lot to do and see. It’s perfect if you love nature and outdoor activities.
Whether you want to hike in Andrew Molera State Park, photograph the iconic Bixby Bridge, soak up the views of McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, enjoy a sunset dinner at Post Ranch Inn or Nepenthe, go surfing, or just admire the coastal scenery this area is known for, there are plenty of ways to spend your time here.
If you need more ideas, you can take a look at my Big Sur itinerary. It has all kinds of things to do and see along this iconic stretch of Highway 1. Just make sure to check for road closures before you plan your trip, as landslides can often cause damage on this part of the California Coast.
If you want to, you can extend your trip and combine it with a visit to some equally famous areas nearby. My Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey itinerary has lots of additional ideas for you. If you have more time, Santa Cruz and Capitola are just up the coast and they’re easy to visit as well.
If this sounds like a fun California vacation destination, you can book accommodation in Big Sur here. Whether you want to go camping, glamping, or stay at a hotel in Big Sur, there are plenty of options for every style and budget. I’ve stayed everywhere from Treebones Resort to Deetjen’s and Glen Oaks, and they’ve all been great.
15. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a great place to travel in Northern California during summer. One of the most underrated places in the Golden State, it’s worth a visit for its steaming fumaroles, mountain lakes, wildflower meadows, and volcanoes.
Visitors to Lassen Volcanic National Park can see the bubbling mud pots of Bumpass Hell, admire the views from the top of Lassen Peak Volcano, take in the lava rocks in the Devastated Area, and hike along trails through forested areas and around lakes.
Late summer is a great time to be here because the heavy snow will be gone and roads like Lassen National Park Highway are open from the end of July at the latest. The same is true for for paths like the Bumpass Hell Trail, which remains closed due to snow coverage into July.
If you like wildflowers, you’re in luck. These beauties are at peak bloom in high elevation areas like Summit Lake and Lassen Peak between July and September. At lower elevations like Manzanita and Butte Lake, they bloom in May and June.
Fun things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park in summer include ranger-led programs like night sky viewing, cycling along seasonally-closed sections of the park highway before they open to cars, special events for stargazing, scenic drives, and hiking on paths like the Lassen Peak Trail.
If this sounds like your idea of a California summer vacation, you can book a place to stay in Lassen Volcanic National Park here. From camping and cabins to hotels and lodges, there are lots of options. My top pick is the Village at Childs Meadow. An ideal place to base yourself while you’re visiting, it has great guest rooms and patios with views. You can book a room here.
Map of the Best Places for Summer Vacation in California
As promised, I’ve created an interactive Google map of all the summer vacation destinations in California on my list. You can see it here. If you click on the pins, you can find more information and my relevant blog posts about each one.
Best Places to Visit in California in Summer
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the best places to visit in California in summer, and that it’s inspired you to head out and explore more of the Golden State. There are lots of exciting places to discover in June, July, and August, and this time of year is a great one to be here. Happy travels!
Find this helpful? Buy me a coffee!
Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on them and make a purchase. It doesn’t affect the way you shop, and it’s a great way to support the California Wayfaring blog.
Pin it!