California Tourist Attractions Worth Visiting + Spots to Skip, From Local

Updated

2025-10-17T16:16:20Z

As a Southern California local, I know which tourist spots are worth visiting and which aren’t.
La Jolla Cove offers stunning views, and Temecula Wine Country is perfect for a peaceful getaway.
However, Hollywood Boulevard feels too crowded, and I think the Santa Monica Pier is overpriced.

Picturesque shorelines, star-studded streets, and a mild climate draw tourists from around the world to Southern California.

As someone who grew up in Los Angeles and now lives in San Diego, I’ve explored everything from national parks to beach towns, and hit just about every major tourist attraction in between.

Although some of these places have really stood out to me, others left me wanting more.

Here are six tourist hot spots I think are worth visiting, and two you can skip on your next trip to Southern California.

Catalina Island is a dreamy and easily accessible seaside escape.

Every time I visit Catalina Island, I feel like I’m landing on a miniature version of the Amalfi Coast. Secluded from the busy city streets, it offers both an elevated seaside ambiance and opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Beachgoers can relax at the Descanso Beach Club and rent chaise lounges or private cabanas complete with beachside service.

For a dose of adrenaline, go zip-lining in the nearby canyons or embark on the bison expedition, a safari-style backcountry tour to observe the local wildlife.

Joshua Tree National Park gives visitors a look at California’s unique desert environments.

Although Southern California is best known for its pristine beaches, the region offers a variety of landscapes.

In Joshua Tree National Park, where the stark beauty of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet, visitors will find massive boulders, quiet hiking trails, stunning desert sunsets, and one-of-a-kind Airbnbs.

It’s the perfect place to turn off your phone and spend quality time in nature. I recommend visiting in the fall or spring to avoid the extreme desert temperatures — summer days often approach or exceed 100 degrees.

I think La Jolla Cove is one of the most beautiful coastal locations in San Diego.

Finding parking in La Jolla, an upscale seaside neighborhood in San Diego, can be a challenge. In my opinion, though, the cove is well worth it.

The small yet stunning spot is one of the most photographed beaches in Southern California, and it’s easy to see why. Beachgoers can swim, snorkel, and kayak in the ecological reserve.

When you’re not on the beach, the La Jolla Village offers tons of restaurants, shopping, and luxe accommodations. I recommend staying at the iconic La Valencia Hotel, a luxurious pink property with sweeping seaside views.

In my opinion, Coachella is actually worth the hype.

Known as the “influencer Olympics,” the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is often hyped up on social media. In my opinion, it’s an experience worth having at least once, especially for music lovers.

Between the sky-high art installations, festival fashion, and performances by big names and up-and-coming artists, it’s a weekend you won’t forget.

If you want to avoid the stampede of influencers snapping content, I recommend opting for weekend two. It features the same eclectic lineup, but in my experience, typically has a more laid-back vibe.

Temecula’s wine country is an elevated and romantic getaway.

With picturesque vineyards, award-winning wineries, and a welcoming atmosphere, Temecula is ideal for both wine connoisseurs and those who just want a distraction-free weekend away.

Beyond wine tasting on rolling vineyards, tourists can enjoy dining in Old Town, place their bets at the Pechanga Casino, or even take a sunrise hot-air-balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the scenic vineyard landscapes.

Malibu’s coastal charm embodies the quintessential California dream.

Nestled along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, this famous seaside town offers immaculate beaches like Zuma and El Matador, which are perfect for sunbathing, surfing, or catching a golden sunset.

Visitors can also explore canyon hiking trails in the Santa Monica Mountains or grab a fresh lunch on the pier at the popular Malibu Farms restaurant.

With its mix of upscale dining, celebrity homes, and breathtaking ocean views, Malibu delivers quiet luxury at its finest.

To be honest, though, I think Hollywood Boulevard is overrated.

If you’re a movie buff, it’s worth seeing the Walk of Fame and spotting your favorite names beneath your feet. However, I wouldn’t recommend spending more than 30 to 45 minutes there.

Hollywood Boulevard can be crowded and full of tourist traps. Trust me — I’ve done both the TMZ celebrity tour and the Madame Tussauds wax museum.

For a better experience, I recommend driving up to Griffith Observatory and admiring Hollywood Boulevard and the Hollywood Sign from above. In my opinion, it’s much more glamorous from afar.

The Santa Monica Pier is fun, but pricey.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the Santa Monica Pier and have many cherished memories there. However, if you want to go on the rides, be prepared to spend $17 on a few spins on the Ferris wheel.

Dining at restaurants on or near the pier is also going to be a bit more expensive than the typical, already costly, LA prices.

However, if you just want to hang out by the beach, walk to the end of the pier, and enjoy the view, then Santa Monica deserves a spot on your itinerary.

If you’re able to visit on a weekday, you may be able to avoid some of the crowds and traffic, too.

This story was originally published on June 13, 2025, and most recently updated on October 17, 2025.

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