Is Summer a Good Time to Visit California?
Overall, summer is a great time to visit California, but it does require some strategy. This is when the high-altitude mountain passes finally open.
If you want to see alpine lakes or hike famous trails in national parks, July and August are the best months. However, avoid the desert and the Central Valley, where temperatures can exceed 104°F (40°C) during this time.
As for the coast and lakes, July through September offer stable conditions and ideal water temperatures; it’s best to avoid the “June Gloom” that’s common in June.
Top Summer Places to Go in California
Let’s put together a list of California summer vacation destinations. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family with kids, these destinations are sure to meet your needs.
1. Lake Tahoe
Have you ever seen water so clear you can see rocks twenty feet below the surface? That’s Lake Tahoe for you. While many people think of it as a ski destination, the lake truly shines in the summer in California. The "Jewel of the Sierras" offers everything from paddleboarding in Emerald Bay to hiking the challenging trails of Desolation Wilderness.
Transportation Tips
If you are coming from Northern California, the drive up I-80 or Highway 50 is the most common route. From further away, fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport. It’s only a 45-minute drive from the Reno airport to the north shore. Renting a car is almost a necessity here if you want to see both the California and Nevada sides of the lake.
Where to Stay
For a lively vibe with casinos and nightlife, stay in South Lake Tahoe. If you prefer a quieter, more "mountain-cabin" feel, look at Tahoe City or Kings Beach on the north shore. The Ritz-Carlton at Northstar is great for luxury, while the Camp Richardson Resort is perfect for a classic lakeside family experience. Recommended Products for Lake Tahoe
5.0 Código del tour: 109399
Ciudad de inicio / Ciudad de fin
San Francisco
Ciudad y atracciones
Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, Bridalveil Fall
+4 más
Tipo de grupo
Standard Group Tour
4.6 (9 reseñas) Código del tour: 720774
Ciudad de inicio / Ciudad de fin
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas
Ciudad y atracciones
San Francisco, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City
+51 más
Idiomas
Chinese Live, English Live
Tipo de grupo
Large Group
Audiencia del tour
Primarily Mandarin-Speaking Travelers
2. Mammoth Lakes
Perched high in the eastern Sierra Nevada, Mammoth Lake is a playground for all outdoor enthusiasts. In the summer, the ski slopes here transform into mountain bike trails. It is best to visit the Devil’s Postpile National Monument or take a short drive to see the hauntingly beautiful tufa towers at Mono Lake.
Transportation Tips
The drive along Highway 395 is one of the most scenic in the state. From Los Angeles, it's about a five-hour trek. In the summer, Advanced Air often runs small flights into the Mammoth Yosemite Airport from Southern California hubs, which can save you a lot of time behind the wheel.
Where to Stay
The Village at Mammoth is the heart of the area, with plenty of lodging options nearby. The Village Lodge Mammoth is a great choice right in the center—it’s conveniently located and features hot springs.
3. Shasta Lake
Located in Northern California, Shasta Lake is a large artificial lake and one of the state’s largest reservoirs. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, and boating, while taking in views of the snow-capped peak of Mount Shasta in the distance. It is a classic summer vacation destination in California.
Transportation Tips
Shasta Lake is right off I-5, about four hours north of Sacramento.
Where to Stay
If you're looking for a unique lodging experience, rent a houseboat; it's perfect for large families or groups of friends. Of course, Bridge Bay Marina offers a variety of accommodations, and there are countless campgrounds along the shore.
4. Yosemite National Park
You can’t talk about places to visit in summer in California without mentioning Yosemite. The granite walls of El Capitan and Half Dome are bucket-list items for a reason. In the summer, the high country along Tioga Road is finally accessible, offering meadows full of wildflowers and cooler temperatures than the valley floor.
Transportation Tips
Yosemite gets very crowded in the summer, so it’s best to use the YARTS bus system to enter the park, as parking is limited. Also, check the National Park Service website months in advance; reservations are often required to drive into the park during peak dates.
Where to Stay
If you have a sufficient budget, you can choose the Ahwahnee Hotel or the Yosemite Valley Lodge in the valley; of course, accommodations in El Portal are also a good option, as they aren’t too far from the park.Recommended Products for Yosemite
4.3 (50 reseñas) Código del tour: 727908
Ciudad de inicio / Ciudad de fin
San Francisco
Ciudad y atracciones
Las Vegas, Page, Mariposa County
+13 más
Idiomas
Chinese Live, English Live
Tipo de grupo
Large Group
Audiencia del tour
Primarily Mandarin-Speaking Travelers
4.8 (473 reseñas) Código del tour: 2856
Ciudad de inicio / Ciudad de fin
San Francisco
Ciudad y atracciones
San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, El Capitan
+1 más
Idiomas
English Live, French Audio, German Audio
+6 más
Tipo de grupo
Standard Group Tour
Audiencia del tour
Mixed International Travelers
Operador
Extranomical Tours
4.7 (188 reseñas) Código del tour: 728748
Ciudad de inicio / Ciudad de fin
Los Angeles
Ciudad y atracciones
San Francisco, Pebble Beach, Mariposa County
+8 más
Idiomas
Chinese Live, English Live
Tipo de grupo
Large Group
Audiencia del tour
Primarily Mandarin-Speaking Travelers
5. Sequoia National Park
If Yosemite is too crowded for your taste, Sequoia is a fantastic alternative. This is where you’ll find the General Sherman tree, the largest living thing on earth. The air here smells like pine and ancient history. Climbing the 350-plus steps to the top of Moro Rock gives you a panoramic view of the Great Western Divide.
Transportation Tips
The park is accessed via Highway 198. If you have a long RV, check the length restrictions before you go, as some sections of the road are very narrow and steep.
Where to Stay
Wuksachi Lodge is the park’s premier lodge and offers great mountain views. For a more rustic experience, the Stony Creek Lodge is a comfortable mid-range option located just outside the park boundaries in the neighboring Giant Sequoia National Monument.
6. Big Sur
When it comes to road trips in the United States, Big Sur is definitely one of the top destinations, and Highway 1 is arguably the most famous driving route in the world. Between the Bixby Creek Bridge and the towering redwoods of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, every turn offers a new photo opportunity.
Transportation Tips
Check for road closures before you leave. Because of the steep terrain, landslides can sometimes shut down sections of Highway 1. If the road is open, take it slow; the curves are sharp, and you’ll want to pull over often to look at the ocean.
Where to Stay
Similarly, while the Post Ranch Inn and Ventana Big Sur offer top-tier luxury if your budget allows, the mid-range Big Sur River Inn also provides a comfortable stay.
7. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a high-end resort town known for its ocean views and distinctive Spanish architecture. You can take a stroll through the downtown area, which is lined with red-tiled roofs and hidden courtyards. You can also enjoy the sunset at beautiful Butterfly Beach, and if you’re a wine lover, the Santa Ynez Valley, a renowned wine region, is well worth a visit for a wine-tasting tour.
Transportation Tips
Take the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, and the tracks will wind along the coastline. This route offers views that you can’t see from the road.
Where to Stay
The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is the perfect destination for a modern, stylish experience, while the Santa Barbara Inn, located right on the coast, is the ideal choice for those seeking a classic California vibe.
8. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a coastal city with a youthful and lively atmosphere. Don’t miss the Beach Boardwalk, one of the few seaside amusement parks on the West Coast. If you enjoy outdoor activities, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers some of the best redwood hiking trails, while Steamer Lane is a world-class surfing spot.
Transportation Tips
Highway 17 from San Jose can be a bit of a nightmare on summer weekends. Try to head over the hill on a weekday morning or stay late Sunday night to avoid the worst of the "beach traffic."
Where to Stay
Stay at the Dream Inn if you want to be right on the water with a view of the wharf. For something more tucked away, the Chaminade Resort & Spa sits on a hill overlooking the bay and offers a quieter retreat.9. Mendocino
Mendocino may not stand out among numerous California travel spots, but the atmosphere here is entirely different. It’s characterized by rugged coastlines, spectacular cliffs, and a tranquil artistic vibe. Compared to California’s major cities, it feels closer to nature and more relaxing.
In particular, at Mendocino Headlands State Park, you can stroll along the cliff trails and take in the ocean views, or visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens to admire the seasonal blooms.
Transportation Tips
It’s a long, winding drive up Highway 1 or Highway 128 from the Bay Area. It takes about three to four hours.
Where to Stay
Mendocino offers many high-quality accommodations, such as the Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa, which features stunning ocean views and elegant wooden architecture. For downtown accommodations, the Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites offers a terrace with views of the coastline.
10. Nevada City
Nevada City is a world apart from California’s coastal resorts; it’s a well-preserved Gold Rush-era town brimming with history. In the summer, the real draw is the Yuba River. The crystal-clear emerald pools are the best natural swimming holes in the state. The town itself is full of Victorian charm, independent bookstores, and great live music.
Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Transportation Tips
Located about an hour northeast of Sacramento on Highway 49. It’s an easy drive, but parking in downtown can be tight on weekends.
Where to Stay
The historic National Exchange Hotel is located in the city center, making it very convenient for getting around. There are also many guesthouse options on the outskirts of the city, offering more spacious and quieter rooms.
11. Los Alamos
Once a small stopover town, Los Alamos has now transformed into a culinary destination, brimming with Michelin-recognized restaurants and tasting rooms. It’s the perfect base for a weekend of wine tasting, without the crowds of Napa or Sonoma. Of course, even if you don’t drink, the town has plenty of antique shops and craft stores worth exploring.
NHRHS2010, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Transportation Tips
It’s right off Highway 101, about 45 minutes north of Santa Barbara. It’s a great stop if you are driving between L.A. and San Francisco.
Where to Stay
The Skyview Los Alamos is a renovated 1950s motel that sits on a hill overlooking the vineyards. It features a great pool and fire pits.
12. Julian
Julian, also located in the mountains, was once a mining community, but today it’s known for its apple orchards, especially in the fall, when apple pie is a must-try local delicacy. With parks and mountains in the surrounding area, you’ll have plenty to do during your summer vacation.
Transportation Tips
It’s about an hour and fifteen minutes from San Diego. The drive up Highway 78 is winding but beautiful, passing through grasslands and oak groves.
Where to Stay
The Julian Gold Rush Hotel is a historic local hotel and an important landmark. The atmosphere throughout the hotel will transport you back to the 1890s.
13. Laguna Beach
If you're just looking for a beach vacation, Laguna Beach in Orange County is one of Southern California's most distinctive summer destinations. Unlike the long, flat beaches of Huntington or Newport, Laguna is made up of dozens of small coves and tide pools. The Pageant of the Masters and the Sawdust Art Festival are major summer draws that bring a unique creative energy to the town.
Transportation Tips
Traffic on PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) can be slow. Use the free summer trolley that runs through the town to get between the different beaches and festivals without having to worry about parking.
Where to Stay
There are actually many accommodation options along the coastline, but they tend to be quite expensive; among them, the 14 West Boutique Hotel offers excellent value for money.
14. Zuma Beach
If you want the Malibu experience without the chaos of the Santa Monica Pier, Zuma Beach is the place to go. It’s a massive, wide stretch of sand with plenty of space to spread out. The water here is generally cleaner than at the beaches further south, and it’s a prime spot for dolphin watching.
Transportation Tips
Drive all the way north through Malibu on PCH. Zuma has several large paid parking lots, so finding a spot is usually much easier here than at smaller beaches.
Where to Stay
There aren't many hotels right on Zuma, so most people stay in central Malibu or nearby Westlake Village.
15. Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is a secluded beach in Big Sur where you’ll find unique purple sand and the iconic Keyhole Arch. Especially at sunset, when the setting sun shines through the arch, the view is truly breathtaking.
Transportation Tips
The entrance is an unmarked road called Sycamore Canyon Road. It’s narrow and only one lane in some spots. Large RVs and trailers are not allowed. If the parking lot is full, you’ll have to come back later. There is no parking on the main highway.
Where to Stay
Since it’s in Big Sur, your best bet is staying at a nearby campground like Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park or one of the local lodges.FAQ
What are some good short trips to go from California?
If you want to cross the border, Las Vegas is a classic quick trip from Southern California. From the north, a quick hop over to Reno or Virginia City, Nevada, offers a completely different vibe. For something more natural, Brookings, Oregon, is just across the state line and offers stunning coastal scenery.
What is the prettiest place in California to visit?
Most people would say Big Sur because of the dramatic meeting of the mountains and the sea. Others swear by Yosemite Valley or the turquoise waters of Lake Tahoe. If you like desert beauty, the Joshua Tree landscape is hauntingly pretty in its own way.
Which city is best for summer vacation?
If you want a mix of city life and beach, San Diego is hard to beat. It has world-class attractions like the Zoo and Balboa Park, plus incredible beaches. For a smaller-town feel, Santa Barbara is the gold standard for a "perfect" summer city. 
