Best time to visit California depends on what activities you would like to experience. The quiet and uncrowded period from January to March can be perfect for a trip, particularly if you are into winter sports and whale watching. Movie addicted will be happy to catch Academy Awards in wintertime. April and May invite you to California's fantastic national parks to discover powerful waterfalls, winding hiking trails, and hypnotizing poppy blooming. The packed period between June and August is perfect for a beach holiday, rafting or kayaking on crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe or watching Perseid Meteor Shower. Moro Rock and Mount Shasta are here for you during hot and sunny summer. Balmy weather in September–October and spectacular foliage create a perfect backdrop for the grape harvest. November and December are all about Christmas spirit and changeable weather. New Year's Eve Fireworks, Boat Parades and SnowGlobe Festival will impress you to the moon and back.
If you want to escape loud city life, then stargazing in California is your thing
Yosemite Glaciers, symbols of the changing world, may disappear completely within just a few decades
This is why you'll want to put stargazing in Death Valley on your bucket list
After winter rains, dry hills burst with new life as billions of technicolor orange poppies bloom
This unusual phenomenon proves that even dry and harsh places like deserts are actually alive!
Don't underestimate San Diego's stargazing spots
Visit one of the world's tallest waterfalls during the spring runoff and you'll be carried away by this tremendous sight
If you are looking for a stunning coastal scenery, you are on the right path
The hottest place on Earth features lots of unique spots and this is one of the most bizarre places to visit
One of the driest places on the planet occasionally gets blanketed with colorful wildflowers
You'll find no better way to discover America than this lengthy hike across 15 states, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. For such a long journey, one needs at least a year of time reserved
Take in the unique surroundings of the unusual spot of Death Valley National Park
Visit one of the best museums in San Francisco
The road reveals scenic landscapes of the northern part of the large national park
Colorful Martian landscape was created by centuries of erosion
A hidden waterfall near Los Angeles is a perfect one-day getaway from the city
One of the most popular watefalls in San Diego County
One of a few waterfalls thriving in the hot and dry climate of the Thousand Oaks area
A tall waterfall in San Bernardino National Forest
Oysters are consumed in San Francisco and other cities on the California's coast in accordance with “R” myth that determines the oyster season
A small waterfall in Santa Anita Canyon near Arcadia
Driving along a large number of picturesque roads with stops near the highlights and most unique spots can be a perfect vacation plan
Come and see unique brown pelicans in their natural habitat
One of the few free public hot springs welcome everyone
Amazing swells, great weather conditions, and various opportunities on dozens of ideal surfing beaches are waiting for you in the Golden State
Some enthusiasts try to reach the summit of the highest mountains in the world, but how about the smallest?
Art can have various forms, and the residents of San Luis Obisco have found a new one
Visit the largest lake in California located in the desert. The Salton Sea was created due to extreme natural forces and has been changing from year to year, and may disappear in the nearest future
This wee zippy bird moves so fast that you'll have to try hard to take a nice picture
This kingdom of birds is a delight to any nature fan
This favourite place for rock climber training offers over 8,000 routes
The finest way to warm oneself up on a chilly summer day is to eat a portion of American clam chowder
Visit the most sinister attraction in San Francisco Bay
An elaborate film set built in the 1940s in the desert as a Wild West facade for several Western films
Huge spherical stones lining the beach make it unique and beautiful
The most famous Victorian home on the West Coast
This remote canyon in the Santa Ana Mountains is popular with hikers and black magic followers
A hidden gem of Northern California
This waterfall is as hard to find as its name suggests
Watch the sea of clouds from one of the most beautiful camps in California
A very Californian desert attraction
Ride through towering old-growth redwoods of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Alpine scenery is just an hour away from downtown Los Angeles
A beautiful beach overlooking Malibu
From North to South, California observes the giant marine creatures migration every year
Welcome to one of the most attractive waterfalls in the Southern California area
One of the most attractive waterfalls in Los Angeles County
The final residence of the famous actress where she spent her last days
Immerse yourself in a medieval fantasy nestled in the San Jacinto mountains
Travel back in time at this magnificent medieval fair
You have never been so close to the formidable American armed forces
For just a few days each year, this waterfall is illuminated by the sun and becomes one of Yosemite’s most amazing spectacles
Streets and pubs of San Francisco are taken by joyful drunken Santas
Enjoy a variety of flyby demonstrations and static aircraft displays at this show
Entertainment for the whole family with over 20 years of history
Feel the scale of the largest living trees on the planet
Yellow fruit of ancient ginkgo trees: aromatic or stinky – you are to decide
Get a glimpse of the medieval era at this amazing Renaissance fest
This one-of-a-kind jazz fest in California has a very special feel to it
Enjoy three days of the finest jazz, R&B, and soul vibes
This three-day event can be the most romantic escape filled with the taste of good wine, spectacular flights, and pleasant time
A plentitude of rare treats await the avid birdwatchers in both Southern and Northern California
Light at Sensorio invites you to Paso Robles to enjoy two fantastic light installations: Field of Lights and Light Towers. You will be stunned for sure!
This Danish-style month-long Christmas celebration welcomes you to have lots of fun
A vibrant event that harkens back to times when knights roamed the land
Check out the grandest view in all the West
Cinco de Mayo introduces the best of Mexican culture preserved in San Francisco
Blue Note Festival won't leave you having the blues!
Seize the opportunity to spot a one-ton pumpkin and canoes carved from orange behemoths
The best party of fall season in Downtown Tehachapi
An old travelling stones mystery still keeps people puzzled
A great energetic way to explore the city
Waterfall droplets and the full moon create gorgeous lunar rainbow displays
A family-friendly weekend event at Kearney Park
Visit iconic falls when they show their full power, fed by melting snow and ice
The absolutely best way to get around Yosemite Valley is by bike
Revel in jazz tunes swirling around the amphitheater in Concord Hills and around the town's streets
Book a stay at Cambria Pines Lodge and enjoy holiday magic overnight
These species of shark are peaceful and calm creatures that love summer and enjoy warm waters
California's rivers are strong, fast, and full of water flow
Try avoiding busy weekends and school holidays to enjoy shorter queues in the day full of rides and fun
These coastal dunes are a site of interest for several unique reasons. Find out why!
The world's top cyclists cover hundreds of kilometres of spectacular roads and grueling passes; you'll see fascinating sprints and dramatic finishes
From monster trucks to camel races and stunning music performances to remarkable food, there's so much more to do at the fairground
If you think that tricycle bikes are designed for 3-year-old kids only, you are wrong. Even an adult can have fun riding it if one knows where and when to try it. Annual tricycle races down the curviest street in the world welcome enthusiasts to San Francisco
A huge number of varied beaches with white sands and clear waters give you the chance to choose a perfect spot within the coastline of the Golden State
Magical sparkling scenery and a wide range of activities attract people to Lake Tahoe each winter
Beautiful coastline, amazing forests, and gorgeous mountains—Big Sur has it all
Enjoy watching the beauty and hearing the roar of this jaw-dropping, massive and powerful falls
This spectacular boat show is a great Christmas time family event
One of the most unique art events in the world with plenty of art treasures to observe
See the weirdest vehicles along the varied track or join the kinetic sculpture race and have fun
The biggest television event of the year
The Fair has been attracting people for over 150 years. Come and join this spectacular celebration
This music festival in Napa Valley combines amazing performances with culinary shows
One of the most awaited events in the whole world. It's always exciting to watch the ceremony online, but being a part of it and seeing all your favourite stars passing by right in front of you is a unique experience
Dog surfers from all over the country gather along the Imperial Beach and Huntington Beach shoreline to take part in surfing competitions and win the first prize. You should witness it in order to believe it
The striking colours of volcanic ash dunes are especially spectacular during glow hour
Celebrate New Year's Eve with a cold, fresh mountain view, perfect powder, your favorite snow activities, and the world's best musicians—all in one place
Enjoy the sight of hundreds of beautifully decorated vessels
If you are a true comic fan this event should be number one on your list! Step into the world of fiction, act like your favourite hero, and meet your idols
Visit the home of giant sequoias and discover the biggest among the biggest by sheer volume
Weird limestone creations that emerge from the lake surface attract naturalists and curious tourists. Are they natural, or is it another art installation?
Take a deep breath and start one of the most beautiful hikes to the top of this bald granite rock formation with stunning views of Sequoia National Park
Huge and spectacular LGBT weekend with over 40 years of history
Stroll the village lanes brimming with people and handicrafts demonstrating Renaissance times
The US largest festival of Mexican and Latin American world
The absence of snow is not a reason to give up this Christmas fun—skating outdoors
Dressed like Santa, surfers raise money for people living with autism
Christmas nightly entertainment in the Zoo is for the whole family: thousands of garlands and Santa Claus
Feel some Western charm at Santa Clarita valley recreating the atmosphere of its cowboy past
Photographers spend days here trying to capture all of that fragrant tenderness with their cameras
Thousands dream to participate in this prestigious marathon in Los Angeles
Tens of thousands of North American monarchs head to California for their honeymoon, and wedding night falls on Valentine's Day
Everybody loves when a cute ladybug lands on one's palm. What about hundreds of thousands at once? This can happen near San Francisco in California
The vineyard beds explode with a vivid yellow carpet of mustard blooms creating cheerful vibes among the dull winter colors
Beauty varies. Even the ugliest living being can make someone happy
A curious optical phenomenon occurs quite rarely and only in special locations. If you are in the right time and in the right place, just look up to the sky
People come to Japantown to celebrate spring’s arrival and the joys of life in a Japanese way
One of the biggest and most popular music festivals is a chance to meet all stars in one place
Yosemite is a paradise for wildflower enthusiasts
Witness breathtaking New Year's celebration with spectacular waterfront fireworks at midnight
The longest-running film festival in America
A beautiful holiday tradition which brings the Christmas spirit to the Bay area
Groove to the sweet vibes of roots reggae and world music
Examine your stamina during one of the hardest races in the world
A fun day on the beach with hundreds of cute short-legged dogs
Visit the first permanent mountain top observatory in the world
Bay area event, with an eclectic lineup of diverse musicians
Mid-October is the only time to experience a crystal hunt at this unique lake
Go back to Victorian London at the historic Cow Palace Exhibition Halls
Beautiful lakes nestled in scenic High Sierra mountains
A great way to relax during hot summer days
Delicate sakura opens the tree blooming season in the Golden State
A great outlook at the eastern Sierra Nevada
Spiced with local humor, Easter in San Francisco definitely stands out
The highest highway pass in California and Sierra Nevada Mountains
A beautiful drive in Sierra Nevada mountains
One of the most scenic mountain drives on the West Coast
One of the largest celebrations of Mexican culture north of the border
An all-star jazz festival held in an iconic location
Amusement parks, scary attractions and amazing costume parties throughout the state
Watch Napa Valley come to life with the thrill and rush of the harvest
The first sign of spring on the Pacific Coast
Admire bronze and amber foliage throughout the Golden State
Witness a beautiful holiday transformation of the city when entire neighborhoods dress to impress
Autumn shows off spectacular foliage in the vineyards of California's Wine Country
Enjoy ballooning in the heart of California's Sonoma County, just an hour drive from Napa
Not just balloons! A fall festival in Coachella Valley offers something for everyone
This unique eco-friendly event will give you a sense of magic
Witness impressive flight demonstrations and aerobatics on California's Central Coast
Let the Californian sun help you relax while you enjoy this two-day extravaganza
Free up your inner geek at this beautiful celebration of all things pop culture
Find out what wine will complement Red Hawk cheese, how the cheese is produced, and many more exciting things at California Cheese Festival
Drink beer, hit the dance floor, and have unforgettable fun at Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest in California
Explore the best annual events in Sacramento and its suburbs
The "Bu" is waiting for you on the 4th of July
Grab your camera because you will certainly want to remember this celebration
The largest and longest-running free-gate fair in the Golden State
Grab your little ones to celebrate life together at this awesome street fair
Enjoy fall foliage at one of California's most mesmerizing spots
Get away from it all at this authentic Christmas parade
Camarillo Christmas Parade offers a great chance to celebrate winter with a family
Check out a long-standing tradition of the Apricot Capital of the World
Save the date for this Pinterest-like hot-air balloon festival!
An annual ballooning celebration by the Clovis Chamber of Commerce
An annual Paso Robles show featuring aircraft and auto displays
A great choice for your Memorial Day Weekend to remember!
A world-class, spine-chilling, and family-oriented airshow event!
Go back to the medieval times at this one-off festival!
Watch a fascinating natural phenomenon in California's parks and deserts
The skies get filled with beautiful winged creatures
Enjoy yourself at one of the few vegan beer fests
Fall in love with strawberries at this family-friendly event
California's premier Viking Festival
A food festival in the "Artichoke Center of the World"
Central Valley hosts thousands of wintering sandhill cranes
This Independence Day celebration will make you cherish diversity
Medieval entertainment and over 30 vendors in Visalia
A fun-filled weekend fair with five musical and six demonstration stages
The sweetest fest in the West
San Diego’s largest Oktoberfest celebration
A traditional family-friendly celebration near Sacramento
Deep in the heart of Fort Bragg, where the legend of Paul Bunyan comes to life
Ocean is an artist able to turn rubbish into treasure—check out smooth rubies, sapphires and other jewels that used to be pieces of broken glass
These seals with elephant noses roam the ocean searching for food, and go ashore to breed and molt
Winter holidays in the desert can be fun!
As ocean waters warm up, white sharks start their annual migration between Mexico and Southern California
Over 70 breweries showcase their best beers in Liberty Station
Parades and festivities in Channel Islands Harbor
Over 500 witches celebrate Halloween paddling in Morro Bay
One of the most popular annual festivals in Santa Maria
Celtic New Year’s Celebration in a historic Gold Rush area
The fictional village of Willingtown comes to life every fall
Every spring over a million purple blossoms drape from the tangled branches, and you can visit the place only during the annual Wistaria Festival
Picturesque scenery, varied terrain, and gentle weather conditions attract cyclists to the Golden State
A perfect way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature
One of the most enjoyable and fun water activities is popular all along the California coastline
One of the most popular golf events in the world annually takes place in Northern California. The perfect green fields with a stunning ocean overview welcome top pros, as well as amateurs and a large number of celebrities
Everyone who loves music is waiting for this glamorous event to see the best shows and performances, best singers, and great bands
Meet some A-list stars and attend exciting presentations and special events followed by glamourous night parties
You'd never think sand dunes can have so many unique secrets kept inside
A great place to celebrate the harvest season is Full Belly Farm where the fun never ends, especially for kids
This majestic mountain draws lots of hikers, climbers, and mystics
Just choose the right season and the right spot to enjoy your favourite water activity in the Sunny State
One of the longest living organisms on our planet can be found in the high mountainous regions of California
The red carpet is rolled out, and movie stars are ready to pose in front of the cameras
Top names of jazz gather together in one place to share their talent among real fans. Don't miss one of the greatest jazz events in the world!
If you are a tennis fan, this is your chance to see favorite players up close
Check out these fascinating racing competitions and one of the largest bike expos in the US—this event is a real celebration of cycling
If you are looking for some amazing moves on waves, this event is definitely for you
These unique symmetrical columns created by the forces of nature attract people from all over the world
This unique manmade underground world features fruit gardens and amazing stonework
Stars begin to fall in the middle of summer—get ready to make some wishes
It is believed that the Bald Eagle symbolizes strength, courage, freedom, and immortality
A unique chance to explore a large lava tube formed thousands of years ago
Celebrate Uncle Sam at the 4th of July Block Party with live music and fireworks
Crystal clear waters near the island of Santa Catalina with its rich underwater world are perfect for diving
Large animals, dense, and stocky with low and strong limbs, live in the mountains in the vicinity of Los Angeles
It is possible to go skiing and surfing in Los Angeles on the same day
One of the most spectacular, adventurous, and popular hiking trails in Yosemite draws crowds of visitors every day during the high season
An enormous drain hole which looks a portal into another world is especially impressive during the rainy season
Winter in California can reveal some real magic of light
Grape harvest season in SF comes along with beautiful yellow foliage and pleasant temperatures
The spiky peel of the cactus pear covers surpeisingly tasty melon-like juicy pulp
One of Pacific Grove's most prominent sights
The power of water carved a heart in a solid stone. Such natural sites inspire and give hopes
From Mexico to Canada or reverse, a crest of mountains follows along the western states of the USA, washed by the Pacific waters—it's one of the world's most scenic natural corridors
Discover what California’s best raggae fest can bring
The tastiest time of the year in Los Angeles
One of the most beautiful holiday traditions in California
Strawberry pizza anyone?
With spectacular State Capitol Finish this marathon features an easy downhill course and can help you to qualify for the Boston Marathon
A fun 5K race that will wake up your inner child
A summer celebration full of carnival rides, lawn concerts, adorable animals, and funnel cakes
A three-day celebration of garlic and other delicious foods
Ten days to get the best of Oakland's restaurant scene
Every year, on April 20 or 4/20, thousands flock to Sharon Meadows to celebrate cannabis culture
A small desert oasis was a popular hippie hangout
Kick off the holiday season and get lost in the world’s largest corn maze
Houses around Naples Island are known to put on the best displays in Southern California
Immerse yourself in a festive Christmas atmosphere
A popular holiday event draws spectators from all over Silicon Valley
The Bay Area’s newest popular holiday tradition
A magical light display in Los Angeles County
A maritime extravaganza by the beach is one of the best in California
A signature holiday event of Palm Springs and Coachella Valley
Winter wonderland does exist in Southern California, you'll find it in Orange County
Prepare to be stunned by beautiful vistas of Lake Tahoe
A beautiful and popular site in El Dorado county
With dozens of trails and lakes, this area is a hiker's paradise
A strenuous canyon hike to a few beautiful waterfalls
Experience the beautiful desert without crowds
One of the most picturesque coastal areas in Big Sur
One of the best hidden treasures of the Orange County
One of most famous trails of Yosemite Park
A community-driven world class reggae festival
Great lineup in the middle of Mojave desert
Unbelievable surfing in California's heartland along with beach fun, music and parties
Spend a few days of your life in a "Mad Max" movie setting
Dance, party and socialize at this boutique music festival
Stand atop an active volcano with the largest lava dome on Earth
Seven dazzlingly beautiful lakes in a single-day hike..let's go?
A must-do event for a true jazz enthusiast in Yountville
The only jazz festival in Southern California
A beautiful chain of lakes high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
A dazzling celebration of America's independence around the scenic Lake Tahoe
An oasis nestled among rocks and beautiful granite slabs
A popular climbing spot in Sierra Nevada Mountains
One of the biggest high-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
A popular hiking destination in Sequoia National Park
The largest military air show in the country
The biggest event in Los Angeles Koreatown
The largest entertainment event in San Joaquin Valley
An old Californian end-of-summer tradition
The three-day running festival with multiple options with stunning views
The most scenic run in the whole United States
How about celebrating Independence Day in Santa Cruz style?
Experience winter fun in Southern California
Discover the top five places to visit during NYE in The Golden State
Flower Tet Festival and other festive events
Learn about Asian cultures and try delicious foods during the colorful celebration
Los Angeles has a reputation of a summer destination, but it can have an autumn vibe as well
Take a ride on a holiday train or a holiday boat in festive Santa Cruz
A vibrant celebration of popular culture and diversity
A full day of family-friendly entertainment for the fans of pop culture
The two-day family-friendly popular culture convention at Ontario Convention Center
Scenic fall foliage hikes in San Bernardino National Forest
"The Coolest Show on Earth" showcases cars, trucks, motorcycles, and aircraft
A biannual medieval festival in southern California
Experience a Tudor-era village, full of family-friendly fun
Visit one of the USA's greatest airshows in Huntington Beach, LA