Best time to visit California
- Oct
- Nov
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- May
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Best time of year to visit California
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.
55 THINGS TO DO IN CALIFORNIA (MARCH 21 - MARCH 30)
Anza-Borrego Desert Super Bloom
One of the few deserts in the world that comes to life in spring
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
After winter rains dry hills burst with new life striking with billions of technicolor orange poppies
Death Valley Super Bloom
One of the dryest places on the planet occasionally gets covered with colour
Glaciers
Yosemite Glaciers, symbols of the changing world, may disappear completely within just a few decades
Poppy Bloom at Chino Hills State Park
Photographers spend days here trying to catch all of that fragrant tenderness with their cameras
Point Reyes National Seashore
If you are looking for a stunning coastal scenery, you are on the right path
Cycling in Yosemite Valley
The absolutely best way to get around Yosemite Valley is by bike
Fire Rainbows
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
Scenic Road Trips
Driving along a large number of picturesque roads with stops near the highlights and most unique spots can be a perfect vacation plan
Big Sur
Beautiful coastline, amazing forests, and gorgeous mountains—Big Sur has it all
Wildflowers
Yosemite is a paradise for wildflower enthusiasts
Burney Falls
Enjoy watching the beauty and hearing the roar of this jaw-dropping, massive and powerful falls
Monticello Dam Morning Glory Spillway
An enormous drain hole which looks a portal into another world is especially impressive during the rainy season
Badwater Basin
Take in the unique surroundings of the unusual spot of Death Valley National Park
Oyster Season
Oysters are consumed in San Francisco in accordance with “R” myth that determines the oyster season
Skiing at Lake Tahoe
Magical sparkling white scenery and a wide range of activities attract people to Lake Tahoe each winter
Сlam Chowder
The finest way to warm oneself up on a chilly summer day is to eat a portion of American clam chowder
Heart Rock Falls
The power of water carved a heart in a solid stone. Such natural sites inspire and give hopes
South Yuba River Swimming Holes
A great way to relax during hot summer days
Elephant Seals
These seals with elephant noses roam the ocean searching for food, and go ashore to breed and molt
Devil’s Golf Course
The hottest place on Earth features lots of unique spots and this is one of the most bizarre places to visit
Alcatraz
Visit the most sinister attraction in San Francisco Bay
Angeles Crest Highway
One of the most scenic mountain drives on the West Coast
Forestiere Underground Gardens
This unique manmade underground world features fruit gardens and amazing stonework
Scotty's Castle Road
The road reveals scenic landscapes of the northern part of the large national park
Bald Eagles
It is believed that the Bald Eagle symbolizes strength, courage, freedom, and immortality
Hummingbirds
One has to try hard to take a picture of a hummingbird—it moves so fast that sometimes it's better just to sit back and enjoy
Eureka Dunes
You'd never think sand dunes can have so many unique secrets kept inside
Salton Sea
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
Skiing and Snowboarding
It is possible to go skiing and surfing in Los Angeles on the same day
Calla Lily Valley
One of the most scenic coastal areas in Big Sur
Rafting
California's rivers are strong, fast, and full of water flow
Surfing
Amazing swells, great weather conditions, and various opportunities on dozens of ideal surfing beaches are waiting for you in the Golden State
Sutter Buttes
Some enthusiasts try to reach the summit of the highest mountains in the world, but how about the smallest?
Pioneertown
An elaborate film set built in the 1940s in the desert as a Wild West facade for several Western films
Saline Valley Hot Springs
A small desert oasis was a popular hippie hangout
Matilija Falls
A strenuous canyon hike to a few beautiful waterfalls
Thousand Steps Beach Pools
One of the best hidden treasures of the Orange County
Cherry Blossom
Delicate sakura opens the tree blooming season in the Golden State
BNP Paribas Open
If you are a tennis fan, this is your chance to see favorite players up close
Joshua Tree Rock Climbing
This favourite place for rock climber training offers over 8,000 routes
Bowling Ball Beach
Huge spherical stones lining the beach make it unique and beautiful
Carson Mansion
The most famous Victorian home on the West Coast
Mossbrae Falls
A hidden gem of Northern California
Phantom Falls
This waterfall is as hard to find as its name suggests
Prewitt Ridge
Watch the sea of clouds from one of the most beautiful camps in California
Howland Hill Road
Ride through towering old-growth redwoods of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Brown Pelicans
Come and see unique brown pelicans in their natural habitat
Bubblegum Alley
Art can have various forms, and the residents of San Luis Obisco have found a new one
Black Star Canyon Hike
This remote canyon in the Santa Ana Mountains is popular with hikers and black magic followers
Panamint Dunes
Experience the beautiful desert without crowds
Borrego Springs Metal Sculptures
A very Californian desert attraction
Glendora Mountain Road
Alpine scenery is just an hour away from downtown Los Angeles
Point Dume
A beautiful beach overlooking Malibu
Whale Watching
From North to South, California observes the giant marine creatures migration every year
134 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival
This three-day event can be the most romantic escape filled with the taste of good wine, spectacular flights, and pleasant time
Horsetail Fall or Firefall
For just a few days each year, this waterfall is illuminated by the sun and becomes one of Yosemite’s most amazing spectacles
Fleet Week
You have never been so close to the formidable American armed forces
The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire
Stroll the village lanes brimming with people and handicrafts demonstrating Renaissance times
Giant Sequoias of Yosemite National Park
Feel the scale of the largest living trees on the planet
Stinko Ginkgo
Yellow fruit of ancient ginkgo trees: aromatic or stinky – you are to decide
Fiesta Broadway (Cinco de Mayo)
The largest in the US, this colourful Mexican festival celebrates the awakening of nature
Coachella
One of the biggest and most popular music festivals is a chance to meet all stars in one place
SantaCon
Streets and pubs of San Francisco are taken by joyful drunken Santas
Yosemite Falls
The tallest waterfall in the park, Yosemite Falls is one of its iconic landmarks
Sequoia National Park
Visit the home of giant sequoias and discover the biggest among the biggest by sheer volume
Glacier Point Overlook
Check out the grandest view in all the West
Moonbows
Waterfall droplets and the full moon create gorgeous lunar rainbow displays
California State Fair
The Fair has been attracting people for over 150 years. Come and join this spectacular celebration
Surf Dog Competition
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
Bring Your Own Big Wheel
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
Roaring Spring Waterfalls
Visit iconic falls when they show their full power, fed by melting snow and ice
Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo introduces the best of Mexican culture preserved in San Francisco
Glass Beach
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
Perseid Meteor Shower
Stars begin to fall in the middle of summer—get ready to make some wishes
Mustard Bloom in Vineyards
The vineyard beds decorated with mustard blooms form a huge bright yellow spot among the dull winter colours
Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach
One of the most unique art events in the world with plenty of art treasures to observe
Kinetic Grand Championship
See the weirdest vehicles along the varied track or join the race and have fun
Monarch Butterflies
Tens of thousands of North American monarchs head to California for their honeymoon, and wedding night falls on Valentine's Day
Amgen Tour of California
The world's top cyclists cover hundreds of kilometers of spectacular roads and grueling passes; you'll see fascinating sprints and dramatic finishes
Sailing Rocks
An old travelling stones mystery still keeps people puzzled
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Enjoy the sparkling lights of hundreds of beautifully decorated vessels. There's always the chance to participate in a parade with your own boat or as a passenger too
Mist Trail
One of the most spectacular, adventurous, and popular hiking trails in Yosemite draws crowds of visitors every day during the high season
Comic-Con International
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
Tufa Towers of Mono Lake
Weird limestone creations that emerge from the lake surface attract naturalists and curious tourists. Are they natural, or is it another art installation?
San Francisco Marathon
A great energetic way to explore the city
World's Ugliest Dog Contest
Beauty varies. Even the ugliest living being can make someone happy
Ice Plant Bloom
One of Pacific Grove's most prominent sights
Disneyland
Try avoiding busy weekends and school holidays to enjoy shorter queues in the day full of rides and fun
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
This spectacular boat show is a great Christmas time family event
Ladybugs
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
Long Beach Christmas Lights
Houses around Naples Island are known to put on the best displays in Southern California
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes
These coastal dunes are a site of interest for several unique reasons. Find out why!
Sunset at Keyhole Arch, Pfeiffer Beach
Winter in California can reveal some real magic of light
Beach Season
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
BottleRock Napa Valley
This music festival in Napa Valley combines amazing performances with culinary shows
Painted Dunes in Lassen Volcanic National Park
The striking colours of volcanic ash dunes are especially spectacular during glow hour
Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival
Feel some Western charm at Santa Clarita valley recreating the atmosphere of its cowboy past
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
People come to Japantown to celebrate spring’s arrival and the joys of life in Japanese way
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Witness breathtaking New Year's celebration with free waterfront fireworks at midnight
dineLA Restaurant Week
The tastiest time of the year in Los Angeles
Sierra Nevada World Music Festival
Groove to the sweet vibes of roots reggae and world music
Lick Observatory
Visit the first permanent mountain top observatory in the world
Emmy Awards
The biggest television event of the year
Academy Awards (Oscars)
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
Moro Rock Hike
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
Los Angeles Marathon
Thousands dream to participate in this prestigious marathon in Los Angeles
California Strawberry Festival
Strawberry pizza anyone?
Walt Disney Family Museum Free Day
Visit one of the best museums in San Francisco for free
Gem-O-Rama at Searles Lake
Mid-October is the only time to experience a crystal hunt at this unique lake
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Go back to Victorian London at the historic Cow Palace Exhibition Halls
Reggae on the River
A community-driven world class reggae festival
Easter
Spiced with local humour, Easter in San Francisco definitely stands out in the crowd
Tioga Road
The highest highway pass in California and Sierra Nevada Mountains
Snorkeling with Leopard Sharks at La Jolla
These species of shark are peaceful and calm creatures that love summer and enjoy warm waters
Palm Springs International Film Festival
Meet some A-list stars and attend exciting presentations and special events followed by glamourous night parties
Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival
From monster trucks to camel races and stunning music performances to remarkable food, there's so much more to do at the fairground
Vans US Open of Surfing
If you are looking for some amazing moves on waves, this event is definitely for you
San Francisco Pride
Huge and spectacular LGBT weekend with over 40 years of history
Ice Skating
The absence of snow is not a reason to give up this Christmas fun—skating outdoors
San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM)
The longest-running film festival in America
Naples Boat Parade
One of the most beautiful holiday traditions in California
Corgi Con
A fun day on the beach with hundreds of cute short-legged dogs
Rae Lakes Loop
Beautiful lakes nestled in scenic High Sierra mountains
Cinco de Mayo
One of the largest celebrations of Mexican culture north of the border
SnowGlobe Music Festival
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
Surfing Santa Competition
Dressed like Santa, surfers raise money for people living with autism
Badwater 135 Ultramarathon
Examine your stamina during one of the hardest races in the world
Cool Patch Pumpkins Corn Maze
Kick off the holiday season and get lost in the world’s largest corn maze
Treasure Island Music Festival
Bay area event, with an eclectic lineup of diverse musicians
Monitor Pass
A great outlook at the eastern Sierra Nevada
Sonora Pass
A beautiful drive in Sierra Nevada mountains
Playboy Jazz Festival
An all-star jazz festival held in an iconic location
Halloween
Amusement parks, scary attractions and amazing costume parties throughout the state
Sierra Madre Wistaria Festival
Every spring over a million purple blossoms drape from the tangled branches, and you can visit the place only during the annual Wistaria Festival
Wine Season
Grape harvest season in SF comes along with beautiful yellow foliage and pleasant temperatures
Cactus Pear
The spiky peel of the cactus pear covers surpeisingly tasty melon-like juicy pulp
Carnaval
Carnival introduces Latin-American and Caribbean cultures which constitute a part of multicultural California
Kayaking and Canoeing
A perfect way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature
Bristlecone Pines
One of the longest living organisms on our planet can be found in the high mountainous regions of California
Monterey Jazz Festival
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!
Subway Cave
A unique chance to explore a large lava tube formed thousands of years ago
4th of July Block Party Fireworks
Celebrate Uncle Sam at the 4th of July Block Party with live music, greetings, and fireworks
Cycling
Picturesque scenery, varied terrain, and gentle weather conditions attract cyclists to the Golden State
Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF)
The red carpet is rolled out, and movie stars are ready to pose in front of the cameras
Bubble Run
A fun 5K race that will wake up your inner child
420 Hippie Hill
Every year, on April 20, thousands flock to Sharon Meadows to celebrate cannabis culture
Huntington Harbour Boat Parade
A maritime extravaganza by the beach is one of the best in California
Paddleboarding (SUP)
One of the most enjoyable and fun water activities is popular all along the California coastline
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
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
Hoes Down Festival
A great place to celebrate the harvest season is Full Belly Farm where the fun never ends, especially for kids
Mount Shasta
This majestic mountain draws lots of hikers, climbers, and mystics
Devils Postpile National Monument
These unique symmetrical columns created by the forces of nature attract people from all over the world
Birdwatching in Ernest E. Debs Park
This kingdom of birds is a delight to any nature fan
Big Horn Sheep
Large animals, dense, and stocky with low and strong limbs, live in the mountains in the vicinity of Los Angeles
Pacific Crest Trail
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
California Roots Festival
Discover what California’s best fest can bring
Alameda County Fair
A summer celebration full of carnival rides, lawn concerts, adorable animals, and funnel cakes
Gilroy Garlic Festival
A three-day celebration of garlic and other delicious foods
California's Great America WinterFest
The Bay Area’s newest popular holiday tradition
Winter Fancy Food Show
The largest specialty food and beverage show on the West Coast
Enchanted: Forest of Light
A magical light display in Los Angeles County
Mount Tallac
Prepare to be stunned by beautiful vistas of Lake Tahoe
Bassi Falls
A beautiful and popular site in El Dorado county
Desolation Wilderness
With dozens of trails and lakes, this area is a hiker's paradise
El Capitan Trail
One of most famous trails of Yosemite Park
Surf Ranch Pro
Unbelievable surfing in California's heartland along with beach fun, music and parties
Wasteland Weekend
Spend a few days of your life in a "Mad Max" movie setting
Napa Valley Jazz Getaway
A must-do event for a true jazz enthusiast
Grammy Awards
Everyone who loves music is waiting for this glamorous event to see the best shows and performances, best singers, and great bands
Kiteboarding
Just choose the right season and the right spot to enjoy your favourite water activity in the Sunny State
Sea Otter Classic
Check out these fascinating racing competitions and one of the largest bike expos in the US—this event is a real celebration of cycling
Diving around Santa Catalina Island
Crystal clear waters near the island of Santa Catalina with its rich underwater world are perfect for diving
California International Marathon
With spectacular State Capitol Finish this marathon features an easy downhill course and can help you to qualify for the Boston Marathon
Oakland Restaurant Week
Ten days to get the best of Oakland's restaurant scene
Christmas Lights
Immerse yourself in a festive Christmas atmosphere
Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade
A popular holiday event draws spectators from all over Silicon Valley
Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
A signature holiday event of Palm Springs and Coachella Valley
Winter Fest OC
Winter wonderland does exist in Southern California, you'll find it in Orange County
Joshua Tree Music Festival
Great lineup in the middle of Mojave desert
Lightning In A Bottle
Dance, party and socialize at this boutique music festival
Lassen Peak Trail
Stand atop an active volcano with the largest lava dome on Earth
Big Pine Lakes
Seven dazzlingly beautiful lakes in a single-day hike..let's go?
Long Beach Jazz Festival
The only jazz festival in Southern California
Loch Leven Lakes
A beautiful chain of lakes high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
4th of July
A dazzling celebration of America's independence around the scenic Lake Tahoe
Grouse Lake
An oasis nestled among rocks and beautiful granite slabs
Freel Peak
A popular climbing spot in Sierra Nevada Mountains
LA Korean Festival
The biggest event in Los Angeles Koreatown
