The Top 5 Most Iconic Landmarks To Visit In California

California has never been short on spectacle. From the early days of westward expansion to the rise of global entertainment industries, the state's iconic image has grown to mythic proportions over the past 175 years. Its most recognizable places are symbols of creativity, glamor, and ambition.

California's famous landmarks often evoke a feeling of familiarity, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Hollywood sign. They have been photographed, filmed, and reimagined many times over the years. Yet, nothing compares to getting out there and seeing them for yourself — in living color. 

The iconic destinations featured here draw millions of visitors each year. They are the perfect springboards for longer journeys into the state's dazzling history and ancient landscapes. Using the expertise of tourism boards, reputable travel publications, and local experts, the sites below were selected to reflect the breadth of California's identity, with attention to both cultural significance and geographic range. Together, they offer a comprehensive overview of the state's most exceptional places.

Rival to none, Hollywood has been a force to reckon with since the early 20th century. And when one thinks of Hollywood, most people imagine those nine white letters adorning the side of a sunbaked mountain. The Hollywood Sign is 350 feet long and 45 feet tall. It has been overlooking Los Angeles from Mount Lee, which belongs to the greater Santa Monica Mountains, since 1923.

There are several viewpoints from which to see the Hollywood Sign in all of its glory. The Griffith Observatory, built atop Mount Hollywood in the 4,210-acre Griffith Park, offers excellent views of the sign at a distance. While you're there, check out everything the observatory has to offer. Admission is free, though there are parking fees.

There are three main hiking trails recommended by the Hollywood Sign Trust, the non-profit that promotes and preserves the historic landmark. Each of them is located in Griffith Park and accessible from the observatory. They range from easy to difficult, and the easy ones are typically longer in distance with less of an incline. The easiest hike — best suited for families with children — is the Mount Hollywood Trail, which spans 5.3 miles in total and takes just over two-and-a-half hours to complete. The most difficult hike is the Cahuenga Peak Trail — the highest peak in the park — and spans 3 miles total, with an elevation change of 875 feet. In the evening, hikers are treated to magnificent views of the sun setting over Los Angeles. However, keep in mind that the sign itself is not illuminated at night. 

The Golden Gate Bridge attracts millions of visitors every year. In 2025, the National Park Service (NPS) reported that Golden Gate National Recreation Area received the most visitors of all its 28 destinations in California, with 15.7 million visitors. Since its opening in 1937, the iconic vermillion-colored steel suspension bridge has provided safe passage for automobiles, bikes, and pedestrians across the Golden Gate (the strait connecting San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean). The bridge is a feat of engineering and a site to behold, with towers rising 746 feet above the water and a main span stretching 1.7 miles across.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area is the most popular place to visit for a good view of this timeless landmark. The Battery East Trail is a popular multi-use trail with an overlook directly facing the bridge. There are 250 trails across 140 miles within the Golden Gate National Parks system, each of them offering a unique perspective of the area's natural landscapes.

Another fun way to see the Golden Gate Bridge is from the water. The Golden Gate Ferries are part of San Francisco's public transit system, connecting visitors from the city to surrounding communities, with dramatic views along the way. A one-way ticket starts at $14 per adult, and there are multiple departures throughout the day. It's one of the most breathtaking ways to view the bridge from multiple angles. As one previous visitor said on Tripadvisor, "The ferry gives you ages to watch it approach, even if the clouds are low and it appears from the gloom." Others note that the Larkspur Ferry, in particular, offers views of Alcatraz Island, one of the most popular attractions in California.

It could be said that what defines a true landmark is its connection to the natural landscape, so it's no wonder that the ancient towering trees of California's famous redwood forests make the list. The old-growth redwood trees on California's north coast are known for their soaring heights. People travel from all over the world to see the ancient groves in the Redwoods National and State Parks in Crescent City, California. It's home to the world's tallest living tree at over 380 feet tall – the park has named it Hyperion, the name for a titan in Greek mythology. The area is also a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it is the last-remaining coastal redwood forest that has existed here for roughly 160 million years.

While Hyperion itself is not accessible due to conservation efforts, there are hundreds of miles of trails to view the redwood groves and surrounding natural landscapes, including beaches and prairies. For example, the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, named after former First Lady Claudia Alta Taylor "Lady Bird" Johnson, is a relatively easy 1.5-mile loop through impressive redwoods, Douglas-firs, and tanoaks. After a hike, break for lunch at the Crescent Beach picnic area. While not ideal for swimming, the spot offers a kid-friendly trail, delightful ocean views, and a sandy shoreline. For those planning a longer road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway, this majestic park is a necessary stop. 

Sitting on a 3-mile stretch of urban beach within Los Angeles County, the Santa Monica Pier represents California's old-school charm that has effortlessly aged into an iconic vintage attraction. Originally built in 1916, it steadily gained popularity as a site for seaside leisure and entertainment. The iconic Santa Monica Pier Carousel opened in 1939, featuring hand-carved animals and illuminated by over 1,000 lights. It is housed in the Looff Hippodrome, which is recognized on the register of National Historic Landmarks. In 1941, the iconic Santa Monica Yacht Harbor neon sign had its debut and remains a popular spot for taking photos. Today, the pier's Pacific Park features amusement rides, games, shops, live shows, and a variety of restaurants and food stalls. 

One of the pier's most recognizable landmarks is the Pacific Wheel. It's among the more recent additions, built in 1996, and is said to be the only solar-powered ferris wheel in the world. The gondola-style wheel whisks passengers 130 feet above the pier, overlooking Santa Monica and the magnificent coastline. At night, the wheel is lit up by 174,000 LED bulbs that produce a dazzling light show. 

A great time to visit the pier is during the Pier 360 Beach Festival that celebrates Santa Monica's beach culture in one lively weekend. Typically held in late June on the pier deck, this free, family-friendly event features live music, food and drink vendors, and the chance to watch competitions like beach volleyball and tandem surfing. 

One of the best places to immerse yourself in the otherworldly landscapes of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts is in Southern California's Joshua Tree National Park. It has been the set of many Hollywood productions over the years, and its surreal rock formations draw climbing enthusiasts from around the world. The rare geology, flora, and fauna of this region make it one of the most photogenic parts of California.

Among the main attractions is the roughly 870,000 Joshua trees around the park, which are the largest species of yucca in the world. If you want to stand in a forest of Joshua trees, try the Cap Rock Hike. It's an easy half-mile loop that winds amid Joshua trees and other desert vegetation. It's important to begin this hike before 10 a.m., as there's no shade cover and the sun is merciless. Another popular place is Keys View, which has a wheelchair-accessible viewpoint with sweeping vistas of the Coachella Valley and even Mexico's Signal Mountain on clear days.

Joshua Tree is a designated International Dark Sky Park, and offers four designated stargazing areas: Ryan Mountain, Cap Rock, Quail Springs, and Hidden Valley. When planning your visit, keep in mind that you'll be traveling to a remote area not serviced by gas stations, restaurants, or other amenities. Be sure to pack your own food and supplies. Campsites are available by reservation and often fill up quickly during the busy season, which runs from October through May.