Scenic views stretch across California — from rugged coastlines and towering forests to landmarks that shape its cities and culture. Whether you’re chasing a quiet moment, a sense of awe or the perfect photo, the Golden State offers no shortage of places worth the trip.
This story is part of USA TODAY’s Most Treasured Views series, a nationwide project highlighting breathtaking — and sometimes overlooked — sights across the country.
In California, those views span the full landscape, blending natural wonders with historic and architectural icons. Some are world-famous, others invite quieter reflection — all offering a window into what makes the state unforgettable. Here are some of those California treasured views:
17‑Mile Drive, Pebble Beach
This iconic coastal drive delivers one postcard moment after another along the Monterey Peninsula. Visitors wind past rugged cliffs, white-sand beaches and wind‑shaped cypress trees, with sweeping Pacific views at nearly every turn.
Landmarks like the Lone Cypress and crashing surf at Point Joe make this one of California’s most photographed stretches of coastline.
Santa Monica Pier
Jutting out into the Pacific, the Santa Monica Pier blends ocean views with classic California boardwalk energy. It’s known for its sweeping coastal vistas, historic charm and the unmistakable Ferris wheel skyline.
Whether you’re watching the sunset or strolling the planks, it’s a front‑row seat to Southern California beach life.
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Coit Tower, San Francisco
From atop Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower offers panoramic views of San Francisco and the bay, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
The 1930s landmark also features historic murals inside, merging art and scenery into one of the city’s most recognizable viewpoints.
Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
Perched in Griffith Park, the observatory delivers sweeping views of Los Angeles, from downtown skyscrapers to the Hollywood Sign.
It’s a favorite for visitors chasing cinematic moments — especially at sunset, when the city begins to glow.
Hearst Castle, San Simeon
Set high above the Central Coast, Hearst Castle pairs ocean views with opulent architecture. Visitors look out over rolling hills and the Pacific while touring one of the most lavish estates in the country.
The property’s grand design and history make the scenery feel as dramatic as the setting.
Yosemite Valley
Few places in California rival the scale of Yosemite Valley. Granite giants like El Capitan and Half Dome rise above forests and meadows, creating some of the most iconic views in the country.
Waterfalls, cliffs, and open skies make it a defining feature of the Sierra Nevada landscape.
Alcatraz Island
Set in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz offers striking views of both the city skyline and the surrounding waters.
The former prison’s isolation — and its layered history of incarceration and protest — adds weight to the scenery.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Home to some of the largest trees on Earth, these parks offer views that feel both towering and humbling.
The giant sequoias dominate the landscape, with mountain vistas and deep canyons stretching beyond them.
Carmel Mission
In the coastal town of Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea, this historic mission blends architecture, gardens and coastal light.
Its preserved design and peaceful setting offer a quieter, reflective California view rooted in the state’s early history.
Hollywood Sign viewpoints
Seeing the Hollywood Sign up close — or from scenic overlooks — is a classic Los Angeles experience.
The landmark sits against the hills above the city, offering a mix of urban and natural scenery that defines the region.
Manzanar National Historic Site
Set against the stark beauty of the Eastern Sierra, Manzanar is both scenic and sobering. The site tells the story of Japanese Americans incarcerated here during World War II.
The wide‑open desert landscape contrasts with that history, making it one of California’s most powerful places to visit.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park showcases where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, with twisted Joshua trees and striking rock formations.
Wide-open desert terrain shifts from flat valleys to scenic lookouts, with wildlife and seasonal wildflowers adding to the landscape.
Designated an International Dark Sky Park, it’s just as impressive at night, offering some of California’s best stargazing far from city lights.
Explore more amazing locations that helped define American history with USA 250 Most Treasured Views.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: These are California’s treasured views: Stunning scenic spots to visit
Reporting by James Ward, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By James Ward, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
