2020 was one for the books, wasn’t it? Covid-19, earthquakes, travel restrictions, no indoor dining, and lest we forget…murder hornets. Due to the travel restrictions, most people had to forego their travel plans for the year and that is what inspired this post.

I have to believe that a lot of you had plans to visit California in 2020 but could not. With things looking up due to the availability of the vaccine, you may be starting to resume vacation plans for 2021. If so, this post is for you.

This is assuming that things will improve and get back to normal in 2021. If things don’t, then I obviously recommend that everyone do their part and respect the rules at each individual site should you decide to travel.

Without further delay, here is my list of the 26 best California destinations for your 2021 vacation.

1) Yosemite National Park

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it a thousand times more; if you’ve never been to Yosemite, you need to start planning now. If this list was just for the top 3 places in California, Yosemite would still make it. Do keep in mind that throughout the 2021 summer season, you will need a day use reservation in order to drive into the park.

2) Big Sur

Rugged coastlines, seaside cliffs, ocean views for miles, and many beautiful state parks, Big Sur should be at the top of everyone’s California bucket list. Making it an even better destination is its proximity to other small coastal towns such as Carmel, Monterey Bay, and Santa Cruz.

3) Disneyland Resort

Flo’s V8 Cafe. Disney California Adventure. Anaheim, California.

Closed for much of 2020, Disney fans are eagerly waiting for the park’s reopening in 2021 (myself included). Both Disneyland Park and neighboring California Adventure are California staples and are sure to return to their former glory once they’re allowed to resume operations.

4) Devil’s Postpile

Also closed for much of 2020 and its shuttle service suspended due to covid, Devil’s Postpile is poised for big crowds this year wanting to see this massive volcanic masterpiece. If everything goes according to plan, you can expect the monument to open sometime in mid-June.

5) Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco, California.

One of the most recognizable landmarks in not just the state, but the entire world, the Golden Gate Bridge is a sight to behold and experience. Did you know that you could walk across it? On both sides of the bridge are walking paths that give you walking and biking access to this engineering marvel.

6) Bodie State Historic Park

Bodie State Historic Park. Bridgeport, California.

There are many abandoned ghost towns in California but for my money, Bodie tops the list. Often referred to as the, “Disneyland”, of ghost towns, Bodie offers dozens of well preserved buildings and the mill from its gold rush era.

7) Point Reyes National Seashore

A well preserved portion of California’s rugged coast, Point Reyes offers epic views, beautiful beaches, ship wrecks, and enough sea lions to provide endless hours of entertainment. Make sure to get a map at the visitor center because there are many unmarked side roads to explore.

8) Mono Lake South Tufas

Located in the small mountain town of Lee Vining, Mono Lake is a saline soda lake that was formed close to 800,000 years ago. The Tufa’s are columns of limestone rock and make for an otherworldly environment, to say the least. Stand on the shore and admire it or go for a swim. Just make sure you don’t have any open cuts on your body. It will hurt.

9) Joshua Tree National Park

Located in Southern California, this National Park contains the largest concentration of Joshua Trees found anywhere in the world! You could easily spend a few days exploring this park or if you’re in a time crunch, seeing it in a day is also possible by driving through the main road.

10) Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Hollywood sign. Los Angeles, California.

While the Hollywood sign can be seen from multiple viewpoints, what could be better than hiking to the top and getting an epic view (albeit from behind)? The trail to the top is moderately strenuous but doable.

11) Hike Lundy Canyon in the Fall

Lundy Canyon waterfall. Lee Vining, California.

There’s never a bad time to hike Lundy Canyon, but hiking it in the fall is the best! Fall colors, especially at their peak, pop like none other in this nature made wonderland. The trail is well maintained and can be strenuous for some.

12) Emerald Bay (Lake Tahoe)

Emerald Bay State Park. Lake Tahoe, California.

The entirety of Lake Tahoe is always worth a visit, but my favorite area of the lake is Emerald Bay State Park. Multiple hiking trails, a scenic viewpoint, waterfalls, and an old historic castle can all be found here.

13) Alabama Hills

A place I like to call, “Whitney’s front yard”, Alabama Hills is just outside of the small town of Lone Pine and is a major destination for adventure seekers. The best part is it’s BLM land, so camping is free and always available.

14) Hike Half Dome

Half Dome is one of Yosemite’s most recognizable landmarks and one of the countries premier hiking trails. I hiked it in 2017 and hope to do so once again this year. It’s not for the faint of heart, though. Training and preparation is key.

15) Convict Lake

Convict Lake. Mammoth Lakes, California.

Convict Lake is super easy to get to; you simply pull up and enjoy! There’s an easy going trail that partially circles the lake and some picnic benches scattered throughout its beaches. Fall, in particular, is a great time to visit.

16) Summit Mount Whitney

Mount Whitney as seen through Mobius Arch.

Mount Whitney is the highest point in the lower 48 and the second highest overall (the highest is Mount Denali in Alaska). Despite its elevation, it’s a fairly straight forward trail to the top and makes for an unforgettable 2-3 day hike.

17) Lake Shasta Caverns

Located in Mount Shasta’s foothills and 900 feet above Shasta Lake, the caverns are a must do for any family or adventurer. The tour includes a guide, a boat ride across the lake, and the tour of the caverns itself.

18) Burney Falls

Seeing this 129-foot natural wonder is an absolute must! This waterfall is easily accessible so everyone and anyone can enjoy it. There’s also a trail that circles above the falls and loops back around to the base.

19) Lassen Volcanic National Park

Never been to Yellowstone? Head over to Lassen to get a small taste of what it’s like. Beautiful lakes, waterfalls, mountain tops, and volcanic activity all come together to create a beautiful park like none other.

20) Bridgeport

A small blink-and-you-miss-it town, Bridgeport is one of California’s best towns for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, fishing, kayaking, mountain climbing, ghost towns, and more can all be enjoyed here!

21) Catalina Island

Catalina Island is located 22 miles off of California’s southern coast and features the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. You could kayak it’s shores in the morning and relax on the beach with a cold drink later that evening.

22) San Diego

One of California’s major cities is also one of its most beautiful. The San Diego Zoo, Marina, La Jolla Shores, Old Town, and more. It’s located just a couple hours south of Los Angeles, making it a fairly easy day trip.

23) Tour Alcatraz

Alcatraz Island. San Francisco, California.

Tour California’s most infamous prison that once housed Al Capone and several other notable names from the criminal underworld. The prison shut down in its official capacity in 1963 and was reopened as a tourist attraction 10 years later. Tours depart daily from San Francisco.

24) Ride Trolleys in San Francisco

Street trolley. San Francisco, California.

In my opinion, San Francisco is THE most gorgeous big city in California. There’s so much to do and see; no article could cover it all. One of the most classic things to do is ride their world famous street trolleys through its hilly roads. You have to do it at least once.

25) Wine Tasting in Napa

Are you a wine aficionado? If so, you need to book a trip to Napa. There’s so many wineries and fine dining restaurants that you will have a hard time trying to fit them all in. You could go about it yourself or book a tour to handle it all for you.

26) Manzanar National Historic Site

Last, but certainly not least, a visit to Manzanar is a must for everyone, in my book. Manzanar was used as a relocation camp for Japanese-Americans during World War II. It’s a sad, unfortunate reminder of our past but places like this have the power to inspire us to be and do better.

There you have it. 26 amazing destinations in California that would make a perfect vacation for you and your family in 2021. Did I miss something that you think so be on the list? Tell me about it in the comments below.