Top 4 Views in California

Updated August 7, 2023

1. Rocky Point, Big Sur

California has an incredible 840 miles of Pacific coastline, so there is a long list of excellent viewpoints of the ocean to choose from. At the top of the list is Rocky Point in Big Sur. Located about 30 minutes south of Monterey, famous for its world-class aquarium, the waves of the Pacific crash dramatically across miles of cliffs and craggy rocks to create a scene that is both serene and powerful. Rocky Point juts out from the mainland, and has a high enough elevation for you to fully soak in the beauty of the California coastline.

2. Hollywood Sign, Hollywood

The Hollywood sign has stood above Los Angeles in the Hollywood Hills for nearly 100 years, and is now one of California’s most recognisable landmarks. The views from the area around the sign show off the splendour of the Los Angeles basin, and it is especially beautiful around sunset. To reach the hills, drive up Beachwood Canyon and pass by numerous mansions and custom homes owned by movie and television stars.

3. Lake Tahoe

Most overseas visitors to California don’t associate it with snowy mountain tops, but the truth is that a large portion of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range resides in eastern edge of the state and many peaks here are high enough for alpine conditions. Stunning Lake Tahoe is a very popular resort area for local Californians and is in close proximity to hiking trails and ski resorts. Drive around the lake or take a cruise to view the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains tower over this azure blue lake.

4. Sausalito

Sausalito is a gem of a town located across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. Home to many of the Bay Area’s rich and famous, it’s the perfect place for boutique shopping or a gourmet lunch with a view. Take a walk along the town’s bayside promenade to get the greatest views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge and the water. The easiest way to get to Sausalito from the city by the bay is to catch the ferry from the Ferry Building that departs several times a day.