California is in many ways the most iconic American state and annually sees the highest number of visitors in the country.

Everything from the Hollywood hills to Disneyland to the mountaintops in Yosemite bring travelers from around the US and around the world.

California is home to some of the top attractions in the United States.

Known for sunshine and beautiful beaches, the Golden State is the home of the rich and famous but also some of the most jaw-dropping natural spaces in the country.

Here is a quick look at 10 famous landmarks in California that you must add to your Cali bucket list.

10 Famous Landmarks in California

1. Golden Gate Bridge

You can walk, jog, bicycle, or drive across California’s most famous landmark.

Since 1937 it has been the symbol of San Francisco.

The Golden Gate Bridge is 1.7 miles (2,737 m) long and takes about 30 minutes to walk across – each way, so plan for at least 1 hour if you decide to walk the bridge.

Did you know that the Golden Gate Bridge is the most photographed bridge in the world? It is a gorgeous sight to see!

Top Places to Photograph the Golden Gate Bridge

Baker Beach
Fort Point
Hawk Hill
Marshall’s Beach
Battery Spencer

Remember, Golden Gate Bridge is often cloaked in fog, so hope for a clear day or try to visit in the afternoon when it’s more likely the fog has already lifted.

We’ve also included the bridge as our final site among the top 30 stops for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip from LA to San Francisco.

Golden Gate Bridge is California's most famous landmark.

A famous California landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge looks stunning on a clear day

2. Hollywood Sign

When it comes to famous landmarks in California, few can top the iconic nature of the Hollywood sign.

It’s one of the top attractions in Los Angeles.

This simple white installation dates back to the golden age of Hollywood in the roaring twenties and had its humble beginnings as a real-estate marketing tool.

These days, one can’t help to admire how nine steel letters have had such a significant impact.

You can appreciate the sign from almost every angle in Los Angeles. But for the ultimate California experience you’ll want to get up close to the sign.

You can reach the sign with a hike from Griffith Observatory or head to the entrance at Griffith Park and follow the Bronson Canyon trail.

READ MORE: 25 Fun Road Trips from LA

3. Big Sur

Escape the urban sprawl by heading to California’s central coast, Big Sur is a must-see stop on any Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Big Sur is the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the country and its rugged beauty is truly spectacular.

Visit one of the six state parks in the area, go hiking, camping, or swimming, or simply drive along the edge of the unspoiled cliffs and over Bixby Creek Bridge.

Big Sur will leave a lasting impression on all who pass through its expansive landscape and keep you coming back for more.

Bixby Creek Bridge is an unforgettable landmark on California’s Pacific Coast Highway

4. Getty Museum

New York has the MoMA, DC has the National Gallery of Art, and California has the Getty Museum.

The Getty is one of the most visited museums in the country. Millions of people flock here each year to see iconic works like Van Gogh’s “Irises” and Gauguin’s “Arii Matamoe”.

Not only does the museum hold thousands of valuable artworks and manuscripts but its architecture and location alone are worth a visit.

The modern building, which is valued at almost $1.3 billion, sits high above the Los Angeles skyline in Brentwood and offers superb views across the valley.

5. Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier is another unmissable landmark in California that will invoke a sense of childlike wonder and excitement.

The red and yellow Ferris wheel and winding rollercoaster of Santa Monica are classic rides thrilling visitors for years.

You can access this solar-powered amusement park for free and simply pay a few dollars per ride or game.

Eat your fill of hotdogs and cotton candy and stick around to see the sunset from the beach for one of the most unforgettable experiences in California.

Santa Monica Pier neon California landmark at night.

Santa Monica Pier is a fun-filled California landmark – it’s a popular fishing spot and an amusement park

6. Yosemite Valley

Nature lovers routinely make a beeline to Yosemite Valley to get a taste of the dramatic rock formations that are abundant in Yosemite National Park.

Everything from the Half-Dome to the Yosemite Falls and the captivating face of El-Capitan will leave you in awe of California’s natural beauty.

Drive up Glacier Point Road (weather permitting) for some of the best views or tackle one of the grueling hikes up the mountain if you are feeling ambitious.

Whichever way you choose, visiting Yosemite is a must when in California. Best time to visit is from May through September, it’s one of the best national parks to visit in fall.

A road trip to Yosemite National Park will leave you in awe of such landmarks as El Capitan

7. Alcatraz

Alcatraz was a real-life prison until the 1960s on a small island off the coast of San Francisco and housed infamous criminals like Al-Capone.

Today the tides have changed, and people pay to sail to the island instead of risking life and limb to get away from it.

Guided tours will take you inside the notorious cell block and a behind-the-scenes tour will give you unprecedented access to previously inaccessible areas of the island.

The ferry ride from Fisherman’s Wharf is scenic in its own right but a spooky nighttime tour of the island might just be the most exhilarating way to explore Alcatraz.

Alcatraz is also on our list of best day trips from San Francisco

8. Griffith Observatory

High above Los Angeles, perched on Hollywood Hill, is a true icon of California, the Griffith Observatory.

If you aren’t an avid stargazer, you still might recognize this domed institution as the backdrop for Adele’s show-stopping “One Night Only” concert or the setting for one of La La Land’s most memorable scenes.

Visit the observatory to peer into the cosmos through the telescopes or take your time to explore the fascinating scientific and astrological exhibitions at the center.

It is one of the best free things to do in California and the hikes in and around Griffith Park are equally unmissable.

Griffith Observatory California landmark.

Visit Griffith Observatory for a unique experience and a truly remarkable landmark in California

9. Hearst Castle

This castle is a historic estate midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles in San Simeon State Park, a short drive from Cambria which is a cute California coastal town.

Hearst Castle was the home of publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst for more than twenty years.

Julia Morgan, the first woman to earn an architect’s license in California, designed Hearst Castle in the Mediterranean Revival style.

The estate spans across a massive 51 hectares and visitors are left in awe of the grandeur and of this 1920s castle in California.

The wood-clad drawing room and lavish swimming pools are some of the highlights of a guided tour at Hearst Castle.

Afterwards you can walk the expansive and extravagant gardens around the castle and enjoy the views.

Hearst Castle is a California landmark in San Simeon with an extraordinary Roman style indoor swimming pool

10. Muir Woods

The giant redwood trees of California are one of the most famous natural attractions of the state.

Muir Woods is only 12 miles from San Francisco making it one of the most accessible places to see an old-growth coastal redwood forest.

Read our guide to visiting Muir Woods.

Its proximity to the Pacific ensures it is usually shrouded in an eerie layer of fog that in turn promotes dense plant growth.

You can walk at the forest basin along the Cathedral Grove and Bohemian Grove trails or meander up the hill on the Ben Johnson and Dipsea trails to see the lush foliage from high above.

This is the perfect day trip in Northern California if you are looking to escape the bustling city life for some tranquility in the forest.