California is one of the best destinations to visit during the summertime. On top of that, there are many spectacular and best places to visit in California in July. From beach towns to hiking destinations and big cities, there are endless opportunities to explore.
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Where to Stay in California
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Best Places to Visit in California in July: Northern California
Santa Cruz
By Liam from Travels Around Spain
Located just an hour’s drive south of San Jose, Santa Cruz is one of the best places to visit in California in July. In July, California experiences some of its best weather, making Santa Cruz the perfect location for a whole host of activities.
Smaller than its more famous Californian neighbors, Santa Cruz is famous for its stunning beaches. July is the perfect time to sunbathe, swim in the sea and relax on the beach. Moreover, the area is famous for surfing, drawing beginners and experienced surfers from far and wide. It is the perfect place the learn how to surf!
Aside from the beach, the city has an iconic boardwalk full of thrilling rides, arcade games and food vendors, making it a great spot to explore at night and sure to keep visitors of all ages occupied. Downtown Santa Cruz also has a diverse restaurant scene with plenty of different cuisines and plenty of independent boutiques selling souvenirs and one-of-a-kind pieces.
If part of a wider California trip, I would recommend spending 2-3 days there but as a standalone destination, there is enough to do for a longer period. You could stay for a week and still have fun!
From San Jose, you can get the 17 bus which takes around an hour and leaves every hour from the center of the city. If you have access to a car, the drive will take around 40 minutes.
Like most of California and the US, traveling on a budget can be a little tricky. Expect to pay around $190 per night for two sharing in a hotel. Another good option is AirBnb. With Santa Cruz being a popular destination, there are quite a few AirBnB options that are cheaper than hotels. I recommend you stay closer to the beach as this is where Santa Cruz’s main attractions are. On my trip around California, Santa Cruz was one of my favorite stops and somewhere I would recommend everyone visit when touring The Golden State.
Lake Tahoe
By Karen of Family Travels on a Budget
While it’s well known for winter skiing, July is a great time to visit Lake Tahoe to take advantage of all the natural beauty this area offers. The weather is perfect for hiking, though the trails and parking get a bit crowded, so start early each day.
Three days allows time to appreciate the South Lake Tahoe hikes without being too rushed. The Rubicon Trail at D. L. Bliss State Park is a beautiful hiking trail with stunning views. (The state park is closed in 2024, but you can access the trail through Emerald Bay State Park.)
Another great trail is at Eagle Falls, with breathtaking views of Emerald Bay. Or, take the out and back trail to Eagle Lake for more of a challenge. Another popular trail is the Vikingsholm Trail to this famous castle at Emerald Bay.
In the summer months, home tours are offered daily. For a more relaxing option, take the gondola ride at Heavenly to take in panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. After the gondola ride, enjoy dinner at Gunbarrel Tavern and Eatery in Heavenly for a great meal in a fun atmosphere. You’ll need a car to get around Lake Tahoe.
With a variety of lodging options, your trip to South Lake Tahoe can accommodate most any budget, and the views are priceless. It is one of the best places to visit in California in July.
Best Places to Visit in California in July: Central California
Yosemite National Park
By Shweta of Zest In A Tote
July at Yosemite National Park is summer at its best. All high-country roads and hiking trails are open, skies are clear, and the weather is hot and dry. The meadows are full of wildflowers, lovely to look at on your hikes. On the downside, you will get crowds in this beautiful park, especially on July 4th. Hotel prices would be at their peak, so it is best to stay outside the park or book camping facilities well in advance. There will be lines for shuttle buses, and traffic to enter the park.
You can easily spend a week here, but I recommend a 3-day Yosemite Itinerary to appreciate the highlights for first-time visitors. There is plenty to do at Yosemite in July. Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes from towering granite cliffs such as El Capitan and Half Dome. Glacier Point Road offers a wide variety of scenic drives.
There are waterfalls like Yosemite Falls to be seen but do note that such major attractions will have crowds in summer time. There are plenty of day hiking option thus making Yosemite one of the best places to visit in California in July.
July is great for backpacking, so it is possible to escape the crowds that descend in Yosemite Valley. Summer is the only time when water sports such as whitewater rafting is available. Yosemite is a very large park, so it’s best to have a car to reach the park and drive inside as well.
Solvang
By Yukti of Travel With 24×7
Solvang, a fairytale town on the West Coast of the USA, is a fantastic place to visit in California in July. Danish Americans developed this region in 1911, so the city is Danish-styled. Santa Ynez mountains surround this little Danish town on the USA’s western coast.
Solvang in July offers a perfect blend of charming Danish culture, vibrant summer festivities, and outdoor adventures, making it a must-visit destination and one of the best places to visit in California in July and a great Central Coast destination.
The top three things to do in Solvang are to take a walking street tour to witness Danish architecture and vibes, eat/shop across Danish restaurants and boutique shops all around, and finally visit Ostrichland feeding farm to experience Ostriches strolling in Santa Ynez Valley. The architecture, culture, and other things here in Solvang will transport you to Denmark.
July is an excellent time to explore the region’s wineries and vineyards, many offering outdoor tastings with stunning views of the surrounding hillsides. From crisp whites to robust reds, there’s a wine for every palate.
July brings various events and festivals to Solvang. The town often hosts cultural celebrations, music concerts, and food festivals, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture.
The nearest big International airport is Los Angeles which is about 128 miles away.
When visiting Solvang, make sure to stop at the Danish style Windmills, the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, the Old Mission Santa Ines, the Wilding Museum, and the Ostrich Farm.
Strolling around is the best thing to do here. There is no specific tourist attraction, but all Danish-themed houses, shops, and facilities. Admiring this town’s architecture is a unique experience. The weather is typically warm and pleasant in July, perfect for leisurely exploring the Solvang’s nooks and crannies.
Royal Copenhagen Inn is located centrally and has fantastic architecture. July is indeed considered the peak tourist season in Solvang, California. As a result, accommodation prices tend to be higher in July, and booking accommodations well in advance is advisable to secure the best deals.
Solvang is a mid-budget destination in California and not a very cheap destination. You can save money by booking your accommodations early, going on self-walking trips, and lazing out on beaches. Wine tours can be expensive, as Californian vineyards are world-famous.
Mammoth Lakes
By Jess of Uprooted Traveler
If you’re an outdoor adventurer, Mammoth Lakes is an excellent place for a summer getaway. Given its location, tucked in the eastern Sierra Nevadas, this stunning mountain town enjoys a more moderate July than most of California, with highs in the upper 70s and clear skies. Plus, the surrounding hiking trails at high elevations should finally be free of ice and snow and see vibrant wildflowers blooming round them.
Mammoth Lakes offers endless opportunities to explore its beautiful landscape, including at the nearby Inyo National Forest, which sprawls almost 3,000 square miles. Some of the best trails here include Convict Lake or Lone Pine Lake, the latter of which offers jaw-dropping views of Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States.
If you happen to get an unseasonably warm day, get out on the water at any of the seemingly endless lakes in the region. For example, head to June Lake to paddle in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain or Mono Lake, which is known for its unusual limestone towers called tufas.
After all that outdoor activity, head to one of the hot springs in Mammoth Lakes once the sun goes down to relax. Not only can you enjoy the geothermally-heated waters, but Mammoth is an excellent place to stargaze!
While you could spend weeks exploring the stunning nature around Mammoth, plan for at least a long weekend here. Mammoth has its own teeny airport, Mammoth Yosemite Airport, but you’ll likely find more affordable airfare flying into larger cities, like Reno, Las Vegas, or Los Angeles and making the drive from there—plus a rental car will definitely help in exploring this beautiful place! It is also close to Devil’s Postpile National Monument.
Consider making the Tamarack Lodge your homebase during your stay—it’s cozy, affordable, and has an excellent location. Mammoth is one of the best places to visit in California in July.
Best Places to Visit in California in July: Southern California
Catalina Island
By Ossama Awesome Traveler
Catalina Island is one of the best places to visit in California in July because of the optimal weather conditions and abundance of activities during this pleasant month. Therefore, stick around to find out about the best things to do in Santa Catalina Island.
First of all, let’s clear out the weather condition of Catalina Island in July. The water temperature is around the low mid 70s, which makes it a perfect time to enjoy water activities, such as swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, and parasailing.
I tried parasailing in Catalina Island for the first time, and it was the best experience I ever had. As you glide above the ocean, you can see the Island and the Pacific Ocean in the bird’s eye. It is an irresistible notion and something you do not want to miss.
To get to Catalina Island, you need to cruise by a passenger ferry or take a helicopter ride in Los Angeles Mainland Port. Both can offer an exceptional experience, so you can choose what suits you best. I took the passenger ferry, and it was a fun experience after all.
You do not need a car to get around the island, you can book a golf cart to see the beauty of what Catalina has to offer. The beaches in Catalina island are the best option where you can chill and enjoy water sport activities. You can simply walk around the beach or expose your body to the sun’s radiation. You can see lots of people getting tan at the beaches, but do not forget to apply sunscreen.
Another common activity on the island is zip lining. As you zigzag at 600 feet above Descanso Beach Club, you would be rewarded with an oceanic view, passing by canyon and eucalyptus trees at a speed of 35 mph.
I would recommend you to stay at Hotel Atwater, especially if you come with your loved one. It offers a fancy and luxurious stay, where it is close to many attractions. The whole trip would cost you around $300 to $600 depending on what experiences you want to try. You can definitely visit the island on a budget and spend less. More research is required.
Disneyland
By Julie of Family Trips and Travels
Disneyland is one of the best places to visit in California in July. Visiting Disneyland during July brings summer fun and excitement. While it can get busy because of school breaks, it is also when the park really comes to life with special summer events, parades, and nightly fireworks.
If you want to get the most out of a trip to Disneyland, plan for 2-3 days. This allows you enough time to visit both Disneyland Park and California Adventure. You can also save money and do less days with a park hopper pass that gives access to both theme parks.
Disneyland is located in Anaheim, about an hour’s drive from Los Angeles depending on traffic. For those flying in, the closest airport is John Wayne Airport in Orange County, with Los Angeles International Airport as another viable option. Having a car gives you more freedom to explore beyond the parks, but if you’re just here for Disneyland, you don’t really need one. Shuttle services, public transportation, and ride-sharing options are readily available from the airports and within the surrounding area.
There are plenty of options for accommodation at every budget. The Disneyland hotels offer incredible theming and included perks when visiting the parks. However, there are tons of walkable hotel options nearby including home-stays that are perfect if you are traveling with family. The extra space makes it easy to spread out and cook meals after a long day at the parks.
Disneyland’s ticket pricing varies based on the date and desired park experience, with options for single park or park-hopper tickets. Planning and purchasing tickets in advance is advised, especially for July. When budgeting for your trip, anticipate costs for tickets, accommodation, meals, and merchandise.
Santa Barbara
By Bradley of Dream Big, Travel Far
Santa Barbara is in full bloom in July because there are many festivals and summer events. The festive air and pleasant weather make this one of the best times to visit the city. At the beginning of the month, you can watch an epic fireworks display by the coast to commemorate Fourth of July, as well as various fun activites at Stearns Wharf, such as cannon firing and live music. From sunset cruises to historic sites, there’s no shortage of things to do in Santa Barbara for everyone and I’d recommend staying for at least two full days. This gives you enough time to enjoy all the popular must-dos!
Then, there’s the annual California Wine Festival that takes place over two days, where you can indulge in local wines, participate in wine tasting, music, food, and shopping. For film enthusiasts, the Free Summer Cinema series is held in an outdoor setting every Friday evening in July and August. Of course, you shouldn’t miss attending one of the many summer concerts at the Santa Barbara Bowl. Santa Barbara makes for one of the best places to visit in California in July.
The city is only a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles, where the closest international airport is. Renting a motorhome or RV is fantastic here as it gives you both transportation and accommodation (there are plenty of oversized vehicle parking lots where you can stay overnight). With that said, Santa Barbara is actually very walkable, and I can recommend walking along the pier and waterfront areas in the early evening. One thing to note is that it’s one of the most expensive cities in California, which is why, as mentioned earlier, visiting in a campervan can be a great idea.
Los Angeles
One of the best places to visit in California in July is Los Angeles. From fantastic beaches to delicious restaurants, everyone can find something they enjoy in this city. In July there are a ton of fun events that go on and it is the perfect weather to visit the beaches.
Visitors should spend at least two days in Los Angeles, but the more time you have the better, so you can explore the entire area and take some day trips from Los Angeles. In Downtown Los Angeles, you can find some of the best restaurants or maybe catch a concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. There are also a ton of museums in the area you can visit. You also will not want to miss the sights of Hollywood. Also, you’ll want to check out this list of the best sites to see for your first visit to Los Angeles.
Depending on the area you are visiting, you may or may not want a car. If you are staying primarily in downtown and Hollywood, you can get away without a car, but if you go any further out, you will want to rent a car. I’d also recommend staying in one of those two areas to be the most centrally located. However, no matter what area you stay in, hotels in Los Angeles are usually $200+ a night.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Visit in California in July
There are so many of the best places to visit in California in July. Aside from the ones above, Carmel, Monterey, Laguna Beach, Sacramento, and San Francisco are all fantastic places to visit during the summer months. Make sure to also check out these amazing places to visit in June.
