Three California cities are among the best places to travel in 2025, joining cities in Portugal, Scotland and Mexico in a list highlighting destinations around the world.
Travel + Leisure has determined the 50 best places to travel next year, highlighting “standout destinations” from nearly 120 nominees. Places that make the list are those that “feel the moment,” offering visitors unique cultural experiences or luxury, among other attractors. Destinations like Budapest, Hungary, and Luxor, Egypt, were selected for the cultural immersion they offer. Foodies are headed to places like Osaka, Japan, and Priorat, Spain.
So which California cities are on the list and what do they offer? Here's what Travel + Leisure had to say.
What are the best places to visit in California?
Sacramento earned a spot on the Travel + Leisure list, ranked in the big city thrills category. The travel media brand described Sacramento as a place travelers are finally taking seriously among popular Northern California destinations such as San Francisco and Yosemite National Park. Travel + Leisure also highlighted Sacramento's presence in the Michelin Guide and its “impressive lineup of food and music festivals.”
The southernmost location in California to make the list was San Diego, ranked among other dining and drinking destinations. It has been praised for its dining scene, in part for new restaurants expected in 2025 that will join San Diego's “impressive lineup of fine restaurants,” including Addison's — which made OpenTable successful. the 100 best restaurants in 2024.
The final destination in California to make the list was Santa Monica, listed in the beach vibe category. Travel + Leisure said the Los Angeles County city's new restaurants, shops and hotels have made it “especially exciting” as it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025.
What are the best places to visit in the United States?
California is not the only American state to receive some recognition. Here are all the other places in the United States that made Travel + Leisure's list.
- Detroit
- Portland, Oregon
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Universal Orlando
- The Western Slope of Colorado
- San Antonio, TX
- Sanibel Island, Florida
- Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
- Anchoring
- Deer Valley, Utah
Paris Barraza is a trendy journalist who covers California news at the Desert Sun. Contact her at pbarraza@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.
