10 California Landmarks No Visitor Should Miss

Few structures scream "California" quite like the Golden Gate Bridge. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait at the entrance to San Francisco Bay, this marvel of architecture and engineering opened in 1937 and was once the longest suspension bridge in the world.

Its distinctive orange-red hue isn't just for looks; it helps with visibility in the region's famously dense fog. The bridge has become a symbol of the West Coast and a must-see for visitors.

Located in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada, this site tells one of America's most sobering stories. During World War II, more than 10,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated here.

Today, it's a National Historic Site run by the National Park Service, serving as a testament to the resilience of the Japanese American citizens who lived through that chapter of history.

Set on the Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego, this monument honors Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot on what is now the U.S. West Coast in 1542.

The site offers sweeping views of the Pacific Coast, a lighthouse, tide pools and exhibits that highlight early exploration and the area's military history.

Tucked beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point was constructed by the U.S. Army in the mid-19th century to guard San Francisco Bay.

The military fort never saw battle, but its strategic importance and architecture make it one of California's standout historical landmarks. The fort has been restored to honor its role in America's defense system.

Known as the "Queen of the Missions," this 1786 Spanish mission showcases stunning terracotta tile roofs and preserved buildings that reflect California's colonial past.

It's an essential stop for anyone exploring California State Parks and offers insights into how mission life helped shape the state's cultural and agricultural landscape.

Once a notorious military prison and federal penitentiary, Alcatraz is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Located in the San Francisco Bay, this island museum features stories of infamous inmates, daring escapes and the prison's transformation into a symbol of Native American civil rights activism.

Built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, this lavish estate on the Central Coast is a tour de force of architecture and opulence.

Managed by California State Parks, the castle includes multiple guest houses, sprawling gardens and an art collection rivaling some city museums. It captures the glamour and ambition of early 20th-century America.

Step back in time in this preserved district that marks the birthplace of modern California. With restored structures, museums and shops that evoke the early days of the Mexican Republic and the U.S. annexation, it showcases the blend of cultures that characterize Southern California.

A former military post turned public park, the Presidio has been at the heart of San Francisco's history since 1776. Today, it's a hub of historic preservation, natural beauty, and cultural experiences.

Managed in part by the National Park Service, it houses the Walt Disney Family Museum and offers trails that meander past military facilities and scenic overlooks.

A jewel in the crown of architecture in Southern California, this downtown LA landmark melds ancient Egyptian, Mediterranean and Spanish influences. It serves as the headquarters of the city's library system and stands as a beacon of knowledge and civic pride.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.