From the iconic glitz and glam of Hollywood, to the awe-inspiring redwood forests, to the delectable fish tacos in San Diego, California is a state jam-packed with places to see, things to do, and food to eat. It only makes sense that many of these places have gone viral on TikTok in recent years.
In this post, we’ll be sharing some of the most popular must-visit places from the state of California, from viral restaurants and bars to unforgettable experiences perfect for your next adventure.
Psst… looking for more ideas on viral places to visit in California? Check out our full spreadsheet here.
The Most Viral TikTok Places in California
Looking for cool places to visit in California, as seen on TikTok? Here are some of the most viral destinations in California to add to your bucket list.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park, located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, is famous for its stunning natural beauty, including iconic waterfalls, granite cliffs, and diverse wildlife. Visitors flock to Yosemite to witness the breathtaking landscapes and capture the majestic scenery, and TikTok users have contributed to its viral fame through posts like this by TikTok user @outdoorswandering.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park, situated in southeastern California, is celebrated for its unique landscape featuring otherworldly rock formations and the distinctive Joshua Trees. Visitors flock to this park for its ethereal desert scenery, making it a must-see destination on TikTok. TikTok users have embraced the park’s surreal beauty and share their experiences in posts like this one by @eagertravele, contributing to its viral status.
Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park, found in the northern part of California, is renowned for its towering coastal redwood trees, some of the tallest trees on Earth. This awe-inspiring natural wonder has gained TikTok fame for its majestic forests, unique tree formations, and incredible biodiversity. TikTok users often showcase the park’s grandeur in posts like this one by @angelaliggs, leading to its status as a viral sensation.
Carmel by the Sea
Carmel by the Sea, a charming coastal town on the Monterey Peninsula, is famous for its picturesque beaches, quaint cottages, and artistic heritage. Its scenic beauty and artistic atmosphere have made it a viral sensation on TikTok, with users capturing its idyllic streets and coastal views. TikTok posts, like this one by TikTok user @aprilchutravels, have contributed to the town’s popularity on the platform.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe, straddling the border of California and Nevada, is a freshwater lake surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. It’s a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and its natural beauty has made it a TikTok sensation. TikTok users often capture the lake’s crystal-clear waters and scenic landscapes, sharing the allure of this iconic destination in posts like this one by @nicolekauffman3.
The Most Viral TikTok Experiences in California
Whether it’s for your next date night, friends’ adventure, or solo getaway, there are tons of amazing experiences in California that have gone viral on TikTok. Here are some of the most popular:
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier, located in the heart of Santa Monica, is an iconic and historic amusement pier famous for its attractions and oceanfront views. Visitors often capture the vibrant atmosphere of the pier in their TikTok posts, making it a TikTok sensation. Tiktok users continue to urge visitors to visit this pier in posts like this one by @calistreetshots.
Lights at Sensario
Lights at Sensario in Paso Robles is an immersive art installation featuring a mesmerizing display of lights and music. This enchanting experience has become a viral hit on TikTok, with users sharing the mesmerizing visuals and synchronized light shows. TikTok users often visit Sensario to capture its captivating light displays, sharing the magical atmosphere with their followers in viral posts like this one by @aprilchutravels.
Trees of Mystery
The Trees of Mystery, located in the coastal redwoods of northern California, is an attraction showcasing remarkable redwood trees and unique tree formations. This natural wonder has garnered TikTok attention due to its extraordinary beauty. TikTok users often explore the towering redwood forest and share their awe of these ancient giants in posts like this one by @asyatravels, contributing to its viral status.
Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway, a scenic coastal route along California’s coastline, offers breathtaking views of the ocean and landscapes. Travelers frequently capture its beauty in TikTok videos, sharing the allure of this iconic highway. The highway’s winding roads and ocean vistas make for captivating TikTok content, inspiring others to embark on their coastal adventures. Check out this post by user @kt.r3n.
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles is an iconic observatory with panoramic views of the city and the stars. Visitors often share their experiences, including stargazing and cityscape views, making it a viral sensation on TikTok. TikTok users capture the observatory’s impressive architecture and astronomical displays, sharing the wonders of the universe with their followers in posts like this one by @calistreetshots.
The Most Viral TikTok Eats & Drinks in California
Lastly, wondering where to find the most viral food and drink in California? Here are some epic must-tries, as seen on TikTok.
The Little Door
The Little Door in Los Angeles is a romantic French restaurant known for its intimate ambiance and exquisite cuisine. TikTok users have made it famous for showcasing its delectable dishes, candlelit atmosphere, and romantic setting. Viral posts like this one by @michelleromephoto feature the restaurant’s charming courtyard and French-inspired cuisine, contributing to its viral status.
insideOUT
insideOUT in San Diego is a trendy restaurant and rooftop lounge offering a diverse menu and craft cocktails. Its stylish atmosphere and culinary delights have made it a TikTok sensation. TikTok users often showcase the restaurant’s creative cocktails in posts like this one by @elisolanotravels, gourmet dishes, and the rooftop’s scenic views, enticing viewers to experience its trendy vibe.
Shadowbrook
Shadowbrook in Capitola is a historic restaurant nestled in a lush garden setting with a scenic view of the coast. Its picturesque location and delectable dining options have gained attention on TikTok. TikTok users often highlight the restaurant’s charming hillside tram in posts like this one by @travelwithlolo and enchanting garden setting, showcasing the allure of this coastal dining gem.
Glen Blair Bar
Glen Blair Bar in Willits, California, offers a unique and charming dining experience where guests take a vintage railway deep into the forest amongst Redwoods to their dining destination. TikTok users have showcased the novelty of of this experience in viral posts like this one by @brittsbellavita, contributing to the restaurant’s popularity. The vintage atmosphere, delicious meals, and the nostalgic appeal of dining in authentic rail cars make Glen Blair Car a must-visit destination for those seeking a one-of-a-kind dining adventure.
Normandie Club
Normandie Club in Los Angeles is a popular cocktail bar known for its creative and expertly crafted drinks. Its mixology skills and stylish ambiance have made it a TikTok favorite. TikTok users often feature the bar’s artisanal cocktails, bartenders’ craft, and the trendy interior, making it a go-to spot for those seeking Instagram-worthy libations. Check out the vibes in this post by @lomargslist.
Did We Miss Any of Your Favorite California Viral Hotspots?
Let us know in the comments so we can add more recommendations to our list!