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Brazil, Italy and Sacramento? 3 California cities make best places to travel to in 2025 list

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Brazil, Italy and Sacramento? 3 California cities make best places to travel to in 2025 list

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Three California cities are among the best places to travel to in 2025, joining places in Portugal, Scotland and Mexico in a list highlighting locations worldwide.

Travel + Leisure determined the 50 best places to travel to next year, spotlighting “noteworthy destinations” out of nearly 120 contenders. Places that made the list are ones that “feel of 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 directed to places like Osaka, Japan, and Priorat, Spain.

So, which California cities made the list, and what do they offer? Here’s what Travel + Leisure had to say.

What are the top places to visit in California?

Sacramento earned a spot on the Travel + Leisure list, categorized under big city thrills. The travel media brand described Sacramento as a place travelers are finally taking seriously amid popular northern California destinations such as San Francisco and Yosemite National Park. Travel + Leisure also highlighted Sacramento’s presence on the Michelin Guide and its “impressive lineup of food and music festivals.”

The southernmost location in California to make the list was San Diego, categorized with other food and drink destinations. It was praised for its culinary scene, partly for the new, anticipated restaurants coming in 2025 to join San Diego’s already “impressive lineup of good eats,” including Addison — which made OpenTable’s top 100 restaurants in 2024.

The final destination in California to make the list was Santa Monica, categorized under beach vibes. Travel + Leisure said that the new restaurants, shops, and hotels in Los Angeles County city made this moment “particularly exciting” as it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025.

What are the best places to visit in the US?

California wasn’t the only state in America to earn some recognition. Here are all the other locations in the U.S. that made Travel + Leisure’s list.

  • Detroit
  • Portland, Oregon
  • Charleston, South Carolina
  • Universal Orlando
  • Colorado’s Western Slope
  • San Antonio, Texas
  • Sanibel Island, Florida
  • Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
  • Anchorage
  • Deer Valley, Utah

Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

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