San Francisco, CA
These are California’s treasured views: Stunning scenic spots to visit
See some of USA TODAY’s top culturally significant landmarks
From the Hoover Dam to Lady Liberty, discover some of USA TODAYs Most Treasured Views in America for 2026.
Scenic views stretch across California — from rugged coastlines and towering forests to landmarks that shape its cities and culture. Whether you’re chasing a quiet moment, a sense of awe or the perfect photo, the Golden State offers no shortage of places worth the trip.
This story is part of USA TODAY’s Most Treasured Views series, a nationwide project highlighting breathtaking — and sometimes overlooked — sights across the country.
In California, those views span the full landscape, blending natural wonders with historic and architectural icons. Some are world-famous, others invite quieter reflection — all offering a window into what makes the state unforgettable. Here are some of those California treasured views:
17‑Mile Drive, Pebble Beach
This iconic coastal drive delivers one postcard moment after another along the Monterey Peninsula. Visitors wind past rugged cliffs, white-sand beaches and wind‑shaped cypress trees, with sweeping Pacific views at nearly every turn.
Landmarks like the Lone Cypress and crashing surf at Point Joe make this one of California’s most photographed stretches of coastline.
Santa Monica Pier
Jutting out into the Pacific, the Santa Monica Pier blends ocean views with classic California boardwalk energy. It’s known for its sweeping coastal vistas, historic charm and the unmistakable Ferris wheel skyline.
Whether you’re watching the sunset or strolling the planks, it’s a front‑row seat to Southern California beach life.
Order our Most Treasured Views coffee table book
Coit Tower, San Francisco
From atop Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower offers panoramic views of San Francisco and the bay, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
The 1930s landmark also features historic murals inside, merging art and scenery into one of the city’s most recognizable viewpoints.
Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
Perched in Griffith Park, the observatory delivers sweeping views of Los Angeles, from downtown skyscrapers to the Hollywood Sign.
It’s a favorite for visitors chasing cinematic moments — especially at sunset, when the city begins to glow.
Hearst Castle, San Simeon
Set high above the Central Coast, Hearst Castle pairs ocean views with opulent architecture. Visitors look out over rolling hills and the Pacific while touring one of the most lavish estates in the country.
The property’s grand design and history make the scenery feel as dramatic as the setting.
Yosemite Valley
Few places in California rival the scale of Yosemite Valley. Granite giants like El Capitan and Half Dome rise above forests and meadows, creating some of the most iconic views in the country.
Waterfalls, cliffs, and open skies make it a defining feature of the Sierra Nevada landscape.
Alcatraz Island
Set in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz offers striking views of both the city skyline and the surrounding waters.
The former prison’s isolation — and its layered history of incarceration and protest — adds weight to the scenery.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Home to some of the largest trees on Earth, these parks offer views that feel both towering and humbling.
The giant sequoias dominate the landscape, with mountain vistas and deep canyons stretching beyond them.
Carmel Mission
In the coastal town of Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea, this historic mission blends architecture, gardens and coastal light.
Its preserved design and peaceful setting offer a quieter, reflective California view rooted in the state’s early history.
Hollywood Sign viewpoints
Seeing the Hollywood Sign up close — or from scenic overlooks — is a classic Los Angeles experience.
The landmark sits against the hills above the city, offering a mix of urban and natural scenery that defines the region.
Manzanar National Historic Site
Set against the stark beauty of the Eastern Sierra, Manzanar is both scenic and sobering. The site tells the story of Japanese Americans incarcerated here during World War II.
The wide‑open desert landscape contrasts with that history, making it one of California’s most powerful places to visit.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park showcases where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, with twisted Joshua trees and striking rock formations.
Wide-open desert terrain shifts from flat valleys to scenic lookouts, with wildlife and seasonal wildflowers adding to the landscape.
Designated an International Dark Sky Park, it’s just as impressive at night, offering some of California’s best stargazing far from city lights.
Explore more amazing locations that helped define American history with USA 250 Most Treasured Views.
San Francisco, CA
6/28 Gamethread: Giants vs. Braves
It’s series finale time, and it’s rubber match time, as the San Francisco Giants host the Atlanta Braves.
It’s a battle of Cy Young southpaws. For the Giants, it’s Robbie Ray, who won the award in 2021 in the American League. Ray, a 34-year old two-time All-Star, is making his 17th appearance of the year, and is 6-6 with a 3.70 ERA, a 4.80 FIP, and 80 strikeouts to 42 walks in 87.2 innings. After a rough patch, he’s been exceptional in his last two games, including allowing just an unearned run in eight innings against the Athletics his last time out.
For the Braves, it’s Chris Sale, who won the prestigious pitching award in 2024. Sale, a 37-year old nine-time All-Star, has made 14 starts, and is 8-5 with a 2.14 ERA, a 2.71 FIP, and 99 strikeouts to 21 walks in 84 innings. He allowed two unearned runs in 5.2 innings against the Milwaukee Brewers in his last start.
Enjoy the game, everyone.
Who: San Francisco Giants (34-48) vs. Atlanta Braves (49-32)
Where: Oracle Park, San Francisco, California
Regional broadcast: NBC Sports Bay Area
Radio: KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM, KSFN 1510 AM
San Francisco, CA
People’s Budget Coalition Claims Victory After San Francisco Budget Restores Most Proposed Service Cuts – Davis Vanguard
By Vanguard Staff
SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco People’s Budget Coalition declared a major victory this week after the San Francisco Board of Supervisors’ Budget and Appropriations Committee advanced a budget proposal restoring nearly all of Mayor Daniel Lurie’s proposed cuts to community organizations and workers providing essential services throughout the city.
The coalition credited months of organizing by labor unions, community organizations, residents and advocates for reversing many of the reductions initially proposed in the mayor’s budget. The committee-approved budget now moves to the full Board of Supervisors and then to Mayor Lurie for final approval. According to the coalition, few, if any, additional changes are expected during that process.
The coalition said thousands of San Francisco workers, residents and community members participated in neighborhood town halls, marches, rallies, phone banks, letter-writing campaigns and demonstrations to pressure city leaders to restore funding for programs serving vulnerable populations.
“This budget represents a remarkable victory for every single San Francisco resident,” said Anya Worley-Ziegman, coalition coordinator for the San Francisco People’s Budget Coalition.
“And it shows that public pressure works. Showing up works. Organizing, going out into communities where people will see their lives impacted by cuts, where people feel like their government and their representatives aren’t listening to them, and giving people an outlet to make their voices heard can make real change.”
Worley-Ziegman credited “the thousands of people, workers, unions, community and advocacy organizations, as well as the leadership of Budget Chair Connie Chan and Supervisors who fought for their districts’ priorities” with helping restore “tens of millions of dollars for essential programs serving our city’s most vulnerable populations.”
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us that budgets are moral documents, and today, City Hall seems to agree,” Worley-Ziegman added.
According to the coalition, many of the mayor’s proposed reductions affecting LGBTQ+, immigrant, student and homeless services were restored through the city’s annual budget “add-back” process during the Budget and Appropriations Committee’s final meeting, chaired by Supervisor Connie Chan.
The coalition said restorations include tens of millions of dollars for senior services, housing and rent assistance, Free City College, HIV services, immigrant services and other community programs.
The organization argued that many of the programs initially targeted for reductions serve communities that are already facing challenges resulting from actions by the federal government. The coalition said restoring those programs demonstrates continued city support for immigrants, LGBTQ+ residents, Black, Indigenous and other communities of color, as well as individuals struggling with mental health, substance use disorders or homelessness.
The coalition said investments in those communities strengthen the city and help maintain San Francisco’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive city.
Despite celebrating the committee’s actions, the coalition said significant fiscal challenges remain. It noted that not all proposed reductions were fully restored and that city officials project next year’s budget deficit to exceed this year’s.
The coalition argued that San Francisco possesses substantial wealth, particularly amid the city’s growing artificial intelligence industry, and said city leaders should pursue additional revenue sources to sustain public services rather than relying on service reductions.
“San Francisco is one of the wealthiest cities in the wealthiest country in the world, and with the AI boom, it’s only getting richer,” Worley-Ziegman said.
“The fact that we need to exert this much time and energy fighting for such a small slice of the pie is, frankly, as ridiculous as it is shameful.”
“We should be laser focused on expanding the pie. We need to be talking about IPO taxes, wealth taxes, mansion taxes, and every policy tool available to close future deficits,” Worley-Ziegman continued.
“It feels like every year our leaders tell the most vulnerable communities to eat cuts and make ‘hard choices,’ while simultaneously opposing comically small taxes on the city’s wealthiest and well connected residents.”
“It should not be this hard to get an immigrant mother on the cusp of eviction $50 to make rent, or a senior living with HIV on our streets counseling or a hot meal.”
Worley-Ziegman concluded by urging advocates to continue organizing beyond this year’s budget process.
“Yes, let’s celebrate this win, but don’t forget that there’s so much more work to do if we want to move San Francisco forward without leaving its most vulnerable residents behind.”
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Breaking News San Francisco
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budget advocacy community services Connie Chan Daniel Lurie People’s Budget Coalition San Francisco budget
San Francisco, CA
Suspect arrested after shooting near San Francisco Pride events, police say
A suspect was arrested Saturday after a shooting near San Francisco’s Pride celebrations left one person wounded and an officer hurt during a foot chase, police said.
The San Francisco Police Department said officers were monitoring Pride events near United Nations Plaza around 3:32 p.m. when the shooting occurred.
Officers found a victim suffering from a gunshot wound and immediately began rendering aid. The victim was taken to an area hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.
Police said officers in the area quickly located a person matching the suspect’s description, prompting a foot pursuit. During the chase, one officer suffered minor injuries.
The suspect was eventually taken into custody, and the person’s name has not been released.
Police said the investigation remains active despite the arrest.
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