The Most Beautiful Waterfalls in California

From misty mountain drops to coastal cliffs that kiss the Pacific, California is home to some of the most visually arresting waterfalls in the world. Each of these natural wonders offers something unique, whether it’s the way the light hits the water at sunset, the thundering sound of snowmelt in spring, or the hidden paths that make reaching them feel like a secret adventure.

Below, we take you on a breathtaking tour of California’s most beautiful waterfalls, each deserving of a spot on your bucket list.

1. Phantom Falls

North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, Oroville

As hauntingly ethereal as its name suggests, Phantom Falls is a 164-foot seasonal waterfall that seems to appear and disappear with the rains. Located in the wildflower-rich North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, the hike to Phantom Falls in spring is nothing short of a dream. Lava rock formations, vibrant meadows, and grazing cattle lead the way to this veil-like fall that plunges into a cavern below. For those who love off-the-beaten-path beauty, this is a hidden gem with significant pay-off.

2. Alamere Falls

Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County

This rare tidefall, a waterfall that spills directly into the ocean, is one of only a handful in North America. Reaching Alamere Falls requires a challenging but rewarding 13-mile round-trip hike through the coastal forest, lakeside views, and open cliffs. The final descent takes you to Wildcat Beach, where the freshwater cascades dramatically over a 40-foot sandstone cliff into the Pacific Ocean. Sunset visits here? Pure California magic.

3. McWay Falls

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur

Arguably the most photographed waterfall in the state, McWay Falls is an 80-foot drop of elegance that flows year-round from granite cliffs into a protected cove on the Big Sur coastline. While the beach is off-limits to preserve its pristine condition, the overlook trail offers jaw-dropping views, especially at golden hour. McWay’s seamless blend of forest, ocean, and waterfall makes it feel like a portal into a fairytale.

4. Rainbow Falls

Devils Postpile National Monument, near Mammoth Lakes

Living up to its name, Rainbow Falls is best seen when sunlight hits just right, casting colorful prisms through its 101-foot plume. Formed by ancient lava flows, this waterfall is framed by basalt columns and high-Sierra forest. The hike down is moderate and family-friendly, with plenty of spots to stop and take in the beauty of the San Joaquin River Valley below.

5. Vernal Falls

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite’s Vernal Fall is powerful, dramatic, and completely immersive, especially if you choose the Mist Trail, which brings you face-to-face with the 317-foot cascade. During peak flow in late spring, hikers often find themselves drenched in mist (pack a poncho!). The trail is steep, but the reward at the top is unforgettable: panoramic views of the Merced River carving through glacial stone.

6. Burney Falls

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Shasta County

President Theodore Roosevelt once called Burney Falls “the Eighth Wonder of the World,” and it’s easy to see why. With water rushing from both the top and from the porous volcanic rock halfway down the cliff, Burney looks like something from another planet. The falls tumble 129 feet into a brilliant turquoise pool and flow year-round, making them a stunning stop in any season.

7. Yosemite Falls

Yosemite National Park

The crown jewel of California waterfalls, Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest in North America, plunging a total of 2,425 feet in three sections. It’s impossible to overstate its grandeur. In spring, it roars. In winter, it sparkles with icy elegance. And all year long, it commands awe. View it from the valley floor or take the strenuous trail to the top for sweeping views of Yosemite’s granite wonderland.

8. Tokopah Falls

Sequoia National Park

Tucked away behind Lodgepole Campground, Tokopah Falls is a lesser-known but utterly enchanting waterfall that rewards with a scenic 1.7-mile hike along the Kaweah River. Cascading down 1,200 feet from the granite heights of Tokopah Valley, this fall isn’t a sheer drop but rather a symphony of tiers, meandering through boulders and alpine trees. It’s serenity defined.

Why California’s Waterfalls Are Worth the Trek

California’s waterfalls are as diverse as its landscapes, spanning coastal cliffs, volcanic formations, alpine forests, and granite valleys. Whether you’re seeking a quiet walk or a bold backcountry adventure, these falls offer the perfect excuse to disconnect and soak in the kind of natural beauty that recalibrates the soul.

So grab your hiking boots, pack your camera, and maybe bring someone you love because California’s waterfalls aren’t just places you visit. They’re places you feel. These are just the beginning. California has hundreds of waterfalls to explore from secret Sierra cascades to NorCal’s lush river valleys. Let this list be your starting point. Let the sound of rushing water guide your journey. And let every misty breeze remind you why California’s natural beauty is unmatched.