Top Things to do in California
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10 Shopping in California That You Shouldn't Miss
California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
Restaurants in California
1. Patrick Amiot Junk Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By SonomaTrekker - Sebastopol, United States
Visiting Sebastopol without walking up Florence Ave. is like visiting Paris without stopping by the Eiffel Tower -- don't skip it. Florence Avenue is 1/3 of a mile (.33) in length and only 3 blocks off Main Street. Most, if not all, homes on the street have a whimsical Amiot in the front yard, many of which reflect something about the resident(s). It takes less than 10 min to walk the length without stopping and the art is wonderfully clever!
2. Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,096 reviews
The Elephant Seal Viewing area and the Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop (250 San Simeon Ave, Suite 3B, San Simeon, CA) are two separate locations. They are 7.2 miles apart. Please plan to visit both while you are in the area. Directions to both locations: https://elephantseal.org/locations/ The Friends of the Elephant Seal docents (guides) provide education for visitors to the Elephant Seal Viewing area at Piedras Blancas, every morning and afternoon, 365 days a year. Long boardwalks provide wonderful, up-close viewing opportunities. Look for docents in the blue jackets! Viewing Area is located 4 miles north of the Hearst Castle. Find us here: Put these coordinates into any map program: 35° 39' 48" N, 121° 15' 28" W Or use this link for the accurate location of the viewing area: https://goo.gl/maps/fzfACKBqNgcwurjf9
Reviewed By timohteee - Delaware, United States
My wife and I actually drove passed this stop and turned around to go back because we noticed a large group of people. We are glad we decided to turn around! When we got there around 6PM, there were a couple dozen elephant seals basking in the sun on the beach. Every now and then, you’ll catch one get up and stretch or another scooting across the sand to a new spot. It was surprisingly amazing to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat and was definitely a highlight for us both on our trip.
3. Third Street Promenade
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,098 reviews
A moviegoer's haven, this colorful three-block stretch, open to pedestrians only, has some 20 movie theater screens, hundreds of stores, numerous restaurants, animal topiaries and street entertainment running the gamut from dancers to fortune tellers.
Reviewed By LisaJeyDavis - Santa Monica, United States
If you’re hunting for something specific to shop for, you’re looking for a great meal, want to see a movie, or just want to kill sometime and enjoy some great people watching, the Third Street Promenade has something for everyone. And it begins right at the mouth of the Santa Monica Place Mall (so if you don’t find what you need on the Promenade’s three blocks,you’ve got tons of great options there). There are two movie theatres with multiple screens, sports bars, all kinds of restaurants, a huge Apple store and all kinds of retail / from local boutiques to national brands. And the street entertainers are something else all together. Plus there are plenty of parking garages surrounding the place with 90 minute free and affordable parking. I love the Promenade.
4. Irvine Spectrum Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,185 reviews
Irvine Spectrum Center is one of Southern California's most popular shopping, dining and entertainment lifestyle destinations. The center features Nordstrom and Target, along with more than 130 stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, including Improv Comedy Club and Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21 IMAX & RPX.
Reviewed By rdsw - Grand Rapids, United States
This place has it all! It is the most beautiful outdoor mall, with fountains, lights, greenery. Great shopping and plenty of restaurants are available. A large movie theater, outdoor screen, Ferris wheel, and other entertainment are located here. Our family especially loves coming here at night at Christmas time.
5. Darioush Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 437 reviews
A Napa Valley wine experience - fine wines and hospitality designed to share our worldly perspective. Join us for an experience designed to engage the senses.
6. South Coast Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 598 reviews
The West Coast's biggest mall is elegant and aesthetic, with a wing designed by architect Frank Gehry. Its 250 inviting shops include Saks, Stella McCartney, and Hermes
Reviewed By GeorgeDubiecki - Los Angeles, United States
South Coast Plaza is definitely the best shopping mall in California. I found it refreshing that the three shops that we shopped at had really nice employees. They were knowledgeable and friendly. They always made us feel that our needs were most important. “Mars Li” in Georgio Armani was wonderful. Georgio Armani is very lucky to have him working there. Austin Schroeter in Ralph Lauren was very helpful and courteous. Yes you expect that kind of service in high end shops. But you don’t always get that. He even offered to carry my purchase out to our car. Sabrina in Escada was also very nice, helpful and knowledgeable. They each represent South Coast Plaza perfectly. That is why we love to shop there. They have a few hundred shops to choose from. Great quality shops. Plus lots of really good restaurants.
7. Desert Hills Premium Outlets
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 772 reviews
Reviewed By SeenSheenReem - Tustin, United States
Whenever we’re visiting Palm Springs or the vicinity, we try to always incorporate shopping at desert hills. There’s a HUGE variety of stores which include all major brands and designers. No other outlet in California comes close to this one! Be prepared to walk a lot because of parking and the large shopping area. The best time to get bargains is in December in my opinion. Plenty of food options also. Definitely a shop till you drop experience!
8. Fashion Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 641 reviews
As Orange County's premier coastal shopping experience, Fashion Island features exclusive specialty boutiques, world-class department stores and a diverse assortment of restaurants and cafes. Fashion Island offers a sophisticated yet relaxed, resort-like atmosphere that is distinctively Southern California, with pristine views of the Pacific Ocean. Owned by Irvine Company, Fashion Island is home to Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Bloomingdale's Home Store and Macy's - in addition to Orange County's only Neiman Marcus, Nespresso, Urban Decay, Nike Women's, SoulCycle, Trina Turk, Vince, Joie and Halston Heritage. Fashion Island also features acclaimed restaurants such as Sushi Roku, FIG & OLIVE, Red O by Rick Bayless, CUCINA enoteca, Lemonade, Hopdoddy Burger Bar and True Food Kitchen.
Reviewed By appledude1221 - Cleveland, United States
This mall is a real gem hidden on the coast very very beautiful mall if you are in Newport Beach I highly recommend this place if you are in Newport Beach
9. Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 350 reviews
Every Thursday night through out the year, the city hosts a delightful outdoor market/festival where local farmers sell the freshest fruits, vegetables and produce while local musicians and performers entertain the crowds.
Reviewed By russellsr2018 - Santa Barbara, United States
Love the farmers’ market in SLO. It’s a street party every week! Be sure to check it out if you’re in the area.
10. Santa Monica Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By doctorbobster - Gainesville, United States
Santa Monica has a few farmers markets; the downtown Wednesday market is the best. The Saturday morning Virginia Park market, which we attended today, is tiny by comparison. Tiny as it was, it was a great stop and a great way to finish our Santa Monica trip. Read on for details. Located near Santa Monica College, the free parking starts to fill early; we arrived a few minutes after 8am as things were warming up and parked easily. The vendors have arrived from 2-3 hours away in multiple directions. There were trays of giant strawberries, tables of beautiful heirloom tomatoes (at $3.50/pound), fresh flowers, apples, persimmons and an array of vegetables. Food trucks offered fresh juice, coffee and baked goods. The winner for me: beekeeper Don from Saugus and a jar of peach blossom honey. If you have never been to a farmers market and are in Santa monica when they are running, check it out; you will leave a fan.
