Top Things to do in California
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10 Traveler Resources 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. The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,415 reviews
A popular tourist stop, this 207 acre complex houses a library, art collection and stunning gardens. The library and art gallery contain rare books and one of the most complete collections of 18th century art outside of London.
Reviewed By haigow8 - Vancouver, Canada
2nd time to Huntington. Library is still best in USA with insight on importance of each tome from Gutenberg bible to economics to Declaration of Independence, Wm Shakespeare Folio and science of planets, telescopes too. Beautiful Japanese waterfall and Chinese garden with scarce lotus flowers. Blue Boy still hanging tall, and add time to walk around the int'l gardens with above average Greek/Roman sculptures. Family priced cheese burgers and Mexican fare in cafe with free fruit infused water.
2. Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,067 reviews
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is a must-see Southern California tourist attraction. Walk onboard Air Force One, act in a movie with Ronald Reagan, touch a piece of the Berlin Wall, and so much more.
Reviewed By RKordziel - Rotterdam, United States
I have been visiting historical sites and Presidential libraries for 10 years now, and the Reagan library is probably my favorite one so far! The museum is extremely high-tech and features countless artifacts relating the the Reagans’ lives and presidency, everything in the museum was amazing; the Christmas exhibit mesmerized me with its fragrances that I actually contemplated asking if they sold air fresheners of the scent! The museum is laid out so well, and the video shown that featured President Reagan’s voice honestly made me emotional as I remembered his struggle with Alzheimer’s and recalled watching his funeral in 2004. The museum is definitely a day trip, with so much to see and do, including statues, a piece of the Berlin Wall, and the graves of Ronald and Nancy Reagan on the grounds. It is probably the best I have visited to-date. I urge anyone with an interest in history to make a pilgrimage to the Reagan library; it’s a day you’ll never forget!
3. 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.
4. Cerritos Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By JennyLS48 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
This is an amazing library space for all ages. Outside glows gold and white with curves and straight edges, beautiful. Inside all ages are catered for, the children’s space is wonderful, it has a huge dinosaur, light house, ceiling painted like a blue sky. There is very high quality child friendly furniture and lots of books and computers to use. There is an art space,music area, so inspiring. The teen area is a delight and the adult area reminds me of a cruise ship. Everything is perfect.locsl use it free but you can pay $100 per year and get access. All the fittings are well maintained and highest quality. They found someone to show us the meeting rooms, fantastic. Maintained by the city. And something they can be truly proud of. Well worth a visit
5. Camarillo Public Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By mojganm618
Any library is a great place for any age group to visit and enjoy, but the Camarillo Library especially because of the beautiful Spanish design. The tile work is a replica of the Adamson House in Malibu. It's a magnificent experience.
6. Central Park Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By ZackUribe - Santa Clara, United States
This library has a decent resident selection and since they are tied to the rest of the Santa Clara city library service AND NOW, the Link+ group, it is much easier to get access to harder to find books.
7. NASA Goldstone Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
The NASA Goldstone Visitor's Center is located on the second floor of the Historic Harvey House. At the Visitor's Center you will find exhibits of the missions of NASA's Deep Space Network. These exhibits are for the enrichment and enjoyment of all.
8. Oasis Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By waynefromcali - Yucaipa, United States
Joshua Tree National Parks Oasis Visitors located in 29 Palms California is the main visitor center for JoshuaTree National Park and is also the administration center for the Monument. They have an info center,gift and memoribilia store and very helpful staff and an exhibit room with a background on the area and monument. Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing and beautiful location to visit for young and senior alike! . . . . #oasisvisitorcenter #joshuatreenationalpark #29palms #goseejoshuatree #photografxworldwide #seetheusa #waynesalvatti #ilovejoshuatree
9. Big Bear Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 213 reviews
Located on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, this learning center features educational exhibits and hands-on activities regarding the natural environment and wildlife in the region.
10. Taylor Creek Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 440 reviews
Reviewed By Chowhound1242 - South Lake Tahoe, United States
Wonderful to watch salmon return which brought the bears to feast. Mid Oct hit the trifecti: fall color changes of the Aspens, returning salmon, bear viewing. Rainbow Trail is great for all ages and an easy paved walk.
