Top Things to do in California
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The 10 Best Visitor Centers in California, United States
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. Coronado Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
The Coronado Visitor Center is located in the lobby of the Museum of History and Art. This should be your first stop when you get to this charming and historic beach town. Friendly volunteers provide complimentary maps, brochures, discount tickets and information about events and attractions in Coronado. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Visitor Center is currently closed.
Reviewed By HeidiHelbig - La Quinta, United States
You need to go there at least once. Step back in time, very special and very unique. the shops are fun and the restaurants were packed with people. The ambiance is wonderful. Go and see The Coronado Hotel, you will not be disappointed.
4. 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
5. 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.
6. Carlsbad Convention and Visitor Information
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Be sure to stop off at this visitor center for brochures, maps, hotel, beach and surf information to take advantage of all this charming town has to offer.
Reviewed By dnaleciz - Moreno Valley, United States
During a recent trip to Carlsbad, California, had the opportunity to visit the Carlsbad Convention & Visitor Information Center to obtain information on Carlsbad. The center is located in the original train depot (built in the 1880's) located right in the middle of downtown. This old building is full of history and the old architecture and woodwork makes this building a piece of art and a train lovers delight. Wonderfully preserved example of an early train station. Strongly suggest taking time and examine this relic from the past. The Center is the focal point for information on the city of Carlsbad and the San Diego area. Maps, brochures, and information on local events, hotels and restaurants are available to the traveler. Assistance can be provided to obtain tickets to SeaWorld Aquarium, LegoLand and other popular tourist attractions in the surrounding area. Staff is extremely helpful and will gladly provide advice and suggestions on what to see and do in Carlsbad. Utilizing the maps and information provide to us, our day trip to Carlsbad turned out to be an enjoyable trip. Suggest all first time visitors to the area stop by and obtain information to help enrich your visit to this beach side community.
7. 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.
8. Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains rise from the desert floor, reaching an elevation of 10,834 feet at the summit of Mount San Jacinto. Providing a picturesque backdrop to local communities, the National Monument contributes to the Coachella Valley's lure as a popular resort and retirement community. It is also a desirable backcountry destination that can be accessed via trails from both the valley floor and the alpine village of Idyllwild. The Monument was created on October 24, 2000 and is a cooperative effort of the Bureau of Land Management, the US Forest Service, and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, state agencies and local governments. The Visitor Center has exhibits on desert wildlife and cultural history, provides information on the Monument hiking trails and vistas. The Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteers operate a gift shop and bookstore at the Visitor Center and also offer hikes, lectures, and host classroom programs and projects.
Reviewed By waynefromcali - Yucaipa, United States
The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto National Monument,California, is a beautiful mountain range full of green pinyon,redwood and pinyon trees.Lots of wild life,a great modern mountain road,stops on the way for food and gas.Start at the visitors center in Palm Desert and take about a one hour scenic drive to the mountain resort town of Idylwild and return or continue on the loop to Banning and the I-10 freeway-head east to return to Palm Desert. Along the way is Lake Hemet and Hurkey Creek Lake for a nice stop over.Needless to say theres plenty of photo ops along the way! . . . #santarosaandsanjacintonationalmonument #santarosa #sanjacinto #highway246 #highway74 #highway243 #mountainroads #californiadeserts #palmdesert #idylwild #photography #bringyourcamera #takesomepictures
9. Sutter Creek Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By jimkT3841HO - Sacramento, United States
The people of Sutter Creek are solid gold. We were assisted by police officers in finding a disable parking. They were so professional and helpful. We also met a fantastic couple who had been married for 67 years. Everyone was having a great time and the crowd was respectful. Stop at the Cheese Store for a tasty treat. This was a perfect day in the gold country, can't wait to go back.
10. Kelso Depot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By WebsterFoodie - Worcester, United States
Train buffs will be especially drawn to this place. It is a great diversion if you are traveling between Vegas and San Diego. You have to get off the interstate and drive thru the desert with great views and the station is restored and has exhibits to see. It takes a bit longer (1 hour approx) but worth the detour.
