Top Things to do in California
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Top 10 Things to do Adventurous 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. Glacier Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,561 reviews
This rustic geological formation is most famous for the magnificent sunsets that can be viewed from its top.
Reviewed By W6633PYpauls - Costa Mesa, United States
It's been probably 20 years since I was last at Glacier Point and it's as amazing as I remember it. I was last here "pre-kids" with my wife when we were first married and finally got around to bringing the boys to see Yosemite National and, of course, Glacier Point. This is a well reviewed attraction so, instead, here's some logistical items that might make the visit more enjoyable: 1. Depending upon where you're coming from, this will be a long drive - check your GPS and plan accordingly. 2. Services are minimal. Get gas for your car before you start. Bring snacks and drinks. I would turn this into a picnic location. 3. Take your time and make the journey part of the adventure. Yosemite has much to see and don't race around from point to point. Stop along the way and enjoy this trip. FWIW, I would use this as your first stop and then work your way through other stops on your way back to your base camp. 4. Camera/Phone is a MUST. Definitely take panoramic photos. The view here is awesome.
2. Moro Rock Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,545 reviews
A challenging walk up 400 steps to a spectacular view.
Reviewed By TravelingMerm - Monrovia, United States
You'll earn the view...it's 350 steps and takes you to 6725 feet elevation! It's sooo worth it! The climb up is relatively easy, even if you're moderately out of shape like me! There are sections of gradual inclines in between stairs so you get a break. There are plenty of points climbing up where you'll want to stop and take pictures also, so you can catch your breath. There were several families with babies even climbing up. Your reward is an amazing view of the national park and the Great Western Divide! It's a short hike, we were only here about 30-40 minutes. But a definite must-see while you're here!
3. Pacific Coast Highway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,643 reviews
Running along the northern California coast, this highway has some of the best views of any in the United States.
Reviewed By WaitForIttttt - Hazlet, United States
My husband and I drove the Pacific Coast Highway while making our way down the West Coast from Seattle to San Diego. This was the most beautiful drive we have ever taken. The views of the coast and the Pacific are absolutely stunning. There are tons of vistas and beaches to stop at, and sometimes even the road itself is a sight to see. There was also so much to see along the way! We stopped at: * Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park * Shelter Cove * Glass Beach * Bowling Ball Beach * San Francisco * Point Arena Lighthouse * Davenport Pier * Monterey * 17- Mile Drive * Bixby Bridge * Big Sur * Santa Barbara I'd recommend trying to take in all of them because we enjoyed every single place we visited. Also, make sure to check for closures. We were fortunate in that the entire stretch was open when we visited. There were some minor areas of construction where we had to wait a bit before passing, but it wasn't a long wait. I think everyone should experience this beautiful highway and every breathtaking mile it has to offer!
4. Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By CaliforniaWendy - San Francisco, United States
What a find. This private museum was such a lovely way to spend a morning in LA. The guide rattled off facts so quickly,on the incredible private art collection
5. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 512 reviews
Reviewed By 7268 - Oakland, United States
109 degrees in Bakersfield. 100 degrees in lone Pine. 74 degrees at the bristlecone Forest. This is a perfect four mile hike. You will see amazing scenery, 3000 year old trees, and fantastic geology. The hike is rated as moderate, but this is probably due to the frequent up and down – changes in elevation. The interpretive signs are some of the best I've ever seen. If you're not up for a 4-mile hike they have a 1-mile alternative. If you're not up for a hike at all, just drive up there and walk a hundred yards or so up the trail and you will see these amazing trees. It really helps to read up on the geology and the history of the trees before you get there. I stopped here on a web driving from Mammoth lakes to Bakersfield. I'm certainly glad I did. Note: September 2020, visitor Center was not open and there is no one at the gate a few miles up the road. There were plenty of other visitors, but you are definitely on your own. No mobile phone service at the trailhead. At high altitudes you might get a brief signal.
6. Radiator Springs Racers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 229 reviews
Reviewed By jeepncolo - Denver, United States
This ride is unlike any other ride in both Disney parks!! The physical experience is unlike any other ride. The ride immersion is like any other ride in both parks. The ride vehicles are unlike any other in the park! A great ride for a wide variety of ages. FastPass recommended.
7. Alcatraz Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55,332 reviews
Park rangers conduct tours by recounting the prison's thrilling history along with intriguing anecdotes about Al Capone and other legendary figures that made a "home" here.
Reviewed By Piggin01
I did the night tour it was amazing and very interesting love that former inmates and staff did the audio recording for the tour which is easy to follow and very informative would highly recommend and would do again
8. Bodie State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,470 reviews
One of the best preserved ghost towns.
Reviewed By eel217 - St. George, United States
I loved my visit here! It is well worth making time to come here (you can spend 1/2 day and absorb a lot). It is such a fascinating place. The state park has done a great job of preserving the buildings. Take your time as you walk around and make sure you look through the windows of the buildings and you will see some amazing things - a cool glimpse into what life was once like. Nothing has been restored on the inside of these buildings (everything is in a state of arrested decay), so it is truly a ghost town - what remains is exactly how the people who lived here left it. Too cool!
9. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,203 reviews
World's largest rotating Tram car. Opened in 1963, the Tram's 80-passenger cars travel along the beautiful cliffs of Chino Canyon from the Valley Station (elevation 2,643 ft.) to the Mountain Station (elevation 8,516 ft.) in approximately 10 minutes. At the top enjoy breathtaking views, Peaks Restaurant, Pines Cafe, a gift shop, nature exhibits, educational documentary theaters, and over 50 miles of hiking trails in the Mt. San Jacinto State Park Wilderness.
Reviewed By robinb42018 - Seattle, United States
No surprise...Palm Springs is hot, hot, hot in August! The bummer is that many things are closed except on the weekends, but The Aerial Tramway and national park is not. It was an amazing experience and one I would highly recommend. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes (uh--not flip flops), and bring water. Even though the temp is up to 30 degrees cooler than down below, it is still plenty hot and dry. The ride up is a bit of a thrill, and if you are afraid of heights, I recommend sitting in the center section. At a minimum, take the Nature or Desert Trail hike at the top. It is only 1.5-2 miles and so beautiful. There are many viewpoints along the way. Tram starts at 10 a.m. and departs about every 10 minutes until 8:30 p.m. It is not cheap, but well worth it. Food, gift shop, and awesome viewpoints at the top!
10. San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,023 reviews
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an expansive, non-profit wildlife sanctuary that is home to more than 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species. Its renowned botanical collection represents 3,500 species and 1.75 million specimens. Over half of the Park’s 1,800 acres (730 hectares) have been set aside as protected native species habitat. It is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of downtown San Diego in the San Pasqual Valley near Escondido, California. he San Diego Zoo is operated by the international non-profit San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) empowers people from around the globe to support their mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships. The Zoo was founded on October 2, 1916, by Harry M. Wegeforth, M.D. It currently has an 11-member Board of Trustees headed by Steven G. Tappan; and Paul A. Baribault is the president/CEO.
Reviewed By JeanettePenticton_BC - Penticton, Canada
Two 82 year old seniors visited and were very impressed especially with the knowledgable volunteers. We noticed an elevator, rentals for strollers, wheelchairs and scooters. We enjoyed walking among the Australian area, the Californian gardens, Nairobi Walk, through the African Loop to the African Tram for a 30 minute ride to see the huge animals. A keeper shared the Tiger talk and another showed us an ambitious turtle. It is a spacious place, well looked after, and lovely to see the elephants as we walked up the hill. There was a bit of wind and we noticed the hot air balloon was not available for rides. It was a wonderful day especially to see a new baby born among the animals.
