Top Things to do in California
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Top 10 Things to do 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. 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!
2. The Getty Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14,503 reviews
Spectacular museum boasts a most impressive collection by such luminaries as Van Gogh, Monet and Cezanne, along with the architectural triumph of its six buildings and gardens.
Reviewed By msmyka - Boca Raton, United States
This is an excellent museum that is easily conquered you can see a great variety self touring in 2 hrs or spend the whole day if you like - great art, views, sculptures and Louis XIV collection you feel transported to Versailles! Must do!!!!!!
3. USS Midway Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24,873 reviews
Located in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway (Museum) was America’s longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Today, the interactive museum is an unforgettable adventure for the entire family as guests walk in the footsteps of the 225,000 young men who served on Midway. Visitors explore a floating city at sea, the amazing flight deck and its 29 restored aircraft, flight simulators, and are inspired in the Battle of Midway Theater, included with admission. Admission also includes a self-guided audio tour narrated by Midway sailors in English, Mandarin, Spanish, Japanese, French and German. Visiting Midway is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in San Diego, known around the world as "Navy Town, USA."
Reviewed By NewfiePupLover - Des Moines, United States
We visited the USS Midway on our way to the airport when heading out of San Diego from our Spring Break trip, and I'm glad that we did. Our young kids (8, 8 & 6) enjoyed the airplanes on display and walking through the various decks of the ships, including the internal warfare room, map rooms, etc. The individual audio tour packs (like an iPod) were excellent and allowed each person to listen and learn about all aspects of the ship, the aircraft, personal stories from soldiers who worked on the ship, war stories, etc. There is a great gift shop on the ship, and there is also food available as well as water & soda machines placed throughout the ship. I would highly recommend this site for anyone interested in history, but really for just about anyone of any age. It was a great experience. We were on the ship for about 2 hours, although if you had the time you could spend an entire day looking around and interacting with all of the staff/volunteers and exhibits.
4. 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
5. 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!
6. Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,969 reviews
Visit the Santa Barbara Courthouse to enjoy a free Self-Guided Exterior Tour and a virtual tour of the Mural Room interior. Use your cell phone or tablet to explore Santa Barbara’s iconic Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse. The web-based tours can be found at sbcourthouse.org. The Courthouse is closed to visitors during Covid.
Reviewed By cresapsd - San Diego, United States
Coincidentally our stay in Santa Barbara was during the annual Fiesta Days and we enjoyed free concerts in the courthouse sunken garden as well as a docent led tour. The tour was very interesting and entertaining. The courthouse is not to be missed and don’t forget to check out the breathtaking view from the courthouse clock tower
7. Monterey Bay Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,123 reviews
Located at the ocean's edge, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a window to marine life -- for dive masters and non-swimmers alike. It's home to sea otters, penguins, sharks, jellies and thousands of other marine animals and plants. Its mission is to inspire conservation of the ocean.
Reviewed By Healthy94920 - San Francisco, United States
Re-joined this most excellent Aquarium to Capture the evolving array of remarkable sea creatures from the mysterious jellyfish to playful, entertaining sea otters, sharks, crustaceans, scuba diving experience all @ reasonable rates & with well-trainer staff at your service throughout your tour. Give yourself at least 3-4 hours to begin to enjoy this wonderful venue!
8. 17-Mile Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,463 reviews
Seals bask on the beach and pelicans perch on rocky cliffs along this famous drive that passes through many popular spots.
Reviewed By sjwillkommen - Munich, Germany
We consider it a „must see“ when in town or nearby. From beautiful mansion and tree-lined streets with abundant flowers to the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Course to a wild and rugged coast and many wildlife - it‘s an amazing peninsula! We did it 3 times by now - and in very different weather. It‘s worth on sunny as well as clouded, foggy, rainy days.
9. Disney California Adventure Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15,496 reviews
Experience the thrill of the an old wooden rollercoaster, but with modern twists, turns and technology, at "California Screamin." Or enjoy a live performance by your favorite characters at Disney's newest theme park, featuring a slew of exciting rides and family entertainment.
Reviewed By vicky255068 - Brisbane, Australia
So much to see and do , Cars Land is amazing and the cars ride is epic ???? world of color show is stunning , I did the dessert party , best seat in the house and scrummy food ???? plenty to do for young and old ????
10. Municipal Rose Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 599 reviews
Reviewed By Geminican - San Jose, United States
The bay area has many attractions so it took me a long while before discovering this hidden gem in San Jose. Beautiful garden with wide variety of roses, a great collection. And it's free!
