Top Things to do in California
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What to do and see in California, United States: The Best Islands
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. Santa Rosa Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By sondraw221 - Manhattan Beach, United States
I love the Channel Islands! It is the perfect way to escape the craziness going on in the mainland! The trip out is half the fun. We saw a group of about 100 plus dolphins that chased us for part of the ride, and then we saw a whale off in the distance. The island itself is beautiful! White sand beaches with turquoise waters, and best of all, no one is there! We originally went to see Lobo Canyon, but the timing for the day trip is not long enough (it is nine miles round trip). We had to pivot, and instead walked along a ~2 mile beach strip, which was entrancing. The island is truly special. We were then treated to an unexpected treat on the ferry home, and stopped for a quick photo shoot at the Painted Cave. Truly special day, and I would highly recommend it!
2. 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
3. Anacapa Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
One of the five islands in the Channel Islands National Park, Anacapa is located an hour from Oxnard.
Reviewed By effervescent24 - Evanston, United States
I went for a 1 night camping trip here in October 2020. The Island Packers crew was great! We saw some whales on the way both to and from the island and we ended up spending around 10 minutes doing an impromptu whale watching tour! This site was great for an amateur camper like myself. The walk from the dock to the campgrounds isn't that far. Maybe a 15-20 minute walk but there are some steep stairs in the beginning. Great views around the island and if you camp here then you can see the gorgeous sunset and sunrise. The bathroom is extremely clean and well stocked. It's probably the best bathroom I've ever seen in a national park. Each campsite has its own picnic table and food storage locker. Some people went swimming in normal swimsuits (no wetsuits) but I thought it was too cold. The bad / minor annoyances: The campsites are super close to each other so it's too easy to hear other campers. Foghorn goes off every minute. It's quieter at night but it's still there, so bring earplugs. The island is pretty small. You can do a whole loop around the island in less than an hour.
4. Santa Cruz Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 302 reviews
Located off the coast of Santa Barbara, this island is a popular place for kayaking and exploring sea caves.
Reviewed By MichaelW166 - Los Angeles, United States
We booked a cruise from Island Packers to see Cueva Valdez and Painted Cave at Santa Cruz and we were amazed at all of the natural beauty. The shoreline was amazing and the hills were beautiful green. This place is pure magic and was certainly one of the best days trips I have been on in quite a while.
5. Harbor and Shelter Islands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 356 reviews
Two scenic islands in San Diego bay that offer a variety of restaurants, hotels and water sports such as scuba and fishing excursions.
Reviewed By GlobalGypsy_13 - San Diego, United States
Although both is these islands have hotels and restaurants, I prefer to walk Shelter Island as it's also a working yard for boaters. In addition to sweeping views of San Diego Bay you can fish from the public pier or reflect on the community of 3 Portuguese fishermen pulling out a large tuna together that are immortalized in a statue.
6. Balboa Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,423 reviews
Man-made island that features upscale shops, restaurants and an amusement park.
Reviewed By mrbookies - Pleasant Grove, United States
Went with my family early evening in January. Bring a sweatshirt, enjoy a stroll among quaint shops and restaurants, beautiful boats and homes, and be prepared for the best chocolate-dipped ice cream bar you’ll ever have (the Balboa Bar!). If you are feeling adventurous, you can take the public ferry across to the peninsula (not very far).
7. Naple Canals
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 366 reviews
Reviewed By robertomS1384NF - Long Beach, United States
Naples island is just a small island with amazing houses you can see quire close. there are walkways by the blue canals were you can bike, walk around or even kayak. During the summer is a beautiful setting worth your while to look at and during the winter the xmas boat lights festival is really something.
8. Coronado Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,988 reviews
A mere two-mile drive from cosmopolitan, downtown San Diego, across one of the world's most distinctive bridges, is Coronado Island - a world away. Developed in 1888 as a beach resort town, and home to the famous Hotel del Coronado, the island is blessed with one of the finest beaches in the world and bathed in endless sunshine. Coronado today is a vibrant beach community loaded with charm.
Reviewed By kevintY6491JQ - Beverly Hills, United States
This is one of San Diego's great place to visit. The hotel del Coronado is definitely worth staying at or just to go and visit. The beach is pristine and beautiful at sunset for that loved one to walk with,With the sand on your feet and a dog beach at the far end near the base. There is a shopping area called Coronado ferry landing,were there is a place to eat and shop and see downtown San Diego. At night is a beautiful site when San Diego is lite up and a perfect spot for fireworks on the fourth of July.You can take the ferry to downtown San Diego and take a pedy cab to seaport village or downtown San Diego or walk. You can just take a round trip on the ferry back to Coronado. there is a bike rental at the Coronado landing,were you can bike all over the island,the walkway at the landing is very relaxing and it will take you to the park if you head towards the Coronado bridge. If you rent a car I suggest a convertible as you can see a lot more and is great for picture taking and live that California life style. You can take a lovely drive on the strand to imperial beach just drive past the Coronado hotel were they have the famous sand castle contest.Check on the internet to find out when it is.Downtown Coronado has up scale restaurants and nice places for having coffee to relax and people watch. On Tuesday there is a farmers market at the ferry landing.And a lovely golf course with the beautiful views of san Diego for that golfer.
9. Fiesta Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By traveltoblahoca
I live in Los Angeles;and have two small terriers. I love San Diego as a weekend getaway, and so do my little guys. Fiesta Island, a lovely little island in the middle of Mission Bay is an awesome dog resort. There is a vast ipen area for dogs to run and play; and their is plenty of clean shoreline for dogs to jump in a cool off in the bay. A chill way to relax, stretch your legs, get your walk on in a beautiful beach area with your furry kids.
