50 Things to do in California
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
11. Be Young again at Disney
Enjoy a fun, youth filled day at one of the world’s best theme parks. Although Disney pales in comparison to Walt Disney World in Orlando in my opinion, it is still a fabulous theme park. A few rides at Anaheim’s Magic Kingdom which are actually better than the WDW versions include: It’s a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Haunted Mansion. Also, if you happen to be in the region during Halloween, definitely check out the Oogie Boogie Bash!
12. Hike at Crystal Cove State Park
This hidden gem in Orange County is one of the best places to hike; a peaceful escape away from the beach and shopping mall traffic. The natural beauty of the coastal sage scrub combined with beautiful views of the Pacific can’t be duplicated. The hilly trails (17 miles in total) provide a great full body workout. Crystal Cove truly is a great place to explore, especially along the El Moro trail. Interestingly, El Morro Canyon is reported to be home to mountain lions, with several reports of attacks over the past few years!
13. Spend the day relaxing at Manhattan Beach
Manhattan is one of L.A. county’s most beautiful beaches. Surfing, volleyball, and biking are very popular here with various tournaments occurring throughout the year. This beach is quite large (~2 miles), making it the perfect choice for a morning stroll. Or if you feel like a bike ride, hop on The Strand (a 22 mile bike ride from Torrance to Pacific Palisades). A clean beach with swimmable water and soft sand, Manhattan is the ideal place to relax and refresh.
14. Take a ride along the beautiful coastal Huntington Beach Bike Path
Huntington Beach’s 7.5 mile coastal path features excellent views in the perfect Southern California setting. This is Southern California at its’ best: plenty of sunshine, surfers and volleyball players, and excellent views of the Pacific. The trail is clean and well maintained, however, it tends to get pretty crowded as there is no separate biking/walking path. Visit on weekday mornings for the fewest crowds.
15. Enjoy a summertime cruise of Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay
Zephyr Cruises in South Lake Tahoe offers an incredible sightseeing cruise of Emerald Bay. Besides hiking, this is by far the best way to take in the natural beauty of the area. The pristine forests and mountains are absolutely breathtaking. Sit back and enjoy a narrated tour of the area while gazing at the incredible views surrounding you.
16. Plan a San Francisco trip
San Francisco has so much to offer, including: incredible natural landscapes, top notch restaurants and hotels, and some of the country’s top cultural attractions. Marin Headlands, a popular hiking trail, offers incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city. You will also want to take a walk along the bridge itself, which is open to pedestrians. The pathway takes you on a 1.7 mile journey like no other filled with gorgeous views of the city and surrounding mountains. Free walking tours available.
San Francisco is well known for high quality seafood and Asian cuisine, and there are plenty of restaurants to choose amongst. Also be sure to take a ride on one of the city’s famous cable cars!
17. Bird watch at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Huntington Beach is home to Bolsa Chica Wetlands, a 300 acre coastal sanctuary. The 1.5 mile trail around the refuge provides ample opportunities for bird watching (over 300 species call the reserve home). A truly beautiful area for taking a peaceful, uninterrupted stroll. Visit early in the mornings for fewer crowds and less noisy distractions from the nearby freeway.
18. Dine and shop at Shoreline Village
Shoreline Village is a section of downtown Long Beach which features attractive Cape Cod style architecture, fun waterfront restaurants, touristy shops, and a handful of waterfront activities (cruises, sailing lessons, etc.). Something as simple as taking a stroll through this quaint village leaves you with a relaxed, happy feeling. Views of the harbor and Queen Mary are excellent, especially from the Rainbow Harbor Lighthouse.
19. Take a tram ride through the majestic redwoods at Trees of Mystery
Northern California’s tourist hotspot, conveniently located along Hwy 101, is great fun for anyone new to the redwoods. An informative trail gives visitors plenty of information on these historic trees. The highlight is a ride up above the redwoods on the Sky Trail aerial ride. You will be utterly amazed as you rise up above the 100+ foot tall trees. The observation decks offer more incredible views of the forest, mountains, and ocean. This is one tourist attraction that is worth every penny.
20. Star gaze at the Griffith Observatory
Los Angeles’ Griffith Observatory is regarded as the best in the world. Views of Los Angeles, the Pacific Ocean, and the Hollywood sign are tremendous. By night, you can enjoy the best stargazing in the city. The view of L.A. is incredible as well. Telescopes are often open for public use. A variety of space related exhibits and planetarium shows round out a complete visit. Admission to the grounds and exhibit are free, although there is a small charge to see a show.
