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.
41. Enjoy a night out at Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood Blvd. is home to numerous entertainment related attractions, including: The Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Guinness Book of Records Museum, Hollywood Wax Museum, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and various tours.
The Hollywood and Highland Center is a unique 3 story entertainment complex featuring: popular restaurants, retail shops, a trendy Lucky Strikes bowling alley, and several nightclubs. Tip: Head to the 2nd floor for great views of the Hollywood sign! Note: this mall is now called Ovation.
42. Attend a TV show taping
Los Angeles, “the entertainment capital of the world,” has plenty of opportunities to sit in on a live talk show, sitcom, or reality TV show taping. A TV show taping is your best chance of seeing a celebrity live. Contrary to popular belief, random sightings are not common.
Check Audiences Unlimited for tickets to your favorite sitcoms. These tapings are pretty interesting, especially for those interested in production and direction, however, be forewarned: they are very, very long! I attended a taping of a short lived sitcom called Melissa & Joey (featuring Melissa Joan Hart & Joey Lawrence). My favorite experience was meeting Neil Patrick Harris – he was so nice to all fans!
43. Take in beautiful city views from the Long Beach lighthouse
Long Beach’s Shoreline Village is a beautiful shopping and dining village, surrounded by gorgeous coastal and city views. The Rainbow Harbor Lighthouse is one of the best ways to experience panoramic views of the city. The night views are truly extraordinary.
44. Take a drive around Lake Tahoe’s scenic Hwy 89
What better way to experience all the beauty found in Lake Tahoe than a scenic drive along Hwy 89? You will encounter the most dramatic views of Emerald Lake on this drive. It really is the best way to experience all the tremendous beauty in a short period of time. There are plenty of scenic overlooks and photo opportunities: you will want to pack your camera for this ride!
Tip: make sure to plan room for a hike at Emerald Bay State Park. Nothing compares to being out in the fresh air exploring all the natural beauty around! Check out my full Tahoe vacation guide.
45. Ski and shop in Squaw Valley
Lake Tahoe’s Squaw Valley Ski Resort offers one of the most advanced lift systems in the US. Each winter brings roughly 450 inches of snow, meaning the ski season lasts late into spring. There is plenty of terrain to suit all levels and night skiing for those interested.
When your tired of skiing, be sure to check out the Shops at Squaw Valley, a cozy outdoor shopping/dining destination, complete with outdoor fire pits, restaurants, a spa, and specialty ski and mountain shops.
46. Run the Long Beach Half Marathon
The Long Beach Half Marathon is one of the best in the country being that it is flat, scenic, and lined with cheering fans. Most of the course runs along the scenic coast. Along the way spectators and students motivate you towards the finish line. One of the most lively races in the country, that comes with a great after party as well. Out of all the half marathons I have run to date, this is my PR plus the most scenic in my book.
As an additional bonus, there are tons of things to do in the area while you are in town: The Queen Mary, the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Shoreline Pedestrian Path, beaches, an art museum, and more!
47. Watch a beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean
California is one of the best states to watch a beautiful sunset. There are so many different beaches, all providing gorgeous views. Big Sur and LA county beaches such as Santa Monica and Malibu are well known for their fabulous sunset viewing opportunities. One of my favorite underrated gems is Mission Beach in San Diego! I love the boardwalk here – the mountain views are fabulous and it is a perfect length for a casual bike ride or stroll.
48. Take your picture by the famous Beverly Hills sign
It would be difficult to plan a trip to Los Angeles without taking a drive over to Beverly Hills to see the iconic sign featured in so many movies and TV shows (Pretty Woman, Beverly Hills 90210, etc.). Skip the overpriced tourist shops: taking a picture by the sign makes for an easy, free souvenir. The picture above was taken at the Sierra and Sunset location.
49. See an event at Staples Center
This large Los Angeles Arena is home to the Lakers, Clippers, and Kings. In addition to sports, the center is also used to host various concerts by some of today’s hottest entertainers. There is sure to be something going on no matter what time of the year you plan your visit.
50. Laze around at Torrance Beach
Torrance Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Los Angeles area. Great views of the hilly Palo Verdes (a collection of upscale cities on the Palo Verdes peninsula) landscape in the background. In addition, Torrance marks the starting point of the 22 mile long Strand Bicycle Path, making it a great place to find parking and relax before/after your ride. It’s never too crowded, with a more relaxed atmosphere than some of the other beaches.
Now it’s your turn! What are some of your favorite places in California?
