The Golden State is bursting with bright blue ocean views and Disney attractions, but there is actually a lot more to do in California. From wilderness expeditions to charming little towns and a delectable food scene, the activities are nearly endless if you know where to look.
Here is the list of things to do in California for adults:
Alcatraz Island, San Francisco
The most frequented American tourist spot and one of the most exciting experiences to be had during your visit to San Francisco is Alcatraz, which was at one time a fort, a military prison, and a maximum-security federal penitentiary.
There are several ways to experience the sights — you can do an independently-guided tour on your terms or join a tour group or participate in one of the free programs that the National Park Service staff and volunteers provide all day. Following the NPS, it is recommended that a minimum of two to three hours are needed to explore the island entirely.
With the ferry service operating every 30 minutes, you will be able to get back to San Francisco without any fuss.
Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Lancaster
The state flower of California is the poppy, and there’s the best place to find this than the Antelope Valley’s California Poppy Reserve. It is located just outside Los Angeles, and this state-protected reserve is decorated with stunning yellow, red, and orange flowers.
Keep the state of bloom of these poppies on your mind to make your visit memorable. To get the most beautiful wildflowers, take a trip from the middle of February through May. It’s among the top springtime vacations in America.
However, there are a few things to consider before you head to the trail to get the perfect Instagram photo: make sure you stay on the official path and don’t pick the flowers.
Monterey and Carmel
A romantic California experience is a drive across 17 miles of Pacific coastline between Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. There is a charge to travel between Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach, while cycling and walking are entirely free. Carmel-by-the-Sea is among the most picturesque cities in America.
Big Sur
Another popular California route is via Big Sur, with plenty of beautiful pullovers in places like the spectacular Bixby Bridge. It is also possible to see the numerous threatened California condors, the world’s most giant bird, or see whales migrating in the waters below.
The breathtaking landscape and camping spots and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park make the perfect place for a rejuvenating vacation.
The San Francisco Botanical Garden, San Francisco
The San Francisco Botanical Garden showcases more than 9,000 varieties of plants from all over the globe, including flowers that originate from South Africa, Chile, Southeast Asia, and more. In addition, the garden has a variety of smaller themed gardens to give visitors a truly immersive experience.
For example, to feel as if you’ve been transported across the globe, visit The Moon Viewing Garden to see Japan’s stunning stones and flowers in a serene environment.
The Broad Museum, Los Angeles
The Broad is a fantastic free museum that displays the most innovative and immersive art through rotating exhibitions. It features works from Jeff Koons, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and more.
Cabazon Dinosaurs, Cabazon
The Cabazon Dinosaurs is one of the numerous roadside attractions in the U.S. you have to experience it to believe it. They’re pretty random; however, they are well-known because of their role in the film of the same name, Pee Wee’s Big Adventure. The long-necked dinosaur also has steps and a snazzy toy shop within its body.
Calico Ghost Town, Yermo
The former California mining town located in San Bernardino County has been beautifully restored to its 1880s splendor. It’s also a place you didn’t even know was haunted, If you believe in such things. The ghost town is a fully interactive historic landmark that allows visitors to take tours, search for gold, or ride on the old train.
Catalina Island
An island getaway for which you don’t require an entry permit. There’s more to do than simply the beach on Catalina Island. Visitors can enjoy a zipline ride across the open skies, play golf, embark on an expedition to the ocean to look for dolphins, and relax at the lavish Island Spa.
Chinatown, San Francisco
In San Francisco, Chinatown is among the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. When you’re taking a nighttime walk or on a hunt to find the best dumpling, you can easily be lost among the hundreds of stores, supermarkets, and eateries scattered across these hills in Chinatown.
Find the top spots before you go and check out the herbal shop and Hang Ah Tea Room. Hang Ah Tea Room is the most renowned dim sum restaurant in America.
Coit Tower, San Francisco
This is an excellent spot for those who love history. Coit Tower is one of the most prominent features of the San Francisco skyline. Visitors can ascend the steps to the top to enjoy the most stunning 360-degree views over the entire city.
The tower was constructed in 1933 and named in honor of the patron saint of San Francisco’s firefighters. Coit Tower is a part of San Francisco’s storied past and even has frescoes adorning its walls dating back to 1934.
The de Young Museum, San Francisco
“Doers, creators, thinkers, citizens of the world–those who eagerly face the unfamiliar–you are welcome here” is the official motto of the most incredible museums situated in San Francisco. So it’s the de Young. De Young Museum is the oldest museum in San Francisco and is brimming with stimulating art.
Its permanent collections of sculptures and paintings are impressive in their own right, but their exhibits are the primary attraction. They range from memorabilia and artifacts to cultural movements such as the Summer of Love in San Francisco and the exploration of artificial intelligence, and the runway designs that include Dior and Oscar de la Renta -The entire space is an artwork.
Death Valley, Mojave Desert
The most bizarre thing concerning the State of California is that it has both the highest and the lowest points in the entire contiguous United States. Death Valley is one of the most sweltering places on Earth because it is below sea level.
The constant dryness and record-breaking temperatures in the summer of the Mojave Desert in California make it the driest National Park in the world. The complex tectonics of the basin and geological formations contribute to the fascination in Death Valley, and visitors can take part in a ranger-led tour, nature walk, talk on the patio, or evening program to discover more about the area.
