The Golden State offers a wide range of attractions many things to do in California this year for adventure-seeking tourists, from sunny beaches to dense forests to lush greenery. Driving along California’s highways could be life-changing. Every mile you drive along the roads that run from Mexico to Oregon seems more spectacular and dramatic. However, California is just as diverse as its landscape in terms of culture. Everyone knows that Hollywood produces the best entertainment globally. Still, not many people know that California is also a leader in technology and art.
California is where Mickey Mouse can be touched, and you can also shake hands with Orca whales. Before you see one of the most dangerous natural environments in the world, you can marvel at the majestic redwoods. There are many memorable experiences in the Golden State.
Here’s a list of 24 Things To Do In California This Year:
1. Disneyland
Disneyland is the most well-known amusement park in the country. It’s where Walt Disney’s most beloved characters are brought to life. You will find thrilling rides for all ages, vibrant shops, and restaurants, as well as live shows with Disney favorites like Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, and Goofy. There are also many themed areas like Main Street where visitors can go back to the 1900s.
2. Universal Studios
Movie studio and theme park located in Universal City. Universal Studios is the studio behind many blockbuster Hollywood films and offers various rides based on these movies. Universal Studios is sure to entertain film buffs and theme park, enthusiasts. It’s worth the entry fee. CityWalk is a 3-block-long shopping, dining, and entertainment promenade that runs through the theme park. There are five nightclubs in the area and more than 30 restaurants. Guests will find a wide variety of food, live entertainment, and souvenir shopping.
3. Lake Tahoe
This vast lake is one of the most impressive globally and was formed around 2 million years ago by ice. The lake can be found along the border of Nevada and California and is excellent for both summer and winter activities. In winter, snowmobile driving and skiing are prevalent. Tourists have the option to jet ski, sail, kayak, or paddle on the lake in summer.
4. San Diego Zoo
Over 3,700 animals from 650 species are housed at the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park. This non-profit zoo is located on approximately 100 acres of San Diego Parkland. It is the largest zoological membership organization in the world. The zoo is home to many animals, including tigers, bears, monkeys, apes, elephants, and monkeys. The zoo has been awarded numerous awards over the years for its educational exhibits and conservation programs.
5. Death Valley
Death Valley is surprisingly beautiful. Unfortunately, it is also one of the hottest, driest places in North America. Furnace Creek, appropriately named, once had temperatures of 134 degrees Fahrenheit. According to some, the highest recorded air temperature on Earth. Due to the extreme heat, it is best to avoid Death Valley during the early hours of the morning. Nevertheless, Dante’s View offers spectacular views of the valley on clear days and is a beautiful place to view it.
6. Golden Gate Bridge
One of America’s most famous landmarks is the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The bridge is visited by thousands of tourists each year from all over the US and around the globe. It spans more than a mile across the bay of San Francisco. The bridge’s red color was chosen to be more visible in fog conditions. The bridge can be crossed by car, bike, or foot. If you are interested in the history of this landmark, you can take one of many guided tours.
7. Yosemite National Park
California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains contain the iconic Yosemite National Park. Three of the ten highest waterfalls in the world are found here, and the most significant single chunk of exposed granite. It is popular to hike in the park and is also a top destination for rock climbing. In addition, the park is home to many excellent restaurants and hotels that offer a relaxing and beautiful setting for travelers.
8. Griffith Observatory
The facility is located in Los Angeles, facing Mount Hollywood, and is self-described as a gateway to the cosmos. Visitors can view the Observatory through telescopes and watch live shows in its planetarium. They also have stunning views of Mount Hollywood as well as LA.
9. Chinatown
Is located in San Francisco on Stockton Street at Grant Avenue is the oldest American neighborhood and the largest outside Asia. Hosts numerous events throughout the year. It is also home to important buildings like the Bank of Canton or the Sing Chong Building. This area is an excellent place for authentic Chinese food and to explore exotic oriental shops.
10. Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica’s most famous attraction is this 100-year-old landmark. The Pacific Park amusement park, the famous red and yellow Ferris wheel, and many restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops can be found on the pier. You can enjoy a relaxing stroll on the dock all year, and there are many events like live music.
11. Monterey Bay Aquarium
The public aquarium in Monterey Bay was established in 1984. It is situated on the site where once stood a Cannery Row sardine cannery. It has a large selection of marine mammals, invertebrates, and birds. The aquarium is also an active campaigner for ocean health, undertaking many conservation research projects. In its “Kelp forest,” the aquarium offers children sleepovers.
12. Venice Beach
Los Angeles is known for its stunning beaches, and Venice beach is one of them. The beach is home to many street performers and swimmers, cyclists, roller-skaters, and swimmers during the summer months. The famous Muscle Beach is also located here. This beach-side gym allows bodybuilders to show off their muscles.
13. Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park is a vast expanse of stunning woodlands, rivers, and coastline that offers various outdoor activities. There are many rare and protected species of wildlife found in the forest and along the coast. You can spend one day in the woods if you only have one day. Take a leisurely walk and gaze up at the highest trees on the planet. You can also take longer hikes. There are five information centers and an 8-mile scenic drive called the Coastal Drive.
14. La Brea Tar Pits
The La Brea Tar Pits, located in Los Angeles’ heart, is the most well-known ice age excavation site. The site has a massive collection of fossils totaling 3.5 million. However, excavations and digging are still ongoing, and the project list is extensive. The museum displays many fossils from the site. In addition, it provides more information about the formation of the tar pits and the excavations.
15. Hollywood Walk of Fame
This Hollywood landmark sidewalk is made up of over 2,500 stars embedded with the names and stories of Hollywood legends. The Walk of Fame, which spans 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, was established in 1953. It is one of Los Angeles’ most iconic landmarks. It is a great place to spend an hour walking along the sidewalk while trying to find your favorite directors or actors.
16. Fisherman’s Wharf
San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf is a famous landmark and is always busy. Pier 39 is an excellent place to shop and admire seals enjoying the California sun. Ripley’s Believe it, or Not museum is located on the harbor. It houses a variety of unusual and bizarre objects from all over the world.
17. Getty Centre
The Getty Centre, located on the hills of olive green to the west Hollywood, houses the Getty Museum. It also has a fine collection of American and European art from different periods in history. It is well-known for its beautiful gardens, sculptures, and breathtaking views of Downtown LA as well as the ocean. Parking is $15 per vehicle, although entry to the center can be done for free.
18. Cabrillo National Monument
The Cabrillo National Monument is located at San Diego’s most southern tip, on the Loma Peninsula. The monument celebrates Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s September 28, 1542, landing in San Diego Bay. Cabrillo is the first European to have set foot on the West Coast of America. Cabrillo Park has a wealth of information about 16th Century exploration.
19. General Sherman
General Sherman is the name of a Giant Sequoia found in Sequoia National Park, California. Like many other trees in this forest, it is one of the largest in the entire world. Five of the ten most giant trees in the forest are located here. General Sherman stands at around 275 feet and has been known to be approximately between 2,300 and 2,700 years old.
20. Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island was the location of the first US-built fort and lighthouse built on America’s west coast. It is also the site of the notorious federal prison that operated from 1934 to 1963. Although the prison was closed to the public for many decades, it can now be toured and even visited at night. The ferry takes you to the island. It is best to bring a jacket and a sweater.
21. RMS Queen Mary
The RMS Queen Mary, an ocean liner retired from service between 1936 and 1967, is a museum. It is currently docked at Long Beach, where you can enjoy a unique experience by dining onboard the ship or staying in one of its many rooms. The boat also offers guided tours, which provides a detailed look into past and seasonal events like Dark Harbour, which plays into the ship’s reputation as a haunted vessel.
22. California State Railroad Museum
California State Railroad Museum opened its doors to the public for the first time in 1976. It is now one of Sacramento’s most visited tourist destinations. Six buildings were built to complete the complex at $30 million. The Railroad History Museum, which is the main exhibit building, measures 100,000 square feet. It was opened in May 1981. The main Railroad History Museum building houses 21 meticulously restored locomotives as well as many exhibits. These exhibits show how railroads have shaped California’s unique culture and life.
23. San Francisco Cable Car System
This manually operated cable car system offers San Francisco’s best View and is the last one of its kind. The cable cars, which are billed as the city’s only moving historic landmark, run along three routes, two of which end in Fisherman’s Wharf. You can find the Cable Car Museum on Nob Hill. It offers extensive information about cable cars, from their construction to today.
24. The Big Sur Coastline
The Big Sur spans 90 miles along California’s Central Coast. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful driving routes in the country. The route is used by approximately 3 million drivers each year. It runs from Carmel to the Santa Lucia Mountains. Drivers will come across points of interest along the route, such as Point Sur lighthouse, the Bixby Bridge (the world’s tallest single-span bridge), and McWay Falls, which plunge 80 feet into the sea below.
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