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California is denoted as the “land of milk, honey and mouth-watering grapes.” Considered as a state with varied cultures reflecting traditions that have evolved over time – it is a common perception that everyone in California is from some other place. It evokes further interest for travellers from around the world to visit and explore this region. Its diverse population and culture is a blend that can best be described as a global citizenry.
Like culture, climate varies widely across California – summers are warm, dry, and hot while winters are cool, wet, mild and snowy. With sandy beaches, diverse landscapes, national parks and much more, California is an impressive location where tourists can indulge in anything and everything.
12 Unique Things To Do In California
Are you wondering what to do in California while travelling here? Beholding green forests, beautiful beaches, sea-side resorts and high mountains—you can never fall short of things to do in California with amazing attractions. Therefore, below is a brief guide for you of 12 things to do in California, during a trip.
1. Experience The Magic At Disneyland
All of us are familiar with the world of Disney and why not? For many of us, this place serves as a medium for some, if not all of our childhood fantasies. By witnessing all those fantasies, Disneyland offers you ample chance to indulge in a lot of fun. Established on July 17, 1955, at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Disneyland is an attractive place that has in store a plethora of unique things to in California – be it the amusement parks, themed lands or statues of your favourite characters. It is surrounded by flowers under a beautiful blue sky with colours complimenting its beauty and nature.
Disneyland literally looks heavenly during days and nights – a sought after place where tourists enjoy. If you are at Disneyland during day time, you should rather wait for the night to shimmer upon it to witness its impeccable beauty.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Cost: Around 6,000 INR per person
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2. Explore The Natural Beauty Of The Lava Beds National Monument
Established nearly a century ago on November 21, 1925, Lava Beds National Monument is located in north-eastern California. It covers an area of more than 46,000 acres and ranges from 4000-5000 feet. Consisting of many beautiful caves with pictographs around the cave entrances like Hopkins Chocolate Cave, Mushpot Cave, Valentine Cave, and more. You can find a stairway descending to enter while getting some glimpse of the early-man life, it offers you avenues to watch many fun-filled things to do in California in versatility.
Best Time to Visit: January to March
Stay Options: Cottages, small houses, hotels and motels
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3. Take To Safaris And Surfing At San Diego
San Diego is an old town and a go-to vacation spot. It offers enough avenues for countless exciting things to do in California. Its stunning views of the scenic coast, fun at theme parks, mind relaxation at ocean sides with adorable views and sightseeing keep you hooked. Zoo Safari Park with 3,700 animals is a must-see place for animal lovers. Seaport village is a calm, relaxing and gorgeous place with beautiful fountains and ponds. It is popular for seafood and stores. San Diego remains popular as one of the most exciting places in the United States.
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November
Cost: You can choose a tour package according to your budget
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4. Explore Wilderness At Yosemite National Park
Checking out wildlife and natural beauties at Yosemite is one of the top things to do in California. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, accompanied by the plants and animals, Yosemite is famous for its iconic domes, Yosemite falls, rock climbing and the Valley. If you are an adventure lover, a climb at EI Capitan in Yosemite Valley awaits you! Bridalveil Falls is one of the most beautiful spots in Yosemite National Park. Buy some stuff from the nearby shops, enjoy food from restaurants and explore Yosemite landscapes.
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Ticket per Vehicle: 2,500 INR
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5. Shop, Drink And Repeat At Napa Valley
Image Credit: ID 12019 for Pixabay
Napa Valley is world-famous for being a popular wine-growing region in the United States. Located at the heart of California, it gives breathtaking views to visitors. Also considered a family-friendly attraction, it is an ultimate holiday destination. Explore nearby marketplaces and buy some beautiful stuff. Visiting the vineyards to observing the astonishing nature views with distant fog, you have a plethora of things to explore in Napa Valley. The scenic beauty sightseeing would be one of the top things to do in California than anywhere else.
Best Time to Visit: March to May
How to Reach: Nearest airport at San Francisco. Trains and roadways are operational till Napa Valley.
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6. Never Get Bored In San Francisco
San Francisco city’s strategic location in the Northern Californian region makes it worth exploring. With the famous Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Lombard Street, gleaming Bay Area, and Cable Cars located here, San Francisco has got everything a visitor would like to explore. While in San Francisco, you won’t think of what to do in California as you hardly bore yourself in this part of the world. San Francisco is also home to artworks in wax museum, bizarre arctic rafts and historic sites. Hiking and trekking are very common and most preferred activities here.
Best Time to Visit: September to November
How to Reach: Several options are available from Roadways to Airways and Train service.
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7. Bask In The Sun At China Beach In San Francisco
One of the best things to do in California is to chill by the beachside. And what better place than a solitary peaceful beach! Earlier known as James D, it was once a camp of the Chinese fishermen. With Golden Gate in the background, it is also referred to as Baker Beach. People love visiting here every now and then. China Beach offers a stunning shoreline, with rocks hiding behind the cliffs. There can’t be anything as relaxing as an ideal walk around the beaches besides sunbathing.
How to Reach: Buses from downtown San Francisco to 28th Avenue is preferred.
Cost: No fee is charged
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8. Spoil Yourself Silly In Los Angeles
Experience luxury, glam and walk amongst stars in Los Angeles for it is famous for its film and television industry. Los Angeles or LA is situated in Southern California and is the largest city of the state that remains popular worldwide for many things. Visiting attractions like downtown LA, Hollywood, Santa Monica and Venice will be of an experience of a lifetime.
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November
Cost: Los Angeles can be expensive as cheaper options for lodging, food and travel are mostly not available.
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9. Uncover The Unexplored At Glacier Point
Image Credit: slamin for Pixabay
If you are going up to Yosemite, take the turnoff to Glacier Point located directly above the valley. With beautiful waterfalls across the valley, Glacier Point is also famous for holding one of the most spectacular views in California to explore. Witness beautiful sunset and indulge in various other activities at Glacier Point. Hiking at Glacier Point is challenging but super fun with scenic views and photographs.
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Timings: Remains open 24 hours
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10. Get Lost In Nature At The Joshua Tree National Park
Image Credit: KirstentB for Pixabay
Beautiful deserts, flowers and plants, iconic Joshua trees and surreal rock formations are all that can be experienced in Joshua Tree National Park. Just two hours away from Los Angeles, it is easily accessible and offers enough scope for you to involve in many things to do in California. Plan a visit to the hidden valley which is the best campground here. Caveman Climbing Boulder, Barker Dam, Skull Rock, Rocky landscapes and variety of hiking trails can be found in Joshua Park.
Best Time to Visit: March to May and October to November
Cost: A nominal entrance fee is charged
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11. Take A Walk Down tThe History Lane At Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara city has epic infrastructure and historic sites that make it a globally significant destination. Located between the Santa Ynez Mountains and Pacific Ocean, this place is heaven for food lovers with Mexican, Italian and American restaurants in the vicinity. Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara is the longest deep-water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is here that ample avenues for the many top things to do in California for couples are facilitated. You have many things to do in California at night like a walking at Stearns Wharf under the charming lights.
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November
Stay Option: Lots of lodging facilities are available. You can choose one that fits your budget.
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12. Relish the Natural Beauty Of South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe in the EI Dorado County is a well-known city of resorts on Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. A trip to Tahoe Lake beside Emerald Bay visit will take you to the snow capped cabins, Zephyr coves and lower eagle falls at the stunning Eagle Lake. Simply indulge in skiing and snow hiking for unlimited fun and adventure.
Where to Stay: Lodges and hotels offer comfortable stays.
Cost: Entry is free
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California is a destination for the dreamers who seek to feel the fairyland that lived in their conscience sometime or the other. With varied things to do in California, you will soon fall in love with its culture and natural beauties to want more social interactions here. A trip to California in the United States makes you feel a sort of belongingness as you come close to many unique things, places and people.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in California
What are the best things to do in California for couples?
Here are some of the best experiences that couples can enjoy in California: Indulge in fishing, boating, or kayaking at Convict Lake Enjoy star gazing Ride the ferris wheel at Santa Monica Pier Cruise through the Echo Park Lake Go for a wine safari
Which are the best things to do in California?
Some of the most enjoyable activities in California are: Spending a fun day at Disneyland Exploring the natural beauty of Lava Beds National Monument Enjoying safaris and surfing in San Diego Exploring the wilderness at Yosemite National Park Having some relaxing time at China Beach
Can I visit California during the current Covid situation?
Yes, you can plan a visit to California during the current Covid situation. However, make sure that you are completely vaccinated and always carry your vaccination certificate. Besides this, you need to follow government protocols that include wearing a mask when in public, sanitizing hands at certain intervals, and maintaining social distance.
Which are the best tourist spots in California?
To witness the charm of California, you can visit places like Yosemite National Park, The Disneyland Resort, Fisherman’s Wharf And Alcatraz Island, Lake Tahoe, Muir Woods National Monument, Golden Gate Bridge, Universal Studios Hollywood, TCL Chinese Theatre And Walk Of Fame, Balboa Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Santa Cruz.
How long does it take to do the complete Disneyland tour?
If you plan your day ahead and choose to select what you want to visit and enjoy amongst all the adventure rides or theme lands, then it might take you about a day or two.
How do I get around in California?
Bus, metro, carpool, rental cars etc. are some of the best transportation modes in California. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, you must opt for public transportation.
Which are the best destinations to hike in Northern California?
Desolation Wilderness, Lassen Peak, Marin Headlands, Point Reyes, Siskiyou Wilderness, etc. are some of the best spots where you can enjoy hiking in Northern California.
Which are the best hotels in California?
Some of the top-rated accommodation options in California are: Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa Hotel Bel-Air The Peninsula Beverly Hills Fairmont Grand Del Mar Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa
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Experience the world through captivating stories of adventure and travel. As a senior content writer, I bring my passion for exploration to life, crafting tales that take you on a journey. With my words, you’ll feel the thrill of discovery and the joy of experiencing new cultures. Let me turn your imagination into a reality with stories that inspire you to explore and embrace the world.
