California is vast, diverse, and constantly inspiring. If you are planning a trip and researching the Best Things to Do in California, you will quickly realise that this state offers almost every type of travel experience imaginable. From dramatic coastlines and national parks to iconic cities and cultural landmarks, California blends natural beauty with innovation and creativity.
The most memorable Best Things to Do in California combine outdoor adventure, entertainment, history, and lifestyle. Because California stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Sierra Nevada mountains and down to desert landscapes, it delivers extraordinary variety within one state. This guide is structured into clear sections so you can plan a balanced and rewarding itinerary.
Iconic Cities and Urban Best Things to Do in California
California’s cities influence global trends in entertainment, technology, fashion, and culture. Exploring them is essential when planning the Best Things to Do in California. From coastal skylines and historic districts to film landmarks and waterfront promenades, these urban experiences capture the personality and pace that define the state.
1. Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognised landmarks in the world. Stretching across the entrance to San Francisco Bay, the bridge connects the city to Marin County while offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Alcatraz Island.
Walking or cycling across the bridge consistently ranks among the Best Things to Do in California because it combines engineering achievement with dramatic scenery. Morning fog rolling over the towers creates a cinematic atmosphere, while sunset paints the structure in warm tones. It is both iconic and deeply memorable.
2. Explore Hollywood in Los Angeles
Hollywood symbolises the global film industry. The district is home to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where stars honour actors, directors, and musicians, and the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, known for celebrity handprints.
Exploring Hollywood remains one of the classic Best Things to Do in California, particularly for film enthusiasts. Hiking nearby trails to see the Hollywood Sign up close adds panoramic city views to the experience. The neighbourhood blends nostalgia with modern entertainment culture.
3. Visit Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier combines beach culture with amusement rides, street performers, and sweeping ocean views. Located at the end of Route 66, it has become a symbol of classic California coastal life.
Spending time here ranks high among the relaxed yet lively Best Things to Do in California. Visitors can ride the Ferris wheel, walk along the shoreline, or enjoy seafood with sunset views. The atmosphere feels energetic without losing its laid-back charm.
4. Tour Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island once housed some of America’s most infamous prisoners. Today, it stands as a historic site offering guided audio tours that share stories from former inmates and guards.
Taking the ferry from San Francisco and exploring the preserved prison cells adds historical depth to the Best Things to Do in California. The views back toward the city skyline create a striking contrast between isolation and urban life.
5. Explore San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter features Victorian-era architecture blended with modern restaurants, rooftop bars, and performance venues. Located in downtown San Diego, it offers a mix of history and nightlife.
Walking through this district adds urban energy to the Best Things to Do in California, especially in the evening when lights illuminate restored buildings. Dining, shopping, and live entertainment make it a vibrant city highlight.
Nature and National Park Best Things to Do in California
California’s natural landscapes are world-renowned for their scale, diversity, and dramatic beauty. From alpine peaks and ancient forests to rugged coastlines and desert valleys, outdoor adventure defines many of the Best Things to Do in California. These destinations highlight why the state is considered one of the most geographically varied places in the United States.
6. Visit Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park showcases towering granite cliffs, powerful waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoias. Landmarks such as El Capitan and Half Dome create some of the most recognisable natural scenery in North America.
Hiking to viewpoints like Glacier Point ranks among the most breathtaking Best Things to Do in California. During spring, waterfalls flow at full strength, while autumn offers quieter trails and crisp air. Yosemite’s scale and natural beauty make it a centrepiece of any California itinerary.
7. Explore Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks protect some of the tallest trees on Earth. Walking through these forests places visitors beneath towering redwoods that can reach heights of over 300 feet.
Exploring these trails ranks among the awe-inspiring Best Things to Do in California. The quiet atmosphere, filtered sunlight, and moss-covered landscapes create a peaceful setting that feels almost timeless. It is a reminder of California’s deep environmental heritage.
8. Drive Along Big Sur
Big Sur offers dramatic coastal cliffs and panoramic ocean views along California’s Highway 1. The winding road hugs the Pacific coastline, revealing rugged bluffs and hidden beaches.
This scenic drive remains one of the most visually stunning Best Things to Do in California. Stops at viewpoints, hiking trails, and coastal bridges create opportunities for photographs and quiet reflection. Big Sur captures the raw beauty of the Pacific coast.
9. Visit Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park features vast desert landscapes, salt flats, and dramatic elevation changes. As one of the hottest places on Earth, it presents a striking contrast to California’s forests and coastline.
Exploring sand dunes at Mesquite Flat or standing at Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, is one of the unique Best Things to Do in California. The stark terrain creates unforgettable scenery, especially at sunrise and sunset.
10. Discover Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe sits high in the Sierra Nevada mountains and is known for its clear alpine water and surrounding pine forests. The lake offers year-round outdoor recreation.
Swimming, boating, and paddleboarding during summer, along with skiing in winter, add seasonal adventure to the Best Things to Do in California. The combination of mountain air and reflective blue water makes Lake Tahoe both refreshing and scenic.
Coastal and Beach Best Things to Do in California
California’s coastline stretches for more than 800 miles, offering dramatic cliffs, wide sandy beaches, hidden coves, and charming seaside towns. Coastal experiences are essential when exploring the Best Things to Do in California. From luxury escapes to rugged island adventures, the Pacific shoreline defines much of the state’s identity and appeal.
11. Relax in Malibu
Malibu is known for its scenic beaches framed by dramatic coastal cliffs and hillside homes. The combination of natural beauty and understated luxury makes it one of the refined Best Things to Do in California.
Zuma Beach and El Matador State Beach offer stretches of sand ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and sunset photography. The Pacific Coast Highway runs alongside the shoreline, adding scenic drives to the experience. Malibu delivers calm coastal elegance without losing its relaxed atmosphere.
12. Visit Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach blends art culture with ocean views in a way few beach towns can match. Its cliffside setting and turquoise coves create a visually striking coastline.
Beyond the beaches, art galleries and seasonal festivals add creative energy to the Best Things to Do in California. Walking through Heisler Park, exploring tide pools, and visiting local studios combine natural scenery with artistic expression.
13. Explore Monterey and Cannery Row
Cannery Row reflects maritime history and oceanfront charm. Once home to sardine canneries, the area now features shops, restaurants, and waterfront views.
A visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium enhances this coastal highlight among the Best Things to Do in California. The aquarium showcases marine life native to the Pacific Ocean and provides an immersive educational experience. The surrounding coastline also offers whale-watching tours and scenic walking paths.
14. Walk Along Venice Beach
Venice Beach is known for its colourful boardwalk, street performers, and creative energy. The beachfront blends art, fitness culture, and ocean views into one lively atmosphere.
Walking along the boardwalk remains one of the energetic Best Things to Do in California. Visitors can watch skateboarders, browse local art stalls, and relax on the sand while soaking in the vibrant scene.
15. Visit Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park offers remote coastal wilderness just off the Southern California shore. Accessible by boat, the islands feel untouched and peaceful compared to mainland beaches.
Kayaking through sea caves, hiking along coastal cliffs, and spotting marine wildlife add adventure to the Best Things to Do in California. The isolation and natural beauty create a rare opportunity to experience California’s coastline in its most pristine form.
Cultural and Historic Best Things to Do in California
California’s history stretches from Spanish colonial missions and Gold Rush settlements to influential art movements and architectural landmarks. Exploring these destinations adds depth and perspective to the Best Things to Do in California. They reveal how the state evolved from frontier territory into a global cultural leader.
16. Explore Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle is a grand estate perched high above the Pacific coastline. Built by publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst in the early 20th century, the property blends Mediterranean-inspired architecture with dramatic ocean views.
Touring the mansion adds architectural elegance to the Best Things to Do in California. Visitors can explore ornate rooms, grand staircases, landscaped terraces, and the famous Neptune Pool. The scale and design reflect a time when California symbolised ambition and luxury.
17. Visit Mission San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano represents California’s Spanish colonial era. Founded in 1776, it is one of the most historic and recognisable missions in the state.
Exploring the stone chapel ruins, tranquil courtyards, and preserved artefacts enriches the Best Things to Do in California with heritage. The mission’s history highlights early settlement patterns, religious influence, and architectural traditions that shaped Southern California.
18. Discover Old Sacramento
Old Sacramento preserves streets and buildings from the mid-19th century Gold Rush era. Wooden boardwalks, brick storefronts, and riverfront views create a setting that feels like stepping back in time.
Walking through Old Sacramento adds historic charm to the Best Things to Do in California. Museums, antique shops, and restored railway exhibits provide insight into the economic boom that helped define the state’s early development.
19. Tour The Getty Center
Getty Center sits atop a hill in Los Angeles, offering panoramic city views alongside impressive art collections. The museum features European paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and contemporary works.
Touring the Getty Center ranks high among artistic Best Things to Do in California. Beyond the galleries, the modern architecture and landscaped gardens create a serene cultural experience above the busy city below.
Unique and Scenic Best Things to Do in California
These final experiences complete the Best Things to Do in California with creativity, contrast, and unforgettable scenery. From vineyard-covered valleys and desert night skies to giant trees and skyline sunsets, these destinations show how varied and visually striking the state can be. Each one adds personality and perspective to a California itinerary.
20. Drive Through Napa Valley
Napa Valley is known for its vineyards, rolling hills, and refined countryside atmosphere. A scenic drive through the valley reveals rows of grapevines stretching across sunlit landscapes.
Wine tasting at local wineries ranks among the more refined Best Things to Do in California. Visitors can tour cellars, sample regional blends, and enjoy farm-to-table dining experiences. The combination of natural beauty and culinary excellence makes Napa Valley both relaxing and sophisticated.
21. Visit Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park blends desert landscapes with unique rock formations and its namesake twisted Joshua trees. Located where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, the park offers dramatic open spaces.
Hiking among massive boulders and staying for stargazing at night makes it one of the atmospheric Best Things to Do in California. The clear desert sky provides excellent conditions for viewing constellations, creating a peaceful yet striking experience.
22. Experience Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort remains a family favourite and a cornerstone of entertainment culture. Opened in 1955, it was the first Disney theme park and continues to draw visitors from around the world.
Visiting this park is one of the classic Best Things to Do in California, especially for families. The themed lands, parades, and attractions combine nostalgia with innovation, creating multi-generational appeal.
23. Explore Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley represents innovation, entrepreneurship, and global technology leadership. The region is home to major technology companies and research institutions that shape the digital world.
Exploring tech campuses, visiting computer history exhibits, or simply driving through the area adds a modern edge to the Best Things to Do in California. Silicon Valley reflects California’s forward-thinking identity and influence on global innovation.
24. Visit Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park protects some of the largest trees on Earth. The General Sherman Tree, considered the largest tree by volume, stands as one of the park’s most famous landmarks.
Standing beside these towering giants is one of the awe-inspiring Best Things to Do in California. The scale of the sequoias creates a humbling experience, especially when walking through quiet forest trails.
25. Watch Sunset at Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory overlooks Los Angeles from the slopes of Griffith Park. The observatory offers city views, astronomy exhibits, and access to hiking trails.
Watching sunset from this vantage point completes the Best Things to Do in California with panoramic skyline views. As the city lights begin to glow below and the sky shifts colours, the moment feels both cinematic and distinctly Californian.
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Conclusion:
California offers scale, diversity, and global influence. When exploring the Best Things to Do in California, you move from towering redwoods to desert landscapes, from iconic city skylines to quiet coastal villages. The state’s strength lies in contrast.
The true appeal of the Best Things to Do in California is variety. You can hike in a national park in the morning, explore a cultural landmark in the afternoon, and relax on a beach at sunset. Whether you visit for adventure, creativity, food, or history, California leaves a lasting impression long after your journey ends.
