1. Must-sees are the El Prado, the Botanical Building, and the Old Globe Theatre (a replica of the Globe Theatre in London). This windswept point in Central California is not only a scenic spot to while away an afternoon, but also home to a large elephant seal colony that breeds here for a few weeks every winter. Things to do near me today, beaches with kids, romantic parks, unique places to visit in USA, hotels, tourist attractions: Sarasota, From Boston, OR, NC, From Houston, NJ, GA Northern California is home to everything from rugged coastlines and beautiful beaches to picturesque vineyards, dazzling lakes, rushing rivers and soaring mountains, with exciting cities and unique towns in between. You can easily get a bag of fortune cookies for a steal at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, help yourself to some egg tarts, or enjoy dim sum during your time in Chinatown! San Diego Zoo & Safari Park are so huge that it’s easy to spend the whole day admiring the many animals that live at the parks. Tomales Bay Oyster Company provides grills and ice on top of your oysters, depending on if you like your shellfish raw or cooked. With its noble columns and snappy cupola, all painted wedding-cake white, the California State Capitol has a familiar aura that’s sure to captivate – it’s modeled after the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C. One of the best places to go sea kayaking is right off the coast of Santa Barbara, around Channel Islands National Park. Sometimes you don’t even have to go on a whale watching tour, you can just see them at a distance from the beach because they come in so close to the shore (although it helps if you have binoculars). You only have to walk half a mile before reaching the formations. Famous for its native bighorn sheep (that’s where “borrego” comes from!) The mountain setting makes these springs some of Northern California’s most beautiful to soak in. However, you can take a quick peek at the museum and bookstore if you want to learn more about the town’s history. Find accommodation, book your rental car, or sign up for a local tour. Success! At Henry Cowell State Park, just north of Santa Cruz, there are multiple redwood trees that you can literally step inside of along one of the many hiking trails at the park. It’s seen as one of the best aquariums in the world, and it’s not hard to see why with how diverse our marine life is in the Monterey Bay. California’s least-populous county, nestled south of Lake Tahoe, shares the area’s stunning mountain landscapes. Natural Bridges is also a great point to look out for shorebirds, migrating whales off the coast, and seals and otters. Fact … You can check the Guinness Book of World Record as it is recognized for having the largest collection dedicated to a single fruit. Located three hours south east of L.A. Salvation Mountain is truly one of the most remarkable, unique, and fascinating landmarks of Southern California. Related: Best Things to do in Lake Tahoe (During Any Season). Many years ago a landslide caused all the houses on the cliff to fall into the ocean. Although we won’t be doing a big Thanksgiving ce, Just finished up a month of living in Tahoe, recon, #ad One of my favorite outdoor date activities in, My face when I’m daydreaming about Al Pastor bur, It’s hard to believe that I was walking through, Walk or Cycle Across the Golden Gate Bridge, Stop at In-N-Out Burger on a California Road Trip, Discover the Hydrothermal Sites at Lassen Volcanic National Park, Soak in the Eastern Sierra Natural Hot Springs, Explore the State Capitol Building in Sacramento, Hike to the Lighthouse at Point Reyes National Seashore, Grab a Bowl of Clam Chowder at Boudin Bakery, Get Spooked at the Winchester Mystery House, Take in the View from Land’s End Labyrinth, Catch a Giant’s Game & Eat Garlic Fries at Oracle Park (Formerly AT&T Park), Visit California’s Most Famous Prison on Alcatraz Island, Explore the Largest Chinatown Outside of Asia, Say Hello to the Bison at Golden Gate Park, Camp on Angel Island & Watch the Fog Roll in Over San Francisco, Visit the Most Famous Ghost Town in California at Bodie State Historic Park, Hike to the Unusual Devil’s Postpile National Monument in Mammoth Lakes, See the Thousands of Elephant Seals at Año Nuevo State Park, Step Inside a Redwood Tree at Henry Cowell State Park, Surf the Waves at Steamer Lane or Pleasure Point, Ride the Giant Dipper at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Witness Thousands of Monarch Butterflies a Natural Bridges, Visit One of the Best Aquariums in the World at the Monterey Bay, See General Sherman at Sequoia National Park, Explore the Pismo Beach Sand Dunes on an ATV, Visit the Lowest Point in North America at Badwater Basin, Take in the View from Griffith Observatory, Go to a Live Taping of Your Favorite TV Show in LA, Watch the Skateboarders at Venice Beach Boardwalk, Go Hiking in Malibu then Spend the Day on the Beach, Visit Hogwarts at Universal Studios Hollywood, Get Religiously Psychedelic at Salvation Mountain, Eat the Best Apple Pie in California in Julian, Witness the Beauty of the Desert at Anza-Borrego State Park, Walk through the Colorful Flower Fields in Carlsbad, Get Wild at the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park, Tour a Decommissioned Aircraft Carrier at the USS Midway Museum, Best Things to do in Lake Tahoe (During Any Season), The Best Things to do in San Francisco at Night, Ride a Steam Train through the Santa Cruz Redwoods, My Favorite Hike in San Diego – Torrey Pines, 8 Best Handheld GPS Devices for Hiking (2020 Buying Guide), Best Heated Gloves for Cold Weather (2020 Buying Guide), 3 Outdoor Date Ideas in the Bay Area (To Enjoy During Quarantine). Make sure to reward yourself with a trip to the beach afterward! San Francisco Zoo . As if those weren’t enough, visitors are treated to free admission, stunning Greek-inspired architecture, and world-class views of the Los Angeles Basin and the Pacific Ocean. The Hook is a little more low key, and a better place to go surfing if you’re still a beginner surfer, but keep in mind that it’s still a coveted local spot. San Diego, especially, is famous for its fish tacos, which can be found for as little as $1 on Tuesdays. You’ll also find some random ducks that will walk past you, don’t step on their poop. You’ll find many paintings which may include many explicit and pornographic images of animals and weird figures of people. Even the parking! It’s actually the oldest surviving amusement park in California and one of the few oceanside amusement parks on the West Coast. No beer lover’s visit to California is complete without a tour of one (or more) of the famous San Diego breweries. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Please try again. There are so many hot springs in eastern California and western Nevada that they can fill an entire book. The cold winters and cool water temperatures keep the lake’s clarity extremely high. The tours run from December through March, but the best time to see the seals in action is January and February. San Francisco bakery chain, Boudin Bakery, is world-famous for their sourdough bread bowls. Visit the aquarium to see a living kelp forest, cute sea otters, penguins, and more! Depending on the level of difficulty, you can either opt for the family-friendly Mt. I set out on a road trip voyage to discover the unique places to visit in California. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in San Diego, California on Tripadvisor: See 233,657 traveler reviews and photos of San Diego tourist attractions. Things to do in southern California when it rains. You can’t beat a piping hot bread bowl of clam chowder after a brisk afternoon outside. So what are you waiting for? If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can hop on a “Social Cycle” and pedal your way through San Diego streets while sipping crafted pints of awesome. It’s a favorite pastime of Santa Cruzans. Sounds like a great location for a Peta campaign, right? We like our quirks in California, so it’s really not surprising that we have a whole Danish-themed town in Central California by the name of Solvang. The skate park is a great start to an afternoon exploring Venice Beach, a counterculture hippie spot that is a unique addition to the usual LA scene. Venice Canals 5. California is the third-largest state in the nation and will take you through a variety of temperatures and environments. Home to multiple museums, performing arts venues, and gardens, the 1,200-acre Balboa Park is a stunning monument to Spanish Renaissance architecture and the pride of San Diego. Few things are as American as apple pie is, so it’s no wonder that every city wants bragging rights to the best apple pie in the States. The pops of green, brown, and yellow colors will blow you away as you wind around the curvy State Route 254 in search of your favorite grove. What makes this sea kayaking trip especially unique? Pro-tip if you want to visit this historical landmark: buy tickets early! This is Salton Sea, considered to be one of the strangest and coolest places in California. Steamer Lane, especially, is only for experienced surfers and locals can sometimes be a bit possessive of the spot and waves here, so make sure you know what you’re doing. The project flooded this land and created an 8,360 square miles big lake. You can also shuck and cook your own oysters at Hog Island Oyster Company. Balboa Park is not just any ordinary park. Although it used to be an immigration station that screened Asian immigrants before they could set foot on the American coast, the Chinese-American community successfully lobbied for the island to be recognized as a National Historic Landmark. The USS Midway Museum is a hotspot for maritime lovers and an opportunity to step onto the aircraft carrier Midway itself. Only accessible in the summer, you have to pay a mandatory admissions fee to take the shuttle bus from Mammoth Mountain Lodge Gondola Building to the start of the trail. If you are willing to make the trek to the Eastern Sierras, the number of amazing hot spring options increases. Non-residents have to pay a $10.25 toll to drive the road but it’s worth it for the beautiful route and stunning views. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in California, United States on Tripadvisor: See 1,091,462 traveler reviews and photos of California tourist attractions. There’s nothing better than having a memorable adventure in Southern California without spending a dime. Albany Bulb. We spent a couple days exploring the city. If you’re visiting California and wondering what the best things to do are then you must see this California bucket list. The Boardwalk also has a great arcade (including laser tag) next door, and a bowling alley across the street. Related: 101 Things to Do in San Diego | The Ultimate Bucket List. It might not look that interesting, but we’d suggest you to go ahead and check them out. Whether it is a hike, a restaurant, or just a collection of odd things, this list is dedicated to the unique stuff I have found in Southern California (from Kern County down). Maybe you're a contrarian vacationer who'd rather see things others miss. We’re talking about owning 17,000 banana related items and a museum out of it. Bumpass Hell. We have reviews of the best places to see in California. If you can only pick between a few places to go in California, Big Sur should be one of them. and colorful badlands, Anza-Borrego provides plenty of sights for visitors who are looking to experience the desert in all its glory. It’s the part that most people drive if they don’t have a ton of time and just want to see the highlights. If you’re a foodie, it’s worth it to go on this food tour to really capture the essence of this beloved San Francisco neighborhood. Things to do in California Welcome to California From southern California’s beachy San Diego and star-studded Los Angeles to history-steeped San Francisco and quieter towns in the north, the Golden State serves up an endless array of destinations and activities. When you’re tired of all the dust in your desert road trip, take a breather and party at the Ace Hotel or Saguaro pool. However, in recent years (most likely due to climate change) they’ve left by January. You’d think that a sinking town and an abandoned old zoo are not weird enough, how about a 50 acres Nazi compound in the Santa Monica Mountain which is minutes away from the popular third street promenade. 16 Fun Things to Do in Hollywood, California. Now, Salvation Mountain attracts thousands of visitors every year with its candy-bright colors and Biblical murals. If you’re looking for a good tour to take you around to the different wineries so you don’t have to drive, I’d recommend this one. From mid-December through Mid-April is when you might see gray whales, dolphins, and killer whales migrating. Crawl up and down State Route 99 to seek out the region’s finest taco stands, mulita specialists, enchilada masters, pan dulce shops, and more. Related: The Ultimate List of Things to Do in LA. Lost Sunken City 4. You can drive this shortened version in one day, although it will be a packed one that involves being in the car for most of the day. While you can explore the Midway and the other exhibits (including flight simulators and the Battle of Midway Theater) on your own with the self-guided audio tour. Southern California includes the southernmost ten counties, including famous places like Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.Southern California is famous for its beaches, wineries, breweries and year-round pleasant climate which makes it a great place to visit. From one of California’s most diverse and delicious food scenes to a romantic hotel with a vineyard attached, here are some of the most fun things to do in Southern California. California Outdoor Activities . Get first dibs on travel updates, tips, and deals. You can easily plan to spend a couple of days on the trip up or down the PCH, so it’s the perfect opportunity to explore B&Bs and cute beachside towns. If you’re tired of visiting the over-pretentious art galleries, we’d suggest you to visit this place for some true Bohemian art. The city has never forgotten its roots nor its love for all things Danish since then. Unique places to visit that not everyone knows about. The number of sea caves you’re able to paddle through. One of the more unique things to do in Southern California, A few miles away from the Salton Sea, visionary Leonard Knight took it upon himself to create an actual mountain out of adobe, straw, and non-toxic paint. Boudin Bakery also has beef chili, tomato bisque, and broccoli cheddar in their rotation. We’d suggest you take few hours to just explore and walk around. The Castle (really, more of a mansion) is a National Historic Landmark and was lived in and owned by the newspaper tycoon, William Randolph Hearst, from 1919 to 1947. This area is surrounded by trailheads, so you have your pick of activities, land or water. It can be defined as anything but normal. It’s good to have a vehicle that can carry your supplies and protect you from the elements. Make reservations, bring cash, and enjoy all that briny goodness. Well we do not have an answer to that. Salvation Mountain 2. Regardless of whether the SF Giants are having a great season or not, it’s always a great idea to catch a game and nosh on those delicious garlic fries at Oracle Park. Reservations are a must and can be made here. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a historic coastal amusement park in California, and not just because it’s where I had my first job at 15. Since it closed as a prison, it has become a national landmark and home to history exhibits and art installations by world-famous artists such as Ai Weiwei. LA is without doubt a stylish city and, as expected, the shopping options are excellent. So if you’ve got lot of trash, bring it over and make something out of it. The city was founded by a group of Danes in 1911 who were trying to escape the intensely cold Midwestern winters. This was an engineering disaster and a fail attempt at bringing Colorado River to California. Point Reyes National Seashore boasts some of the most gorgeous coastal views in the Bay Area, which isn’t something I say lightly. Hundreds of feet inside the McCloud Limestone Mountain Range are the alluring and mysterious Lake Shasta Caverns. Visiting wine country in Napa Valley is one of the most popular things to do in California. Mix all of those up, and you have yourself a Palm Springs pool party. Also – if you’re looking for a full guide to road tripping California, I wrote a whole book on it. Related: 4 Days in the Desert: From the Salton Sea to Joshua Tree. On powder days, Tahoe’s most hardcore skiers and riders queue up for the famous KT-22 lift before the sun rises. California has always been about people expressing their feelings via art, no matter how weird that turns out. Besides General Sherman, Sequoia National Park is one of the nine national parks in California that is well worth visiting for its natural beauty and good hiking trails. And if you’re looking for more California redwoods don’t miss out on my full guide to Big Basin Redwoods State Park, which is the oldest state park in California and right next to Henry Cowell. These trees are some of the oldest in the world and grow to enormous heights (and widths). The weather in San Francisco is best described as “perpetually chilly,” which means that it’s always soup weather! When it’s sunny enough to wear shorts in San Diego, there’s nothing better than spending the whole day outside soaking in the rays. And you can’t leave the state without trying the fusion ‘California Burrito’ that sounds disgusting to anyone who isn’t from here, but believe me when I say it’s DELICIOUS. However, one of the most popular coastal routes that don’t skimp on the good views in the 17-Mile Drive that goes through the gated community of Pebble Beach. There are a lot of really cool things to do in the San Francisco Bay area really and lots of historic sites. Related: 101 Things to do in Santa Cruz (From a Local). There is something truly iconic about this hipster man-mad wonder. California History & Culture . Related: How to Spend One Day in San Jose. If baseball isn’t your thing, cheering on the Golden State Warriors NBA team at the Chase Center is one of the best ways to spend an evening in San Francisco. Note: The lighthouse is currently undergoing restoration so the immediate area around the lighthouse is not accessible. A very ‘California thing’ to do is stepping inside (or driving through) a redwood tree. There are also quite a few good foodie spots and cafes in the neighborhood (especially for vegans and vegetarians), so make sure to research a place or two to eat and drink via Yelp or Foursquare while you’re in town. Located southeast of Palm Springs in Mecca, CA, it was started by a guy named Ken Bannister (no seriously) who calls himself the ‘Top Banana Man” who has written books about Bananas, been on talk shows about bananas and featured in numerous newspapers and radio stations because of...Bananas! Squaw Valley Ski Resort is the crown jewel of Lake Tahoe. California Romantic things to do . A visit to the Venice Beach Boardwalk isn’t complete without watching the talented skateboarders at the skate park along the beach. The earlier you book, the better because spots fill up fast. You can actually see the sunken city from the cliff (Please don’t fall). If you want to observe the animals up close, the Safari Park is a great option to see your favorites out in the open range. Related: The Perfect Weekend in Mendocino. Related: My Favorite Hike in San Diego – Torrey Pines. Who doesn’t like zoos? We have reviews of the best places to see in San Diego. San Diego has had one of the best microbrewery scenes in California for years. The two kings of the North Bay, Tomales Bay Oyster Company and Hog Island Oyster Company are the perfect size to host you and your friends for a chill outing of eating oysters and drinking cold beers. What were left behind were ruins of roads, broken pipes. I hope you’ll get to experience both the local aspects and tourist attractions around California through these recommendations. 10 Unusual and Cool Things to do in California By Niraj Kakade on Jan 29, 2019 * Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and book something (there is never any extra cost to you for using these links). Now check your email to confirm your subscription. Tickets to Alcatraz Island are wildly popular and sell out like hotcakes, so people buy tickets as far in advance as two months. Or, if you’re really looking for a workout, you can get in a great cardio sesh on the Cahuenga Peak Hike. 1. Better yet, treat yourself to some funnel cake or a scoop of Soda Jerks’ ice cream while watching the sun disappear into the horizon. Related: Best Joshua Tree Hotels and Campgrounds. Napa Valley has over 450 vineyards in 14 different appellations (regions), with a wide range of offerings. As it is the last manually operated car cable system that’s what makes it the top thing to do in California and we can enjoy the beautiful views of the city also from it. Discover 30 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in San Diego, California from Sunny Jim Cave Store to Lemon Grove Mummies. Ever since Sprinkles Cupcakes first launched in L.A., this dessert chain has amassed a cult following that can’t get enough of these mouth-watering treats. So the next time you plan your vacation there would you really want to explore it like a tourist and visit the popular clichéd places, or would you like to explore it as a traveler and go where the locals go? 5. There are so many unique coffee roasters up and down California but for me one of the nicest has to be Verve in Santa Cruz. Touring Coronado Island is a perfect daytime activity on a nice day since you can walk around the peninsula in about two hours. If you’re camping, I recommend staying at Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground for affordable campsites and cabins and adding in some time for hiking around this beautiful area of California. Sculptures of Anza Borrego 6. Below are some unusual adventures in Southern California that you can do this weekend. You have 100 square acres of beach, wildlife, and hiking at your disposal, so it only makes sense to go to the pink-capped lighthouse for the best vantage point. If you’re a diehard J.K. Rowling fan, you’ve probably already made plans to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood. Don’t be surprised to hear cheering (or heckling) skiers from KT-22 as they launch over “the fingers.”. Disneyland still has some classic favorites that shouldn’t be missed – I’m looking at you Space Mountain. The equivalent of New York’s Central Park (but much bigger), Golden Gate Park is a hotspot for outdoor and cultural activities. Besides Urban Light and Levitated Mass (be prepared to feel very, very small), LACMA is home to some incredible exhibits such as Miracle Mile by Robert Irwin. The Murphy Ranch aka the Nazi compound or locally known to as the Nazi House. Don’t believe us? This place is a good example of that. Since this spot is BYO other than the oysters, make sure to bring a couple of six-packs, wine bottles, some hot sauce, lemons, and any other accompaniments you enjoy pairing with these bivalves. Hearst had very interesting interior decorating tastes that I would personally call a bit gaudy, but it’s an impressive property that’s worth touring. Insider tip: look up the secret menu on Google before ordering so you can make the most out of the simple menu on offer and enjoy burgers and fries the way locals do. So how is it a zoo you may ask? Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. feet of pure skate heaven with no shortage of skaters effortlessly pulling off ollies, grinds, and grabs. Cap off your day of shopping at the 3rd Street Promenade and biking along the beach by watching the sunset from Santa Monica Pier. And at the end of the day have dinner at one of the local restaurants. Well it used to be, but now it’s just abandoned. Largest body of water in California situated in the middle of desertsounds like Big Bear in Palm Spring? You can be part of this legacy by helping this mountain grow with anything you do not use right now. Swan and donut floaties. So what exactly makes apple pie from Julian so special? And, there’s really no better way to take in its grandeur than through SUPing around the lake. Pictures fail to capture the astonishing beauty of the ranunculuses in full bloom, so make sure to visit when you get the chance. California is a state where you can shake hands with Mickey Mouse and touch an Orca whale in the same day. Written by. There are three hiking trails that take you up to the famous sign. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Southern California – Salvation Mountain is it. Solvang is known for its Danish-inspired architecture (complete with windmills) and wineries, as well as Danish bakeries and the ridiculous amount of Danish flags within city limits. So where did all this Danish inspiration come from? Related: How to Spend Winter in Santa Cruz. Joshua Tree is just far away enough from any major cities to avoid light pollution, which makes it ideal for gazing at the cosmos at night. Or, if you don’t want to do the hard work, Hog Island has a waitstaff on hand to serve you your oysters just the way you like them. Luckily Southern California has many things to do whatever the weather. The best time to visit is in the fall during “crush” season when you have the unique opportunity to see a winery in action! Otherwise, this is a great group tour to go on if you don’t want to drive yourself. Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips. And no one is stopping the adults from doing the same thing, while taking some good Snapchats, doesn’t it sound like the perfect place to use that dog filter? Be sure to check out our list of things to do in San Diego! It’s by far one of the most quintessential places to visit in Northern California. Life is an adventure, join me around the world! Kayte Deioma. A California vacation, road trip, or work trip isn’t complete without a stop at this native staple. Maybe you've been to California before or live here. The only way to see the elephant seals during the mating season is through a 2.5 guided tour. What sets Squaw apart is the hard-charging, fun-loving attitude of its locals. However, the first phase of restoration is estimated to be completed around March 2019. This place is no exception! You might think it’s a dream to see your favorite actors in the flesh, but I assure you, it can be a reality. The crown of California’s largest state park belongs to Anza-Borrego State Park, located within the Colorado Desert just north of San Diego. If you automatically start drooling at the thought of eating some delicious shellfish, oyster-shucking at Tomales Bay is a must-do just north of San Francisco.
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