California is an amazing place full of variety—there’s sunshine and beaches, famous cities, and even beautiful mountain regions as well. So it can be a bit daunting to decide what activities to start with when you’re visiting California.
But if you’re wondering about the finest activities California has to offer, then look no further. Here are 50 adventurous and fun things to do in California that will leave you longing for the next time you can explore the beautiful Golden State!
1. Go Whale Watching in Newport Beach
Whale watching is one of my favorite California attractions, and Newport Beach is an excellent place to indulge in this pastime. And even better—this is a year-round activity in California!
You’ll see different types of whales and dolphins at different times of year (and depending on your luck on the day). Blue whales are most common during summer months, while gray whales make the trip up and down the west coast from around December to April. I’ve seen both on whale watching trips in Newport Beach, as well as tons of dolphins, and it’s always so exciting no matter what you see! Of course, there are also other excellent places for whale watching like San Diego if a trip to Newport isn’t a possibility…but Newport will always be one of my favorites.
2. Eat Seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco
Fisherman’s Wharf may be one of the busiest California tourist attractions, but it should definitely still make your list of things to do in California. This area is an exciting location to buy seafood (or clam chowder and bread bowls) from a stall and enjoy an informal lunch with picture-perfect views of the bay.
If you choose to eat here, there are a few benches you can sit on to enjoy the views while you eat. However, be sure to guard your food from the seagulls as they can be quite aggressive about trying to steal it from you!
3. See General Sherman in Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is one of my favorite places in California, and seeing General Sherman should be at the top of your list of activities to do while in the park. Why? Because General Sherman is the largest tree in the world!
General Sherman is a beautiful and huge sequoia tree and people come from all over the world to see it. Note that it’s not the tallest tree in the world, but when measured by volume it definitely is the largest. It stands 275 feet tall with a 36-foot diameter base! You really do just have to see it to comprehend just how very big it is!
Read next: California National Parks to Visit and Explore
4. Paddle Board on Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is one of the most quintessential California destinations, and when you’re looking for what to do in California there’s nothing better than taking to the lake and going paddle boarding.
If you’ve never been to Tahoe or been paddle boarding before, then it’s easy to take a paddle boarding tour so you have some guidance along the way. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, you could simply rent a paddle board and go out on your own! (And don’t forget about kayaking or going on a helicopter tour if you’re feeling even more adventurous!)
5. See Salvation Mountain in the Desert
The California desert hides lots of hidden gems, and Salvation Mountain is definitely a hidden gem worth exploring! This “mountain” is completely man-made and the product of the vision of a local resident named Leonard Knight.
Knight first started work on this artwork mountain in 1984 and continued creating it for decades out of straw, adobe, and thousands upon thousands of gallons of paint. It’s filled with artistic murals, Christian sayings, Bible verses, and more.
Although Knight has now passed away, a society still maintains and protects this unique folk art site for visitors from around the world to enjoy. You can explore the mountain, walk through the rooms made of straw and adobe, and learn more about Knight’s vision for the mountain during your visit!
6. Explore the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego
California has some amazing hotels, but few are as iconic as the Hotel del Coronado. This historic beachfront hotel is an awesome place to explore and an even better place to stay the night!
The Hotel Del first opened in 1888 as the largest resort hotel in the world, and over the years it has become the place to stay. It has hosted presidents (including Harrison, McKinley, Taft, FDR, and more recently even Obama), as well as tons of other notable guests including Thomas Edison, Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, Bette Davis, and so many more!
If you’re in the area and just want a peek, then you can stop by and wander through the lobby, enjoy the restaurants on site, or explore the beachfront (be sure to look for the fun sand castles that a professional makes here to mark each day!). But if you have the time and the money, it’s even better to spend the night here and add your name to the long list of celebrity and non-celebrity guests!
Check out the Hotel Del on TripAdvisor or make a booking now!
7. See the Butterflies in Pismo Beach
I lived near Pismo Beach for several years, and there are so many amazing things to do in this cute beach town. One of the fun things to do here, though, is visit the Pismo Beach Butterfly Grove.
This activity is seasonal (from late October to February) as the beautiful Monarch Butterflies fly to this grove of Eucalyptus trees to escape the cold winters in the north. The butterflies all cluster together in the trees, and it is quite a sight to see…especially since there are around 25,000 butterflies that visit here each year!
So be sure to add this unique California activity to your bucket list, alongside all the other fun Pismo Beach activities!
8. Go Wine Tasting in Napa Valley
A trip to California wouldn’t be complete without wine tasting. There are so many amazing places to go (including Temecula and Paso Robles), but if you’re looking for the quintessential place to enjoy wine tasting then Napa Valley should be at the top of your list!
Napa Valley is particularly well-known for its wine region with hundreds of hillside vineyards, which makes it the perfect choice for a day of wine tasting. A wine tasting tour like this one is the perfect way to get in some sightseeing and visit some amazing vineyards with a guide/driver to help you enjoy your time. This is definitely one of the top things to do in California!
9. Hike the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles
What’s a more recognizable California landmark than the Hollywood Sign? This sign is 45 feet tall and 350 feet long and a cultural icon, so hiking to it while you’re in Los Angeles is a must!
There are three authorized hikes you can take to get to some good views of the sign, and one of them even allows you to see behind the sign and overlooking the city. It’s breathtaking! Learn more about these hikes and the routes to take before you go.
10. See the Golden Gate Bridge
Of all the things to see in California, the Golden Gate Bridge should occupy a top spot on your list! Like the Hollywood Sign, this bridge is one of the hallmarks of California and a popular attraction.
There are plenty of amazing viewing points to see this iconic attraction, and you can hit up just one or however many you desire! It’s well worth the time to enjoy the view of this gorgeous bridge.
Read next: 20 Epic Places to Visit in California
11. Go Skiing in Big Bear
One of the best things about California is the variety of terrain that allows you to enjoy nearly any adventure you like. Want beaches? There’s plenty of beaches. Like the mountains? We’ve got those too! And thanks to the California mountains, we’ve also got some pretty awesome places to go skiing—like Big Bear!
Big Bear is a glorious place to go all year round, but particularly during the winter. It is the perfect place to book a cute place to stay and go skiing or snowboarding for the day. You’ll find plenty to occupy you both on the slopes and off!
12. Visit the Mission Inn in Riverside
The Mission Inn is a landmark hotel in Riverside and should definitely be on the top of your list of what to see in California! It’s over 140 years old and has been gradually expanded across the years, making it now an elaborate mission-style historic hotel today.
Like the Hotel Del in San Diego, the Mission Inn has played host to all sorts of U.S. presidents and celebrities across the years. Ronald and Nancy Reagan honeymooned here, while several other presidents have visited including Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft (and in fact, the Mission Inn’s owner Frank Miller commissioned a special chair for the overweight Taft to sit in so he wouldn’t break the hotel’s other chairs. You can still find and sit in Taft’s chair at the Mission Inn today!)
While this is a lovely place to stay any time of year, one of my favorite times to visit is around Christmas for the Mission Inn Festival of Lights. This extraordinary display of Christmas lights, figurines, and more makes this an essential stop during any winter in Southern California!
Check out the Mission Inn on TripAdvisor or book a stay now!
13. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway
There’s not much that’s more California than a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway! You’ll find all sorts of fun things to do in California along the way, but if a full road trip up or down the coast isn’t in the cards for your trip then you should at least drive a stretch of the coast to get a feel for this famous highway.
The stretch along Big Sur is a popular choice as the scenery is gorgeous…but really, you can just follow the 101 near wherever you are and find some amazing hidden and not-so-hidden gems along the way!
14. Visit Disneyland in Anaheim
You can’t be in California and not go to Disneyland! After all, the Disneyland here is the original Disneyland that opened in 1955 and is the only theme park that was originally built to completion under the supervision of Walt Disney himself.
Of course, the park has greatly expanded over the years. But this just makes it even more worth a visit! Whether you’re a huge Disney fan or simply want to check this attraction off your list, you will definitely enjoy your day at Disneyland in California.
15. Explore Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
Remember when I said that the California desert hides some hidden gems? Well, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is another example of just such a gem (albeit a slightly strange and most definitely unique one).
This ranch is a collection of “trees” made from metal pipes and glass bottles of all shapes, sizes, and colors. It’s on Elmer Long’s private property, and you can simply stop by and wander through the trees and other junk items that have been turned into things of beauty for all to enjoy.
Although Elmer has recently died, this roadside attraction still remains a joy for those who stop by to see it. Be respectful of the property and the glass bottles and I’m sure you’ll enjoy you’re time here too!
16. See General Grant in Kings Canyon National Park
Seeing the sequoia tree named General Grant should be top of your California list of things to do, just like seeing the General Sherman tree! In fact, Kings Canyon National Park is adjoined with Sequoia National Park which should make it easy to see both of these trees on the same trip!
So why should you see General Grant even though you’ve already seen General Sherman (the largest tree in the world)? Well, General Grant is the second largest tree in the world. But it’s actually more of an icon because President Coolidge named it the “Nation’s Christmas Tree” in 1926.
This, along with President Eisenhower proclaiming it a National Shrine in memory to those who died in war, makes General Grant an object of interest to people from across the US. It’s the only living object ever declared as this type of memorial, so everyone makes sure to treat it with special care and ensure it survives across the years.
Whether you visit because it’s the second largest tree in the world, because it’s the Nation’s Christmas Tree, or because it’s a shrine in memory of those who died in war, General Grant is certainly worthy of seeing in its own right. It’s massive and you won’t regret the time you spend stopping by to see it!
17. Hike the Mist Trail/Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is one of the most beloved national parks in California, so its no wonder that hiking the Mist Trail up to Half Dome makes this list. After all, it’s one of the most iconic hikes in this iconic park!
Because the hike to Half Dome is such an in-demand hike, the National Park Service has had to limit the daily number of hikers allowed. If you wish to hike all the way to the top, you need to enter a lottery in the hopes of securing one of the coveted positions. You won’t be allowed to hike up Half Dome without it.
However, if you merely wish to hike part of the way, you’re welcome to still hike the Mist Trail and other portions along the way without winning the lottery. This means you can take a hike as short or long as you like while still experiencing part of this iconic trail!
18. Tour Hearst Castle in San Simeon
If you want to know how the rich live in the Golden State, then visiting Hearst Castle in San Simeon is definitely one of best things to do in California!
Hearst isn’t exactly a “castle,” but it is a fabulous estate with elaborate rooms, sculptures, art collections, plus an indoor and an outdoor pool. It was the project and home of the famous newspaper William Randolph Hearst…and in fact, he spent all his money trying to bring his dream house to life!
On a day tour of Hearst Castle, you’ll see this magnificent home and gardens as well as learning about all the quirks of this hugely wealthy man. It’s well worth a stop while in California!
19. Explore the Tide Pools at Montaña de Oro
One of the things I love best about beaches is finding locations where there are tide pools! That’s one of the reasons I love Montaña de Oro on the central coast.
The tide pools in Montaña de Oro are easy to access and offer lots of variety of life to observe. From hermit crabs, to sea anemones, to large crabs, and plenty more…this is the perfect place to while away some time in the California sun!
20. See the Sculptures in Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Looking for more crazy art in the desert? I told you there were lots of hidden gems, and the sculptures of Anza Borrego Desert State Park are no exception!
These sculptures were placed across the desert in the middle of nowhere by artist Ricardo Breceda around the year 2008…and today these approximately 130 sculptures still abound in the desert. You’ll find sculptures such as elephants, camels, a saber-tooth cat, a T-Rex, and even a 350-foot-long serpent. It’s crazy and amazing all at the same time!
If you’re interested in going on a sculpture treasure hunt, be sure to pick up a map of the desert at the Natural History Association bookstore in Borrego Springs to help you out on your quest.
21. Go Stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park might not get as much hype as some of the other national parks in California, but it is beautiful and a perfect place to explore whether you only have one day in the park or a whole week!
I love hiking and driving around Joshua Tree to see all of the best sights and unique plants, but one of my favorite times in the park is after it gets dark. As the park is out of the way from big cities and light pollution, this is the perfect place to go stargazing. The sky is so amazingly clear that you’ll want to stay and look at the stars all night long!
22. Eat Æbleskiver in Solvang
Solvang is an adorable city with Danish-style architecture, and a visit to this cute place is almost like going to Europe! There are lots of cool things to see and do here while learning a bit about Danish heritage, but one thing you’ll for sure want to do while here is eat æbleskiver.
Æbleskiver are a delicious Danish pastry that you simply must try (alongside other Danish fare). So take some time and relax in this easy-going city while discovering more about Danish culture and heritage and how it interacts with the culture of California today!
23. Spend the Day on Catalina Island
Santa Catalina Island is a gorgeous place for a vacation and the perfect place to spend a day. Whether you like swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking or hiking and biking…there is definitely something here for you. Or, if you’re more of the shopping and eating kind of person, you’ll be delighted to know that Catalina also has plenty to keep you entertained and well-fed. It doesn’t get much better than the living the island life!
24. See the Elephant Seals in San Simeon
Elephant Seals are some of the funniest-looking creatures in existence, and luckily for California visitors there’s a whole colony of them that you can find in San Simeon. Like their name suggests, they resemble elephants…particularly the males, who have large noses that look like the trunks of elephants.
If you want to see these creatures for yourself, be sure to stop by the boardwalk in San Simeon between October and March to have the best chance of seeing them lounging on the beach and sunning themselves on the sand.
25. Kayak the La Jolla Caves in San Diego
I adore kayaking, and one of my biggest bucket list activities for San Diego is going kayaking at the La Jolla Caves. On good days, you can even go kayaking in the caves which is pretty cool!
To get to the caves, you first kayak through the La Jolla Ecological Reserve, where you also have the chance to see some amazing sea creatures such as leopard sharks, sea lions, dolphins, and more. If you don’t have your own kayak or feel comfortable kayaking alone, be sure to join up with a tour to get the full experience!
26. Eat at In-N-Out
Although In-N-Out has gradually been expanding across the US, we Californian’s still lay claim to it as ours and a real California thing. After all, it first opened in a Los Angeles suburb in 1948!
Luckily for you, there are In-N-Outs all over California so you can really stop in at just about any city to check this off your California bucket list. If you like, check out the “secret menu” before you go. I recommend ordering your burger animal style, as that’s my favorite!
27. Drive California’s Route 66
Route 66 is an icon across the USA, but while you’re in California you should be sure to check out some of the best surviving portions. One place to be sure to stop is Victorville, as there are lots of Route 66 things to see and do in the area.
While you’re here, be sure to stop by the cute Victorville Route 66 museum. It’s staffed by volunteers who love the route, so besides seeing some cool artifacts you can also get some help with determining what you should see along this stretch of Route 66 once you leave!
28. Stay the Night at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo
The Madonna Inn is another of California’s famous unique hotels that you simply must see! It’s most famous for its liberal use of bright pink—from the hotel lobby, to the tennis courts (hot pink!), to the famous Madonna Inn champagne cake.
It’s also iconic because each of the rooms at this hotel are decorated with a unique theme and a liberal dose of charm and whimsy too. From the Madonna Suite—a pink-rose carpeted room with a massive fireplace and a rock waterfall shower—to the Yosemite Rock room with green tones, rock walls, and an all stone bathroom…to plenty of other brilliant decor schemes; well, there is never a dull moment no matter which room you choose!
This hotel is the perfect place to stay the night while you enjoy all the delightful activities that San Luis Obispo and the central coast offer. There’s plenty to see and do nearby as well as lots of beaches just a short jaunt away!
Check out the Madonna Inn on TripAdvisor or book a night now!
29. Visit Alcatraz Island in San Francisco
Alcatraz Island is a fascinating place to visit, as it’s the home of the abandoned prison as well as the site of the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast of the US. This is a common tourist attraction in San Francisco, and should definitely be on your list of things to do in California.
Today, the facilities are managed by the National Park Service and it is open to tours. You simply take a 15 minute ferry ride over and then can discover all about this island and the prison that was once operated here. It’s an interesting place to learn more about this side of the history of San Francisco!
30. See California’s Capitol in Sacramento
Interested in politics…or simply want to see inside a beautiful building? if so, a visit to California’s Capitol Building in Sacramento is in order!
The architecture is stunning and there are plenty of curiosities to see inside as well, so it is an interesting place to explore. You can learn more about visiting the capitol here.
31. Watch Sunset in San Diego
California sunsets are a thing of beauty, and it’s my personal opinion that San Diego has some of the best (especially in winter).
There are plenty of amazing places to watch sunset in San Diego, but if you have to choose just one I highly recommend Sunset Cliffs. As the name suggests, this is the perfect place to watch the sun set over the water…and the cliffs even turn orange with the glow of the sun as it goes down!
32. Visit The Getty Center in Los Angeles
The Getty Center is one of my favorite places in LA, so if you’re in the area you should definitely stop by here to while away the day. The Getty hosts incredible museum collections, offers amazing architecture, and presents gorgeous gardens. You’ll also find that the views overlooking Los Angeles are unparalleled!
Luckily, entrance to the Getty is always free! But there is still a parking fee, so be sure to check out the parking situation before you go.
33. Enjoy a Day at LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad
LEGOLAND California is one of the best things to do in California with kids…but it can also be quite fun for adults. Especially for adults who adored LEGO while growing up!
This theme park offers all the LEGO experiences you could possibly want, with rides, LEGO sculptures, and even a miniature park (my favorite!). Kids and adults alike will enjoy all there is to see (although the rides tend to be on the tamer side).
If you’re interested in going, you can purchase your tickets ahead of time with options including a one-day ticket or a two-day ticket that allows you entrance to all three associated parks: LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE aquarium, and LEGOLAND Water Park.
34. Go on a Grunion Run in San Diego
This is one unusual San Diego tradition that many people don’t know about, but my Grandma grew up in the area and used to go on Grunion runs when she was a teenager so she always loved to tell me stories! What is a Grunion run? Well, I’m glad you asked!
Grunion are a small silver species of fish that leave the ocean at night on specific days of specific seasons of the year in order to spawn on the beach. These seasons last from around March to August on the nights of full and new moons.
Now, I know that sounds a little crazy and you might think I’m pulling your leg, but I promise I’m not! If you want to see these slippery little fish for yourself, all you have to do is check out a Grunion run schedule and choose a night to show up at the beach. The second/third nights of a run are often the better nights to show up and you must be patient…but the reward is worth it!
Some people like to catch and eat the Grunion, but this is only legal if you have a valid California fishing license. And you are only allowed to use your hands to catch them! This makes for an entertaining night, whether you are watching others try to catch the fish with their hands or are trying to catch them yourself!
35. Visit the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles
Did you know you can find a slice of the Ice Age right in the heart of Los Angeles? All you have to do is go to the La Brea Tar Pits!
The La Brea Tar Pits are a group of tar pits in Hancock Park, where millions of fossils have been preserved and are now being excavated from. On a visit to the tar pits, you can tour the grounds, visit the museum and see the fossils they have excavated, and even watch paleontology in process at the working fossil lab in the museum!
This is such a cool and unusual place, especially to find in an urban United States setting…and it is well worth a visit. It’s slightly cheaper to buy tickets online before you go, or you can visit on a (busy) free museum day if you prefer.
36. Enjoy the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk are both worth an exploration. The boardwalk is a beachfront amusement park that was founded in 1907, making it the oldest surviving amusement park in California! It is free to enter and you simply pay for the rides you ride.
One of the attractions that you simply must ride is the historic wooden roller coaster called “The Giant Dipper.” This roller coaster opened on May 17, 1924 and is still working today! It’s an icon and a fun ride!
37. Eat Apple Pie in Julian
The small town of Julian used to be known for its mining interests, but today the name “Julian” is nearly synonymous with “apple pie.” So if you like apple pie (or any pie!) then you simply must visit Julian while in Southern California.
Of course, there are other things to see and do in the area (including cool mining museums) but the stars of the show really are Mom’s Pies and the Julian Pie Company. I’m especially partial to the berry pies from Mom’s. Delicious!
38. Go to the San Diego Zoo
San Diego’s Zoo is world-renowned, so while in California this is an activity you won’t want to pass up. It’s home to more than 3,500 individual animals (many of which are rare and endangered) and these animals are from more than 650 different species altogether.
While it’s fun to see the animals, what makes the San Diego Zoo special is its commitment to conservation science and saving species worldwide. This zoo utilizes their expertise in animal care to work toward saving endangered species while simultaneously inspiring visitors to care for these beautiful creatures we too frequently ignore.
The zoo itself is in the heart of San Diego and you can easily purchase a ticket online to skip the lines to get in. If you prefer to see animals in a more open environment, the zoo also runs the Safari Park in nearby San Diego County which provides even more space for the animals to roam.
39. See the Avila Sea Caves and Arch
Some of my favorite activities in California are the less well-known and more hidden spots, and the Avila Sea Caves and the arch in Avila are perfect examples of this!
Both are slightly off the beaten path, and the main cave (Smuggler’s Cave) is easy to get to and enjoy. The arch is beautiful as seen from a trail above, but if you’re able-bodied and up for a challenge you can access a secret beach below that will take you up close to the arch. Here’s all the info you need to know to find the caves and arch in Avila!
40. Explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a beautiful aquarium to visit with lots of amazing exhibits to see. If you love sea life (and also if you may be interested in regional sea life) then this is a must-see place!
This aquarium has been around since 1984 and is dedicated to marine research and conservation. Whether you’re interested in jellyfish, otters, kelp, octopus exhibits, or more…there is plenty of sea life here to entrance you! So grab your aquarium tickets now and get ready to explore!
41. Hike to Potato Chip Rock in San Diego County
Potato Chip Rock is a unique rock formation in San Diego County that locals and tourists alike love to visit. This rock looks super thin and curves like a potato chip, which is how it got its name…and it’s the perfect place to take silly photos!
It’s a bit of a hike to get out to the rock, but that’s okay because you can enjoy the sunny California weather while you hike. And while the rock may look unstable/about to break, it’s been there forever and has had plenty of people jump up and down and sit on it and all sorts of things so you can be assured it will stay in place while you’re there!
42. Visit the Pirate Tower in Laguna Beach
The mysterious “Pirate Tower” of Victoria Beach is the perfect place to enjoy the ocean in Laguna Beach. This fun and picturesque tower has stirred the imaginations of locals and visitors alike for years, as it stands alone and tall on the beach near the sandstone cliffs.
This sixty-foot tall tower isn’t actually that mysterious, however, as it was apparently built in 1926 as an enclosed staircase for the owner of the cliff-top property to access the beach below. Today, the tower remains under lock and key…but exploring the area nearby is still a fun pastime!
43. Watch the Skateboarders at Venice Beach
Venice Beach is a Los Angeles icon, and the skateboarders at Venice Beach are incredible to see! If you’re a talented skateboarder you may wish to join in…but if you aren’t (like me) then it’s enough to enjoy watching them and wander the area to see the Venice Beach Boardwalk.
44. Drive Through the Tunnel Log in Sequoia National Park
Have you ever wanted to drive through a tree? If so, then the tunnel log at Sequoia National Park is the place you need to go! This fallen log allows you to live your driving-through-a-tree fantasy in real life, so be sure to go and experience it first-hand. Note that there may often be a line waiting to drive through the tree during busy hours of the day, so you may have to wait a bit for your turn.
45. Wander Through a Ghost Town at Bodie State Historic Park
What’s the American west without a ghost town? Well, lucky for you Bodie State Historic Park has preserved a ghost town that you can explore and wander through!
Bodie is a genuine old California gold-mining ghost town, and today you can walk through the deserted streets. In the 1870s, a mine cave-in revealed ground with enough ore to extract and people were soon flocking to the town. In its heyday, Bodie had a population of almost 10,000 people!
Today, there’s only a small part of the town surviving and the interiors of these buildings remain as they were left when it became a ghost town. It’s a fun place to visit and explore this old gold-mining town and see what life might have been like before it was abandoned.
46. Visit Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles
The Griffith Observatory is a must-see in Los Angeles, especially if you love the night sky! When you visit, you can explore the exhibits in the observatory, look through telescopes, and even see live shows in the planetarium on site. There are also spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean, which makes this an excellent place to see the cityscape (and also perfect to see the Hollywood sign).
Admission to the building and the grounds of Griffith Observatory is free, but be sure to check out their open hours before you go.
47. See the La Jolla Children’s Pool Seals in San Diego
One of the things I love about San Diego is getting the chance to see sea life up close! There are lots of places to see seals and sea lions in San Diego, but one of my favorite places is the Children’s Pool in La Jolla.
This pool was originally constructed by erecting a sea wall to create an artificially shallow beach, so that children could play in the water without fear of the waves taking them out to sea. But unfortunately (or fortunately, as the case may be) the seals discovered the pool and found it to be the perfect place to birth their pups! These days you can frequently find seals here laying on the beach or enjoying the waves, especially during the birthing season of mid-December through mid-May. It’s quite a sight to get to see them so close!
48. Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is perhaps the most touristy California attraction on this list, but it’s something you should do at least once in your life! The stars embedded along the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard are cool to see, and it’s fun to search for the names of actors, musicians, etc. that you love. Of course, be prepared for it to be busy since everyone else also wants to see it at least once in their life!
49. Visit the Lighthouse at Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore is a gorgeous stretch of Marin County coast, and while you’re in Northern California it is somewhere you will definitely want to visit! Even better would be a visit to the Point Reyes Lighthouse here.
This lighthouse was built in 1870 and served over 100 years before being retired in 1975. Today, the lighthouse belongs to the National Park Service and you can visit the the lighthouse and see the exhibits inside during open hours. However, be aware that it is a steep 900 feet of steps down to the lighthouse itself…and if it is too windy, you will not be allowed to make the descent.
If you wish to visit, then you should know that there is no fee to enter, but there are a few things you should know and prepare for before you go (such as that there is minimal/no cell service in the area). It’s worth the small time in preparation to enjoy the beauty of the seashore and see this historical lighthouse!
50. Hike Mount Whitney—the Tallest Mountain in the Contiguous US
Looking for a big adventure? Look no further! What could be more adventurous than hiking the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States?
Mount Whitney in California is the tallest mountain in the 48 adjoining states on the continent of North America and stands at an elevation of 14,505 feet. (Unfortunately, it stands at second place when compared to the non-contiguous Denali—formerly known as Mount McKinley—in Alaska). However, this huge mountain is definitely still worth the hike and the pride in being able to say you have summited it!
If you’re interested in hiking the beautiful Mount Whitney, there’s a little preparation you’ll need to make before you go (including getting a permit, and getting technical climbing equipment if you’re going in winter). Be sure to prepare well and enjoy the climb!
Read next: How to Plan a Trip to California
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