14 Things to Do in California

You’ll find California’s best experiences range from walking the Golden Gate Bridge at dawn to stargazing in Joshua Tree‘s dark skies. Take Alcatraz’s audio tour, drive Big Sur‘s scenic Highway 1, and hike Yosemite‘s Vernal Fall for natural beauty. Ride San Francisco’s historic cable cars, watch sunsets at Santa Monica Pier, and explore the quirky Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz. Don’t miss the Getty Villa’s ancient art collection in Malibu. These iconic adventures showcase why California captivates millions of visitors who discover there’s so much more to explore.

Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge at Dawn

Since the Golden Gate Bridge’s eastern sidewalk opens around 5:00 a.m. most days, you can time your arrival perfectly with dawn’s first light breaking over San Francisco’s skyline.

The full 1.7-mile span takes about 60-80 minutes round-trip at a moderate pace, giving you plenty of time to soak in the views without crowds—a welcome relief from the bridge’s usual 10 million annual visitors.

Dress warmly in layers since strong, cool winds funnel through the strait, and wear closed-toe shoes with good traction as dawn fog can make surfaces slick.

You’ll catch stunning sunrise views over downtown San Francisco, Alcatraz Island, and the Bay Bridge. Recently installed counting devices now track pedestrians and cyclists crossing the bridge, providing the National Park Service with precise data that didn’t exist before.

The International Orange towers look spectacular in warm morning light, creating perfect photo opportunities at multiple viewing areas along the walkway.

Take the Audio Tour at Alcatraz Island

While you’re already in the San Francisco Bay area after your Golden Gate Bridge walk, don’t miss the award-winning “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour”—an immersive audio experience that’s included with your standard ferry ticket at no extra cost.

You’ll hear first-person accounts from former inmates and guards as you explore cell blocks, the dining hall, and solitary confinement areas. The 45-60 minute tour covers infamous prisoners like Al Capone while sharing stories of escape attempts and daily prison life.

You can pause or rewind at your own pace using the provided headsets. Book through City Experiences by Hornblower from Pier 33, and consider the evening Night Tour for fewer crowds and additional access areas. After completing the main tour, you can explore the outdoor areas independently to discover how the site served as a Civil War fort before becoming the notorious federal prison.

Drive Highway 1 Through Big Sur

Where else can you experience 90 miles of jaw-dropping coastal scenery for the price of gas and a few strategic photo stops? Highway 1 through Big Sur delivers California’s most iconic coastal drive between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon.

You’ll navigate winding two-lane roads with steep drop-offs, so drive cautiously and use designated turnouts for photos.

Don’t miss Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls‘ 70-foot waterfall cascading onto a secluded beach. The route takes 2.5-3 hours non-stop, but you’ll want extra time for viewpoints and redwood groves.

Drive north-to-south for ocean-side positioning and easier pullouts.

Fuel up at Ragged Point—it’s your last affordable gas stop. Check road conditions beforehand since landslides cause frequent closures, requiring detours via U.S. 101. Plan your visit during fall months when clear skies and fewer crowds create optimal driving conditions.

Hike to Vernal Fall in Yosemite Valley

Although Yosemite’s waterfalls draw millions of visitors annually, the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall offers an intimate encounter with raw natural power that’ll leave you soaked and smiling. This 3-mile round trip hike from Happy Isles gains 1,000 feet through 600 granite steps, delivering you directly into Vernal Fall’s thundering spray.

You’ll start on a paved trail to the footbridge, then climb steep, slippery granite beside the 317-foot cascade. Pack a rain jacket—spring’s snowmelt creates drenching conditions perfect for rainbow spotting. The trail’s busiest months are April through June when water flow peaks.

Budget tip: Use Yosemite’s free shuttle system instead of fighting for parking. Allow 2-3 hours and wear grippy shoes—wet granite becomes treacherous quickly. Note that summer closures affect parts of the trail near Vernal Fall from 7 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Thursday between July and October.

Ride San Francisco’s Cable Cars to Fisherman’s Wharf

Three iconic cable car lines transport you through San Francisco’s steepest neighborhoods while delivering scenic views that justify every tourist dollar spent. You’ll want to catch either the Powell–Hyde or Powell–Mason lines near Union Square, both heading directly to Fisherman’s Wharf.

Powell–Hyde drops you at Aquatic Park near Ghirardelli Square, while Powell–Mason ends closer to the central wharf area.

Expect wait times up to two hours during peak times, so plan accordingly. The 9.5 mph journey showcases sweeping Bay views, Alcatraz Island, and classic wooden cars with exposed grip mechanisms. The cars operate by gripping moving cables beneath the streets, powered by a central cable loop that requires specialized infrastructure and maintenance.

Once you arrive, you’re walking distance from Pier 39 and historic fishing piers. Since 1873, these cars have conquered San Francisco’s steep hills—you’re riding America’s first moving National Historic Landmark.

Explore Hollywood Boulevard and TCL Chinese Theatre

From San Francisco’s historic transportation, you’ll find another piece of American cinema history waiting in Los Angeles. Hollywood Boulevard’s TCL Chinese Theatre offers free entertainment that’ll captivate any movie lover. You can explore the famous Forecourt of the Stars, where over 200 celebrity handprints and footprints are preserved in concrete—from silent film legends to today’s stars.

The theatre itself showcases stunning Chinese pagoda architecture with massive coral-red columns and a 30-foot stone dragon. Since opening in 1927, it’s hosted more movie premieres than anywhere else worldwide. You’ll spot it easily at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard, right on the Walk of Fame.

While browsing the forecourt costs nothing, you can catch first-run films on one of North America’s largest IMAX screens for the complete experience. For an even more immersive experience, the MX4D theatre features moving seats that sync with movie actions alongside wind, water, and scent effects.

Spend a Day at Disneyland’s Original Park

While Hollywood dazzles with celebrity history, you can step into Walt Disney’s original 1955 vision just an hour south in Anaheim. Disneyland’s celebrating its 70th anniversary through August 2026, making now perfect timing for your visit.

Start early to tackle headliners like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Space Mountain, and the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Don’t miss classics like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion that define Disney magic.

The anniversary celebration adds spectacular value with “Paint the Night” parade featuring over one million LED lights and “Wondrous Journeys” fireworks show. You’ll also catch the limited-time Walt Disney audio-animatronic show starting July 2025. Visit the Main Street Opera House to experience “Walt Disney — A Magical Life,” which showcases the park’s founder through cutting-edge Audio-Animatronics technology.

Nine themed lands offer something for all, from Fantasyland‘s family rides to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge’s immersive experiences.

Visit the Tallest Trees at Muir Woods

Just an hour north of San Francisco, you’ll find some of the planet’s most magnificent giants at Muir Woods National Monument. These ancient coast redwoods tower up to 260 feet tall and are between 600-800 years old, with the oldest exceeding 1,200 years.

You’ll walk beneath these living skyscrapers on six miles of accessible boardwalks and paved trails that accommodate strollers and wheelchairs.

Head to Cathedral Grove for the most impressive views of the towering canopy. The 554-acre monument protects one of the Bay Area’s last old-growth redwood forests, supporting nearly 380 plant and animal species. Look for colorful banana slugs that play a vital role in the ecosystem by decomposing dead plant matter into nutrient-rich soil.

With shallow roots extending 100 feet horizontally, these trees support each other through interlaced root systems—a natural engineering marvel you can witness firsthand.

Take a Wine Tasting Tour Through Napa Valley

When you’re ready to explore world-class wines without breaking the bank, Napa Valley offers tastings that’ll fit various budgets—though you’ll want to plan strategically since fees have doubled in recent years.

With 400+ wineries to choose from, you’ll discover everything from casual bar tastings to appointment-only estate experiences.

Plan to visit three or more wineries per trip, focusing on longer, immersive experiences rather than quick stops. Look for food-pairing flights, cave tours, and vineyard walks that maximize value.

Since overnight guests spend considerably more than day-trippers, consider staying locally to fully enjoy the experience without rushing.

Book appointments in advance, especially for smaller wineries where direct-to-consumer sales help support operations. You’ll often find better deals and personalized attention at boutique producers. The region attracts 3.7 million visitors annually, making advance reservations particularly important during peak seasons.

Snorkel With Sea Lions at La Jolla Cove

Where else can you swim alongside playful marine mammals in crystal-clear waters without leaving Southern California? La Jolla Cove offers exactly that experience within the San Diego–La Jolla Underwater Park & Ecological Reserve. This 6,000-acre marine sanctuary protects California sea lions, creating perfect conditions for close encounters.

You’ll find these curious, puppy-like creatures swimming through the cove’s calm waters, often approaching snorkelers with playful curiosity. The protected status means no fishing, so marine life thrives – expect to see Garibaldi fish, rays, leopard sharks, and occasional dolphins too. The area features seven sea caves, including the large Clam Cave and six others that attract diverse marine life and offer additional underwater exploration opportunities.

Summer through early fall provides the best conditions with warmer water and improved visibility. Maintain respectful distance from haul-out rocks where sea lions rest, and consider guided tours for equipment and expert knowledge to maximize your wildlife viewing experience.

Watch the Sunset at Santa Monica Pier

After exploring underwater wonders along the coast, head north to Santa Monica Pier for one of Southern California’s most iconic sunset experiences.

You’ll find the best viewing times range from 5:00 pm in winter to 8:00 pm in summer, with the pier’s west-facing orientation providing unobstructed Pacific Ocean views.

Position yourself at the pier’s end for panoramic vistas, or catch elevated perspectives from the Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel.

The beachfront below offers perfect silhouette shots of the pier structure against vibrant skies. Professional photographers frequently capture HDR panoramic shots of the sunset here, showcasing the area’s renowned natural beauty.

You’ll enjoy free entertainment from street performers while exploring family-friendly attractions that operate into evening hours.

After sunset, stick around for the Pacific Wheel’s LED light show featuring 174,000 lights in animated patterns—extending your experience without additional cost.

Experience the Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz

Why do balls roll uphill and people lean at impossible angles without falling? You’ll find answers—or more questions—at Santa Cruz’s Mystery Spot, California’s first gravity-defying attraction since 1941. This roadside gem uses clever construction and optical illusions to mess with your perception completely.

During your guided tour, you’ll walk through a deliberately tilted wooden cabin where water flows uphill and your height mysteriously changes. The surrounding crooked fences and altered sightlines enhance the disorienting effects. Expect dizziness as your brain struggles with conflicting visual cues.

Located in the redwood hills above Santa Cruz, it’s a short drive from Highway 1. As California Historical Landmark No. 1055, this quirky attraction has entertained hundreds of thousands of visitors. The phenomenon was first discovered in 1939 by surveyors before opening to the public. Advance reservations recommended during peak seasons.

Stargaze in Joshua Tree National Park

Two hundred miles of pristine desert skies await you at Joshua Tree National Park, one of the world’s premier stargazing destinations. This International Dark Sky Park offers incredible celestial viewing without expensive equipment—Jupiter and Saturn are visible to the naked eye.

Head to designated parking areas like Hidden Valley or Cap Rock for safe, convenient stargazing. For darker skies, drive Pinto Basin Road’s eastern pullouts, which shield you from Palm Springs’ light pollution.

The park’s highest point, Quail Mountain at 5,813 feet, provides panoramic night views. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for your eyes to fully adapt to the darkness for optimal viewing conditions.

Visit during new moon phases for ideal darkness and Milky Way visibility. Pack red-light flashlights and warm layers—desert nights get cold.

Join free Night Sky programs at Sky’s The Limit Observatory on select Saturdays for expert-guided sessions.

Tour the Getty Villa in Malibu

Perched dramatically on the Pacific Palisades cliffs, the Getty Villa transports you to an ancient Roman estate without the airfare to Italy. This recreation of Villa dei Papiri houses over 44,000 Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artifacts spanning 6,500 BC to AD 400.

You’ll explore themed galleries like “Gods and Goddesses” and “Stories of the Trojan War” while wandering through authentic Roman-style gardens with formal peristyles and fountains. The hillside entry path offers stunning Pacific Ocean views as you descend into what feels like an archaeological excavation.

Best part? Admission’s free, though you’ll need advance timed tickets. The villa includes family-friendly features, conservation labs, and an outdoor amphitheater. Plan extra time to stroll the herb gardens planted with species from ancient Roman texts. The museum originated from oil magnate J. Paul Getty’s vision, beginning with a gallery beside his Pacific Palisades home in 1954 before expanding to this magnificent 64-acre Malibu location.

The Sum Up

You’ve got an incredible adventure ahead exploring California’s diverse landscapes and iconic attractions. Don’t try cramming everything into one trip—you’ll burn out and blow your budget. Pick three or four activities that genuinely excite you, book accommodations early for better rates, and pack snacks to avoid overpriced tourist food. California’s magic isn’t going anywhere, so take your time and savor each experience. You’ll definitely want to come back for more.