California · best-of list
40 Top Things to Do in California
We narrowed 83 things to do from our curated routes in California down to 40, spread across 24 destinations. 2 spots on this list appear on more than one of our routes.
Our curated picks
40 things to do in California, grouped by destination. Destinations with the most picks come first; this is not a ranking.
Santa Barbara 3 picks
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara · On our Pacific Coast Highway route + 1 more
1786 mission called the Queen of the Missions, with a museum and rose garden.
Photo: Niranjan Arminius · CC BY-SA 4.0
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Santa Barbara · On our Pacific Coast Highway route + 1 more
Spanish-Moorish courthouse with a free clock tower lookout over red roofs.
Tip: Free docent tours daily; climb the El Mirador tower.
Photo: Konrad Summers from Santa Clarita (Valencia) , California, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0Santa Barbara Harbor Parade of Lights
Santa Barbara · On our Solvang & Santa Barbara route
Boats strung with Christmas lights circle the harbor after dark, followed by fireworks over the water.
Tip: Watch from Stearns Wharf or the breakwater and arrive early for a spot.
Big Sur 2 picks
Bixby Creek Bridge
Big Sur · On our Pacific Coast Highway route
1932 concrete arch bridge, the most photographed spot on Highway 1.
Tip: Use the north-side pullout; check Caltrans for Highway 1 closures before driving.
Photo: JINU · Google
Point Sur Lightstation
Big Sur · On our Pacific Coast Highway route
Guided tours of an 1889 lighthouse atop a volcanic rock.
Tip: Tours run on set days only; meet at the gate on Highway 1.
Photo: Emilio · Google
Downtown LA 2 picks
Angels Flight Railway
Downtown LA · On our Los Angeles After Dark route
Short funicular ride from Hill Street up to Bunker Hill.
Tip: Costs a dollar or two; tap in with Metro TAP for a discount.
Photo: JJ Loves Travel & Cruises · Google
Bradbury Building
Downtown LA · On our Los Angeles After Dark route
1893 office building with an iron-and-glass atrium seen in Blade Runner.
Tip: Visitors can only enter the lobby; be quiet, it's a working office.
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith · Public domain
Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter 2 picks
Coronado Ferry Landing
Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter · On our San Diego New Year's Eve route
Shops and a small park at the Coronado ferry pier, facing the downtown skyline across the bay.
Tip: Take the ferry over at dusk on Dec 30 and walk the shoreline path toward Centennial Park.
Photo: Krithika Saravanan · CC BY-SA 4.0
Gaslamp Quarter
Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter · On our San Diego New Year's Eve route
Sixteen blocks of Victorian-era buildings along Fifth Avenue, full of bars, clubs and restaurants.
Tip: Fifth Avenue is packed after 10 pm on New Year's Eve; book ahead even for bars.
Photo: Rameez Raza Amanullah · CC BY-SA 4.0
Hollywood 2 picks
Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood · On our Los Angeles After Dark route
Open-air amphitheater under the hills; picnicking before shows is a tradition.
Tip: Bring food and wine for most LA Phil concerts.
Photo: Edwardrhodes06 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Hollywood · On our Los Angeles After Dark route
Resting place of film stars that hosts summer outdoor movie screenings.
Tip: Bring a blanket and picnic for Cinespia screenings.
Photo: SDudley · CC BY 4.0
Joshua Tree 2 picks
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
Joshua Tree · On our Palm Springs & Joshua Tree route
1-mile loop through a boulder-ringed valley once used by cattle rustlers.
Tip: Easy; good first walk to orient.
Photo: Dudubangbang · Google
Keys View
Joshua Tree · On our Palm Springs & Joshua Tree route
Lookout over the Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault.
Tip: Best light at sunset.
Photo: Keith Ayers · Google
Lands End & Ocean Beach 2 picks
California Academy of Sciences
Lands End & Ocean Beach · On our San Francisco New Year's Eve route
Natural history museum, aquarium and planetarium under a living roof in Golden Gate Park.
Tip: Book timed tickets online; New Year's Day is one of its busiest days.
Photo: torbakhopper · CC BY 2.0
Legion of Honor
Lands End & Ocean Beach · On our San Francisco New Year's Eve route
Fine arts museum in a copy of a Paris palace in Lincoln Park, with Rodin's Thinker in the courtyard.
Tip: Open on New Year's Day; it closes early, at 4 pm, on New Year's Eve.
Photo: Frank Schulenburg · CC BY-SA 4.0
Monterey & Carmel 2 picks
17-Mile Drive
Monterey & Carmel · On our Pacific Coast Highway route
Toll road through Pebble Beach past the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock and golf links.
Tip: Per-car toll; enter at Pacific Grove gate and exit at Carmel gate.
Photo: Humanoid one · CC BY-SA 3.0
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey & Carmel · On our Pacific Coast Highway route
Kelp forest tank, sea otters and open-ocean exhibits on the edge of the bay.
Tip: Buy timed tickets online; otter feedings are posted daily.
Photo: Rhinopias · CC BY-SA 4.0
Napa 2 picks
Napa Valley Wine Train
Napa · On our California Wine Country route
Restored vintage railcars serving multi-course meals on a 36-mile round trip.
Tip: Book ahead; trips with winery stops sell out first.
Photo: Napa Valley Wine Train · Google
Schramsberg Vineyards
Napa · On our California Wine Country route
Guided tour of hand-dug caves at a historic sparkling wine estate.
Tip: Tours are by appointment only; book weeks ahead.
Photo: Schramsberg Vineyards · Google
Old Sacramento Waterfront 2 picks
California State Railroad Museum
Old Sacramento Waterfront · On our Sacramento New Year's Eve route
Restored locomotives and rail cars in a big hall at the north end of Old Sac, including a sleeper car you can walk through.
Tip: Go on Dec 30 or the morning of Dec 31; check holiday hours.
Photo: BenFranske · CC BY-SA 3.0Countdown on the Cobblestones
Old Sacramento Waterfront · On our Sacramento New Year's Eve route
Old Sacramento's free New Year's Eve party, with bands and DJs on K and Front streets and a 9 p.m. fireworks and light show.
Tip: There is only one countdown, at 9 p.m.; arrive by 8 to stand near the Holiday Tree.
Palm Springs 2 picks
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
Palm Springs · On our Palm Springs & Joshua Tree route
Museum on Cahuilla culture at the Spa Cultural Plaza downtown.
Tip: Pair with the nearby spa if you want a soak.
Photo: Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians · CC BY 4.0
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs · On our Palm Springs & Joshua Tree route
Rotating tram climbs 8,500 ft to cool pine forest and trails.
Tip: Go early; bring a jacket, it's 30°F cooler at the top.
Photo: inkknife_2000 (7.5 million views +) · CC BY-SA 2.0
Pasadena 2 picks
Floatfest
Pasadena · On our Los Angeles New Year's Eve route
The parked floats, close enough to see the seeds, petals and bark they are covered in, on Sierra Madre Boulevard.
Tip: Use the free Tournament of Roses shuttles; there is almost no parking nearby.
Pasadena City Hall
Pasadena · On our Los Angeles New Year's Eve route
Domed 1927 Spanish Revival city hall with a fountain courtyard open to visitors.
Tip: The courtyard is a quiet place to sit between the parade and Floatfest.
Photo: RBerteig · CC BY 2.0
San Francisco 2 picks
Alcatraz Island
San Francisco · On our Pacific Coast Highway route
Ferry to the former federal prison and take the cellhouse audio tour.
Tip: Book with Alcatraz City Cruises weeks ahead; departs Pier 33.
Photo: Chris6d · CC BY-SA 4.0
Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center
San Francisco · On our Pacific Coast Highway route
Walk partway onto the bridge from the south end for the classic span-and-bay view.
Tip: Fog usually burns off by late morning; Battery Spencer gives the postcard angle.
Photo: A Ch · Google
South Lake Tahoe 2 picks
Heavenly Gondola
South Lake Tahoe · On our South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee route
Gondola from Heavenly Village up the mountain, with an observation deck partway up overlooking the lake.
Tip: Non-skiers can buy a sightseeing ticket for the ride and the deck.
Heavenly Mountain Resort
South Lake Tahoe · On our South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee route
Ski resort straddling the California–Nevada line above South Lake Tahoe, with lake views from most of its runs.
Tip: Ski the California side in the morning for views of the lake, then move to the Nevada side for afternoon sun.
Photo: Jonathan Cook-Fisher · CC BY 2.0
Truckee 2 picks
Donner Memorial State Park
Truckee · On our South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee route
Park at the east end of Donner Lake with the Pioneer Monument and a museum on the Donner Party and the railroad.
Tip: The visitor center museum is the best indoor stop on a stormy day.
Northstar California
Truckee · On our South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee route
Family-friendly ski resort south of Truckee, with long groomed runs and an outdoor ice rink in its village.
Tip: Skate at the village rink after the lifts close.
Photo: Leijurv · CC BY-SA 4.0
Capitol Park & Midtown 1 pick
California State Capitol Museum
Capitol Park & Midtown · On our Sacramento New Year's Eve route
Free tours of the restored 1870s Capitol, including the rotunda and historic offices.
Tip: Typically closed Jan 1; tour it on Dec 30.
Downtown Los Angeles 1 pick
Griffith Observatory
Downtown Los Angeles · On our Los Angeles New Year's Eve route
Art deco observatory on Mount Hollywood with free telescopes and the classic night view over the downtown towers.
Tip: Go on the evening of Dec 30; it closes at 10 pm and is busy on New Year's Eve.
Photo: Angelin Song · CC BY 2.0
Los Angeles 1 pick
The Getty Center
Los Angeles · On our Pacific Coast Highway route
Hilltop art museum with gardens and views from the Santa Monica Mountains to the ocean.
Tip: Free entry but timed reservation and paid parking.
Photo: Jelson25 · Public domain
San Simeon 1 pick
Hearst Castle
San Simeon · On our Pacific Coast Highway route
William Randolph Hearst's hilltop estate with the Neptune Pool and Roman Pool.
Tip: Book the Grand Rooms tour online ahead, especially weekends.
Photo: King of Hearts · CC BY-SA 3.0
Solvang 1 pick
Solvang Julefest
Solvang · On our Solvang & Santa Barbara route
The village's month-long Christmas festival, with lights on the half-timbered shops, a parade and a Nisse hunt.
Tip: Check the schedule for the parade and tree lighting weekends, which draw the biggest crowds.
Photo: DestinationFearFan · CC BY 4.0
Sonoma 1 pick
Mission San Francisco Solano
Sonoma · On our California Wine Country route
The last of California's 21 missions, part of Sonoma State Historic Park.
Tip: One ticket also covers the barracks and Vallejo's home.
Photo: Sarbjit Bahga · CC BY-SA 4.0
Tahoe City & Palisades 1 pick
Fanny Bridge
Tahoe City & Palisades · On our South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee route
Bridge in Tahoe City over the Truckee River where it leaves Lake Tahoe, beside the dam that regulates the lake's level.
Tip: Look over the rail for the large trout that gather below the dam.
The Embarcadero & Ferry Building 1 pick
San Francisco New Year's Eve Fireworks
The Embarcadero & Ferry Building · On our San Francisco New Year's Eve route
The city's free midnight show, fired from barges in the bay off Pier 14 and watched from the Embarcadero.
Tip: The stretch south of the Ferry Building toward the Bay Bridge has the clearest view.
Photo: Emily Mathews · CC BY 2.0
West Hollywood 1 pick
The Comedy Store
West Hollywood · On our Los Angeles After Dark route
Comedy club where many big names developed, with multiple rooms nightly.
Tip: Book tickets online; phones are locked away.
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Mike Dillon assumed (based on copyright cla · CC BY-SA 3.0
How we picked these
Every entry is a stop on at least one of TripsCircle's hand-curated routes, chosen by our route editors, who wrote the reason to go shown with each place. These are our curated picks, not a scored ranking: we haven't rated or reviewed them against each other. Our routes include 83 things to do here; to keep the list readable we show 40, keeping those featured on the most routes and those with an insider tip, and spreading the rest across destinations. The list is grouped by destination, and within each destination places that appear on more routes come first.
Prices ($ to $$$$) and visit lengths are rough guides from our route notes, not quotes. Check opening hours before you go.
About this list
How did you choose the things to do in California?
Each one is a stop on a TripsCircle route that our editors built by hand, and each comes with a written reason to go. Our routes through California include 83 things to do; we show the 40 featured on the most routes, spread across destinations. They are curated picks, not a ranked score.
Which part of California has the most things to do on this list?
Santa Barbara has the most (3 of 40), followed by Big Sur (2) and Downtown LA (2).
Are any of these free?
17 picks on this list are marked free in our route notes: Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Santa Barbara Harbor Parade of Lights, Solvang Julefest, Coronado Ferry Landing, Hidden Valley Nature Trail, and more. Check ahead, since parking or special exhibits can cost extra.
More lists for California
Top things to do nearby
Destinations on this list
- Santa Barbara 3 on this list
- Big Sur 2 on this list
- Downtown LA 2 on this list
- Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter 2 on this list
- Hollywood 2 on this list
- Joshua Tree 2 on this list
- Lands End & Ocean Beach 2 on this list
- Monterey & Carmel 2 on this list
Turn this list into a plan
Open a curated route in TripsCircle, add the spots your crew wants, vote with polls and keep everyone on one shared itinerary.