Top 10 Things To Do in California

  • By Christian Armond
  • Published 06 January 2015
  • Revised 27 August 2024
Top 10 Things To Do in California
  • By Christian Armond
  • Published 06 January 2015
  • Revised 27 August 2024
Top 10 Things To Do in California
  • By Christian Armond
  • Published 06 January 2015
  • Revised 27 August 2024
California offers the best of both worlds, from beautiful views to sunny beaches and heaps of culture, as well as plenty of family fun and outdoor adventure, so it’s definitely on the top of our list for must-visit holiday destinations. It’s with this that we’ve put together a list of our top 10 things to do in California, which includes some not-to-be-missed sights across the Golden state.

1. Experience the Magic of Disneyland

disneycalifornia-small

We all love Mickey and his friends, and what would a trip to California be without dropping by the home of Disneyland? Enjoy thrilling rides and tasty food, and see the real magic of Disney first-hand.

2-Day theme park hopper tickets start at £135.00

2. Visit the Manhattan Beach Pier

manhattanbeachpier

Watch the sea go by at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier, drop by the aquarium, and enjoy the silence and subtlety of California.

The aquarium situated at the end of the pier is free to everyone, however there is a suggested donation of $2 for kids and $5 for adults.

3. Enjoy Beautiful Waterfalls in Yosemite National Park

yosemitenationalpark

Stop by Yosemite National Park area for a few days while heading through California to enjoy breathtaking waterfalls set in one of the most peaceful spots in California.

You can also enjoy rock climbing, biking, hiking and camping in Yosemite, and really make the most of a family fun-filled few days in bliss, surrounded by nature.

Yosemite National Park is just over a 3 hour drive from both Sacramento and San Francisco.

4. Visit Old Town San Diego (The Birthplace of California)

oldtownsandiego

If you love history, a visit to Old Town San Diego is not to be missed. Go back to the birthplace of California and go back in time with 17 museums and historical sites, as well as boutiques, theatres, art galleries and tasty Mexican food. You can even scare yourself with a visit to the haunted Whaley House, named of Americas most haunted houses by Travel Channel.

5. Wine Tasting in Temecula Valley

temeculavalley

Visit Temecula Valley for a day, or even a week, of everything wine and wine tasting. Follow the “off the beaten road” Calle Contento Wine Trail, or another trail of your choice, and see where some of California’s best wines are made in serene, romantic countryside.

Temecula is just a 90 minute drive from Long Beach; perfect for a couple’s day out.

6. Orange County Museum of Art

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If youre not crazy about history but love the contemporary, the Orange County Museum of Art is the place for you. View some spectacular exhibitions and works of contemporary art in the heart of Newport Beach, which is within a 20 minute drive of the world-famous Laguna Beach and Huntington Beach.

The museum is closed on Monday & Tuesday, and is open 11am - 5pm on Wednesday to Sunday, and open late until 8pm on Thursdays, just in case you fancy some evening culture.

7. Knotts Berry Farm Theme Park & Amusement Park

knottsberryfarm

With thrilling rides and plenty of food, youll love Knotts Berry Farm. Theres plenty for the kids to do, as well as countless family rides you can enjoy together.

Knotts Berry Farm is just a 20 minute drive from Long Beach, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds on your sunny getaway.

8. SeaWorld San Diego

seaworld

If its the creatures under the water you like more than anything, then SeaWorld is a must-see. From sharks to tropical fish and whales - creatures big and small - SeaWorld San Diego will leave you and the kid’s mesmerized.

Day tickets for SeaWorld San Diego start at £48.00

9. Walk in Redwood National Park

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Fill the air with silence with 40 miles of pristine coastline, diverse wildlife, oak woodland and wild river ways as you enjoy a walk in Redwood National Park.

If you want to spend more time in Redwood, you can even consider camping there for a week and leave the hustle and bustle behind.

Redwood National Park is a 5 hour drive from Sacramento.

10. San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge

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Just an hour drive from San Jose, if youre not planning on heading to San Francisco for a few days, you can definitely spend a day there, explore the city and visit the landmark Golden Gate Bridge - one of the most iconic, picturesque views in all of California.

If youre looking to visit both Disneyland and SeaWorld while in California, you can get a Southern California CityPASS from £194.00.

What are you waiting for? Visit California!

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