last edited Aug 17, 2020
Things to Do in California
Travel Themes
- Interests (rated ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture / ; Relaxation-holidays /
Nature-Adventure
Like the rest of the American West, California offers diverse and stunning landscapes, from the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific coast—discovered notably by following the Highway 1—to desert areas or, conversely, the lush mountainous regions inland. The interior of California is highly contrasting: in the south, places like the famous Death Valley or the Joshua Tree National Park are known for their harsh environments, while in the north, you’ll find the Lake Tahoe, volcanic sites like the Lassen Volcanic N.P. and the Lava Beds National Monument, not to mention the unmissable Yosemite National Park. In short, there’s plenty to delight nature-adventure travelers, as outdoor activities and wildlife abound both along the coast and in the hinterlands.
Culture
California has long been a "world apart" within the U.S., developing its own history and culture over time, with the 1960s–70s marking its peak. Its two major metropolises, San Francisco and Los Angeles, though vastly different, are must-sees for their unique styles, vibes, and urban landscapes.
A cultural exploration of the state also includes historic Spanish Missions of California (Carmel, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara), the historic center of Monterey, remnants of the 1848 Gold Rush (Gold Country, Sacramento, Bodie...), and quirky attractions you’d hardly find elsewhere, like the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, theme parks of all kinds (Anaheim, Monterey, San Diego...), or even the Silicon Valley.
Relaxation-Holidays
While not quite the Florida, California can also be a "relaxation-holiday" destination. This is especially true in its southern part, around San Diego or on the outskirts of LA, with spots like Malibu, Santa Barbara, or Santa Monica, renowned for their beaches, surfing, and lively atmosphere.
Beaches and Seaside Resorts
Even if the ocean is rather chilly, California—especially in the south or around Los Angeles—offers plenty of beaches and seaside resorts, some of world-famous renown, like Malibu, Santa Barbara, or Santa Monica.
Surfing
It was through California, particularly Malibu, that surfing first arrived in continental America. Much of the coast, mainly in the south, is a hotspot for the sport and its "culture," drawing surfers from around the globe. Beyond Malibu, the areas around San Diego, the Orange County (with Huntington Beach as a top spot), Santa Barbara, or further north, Santa Cruz, are considered the best.
Other Water Activities
Sea fishing:
Diving:
Watersports:
Sailing:
Hiking
Hiking
Hikers will find the most opportunities in California’s mountainous and forested northern/northeastern regions. While other spots like the Anza-Borrego Desert and the Joshua Tree N.P. (in the south) or Big Sur (along the coast) offer great treks, the Lake Tahoe area, the White Mountains, and the Yosemite National Park provide even more options.
More broadly, California is home to one of the eleven "National Scenic Trails" in the U.S., allowing hikers to explore protected areas with beautiful scenery. The "Pacific Crest Trail" stretches over 4,200 km, parallel to the Pacific, between the Canadian and Mexican borders. It covers much of the Sierra Nevada and the Cascade Range and can be done on foot or horseback.
Cycling
Horseback Riding
Outdoor and Nature Sports
Golf
California is a golfer’s paradise, with many towns boasting their own courses. While there are options for all skill levels, some are particularly renowned. By general consensus, the Palm Springs region is the top spot, with over a hundred golf courses.
Climbing
Climbing and bouldering enthusiasts should head to Bishop, a small town near the Nevada border, world-famous for its numerous climbing sites. There are over 2,000 routes of all levels in the area.
Other Activities
- Whitewater sports:
- Paragliding and aerial sports:
- Skiing: California has around thirty ski resorts in its northern/northeastern part, particularly around the Lake Tahoe. The season typically runs from November to March, though some resorts stay open longer.
- Caving: