30 Best Tourist spots & Things to Do in California | Apr 2025
Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More
This 7. 5 hour guided tour - by LA-natives - is perfect for families, couples and all ages! Discover the area’s most iconic sights and landmarks including Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Dr.
4.85 (5358 reviews)
From $99.00
Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco
Take a day trip from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park, described as the crown jewel of the country's many splendid national parks.
4.88 (2898 reviews)
From $229.00
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Our Studio Tour brings you closer than ever to the entertainment you love. You’ll explore one of the busiest working studios in Los Angeles with one of our expert Tour Guides.
4.58 (4715 reviews)
From $73.00
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket
On a hot summer's day, one of the best things to do in Palm Springs is to take a ride from the dry desert floor with the Aerial Tramway, 5,873 feet up into the cool climate of the San Jacinto Mountains.
4.41 (1502 reviews)
From $32.95
Alcatraz San Francisco Bay Cruise with Night Option
Choose between a daytime tour or a special nighttime tour of Alcatraz. The nighttime tour includes a narrated cruise at sunset, cell door demonstrations, and talks from expert historians.
4.20 (874 reviews)
From $139.00
Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and explore California’s top wineries on a luxurious full-day tour. Visit famous wineries in Napa & Sonoma, enjoy tastings, a delicious lunch, and free time in Sonoma Square Plaza (if you choose this option).
4.31 (4229 reviews)
From $175.00
Muir Woods & Sausalito (Return by Bus or Ferry)
Take time out from San Francisco on a half-day trip to Muir Woods National Park and Sausalito. This enthralling half-day trip takes you across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Area's most popular National Park Monument to experience the magnificent views of the Giant redwoods during a 90' stop (entrance fee included).
4.40 (4840 reviews)
From $99.00
Big Bus San Francisco: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
Explore the best of San Francisco on board a Big Bus Tour. We offer the most comprehensive tour with over 16 hop-on hop-off locations spanning from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge.
4.11 (4195 reviews)
From $66.00
Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour
Combine three of the Bay Area's top attractions—Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods, and Sausalito—into one tour from San Francisco.
4.54 (957 reviews)
From $143.10
$159.00 Save $15.90
California Sunset Cruise
Experience the magic of San Francisco after dark with our California Sunset Cruise, a perfect evening escape. As the sun sets, the city comes to life, and this 2-hour cruise offers a front-row seat to the iconic landmarks of the Bay, all illuminated against the night sky.
4.48 (1546 reviews)
From $58.00
San Diego Harbor Cruise
Take a 1- or 2-hour relaxing harbor cruise through the bay of San Diego, featuring unforgettable views of San Diego's skyline.
4.49 (2513 reviews)
From $35.00
San Diego Whale Watching Tour
Our trips depart from Mission Bay, which requires only a short 10 minute journey access to the open ocean where whales and dolphins can be seen! The search for whales and other animals begins as soon as you depart the dock and our marine biologists are on the microphone explaining exactly what to expect and what you are seeing from the get go! Typically our trips are 2.
4.57 (1296 reviews)
From $71.00
Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise
Embark on a truly unique Lake Tahoe experience! The Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise takes place on the largest cruising vessel in South Lake Tahoe.
4.67 (230 reviews)
From $99.00
San Francisco in a Day: Alcatraz, Muir Woods & Sausalito
Experience the best of San Francisco with a flexible tour that lets you explore at your own pace. Visit the city's top neighborhoods and landmarks before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge for breathtaking views.
4.85 (1286 reviews)
From $179.00
Official Alcatraz Island Prison Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise
This is a unique tour package to visit both the Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge! For the Alcatraz tour, you will first take a short ferry ride from Pier 33 to the Alcatraz Island, where you can walk around the Island freely at your own pace and follow a 45-minutes award-winning audio tour in multiple languages of the Alcatraz Prison Cellhouse.
4.22 (195 reviews)
From $148.00
San Diego Bay Highlights: Scenic 90-Minute Narrated Harbor Tour
Discover the best of San Diego Bay on our expertly narrated harbor tour. Spanning over 13 miles, this journey takes you past iconic landmarks such as Seaport Village, Shelter Island, and the ship-building docks.
4.41 (386 reviews)
From $37.17
Joshua Tree Open Air Hummer Adventure
Take a wild ride through the California desert in a comfortable open-air Hummer. Beware, it is 20 to 30 degrees cooler in the higher elevations and we highly recommend wearing layered clothing.
4.76 (306 reviews)
From $179.00
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
Each year approximately 20,000 gray whales migrate from the Bering Sea to the lagoons of Baja California and back again.
4.45 (619 reviews)
From $52.00
San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise
Enjoy a 2. 5-hour cruise aboard one of San Diego's finest dining vessels. Spend the evening in luxury as you dine on a gourmet dinner , sip on a complimentary cocktail and enjoy the music throughout the night.
4.10 (1038 reviews)
From $125.70
Lake Tahoe Sunset Dinner Cruise
Don't miss this one-of-a-kind experience aboard the largest cruising vessel in South Lake Tahoe! Fabulous dining is the standard aboard our dinner cruises.
4.36 (133 reviews)
From $150.00
Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour
Discover Yosemite is honored to have received Trip Advisors Traveler’s Choice award for being in the top 10% of activities in the World for each of the past two years.
4.89 (404 reviews)
From $210.00
Universal Studios Hollywood General Admission Ticket, California
** Book Now and get a free second day when purchasing the SPCL OFFER: 2-Day Ticket option. Valid for travel through December 17, 2025 ** Picture your best day ever - all the mischief, wonder and thrills in store at Universal Studios Hollywood.
4.00 (1461 reviews)
From $109.00
Napa Valley Wine Trolley Classic Tour
Come join the “original” cable car wine tasting tour through beautiful Napa Valley. Hop aboard one of our hand-built replicas of a San Francisco Cable Car! Every detail, from the all-wooden carriage to the solid brass bell, is an authentic feature right off the original blueprints.
4.50 (547 reviews)
From $135.00
San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise
One hour scenic voyage - Ferry between Pier 43. 5 and Fisherman’s Wharf while transiting along San Francisco’s breathtaking waterfront, passing under the Golden Gate and around Alcatraz! Learn the history of San Francisco Bay in an open-air museum setting and observe local marine life such as sea lions, pelicans, whales and more.
4.69 (1375 reviews)
From $38.00
Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles
Check out the BEST Los Angeles has to offer on this half-day interactive sightseeing experience! Take a seat on one of our Climate-Controlled Buses as your fun and entertaining driver-guide gives you an insider look at LA culture, history, landmarks, and hot spots.
4.88 (1527 reviews)
From $84.00
Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz
All of our tour guides are Bay Area Natives, which will help you understand what it’s like to grow up in SF and now live here as grown ups with our own families.
4.95 (805 reviews)
From $119.00
San Francisco: Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoia Day Tour
This experience to the towering granite cliffs and gushing waterfalls of Yosemite National Park and its Giant Sequoias takes off 365 days a year.
4.31 (3237 reviews)
From $219.00
2 hour Inside Adventure Tour on Catalina Island
Spectacular canyons, a scenic coastline, and an unspoiled countryside alive with native plants and wildlife will take your breath away on this two-hour guided eco-land excursion.
4.32 (216 reviews)
From $86.00
San Diego Seal Tour
Hop aboard San Diego’s only amphibious Sea and Land Adventure for an unforgettable 1 hour and 45 minute tour that combines city sights with aquatic enchantment.
4.70 (1076 reviews)
From $53.41
Muir Woods and Sausalito Small-Group Tour
This tour will visit Muir Woods and Sausalito. Note that this tour includes the Muir Woods entrance fee. We provide a boutique, personal experience with knowledgeable local guides in small groups.
4.74 (480 reviews)
From $89.10
$99.00 Save $9.90
What activities can I do in California?
1. Visit the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and take a walk or bike ride across it. 2. Explore the stunning Yosemite National Park, known for its breathtaking waterfalls, granite cliffs, and diverse wildlife. 3. Spend a day at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, enjoying thrilling rides and meeting beloved Disney characters. 4. Take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, enjoying the stunning coastal views and stopping at picturesque towns like Santa Barbara and Monterey. 5. Visit the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, where you can see the stars dedicated to your favorite celebrities. 6. Explore the beautiful beaches of Southern California, such as Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, or Laguna Beach. 7. Take a tour of Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay and learn about the fascinating history of the former federal prison. 8. Go wine tasting in Napa Valley or Sonoma County, renowned for their world-class vineyards and picturesque landscapes. 9. Enjoy outdoor activities in Lake Tahoe, such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, or simply relaxing by the crystal-clear lake. 10. Visit the stunning Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a grand mansion built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. These are just a few of the many things to do in California. The state offers a wide range of attractions and activities for all interests and ages.
When is the best time to travel to California?
The best time to travel to California, USA largely depends on your preferences and the specific activities you plan to do. California's climate varies significantly throughout the state, so it's important to consider the region you'll be visiting. Generally, the spring months of April and May, and the fall months of September and October, are considered the best times to visit California. During these times, the weather is typically mild, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season. If you're planning to visit popular tourist destinations like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego, these cities tend to have pleasant weather year-round. However, it's important to note that coastal areas can be foggy and cooler in the summer, while inland areas can experience high temperatures. If you're interested in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or visiting national parks, the summer months of June to August offer the warmest weather. However, these months are also the busiest and most crowded, especially in popular destinations like Yosemite National Park. For skiing or snowboarding enthusiasts, the winter months of December to February are ideal for visiting California's ski resorts in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, such as Lake Tahoe. Ultimately, the best time to travel to California depends on your personal preferences, the activities you plan to do, and the specific region you'll be visiting. It's always a good idea to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
Travel culture you should know when traveling to California
California is known for its diverse and vibrant travel culture. With a mix of stunning natural landscapes, world-class cities, and a melting pot of different cultures, the state offers a wide range of experiences for travelers. One aspect of California's travel culture is its emphasis on outdoor activities and adventure. From the iconic beaches of Southern California to the towering redwood forests of Northern California, the state is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, surfing, skiing, and cycling are just a few of the popular activities that visitors can enjoy. California is also home to some of the most famous cities in the world, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Each city has its own unique vibe and attractions, from Hollywood and the celebrity culture in LA to the Golden Gate Bridge and tech scene in San Francisco. The cities offer a wide range of cultural experiences, including world-class museums, theaters, and music venues. The state's diverse population has also contributed to its vibrant travel culture. California is known for its multiculturalism, with a large Hispanic, Asian, and African American population. This diversity is evident in the state's cuisine, arts, and festivals. Visitors can experience a wide range of culinary delights, from authentic Mexican tacos to innovative fusion cuisine. California is also a hub for the entertainment industry, with Hollywood being the center of the global film and television industry. Visitors can take studio tours, attend live tapings of TV shows, or even spot celebrities in popular areas like Beverly Hills or Malibu. Overall, California's travel culture is a mix of outdoor adventure, multiculturalism, and entertainment. Whether you're exploring the natural wonders, immersing yourself in city life, or indulging in the state's diverse cuisine, California offers something for every traveler.
Shopping list or souvenirs to buy when traveling to California
When shopping in California, there are several items that make for great souvenirs or gifts. Here are some popular options: 1. Wine: California is known for its excellent wine production, particularly in regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Consider purchasing a bottle or two of local wine as a souvenir. 2. Olive Oil: California also produces high-quality olive oil. Look for bottles of extra virgin olive oil from local producers to bring back home. 3. Avocado-themed products: California is famous for its avocados, so you can find various avocado-themed products like t-shirts, mugs, and kitchen accessories. These make fun and unique souvenirs. 4. Surfing gear: If you're visiting coastal cities like San Diego or Santa Cruz, consider purchasing surfing gear such as t-shirts, board shorts, or even a surfboard if you're an enthusiast. 5. Artisanal chocolates: California has a thriving artisanal chocolate scene, with many gourmet chocolatiers offering unique and delicious creations. Look for local brands and flavors to bring back as sweet souvenirs. 6. Craft beer: California is home to numerous craft breweries, and beer enthusiasts will find a wide variety of options to choose from. Pick up a few bottles or cans of local craft beer to enjoy later. 7. Hollywood memorabilia: If you're visiting Los Angeles, you'll find plenty of stores selling Hollywood-themed souvenirs such as t-shirts, keychains, and movie posters. These can be great gifts for movie lovers. 8. California-themed clothing: Look for t-shirts, hats, or sweatshirts with California-themed designs. These items are widely available in tourist areas and can be a fashionable way to remember your trip. 9. Handmade jewelry: California has a vibrant artisan community, and you can find beautiful handmade jewelry in various styles and materials. Look for unique pieces made by local artists. 10. Local produce and gourmet food items: California is known for its fresh produce, so consider purchasing items like dried fruits, nuts, or gourmet sauces made from locally sourced ingredients. These make for delicious and healthy souvenirs. Remember to check local regulations and restrictions before purchasing any food or agricultural products to ensure you can safely bring them back home.
California travel review
California: The Ultimate Travel Destination When it comes to travel destinations in the United States, California undoubtedly stands out as a must-visit location. Known for its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and iconic attractions, the Golden State offers something for every type of traveler. From the stunning beaches of the Pacific Coast to the majestic mountains of the Sierra Nevada, California is a paradise waiting to be explored. One of the highlights of California is its breathtaking coastline. Stretching over 840 miles, the Pacific Coast Highway offers a scenic drive like no other. From the rugged cliffs of Big Sur to the sandy beaches of Malibu, this route provides endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Whether you choose to surf the waves in Santa Cruz, take a leisurely stroll along the Santa Monica Pier, or simply soak up the sun in San Diego, California's beaches are sure to captivate your senses. Beyond its coastline, California boasts a multitude of natural wonders that will leave you in awe. Yosemite National Park, with its towering granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls, is a hiker's paradise. Witness the grandeur of Half Dome and El Capitan, or marvel at the beauty of Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. For those seeking adventure, Joshua Tree National Park offers unique landscapes with its iconic Joshua trees and rock formations, perfect for rock climbing and stargazing. California is also home to some of the most vibrant and culturally rich cities in the world. San Francisco, with its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and historic cable cars, offers a blend of natural beauty and urban charm. Explore the eclectic neighborhoods of Chinatown and the Mission District, or take a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island for a glimpse into the city's intriguing past. Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world, is a haven for movie buffs and celebrity seekers. Visit the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, take a stroll along the trendy Rodeo Drive, or enjoy the sun and surf of Venice Beach. And let's not forget about San Diego, with its laid-back atmosphere and world-class attractions such as the San Diego Zoo and the historic Gaslamp Quarter. For wine enthusiasts, California's wine country is an absolute must-visit. Napa Valley and Sonoma County are renowned for their picturesque vineyards and award-winning wineries. Take a leisurely drive through the rolling hills, indulge in wine tastings, and savor gourmet cuisine at one of the many upscale restaurants in the area. In addition to its natural beauty and vibrant cities, California is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. From the diverse culinary scene of San Francisco to the authentic Mexican flavors of San Diego, the state offers a tantalizing array of dining options. Don't miss the opportunity to try California's famous In-N-Out Burger or indulge in fresh seafood at Fisherman's Wharf. With its year-round pleasant climate, California is a destination that can be visited any time of the year. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, the Golden State has it all. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through California – a true travel paradise.