Top 50 Best Things to Do in California
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in California

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Universal Studios Hollywoodtop_1
    󰺂10
    350.8
    Los Angeles.Universal City>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Explore Hogwarts Castle and experience the magical world
    󱓊Explore Hogwarts & magical world
    󱨠Saved by 3634 users󱨠3899 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Definitely worth the visit, great place for kids and adults!

  • Disneyland Park Californiatop_2
    󰺂10
    377.63
    Anaheim.Anaheim City Center>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Fantasy parade & Disney character interaction
    Space Mountain
    󱨠Saved by 2355 users󱨠1085 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    I was a bit disappointed that I need to make an appointment for the fast line which is not really worth the money because at the end of the day we still need to wait for the available booking time

  • Disneyland Resort Californiatop_3
    󰺂10
    378.02
    Anaheim.Anaheim City Center>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoDisney 70th Anniversary Celebration, Classic Returns + Limited Benefits Await You | May 16, 2025-Jun 2026
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󱨜Take a souvenir photo of the dreamy Sleeping Beauty Castle
    A global exclusive that brings a magical legend to life
    4.4/5
    yuli87123yuli87123

    I visited both parks in one day and walked 30,000 steps, but it was worth it. It was fun and joyful. It is true that one day's play is quite compact. I also used the fast pass reservation function as much as possible. It is very useful. Taking photos in the park is also fully included. It is worth it!

  • USS Midway Museum
    4
    󰺂8.6
    143.24
    San Diego.Downtown San Diego>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoUSS Midway Museum 2025 "Jingle Jets" Holiday Light Show | Nov 28, 2025-Dec 30, 2025
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    In-depth tours with guides in 6 languages
    󱨜Explore inside USS Midway Museum
    󱨠Saved by 212 users󱨠878 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    Alex10Alex10

    Historical place to see. Good things to know and good information

  • Port of San Diego
    5
    󰺂8.6
    San Diego.Balboa Park>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSan Diego Bay Parade of Lights | Dec 14, 2025-Dec 21, 2025
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2025 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes
    Highlights:
    󱨜Navy base & seal habitat cruise
    󰀆360° view of harbor city
    4.7/5
    chenweiwenchenweiwen

    San Diego is the second largest city in California and the eighth largest city in the United States. It is located on the San Diego Bay at the southern end of the state, 20 kilometers south of the Mexican border. The urban area covers an area of ​​829 square kilometers and has a population of more than 1.37 million, with many Mexican and Spanish descendants. According to statistics from 2015-2016, white people accounted for 64% of the population, Latin Americans and Mexicans accounted for 32%, and Asians accounted for 10%. The metropolitan area includes nearby beaches and highlands, with an area of ​​11,020 square kilometers; the metropolitan area includes 18 small cities with a total population of more than 2.8 million, most of whom live in areas not far from the coast. San Diego County is famous for its natural landscape. You can see beaches, forests and deserts of different styles in a day's drive. There are more than 60 golf courses, many national parks and the Columbus National Forest. San Diego's famous tourist attractions include the Harbor Village, Convention Center, Cypress Park, Art Museum, Zoo, Spanish Village, etc.

  • Disney California Adventure Park
    6
    󰺂8.6
    378.02
    Anaheim.Anaheim City Center>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoLunar New Year Celebration at Disney California Adventure | Jan 23, 2026-Feb 22, 2026
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    󰋄Thrilling coaster across the park
    Sky-high California view experience
    󱨠Saved by 820 users󱨠336 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    YNWA25YNWA25

    The security clearance was smooth and fast even though there was a huge crowd at the opening hour of the park. We had a great time enjoying the ride and facilities at Disneyland. Well maintained park.

  • SeaWorld San Diego
    7
    󰺂8.2
    268.11
    San Diego.Misson Bay / Loma Heights>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration: Magic of a Million Lights | Nov 17, 2025-Jan 4, 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆Dolphin & sea lion show
    󱨜Interact with manta rays inside
    󱨠Saved by 260 users󱨠322 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Kayu893Kayu893

    Business Hours: 9:am-9pmAddress: SeaWorld San Diego, 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109Reasons to Recommend: If you love dolphins and sea animals you will love this place!. I enjoyed my visit here at sea world because I touched a dolphin for the first time and it was awesome.

  • Griffith Observatory
    8
    󰺂8.2
    Los Angeles>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    360° view of LA lights
    󱨜Hollywood set & LA landmark
    󱨠Saved by 853 users󱨠329 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    学校🏫学校🏫

    Griffith Observatory: The junction of the Starry Sky and the Earth This art deco building, completed in 1935, is suspended on the Hollywood Hills like a giant astronomical instrument targeting the Los Angeles Basin. Free and open setting makes it the city's most generous viewing platform. Fu Ke in the main hall is the most philosophical. The brass hammers slowly deflect the trajectory of the star map floor, silently proving the physical facts of the earth's rotation. When the Tesla coils on the basement floor were performed, artificial lightning burst in the dome, turning the scientific demonstration into a modern witchcraft show. But the true souls are on the night rooftops when city lights spread like magma beneath their feet, and the visible galaxy hangs overhead, forming a barren war between heaven and man. It is recommended to arrive an hour before sunset. First look at the sun on the west terrace as the Hollywood sign is gilded, then line up in the dusk to touch the astronomical telescope. The couples in line, the photographers on tripods and the children counting stars cast overlapping silhouettes on the metal shell of the telescopeperhaps more worth observing than the celestial body itself. Don't forget to look back at the Greek theater-style dome when you leave, and the bronze statue of Einstein is smiling in the shadow of the porch, as if you already know all about human obsession with the universe.

  • Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
    9
    󰺂8.1
    66.05
    Los Angeles.South Los Angeles>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Dioramas with lighting effects
    󱨜Real specimens & natural habitats
    󱨠Saved by 437 users󱨠109 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    GY旅游GY旅游

    In this tranquil and beautiful location, you can explore a wealth of ancient dinosaur fossils and experience the mystery and charm of nature. This is a true microcosm of Darwin's theory of evolution, allowing you to experience the evolution of life firsthand. Immersed in this ancient land, you will not only admire the magnificence of dinosaur remains, but also understand the role they played in Earth's history. This is a journey that intersects time and awakens deep contemplation of the wonders of nature. Here, each fossil carries a story spanning billions of years, inviting you to trace the origin and evolution of life and experience the perfect fusion of science and nature.

  • Crypto.com Arena
    10
    󰺂8.0
    467.42
    Los Angeles.Downtown Los Angeles>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Landmark viewing spot in LA
    󱓊Shared arena for four teams
    4.8/5
    Yee11Yee11

    Managed to catch some big superstar for Lakers outside the arena. Pretty upset as NBA regular season is ended when I visited in June and no playoff games at the time hence I wasn’t able to watch the game in the arena but I’m sure I will be back some day again to watch a NBA game.

Best things to do in California (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in California? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, California offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in California

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full California experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Universal Studios Hollywood

• Los Angeles.Universal City | >100 km from downtown

• : Explore Hogwarts Castle and experience the magical world,Explore Hogwarts & magical world

Disneyland Park California

• Anaheim.Anaheim City Center | >100 km from downtown

• : Fantasy parade & Disney character interaction,Space Mountain

Disneyland Resort California

• Anaheim.Anaheim City Center | >100 km from downtown

• : Take a souvenir photo of the dreamy Sleeping Beauty Castle,A global exclusive that brings a magical legend to life

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near California

If you want to explore attractions just outside California, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of California, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in California special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in California

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in California

Ready to explore the best of California? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in California?
These are all Best Things to Do in California:Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland Park California, Disneyland Resort California, USS Midway Museum, Port of San Diego
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in California?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in California include:Universal Studios Hollywood:4.8, Disneyland Park California:4.7, Disneyland Resort California:4.4, USS Midway Museum:4.8, Port of San Diego:4.7
At what locations in California can Best Things to Do in California be found?
The Best Things to Do in California are mainly located in:Universal Studios Hollywood:Los Angeles, Disneyland Park California:Anaheim, Disneyland Resort California:Anaheim, USS Midway Museum:San Diego, Port of San Diego:San Diego
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