101 Things to Do in CaliforniaTravel Information for the Smart Traveler™
101 Things to Do in California — top attractions, tours and things to do

101 Things to Do in California

Save up to 50% on California's best attractions, tours and activities — book instantly below, or let a California travel specialist do the work for you.

From redwood forests and surf beaches to world-famous theme parks and Napa vineyards, California packs a lifetime of experiences into one sun-soaked state. Browse and book top-rated tours below, or request free quotes from a California travel specialist.

Book California Attractions & Activities — Up to 50% Off

Welcome to 101 Things to Do in California. Click any activity below to search and book every tour, attraction and experience in California.

🌎 Click any activity to instantly search & book all California experiences

Why Book California With Us?

Unmatched savings

Our industry connections unlock exclusive rates and hidden deals — save up to 50% on California attractions and tours.

Expert travel specialists

Our specialists know California inside out and tailor every detail to how you like to travel.

Decades of trusted service

More than five decades of travel expertise — personal service and unbeatable value on every trip.

Popular Attractions & Tourist Sites in California

1. Disneyland Resort — The original Walt Disney theme park in Anaheim, opened in 1955, pairs classic rides with Disney California Adventure next door.
2. Golden Gate Bridge — San Francisco's iconic 1.7-mile Art Deco suspension bridge, painted 'International Orange,' is one of the most photographed structures in the world.
3. Yosemite National Park — A Sierra Nevada wonderland of granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome, giant sequoias and thundering waterfalls.
4. Universal Studios Hollywood — A working film studio and theme park featuring the Studio Tour and immersive lands including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
5. Napa Valley — California's premier wine region north of San Francisco, known for cabernet sauvignon, tasting rooms and the Napa Valley Wine Train.
6. Alcatraz Island — The former maximum-security federal prison in San Francisco Bay, reached by ferry and toured with an acclaimed audio guide.
7. Death Valley National Park — The hottest, driest and lowest national park in North America, home to Badwater Basin at 282 feet below sea level.
8. Hollywood Walk of Fame — More than 2,700 terrazzo-and-brass stars along Hollywood Boulevard honoring entertainment industry achievements.
9. Lake Tahoe — A vast alpine lake straddling the California–Nevada border, offering skiing in winter and beaches and boating in summer.
10. Big Sur — A rugged stretch of Highway 1 coastline where the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge into the Pacific, dotted with state parks.

Unique California Experiences

  • Drive the cliff-hugging Pacific Coast Highway from Monterey to Big Sur
  • Sip cabernet on a Napa and Sonoma wine-tasting tour
  • Ride a cable car up San Francisco's steep hills
  • Whale-watch for gray and blue whales off Monterey Bay
  • Stargaze under some of the darkest skies at Joshua Tree
  • Surf or learn to surf along the beaches of Santa Cruz
  • Walk among ancient giants in the Redwood National forests
  • Meet the wildlife at the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park
  • Hike to waterfalls and granite viewpoints in Yosemite Valley
  • Palm-tree cruise the celebrity neighborhoods of Beverly Hills

Are you looking for more than just California activities?

Not sure where to start? Let a California travel specialist plan your whole trip — flights & hotels, cruises, tours and more. Get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes from vetted specialists.

Get up to 5 specialist quotes for your trip!

Why Smart Traveler?

Smart Traveler is a service of the travel division of Best of the USA, Inc. Entrust your trip to seasoned professionals specializing in cruises, tours, vacation packages, all-inclusive resorts and international airfares. With over 50,000 travel advisors in our growing database, we’re sure to have the experts right for your travel needs!

50+ years of expertise

Five decades fine-tuning the art of travel — every journey a masterpiece.

Online pioneers since 1995

Tradition blended with technology — book your dream trip with a click.

Exclusive proprietary rates

Insider access to rates and partnerships unavailable to the average traveler.

California Travel — Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top things to do in California?

Top experiences include Disneyland Resort, Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park. You can browse and book hundreds more California tours, attractions and activities — many at up to 50% off — right on this page.

How much can I save on California tours and attractions?

Smart Traveler travelers save up to 50% on California attractions, tours and activities through exclusive industry rates and long-standing partnerships.

When is the best time to visit California?

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer warm, dry weather and thinner crowds statewide. Summer is ideal for the coast and mountains, while winter brings skiing to the Sierra Nevada and mild days to Southern California.

Can a travel specialist plan my whole California trip?

Yes. Beyond activities, our California travel specialists arrange flights, hotels, cruises and complete packages. Request up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes and compare.