Top Things to Do in California, United States - California Must-See Attractions
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Things to Do in California
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Alcatraz Island, Universal Studios Hollywood, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Theme Parks.
Alcatraz Island, Universal Studios Hollywood, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Theme Parks.
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Explore popular experiences
See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at California.
On the Waterfromper adult£52
Observation Decksfromper adult£26
On the Waterfromper adult£41
Bus Toursfromper adult£35- fromper adult£181
Likely To Sell Outfromper adult£110
TV Toursfromper adult£58
Day Tripsfromper adult£126- fromper adult£76
Sightseeing Cruisesfromper adult£117
Historic Sites
Self-guided island tour featuring a comprehensive audio narrative through historic prison cells, including tales of infamous escapes and nighttime exclusives.
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Amusement & Theme Parks
Admission tickets from £90
Theme park with heart-pounding rides, behind-the-scenes studio tours, and immersive worlds from Harry Potter and Jurassic Park. Enjoy thrilling attractions and special effects.
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Observatories & Planetariums
Astronomy hub with planetarium shows and space exhibits, providing panoramic city views and photo spots of the iconic Hollywood sign, set in a historic film location.
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Expansive wildlife park in Balboa Park with natural habitats and an array of global species. Includes an aerial tram, guided bus tours, and noteworthy panda exhibit.
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Beaches
Coastal enclave with playful sea lions, scenic ocean views, and vibrant marine life. Ideal for leisurely strolls, picnics, and snorkeling near cliffs and colourful flora.
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Speciality Museums
Admission tickets from £32
Historical naval aircraft carrier with self-guided audio tours, interactive exhibits, and access to the flight deck for panoramic views and vintage aircraft exploration.
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Speciality Museums
Historic Sites
Iconic bridge known for its distinctive architecture and panoramic views, surrounded by natural beauty with multiple photo-worthy vista points.
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Amusement & Theme Parks
Admission tickets from £270
Enchanting theme park with iconic rides, immersive themed areas, and classic characters, ideal for family fun and Disney enthusiasts.
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Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and tranquil gardens provide a cultural and historical retreat with multiple museums and a zoo for diverse exploration.
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Rotating tram ride ascends to mountaintop with panoramic views, serene trails, and a visitor centre with dining and shopping amenities.
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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What travellers are saying
- TravelerGabeWellington, CO141 contributionsIt is very interesting being able to get on a ferry and approach the island. Once you are on the island you can explore various parts and take an audio tour of the cell house. Just note that most of the island is off-limits as it is a bird sanctuary.
I especially found exploring the cell house pretty neat as it is pretty quiet due to everyone listening to the audio tour in their headset. You can go in the solitary confinement cell for example, which was cool.
Overall the experience was great! Even better if you go when the marine layer comes into the bay area!Written 24 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - DutchMachineCalgary, Canada553 contributionsReally enjoyed the park. Most of the rides were fun. Some of the rides can use an overhaul (minions and simpsons).
Wish the park had more rollercoasters (can't wait for F&F coaster).
Some staff members weren't overly friendly (at the popcorn stands)
The Studio tour was cool.
The Mario area is meh. The theme is nice, the ride is okay, but the upcharge on some mini games is outrageous.
Would be nice if the stores were open longer after park hours so you can shop without being rushed.Written 15 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Susan T13 contributionsAmazing views and easy to get to. Made famous by many iconic movies, including LA-LA Land. No Hollywood trip is complete without a stop here.Written 25 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Daniel ABeijing, China37,429 contributionsWe’ve been to zoos in many parts of Asia with our children and our kids love most zoos. However, many zoos in Asia aren’t particularly noted for their delicate care of the wildlife. My wife was also wondering why a zoo was so expensive. I told her it was expensive because the proceeds go to the care of the animals’ welfare. When we walked in, our kids started to run around in excitement because of how large the zoo is and my wife was speechless. I had been here before, but it’s always being upgraded and investments keep rolling in. It is an amazing place for kids and adults and everyone can appreciate the beauty of the place and see the dedication the San Diego Zoo has to its animal population.Written 19 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Vincent FAlbuquerque, NM38 contributionsThis is a must do/visit for individuals/couples/families!!! You will not be disappointed especially if seals/sea lions are present. Also accessible to wheelchairs/mobility scooters.Written 22 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DENSpotterWindsor, CO12 contributionsThe USS Midway was a great place to spend a day at. They have detailed information about what the planes were, where the sailors slept at, and a lot more.Written 22 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alexander S OgnibeneJackson, WY27 contributionsNice place to visit and view some art work and a good amount of garden space designed to be engaging. Restaurant served up very good food as well.Written 29 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- HeatheryBroken Arrow, OK65 contributionsIt's a bucket list thing. Not much to see. Yep, it's a bridge. But it's cool to say you saw it. There's a good pulloff spot for photos.Written 20 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jackfromjlbTruckee, CA29 contributionsThe lines were long as you would think but the rides are amazing the weather is always great every time I go. It is such a magical place like your in a movie doing what they do in the real Disney movies on the rides.Written 1 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 907blakedTampa, FL1,565 contributionsBalboa Park is the shining star of San Diego. We arrived early in the morning at 8:00am, still being on East Coast time, and had the whole place to ourselves for an hour and a half before anything really opened. We really enjoyed walking through the gardens (including the Alcazar garden, the rose garden, and the desert garden) and admiring the architecture, and walking along the short Palm Canyon Trail. After things got going/open, we visited the Japanese garden, which has a separate paid entry fee, and it was really stunning with the cherry blossoms in bloom (third week of March). The botanical building was a bit underwhelming, but it was great to just walk through the various plazas and squares and see so many nice things for free. Parking was ample at a number of different parking lots.Written 21 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KatiePlymouth, MA321 contributionsThe tram ride was very quick, but it was a little shaky. I didn’t realize the inside rotated the entire time, but it was nice to see the view. At the top of the mountain, there were a few trails to walk, places to eat, and scenic viewpoints. We did the nature trail loop which was just under a mile. It was pretty flat, aside from the steep ramps to get to the path. It’s definitely chilly, but it’s great to see! We did have to buy tickets in advance, and it was getting fairly crowded as the day went on.Written 15 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Texmex915Scottsdale, AZ64 contributionsMy son is a marine biologist that graduated last year 2024 from A&M Galveston and he enjoyed this aquarium. Very informativeWritten 22 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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