things to do & see in
California
Whether you're drawn to the bustling streets of Los Angeles, the tranquility of Yosemite, or the charm of coastal towns, California's rich tapestry of experiences makes it an essential addition to any travel bucket list.
California has the largest tree in the world, named General Sherman, which stands at a towering height of 275 feet.
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Don't miss
A few things California is famous for.
Pin one of these to your list as a starting point — the rest of the goals tend to fall into place from there.
Don't miss
Visit Alcatraz Island
Capital
Visit Sacramento
Top festival
Attend Coachella
Man-made landmark
Visit the Golden Gate Bridge
Natural landmark
Visit Yosemite National Park
Museum
Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Art gallery
Visit the Getty Center
National park
Visit Yosemite National Park
Popular dish
Try the Mission burrito
Drink
Try a California wine
popular goals
What people add to their California list.
The most-saved goals from the Day Zero community for this place.
Yosemite is one of the most popular parks in the country and outdoor enthusiasts will not want to miss the opportunity to Hike Half Dome!
Yosemite National Park in California is a natural wonderland that boasts stunning granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. Visitors can hike the iconic Half Dome, explore the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, or take a dip in the refreshing Merced River. Wildlife abounds, with bears, coyotes, and deer often spotted in the park. From rock climbing and camping to scenic drives and photography, Yosemite offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Exploring the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and enjoying breathtaking views of the city and the bay is a must-do in San Francisco.
San Francisco, the vibrant city by the bay, beckons travelers with its iconic landmarks, diverse culture, and breathtaking views. Explore the bustling streets of Chinatown, the largest outside of Asia, and savor delectable dim sum. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history at the infamous Alcatraz Island, once home to some of America's most notorious criminals. Marvel at the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, an engineering marvel that connects San Francisco to Marin County. Indulge in the city's culinary delights with a visit to the Ferry Building Marketplace, showcasing local artisanal food and drink. With its eclectic neighborhoods, world-class museums, and stunning coastal landscapes, San Francisco promises an unforgettable adventure for every traveler.
Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955, and was the only park directly supervised by Walt Disney.
The Golden Gate Bridge is painted in a distinctive orange-red color called "international orange" to increase visibility in foggy conditions and has become an iconic symbol of San Francisco.
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge stands tall amidst the breathtaking beauty of San Francisco, inviting adventure enthusiasts to embark on a memorable journey by foot. Walking across this architectural marvel offers an unparalleled experience, allowing visitors to soak in the mesmerizing views of the city skyline, Alcatraz Island, and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. As you traverse the bridge's 1.7-mile span, take a moment to appreciate its rich history and marvel at its engineering brilliance. Whether it's capturing stunning photographs, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, or simply enjoying the refreshing ocean breeze, a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge promises to be an unforgettable travel goal.
The Golden Gate Bridge is painted in a distinctive orange-red color called "international orange" to increase visibility in foggy conditions and has become an iconic symbol of San Francisco.
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge stands tall amidst the breathtaking beauty of San Francisco, inviting adventure enthusiasts to embark on a memorable journey by foot. Walking across this architectural marvel offers an unparalleled experience, allowing visitors to soak in the mesmerizing views of the city skyline, Alcatraz Island, and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. As you traverse the bridge's 1.7-mile span, take a moment to appreciate its rich history and marvel at its engineering brilliance. Whether it's capturing stunning photographs, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, or simply enjoying the refreshing ocean breeze, a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge promises to be an unforgettable travel goal.
Alcatraz, known as "The Rock," was the only federal prison in the United States to house notorious criminals such as Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz."
on the map
Where to find it.
Log in to view the interactive map and pin goals to specific spots.
festivals & events
Plan a trip around something happening.
Coachella Music Festival is held in the Colorado Desert, not the nearby city of Coachella.
Coachella Music Festival is held in the Colorado Desert, not the nearby city of Coachella.
Coachella Music Festival is held in the Colorado Desert, not the nearby city of Coachella.
Coachella Music Festival is held in the Colorado Desert, not the nearby city of Coachella.
Coachella Music Festival is held in the Colorado Desert, not the nearby city of Coachella.
The Gilroy Garlic Festival is the largest garlic-themed food festival in the world.
VidCon California hosts over 75,000 attendees annually, making it a hub for digital creators.
The Fremont Festival of the Arts, often featuring wine, is one of the largest free street festivals on the West Coast.
Palm Springs' midcentury modern architecture boom in the 1950s-60s drew stars like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.
At Knott's Boysenberry Festival, savor unique boysenberry-infused dishes like boysenberry BBQ ribs and boysenberry elote.
more things to do
Great picks beyond the top list.
Yosemite is one of the most popular parks in the country and outdoor enthusiasts will not want to miss the opportunity to Hike Half Dome!
Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955, and was the only park directly supervised by Walt Disney.
The Golden Gate Bridge is painted in a distinctive orange-red color called "international orange" to increase visibility in foggy conditions and has become an iconic symbol of San Francisco.
Alcatraz, known as "The Rock," was the only federal prison in the United States to house notorious criminals such as Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz."
The Pacific Coast Highway spans over 650 miles, offering stunning views of California's diverse coastline.
Sequoia National Park is home to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume.
Alcatraz, known as "The Rock," was the only federal prison in the United States to house notorious criminals such as Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz."
The Winchester Mystery House in California was continuously under construction for 38 years, with staircases leading to nowhere, doors opening to walls, and secret passageways, all believed to be the result of the owner's obsession with confusing spirits.
Death Valley National Park was the setting for Tatooine in "Star Wars".
Visit the Open Sea exhibit to see one of the largest windows in the world.
The Golden Gate Bridge is painted in a distinctive orange-red color called "international orange" to increase visibility in foggy conditions and has become an iconic symbol of San Francisco.
Download the Disneyland app ahead of time to check real-time wait times, make dining reservations, and navigate the parks efficiently.
Catalina Island was a favorite getaway for chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., who bought it in 1919.
The Golden Gate Bridge is painted in a distinctive orange-red color called "international orange" to increase visibility in foggy conditions and has become an iconic symbol of San Francisco.
The Hearst Castle has a private zoo that once housed exotic animals including elephants, kangaroos, and zebras.
Permits are required to hike Half Dome, and they are distributed via a lottery system.
The San Francisco cable car system, invented in 1873 by Andrew Hallidie, is the world's last manually operated cable car system and a National Historic Landmark.
The sliding stones of Death Valley mysteriously move across the desert floor, leaving long tracks behind them, without any human or animal intervention.
Sea otters at the aquarium perform daily in a popular live feeding show.
Volcanic National Park is one of the few areas in the world where all four types of volcano can be found - plug dome, shield, cinder cone, and strato).
Napa Valley produces over 4% of all wine made in the United States.
The park is comprised of five islands, half of which are under the ocean. The islands are San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa and Santa Barbara.
Half Dome's cables are only up from late May to early October, so plan accordingly!
Pinnacles National Park in California was designated on January 10, 2013 and is America's newest national park.
The Bigfoot Discovery Museum in California houses rare casts of alleged Bigfoot footprints.
The Hearst Castle has a private zoo that once housed exotic animals including elephants, kangaroos, and zebras.
The Rose Bowl Stadium, built in 1922, is a National Historic Landmark hosting America's New Year Celebration.
VidCon California hosts over 75,000 attendees annually, making it a hub for digital creators.
Drive along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway for breathtaking ocean views and stops at beaches like Malibu and Laguna Beach.
Carmel-by-the-Sea has no street addresses; visitors rely on landmarks and descriptions for navigation.
The Giant Dipper, built in 1924, is one of the oldest wooden roller coasters.
The Golden Gate Bridge is painted in a distinctive orange-red color called "international orange" to increase visibility in foggy conditions and has become an iconic symbol of San Francisco.
Explore the hotel's stunning architecture, which combines Art Deco, Native American, and Arts and Crafts styles, making it a National Historic Landmark since 1987.
The Bunny Museum in California holds the Guinness World Record for the largest bunny collection.
SeaWorld San Diego, which opened in 1964, was the first SeaWorld park and has evolved from a marine zoological park to include thrilling roller coasters.
Napa Valley produces over 4% of all wine made in the United States.
The French Laundry's nine-course tasting menu changes daily, offering seasonal ingredients sourced locally and globally.
Established in 1907, it's the oldest surviving amusement park in California.
Mission Peak offers panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley on clear days.
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum boasts the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in western North America.
The museum's permanent collection includes over 4,000 objects, emphasizing 19th and 20th-century works.
The resort straddles California and Nevada, giving unique views of Lake Tahoe from above.
Opt for the Grand Rooms Tour if it's your first visit to get an overview of the castle's most iconic spaces, including the Assembly Room and Refectory.
MoAD is part of the Yerba Buena Arts District, surrounded by other cultural attractions.
The Los Angeles County Museum has over 150,000 works of art, making it the largest art museum in the western United States.
The Mission San Francisco Solano, founded in 1823, is the last of California's 21 missions.
The Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival uniquely pairs celebrity chefs with renowned musicians for immersive culinary concerts.
Mammoth Mountain offers over 3,500 acres of skiable terrain for all skill levels to explore.
Ski Palisades hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics, with historic sites still visible on-site.
Northstar California offers over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain for all skill levels.
Point Reyes Lighthouse, built in 1870, offers stunning views and is reached via 313 steps.
The Los Angeles Marathon, inaugurated in 1986, follows the iconic "Stadium to the Sea" course starting at Dodger Stadium and ending near the Santa Monica Pier.
Keep an eye out for sea lions, dolphins, and harmless leopard sharks that frequent the La Jolla Underwater Park.
Potato Chip Rock is a thin, jutting rock formation offering stunning views of Lake Poway.
The resort averages 354 inches of snowfall yearly, ensuring good conditions most seasons.
Alpine Meadows merged with Palisades Tahoe in 2011, expanding access to nearby slopes.
The cove is part of the La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, established in 1970 to protect its diverse underwater ecosystems for activities like snorkeling.
Huntington Beach, known as "Surf City USA," hosts the annual U.S. Open of Surfing each summer.
The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival features over 200 wineries, breweries, and gourmet food vendors.
At the Mendocino Mushroom, Wine & Beer Festival, explore over 3,000 mushroom varieties in local forests.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse, built in 1871, is one of the tallest lighthouses on the U.S. West Coast.
Battery Point Lighthouse, accessible only during low tide, offers stunning views of the rugged coastline.
Fern Canyon Trail in California is famous for its lush greenery and was featured in the movie Jurassic Park 2.
Located in Glendale, California, the museum offers guided tours and neon art classes.
The USS Midway was the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century, active for 47 years.
Founded in 1797, San Juan Bautista Mission is California's fifteenth mission, located near the San Andreas Fault.
The Golden Gate Bridge is painted in a distinctive orange-red color called "international orange" to increase visibility in foggy conditions and has become an iconic symbol of San Francisco.
Start your journey at Mission San Diego de Alcalá, the first and southernmost mission.
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail is named after a Los Angeles City Council member who championed public coastal access in the 1970s.
Constructed during the Great Depression, the garden was a project of the Works Progress Administration.
Its hilltop location offers panoramic views of Los Angeles, the ocean, and even the Hollywood Sign on clear days.
Yosemite Falls Trail in California offers breathtaking views of North America's tallest waterfall.
The tallest trees on Earth, coastal redwoods, can live over 2,000 years and reach 380 feet.
Hollyhock House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built between 1919 and 1921 for Aline Barnsdall.
The Napa Valley Wine Train launched in 1989, offering a luxurious rail journey through some of California's premier wine regions.
Torrey Pines Golf Course is renowned for hosting the PGA Tour's Farmers Insurance Open every year, attracting top professional golfers.
The Golden Gate Bridge is painted in a distinctive orange-red color called "international orange" to increase visibility in foggy conditions and has become an iconic symbol of San Francisco.
Squaw Valley is now officially named Palisades Tahoe, reflecting a move away from derogatory terms.
Obtain a summit climbing permit from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, as it's required for ascents above 10,000 feet.
cities
Cities and regions inside California.
Exploring the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and enjoying breathtaking views of the city and the bay is a must-do in San Francisco.
The most popular thing to do in Los Angeles is to visit the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and spot your favorite celebrities' stars.
Explore the world-famous San Diego Zoo, which houses over 3,500 animals from around the globe and is a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts.
Long Beach is home to the historic RMS Queen Mary, a retired ocean liner turned hotel and museum.
Huntington Beach is known as "Surf City" due to its consistent waves and surf culture.
Bakersfield is known as the "Country Music Capital of California" due to its rich history in the genre.
Irvine is home to the University of California, Irvine, consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States.
Check out the Museum of Neon Art, dedicated to preserving and showcasing neon signs and art.
Add California to your list.
Save this place, pin a few goals, and start ticking things off. Future-you will be glad you did.