Best Fun Things To Do in Northern & Southern California!

Whether you’re planning a trip to Northern or Southern California, it is not an exaggeration to say that you will never run out of things to do! From city breaks to coastal road trips, desert escapes to mountain adventures, wine tasting tours to luxury wellness retreats – you name it, California has it!

Other than the famous attractions namely Hollywood – Los Angeles, San Francisco – Silicon Valley, and Disneyland – Anaheim, there are numerous hidden gems and things to do in California.

In this article, you will find a list of the best attractions and activities in both Northern and Southern California. In addition, I will show you how to explore more while paying less with the San Francisco City Pass, Los Angeles City Pass, and San Diego City Pass.

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Activities Overview: What is there to do in California?

Gastronomy and Culinary Experience

California is home to several celebrity chefs and notable culinary trends like farm-to-table cuisine and gourmet food trucks. You can taste award-winning dishes at the coveted restaurant in California such as The French Laundry in Yountville, Brown Sugar Kitchen in Oakland, or Juniper & Ivy in San Diego.

In addition, there are countless restaurants in California adored by celebrities such as Sugar Factory. Try to spot your favorite celebrity on the wall, but you will definitely find photographs of Kylie Jenner, Pitbull, Drake, and Jennifer Lopez having fun with the enormous smoky goblets! In San Diego, you can get a $50 voucher for brunch at Sugar Factory for as low as $25!

Alternatively, you can opt for a food tour to get a diversified gastronomic experience and learn interesting stories about the locals.

Wineries and Breweries

California is the wine capital of the United States with more than 4,000 wineries and over 100 grape varieties. In fact, the Golden State alone produces 90% of all wine in the United States. Beyond sampling wine, you can go “winery hopping” on a luxury limousine or enjoy the view of California’s vineyards in a hot air balloon.

Check out the best Winery Tours in Napa Valley here!

California also has the most craft breweries in the United States with a total of almost 1000 craft breweries. Beer lovers can get a California Hop Passport for $20 and get 50% off the first two drinks at 70+ breweries in California!

Music Festivals & Concerts

There are well-known big-ticket music festivals like Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival which lasts 6 days and its country cousin, Stagecoach Festival, which lasts 3 days. These festivals are so popular that they are often sold out three months in advance. The general admission passes start at around $300 to $500, but can go up to thousands of dollars for a VIP or luxury experience.

On the other hand, you can still have fun in California with a smaller budget! There are numerous concerts by popular artists starting at $20-$40. Some artists that are touring California in the fall of 2021 are Colbie Caillat, Maroon 5, and Pitbull.

Outdoors Activities

With favorable weather, California is a year-round playground for outdoor adventures. There are nine national parks, more than a hundred state parks, and numerous mountain ski resorts that are open as early as November to as late as April.

Wellness and Spa

California has a long list of high-end spas and luxury wellness centers. One of the most notable spa and retreat centers in California is Esalen Institut, which is perched on an oceanside cliff in Big Sur with over 500 workshops and thermal baths.

City Breaks

The most popular city breaks in California are San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. The most economical way to explore these cities is to get the city pass. You can think of it as an “all-you-can-eat buffet” for fun activities in California – the more things you do, the more money you save!

• San Francisco Go City Pass: All-Inclusive pass with entry to over 25 fun things to do in San Francisco including GoCar, Aquarium of the Bay, California Academy of Sciences, Madame Tussauds San Francisco, Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus San Francisco Classic Tour, Walt Disney Family Museum, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and more.

• Los Angeles Go City Pass: All-Inclusive pass with entry to over 35 fun things to do in Los Angeles including Universal Studios Hollywood, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, LEGOLAND California, Big Bus Los Angeles Tour, and Whale Watch in Long Beach, and more.

• San Diego Go City Pass: All-Inclusive pass with entry to over 55 fun things to do in San Diego including SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND California, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, La Jolla Surf Board Rental, Pier Fishing, and more.

What is the best time to visit California?

California is always in season! The best time to visit California really depends on what you want to do and what kind of weather you favor.

Spring – March through May – It may still be chilly but you can find hillsides covered in wildflowers such as California poppies and Douglas Iris.

Summer – June through August – This is the perfect time to surf or to watch surfers along the Southern California beaches. With students getting out of school, summer months are peak season and typically have the biggest crowds that also driving up the hotel rates. The coast can be foggy in May and June, often known as “May Gray” and “June Gloom”.

Fall – October and November – This is peak foliage season, especially in the High Sierra. There are also several special wine tasting events and festivals.

Winter – Millions of skiers and snowboarders flock to California in the winter. Even if you don’t know how to ski or snowboard, you can still have fun in California during the winter with snow tubing and ice skating. Alternatively, you can take a boat tour to see migrating whales along the coast or dodge the snow in Palm Springs – the ultimate desert oasis.

Things to do in Northern California’s Coastline

The northern stretch of the California coastline is filled with natural beauty and quaint coastal towns such as Eureka and Ferndale. Some of the must-see attractions in Northern California’s Coastline are the Glass Beach in Fort Bragg and the Redwood National Park.

Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg is best known for the gem-covered Glass Beach – which is part of the MacKerricher State Park. The area was once a garbage dump. Thankfully, the dump was closed in the 1960s and there were remediation efforts to clear the toxic materials. For decades, the waves have molded the glass into shiny pebbles under the sun.

After a visit to Glass Beach, don’t forget to take a fun ride on the Skunk Train – a steam locomotive that would take you through one of the most picturesque redwood forests in California.

Redwood National and State Parks

Redwood National and State Parks comprise Redwood National Park and the three state parks – Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek. They are home to some of the world’s tallest trees that are more than 1000 years old and over 350 feet tall.

Things to do in Northern California’s Shasta Cascade

Northern California’s Shasta Cascade comprises the northeastern and north-central sections bounded by Oregon and Nevada. It is filled with explorable volcanoes, lava tubes, craters, geysers, and natural hot springs. Some of the landmarks include Mount Shasta, Shasta Lake, and Lava Beds National Monument.

Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a 300-acre park in Redding – the heart of upstate California. It includes an arboretum, botanical gardens, and a museum of natural history exhibits. The highlight of Turtle Bay Exploration Park is the spectacular centerpiece – the Sundial Bridge – a pedestrian crossing that spans the Sacramento River.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park, home to hissing steam vents and bubbling mud pools, is a must-see in Northern California. Visitors will get an up-close look at an active volcano that had its last major eruption in 1914.

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta is a magnificent volcano that rises straight up from California’s northernmost central valley. It is the prime spot for hiking and mountain biking in the summer and fall but turns into a great spot for skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. John Muir, known as the “Father of the National Parks” said that his “blood turned into wine” when he first caught sight of Mount Shasta.

Amboy Crater

Amboy Crater is an extinct cinder cone volcano formed of ash and cinders within Mojave Trails National Monument. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1973 thanks to its shape as an almost perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone. 

Shasta Lake

Shasta Lake is California’s largest reservoir. With a surface area amounting to 30,000 acres, it is perfect for watersports like jet skiing, inner-tubing, and fishing. It’s also a popular house-boating location. Lake Shasta Caverns, a network of caves reachable only by boat, is another year-round adventure suitable for families.

Grover Hot Springs State Park

Grover Hot Springs State Park is about an hour southeast of Lake Tahoe. The park has several mineral pools open most of the year.

Lava Beds National Monument

Lava Beds National Monument has a moon-like landscape containing volcanic tablelands dotted with cinder cones, pit craters, spatter cones.

Castle Crags State Park

Castle Crags State Park is a 4,350-acre park with 28 miles of hiking trails and 76 developed campsites. Within the park, you can swim or fish in the Sacramento River and enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Shasta.

Clear Lake State Park

Clear Lake State Park is the largest freshwater lake in California, renowned for fun water sports like swimming, fishing, boating, and jet skiing.

Things to do in Northern California’s San Francisco Bay Area

San Francisco is known for its cable cars, elegant Victorian homes, hilly roads, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco Bay Area, consisting of nine counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma), is commonly referred to as the Bay Area. Other than vibrant neighborhoods, green spaces, and innovative spirits, Bay Area is also home to the world-famous Napa Valley, Sonoma wine country, waterfront towns, beaches, and the international tech hub of Silicon Valley.

San Francisco’s Iconic Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge was built in 1937 and has become a symbol not only for the city but also for the entire state. The bridge connects San Francisco to the Marin Peninsula and spans the passage between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Some of the best places to view the Golden Gate Bridge are:

1. Baker Beach
2. Marshall’s Beach
3. Fort Point
4. Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center
5. Battery East Trail Viewpoint

Pier 39 Bay Cruise

Pier 39 is a popular tourist attraction and shopping center in San Francisco with numerous shops, restaurants, game arcades, and street performances. You can take the Bay Cruise to enjoy the panoramic views of San Francisco Skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and sea lions hauling out on the docks of Pier 39’s marina.

Palace of Fine Arts

Contrary to popular belief, The Palace of Fine Arts is not a palace converted to a museum. In fact, The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco is a monumental structure. It was originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. It has a rotunda (big dome) by the water that provides a beautiful backdrop for weddings and photoshoots.

Go City San Francisco Pass

Instead of buying separate tickets to popular attractions in San Francisco, you can get the San Francisco Go Pass to visit as many attractions as you want over 1, 2, 3, or 5 days. The one-day all-inclusive San Francisco Pass costs $50 while the five-day pass costs $140.

Some of the most popular attractions included in the San Francisco Pass are:

• Aquarium of the Bay*
• Madame Tussauds San Francisco
• Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus San Francisco Classic Tour*
• California Academy of Sciences*
• Escape from the Rock – Alcatraz Island Cruise*
• K1 Speed Go Karting*
• USS Pampanito
• Walt Disney Family Museum
• Exploratorium
• San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center
• Blazing Saddles: Full Day Bike Rental
• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
• GoCar San Francisco 30-Minute Rental*

(*) marks my top picks if you only have 1 or 2 days in San Francisco Bay Area.

Napa Valley

Napa Valley is internationally renowned as one of the best destinations in the world for wine. With only $20, you can enjoy wine and chocolate pairing or get a tasting flight and take home a stemless wine glass!

For a more unique experience, you can get on a sidecar for a Napa Valley wine tour. The open-air vehicle offers you gorgeous views of the vineyards as you go to different wineries to sample the local blends.

For bigger groups (up to 8), I highly recommend the Wine Country Bay Area Limousine Service. For $300, you will get a private limousine and chauffeur to take you around winery tasting rooms for 5 hours.

Things to do in Central California’s High Sierra

California’s central High Sierra is the United States version of the Swiss Alps with snow-covered mountain peaks.  Landmarks in this area include Yosemite National Park as well as Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. They are home to natural wonders; massive mountains, deep canyons, and huge trees.

Yosemite National Park

Showcasing the High Sierra’s spectacular beauty, Yosemite National Park is recognized as a World Heritage Site and attracts more than 4 million visitors each year. It is well-known for the huge granite cliffs of El Captain and Half Dome, scenic vistas, as well as ancient groves of giant sequoias.

On the way to Yosemite National Park from the San Francisco Bay Area, you may stop at Tuolumne County – the historic California Gold Rush mining town – to learn more about the gold mining era.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is one of the world’s deepest and bluest natural lakes. Nestled in Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is known for its alpine coolness and sparkling blue water. In warmer weather, it’s popular for swimming, boating, and fishing. In the winter, the area is a world-class powdery playground for skiers and snowboarders. Famous ski resorts include Squaw Valley, Heavenly, Alpine Meadows, Northstar California, and Kirkwood.

Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is a popular destination for fishing and hiking in the summer. It is also home to Mammoth Mountain resort, which has the longest ski season in the state. In addition, there are excellent hot springs near Mammoth Lakes such as Benton Hot Springs, Travertine Hot Springs, and Keough Hot Springs.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Kings Canyon National Park is adjacent to Sequoia National Park in Northern California’s High Sierra. The two parks have been jointly administered in the 1940s. They are home to rattlesnakes, bears, cougars, and huge sequoia trees, notably the gigantic General Grant Tree in Grant Grove. To the east, Cedar Grove is surrounded by towering granite canyon walls.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks provide immensely diverse habitats thanks to their huge range of elevations. There are trails from 1,500 to almost 15,0000 feet. Within the borders of the parks is Mount Whitney, the highest point in the U.S. outside of Alaska. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks also features Kings River Canyon – one of the deepest canyons in North America.

Things to do in California’s Central Coast

California’s Central Coast, spanning from Monterey south to Santa Barbara, is a beautiful coastline with dramatic cliffs plunging into the turquoise water. As you make your way through Highway 1 between San Francisco and Santa Barbara, you will find hidden beaches, Big Sur, redwood trails, and the uncrowded wine country of the Santa Ynez Valley. 

Monterey

Monterey is a coastal paradise with 99 miles of picturesque coastline featuring rugged cliffs and dramatic ocean views. The city welcomes beach lovers, golfers, and outdoor enthusiasts with charming lodgings such as Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa and Hotel Abrego, vibrant shops, and gourmet eateries. Among the city’s must-see attractions is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It is known for the living kelp forest filled with leopard sharks as well as wolf eels.

Big Sur & Hearst Castle

A notable stop in Big Sur is the McWay Falls with a cascade plummeting 70 feet from the sea to a remote beach below. Continue south of Big Sur, you can take half a day to explore Hearst Castle, a spectacular complex of palace-like buildings. The estate is not only packed with valuable antiques but also surrounded by formal gardens.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara boasts laid-back luxury with scenic drives and high-end hotel spas along the edge of the sea. Nestled in the Montecito foothills, San Ysidro Ranch has an A-list past with names like Vivien Leigh, Sir Laurence Olivier, and John F. Kennedy.

Santa Barbara is also home to Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore. The waterfront property provides onsite tennis courts and access to nearby golf destinations. In addition, guests can use the Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club across the street at Butterfly Beach. 

Things to do in Southern California – Los Angeles County

Los Angeles is always filled with entertainment, style, and celebrity glamour. Must-sees in L.A. include the iconic Hollywood sign, Hollywood Boulevard, TCL Chinese Theatre and the Walk of Fame.

Go City Los Angeles Pass

Go City Los Angeles Pass is the all-Inclusive pass that allows you to visit as many attractions as you want over 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days. It offers a great discounts compared to buying tickets separately.

For example, instead of buying a ticket to LEGOLAND California for over $115, you can buy a one-day Go City Los Angeles Pass for $89 and get free admissions to LEGOLAND. That alone would save you $25/person, but you can always add more adventures to your itinerary and save more! Remember that since the pass is all-inclusive, the more activities you do, the more money you save!

In order to get the most discounts with Go City Los Angeles Pass, I highly recommend you to call ahead for activities that require reservations and plan your itinerary around the hours of attractions.

Some of the most popular and high-value attractions that are included with the Go City Los Angeles Pass are:

• Universal Studios Hollywood (available with the 3, 5 and 7 day passes)
• Madame Tussauds Hollywood
• LEGOLAND California – more than 60 fun rides, shows, and attractions
• Knott’s Berry Farm
• Six Flags Magic Mountain
• Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Los Angeles Tour
• LA Galaxy Game Ticket
• Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour
• Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour
• Catalina Flyer
• Celebrity Bike Tour

Hollywood

You can see the iconic Hollywood Sign from many places around the city. One of the best spots to view the Hollywood sign is in Griffith Park. Alternatively, you can hike to the Hollywood sign through one of the three trails: Mt Hollywood, Brush Canyon, and Cahuenga Peak Trail.

At TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre), you can find handprints and footprints by celebrities like John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, and Johnny Depp. For as low as $25/person, you can join the Hollywood Star City Tours for a ride along the most famous streets in Los Angeles, passing by celebrities’ homes and film locations.

Malibu and Santa Monica

Just outside of Los Angeles, Malibu is a beach town like no other. It is where Hollywood stars and athletes flock to escape the city grind. There are million-dollar homes, gourmet restaurants, and luxury shops. On the other hand, Santa Monica is widely sought after for the healthy dining vibe, farmers’ market, and the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel.

The Grove

Even window shopping can be fun at The Grove – one of the most premier shopping destinations in California. Not only is it filled with high-end and luxury brands, The Grove is also a hot spot for dining and entertainment with old-fashioned trolley rides and dancing fountains.

Palm Springs Day Trip From Los Angeles

Palm Springs Day Trip From Los Angeles is a 13-hour day trip from Los Angeles that takes you sightseeing in Palm Springs – home to celebrities such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe. You will ride aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and enjoy the spectacular views of the Chino Canyon.

After that, the tour takes you around the homes of Hollywood stars that are scattered throughout the valley. You will have time to go shopping at Desert Hills Premium Outlets before heading back to L.A.

Things to do in Southern California – Inland Empire

Inland Empire is the metropolitan area adjacent to Los Angeles that includes Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ontario. You can take The Rim of the World Scenic Byway and witness some of the most scenic areas in Southern California.

Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake

Both Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake are top spots in California for fun watersports such as boating and swimming in summer. Lake Arrowhead is quieter with private lakefront estates, while Big Bear Lake has more of a resort-town feel. In the winter, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are available.

Joshua Tree National Park

You can discover Joshua Tree National Park with a self-driving narrated audio for only $8. The audio will not only tell you about the origin of cartoonishly strange trees in Joshua Tree National Park, but also the area’s fascinating history of the gold rush.

Death Valley National Park

Thousand of years ago, Death Valley was underwater. However, climate change has caused the water to dry up, leaving behind salt flats. Nowadays, Death Valley National Park is best known for Titus Canyon, legendary ghost towns, and Badwater Basin’s salt flats (also known as North America’s lowest point).

Temecula Valley

Take wine tasting to the next level with Temecula Valley’s hot-air balloon or sidecars winery tour. Big groups can get a 3-hour party bus rental for extra fun in California winding through wineries, breweries, and bars. Meanwhile, couples that are looking for a romantic ride can go for the horse-drawn carriage in Old Town.

Things to do in Southern California – San Diego

San Diego is one of California’s sunniest destinations with more than 70 miles of beaches and bays. The city boasts a strong maritime tradition as well as cultural attractions, lively neighborhoods, and vibrant nightlife.

Fashion Valley

Spanning 1.7 million square feet of space and covering more than 200 shopping brands and restaurants, Fashion Valley meets every budget, style, and taste. That explains why it attracts more than 18 million visitors every year. There is also a movie theater, a newly renovated food court, and soft seating areas throughout the common areas for those who are not there to shop.

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego is an animal theme park, oceanarium, and marine mammal park with several amusement rides, live entertainment, and educational shows. There are seasonal events for Halloween and Christmas. SeaWorld is included in the Go City San Diego Pass, but if you are a California resident, you would get better value by buying the annual membership pass.

Go City San Diego Pass

Go City San Diego Pass is the all-Inclusive pass that allows you to visit as many attractions as you want over 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days. Similar to the San Francisco and Los Angeles passes, the San Diego Pass offers free admissions to popular attractions for a fixed price. If offers a great discount compared to buying tickets separately, especially for admissions to SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and LEGOLAND California!

Some of the attractions and activities included for free in the Go City San Diego Pass are:

• SeaWorld San Diego
• San Diego Zoo – world-famous zoo with more than 3,500 animals
• LEGOLAND California – more than 60 fun rides, shows, and attractions
• San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• USS Midway Museum
• Belmont Park
• One Hour San Diego Harbor Cruise by Hornblower Cruises
• San Diego Air and Space Museum
• Whale Watching by Hornblower Cruises
• Speed Boat Adventures: Speed Boat Rental
• San Diego Natural History Museum
• The Fleet Science Center with IMAX
• Birch Aquarium
• La Jolla – 90-Minute Kayak Rental
• Coronado – 90-Minute Tandem Kayak Rental
• San Diego Hiking Tour
• Catalina Flyer
• La Jolla – Surf Board Rental
• San Diego Pier Fishing
• Coronado – Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
• GoCar San Diego Tours: 30-Minute Navigational Tour

Other free & cheap things to do in San Diego, California

• Walk around Old Town San Diego State Historic Park which showcases rich Mexican heritage
• Bar crawl at Gaslamp Quarter, the best place for nightlife along a 16-block stretch
• Enjoy happy hours in Downtown San Diego and Little Italy between 3pm – 7pm at select restaurants
• Visit Balboa Park featuring nearly 20 museums of different countries
• Visit Hotel del Coronado – the iconic hotel where Marilyn Monroe shimmied in the 1959 classic Some Like It Hot. It is located in Coronado Island – across the bay from downtown San Diego,

Key Takeaways – Best Fun Things to do in California

There are countless fun things to do in California – the global epicenter of pop culture, entertainment, and technology.

For the best savings on popular attractions in the cities, consider getting city passes in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Those that want to experience a “quieter California” can discover untamed natural beauty in Northern California’s Shasta Cascade and Central California’s High Sierra.

Stay tuned for more updates on road trip ideas and romantic weekend getaways in California!