I was born in raised in California. I’ve spend my whole life in the Golden State, besides a short two year stay in Texas. No matter what, it will always hold a special place in my heart. There is so much to do in this beautiful state–more than people even realize! So many people want to visit California because of Disneyland or our miles of beaches. However, today I wanted to share just how many things there are to do in California!

things to do in California

explore one of the National Parks

1. Go bouldering in Joshua Tree National Park.
2. Take a selfie with a giant in Sequoia National Park.
3. Hike to a waterfall in Yosemite National Park.
4. See the volcanos at Lassen Volcanic National Park.
5. Visit “the nation’s Christmas tree” in King’s Canyon National Park.
6. Walk on the beach in Redwood National Park.
7. Hike through caves at Pinnacles National Park.
8. Take a boat to Channel Islands National Park.
9. Visit the lowest point in North America at Death Valley National Park.

take in the city by the bay

1. Drive down Lombard Street.
2. See American Bison in Golden Gate Park.
3. Watch the Sea Lions at Pier 39.
4. Sample chocolate at Ghirardelli Square.
5. Watch sourdough bread being made at Boudin Bakery.
6. Get a dose of Disney magic at the Walt Disney Family museum.
7. Have a meal in China Town.
8. Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.
9. Tour an abandoned prison at Alcatraz.
10. Walk through history at Fort Point.
11. Visit the lighthouse at Point Reyes National Seashore

see the scenic California coastline

1. Explore tidepools in Pismo Beach.
2. Take a road trip up Pacific Coast Highway.
3. Play games on the boardwalk in Santa Cruz.
4. Camp on the sand at Jalama Beach.
5. Watch the Sea Otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
6. Take a boat to Catalina Island.
7. Drive the famous Bixby Bridge in Big Sur.
8. Learn to surf in Surf City, USA. (aka-Huntington Beach)
9. Cross the bridge to Coronado Bay.
10. Participate in a whale watching tour.
11. Tour a lighthouse in Mendocino County.

enjoy the peaceful mountains

1. Learn to ski or snowboard in Mammoth.
2. Explore a ropes course in Lake Tahoe.
3. Visit a ghost town called Bodie.
4. Take in Devils Post National Monument.
5. Hike a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail.
6. Meet Santa at SkyPark at Santa’s Village at Lake Arrowhead.
7. Soak in the hot springs in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

have a blast at a theme park

1. Take a selfie with Mickey and his Pals at Disneyland.
2. Visit the only theme park and waterpark in one in the state at California’s Great America.
3. Become a Master Builder at Legoland in Carlsbad.
4. Visit one of two Six Flags parks in the state.
5. Feed dolphins at Sea World in San Diego.
6. Be amongst movie sets at Universal Studios in Hollywood.
7. Visit the oldest them park in the United States at Knott’s Berry Farm.
8. Print up this free bucket list and see all the parks the state has to offer!

be a part of California history

1. Take a selfie with a “star” on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2. Pan for gold at Marshall Gold Discovery State Park.
3. Tour one of the 21 missions in California.
4. Visit one of 10 American concentration camps at Manzanar.
5. Learn how San Diego was founded in Old Town.
6. Get on a historic train in Old Town Sacramento.
7. Try a bite of an iconic In & Out burger.
8. Hike to the Hollywood sign.
9. Tour a real haunted house at the Winchester Mystery House.

Have you ever been to the Golden State? What’s one of your favorite things to do in California?