With more than 7-million acres of state parkland, 1,500 museums, and a record nine national parks, there literally might be something for everyone in California.
There’s more to the Golden State than Hollywood, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Disneyland. A lot more.
Visitors looking for a travel destination with widespread appeal should have California at the top of their lists. All are welcome – solo travelers, families, and professional organizations.
California is unlike any other state with its variety and storied history. Numerous fun, leisure, and business sites make California the perfect place to visit and create unforgettable memories.
Architecture
California’s rich history and diverse population have long inspired its cultural landscape. The state’s storied architecture — the curves of Spanish Colonial Revival dwellings in Santa Barbara, the midcentury modern homes in San Francisco, and the Gold Rush-era boomtown houses in Gold Country — all bear the area culture’s creative influence.
The arts and culture scene in California remains unmatched. The state boasts 14 unique cultural districts, thanks to its respective artistic communities. The historic Truckee Cultural District, located near Lake Tahoe, is home to the Truckee Railroad Museum, the Old Jail Museum, and the Truckee Roundhouse, an artistic space for visitors and community members to learn handy skills.
Historical Sites
All 58 Californian counties are flush with historical sites capable of capturing visitors’ curiosity. One such site is the all-brick Plymouth Trading Post in Marin County. At this spot, built in 1857, customers could trade for goods and services. By 1873, the company was renamed Plymouth Consolidated. The original building still exists, and the site still hosts visitors.
Founded in 1848, Drytown is the oldest town in Amador County and the first town in the county to discover gold. Several dwellings from the Gold Rush era, including the town hall, still exist. Despite the name, liquor was readily available in the town, with 26 saloons at its peak.
Missions
Travel back in time and experience the reverence of the Mission Santa Inés in Santa Barbara County. Founded in 1804, it endeavored to reach out to Indigenous populations. Restorations of the site began in 1904, and the mission is actively in use today.
One of California’s earliest missions, Mission San Antonio de Padua, was founded in 1771 in Monterey County by Father Serra. It sits in the scenic Santa Lucia Range in the San Antonio River Valley.
Museums
The state of California honors its vast history. Southern California alone boasts 68 museums, including two presidential libraries named after Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan.
Other notable Southern California museums include the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach and the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles. For those who appreciate art and history, there’s a museum to meet all tastes and interests.
Performing Arts
Fans of the performing arts can catch concerts at major venues like the Honda Center in Anaheim, enjoy a live theater production at the La Jolla Playhouse, or be mesmerized by the dancers’ artistry at the Sacramento Ballet.
See the magic of Hollywood up close by attending a live recording of shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live, Jeopardy!, or Dancing with the Stars. There’s no such thing as too much entertainment in California.
Food and Beverages
Visitors and natives can find regional and international cuisines throughout the Golden State. The culinary choices are endless, from street fare to vegetable-based California cuisine. With 90 Michelin-starred restaurants, a tourist’s biggest challenge is deciding where to eat first.
California’s legendary wine country rivals other regions in the world. Visitors in Northern California can explore Napa Valley’s wine country, home to over 400 wineries. There are 90 public tasting rooms available for wine sampling. However, Napa isn’t the only place to find a good drink; the Sonoma Valley has more than 100 wineries and several microbreweries and distilleries.
Family-Friendly Fun
The Golden State is home to many incredible spots that will delight every family member. LEGOLAND California appeals to Lego lovers of all ages. Adults and kids can connect with nature at the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park and take a wildlife safari ride to (safely) get close to butterflies, rhinos, elephants, cheetahs, and giraffes.
If you want a taste of Tinseltown, head to Universal Studios Hollywood in the Hollywood Hills. Families can find thrills on Jurassic World – The Ride or go on an adventure with Max and his friends on The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash attraction.
Outdoor Adventures
Outdoorsy vacationers can visit the state’s numerous natural attractions, including campsites, lakes and rivers, and national parks. Travelers can’t miss the larger-than-life redwoods and sequoias.
California’s versatility grants visitors the chance to go skiing in the mountains, hiking in the woods, and whale watching, all within a few hours of each other. Whatever the choice of outdoor activity, it’s there in California.
Sightseeing Tours
Going on a sightseeing tour is a great way to get a feel for the California way of life. Tours encompass an array of subjects, geographic areas, and even transportation modes, with some utilizing hot air balloons. Tour price points vary greatly and can accommodate all travel budgets.
Tea and coffee lovers can partake in a coffee and tea tour in Southern California. Motorcycle and motorbike enthusiasts can choose several motorcycle tours, including the Electric Dirtbike Adventure in Lake Tahoe. The San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour takes sightseers on an amphibious vehicle, where they can see seals and sea lions from the water.
Business Venues
Not all visitors come to the Golden State for vacation; many travel to California for business. But that doesn’t mean the experience has to be dull. The state offers accommodations for large and small meetings and everything in between.
Some incredible business meeting venues include the Maritime Museum of San Diego, the Lake Chalet in Oakland, the Flamingo Resort in Wine Country, and upscale hotels like the Fairmont Century Plaza. After one visit, organizations will want to book all company events in California.
Get Ready To Travel
California’s natural and human-made beauty, abundant activities, and cultural diversity make it a must-see destination for business and pleasure trips. There’s no place on earth quite like California, and it’s best to experience it firsthand.
