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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do in California [2025]
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Universal Studios Hollywood
4.8
/5
7201 reviews
10
From BHD 29.030
Based on 37,902 reviews
Universal City | >100 km from downtown
Phone +18008648377
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, United States
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Explore Hogwarts Castle and experience the magical world
Explore Hogwarts & magical world
Saved by 3295 users3916 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Universal Studios Express Pass is a must-have for summer vacation. It's incredibly cost-effective. Booking with Ctrip is incredibly convenient, with tickets issued in just one second! I previously booked tickets somewhere else, but they didn't come through for an hour. I was so anxious I canceled and switched to Ctrip! Ctrip is truly reliable, and the price/performance ratio is better than Beijing! I hit all the attractions in one day, and basically played them as soon as I arrived with minimal lines. I even ate at Mario's Mushroom Restaurant! I had a blast! 🥳 Harry Potter and the Minions are a little different from Japan. The studio tour was a bit underwhelming at first, but it was amazing later on. Overall, I highly recommend it!!!
The ticket purchasing process was smooth, with a simple and clear interface. I filled in the ballot, filled in my information, and paid in just a few minutes. Tickets were also issued quickly, with clear order information. I easily entered the park with the QR code I received.
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Disneyland Park California
4.7
/5
1848 reviews
10
From BHD 38.750
Based on 28,272 reviews
Anaheim City Center | >100 km from downtown
Phone +17147814636
Address: Anaheim, CA 92802, United States
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Fantasy parade & Disney character interaction
Space Mountain
Saved by 2106 users1056 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
We went on a Weekdays and its not that crowded. The only thing we dont like is that the multi lightning pass has limits. Actually its our 2nd time so its starting to get boring.
I downloaded the Disney app, but couldn't pay. I ended up using Ctrip to manage it. I linked my ticket to the app and entered the park without any problems. I had a blast.
The Disneyland attraction we visited had a lot to offer, especially the Millennium Falcon, which my daughter enjoyed twice.
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Disneyland Resort California
4.1
/5
7 reviews
10
From BHD 38.790
Anaheim City Center | >100 km from downtown
Phone +1714781-4636
Address: Anaheim, CA 92802, United States
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 days
Highlights:
Take a souvenir photo of the dreamy Sleeping Beauty Castle
A global exclusive that brings a magical legend to life
Verified user reviews
Star Wars was the biggest surprise!
Kind of interesting
No.
4
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USS Midway Museum
4.8
/5
1547 reviews
8.7
From BHD 14.650
Based on 25,874 reviews
Downtown San Diego | >100 km from downtown
Phone +16195449600
Address: 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Featured in 2025 Americas 50 – Best Things to Do
Highlights:
In-depth tours with guides in 6 languages
Explore inside USS Midway Museum
Saved by 201 users898 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Historical place to see. Good things to know and good information
It is very convenient to buy tickets on Ctrip. After the ticket is issued, it is very convenient to scan the code with the electronic ticket to enter, without making an appointment in advance. The Midway is very fun and worth going. My dad had a lot of fun. The scenery at the seaside is also good. It is less than 5 minutes away from the statue of the kiss of the century.
No.
5
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Port of San Diego
4.7
/5
248 reviews
8.7
Based on 23 reviews
Balboa Park | >100 km from downtown
Phone +16196866200
Address: 3165 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Featured in 2025 Global 50 – Water fun & Cool Retreats
Highlights:
Navy base & seal habitat cruise
360° view of harbor city
Verified user reviews
San Diego is the second largest city in California and the eighth largest city in the United States. It is located on the San Diego Bay at the southern end of the state, 20 kilometers south of the Mexican border. The urban area covers an area of 829 square kilometers and has a population of more than 1.37 million, with many Mexican and Spanish descendants. According to statistics from 2015-2016, white people accounted for 64% of the population, Latin Americans and Mexicans accounted for 32%, and Asians accounted for 10%. The metropolitan area includes nearby beaches and highlands, with an area of 11,020 square kilometers; the metropolitan area includes 18 small cities with a total population of more than 2.8 million, most of whom live in areas not far from the coast. San Diego County is famous for its natural landscape. You can see beaches, forests and deserts of different styles in a day's drive. There are more than 60 golf courses, many national parks and the Columbus National Forest.
San Diego's famous tourist attractions include the Harbor Village, Convention Center, Cypress Park, Art Museum, Zoo, Spanish Village, etc.
The Port of San Diego was built in 1542, became a Spanish military fortress in 1769, belonged to Mexico in 1834, was occupied by the United States in 1846, was established as a city in 1850, and was built into a US naval base in 1920. After 1980, it became the main support base for the US 3rd Fleet. The eastern part of the naval base is located in the middle of the bay, with a pier line of 16.5 kilometers and a water depth of 6 to 11 meters. The western part of the base is located in the north of Coronado Island, at the entrance of the Port of San Diego, with an amphibious base and a naval air station. The headquarters of the US Navy's 3rd Fleet and many of its troops are stationed here, and more than half of the fleet's ships include
No.
6
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Disney California Adventure Park
4.7
/5
464 reviews
8.7
From BHD 38.790
Based on 15,806 reviews
Anaheim City Center | >100 km from downtown
Phone +17147814636
Address: Anaheim, CA 92802, United States
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Featured in 2024 Global 100 - Family-Friendly Attractions
Highlights:
Thrilling coaster across the park
Sky-high California view experience
Saved by 741 users322 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Disney California Adventure Park is a vibrant celebration of imagination, thrills, and the spirit of California. From the exhilarating Incredicoaster and Radiator Springs Racers to the whimsical charm of Pixar Pier and Avengers Campus, every corner offers immersive storytelling and unforgettable rides. The park beautifully blends Disney magic with local flair, showcasing themed lands, live entertainment, and mouthwatering food options—like the famous churros and lobster nachos.
Disney California Adventure packs thrills and charm!Radiator Springs Racers delivered high-speed fun while Guardians of the Galaxy had me screaming with joy. I soared over global wonders on Soarin' and marveled at Spider-Man's stunts in Avengers Campus. The breathtaking World of Color show was the perfect finale. Between attractions, I snacked on Pym Test Kitchen's inventive bites and classic churros. From Buena Vista Street's nostalgia to Pixar Pier's whimsy, every area dazzled.
No.
7
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SeaWorld San Diego
4.6
/5
721 reviews
8.3
From BHD 31.690
Based on 10,448 reviews
Misson Bay / Loma Heights | >100 km from downtown
Phone +16192224732
Address: 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109, United States
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Dolphin & sea lion show
Interact with manta rays inside
Saved by 243 users339 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Overall, this place is pretty good. But compared to Hang Lung, it might be a little different. Generally speaking, there are fewer people on weekends or holidays, and there are fewer performances. Some facilities will not be open when it rains or the weather is bad. In short, it's up to you to choose.
Business Hours: 9:am-9pmAddress: SeaWorld San Diego, 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109Reasons to Recommend: If you love dolphins and sea animals you will love this place!. I enjoyed my visit here at sea world because I touched a dolphin for the first time and it was awesome.
No.
8
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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
4.6
/5
159 reviews
8.2
From BHD 6.760
Based on 1,373 reviews
South Los Angeles | >100 km from downtown
Phone +12137633466
Address: 900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007, United States
Recommended sightseeing time: 2 hours
Featured in 2025 Global 100 – Family-Friendly Attractions
Highlights:
Dioramas with lighting effects
Real specimens & natural habitats
Saved by 375 users109 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
We arrive around 12:00noon so the main parking area is already full. They told us to park in the science center building which you need to walk around 5-10mins which is not a problem for us. Its a 3 floor building and we really enjoyed checking each artifacts.
The dynamic experience is well worth a visit for nature lovers, family tourists and anyone curious about the story of life on Earth. Its highlights are its depth and breadth:
Core highlights:
1. Dinosaur Hall:
Dinosaur Hall: *The treasure of the town! It has more than 300 real fossils, including**the world's only Tyrannosaurus Rex "Thomas" growth series fossils (juvenile, sub-adult, adult), which directly shows the mystery of dinosaur growth. The stunning Triceratops "Destiny" skeleton** (one of the largest and most complete found in North America) and the Diplodocus skeleton are breathtaking.
Immersive setting: Fossils are not displayed in isolation, but are placed in a carefully restored prehistoric ecological environment, with sound and light effects, as if traveling back to the dinosaur era.
2. The dazzling world of minerals and gems:
"Gem and Mineral Hall": It is a visual feast! It collects**more than 2,000**amazing specimens.
Giant natural gold nuggets: Giant natural gold nuggets such as "Golden Dog" are astonishing.
Rare Gemstones: Glittering amethyst geodes, rough emeralds, perfectly cut diamonds, and slices of meteorites from Mars and the Moon, showcasing the magnificent wealth of the Earth and the universe.
Interactive Exploration: Learn about mineral formation, mining, and their application in technology.
3. Rich North American and California Ecological Displays:
"North American Mammal Hall": Lifelike ecological scenes (Diorama) show grizzly bears, mountain lions, bison and other animals in their natural habitats, with both artistic and scientific qualities.
"California History Hall" & "Becoming California Hall": In-depth exploration of California's unique biodiversity, geological changes, and the impact of human activities on the environment, with distinct local characteristics.
4. Fun Interaction and Exploration Space:
"Discovery Center": Designed for families, it encourages hands-on touching of fossils, microscope observation of specimens, and participation in small experiments to stimulate children's interest in science.
No.
9
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Griffith Observatory
4.7
/5
559 reviews
8.2
Based on 20,810 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +12134730800
Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
360° view of LA lights
Hollywood set & LA landmark
Saved by 755 users332 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Griffith Observatory: The Eye of Wisdom in Los Angeles, a Must-Visit Free Landmark
Griffith Observatory is no ordinary attraction. It is a spiritual symbol of Los Angeles, where science and romance interweave. Whether you are an astronomy enthusiast or not, it is definitely worth a visit, and admission is free (except for certain exhibitions and performances). Its charm lies in its unique integration, with distinct and profound highlights:
Core Highlights:
1. Unparalleled panoramic view of the city:
Located on the top of the Hollywood Hills, the observatory itself is the best viewing platform overlooking Los Angeles. During the day, the city texture is in full view; at dusk, witness the "City of Angels" covered with golden rays of light, the lights are on, until the lights of thousands of homes under the bright stars, and the Hollywood sign is within reach - this is the most iconic postcard perspective of Los Angeles, a holy place for photography enthusiasts.
2. Immersive astronomy science hall:
Samuel Oschin Planetarium: The world's top dome theater, with advanced laser projection system and surround sound effects. Its programs (tickets required) such as "Dark Night Stars" and "Center of the Universe" are not simple popular science, but a soul-stirring journey of cosmic art, taking you through time and space to feel the vastness and mystery of the universe.
Free exhibition hall The content is easy to understand and highly interactive. Must-see:
Foucault pendulum: a classic device that intuitively demonstrates the rotation of the earth.
Planetary models and astronomical maps: Exquisite display of solar system and cosmic knowledge.
Giant Tesla coil demonstration: (at a specific time) watch the spectacular sight of artificial lightning, full of scientific sense.
The historical building itself: The Art Deco style incorporates Greek revival elements, and the dome and murals are full of astronomical symbols, which is itself a work of art.
3. A window to experience the stars:
Free public telescope observation: This is the most precious tradition of the observatory! Open at night when the weather is fine (see the official website for details), you can witness the lunar craters, Jupiter stripes, Saturn rings, and even distant nebulae with your own eyes through powerful Zeiss refracting telescopes and other equipment. Professional volunteers explain on the spot, making the universe within reach. This real stargazing experience cannot be replaced by any screen.
Is it worth going? Conclusion:
Highly recommended to:
Visitors who are visiting Los Angeles for the first time: This is a great starting point to understand the city's geography and temperament.
Photography enthusiasts: Capture the classic camera position of Los Angeles panorama and Hollywood sign.
People who are curious about astronomy and science: Free and high-quality science feast.
Griffith Observatory: The junction of the Starry Sky and the Earth This art deco building, completed in 1935, is suspended on the Hollywood Hills like a giant astronomical instrument targeting the Los Angeles Basin. Free and open setting makes it the city's most generous viewing platform. Fu Ke in the main hall is the most philosophical. The brass hammers slowly deflect the trajectory of the star map floor, silently proving the physical facts of the earth's rotation. When the Tesla coils on the basement floor were performed, artificial lightning burst in the dome, turning the scientific demonstration into a modern witchcraft show. But the true souls are on the night rooftops when city lights spread like magma beneath their feet, and the visible galaxy hangs overhead, forming a barren war between heaven and man. It is recommended to arrive an hour before sunset. First look at the sun on the west terrace as the Hollywood sign is gilded, then line up in the dusk to touch the astronomical telescope. The couples in line, the photographers on tripods and the children counting stars cast overlapping silhouettes on the metal shell of the telescopeperhaps more worth observing than the celestial body itself. Don't forget to look back at the Greek theater-style dome when you leave, and the bronze statue of Einstein is smiling in the shadow of the porch, as if you already know all about human obsession with the universe.
No.
10
Santa Monica State Beach
4.7
/5
590 reviews
8.1
Based on 6,773 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +13104588300
Address: California, United States
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.1 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in California
Highlights:
Santa Monica's iconic pier symbol
Titanic Ferris Wheel & Forrest Gump Restaurant
Saved by 706 users287 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Key highlights:
1. The legendary Santa Monica Pier:
Pacific Park is a seaside playground located on the pier! The colorful solar-powered Ferris wheel is an absolute landmark. When it rises to its highest point, you can see the panoramic view of the sea, sky and city, especially at sunset. The romantic value is off the charts. The exciting roller coaster roars over the Pacific Ocean, and screams and the sound of waves are intertwined.
History and feelings: The old pier built in 1909 is itself a historical relic, and the creaking wooden boardwalk is full of traces of time. This is the legendary end of Route 66, and the famous "End of the Trail" sign is a must-see.
* Street art and performances: Street artists often perform on the pier and pier (music, juggling, performance art), full of unexpected fun.
2. Vibrant seaside atmosphere:
Third Street Pedestrian Street: Close to the beach, a world-renowned pedestrian shopping and dining street. Brand stores, specialty shops, restaurants and cafes are lined up, and street performers are constantly performing. The bustling vitality extending from the beach to the city is seamlessly connected.
Bicycle Path and Skateboard Culture The wide and flat seaside bicycle path is the best way to experience the coastline (car rental is available). The skateboard park is full of masters, showing California's unique street sports culture.
Muscle Beach: Outdoor fitness area on the south side of the pier, watch the strong men and hot girls show their muscles, practice gymnastics, and experience California's healthy and sunny lifestyle.
3. Classic California Seaside Experience
Watching the sunset: The pier is a great place to enjoy the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The silhouette of the Ferris wheel is set against the sunset sky, and the atmosphere is full.
Beach Walk and Leisure: The beach is wide, suitable for walking, sunbathing (bring your own blanket), and watching surfers chasing waves. But the sand is coarse, the sea water is cool and the waves are big, and the pure swimming experience is average
Santa Monica Beach is a free attraction, with a long coastline, soft sand, a long dock plank road, a playground, or the end of Route 66 that runs through the United States. Very beautiful. Many tourists from all over the world. Traveling all the way, I saw a lot of street artists performing, each with its own characteristics. Suitable for leisure and vacation
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