Top 50 Best Things to Do in California
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in California

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Universal Studios Hollywoodtop_1
    󰺂10
    82.39
    Los Angeles.Universal City>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Explore Hogwarts Castle and experience the magical world
    󱓊Explore Hogwarts & magical world
    󱨠Saved by 3592 users󱨠3894 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    caroline0108caroline0108

    Having visited Universal Studios in Osaka, Beijing, and Singapore, I'd say Universal California is a bit dated and too small, lacking the immersive experience of Universal Studios Osaka. The themed areas are too close together, making it easy to get lost in the crowd. A 2-day pass isn't necessary outside of peak season. There are practically no lines, the longest being 5-10 minutes. With the buy-one-get-one-free tickets, I only got in around noon each day, making it a bit of a waste to spend an extra night at Universal Studios. Also, although I went during Halloween, Halloween tickets had to be bought separately, and without them, you had to leave the park by 6 PM. Next time, I'll try Universal Orlando.

  • Disneyland Park Californiatop_2
    󰺂10
    127.2
    Anaheim.Anaheim City Center>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Fantasy parade & Disney character interaction
    Space Mountain
    󱨠Saved by 2333 users󱨠1081 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    ARIEL ALCANTARAARIEL ALCANTARA

    Visited both attractions and definite the happiest place in the planet

  • Disneyland Resort Californiatop_3
    󰺂10
    127.2
    Anaheim.Anaheim City Center>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoDisney 70th Anniversary Celebration, Classic Returns + Limited Benefits Await You | May 16, 2025-Jun 2026
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󱨜Take a souvenir photo of the dreamy Sleeping Beauty Castle
    A global exclusive that brings a magical legend to life
    4.4/5
    yuli87123yuli87123

    I visited both parks in one day and walked 30,000 steps, but it was worth it. It was fun and joyful. It is true that one day's play is quite compact. I also used the fast pass reservation function as much as possible. It is very useful. Taking photos in the park is also fully included. It is worth it!

  • USS Midway Museum
    4
    󰺂8.6
    33.64
    San Diego.Downtown San Diego>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoUSS Midway Museum Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting 2025 | Nov 28, 2025-Dec 30, 2025
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    In-depth tours with guides in 6 languages
    󱨜Explore inside USS Midway Museum
    󱨠Saved by 212 users󱨠879 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    It's worth a visit. Parking is charged at $10 for two hours. The second floor, the flight deck, and the hangar are open to the public. Many veteran volunteers are available for conversation and photo opportunities. Various retired fighter jets are parked on the first floor, some of which you can board and experience. Free headsets are available for tour guidance, but please specify in advance that you want a Chinese-language tour. After disembarking, walk about 10 minutes to the other side to see the Kiss of the Century.

  • Port of San Diego
    5
    󰺂8.6
    San Diego.Balboa Park>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSan Diego Bay Parade of Lights | Dec 14, 2025-Dec 21, 2025
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2025 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes
    Highlights:
    󱨜Navy base & seal habitat cruise
    󰀆360° view of harbor city
    4.7/5
    chenweiwenchenweiwen

    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.

  • Disney California Adventure Park
    6
    󰺂8.6
    127.2
    Anaheim.Anaheim City Center>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    󰋄Thrilling coaster across the park
    Sky-high California view experience
    󱨠Saved by 813 users󱨠338 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    YNWA25YNWA25

    The security clearance was smooth and fast even though there was a huge crowd at the opening hour of the park. We had a great time enjoying the ride and facilities at Disneyland. Well maintained park.

  • SeaWorld San Diego
    7
    󰺂8.2
    72.54
    San Diego.Misson Bay / Loma Heights>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration: Magic of a Million Lights | Nov 17, 2025-Jan 4, 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆Dolphin & sea lion show
    󱨜Interact with manta rays inside
    󱨠Saved by 259 users󱨠322 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    182***09182***09

    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.

  • Griffith Observatory
    8
    󰺂8.2
    Los Angeles>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    360° view of LA lights
    󱨜Hollywood set & LA landmark
    󱨠Saved by 841 users󱨠329 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    学校🏫学校🏫

    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.

  • Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
    9
    󰺂8.1
    15.52
    Los Angeles.South Los Angeles>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Dioramas with lighting effects
    󱨜Real specimens & natural habitats
    󱨠Saved by 431 users󱨠109 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    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.

  • Crypto.com Arena
    10
    󰺂8.0
    94.96
    Los Angeles.Downtown Los Angeles>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Landmark viewing spot in LA
    󱓊Shared arena for four teams
    4.8/5
    Yee11Yee11

    Managed to catch some big superstar for Lakers outside the arena. Pretty upset as NBA regular season is ended when I visited in June and no playoff games at the time hence I wasn’t able to watch the game in the arena but I’m sure I will be back some day again to watch a NBA game.

What Best Things to Do are there in California?
These are all Best Things to Do in California:Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland Park California, Disneyland Resort California, USS Midway Museum, Port of San Diego
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in California?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in California include:Universal Studios Hollywood:4.8, Disneyland Park California:4.7, Disneyland Resort California:4.4, USS Midway Museum:4.8, Port of San Diego:4.7
At what locations in California can Best Things to Do in California be found?
The Best Things to Do in California are mainly located in:Universal Studios Hollywood:Los Angeles, Disneyland Park California:Anaheim, Disneyland Resort California:Anaheim, USS Midway Museum:San Diego, Port of San Diego:San Diego
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