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20 Bucket List Things to do in California
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items This ultimate California bucket list will give you a greater starter list of fun things to do in California for your next trip, from iconic activities like surfing and hiking the Hollywood Sign to epic drives along the coast.
Map
It's one of those things you just have to do once in Los Angeles! Plus, this tour gives you a nice history of LA and beautiful views over the city.
Hollywood Sign Walking Tour in Los Angeles
Take a day trip out to beautiful Catalina Island, California's most famous of the Channel Islands.
Santa Catalina Island
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Hands down one of the most beautiful coastlines in California, Big Sur is a must stop along the Central Coast. Don't miss McWay Falls and a sunset drink at Nepenthe.
Big Sur
While you're visiting the coast, take advantage with a whale watching tour where you have the chance to see humpbacks, gray whales and even orcas.
Whale Watching Tours in Monterey Bay
Get your heart pumping with some vigorous hiking, or just enjoy a scenic drive through the jaw dropping landscapes of Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite National Park
This one mile wide suspension bridge in San Francisco is a sight to behold and one of the most iconic symbols in California.
Golden Gate Bridge
Explore one of the hottest places on Earth with a trip to Death Valley, home to salt covered lake Badwater Basin, sand dunes, and dramatic rock formations.
Death Valley National Park
With some of the most stunning turquoise water in the state, Lake Tahoe is a must visit for hiking, boating and kayaking.
Lake Tahoe
Whether in summer or winter, Mt Shasta is quite a sight to see. If visiting in summer, I highly recommend hiking the Castle Lake to Heart Lake Trail for some of the best views over Shasta.
Mount Shasta
Known for having some of the best wine in all of California, Napa Valley is a bucket list destination for wine and foodie lovers.
Napa Valley
Surfing is basically a religion in California, so hop on the bandwagon and try out surfing for yourself in iconic Venice Beach.
Surf Class for Beginners in Venice
Explore the Redwoods including the largest tree in the world at Sequoia National Park.
Sequoia National Park
One of Northern California's most beautiful outdoor gems, Point Reyes is worth planning a weekend around. Don't miss grabbing some of the freshest oysters at the Marshall Store!
Point Reyes National Seashore
Find these unique larger than life metal sculptures in Anza Borrego State Park.
Exploring the Metal Sculptures of Anza Borrego and Galleta Meadows
One of the most unique landscapes in California, Alabama Hills feels a bit like Joshua Tree but with epic views of Mt Whitney as a backdrop. For camping enthusiasts, this is a dream.
Alabama Hills
Who needs to go all the way to Yellowstone to experience geothermal activity in the US? It's right here in California at Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Northern California is a haven for epic waterfalls, so much so that you can see 7 or so in one day if you really want to! Burney Falls is one that should be top of your list.
Burney Falls
Pair stunning San Diego coastal views with para gliders, and you've got the Torrey Pines Glider Port, a go-to spot for adrenaline junkies and those who want to watch them with a beer in hand.
Torrey Pines Gliderport
Did you really come to California if you didn't eat at In n Out Burger? Just saying ;)
In-N-Out Burger
With unique Joshua Trees and rock formations dotting the landscape, Joshua Tree is an otherworldly place to go hiking, camping, stargazing or to simply drive through.
Joshua Tree National Park