from a Central Valley girl, who’s right in the middle of everything! Trips to norcal and socal have made me very comfortable in many CA cities and areas! Check out these recs for some ideas of places to visit and things to do around California.
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Sections
5
LA
San Diego
Monterey
Sacramento
Fresno
LA
LOVE LA!!! drives are long and full of traffic but always worth it
MY FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP EVER. This mall is huge and has so many shops and stores, as well as a food court that has every kind of food you could be craving. To name a few stores, Anthropologie, Free People, Lululemon, Vuori, Steve Madden, and Lush. ...
Westfield Century City
Amazing museum with multiple buildings to explore! There’s a cafe to grab a bite to eat and a drink as well. It has 4.8 stars from over 34,000 people! It is free to come in with convenient parking and even offers a tram ride to the museum. There’s Ce...
The Getty
Amazing views here! There are interactive science displays and a live planetarium show. Great staff, perfect place for families! This place has 4.7 stars from over 16,000 people.
Griffith Observatory
SO MANY THINGS TO SEE AND DO! Lots of shops and places to eat. It’s about a 2 mile walk through the strip. Very fun, but I would be aware of the homeless population (as any other city as of recent honestly) and people trying to sell things on the str...
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Disneyland really is the happiest place on Earth! I have gone multiple times and each time this park seems to get better. I believe that the park hopper tickets are so worth it, each park is amazing in itself! You can’t beat the food and rides. The c...
Disneyland Park
San Diego
may be my favorite city in California, would be a dream to live in SD some day!
BEAUTIFUL! Balboa Park has art, music, nature and gardens, koi ponds, FOOD, and museums. This place is a great spot for families and those just wanting a fun place to visit in San Diego!
Balboa Park
I can’t get enough of this spot! This is a beautiful place to come to admire the ocean. The sunsets here are incredible! It is easily accessible, with free parking and everything in this area is extremely well maintained. The neighborhood around is v...
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
I love going to Seaport! There’s so much to do and see here. There are great restaurants, fun stores, coffee shops, art galleries. Extremely walkable! Perfect place to walk around and relax.
Seaport Village
Great reviews! Perfect for families and kids. Very interactive, has a gift shop, and lots of educational activities! It is pretty affordable and you get a great experience, reviews say staff is very friendly and helpful. There are a variety of animal...
Living Coast Discovery Center
Monterey
one of my favorite beach towns, i find myself knowing my way around the town and feeling at home in Monterey
One of the best aquariums ever! This aquarium is huge and has lots of interactive areas. It is surrounded by a beautiful ocean view that you can go out and see. Plenty of places to sit and things to see.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Beautiful views and fun places to go in and look around. There are candy shops, restaurants, and lots of shops and gift shops! Peaceful vibe with a bit of liveliness. This place is family and kid friendly but teens and adults will enjoy just as much!...
Old Fisherman's Wharf
AMAZING! This tour is incredible and the chances of seeing a whale and other wildlife on this tour is high. You can’t beat it! It feels safe on the boat and isn’t crazy expensive. Highly recommend especially if you are an animal lover!!
Princess Monterey | Whale Watching Tours in Monterey Bay
Love this place! Just came to visit here a couple weeks ago. The vibes are great and there are lots of places and things to look at! Candy and dessert shops, restaurants, gift shops, clothing places, and historical references. There is also beach acc...
Cannery Row
Sacramento
my second home! i have family here and come up to Sac almost every month. i feel very comfortable going out by myself and doing things, just like i live there
One of my favorite places in Sac! It gives an old timey vibe and feels so peaceful. I love the shops and the waterfront view. It has some fun places to shop and look around, as well as places to eat! Historic neighborhood that all ages will love.
Old Sacramento Waterfront
GREAT zoo! So many exhibits and animals to see, there are tours and a good gift shop. There’s a cafe to stop and grab a bite to eat! There are many endangered species and the animals are housed in native enclosures. You can also interact with the gir...
Sacramento Zoo
GREAT mall! I love this one, there are great places to shop and eat. Free parking garage, lot, and street parking! One of my favorite places to shop when in the area.
Westfield Galleria at Roseville
Amazing mall, this place has every shop you could want to go to! The food court is great and has so many good options. Has great ratings as well so you don’t have to just take my word for it!
Arden Fair
Fresno
my hometown!! so i know what im talking about :)
BEAUTIFUL! My sister got engaged here, the nature and sights are unbeatable. Perfect place to spend a couple hours exploring or going on a cute date! Lots of wildlife too!
Shinzen Friendship Garden Inc.
May be biased as I work in this shopping center but it is so beautiful. It feels extremely safe and the greenery and shrubbery are extremely well maintained! I love the vibe and the people around here are very nice. There are stores to shop and lots ...
Fig Garden Village
This mall is one of the best in Fresno. It has so many popular stores including Pacsun, Hollister, Aerie, American Eagle, Tilly’s, Michael Kors, and more! There are places to stop and get food or a fun drink as well. I love the environment and the st...
Fashion Fair Mall
One of the prettiest parks around! There’s lots to do and places to see around Woodward. I love the walking trail and it is very versatile, I see people cycling, running, skateboarding, scootering, and pushing strollers! It is for everyone! It feels ...
Woodward Park - Visit Fresno County
I love our zoo! It’s recently been renewed and there are so many fun, new exhibits. The sea lion area is my favorite, I love watching them above and below the water. Great zoo to go through with your kids and there’s a food court with lots of great o...
Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Great place to go for a fun little day with family or friends! There are guided tours of the underground gardens with friendly staff. 4.8 stars from over 2,000 people!
Forestiere Underground Gardens
Love the Old Town Clovis area! The feel is old timey and peaceful. There are some great antique shops and restaurants to try out! One of my favorite places is Boba Fresh, I love their drinks and açaí bowls. There are lots of events held here as well!