Things to See & Do

Are you looking for things to see and do in California? You can fill your days with new experiences if you venture out to explore our beautiful state—the possibilities are endless. With so many places, attractions, destinations, museums, entertainment and resources at your disposal, there's no state in the U.S. offering so many diverse activities, sights and sounds as California! Best of all, many are free to see.

Aquariums - California is lucky to boast world class aquariums that have set the bar in environmental standards and ocean stewardship. Monterey Bay Aquarium was built where a fish cannery once stood, so the building looks like a cannery. Aquarium of the Pacific (in Long Beach) looks like big, blue ocean waves. Steinhart Aquarium (San Francisco) is contained within a building that sports a living rooftop, and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (San Pedro) was designed by famed architect, Frank O. Gehry.
 

Theme Parks - The theme park capital of the nation has the Original Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, two Six Flags locations, California's Great America, Legoland California, SeaWorld San Diego, Gilroy Gardens and more. There's no shortage of thrills, entertainment and excitement.

 

Architecture - From the Sundial Bridge in Redding to Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California features architectural wonders that make YOU wonder. Beautiful or crazy, these "works of art" have caught our interest. Hopefully you'll find them interesting, as well.
 

Books haven't gone out of style as evidenced by the number of new books coming out on California. From picture books by Arcadia Publishing to art books with paintings of gorgeous scenery, and history galore, our book reviews by award-winning, Pulitzer Prize nominee, Craig MacDonald, include hidden gems you've likely never heard about.

 

Casinos - While many think of neighboring Nevada when it comes to over the top casinos, California's dozens of casinos have some bragging rights. Do you know that Pechanga Casino & Resort in Temecula has the largest casino floor on the West Coast  with 200,000 square feet of gaming space?
 

Lighthouses - Most light stations are now museums as GPS has removed the need for beams of light to shine and guide ships safely into harbor. The lighthouses range in states of repair and renovation. Some are open to the public.
 

National Parks in California are world famous. What are the favorites? Yosemite, Golden Gate, Sequoia-Kings Canyon, Lassen Volcanic, Joshua Tree and Death Valley make a great bucket list of places to see, and there are many more!