Top 10 Things to Do
in California

08.11.2024
Reading time: 15 minutes
Paradise state!
California has become entrenched in the minds of many people as a place where dreams come true. This image was fueled by Hollywood, vivid pictures of beaches on the Pacific coast and the stories of many tourists and life bloggers about famous parks. And this is not just an advertising move, but a very real picture that you can feel for yourself and soak up the spirit of freedom. Regardless of preferences and desires, here you can find entertainment and recreation for every taste: gigantic in size and unimaginable in content natural parks, famous beaches that have become the scene of many Hollywood films and TV series that we all love so much and of course a lot of attractions that you can visit yourself, with your family or in the company of loyal friends. So let us show you this bright and unusual world called California!
Do you want to get away from this reality and get into a new one? We'll show you how!
The city of San Diego is famous not only for its diverse architecture and abundance of places for tourism, but also for the place where our ordinary reality collides with virtual reality. Welcome to VR Club Anvio — a place where children and teenagers can fully immerse themselves in virtual worlds, participate in team games and experience the latest technologies for themselves.
There is a huge variety of virtual content that can surprise the most demanding gamer. No one will be bored at Anvio, because VR games of their own development provide an opportunity for everyone to realize their dreams without exception.
In Station Zarya, find out all the secrets of the space station, save its inhabitants and fight the monsters. Which weapon will you choose? Remember: the main danger is that aliens can attack from the ground and from the air!
In City Z, your squad finds itself in a burning building. However, the main danger is not in the fire at all: hundreds of the living dead are also in the building. Live or die? Shoot the zombies, beware of particularly strong dead and, of course, do not let them get close to you.
In Anvio’s games, you do not stand still, but actively move around large arenas. Walk, run, jump — it’s just like in the real world!
Such places is especially important for families where children have stopped playing with toys and want to feel themselves on the very edge of adrenaline and incredible entertainment, so book ANVIO’s quest games on the website: https://ca.anvio.com/vr-escape-room and go towards active and innovative entertainment.

Anvio’s games are available at:

  • Anvio VR, 3030 Plaza Bonita Road Westfield, Plaza Bonita, suite 2530, National City, CA 91 950
  • Battleground Redondo, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd Ste. 202, Redondo Beach, CA 90 278, 2 level
  • Player One VR World, 1515 4th St Santa Monica, CA 90 401, Santa Monica, California 90 401
Visit Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park occupies a vast territory in the western Sierra Nevada, in the mountains of central California. Countless lakes, meadows, forests and mountains, the rocky peaks of Yosemite look like colorful, theatrical Alpine scenery.

In the heart of Yosemite Valley, lovers of solitude and solitary walks can find themselves in the midst of wild, deserted nature, the pristine beauty of which attracts many tourists to California, just after a 30-minute walk along numerous paved paths.

Yosemite Valley presents amazing variations of the many waterfalls that pour their waters into the valley, and the unique Glacier Point, from the top of which a stunning panorama of the Sierra Nevada opens.

Yosemite located 200 miles east of San Francisco, with three roads leading to it (CA 120, CA 140 and CA 41).
Explore San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge
The minimum program for San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge, the best way to enjoy this place is ro walk along it or ride a bike. The giant structure (more than two kilometers long and 228 meters high) with two highways, bicycle and pedestrian lanes looks so airy that it seems to be painted with a thin pen on top of the ocean landscape.

The Golden Gate is the main symbol of the city. Then take a walk along the embankment, take pictures of the roaring sea lions lounging on the pier. Take the ferry and sail to Alcatraz prison island. If you have enough time and energy, then climb Lombard Street, famous for its bends and a slope of 27 degrees. But in such a large city there are enough interesting places for a week. Here you can only ride for half a day on the unique cable trams — local public transport. A huge number of old buildings have been preserved in San Francisco — from wooden mansions and pseudo-Russian-style churches to brutal concrete pagodas. And walking along the long coastline and huge parks can take another couple of days.
Relax on the Beaches of Malibu
Malibu Lagoon State Beach is the very beach on the coast of which the cult TV show "Baywatch" was filmed. Pamela Anderson, of course, will not be found there, but this does not make the place any less interesting.

The name of the beach comes from the city of the same name, in which it is located. Malibu beach is conditionally divided into several parts: one is designed for swimming and relaxing, the second is for conquering sea waves on boards and the third is more "wild" and rocky, swimming in it is strictly prohibited.

The best time to surf is the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. August and September are also suitable for swimming — the average water temperature at this time reaches +23°C. These months are characterized by stable sultry weather (+31°C) with a low probability of rainy days. Sometimes you can see +40°C on the thermometer.
Take a Road Trip Along Pacific Coast Highway
The California Highway along the Pacific Coast is one of America’s most scenic roads, with stunning views and observation decks overlooking the magnificent ocean. The highway is over 600 miles long, with the most photogenic section being found along the Central Coast of California between San Francisco and Los Angeles. In addition to the picturesque panoramas, this romantic trip offers the opportunity to visit many cozy restaurants, beautiful beaches and iconic attractions.

It will take you about three hours to get to Big Sur from San Francisco. As soon as you get to the section of the Pacific Coast connecting Carmel-by-the-sea with Big Sur, you will see the expanses that are most suitable for amazing shots. Try not to miss anything. Of course, there will be many other tourists who will stop to take selfies, but with such a stunning view, it’s not surprising. Join them and put aside doubts because you definitely want to remember this landscape forever.
Experience Disneyland Resort
Since the park was founded, it has been visited by more than 500 million tourists and guests, among whom were royal persons, heads and presidents of various states. Interestingly, the majority of visitors are adults.

Today, the territory of the park has increased significantly and its area is about 200 hectares. The complex consists of:
· The Disney park that was created by the very first;
· Disney’s California Adventure Park is a new part of the park that tells the story of the Golden State;
· Downtown Disney is a whole entertainment city with restaurants, game rooms, theaters and bars;
· The Disneyland Resort Hotel is a real Disneyland hotel, one of the most famous hotels in Los Angeles.

Unforgettable entertainment, a huge number of attractions draw the attention of tourists and guests from all over the world to the park. Today, there are 8 themed areas, which consist of 60 attractions, shops, railway station, cafes, fire station, hotels, as well as adventures, surprises and of course, characters of your favorite cartoons are waiting for you at every step.

Disneyland is a whole world that needs to be given more than one day. There is a lot of life here both day and night, a lot of restaurants that offer visitors a varied menu from the usual dishes of classic New Orleans to high Mediterranean cuisine. Even shopping enthusiasts will have something to do, there are shops such as: World of Disney® Store and Anne Geddes store.
Explore Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
The same age as Rome, they caught the birth of Antiquity. Up to 85 meters high, they approached the height of the Tower of Babel. And the width of the trunks was enough to equip a dwelling for people. All this is about the wooden "titans" of the planet. Giant sequoias. Now they grow only in the protected groves of California, in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The trip to the park will take about five hours in one direction. The road will partially pass through the countryside — you will see endless California farms and learn how lemons, tangerines, strawberries, almonds and olives are grown in California. Along the way, you will get acquainted with the history of the state and will be able to ask any questions.

You will drive through the park, walk through several groves with giant sequoias and breathe the purest air. You will pass inside a fallen trunk that once served as the home of an entire family of colonists of the Wild West. You will see the two largest sequoias: General Grant (81.5 meters) and General Sherman (85 meters). You will learn about the reasons for the phenomenal size and age of these trees.
Visit Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe, located at an altitude of 1,897 meters among the peaks of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range on the border of California and Nevada (western USA), is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. This natural treasure gives an unforgettable experience of a trip to the mountains and allows you to enjoy great outdoor activities and magnificent landscapes all year round.

The largest coastal city is South Lake Tahoe: three quarters of tourists stay here, so the choice of restaurants, shops and entertainment is very large. In summer, you can go hiking and horseback riding, fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing. There are also excellent golf courses in the vicinity of the lake, where players enjoy all the advantages of this mountainous region. On the long sandy beaches of the southern coast of Tahoe, reminiscent of the ocean coast, you can have fun with the whole family. A wide range of water sports includes powerboating, jet skiing, water skiing, sailing and rowing, towed parachute (parasailing) flights, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, spectacular cruises aboard a real Mississippi paddle steamer and even scuba diving.

In winter, Lake Tahoe has fifteen world-class ski resorts, located no more than an hour’s drive from each other and offering a huge variety of trails for professionals and beginners. For those who are not keen on downhill skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, dog sledding or tubing, as well as ice skating, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are offered here. The most frost-resistant fishermen will be rewarded for their patience with a rich catch on winter fishing.
Wine Country in Napa Valley
California wines are famous all over the world. The sunshine state produces more than 90% of all American wines. This scale is due to the special microclimate of the California wine valleys — not too hot and not too cold, and a variety of types of fertile soils give a richness of taps. Another important feature is the use of modern equipment and technologies by American winemakers. In California, grapes are not harvested by hand, but the drink from the American wine valleys is distinguished by its undeniable quality.

The most famous wine regions of California are the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. They are located about 100 km north of San Francisco. There is a special leisure and peaceful atmosphere here. Numerous wineries are ready to open their cellars and share their treasures. You can stay in one of the charming lodges or a luxury hotel. You will not regret spending a few days tasting and relaxing in the picturesque Napa and Sonoma valleys. Another local exciting adventure is a hot air balloon flight over the expanses of Napa and certainly accompanied by a glass of California sparkling wine.
Walk Along Venice Beach
Venice Beach, located on the Pacific coast of the United States, is one of the most visited places in Los Angeles.

Such a loud name was not chosen by chance: in order to drain numerous swampy areas of the area, many channels had to be dug, which allowed the future city to claim a fairly close resemblance to its famous Italian "prototype".

A promenade named Venice beach Boardwalk runs along the entire beach line. It is here that you can see improvised street performances and demonstrations of various tricks, admire the modern art that adorns the walls of the surrounding houses and the diverse architecture. And if you get tired of walking, you can always relax and refresh yourself in the restaurants and cafes scattered along the coastline.
Hike in Joshua Tree National Park
Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park allows tourists to feel the unity of connecting with the landscape, the magic of which lies in its contrasts — giant boulders stand next to trees twisted into bizarre shapes, as if they are dancing; you will feel the huge contrast between the scorching daytime sun and frosty nights; the heights of the Mojave Desert, passing into the lower reaches of the Colorado Desert. Such a contrast throughout the journey creates the feeling that you are getting into a painting by an abstract artist and in order to find a way back to your reality you need to try hard.

Before you set off, make sure that you are properly prepared for the hike, because local conditions do not forgive weaknesses. All natural water sources in the park are designed for wild fauna and flora, so it is recommended that each visitor bring water with them (and in sufficient quantity) to avoid dehydration in the desert.
Tour Hollywood and Visit the Walk of Fame
Hollywood in the mass consciousness is a place where miracles are created by people’s hands. And this is not just a beautiful metaphor, but a real fact. Just imagine that you will be able to witness how new masterpieces are born, and the world of mass culture is filling up and changing in a noticeable way. A walk through Hollywood will allow you to get acquainted with famous film studios, meet those who work on films and TV shows that you watch at your leisure, and visit the famous Walk of Fame, which has become an actual monument to the cultural heritage of the United States.

Hollywood can please visitors not only with themed pavilions and an abundance of places that you have seen on the screen more than once, but also allow you to enjoy the local atmosphere at a table in a beautiful restaurant or give you the opportunity to meet your idols who walk down the street and can wave cheerfully at you.
San Diego Zoo
This zoo is incredibly popular and it’s deservedly so. The San Diego Zoo is home to more than 3,700 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies.

This is one of the few zoos in the world where a giant panda lives. And in 2013, having learned from the experience of Australian colleagues, the zoo opened a new branch "Koalafornia" and it is clear who lives there.

You can explore the zoo with an organized tour, which covers about ¾ of the entire territory. The expositions are organized according to the principle of habitat, so that in one place you can see several different animals inhabiting a particular area in nature. The areas represented at the zoo are incredibly diverse: from African rainforests to Arctic taiga and tundra. There are also several of the largest bird houses in the world, where birds can fly freely.
Visit Death Valley National Park
The name of Death Valley National Park makes an eerie impression. The ominous name of these places is associated with the death of a party of gold prospectors here in the 40s of the XIX century from lack of water. However, it is a very beautiful, albeit harsh place. This is the lowest point and at the same time the hottest place in North America. This area is considered the driest area in North America.

Here you can admire the mountains, which change color depending on the time of day, and enjoy the amazing views. In the northernmost part of the Valley, in a small gorge, there is a "Scotty's Castle", which, surrounded by green, juicy groves and lawns, looks fantastic especially against the background of the harsh nature of these places. It was built in the Spanish style at the beginning of the XX century. Very close to the "Scotty's Castle" is the crater "Ubehebe" or "Big Basket". The crater was formed as a result of the meeting of groundwater with rising magma. The water instantly turned into steam and literally tore the surface, sending debris high into the sky and covering the hills with black ash.
Ski in Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is one of the best ski resorts in California. Its vast area creates a huge variety of slopes that vary in degree of difficulty, which allows outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to try their hand at downhill skiing or snowboarding. Thanks to the numerous updates that the resort has undergone recently, it has become much safer and more comfortable than it was before. These places are especially attractive for those who love the feeling of adrenaline and a fast-beating heart, because the local slopes are able to give professionals what they love so much — the opportunity to test themselves and find out who is the best.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a world-famous company for the production of great films and its visit should not be a must for every tourist who decides to visit Los Angeles. It is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood film studios that is still in use. Its official marketing title is the Entertainment Capital of Los Angeles. Initially, it was also created in order to offer tours of the real scenery of Universal Studios, and is the first of many full-fledged theme parks of the company located around the world. All the attractions of the theme park of the same name are dedicated to the plots of the films of the film company and are arranged on a grandiose Hollywood scale, with 3D, 4D computer effects in full immersion mode! The thematic pavilions of the already sensational blockbusters include "Transformers", "The Mummy", "Jurassic Park".
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island and the prison on it are the second most popular symbol of the city after the Golden Gate. After the Mexican-American War of 1846−1848, Alcatraz was ceded to the United States, and President Fillmore decided to create a military base on it. The oldest lighthouse on the West Coast has been operating on the island since 1854. In the evening, he casts a ribbon of glare on the bay, similar to a moonlight path, it is clearly visible from the Fisherman’s Wharf embankment. In 1858, the first military barracks appeared on Alcatraz.

But Alcatraz was made famous not by valiant sailors, but by outlaw villains. Since 1934, it has become a federal prison for dangerous criminals. Gangsters Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly served time here. Only a few prisoners tried to escape by jumping into the icy waters of the bay, and not a single attempt was successful. Currently, two independent triathlon marathons Escape from Alcatraz are being held for professional athletes. Since the mid-1940s, the super-fortified prison has been costing the state more and more, both in terms of ensuring the strictest regime and in terms of maintaining engineering communications on the impregnable island. The prison was closed in 1963.
Take a Cruise in Monterey Bay
It so happened that along the picturesque coast of the Pacific Ocean in California, the most romantic, sincere and fabulously beautiful cities of this sunny state are located. Most of the "one-story California" is concentrated here, combining the spirit of the past and the present, the unity of man with wildlife, a quiet life with a unique atmosphere of complacency and aestheticism. We recommend visiting the pearl of the West Coast of California — the city of Monterey, located on the shores of the Bay of the same name on the Monterey Peninsula, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Monterey is a favorite place for relaxation and contemplation. Together with the fabulous city of Carmel, it represents the mecca of tourism. It is visited by more than 2 million people a year. Many Americans also come here on weekends to have a good time with the whole family.

The five main attractions of Monterey:
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • 17-mile road
  • The old fishing pier
  • Lobos State Nature Reserve
  • Cannery row
Enjoy the Amusement Park Boardwalk at Santa Cruz
If your choice is to travel with the whole family, then it is best to go to Santa Cruz (let's just say Santa Claus does not live there). But on the other hand, the local dizzying and fun attractions, carousels and beaches of one of the oldest beach resorts in North America will definitely not leave anyone indifferent. It was here that surfing, brought from the Hawaiian Islands, appeared for the first time on the mainland. There is a legendary beach promenade — a pedestrian green alley in the city center — and an ancient city pier that juts almost a kilometer into Monterey Bay, which is a national marine reserve. Other local fun attractions include the University of California Santa Cruz, the Surf Museum and the sequoia thicket.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a picturesque resort town located on the territory of the Sonoran Desert, which is unique in beauty and surrounded by four mountain ranges. The sun shines here 300 days a year, hot springs burst from the ground, and animals live in canyons and palm oases that are not found anywhere else in the world. Unsurprisingly, Palm Springs has been a favorite vacation spot for Hollywood stars, politicians, and presidents for decades. The most glamorous desert city in the Coachella Valley can offer its guests an impressive list of activities — from museums, golf courses and botanical gardens to exciting shopping, fine cuisine and theatrical performances.

Even more interesting activities await you in the vicinity of the city. Palm Springs is part of the Greater Palm Springs area, which includes eight other desert communities — Desert Hot Springs, Katedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella. During country trips, you can see famous nature reserves and canyons, ride the world’s largest rotating cable car and climb the second highest peak in Southern California.
So why California anyway?
If this question is still in front of you, then you will be able to get an answer to it only after you yourself visit at least some of the places that we wrote about in this article. Believe us, this state combines so many incredible things that no one can remain indifferent. Everyone will find entertainment to their liking and will be delighted with the impressions they have received. Relax on the magnificent beaches, visit all fun attractions in the amusement parks, arrange an exciting walk through the national parks or immerse yourself in the eclectic atmosphere of California cities with their indescribable charm and attractions that do not let you go day or night.