California Bucket List - 50 Things To Do In The Golden State
If you’re visiting California and wondering what the best things to do are then you must see this California bucket list.
We have listed the top fifty things to do across the Golden State including Southern California, the Central and Northern California Coast, the high Sierras and the Southern California desert areas.
Whether you are a sun worshipper, an outdoor enthusiast, into exhilarating sports, a foodie, or just love road tripping to see quirky attractions, California has it all.
From towering mountains to idyllic palm-treed beaches and deserts that are perfect for finding solitude, there is something here for everyone!
Need a campervan for your California road trip? Check out Outdoorsy for availability in the area.
CALIFORNIA BUCKET LIST
Top 51 Things To Do & Experiences You Must Have!
1. Take A Big Sur Road Trip
Big Sur is hands down one of the most beautiful destinations in California! The rugged stretch of coastline is famous for its ninety mile stretch of road that takes motorists from one scenic viewpoint to another. It is one of the best and most scenic road trips in the USA.
This windy road hugs the Central California coastline as it passes through towering groves of redwood forests and quaint seaside communities. Along the drive are breathtaking ocean views that will leave you absolutely speechless.
Big Sur, which is also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, connects the towns of San Simeon and Carmel-By-The-Sea. The majority of visitors will fly into San Francisco and drive south to Los Angeles to complete this epic road trip, however the drive can also be completed in reverse.
Although the drive can be completed in one full day, it is recommended that you spend two or three days exploring the entire stretch of coastline between L.A. and San Francisco because there is so much to see and do! For example, you can visit the extravagant Hearst Castle, see stunning McWay Falls, and watch elephant seals frolic on the beach.
The Big Sur coastline is a dream destination for many travelers around the world and one of the top things to do in California. Don’t miss this bucket list worthy road trip where rugged cliffs plunge into the wild Pacific Ocean.
Related: Best Campgrounds On The Big Sur Coast
2. Hike To The Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign is an iconic landmark in Los Angeles therefore no first time trip to Los Angeles is complete without hiking to this world famous attraction!
Located in Griffith Park, the sign can be seen at a distance from the streets of West Hollywood and from Griffith Observatory, but the best way to see the sign is up close which can be accomplished by hiking up to it.
You can hike to the sign on your own from several different trailheads or join a group led Hollywood Hills hiking tour where everything will be organized for you including pick up from your hotel.
Related: How To Spend Two Days In Los Angeles
3. See Golden Gate Bridge From Vista Point
The Golden Gate Bridge is iconic to San Francisco and one of the most beautiful bridges in the United States.
Seeing the Golden Gate Bridge is at the top of the list of things to do in San Francisco for first time visitors to the city, however it’s a sight that never gets old no matter how many times you see it!
The two most popular places to view the Golden Gate Bridge are from Golden Gate Park on the south side of the bridge, and also from H. Dana Bowers Rest Area which is on the north side of the bridge.
However, the very best place to see the Golden Gate Bridge is up on Vista Point!
Vista Point is located on the northwest side of the Golden Gate Bridge and is a place where you can get a birds eye view of the iconic bridge along with fantastic vistas of the city skyline.
To get to the viewpoint by car, you will need to head northbound on U.S. 101 then get on Conzelman Road to Battery Spencer.
You can also reach Vista Point by foot from the south side of the bridge by walking across the Golden Gate Bridge and hiking up to the viewpoint.
4. Visit The Lowest Point In The USA At Badwater Basin
Badwater Basin is the most popular place to visit inside Death Valley National Park because the landscape here is so surreal.
These vast salt flats are 282 feet below sea level making this destination the lowest point in North America!
Most visitors hike to the end of the short boardwalk located on the salt flats, but to truly get a sense of the large scale of the basin, venture beyond the boardwalk for another mile or so and take in the lonely desert views.
Interestingly, you can also see the highest point in the lower 48 states from Badwater Basin which is the peak of Mt. Whitney situated in the Sierra Mountains.
Related: 10 Incredible Places You Must See In Death Valley National Park
5. Be Inspired At Salvation Mountain
Be inspired by the bright murals and messages of love at Salvation Mountain.
Salvation Mountain in the Southern California desert, is artist Leonard Knight's tribute to God, and his gift to the world. The message is simple yet powerful, God is Love.
The artwork is made up of adobe bricks, discarded tires, car parts, and thousands of gallons of paint. It encompasses numerous areas painted with Christian bible verses.
Ever since Salvation Mountain made an appearance in the film “Into The Wild’, the artwork has received international acclaim and become a must see attraction in California.
You can find the unique and visionary sculpture northeast of Niland near the Salton Sea.
6. Wonder At Mono Lake’s Astonishing Tufas
Mono Lake in the Eastern Sierras
Mono Lake is an ancient saline lake nestled at the edge of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
The lake is unique and fascinating in a number of ways. Having formed around 750,000 years ago, Mono Lake is one of the oldest lakes in North America.
With a salinity level that is three times saltier than the ocean, Mono Lake is extremely inhospitable and unable to support any fish species.
However, the lake does support trillions of brine shrimp which thrive in its waters. The brine shrimp provide food for two million migrating birds that flock here every summer.
But the most fascinating thing of all about Mono Lake are its incredible tufa towers. Along the lakeshore are limestone formations known as tufa towers that rise high above the water’s surface.
The tufas are very beautiful to see, especially reflected on a perfectly still lake. One of the best places to view the extraordinary tufa towers is at the South Tufa Area.
Mono Lake is one of the most incredible places in California and showcases how truly varied and amazing the landscape is in the Golden State.
Related: Visit Mono Lake on this scenic Eastern Sierra driving itinerary.
7. See Where Trash Has Turned To Treasure At Glass Beach
Glass Beach is famous for its dazzling sea glass rounded by the rolling waves. Created from years of dumping garbage onto the beach, mother nature responded to this abuse with a nice surprise in the form of smooth sea glass in a rainbow of colors.
The story behind Glass Beach is rather horrific. In 1906, the residents of Fort Bragg, a blue-collar town in Northern California, began dumping their trash onto a beach behind the Union Lumber Company. The trash included not only glass, but also appliances and even vehicles!
When the original dump site filled up in 1943, residents started dumping their waste onto a second beach, and then a third beach. The third beach is the beach now known as Glass Beach, which was shockingly an active dump site up until the year 1967!
Over the years, pounding waves turned glass and pottery into colorful jewelry-quality pieces which cover Glass beach today.
Are you interested in finding Glass Beach? Well, you need to head to Fort Bragg on the Northern California coast. Glass Beach is located adjacent to MacKerricher State Park.
Fort Bragg and neighboring Mendocino are both totally worthy of adding to your California bucket list.
Related: Visit Glass Beach on this Northern California coast road trip
8. Visit The General Sherman In Sequoia National Park
The General Sherman is a giant sequoia tree that lives in Sequoia National Park. What’s so special about this tree you ask? Well, it’s only the largest living tree in the world!
Yes, this behemoth tree stands in an ancient grove of redwoods in California. Obviously, a visit to this natural wonder needs to be high on your California bucket list!
This monster of a tree stands 275 feet tall and 36 feet in diameter and is still growing!!! One branch of the General Sherman is so big (almost 7 feet in diameter), that it’s larger than most trees east of the Mississippi River!
9. Explore Desert Art Work In The Anza Borrego Desert
See amazing life-size metal sculptures in Southern California’s Anza-Borrego Desert.
Artist Ricardo Breceda was inspired by the creatures that once roamed this same desert millions of years ago.
Scattered along a stretch of road near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are over one hundred large sculptures including dinosaurs, saber tooth tigers, and serpents, all waiting for you to find them.
First enter the state park and drive through the little city of Borrego Springs. There will be a roundabout you can’t miss which means you’re on the right path.
These rusty sculptures require a little off-roading to find so it’s a bit like going on a scavenger hunt. Try to find all one hundred and thirty of them if you can.
10. Be Amazed By Thousands Of Wintering Butterflies At Pismo Beach
Each year thousands of vibrantly colored Monarch Butterflies flock to Pismo Beach to escape the cold northern winters.
These bright orange and black butterflies cluster in the limbs of a grove of Eucalyptus Trees at Pismo State Beach.
The Monarchs that visit Pismo Beach are a special species that have a life span of six months as opposed to that of common Monarchs who live only six weeks. Their longer life span can be attributed to a unique fat storing system.
These winged beauties begin to arrive at Pismo Beach some time in October and stay until late February. If you are passing through on a California Coast road trip in winter, be sure to make time to stop and visit the wintering butterflies.
Related: Where To See Thousands Of Wintering Monarch Butterflies In California
11. Bicycle From Venice Beach To Santa Monica
Enjoy the California sunshine as you bicycle from Venice Beach to Santa Monica.
If you’ve been dreaming about visiting Southern California and have finally managed to plan a trip to La La Land, be sure to add a bike ride along the famous promenade to your travel itinerary.
The best place to start your bike ride is in Venice Beach where you can find several bike rental shops.
Venice Beach is most recognized as being the birthplace of skateboarding and one of the most famous skateparks is located right here on the beach so make sure you cruise by and check out the extremely talented skateboarders before continuing onto Santa Monica.
Once you get back from Santa Monica and drop your bike off, head down to the beach to catch a west coast sunset. They never disappoint!
Related: L.A. In 2 Days
12. Spend A Weekend In Wine Country
California accounts for nearly ninety percent of American wine production and visiting a golden state winery is one of the top things to do in California.
Napa Valley is the most well-known wine region in California famous for its beautiful scenery and castle-like wineries. Because Napa Valley is so close to San Francisco, it makes a great destination to visit on a day trip from San Francisco.
With that said, there are plenty of other wine regions in California to explore beside Napa such as Sonoma, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, and Temecula Valley.
13. Spend A Day In Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Spend a day exploring the unusual trees and rock formations in Joshua Tree National Park.
This national park was named for its unique trees that resembled the biblical Joshua with his arms reaching out to the skies.
There are many interesting things to see in Joshua Tree National Park such as the Cholla Cactus Garden as well as some really cool hikes.
Camping here is also a really unique experience because all of the campsites are nestled among huge, oddly shaped boulders.
14. Go Paddleboarding On Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a major year-round tourist destination in California. Stunning mountain scenery and loads of outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, canoeing, hiking and skiing are this alpine destination’s biggest attractions.
The best time to visit though is in summer when you can take advantage of all the water activities such as paddleboarding. It is indeed the best way to explore the lake’s crystal clear waters.
See these gorgeous lakeside homes and mountain cabins for ideas on where to stay when you go.
15. See The Oldest Trees In The World At The Bristlecone Pine Forest
The Bristlecone Pine Forest is home to some of the world's oldest living trees. Some of these gnarled and twisted trees are over 4,700 years old making them the OLDEST LIVING THINGS on the planet!
They can only be found at a few locations in California and Nevada, and only at high elevations.
The best place to visit these ancient trees in California is at the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest which is situated in the White Mountains.
Related: How To Visit The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest In The White Mountains
16. Try A Date Shake In Palm Springs
Did you know Southern California is a date mecca and that the Coachella Valley is considered the ‘Date Capital of the World’? No? Well, now you do!
Southern California’s desert region comprising of destinations such as Palm Springs, Indio, and Joshua Tree, are a must visit on any trip to California!
While you’re in the area, be sure to visit a few date farms to sample some of their sweet goodness!! Many of the farms have cafes and gift stores selling a variety of date products but by far the most popular among visitors are the date shakes!
One of the best places to try a date shake is at Hadley’s Fruit Orchard in Cabazon, near the Cabazon Dinosaurs (a popular roadside attraction with roadtrippers on their way to Palm Springs and Joshua Tree).
The date shakes here are world famous according to themselves, but are indeed very delicious! The shakes are made with Hadley Deglet Noor dates that are blended into a smooth, tasty shake. We think the banana date shake is the best here.
You can also visit the Oasis Date Gardens in Thermal, a 175 acre date ranch specializing in organic Medjool dates, and where you can sample a variety of dates for free!
17. Ski Or Snowboard At A Premier California Ski Resort
California boasts many ski resorts with a wide variety of terrain spread out across the state.
The San Bernadino Mountains are home to the ski resorts of Big Bear, Snow Summit and Mountain High which are within an easy one or two hours drive from Los Angeles.
Further north, top ski resorts like Mammoth Mountain, Kirkwood, Heavenly and Northstar can be found in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Even if you don’t ski or snowboard, a weekend getaway to any of these resorts is always a good time as there are many other winter activities to be enjoyed such as snow-shoeing, snow mobiles, and tubing.
Learn more about California’s ski resorts.
18. See Spring Bloom In Antelope Valley
Spring bloom in Antelope Valley, California
Time your visit to California's beautiful desert regions in the spring when flowers are in full bloom.
The largest and most dependable wild flower bloom in California can be found at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve where visitors turn up in droves to see the state’s native poppy flowers burst into bright orange colors splashed across the mountainsides.
You can check bloom updates for the Antelope Valley Preserve before heading out there.
19. See The Tallest Trees In The World Along Avenue Of The Giants In Northern California
The redwoods found in Humboldt Redwoods State Park has the largest remaining virgin stand of redwoods left in the world.
These trees are so old they were around in the age of dinosaurs. Take a drive down Avenue of the Giants and be completely wowed. Look, marvel and be humbled by their giant, silent stature.
Related: Visit Avenue of the Giants on this Northern California Road Trip
20. Hang Out With Elephant Seals In Central California
No California coast road trip is complete without stopping to see the resident Elephant seals along the Big Sur Coast.
They can be a noisy lot; grunting, snorting, squeaking and fighting with each other. Peak months for elephant seal viewing is from October through March.
21. Ride A Historic Wooden Roller Coaster In Santa Cruz
The Giant Dipper is a historic wooden roller coaster located on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz.
This Santa Cruz landmark is the fourth oldest roller coaster in the USA continuously operating in its original location. It was built in 1924, and believe it or not, finished construction in just forty-seven days!
The Dipper has since earned a designation as a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. National Park Service.
The classic wooden roller coaster can be seen in several movies including the classic 80’s vampire film 'The Lost Boys'.
More than sixty-six million visitors have experienced the Giant Dipper since it first opened. From the first startling dip to the top of the coaster where riders can enjoy million dollar views of Monterey Bay, this historic structure is guaranteed to put a smile on your dial!
22. Hike Yosemite’s Iconic Mist Trail To Half Dome
The best way to see and experience Yosemite National Park is by taking a hike!
And what better trail to hike other than the trail that leads Half Dome, Yosemite’s iconic attraction.
Reaching the top of Half Dome is no small feat and getting to the summit is an accomplishment you can brag about for years to come.
Even if you don’t reach Half Dome’s summit, this hike is still great even if you only hike to the top of Nevada Falls.
Related: What To Expect Hiking The Mist Trail
23. Soak In Hot Springs That Come With Majestic Views
The Eastern Sierra has some of California’s most spectacular scenery and what could be a better way to enjoy the majestic vistas than by soaking in the views from a natural hot spring?
This area literally has hundreds of secret spots to take a dip in and searching for these hot springs is a good way to become familiar with the area.
One of the most popular hot springs out here is known as Wild Willy’s but there are other hot springs which we won’t name here. Part of the adventure is seeking them out for yourself!
Related: California’s Most Scenic Drive - Highway 395 & The Eastern Sierra
24. Visit The Danish Town Of Solvang
Tour wineries, sample chocolate, and indulge in authentic Danish pastries in the quaint town of Solvang in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Solvang is a small village in Central California that is full of old-world European architecture and charm that will have you feeling like you’ve been transported to Denmark.
Wine lovers will be delighted by the plethora of wine tasting rooms concentrated in the downtown area.
If you don’t drink wine, there is still much to love here because Solvang offers plenty of boutique stores, many tempting Danish-style bakeries, and fabulous restaurants too.
25. Palm Springs Aerial Tram
Take a ride from the dry desert floor of Palm Springs 5,873 feet up into the cool climate of the San Jacinto Mountains on the world's largest rotating tramcar.
Ascend into a pristine wilderness aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tram which has the steepest vertical cable rise in the United States!
Once you’re at the top, you can check out the viewpoint, go for a hike, or dine at the restaurant at the top of the tramway.
26. Attend A Summer Music Festival
California has many music festivals throughout summer including the legendary Coachella Music Festival which tourists from all over the world have on their music festival bucket list.
If you happen to be a music lover then don’t miss your chance to attend these top-notch events to see some of the industry’s hottest acts.
Some of the music festivals to add to your California bucket list besides Coachella include Outside Lands, Bottlerock, Stagecoach, and Rolling Loud.
27. Eat Fresh Seafood In Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is one of California’s best destinations to visit and the best way to spend your time in Santa Barbara is by eating fresh seafood on the pier!
We recommend Santa Barbara Shellfish Company who have a delicious seafood menu that includes clam chowder and lobster rolls, but there are several other top seafood restaurants located on the pier to choose from.
Afterwards, take a stroll along the pier or beach and finish your night with a glass of wine at a restaurant in downtown Santa Barbara.
28. Visit The Carson Mansion In Eureka
The Carson Mansion is regarded as one of the highest executions of American Queen Anne Style architecture and considered the most grand Victorian home in America.
It is located in Eureka which is a great place to base yourself if you want to explore the Northern California coast.
Related: See the Carson Mansion on this Northern California Driving Itinerary
29. Visit A Brewery At Altitude
The scenic mountain village of June Lake is a destination of breathtaking glacial lakes and high jagged mountain peaks with a hidden gem, the June Lake Brewery.
This brewery has a great selection of ales, porters and stouts they brew to perfection. Make sure you try the infamous "Hute".
Another good brewery in the area is Mammoth Lakes Brewing which is located nearby in the town of Mammoth Lakes.
30. Take A Cruise From Los Angeles To Mexico Or Hawaii
If you love cruising, Los Angeles is a great departure point for a quick and inexpensive cruise getaway.
Cruise ships depart every day from Los Angeles and Long Beach for Mexico and Hawaii year round. Length of trips are anywhere between 3 to 14 nights.
You can look up departure dates and cruise destinations on Cruise Direct.
31. Take A Day Trip To Catalina Island
Catalina Island is full of history, charm, and where some of Hollywood's biggest stars like Marilyn Monroe and Ronald Reagan vacationed.
This beautiful island is somewhat reminiscent of a European destination and is perfect for snorkeling and other fun water activities.
You can get to Catalina Island on a two hour boat ride from Long Beach or San Diego.
32. Slide Oue Skyspace In L.A.
Rising 1,000 feet tall in downtown Los Angeles is OUE Skyspace, a panoramic observation deck located in the US Bank Tower, California's tallest outdoor observation tower!
From the 69th floor observation deck are incredible views of Los Angeles and beyond. If you’re feeling brave, take yourself to new heights and slide down the Oue Sky Space, a glass slide that joins the 70th and 69th floors.
33. Chow Down On Clam Chowder
If you haven't tried clam chowder already (canned doesn't count) then you should treat your tastebuds to this delicious experience.
There are many tasty seafood restaurants along the California coast for you to sample the many different variations. Some of our favorite destinations for eating clam chowder are Pismo Beach, Santa Cruz and San Francisco.
34. Learn To Surf At Surfrider Beach In Malibu
Want to learn how to surf? What better place to learn than in California where surf culture was first made popular!
Surfrider Beach is our top pick for the best beach to learn how to surf. You will find a surf shop across the road that can supply you with surfboard rentals and gear.
If you would prefer surfing lessons you can organize a one on one surfing lesson with a local instructor.
35. Eat A Double Double At In N Out
To get the complete California experience you really need to stop by an In & Out and order a double double burger. We promise you will not be disappointed.
Make sure you order a serve of fries on the side and ask for it to be ‘animal style’ which is not shown on the menu.
36. Get Your Thrills At Six Flags
With nineteen roller coasters, Six Flags holds the world record for the most roller coasters at any amusement park.
Thrill seekers can ride roller coasters that ride upside down, standing up, and even ones that have you lying down backwards! To save money you should purchase your Six Flags tickets online and in advance.
37. Watch A Taping Of A Live TV Show
Many of your favorite TV shows are filmed in Los Angeles so if you are looking for a unique way to spend the day why not watch a live taping?
Being in the audience of a live show is lots of fun and is a great learning experience on what it takes just to record one episode. The best part is that it won’t cost you a cent!
Related: 2 Days In L.A. - How To Spend 48 Hours In Los Angeles
38. See A Film At The Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Get the full Hollywood experience by watching a screening of a classic film at the Hollywood Forever cemetery. They encourage all who attend to dress in costume for the theme of the movie that is playing that night.
39. Drive Route 66 From L.A. To Las Vegas
Route 66 or the 'Mother Road' was one of the original highways in the United States highway systems originating in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica.
You can take a drive along this iconic stretch of road in California if you have a road trip planned between L.A. and Las Vegas.
There are plenty of quirky roadside stops along the way to keep you entertained such as Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch.
40. Run Down Sand Dunes At Mugu State Park
The Point Mugu sand dunes are located north of Malibu on the Pacific Coast Highway just before you reach Ventura.
From the top of the sand dunes you can sometimes see dolphins and seals frolicking in the ocean.
Many people like to walk up the sand dunes and then run down them really fast. It is a lot of fun!
There are also many beautiful beaches nearby that you could spend the day at. If possible, try to time your visit around sunset as it’s a really cool place to view it from.
41. Visit Burney Falls
Burney Falls in Northern California
Burney Falls, while not the highest or largest waterfall in the state, is indeed one of the most beautiful waterfalls in California!
This waterfall is the centerpiece at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, a state park situated in the Cascade Mountain Range in Northern California.
The park’s landscape was created by volcanic activity over a million years ago which helped to form a large underground reservoir that retains rainwater and snowmelt from nearby mountain peaks.
Within the park, the water emerges as springs at and above Burney Falls where it flows at one hundred million gallons every day!
These underground springs become larger and larger as they approach the mist-filled basin that Burney Falls drops into.
The 129-foot cascading waterfall flows over a fern-draped rock wall that is truly a sight to behold.
At the park are five miles of hiking trails that wind through evergreen forest and lead to the top of Burney Falls.
You can find Burney Falls sixty miles north of Redding. Be aware that this state park is incredibly popular in the summer months and the park’s parking lot often fills to capacity leading to entrance closures on weekends and holidays.
42. Plan A Trip To Pinnacles National Park
High Peaks Trail at Pinnacles National Park, California
Pinnacles National Park, located in Central California, is one of the smallest and least visited national parks.
This national park is noted for its dramatic rock formations that tower above a landscape filled with oak trees, and also for its rare talus caves which were formed during the last ice age.
Talus Caves are a type of cave formed by boulders and large rocks that fall into canyons and narrow chasms to create underground spaces. There are two talus caves at Pinnacles National Park, and visitors can hike through both of them!
There are several other awesome hikes in Pinnacles National Park that are totally worth putting on your California bucket list like the High Peaks Trail shown above.
Related: Best Things To Do In Pinnacles National Park: Caves, Camping & Condors
43. Walk Around Ubehebe Crater
Ubehebe Crater In Death Valley National Park
Ubehebe Crater in Death Valley is a large volcanic crater 600 feet deep and half a mile across. It is known as a maar volcano and was created by steam and gas explosions when hot magma rising up from the depths reached ground water.
You can take a hike around the entire rim of the crater and if you’re feeling adventurous you can even hike down into its center.
44. Take A Scenic Drive On Highway 120
Tioga Pass is a mountain pass in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is the highest highway pass in California at an elevation of 9,945 feet.
This impressive road makes its way through stunning alpine scenery in Yosemite’s backcountry. Stretch your legs along the way on one of the many hiking trails that lead to beautiful alpine lakes and meadows.
The pass is subject to winter closures due to high snowfall so plan your road trip accordingly.
45. Marvel Geologic Wonders At Devils Postpile Monument
Devil's Postpile National Monument features thousands of hexagonal basalt columns formed 100,000 years ago when lava flow slowed and then cooled.
Visitors can hike eight miles of trails at Devils Postpile National Monument and can also choose to venture outside the landmark’s boundaries to the Ansel Adams Wilderness. You can visit this unique landmark between June through October.
46. Walk Around An Old Ghost Town In Bodie
Bodie was a bustling mining town in the late 1800’s filled with families, robbers, miners, store owners, gunfighters and prostitutes. It is now maintained by the California State Parks System who took over in 1962 to make it a State Historic Park.
This is one of the best preserved ghost towns in the United States. It’s a little out of the way but worth the effort to get there for sure!
47. Visit Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch literally is a forest of bottle trees! It is the creation of one man’s passion to recycle waste into art which led to a very unique roadside attraction.
Don’t be surprised to see visitors from all over the world here as word has spread about how cool this place is to visit!
Related: Visit Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch On This Los Angeles To Las Vegas Road Trip
48. Explore The Channel Islands
The Channel Islands are known as the ‘Galapagos Islands of North America’. This national park is so close to the mainland yet world’s apart, with over 100 species of flora and fauna unique to these volcanic isles.
It can be a little difficult to organize getting there but it is certainly worth the effort and makes an enjoyable break from the chaos and traffic jams of Southern California.
49. Hike To The Highest Peak In The Lower 48 States!
At 14,508ft, Mt Whitney is the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states. The only other mountain in the USA that is higher is Mt Denali in Alaska.
If you love challenges you can hike to Mt Whitney’s peak which we assure you will never forget. The trail itself is 21 miles (33km) with 6000 feet elevation gain and is a hike not to be taken lightly.
50. Tour The Elaborate Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle in Central California
Once the residence of newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, this opulent mansion is now run by California State Parks which means you can tour the 127 acres of gardens, terraces, rooms and pools which are full of Spanish and Italian antiques.
The Hearst Castle is located between Santa Barbara and San Francisco so be sure to stop for a guided tour of the castle during your Central California road trip.
Related: Hearst Castle: An Opulent Mansion On The Big Sur Coast
51. Visit Disneyland
Okay, I suppose Disneyland deserves a mention on this California bucket list seeing as though parents from around the world make it their life long mission to bring their children here to experience the magic and extravagance that is this theme park. Just be sure to bring loads of money!
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