40 Bucket List Things To Do In California

As I’m currently planning my third trip to California, It got me thinking about some of the most amazing bucket list things to do whilst in The Golden State. These include both bucket list items I’ve been fortunate to have already done, plan to do so on my next trip or hopefully in the future. Hopefully this post will also give you some inspiration of things to do whether you are just visiting one of California’s big cities or road trippin’ down Pacific Coast Highway.

California offers a diverse range of experiences. From stunning national parks like Yosemite and Joshua Tree to iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Hollywood, the state captivates with natural beauty and cultural richness. Its vibrant cities, world-class beaches, wine regions, and outdoor adventures make it a truly remarkable destination. Here are 40 Bucket List Things To Do In California, USA.

Drive along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway

Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most scenic roads in the world. From San Francisco to San Diego, drive along 600 miles of incredible coastline stopping off at places like Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Morro Bay and Los Angeles. We are partially driving from San Francisco to LA in September and after previously doing this route, I’m so excited. The coastline of California is something to truly marvel at.

Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic views in San Franciso. The Bridge stands overlooking the bay is approx 1.7miles long and takes about 40 minutes to walk each way. You can drive, walk or opt for a bus tour – However, renting a bike to cross would be a pretty incredible bucket list thing to do!

Explore the beautiful Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is personally one of the most incredible places I’ve visited. The beauty of the National Park is something else and you could really spend a couple of days exploring the area. It’s majestic waterfalls, towering granite cliffs, and ancient sequoia trees leave visitors in awe.

 

Discover the Highlights of Big Sur

Big Sur is a stretch of rugged coastline in Central California on Pacific Coast Highway 1 and it’s truly a dreamy coastal paradise. This stretch boasts rugged cliffs, turquoise waters, and lush redwood forests. Bixby Bridge, Pfiffer Big Sur State Park, Pfiffer Beach and McWay Falls are all highlights of Big Sur and why not stop by Nepenthe for a spot of lunch with a view.

Walk along the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles

Hollywood isn’t for everyone. I wasn’t completely enthralled by the Walk of Fame but it’s an iconic part of Los Angeles and a must visit at least once in a lifetime. Hollywood Boulevard is lined with brass stars given to famous actors, actresses and celebrities. Fun Fact: I actually saw Eddie Murphy get his star in 1996. The Dolby Theatre, TCL Chinese Theatre and El Capitan Theatres are all nearby.

Take a boat trip across to Alcatraz Island, San Francisco

One of the most popular things to do in San Francisco is to visit Alcatraz Island. The former federal penitentiary once housed notorious criminals like Al Capone. Explore the prison’s chilling cells and learn about escape attempts through captivating audio tours. It’s also a great place to get incredible views over San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Booking in advance is completely necessary as it’s always fully booked!

Experience the magic at Disneyland, California

Of course, I was going to include Disneyland in this list! I always mange to squeeze in a bit of Disney wherever I am! Disneyland in California is the original Disney park and is the only park which Walt Disney oversaw the opening. This makes it even more special as they have original rides from the opening in 1955. There is now two parks; Disneyland and California Adventure with so much to see & do, I’d recommend at least two days to visit both parks.

Go Wine Tasting in Napa Valley

Wine tasting in Napa Valley is up there on my California bucket list. Sadly, I don’t have a trip planned but it’s one for the future as I’d love to be able to explore California’s premier wine region and its rolling hills of lush vineyards.

Explore the Picturesque coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea

One of my favourite places on the Californian Coast is Carmel-By-The-Sea. This might change on my next trip but Carmel really did capture my heart. It was such a charming place with fairytale like cottages and a beautiful beach! Carmel is at one end of the 17 mile drive which is another highlight of the Californian Coast.

Attend a live taping of a TV Show in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is known for being the epicentre of all things film, movies and TV. Why not attend a live taping of a TV show?! Jimmy Kimmel, The Voice and The Talk are all taped in LA. Previously The Ellen Show and The Late Show with James Cordon was a hot ticket. I actually went to a taping of James Cordon where Kim Kardashian was a guest. I got my tickets through 1iota who also supply tickets for NYC tapings (also where I got tickets for the taping of the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rockefeller).

Go Surfing in Huntington Beach, otherwise known as Surf City USA

Surfing on the California Coat is certainly on my Bucket List. I have never been surfing in my life so it would be interesting, but a surfing lesson in Surf City USA (Huntington Beach) would be pretty cool! Surf City USA has 10 miles of wide open sandy beaches making it a great spot for surfing on the Pacific Coast.

Take a ferry to Catalina Island for a day trip

Catalina Island is accessible via ferry from the California coast and transports you into a Mediterranean oasis. The island boasts crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere. There’s plenty to do and see on Catalina Island and it a makes a great day excursion. The ferry ride is an hour and can be taken from Long Beach, Dana Point and San Pedro daily.

Go Skiing or Snowboarding in Lake Tahoe

Skiing or Snowboarding in California?! That’s right, California does have snow! There is 15 ski resorts in Lake Tahoe where you can base yourself whilst enjoying 867 kilometres of slopes. The resorts open around November and close at end of April with February having the heaviest snow.

Attend Coachella or Stage Coach Music Festival in Palm Springs

Coachella is up there with being one of the most iconic music festivals in the world. It’s certainly been a dream of mine to attend Coachella which is held at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. The year Beyoncé headlined was iconic. Usually the week after Coachella is Stage Coach Festival which held in the same spot but its aimed at Country Music fans. To be honest, this might be more my bag but either would truly be bucket list items.

Go whale watching in Monterey Bay

Whale watching from Monterey is a mesmerising experience that brings you up close to some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures. Board a boat tour from Fisherman’s Wharf and be in with a chance of spotting some incredible marine wildlife. When I did the boat trip, it was quite a long trip out and I felt very peaky but it was worth it to catch a glimpse of some whales in their natural habitat. If you’re lucky you may also dolphins, sea otters and much more!

Watch sunset from Griffith’s Observatory

I’m obsessed with a good sunset. The California coast gets the best sunsets and I particularly enjoyed the view from the Griffith’s Observatory. You have a bird’s eye view over Los Angeles which is truly stunning at sunset. The Griffith’s Observatory also offers you a decent look at the Hollywood sign. You can also visit the Observatory which is home to telescopes, exhibitions and live shows in the planetarium. I believe there is free public telescopes to use but tickets are required for other parts of the observatory.

Attend a live concert at the Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles

The Hollywood Bowl is a pretty damn cool outdoor venue in Los Angeles. Sadly there has been no live act which has caught my eye on my trips to LA which I’d have loved to see. Hopefully one day in the future I’ll be able to attend a live concerts at the Hollywood Bowl.

Visit the Sea lions at Pier 39, San Francisco

I could watch the Sea Lions at Pier 39 in San Francisco for literally hours. In fact, I think i did stand there for two hours just watching them. Pier 39 are a favourite spot for a colony of sunbathing and barking Sea Lions. They are pretty entertaining to watch and see pretty up close.

Hike in Yosemite National Park

Hiking isn’t really my thing but I’d love to push myself and do a hiking trail Yosemite National Park. As mentioned before Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful places. Surround yourself in natural beauty and get the walking boots out.

Visit the historic Hearst Castle in San Simeon

Hearst Castle is like stepping into a grand European estate, however you’re in Central California! This opulent mansion, once owned by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, showcases stunning architecture, lavish interiors, and exquisite art collections. There’s apparently Zebras on the estate, however when I visited I didn’t see them!

 

Witness the breathtaking landscapes of Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park has been in the news recently for the insane temperatures. Whilst this is on my bucket list, preferably I’d like to visit in Winter! Visiting Death Valley is a surreal adventure into a vast desert landscape, captivating with its extreme beauty and unique natural wonders. It’s also the lowest, hottest, and driest national park in North America.

Visit the famous Santa Monica Pier and ride the Ferris wheel

No trip to Los Angeles would be complete without venturing to Santa Monica Pier. The Pier offer glorious views over the coastline and Pacific Park has some great rides including the ferris wheel and rollercoaster. I think it’s just iconic to visit Santa Monica Pier which is also the end point to Route 66!

Visit the beautiful coastal city of Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is somewhere I wish I’d been able to spend more time in. I’ve not fully explored the city and would love to do so. It looks like such a lovely place with Spanish style buildings and palm tree lined streets. We have a day pencilled in for our September trip but I don’t think it’ll be no where near enough!

Explore the vibrant food scene in San Francisco’s Chinatown

Chinatown in San Francisco is the oldest Chinatown in North America and it’s well-renowned for it’s vibrant foodie scene. Since 1962, San Francisco’s legendary Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory has been making custom fortune cookies by hand and is a must see! If you’re a big foodie like we are, a visit to San Francisco’s Chinatown needs to be on your California Bucket List.

Visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is the most renowned aquarium in the USA and I’ve got to say I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. It’s slightly on the pricey side of things but it’s worth a visit. The Aquarium is a leader in science education and a global voice for ocean conservation through active programs in marine science and public policy. They also have some very cute sea otters!

Explore the unique landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park at night for stargazing

Joshua Tree National Park is where the Mojave and Colorado deserts collid. Here is an ideal spot at night for stargazing above the iconic Joshua Trees and granite boulders. It’s an excellent spot for taking photos and there are also plenty ranger led programs to learn about constellations. There seems like there is no better place for stargazing. Additionally, not too far from Joshua Tree National Park is Pioneertown, a Western movie set turned town. The vintage Western vibes can certainly provide a great backdrop for photos!

Explore the charming town of Sausalito, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco

Saulsalito is located just on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge and is the most charming little community. The town offers stunning views over the San Francisco Bay and plenty of cute little shops and restaurants. We actually spent Thanksgiving 2017 in Sausalito and enjoyed an incredible Thanksgiving meal with a view at The Trident.

Explore the vibrant neighbourhoods of San Diego

Another place I absolutely felt in love with in California is San Diego. There is so many vibrant neighbourhoods to visit in the city and so much to see and do, We were based in the Gaslamp Quarter where there was so many bars & restaurants. Little Italy boasts a vibrant food scene with authentic Italian eateries and farmers’ markets. Balboa Park’s cultural heart features museums, gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. My favourite neighbourhood of San Diego was La Jolla with it’s enchanting coastline and upscale vibe. Each neighborhood presents a unique blend of experiences, making San Diego a city with something for everyone.

Go window shopping on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills

Experience how the rich and famous live in Beverly Hills and do spot of window shopping on Rodeo Drive. You can find all the top designers with their swish stores on this road. You could certainly spend a pretty penny on Rodeo Drive but if you’re budget doesn’t stretch there’s always window shopping. This is a great place for people watching too.

Ride a Cable Car around San Francisco

Cable Cars are an absolute must do when visiting San Francisco and it’s something I haven’t done yet! The city has so many hills and the cable car network is an ideal way to get around. The Cable Cars look like so much fun, however long lines can form.

Visit the State Capitol Building in Sacremento

The California state capital is actually Sacremento. The city has a blend of history, culture, modernity and of course the state capitol building. When visiting you can witness legislative sessions and tour the captivating museum.

See the Lone Cypress Tree along the 17 Mile Drive

The 17 Mile Drive is a great bucket list item when visiting California. Located between Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea is this scenic 17 Mile Drive where you can see the Lone Cypress which is one of the most photographed trees in the world. The drive also takes you through Pebble Beach Golf Course which is in a pretty iconic location. It’s also a great spot for some lunch!

Go kayaking in the beautiful Lake Tahoe

During the Summer months, Lake Tahoe is such a beautiful region for outdoor activities including kayaking on the mesmerising waters and epic alpine views. It’s been noted that Lake Tahoe is a world class kayaking destination.

Visit the newly opened Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios, Hollywood

Another must visit theme park in California is Universal Studios in Hollywood. They have recently just opened Super Nintendo World which is a very exciting opening. Universal Studios also has their famous Studio Tour which take visitors on a tram ride around working studio lots. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter can also be found in Universal Studios Hollywood.

Explore the canals of Venice

Did you know Los Angeles had its very own Venice Canals? Located in the Venice Beach area there is a whole canal network which are ever so picturesque. You might recognised them for featuring in a few movies such as Valentine’s Day.

Admire art at the Getty Center in Los Angeles

The Getty Center in Los Angeles showcases a vast collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts with gorgeous gardens and lush landscapes. Perched atop a hill in the Brentwood neighbourhood of West Los Angeles The Getty Center offers incredible views over the whole city.

Have Brunch on Malibu Pier with gorgeous ocean views

Malibu is a stunning upmarket area just north of Los Angeles. The houses in this area are INCREDIBLE. Malibu Pier is still used as a fishing pier but you can have lunch at Malibu Farm Pier Cafe. The menu looks delicious and you can’t beat these ocean views.

Experience the Danish-style architecture of Solvang

Visiting Solvang is like stepping into a charming European village nestled in the heart of California’s wine country. This Danish-inspired town boasts quaint windmills, half-timbered buildings, and flower-lined streets, evoking a cozy atmosphere. Definitely one to add to the bucket list!

Hike to the Hollywood Sign

I’m sure this hike will be worth it when you get to experience views over Los Angeles. The Hollywood Hills Hike takes you up to the infamous Hollywood sign. I think it would be pretty epic to get this close to the sign. There is plenty of different hikes and viewpoints to see the sign, I’m hoping to give one a bash in September.

Experience every sunset possible on the Californian Coast

Finally, this is an ongoing bucket list item. Whilst visiting California, it’s a must to see as many sunsets as possible. There’s no place like California to see picturesque golden skies over the ocean. The photo above is at Venice Beach and I just can’t wait for some epic sunsets in California.

I’d love to hear how many of these bucket list items you’ve already done, what you’d like to do and if you have plans to visit California. Stay tuned on my blog and socials for more California content coming soon!

XOXO