1. Travel

Things to Do in California

By , About.com Guide

Read about things to do in California, from the best-rated and most popular to the hidden gems and things worth planning ahead for.
  1. Top Things to Do in California: Most Popular Places
  2. Things to Do in the Rest of California
  3. Best Beaches
  4. Free Attractions in California
  5. Things for the Whole Family to Do in California
  1. California Activities by Month
  2. Holidays and Festivals in California
  3. Worth Planning Ahead For
  4. Indulge Your Personal Interests
  5. Fabulous Places Off the Beaten Path

Top Things to Do in California: Most Popular Places

We've been there and done it. Our readers have given their opinion in polls and we've looked at what's most popular. It takes all of that to create a really useful list of the best things to do in California. Take a look at these lists of top things to do in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego.

Things to Do in the Rest of California

Maybe you've been to California before or live here. Maybe you're a contrarian vacationer who'd rather see things others miss. Or maybe you're looking for a specific place to see or thing to do in California. No matter what your motivation, there are plenty of things to see and do, no matter where you go. Check out these indexes to find some places besides the most popular ones listed above.

Best Beaches

California is famous for its beaches, but they're not all like the ones you see on television. Use these guides to find the best places to surf, stroll, play and stay, no matter where you go.

Free Attractions in California

2004 Rose Parade Float

We don't know about you, but we think free is a pretty great price. Did you know you can watch the Rose Parade for free? Or that San Francisco has free things to do among its top sights than any other California city?

Things for the Whole Family to Do in California

If your trip includes children (or if you never grew up yourself), these are some of the really fun things you can do in California. Our family travel guides include the places where we've seen families having the most fun, places our readers vote tops for family travel.

California Activities by Month

This month-by-month guide includes all the most interesting and fun races, festivals, tours, celebrations and other fun events that happen every year. We even know when the meteors are going to fall and tell you where to see them.

Holidays and Festivals in California

All year round, there's something going on in California. These guides will help you make the most of any holiday.

Worth Planning Ahead For

These annual events require advance planning for a good reason. They sell out early, but they're all fantastic things to do and well worth the trouble.

Indulge Your Personal Interests

No matter what your passion, you'll find a way to indulge it in California.

Fabulous Places Off the Beaten Path

Frankly, we're baffled about why so few people visit these places, and we're ambivalent about telling you about them. We like them a lot, but we secretly hope that you'll stay away so we can have them to ourselves.

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