Best time to visit
164 things to do in California
Sierra Madre Wistaria Festival
Every spring over a million purple blossoms drape from the tangled branches, and you can visit the place only during the annual Wistaria Festival
Cycling
Picturesque scenery, varied terrain, and gentle weather conditions attract cyclists to the Golden State
Scenic Road Trips
Driving along a large number of picturesque roads with stops near the highlights and most unique spots can be a perfect vacation plan
Kayaking and Canoeing
A perfect way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature
Paddleboarding (SUP)
One of the most enjoyable and fun water activities is popular all along the California coastline
Disneyland
Try avoiding busy weekends and school holidays to enjoy shorter queues in the day full of rides and fun
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
One of the world's most popular golf events unfolds annually in Northern California, attracting top pros, amateurs, and numerous celebrities
Point Reyes National Seashore
If you are looking for a stunning coastal scenery, you are on the right path
Palm Springs International Film Festival
Meet some A-list stars and attend exciting presentations and special events followed by glamourous night parties
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes
These coastal dunes are a site of interest for several unique reasons. Find out why!
Amgen Tour of California
The world's top cyclists cover hundreds of kilometres of spectacular roads and grueling passes; you'll see fascinating sprints and dramatic finishes
Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival
From monster trucks to camel races and stunning music performances to remarkable food, there's so much more to do at the fairground
Hoes Down Festival
A great place to celebrate the harvest season is Full Belly Farm where the fun never ends, especially for kids
Beach Season
A huge number of varied beaches with white sands and clear waters give you the chance to choose a perfect spot within the coastline of the Golden State
Skiing at Lake Tahoe
Magical sparkling scenery and a wide range of activities attract people to Lake Tahoe each winter
Big Sur Road Trip
Beautiful coastline, amazing forests, and gorgeous mountains—Big Sur has it all
Kiteboarding
Just choose the right season and the right spot to enjoy your favourite water activity in the Sunny State
Surfing
Amazing swells, great weather conditions, and various opportunities on dozens of ideal surfing beaches are waiting for you in the Golden State
Burney Falls
Enjoy watching the beauty and hearing the roar of this jaw-dropping, massive and powerful falls
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
This spectacular boat show is a great Christmas time family event
Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach
One of the most unique art events in the world with plenty of art treasures to observe
Sutter Buttes
Some enthusiasts try to reach the summit of the highest mountains in the world, but how about the smallest?
Bristlecone Pines
One of the longest living organisms on our planet can be found in the high mountainous regions of California
Kinetic Grand Championship
See the weirdest vehicles along the varied track or join the kinetic sculpture race and have fun
Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF)
The red carpet is rolled out, and movie stars are ready to pose in front of the cameras
Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival
This three-day event can be the most romantic escape filled with the taste of good wine, spectacular flights, and pleasant time
California State Fair
The Fair has been attracting people for over 150 years. Come and join this spectacular celebration
BottleRock Napa Valley
This music festival in Napa Valley combines amazing performances with culinary shows
Surf Dog Competition
Dog surfers from all over the country gather along the Imperial Beach and Huntington Beach shoreline to take part in surfing competitions and win the first prize. You should witness it in order to believe it
Monterey Jazz Festival
Top names of jazz gather together in one place to share their talent among real fans. Don't miss one of the greatest jazz events in the world!
Painted Dunes in Lassen Volcanic National Park
The striking colours of volcanic ash dunes are especially spectacular during glow hour
SnowGlobe Music Festival
Celebrate New Year's Eve with a cold, fresh mountain view, perfect powder, your favorite snow activities, and the world's best musicians—all in one place
BNP Paribas Open
If you are a tennis fan, this is your chance to see favorite players up close
Sea Otter Classic
Check out these fascinating racing competitions and one of the largest bike expos in the US—this event is a real celebration of cycling
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
Enjoy the sight of hundreds of beautifully decorated vessels
US Open of Surfing
If you are looking for some amazing moves on waves, this event is definitely for you
Comic-Con International
If you are a true comic fan this event should be number one on your list! Step into the world of fiction, act like your favourite hero, and meet your idols
Sequoia National Park
Visit the home of giant sequoias and discover the biggest among the biggest by sheer volume
Bubblegum Alley
Art can have various forms, and the residents of San Luis Obisco have found a new one
Tufa Towers of Mono Lake
Weird limestone creations that emerge from the lake surface attract naturalists and curious tourists. Are they natural, or is it another art installation?
Salton Sea
Visit the largest lake in California located in the desert. The Salton Sea was created due to extreme natural forces and has been changing from year to year, and may disappear in the nearest future
Devils Postpile National Monument
These unique symmetrical columns created by the forces of nature attract people from all over the world
Moro Rock Hike
Take a deep breath and start one of the most beautiful hikes to the top of this bald granite rock formation with stunning views of Sequoia National Park
Forestiere Underground Gardens
This unique manmade underground world features fruit gardens and amazing stonework
Perseid Meteor Shower
Stars begin to fall in the middle of summer—get ready to make some wishes
Bald Eagles
It is believed that the Bald Eagle symbolizes strength, courage, freedom, and immortality
Monarch Butterflies
Tens of thousands of North American monarchs head to California for their honeymoon, and wedding night falls on Valentine's Day
Monticello Dam Morning Glory Spillway
An enormous drain hole that resembles a portal to another world is especially impressive during the rainy season
Sunset at Keyhole Arch, Pfeiffer Beach
Winter in California can reveal some real magic of light
Glass Beach
Ocean is an artist able to turn rubbish into treasure—check out smooth rubies, sapphires and other jewels that used to be pieces of broken glass
Elephant Seals
These seals with elephant noses roam the ocean searching for food, and go ashore to breed and molt
Ladybug Migration in California
Everyone loves a ladybug on their hand, but imagine hundreds of thousands! This can happen near San Francisco
World's Ugliest Dog Contest
Beauty varies. Even the ugliest living being can make someone happy
Poppy Season in the Antelope Valley
After winter rains, dry hills burst with new life as billions of technicolor orange poppies bloom
Coachella
One of the biggest and most popular music festivals is a chance to meet all stars in one place
Super Bloom in Anza-Borrego Desert
This unusual phenomenon proves that even dry and harsh places like deserts are actually alive!
Heart Rock Falls
The power of water carved a heart in a solid stone. Such natural sites inspire and give hopes
Pacific Crest Trail
From Mexico to Canada or reverse, a crest of mountains follows along the western states of the USA, washed by the Pacific waters—it's one of the world's most scenic natural corridors
Sierra Nevada World Music Festival
Groove to the sweet vibes of roots reggae and world music
California International Marathon
With spectacular State Capitol Finish this marathon features an easy downhill course and can help you to qualify for the Boston Marathon
Bowling Ball Beach
Huge spherical stones lining the beach make it unique and beautiful
Black Star Canyon Hike
This remote canyon in the Santa Ana Mountains is popular with hikers and black magic followers
Cool Patch Pumpkins Corn Maze
Kick off the holiday season and get lost in the world’s largest corn maze
Long Beach Christmas Lights
Houses around Naples Island are known to put on the best displays in Southern California
Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade
A popular holiday event draws spectators from all over Silicon Valley
Enchanted Forest of Light
A magical light display in Los Angeles County
Huntington Harbour Boat Parade
A maritime extravaganza by the beach is one of the best in California
Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
A signature holiday event of Palm Springs and Coachella Valley
Winter Fest OC
Winter wonderland does exist in Southern California, you'll find it in Orange County
Calla Lily Valley & Garrapata Beach
One of the most picturesque coastal areas in Big Sur
Prewitt Ridge
Watch the sea of clouds from one of the most beautiful camps in California
Thousand Steps Beach Pools
One of the best hidden treasures of the Orange County
Surf Ranch Pro
Unbelievable surfing in California's heartland along with beach fun, music and parties
Lassen Peak Trail
Stand atop an active volcano with the largest lava dome on Earth
Howland Hill Road
Ride through towering old-growth redwoods of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Glendora Mountain Road
Alpine scenery is just an hour away from downtown Los Angeles
Whale Watching
From North to South, California observes the giant marine creatures migration every year
Halloween Events in California
Amusement parks, scary attractions and amazing costume parties throughout the state
California Fall Colors
Admire bronze and amber foliage throughout the Golden State
Tarantula Migration
Watch a fascinating natural phenomenon in California's parks and deserts
Cathedral City Hot-Air Balloon Festival
Not just balloons! A fall festival in Coachella Valley offers something for everyone
Escondido Water Lantern Festival
This unique eco-friendly event will give you a sense of magic
Wings Over Camarillo Air Show
Witness impressive flight demonstrations and aerobatics on California's Central Coast
Capital Airshow
Let the Californian sun help you relax while you enjoy this two-day extravaganza
Comic Con Revolution Ontario
The two-day family-friendly popular culture convention at Ontario Convention Center
Stargazing
If you want to escape loud city life, then stargazing in California is your thing
California Cheese Festival
Find out what wine will complement Red Hawk cheese, how the cheese is produced, and many more exciting things at California Cheese Festival
Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest
Drink beer, hit the dance floor, and have unforgettable fun at Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest in California
Antioch 4th of July Fireworks & Parade
Grab your camera because you will certainly want to remember this celebration
Caruthers District Fair
The largest and longest-running free-gate fair in the Golden State
Carlsbad Village Street Faire
Grab your little ones to celebrate life together at this awesome street fair
Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival
Fall in love with strawberries at this family-friendly event
Lake Sabrina Fall Colors
Enjoy fall foliage at one of California's most mesmerizing spots
Camarillo Christmas Parade
Camarillo Christmas Parade offers a great chance to celebrate winter with a family
Light at Sensorio
Light at Sensorio invites you to Paso Robles to enjoy several fantastic light installations, including Field of Lights and Light Towers. You will be stunned for sure!
Solvang Christmas
This Danish-style month-long Christmas celebration welcomes you to have lots of fun
Morro Bay Witches & Warlocks Paddle
Over 500 witches celebrate Halloween paddling in Morro Bay
Patterson Apricot Fiesta
Check out a long-standing tradition of the Apricot Capital of the World
Balloons Over Angel Fire Hot-Air Balloon Festival
Save the date for this Pinterest-like hot-air balloon festival!
ClovisFest & Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly
An annual ballooning celebration by the Clovis Chamber of Commerce
Estrella Warbirds Wings & Wheels
An annual Paso Robles show featuring aircraft and auto displays
Tulare County Renaissance Faire
Medieval entertainment and over 30 vendors in Visalia
Shasta Renaissance and Fantasy Faire
A great choice for your Memorial Day Weekend to remember!
Escondido Renaissance Faire
A biannual medieval festival in southern California
Kearney Renaissance Faire
Experience a Tudor-era village, full of family-friendly fun
California International Airshow Salinas
A world-class, spine-chilling, and family-oriented airshow event!
Central Coast AirFest
One of the most popular annual festivals in Santa Maria
Apple Valley Airshow
Enjoy a variety of flyby demonstrations and static aircraft displays at this show
Idyllwild Renaissance Faire
Immerse yourself in a medieval fantasy nestled in the San Jacinto mountains
Folsom Renaissance Faire
Travel back in time at this magnificent medieval fair
Subaru Newport Beach Jazz Festival
Enjoy three days of the finest jazz, R&B, and soul vibes
Northern California Renaissance Faire
The fictional village of Willingtown comes to life every fall
The Central Coast Renaissance Festival
Get a glimpse of the medieval era at this amazing Renaissance fest
Paul Bunyan Days in Fort Bragg
Deep in the heart of Fort Bragg, where the legend of Paul Bunyan comes to life
Medieval Festival of Courage
A vibrant event that harkens back to times when knights roamed the land
KVMR Celtic Festival
A fun-filled weekend fair with five musical and six demonstration stages
Healdsburg Jazz Festival
This one-of-a-kind jazz fest in California has a very special feel to it
Concord Jazz Festival
Revel in jazz tunes swirling around the amphitheater in Concord Hills and around the town's streets
Cambria Christmas Market
Book a stay at Cambria Pines Lodge and enjoy holiday magic overnight
Scottish Highland Gathering and Games
Go back to the medieval times at this one-off festival!
Novato Art, Wine & Music Festival
An all-weekend celebration of local music, craftsmanship, and wine in the North Bay Area
Mountain View Art & Wine Festival
An action-packed, multi-cultural celebration of art near Silicone Valley
Pacific Surfliner Train Trip
A comfortable trip along the coast of California, passing vibrant beaches and surf cities.
Newport Beach Film Festival
A first-class international film program during the 8-day festival contains over 300 feature and short films