Gabriel Rickles
There’s a reason why people can’t stop raving about California. With its stunning natural beauty, eclectic cities, and one-of-a-kind attractions, the state offers adventures and moments you simply won’t find anywhere else. Here are 15 things you absolutely can’t experience outside this sunny paradise!
Witness the Migration of Monarch Butterflies
Forget birds—how about catching a glimpse of thousands of delicate Monarch butterflies making their way along the California coast? Every fall, these little winged wonders travel hundreds of miles to overwinter in places like Pacific Grove. It’s like a real-life fairy tale, complete with fluttering orange and black royalty.
Drive Through a Tree
In Northern California’s Redwoods, the coastal redwoods are famous for their enormous size, with a few trees specially carved to allow cars to pass right through them. There are three famous drive-through trees: the Chandelier Tree in Leggett, the Shrine Drive-Thru Tree in Myers Flat, and the Tour-Thru Tree in Klamath.
Catch a Wave in Surf City, USA
You can surf in other places, but surfing in Huntington Beach is a whole different vibe. This is the birthplace of the modern surfing movement, and you’re practically obligated to say “dude” a few times while catching a wave. Even if you wipe out, you’ll be doing it in legendary style.
Tour Alcatraz and Get the Chills
This former federal prison, now a must-visit tourist attraction, sits on an island in the San Francisco Bay. The eerie halls and cells once held some of the most infamous criminals in the country. Walking those halls gives you chills that no haunted house can match. And no, they don’t offer overnight stays—yet.
Sip Wine in Napa Valley’s Finest Vineyards
Sipping a glass of cabernet in Napa Valley’s rolling vineyard is the kind of wine-tasting experience that makes you feel like royalty. With over 400 wineries, you’ll find the perfect glass to match your palate—and maybe a cheese platter, too. What’s more? You can explore the scenic vineyards on a bicycle tour.
Saunter Among the Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Sure, you can see celebrities elsewhere, but can you literally walk all over them? On Hollywood Boulevard, you’re practically tripping over stars. Spotting your favorite celebrity’s name on those iconic pink terrazzo stars feels like finding gold—California gold, that is. Make sure to take a selfie, because if you don’t, did it even happen?
Experience Death Valley’s Extreme Heat
Death Valley, the hottest place on Earth, takes scorching to a whole new level. With temperatures that can soar above 134°F (56.7°C), it’s like walking into an oven. Remember to bring plenty of water and prepare for a landscape that resembles Mars, unlike anywhere on this planet.
Experience a Real Golden Gate Sunset
If you watch the sunset over this iconic structure, it will be like staring at nature’s own light show. The fog might roll in, giving it that classic, mysterious look, but that’s only part of the experience. Just make sure to bring a jacket—San Francisco can surprise you with a chilly breeze from time to time.
Walk Through the Tallest Trees
California’s Redwoods aren’t simply tall—they’re record-breaking. Strolling through them, some of which tower over 300 feet, makes you feel like a tiny ant in nature’s own cathedral. The air is crisp, the light filters through the branches just right, and if you’re quiet, you might hear the whispers of trees that have stood for years.
Visit a “Murder House” and Other Oddities in LA
LA has history, but it is the quirky kind that involves “murder houses” and unsolved mysteries. From the infamous Black Dahlia case to ghost sightings, you can take a tour of the darker side of Hollywood. It’s spooky, it’s weird, and it’s so LA. Who knew the City of Angels had so many ghosts?
See Real Live Celebrities Shopping for Groceries
New York has its celebrity sights, but only in California can you spot a celebrity buying avocados at Whole Foods. It’s like an I-Spy game, but it offers the chance to see someone famous in their natural habitat. Remember, don’t make it weird—act cool, maybe drop a casual “Hey, love your work!” as you pass by.
Go to a Taping of Your Favorite TV Show
Ever wanted to see the magic that happened behind the scenes? California’s got you covered with live TV show tapings. Whether it’s a sitcom, a talk show, or a game show, you can be part of the live studio audience. Who knows, you might even get free swag—or, at the very least, a good story to tell.
Visit an Original In-N-Out Burger Joint
Sure, you can find In-N-Out in a few other states now, but nothing beats visiting one of the originals in the Golden State. Bite into that Double-Double Animal Style with extra fries, and you’ll know why Californians are obsessed. It’s truly a way of life. And yes, the secret menu is very real.
Ski and Surf in the Same Day
Where else can you hit the slopes and then ride the waves all in one day? Only in California can you go from shredding snow to catching surf within a couple of hours. It’s the ultimate bragging right for the adventurer who wants to do it all—and then some. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!
Tour a City with More Murals Than Walls
With murals on every corner, LA’s streets are like an open-air gallery. From Venice Beach’s famous graffiti walls to the colorful murals of the Arts District, you’ll find creative expression everywhere. So pick up your camera and prepare to take the coolest pics your Instagram feed has ever seen.
