The Ultimate California Bucket List for Families
California is one of the most popular states for family vacations. This is largely because it has a ton to offer! You could go to California year after year and visit a new destination each time. But this also can make it hard to plan your California vacations. After all, there are a lot of places – and experiences – to choose from. That’s why creating a California bucket list is so helpful.
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What’s on Your California Bucket List?
Whether you’re visiting California or have lived there for years, there’s always a hidden gem or two that you probably haven’t seen yet. Creating a bucket list is as simple as grabbing a sheet of paper (or pulling up a note on your phone) and listing attractions you want to visit.
Your California bucket list will constantly change and grow, and that’s okay! Let the kids (and spouse) contribute, too. Part of the fun of marking things off your bucket list is knowing you can add more at any time. You’ll never run out of places to visit.
Ahead, we’ll outline the top things to do in both Northern and Southern California. We’ve got everything from national parks to theme parks, wineries, aquariums, and everything in between. Let’s get California dreamin’!
Northern California Bucket List
Are you planning a Northern California getaway? This vast region has natural beauty, inspiring experiences, and fun adventures. After all, this is where you’ll find wine country, a multitude of national and state parks, scenic beaches, and a road trip worthy of any bucket list.
Northern California Destinations
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is one of the best places to visit in Northern California because it offers a little bit of everything. Come in the winter for skiing and snowboarding, or visit in the summer to enjoy fun water activities, like kayaking and swimming.
South Lake Tahoe also offers some great things to do. Try out trendy restaurants, step into a casino, or explore the many shops. The mountain town is steps away from the outdoor adventures ideal for families and couples.
Napa Valley
Many people can’t imagine a trip to Northern California without exploring wine country. Napa Valley is the ultimate destination for wine tasting, but there’s plenty to do for any traveler.
Check out their bike trails, hot springs, and trendy restaurants. There are also train tours of Napa Valley and kid-friendly activities like hot air balloon rides, farm tours, and safaris. Of course, there are nearly 500 wineries to enjoy here, so book one of the many wine tours before you go.
Northern California National Parks
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is on most California bucket lists because of its natural beauty. The vast area is ripe for exploration, and you could easily spend a full vacation at this destination.
Yosemite has more than 750 miles of hiking trails, many leading to massive waterfalls, sweeping vistas, and fantastic mountain views. El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall… There are so many iconic spots.
This is also an excellent place for summertime water activities, like rafting, swimming, and fishing. In the winter, Badger Pass Ski Area has snow sports for all levels and interests.
Redwood National and State Parks
Many nature enthusiasts dream of seeing the tallest trees on Earth, a dream that leads them to Redwood Parks in Northern California. Here, redwood trees stretch taller than the Statue of Liberty, and wildlife abounds.
Take a scenic drive through the shade of redwood trees and then explore the Northern California shoreline. We recommend the Fern Canyon hike – on a sunny day, you can even see the canyon walls sparkle.
Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks
If you’ve seen the towering Redwood trees, you must also see the massive Sequoia trees growing along California’s Sierra Nevada slopes. Sequoia National Park is home to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks operate as one, and they’re wonderful places to hike, picnic, and enjoy nature.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore is a 71,028-acre protected area with more than 30 beaches, 150 miles of hiking trails, and more than 1500 species of plants and animals. This is a haven for outdoor explorers.
The Point Reyes Lighthouse is one of our favorite spots within the national seashore. It’s the ultimate sport for whale watching, and the drive to get there is beautiful. The beaches are fantastic for walking along the shoreline and watching wildlife.
True adventurers can hike to Alamere Falls, a coastal waterfall on many Northern California bucket lists.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
If you’re interested in volcanoes, Lassen Volcanic National Park is the place for you. See numerous volcano sites, lava rock fields, and steaming vents.
This is a popular destination year-round, as there are winter and summer activities here. The hot springs are a sight to see, and there are many lakes for swimming in warm weather.
Northern California Attractions
Glass Beach – Fort Bragg
You may have seen Glass Beach on Instagram or travel sites, and it’s an easy addition to any California bucket list. This beautiful shoreline is covered in small, smooth pieces of glass. They look like colorful pebbles, but it’s trash that has been made smooth and beautiful by the ocean’s power.
The amount of glass you’ll see on your visit depends on tides and other factors, but even without loads of sea glass, you can still have a great time here. There are tide pools to explore, and the whole family will have a blast searching for sea creatures and glass.
Tomales Bay
Tomales Bay is a fantastic place to experience the marshy, breezy atmosphere of the Northern California coastline.
See multiple species of seabirds while relaxing in a serene environment. There are also hiking trails, swimming areas, and picnic spots.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Did you know that the Monterey Bay Aquarium inspired the setting for Disney/Pixar’s Finding Dory? You can see this in real life by heading to Monterey Bay, California, one of our favorite California family vacation spots.
The aquarium has a great setting right by the ocean, and it boasts hundreds of displays. See sharks and sardines, otters and stingrays, and even Pacific Blue Tangs, just like Dory!
Beyond the Aquarium, Monterey Bay has fun family attractions and beautiful beaches.
Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle is a beautiful place to visit in California. The scenic hilltop estate boasts 115 rooms, guest houses, and spacious gardens. You can’t stay in Hearst Castle (as neat as that would be!), but you can tour various rooms and the beautiful grounds.
Tours allow you to see a real-life castle and step back in time to the 1930s when Hearst Castle was bustling with famous guests and upscale soirees.
Hearst Castle and its nearby coastal town of San Simeon is right off the Pacific Coast Highway, about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. It’s a perfect addition to your California bucket list.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
There’s something magical about an old-fashioned boardwalk amusement park, and Santa Cruz has one of the best ones anywhere.
Since 1907, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has welcomed families for thrilling rides, classic fair food, entertainment, and games – all steps away from the Pacific Ocean.
Admission into the boardwalk is free, so you can stop and grab a bite to eat and enjoy the unique energy of the park.
To make your California bucket list complete, take a ride on the century-old wooden roller coaster and check out some of the many attractions and rides that make this spot so memorable.
San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz
San Francisco is one of the most popular places to visit in California, and for good reason. This is where you’ll find the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
The Golden Gate Bridge has a visitors center, walking paths, and the opportunity to cross it on bus, bike, foot, or car. The surrounding grounds are a great place to take in the natural beauty of San Francisco and take a picture with one of the most iconic landmarks in the country.
Afterward, head to Alcatraz Island, where you can tour this historic landmark’s former military fort and federal prison.
Both Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge are part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and you can easily see both attractions in one day.
Muir Woods
Muir Woods is the perfect place to return to nature, whether on a family vacation or a relaxed couples getaway. Most people come to walk among the Redwood Trees, but the forest is teeming with lush greenery, interesting critters, and little surprises along the way.
Pacific Coast Highway
One of our favorite things to do in California is drive on the Pacific Coast Highway. After all, no bucket list is complete without a classic road trip.
This 1,650-mile route stretches from Washington’s Olympic National Park to the US-Mexico border. Don’t worry, you don’t have to complete the entire scenic route to experience the adventure and beauty of the PCH.
Focusing on the portion that runs through Northern California will allow for the best time, as you’ll go through quaint coastal towns, top beach cities, and redwood forests.
Big Sur, McWay Falls, and the Cypress Tree Tunnel are some of the best spots along the Central Coast section. But there are so many others, so buckle up and see where the highway takes you!
The Ultimate Southern California Bucket List
Southern California is one of the best road trip spots in the US, but what do you do once you get there? There’s so much to explore, you may find yourself extending your trip by a few days.
Do you want to visit all the beaches? Maybe you’re an adrenaline junkie and theme parks are more your thing. No matter what, Southern California is diverse and offers endless entertainment, so you will never run out of ideas and places to visit.
Southern California Beaches
Southern California has many beautiful beaches, and all of the ones we’ve visited have been family-friendly. Our favorites have breathtaking ocean views, are fairly easy to get to, and offer photo ops of palm trees, sea life, and more.
Did you know you can camp on the beach? Try it some time, but be sure you plan ahead because the beaches can get crowded, especially during the summer and holidays.
La Jolla Cove
Families like ours love this beach because of its easy access, plentiful free parking, and the Children’s Pool. There aren’t many places to watch seals and sea lions interact like this outside of a zoo or other controlled setting.
La Jolla Cove is home to sea lions who love to bathe in the sun. There are several small beaches along the cove that are perfect for setting up your beach towels for the day. This is one of the best spots to visit near San Diego!
Pro Tip: If you can’t find a decent parking spot, park up the street and rent scooters to ride down. It’ll only cost you a few bucks for 15 minutes and can save you hundreds of steps. Scooters are only for grown-ups, though, as most have an age requirement of 18 years or older.
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is a lively historic landmark offering something for the whole family. The Ferris Wheel provides stunning views of the coastline, especially at sunset.
You can also check out Pacific Park, which has carnival rides, funfair food, and games. Of course, you can’t beat a relaxed stroll along the entire boardwalk.
For a unique experience, visit the Museum of Flying. You can also rent bikes and explore nearby beaches like Sorrento Beach and Venice Beach. Santa Monica Pier is an iconic spot perfect for family fun, beach lovers, and anyone seeking an oceanfront adventure.
Laguna Beach
Known for its tide pools, Laguna Beach is home to hermit crabs, anemones, and more. My family enjoys the tide pools at Rockpile Beach.
Make sure you ride the Laguna Beach Trolley. Offering spectacular views of Laguna Beach, the trolley is FREE and enjoyable for the whole family. The trolley offers many photo opportunities, so be sure to keep your camera or phone nearby.
Southern California Theme Parks
Everyone knows about Disney, but have you visited California’s other theme parks? They’re worth a trip as a family, and some are more affordable (and less crowded) than Disney.
If you visit Disney, be sure to check out the food spots in Anaheim before or after your visit. Disney food is great, of course, but if you want to save a few bucks, that’s how you do it!
Knott’s Berry Farm
California’s first theme park wasn’t Disney, it was Knott’s! Knott’s Berry Farm is a family favorite, and people drive from all over the country to visit.
Knott’s has enough to do that you can spend the whole day there. You can save money on tickets if you buy them online, so check their website before you head out.
Knott’s Scary Farm has you covered if your family loves being scared. Open September through November on select nights, this haunted attraction is SPOOKY and best suited for kids 13 years or older.
LEGOLAND
Water parks, aquariums, and LEGOs, oh my! Visiting LEGOLAND is always a treat because there is something new to see every single time.
California residents get special discounts, so check the website before visiting LEGOLAND. There’s something for everyone, from thrilling rides to creative play zones. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring the interactive exhibits.
The LEGO Kingdoms and Pirate’s Cove provide super fun, immersive experiences. For a more relaxing time, visit the LEGO-themed gardens and admire the sculptures throughout the park. LEGOLAND Water Park is the perfect place to cool off during the hot summer.
Adventure City
Truly a hidden gem in Southern California, Adventure City has roller coasters, a petting zoo, rock climbing, and more. Parking is free, and admission is a fraction of the cost of the big theme parks.
Adventure City is the perfect spot for a birthday party, too. With a range of fun rides, the park is ideal for younger kids. It’s small but packed with family-friendly attractions that won’t overwhelm you.
Southern California Destinations
Palm Springs
This desert oasis 100 miles outside Los Angeles is a gem of the Golden State. No wonder Palm Springs was once a weekend hideaway for Hollywood’s rich and famous!
Today, it’s known for mid-century architecture, hot springs, and panoramic mountain views. Many luxury resorts and year-round sunshine make it the perfect escape.
Some top experiences in Palm Springs include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. It’s the best way to see the San Jacinto Mountains! The Living Desert Zoo and the vintage shops on Palm Canyon Drive are other unique things to do here.
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is to Southern California what Lake Tahoe is to Northern California. It’s a year-round mountain retreat in the San Bernardino Mountains just 2 hours drive from Los Angeles.
Alpine forests, ski resorts, and Big Bear village surround this beautiful fish-filled lake. In the summer months, Big Bear Lake is a great spot for hiking, fishing, and sailing.
Winter is a good time to visit for all snowy activities. Bear Mountain Ski Resort has amazing terrain parks for families. Beginner skiers and snowboarders will feel right at home here!
San Diego
Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument is the best place for sweeping skyline views on the edge of San Diego Bay on Point Loma. It’s named after Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot on the West Coast in 1542. This monument celebrates California’s history and draws attention to the Pacific Coast’s natural beauty!
One of the best things to do at the Cabrillo National Monument is to explore the tide pools. Starfish, anemones, and crabs all live in these shallow puddles.
Hike to the Cabrillo Monument and lighthouse and check out the visitor center. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see whales swimming in the distance.
Mission Beach and Belmont Park
San Diego has many vibrant neighborhoods, but Mission Beach is one of the best. It’s where you’ll find the surf culture that San Diego is known for as well as a classic boardwalk and sandy shores.
Locals and visitors alike love the variety of outdoor activities in Mission Beach. On any given day, you can see rollerblading, biking, and beach volleyball.
Without a doubt, Belmont Park is a top attraction in Mission Beach. This amusement park opened in 1925 and its iconic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster is still serving thrills 100 years later! It’s also a great base for exploring the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld.
Southern California National Parks
California currently boasts nine national parks. This is more than any other state – even Alaska! Each has its own distinct landscape. Whereas Northern California has more lush forests and mountains, the deserts of the south offer a unique experience.
Joshua Tree National Park
Named after the twisted Joshua trees (fun fact: not actual trees!), this national park is known for its scenic desert landscape. It was established as a national monument in 1936 and designated a national park in 1994.
This park straddles both the Mojave and Colorado deserts, spanning over 800,000 acres of giant boulders and desert fauna. Throw in dazzling starry skies and Joshua Tree National Park is a truly special place!
Visitors can explore Hidden Valley, Arch Rock, and Barker Dam. The Cholla Cactus Garden, in particular, is a great part of the park to explore with kids. In fact, people of all ages will love climbing the boulders and stargazing. It’s the perfect place for an RV trip to stay as close to the park as possible overnight.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park – if you couldn’t tell from the name – is a place of extremes. It’s simultaneously the hottest, driest, and lowest National Park in the U.S..
Badwater Basin is actually the lowest point in North America, measuring 282 ft (86 m) below sea level. Like Joshua Tree, Death Valley was also established in 1994 but at 3.4 million acres, it’s a lot bigger!
Despite its somewhat unwelcoming title, Death Valley National Park deserves a spot on any California bucket list. Families will love exploring Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and driving along the dirt roads. Zabriskie Point, Dante’s View, and Artist’s Palette are three incredible vistas you can’t miss.
Channel Islands National Park
Just north of Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles is “the Galapagos of North America.” These five islands – Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara – comprise a natural habitat home to over 2,000 animal and plant species.
One hundred and fifty of them are found nowhere else in the world! Since the only way to visit is by boat or plane, this is the least-visited California national park.
Anyone who makes the effort to visit will be rewarded with dozens of fun outdoor activities. Pot Elephant seals, dolphins, sea lions, and whales from your boat ride to the islands.
Kayaking through sea caves and hiking along cliffside paths should be on your adventure bucket list. Splash in the tide pools on Scorpion Beach and spot Anacapa Island Lighthouse.
Southern California Museums
Balboa Park
One of the best things to do in San Diego is to spend some time in Balboa Park. It’s a cultural and architectural haven in the city with tons of Spanish-style buildings, gardens, and museums. Established in 1868, it’s one of the oldest urban parks in the U.S. and stretches 1,200 acres.
San Diego Zoo is, of course, a highlight of Balboa Park. It’s a must-do on any family California bucket list. But there are 18 other museums! Museum of Us, Fleet Science Center, and the San Diego Natural History Museum are other top choices.
Pretend City Children’s Museum
What I love about the Pretend City Museum is that it’s “the world in a nutshell,” teaching children how the real world works, through educational play. This interactive museum is designed like a mini city, complete with a grocery store, post office, bank, café, and even a construction zone.
Little ones get to step into real-world roles, like cashiers, doctors, firefighters, and chefs, helping them develop critical thinking and social skills.
Kids will learn math, reading, and science skills without even realizing it because they’re busy playing and using their imaginations! It’s a must-visit destination for families looking to mix fun and education in an engaging environment.
California Science Center
Located in Los Angeles, the California Science Center is fun for kids of all ages. It’s hands-on exhibits cover such a wide range of topics, so they’re bound to find a topic they’ll find interesting.
Learn about ecosystems, the life process of living things, human inventions, aerospace, and more. There are live animal exhibits and opportunities to conduct real experiments.
One of the biggest highlights is the Space Shuttle Endeavour, where families can get an up-close look at a real spacecraft. There’s also an IMAX theater showing stunning educational films that will leave an impression. Even better, the California Science Center offers free general admission to its permanent exhibits.
Hollywood
TV Show Tapings
Visit Hollywood to watch a live taping of a TV show. There are three studios in Hollywood, with others in Burbank, Los Angeles, and Studio City. The shows available will depend on the time of year you’re visiting.
Tickets for TV tapings are usually free, but you have to reserve them. Visit sites like 1iota, On-Camera Audiences, or TVTix to see what is available.
Despite having a ticket, you still may not get in. Studios tend to give out too many to ensure they fill all the seats! Arrive 60-90 minutes early to grab a good spot.
Hollywood Sign Hike
Let’s face it, you can sometimes feel like you’re spending all your time driving in Los Angeles! Stretch your legs with a short hike to the iconic Hollywood sign. Along the way, you’ll walk through scenic landscapes and enjoy the views over the City of Stars.
One of the easiest hikes is the 3-mile Mount Hollywood Trail from the Griffith Observatory. Brush Canyon Trail is a little bit more challenging but all routes are rewarding.
Bronson Canyon
Bronson Canyon, also known as the “Bat Cave,” is located near Hollywood in Griffith Park. Many places in Los Angeles are used for filming locations, but Bronson Canyon prolifically appears on the big screen!
Even if you don’t make it to the town of Hollywood itself, the kids will love seeing where Batman, Little House on the Prairie, and dozens more movies and shows were filmed.
It’s completely free to visit and a great place to escape the city’s crowds.
Hollywood Bowl Museum
The Hollywood Bowl Museum celebrates the history of Los Angeles’ most famous outdoor music venue. Located on-site, it offers exhibits on legendary performances, iconic artists, and the Bowl’s evolution. Visitors can see memorabilia, vintage posters, and even instruments from past shows.
Admission is free, which makes it a great stop before a concert or as a standalone visit. You can attend a live rehearsal by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra or LA Philharmonic during the busy concert season, which is June through September. You can also attend a sing-a-long. How fun!
Unmissable Attractions for Your Ultimate California Bucket List
We could never list every attraction in California, but we hope this list will get you started on your family adventure. From stunning beaches, epic road trips, and unmissable national parks, California truly offers something for everyone. What’s on your California bucket list?