Highest-rated things to do in California, according to Tripadvisor
Whether you’ve lived in California your whole life or are planning a trip there for the first time, there are plenty of things to do no matter your tastes. From historic landmarks and museums to stunning parks and hiking trails, Stacker compiled a list of the highest things to do in California on Tripadvisor.
The list includes must-see sites, unusual activities off the beaten path, iconic buildings and museums, and plenty of places you’re likely to have heard of and still others that may be new to you. Whether you’re a seasoned local or looking for something fun to do during your visit, we’ve got you covered.Counties with the worst commutes in California
Keep reading for the highest-rated things to do in California.
#30. Wilson Creek Winery
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (860 reviews)
– Category: Wineries & Vineyards
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#29. Santa Monica Pier
– Rating: 4 / 5 (18,916 reviews)
– Category: Points of Interest & Landmarks, Historic Walking Areas
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#28. San Diego Zoo
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (27,780 reviews)
– Category: Zoos
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#27. Point Lobos
– Rating: 5 / 5 (4,744 reviews)
– Category: State Parks
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#26. Newport Beach
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,446 reviews)
– Category: Beaches
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#25. Pfeiffer Beach
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,345 reviews)
– Category: Beaches
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#24. Third Street Promenade
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (6,098 reviews)
– Category: Shopping Malls
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#23. South Carlsbad State Beach
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,744 reviews)
– Category: Beaches
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#22. Emerald Bay State Park
– Rating: 5 / 5 (882 reviews)
– Category: Bodies of Water
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#21. The Gondola at Heavenly
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2,394 reviews)
– Category: Trams, Ski & Snowboard Areas
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#20. Griffith Observatory
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (20,270 reviews)
– Category: Observatories & Planetariums
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#19. West Cliff Drive
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,319 reviews)
– Category: Scenic Drives, Scenic Walking Areas
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#18. The Getty Villa
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2,486 reviews)
– Category: Speciality Museums
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#17. 26-Mile Bike Path
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,463 reviews)
– Category: Biking Trails, Scenic Walking Areas
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#16. Glacier Point
– Rating: 5 / 5 (4,561 reviews)
– Category: Geologic Formations
– Read more on Tripadvisor
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#15. California State Railroad Museum
– Rating: 5 / 5 (2,759 reviews)
– Category: Speciality Museums
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#14. La Jolla Cove
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (13,461 reviews)
– Category: Beaches, Parks
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#13. Santa Monica State Beach
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (6,705 reviews)
– Category: State Parks, Beaches
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#12. The Hess Collection Winery & Art Museum
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (998 reviews)
– Category: Wineries & Vineyards, Art Museums
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#11. Aquarium of the Pacific
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (3,170 reviews)
– Category: Aquariums
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#10. Municipal Rose Garden
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (599 reviews)
– Category: Gardens
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#9. 17-Mile Drive
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (12,460 reviews)
– Category: Scenic Drives
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#8. Santa Barbara County Courthouse
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2,968 reviews)
– Category: Historic Sites, Points of Interest & Landmarks
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#7. Monterey Bay Aquarium
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (14,119 reviews)
– Category: Aquariums
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#6. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (9,196 reviews)
– Category: Trams
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#5. Disney California Adventure Park
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (15,494 reviews)
– Category: Amusement & Theme Parks, Disney Parks & Activities
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#4. Pacific Coast Highway
– Rating: 5 / 5 (1,641 reviews)
– Category: Scenic Drives
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#3. USS Midway Museum
– Rating: 5 / 5 (24,859 reviews)
– Category: Speciality Museums
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#2. Alcatraz Island
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (55,320 reviews)
– Category: Historic Sites, National Parks
– Read more on Tripadvisor
#1. The Getty Center
– Rating: 5 / 5 (14,501 reviews)
– Category: Speciality Museums
– Read more on Tripadvisor
