Ad feature by VisitCalifornia.com
PUBLISHED: 08:50, 1 February 2024
The Golden State is the ultimate playground where anything is possible. You can hit the theme parks for the latest high-octane rides and come face-to-face with playful sea lions. Go rock climbing in the desert or hit Pacific waves at some of the world’s best surfing beaches. Immerse yourself in the wonders of space, experience Hollywood glitz and glamour, and savour the best American dishes at food stands and classic diners. From big kids to little ones, the whole family will fall in love with California.
From big kids to little ones, the whole family will fall in love with California
Experience Hollywood glitz and glamour
Home to some truly incredible theme park experiences, you’ll find the perfect place for your family. Go behind the scenes of your favourite flicks at Universal Studios Hollywood, where you can also get ready to play Mario Kart at Super Nintendo World and soak up the wonder of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Disneyland Resort is home to unending magic
Disneyland Resort is home to unending magic, where you can set sail with the Pirates of the Caribbean, battle against the First Order on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance or even team up with the Avengers.
Legoland California will capture the imagination of little ones
And Legoland California will capture the imagination of little ones, with its theme park, water park and all-new Dino Valley. Or why not go retro? At Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Giant Dipper is a rollercoaster delight, celebrating its 100th birthday this year.
Dana Point, in Orange County, is home to the greatest concentration of whales on Earth
Nothing beats those moments when you get up-close to incredible wildlife. Dana Point, in Orange County, is home to the greatest concentration of whales on Earth, from fin whales and minke whales to humpbacks and a gray whale migration.
San Diego is a city famous for its animal associations, whether you view magnificent animals in recreated natural habitats at the ever-popular San Diego Zoo or see them roam through free-range enclosures at San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Or head to the Palm Desert where you can set out on an African-style safari at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.
Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge
Between the coast, mountains, deserts and national parks, Californians love to get in touch with nature. You can join them by enjoying amazing outdoor activities, whether you’re cycling across Golden Gate Bridge or hiking to spot the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles.
Hop aboard a classic steam train on the Roaring Camp Railroads in Santa Cruz and wend your way through gigantic redwood trees in Santa Cruz, try stand-up paddleboarding at Santa Barbara or give rock-climbing a go at Joshua Tree National Park, with its namesake trees, wildflowers and incredible night skies.
Give rock-climbing a go at Joshua Tree National Park, with its namesake trees, wildflowers and incredible night skies
No matter which Californian city you visit, you’ll find family adventure. See the Space Shuttle Endeavour at LA’s California Science Center, which launched into space a whopping 25 times, and explore science at creativity at MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration & Innovation in Santa Barbara.
The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco is a natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest all rolled into one, meanwhile, over in Sacramento, the multimedia California Museum plunges you into the history and culture of the Golden State.
And don’t forget to eat! California’s rich melting pot has created a mouthwatering foodie scene, whether you’re visiting San Francisco’s Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, touring the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield or simply tucking into Surfside Donuts at Pismo Beach or a burger at retro Corvette Diner in San Diego.
Get inspiration for your California holiday at visitcalifornia.com
