15 Best Unique Things to do in California in 2025

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From redwood groves in Northern California to sun-splashed coves in Southern California, the Golden State is packed with the most unique things to do in the United States this year. Think tide-pooling at La Jolla Cove, wine tasting in Napa Valley, and desert stargazing near Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley (the lowest point in North America).

In the cities, San Francisco blends the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, and historic Alcatraz Island with world-class dining; Los Angeles boasts the Hollywood Sign, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, and Universal Studios Hollywood; San Diego offers Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and coastal state park trails. Charming coastal towns like Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, Long Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Fort Bragg (home to Glass Beach) make a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway a great time for the whole family.

Inland, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Kings Canyon National Park in the Sierra Nevada promise granite domes, giant sequoias, waterfalls, and hot springs—a perfect place for seekers of hidden gems and unusual places.

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Know Before You Go

• Plan smart routes. The best way to see the best places is to group regions: (1) San Francisco + Central California coast (Santa Cruz Mountains, Pismo Beach), (2) Los Angeles/Orange County (Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach), (3) San Diego (Balboa Park, La Jolla Cove, tide pools, live music in the downtown area), (4) Sierra Nevada parks (Yosemite Valley, Sequoia, Kings Canyon), (5) deserts (Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley, Salton Sea), (6) islands & ports (Catalina Island, Queen Mary in Long Beach, San Pedro).

• Book ahead. Popular national parks like Yosemite National Park may require timed-entry reservations or parking permits. The America the Beautiful pass is a good idea if you’ll visit multiple parks.

• Beat the crowds. Arrive early for parking lot space at coastal viewpoints, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Golden Gate Bridge overlooks, and Yosemite Valley trailheads.

• Pack for microclimates. Fog in San Francisco, desert heat in Death Valley and Palm Springs, and breezy evenings at beautiful beaches call for layers. Check high tide times for tide pools in La Jolla Cove or Orange County.

• Respect the land. Many sites hold deep significance to Native Americans—protect petroglyphs, historic buildings, and national historic landmark sites.

• Mix it up. Tour Alcatraz Island, explore the La Brea Tar Pits, walk Main Street in a small town, or sleep aboard the Queen Mary—a great spot for history buffs.

Best Time to Visit

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Ideal for deserts like Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs, and Death Valley. Coastal towns from Santa Barbara to San Diego are quieter, and museums like Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo are less crowded.

• Early Spring (Mar–Apr): Wildflowers bloom in state park trails and Sierra Nevada foothills. Waterfalls peak in Yosemite National Park, and Catalina Island hiking is pleasant. It’s also prime for tide pools at La Jolla Cove (check high tide).

• Late Spring to Early Summer (May–Jun): Expect coastal fog in San Francisco and Los Angeles, but it’s perfect for urban exploring—Golden Gate Park, Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Beverly Hills. Central California coast drives are spectacular now.

• Peak Summer (Jul–Aug): Southern California beaches (Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Long Beach, Santa Monica Pier) come alive with festivals and live music. Yosemite Valley is fully open; South Lake Tahoe offers long trail days. Book well ahead—this is the best time for many families.

• Fall (Sep–Nov): Possibly the best time overall—warm ocean temps, grape harvest in Napa Valley, and stunning hiking among giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park.

Unique Things to do in California

Explore the Josephine Ophiolite

Along Highway 199 in far Northern California, this rare geological wonder lets you walk on ancient oceanic crust and mantle. It’s an awe-inspiring hidden gem before venturing toward Fort Bragg and Glass Beach.

Paddle the Revitalized Klamath River

With four dams removed, a pristine 45-mile stretch has reopened for rafting, fishing, and cultural hikes honoring Native Americans.

Visit Filoli Historic House & Garden

Just south of San Francisco, this estate offers seasonal gardens, historic buildings, and art exhibits—a charming stop before heading down the Pacific Coast Highway.

Ride the Redwood Steam Train at Roaring Camp

Depart from Felton and wind through towering redwoods to Bear Mountain or the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk—a nostalgic trip for the whole family.

Defy Gravity at the Mystery Spot

In the Santa Cruz Mountains, optical illusions and tilted rooms make this a fun place to pair with a small town visit or Pismo Beach trip.

Soak at Wild Willy’s Hot Springs

Near Mammoth Lakes, these natural pools offer sunrise magic and nighttime stargazing in the Sierra Nevada.

Marvel at Hot Creek Geological Site

Just minutes away, steaming turquoise pools framed by cliffs showcase California’s volcanic history.

Stand Between Two Lakes at Twin Lakes Bridge

Near Mammoth, enjoy serene water views in both directions—arrive early for limited parking lot space.

Hike or Film-Scout in Alabama Hills

Iconic movie backdrops meet incredible sunrises in this unusual place near Death Valley.

Attend the Bombay Beach Convivium

On the Salton Sea shore, this avant-garde art festival transforms the desert into a creative playground.

Experience the Pageant of the Masters

In Laguna Beach, actors recreate classic artworks in three-dimensional perfection—a must for culture seekers.

Feed Ostriches at Ostrichland USA

Near Santa Barbara, meet and hand-feed these giant birds before a wine tasting stop.

Tour the Ellwood Butterfly Preserve

In Goleta, see thousands of monarchs gather between November and February—a perfect spot for nature lovers.

Celebrate Belmont Park’s Centennial

In San Diego, enjoy historic rides, games, and live music by the beach in this family-friendly amusement park.

Dine at the World’s Most Beautiful Taco Bell

In Pacifica, savor tacos and beer with unbeatable ocean views—a quirky favorite place to end your West Coast journey.