• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Children's Fairyland, USA ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Children's Fairyland, USA

2. Aerospace Museum of California ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Aerospace Museum of California

3. Aquarium of The Bay

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Rafael Ben-Ari/stock.adobe.com

4. California Academy of Sciences

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© BRIAN_KINNEY/stock.adobe.com

5. California Living Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© California Living Museum

6. California’s Great America

© California’s Great America

7. Cartoon Art Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Cartoon Art Museum

8. Castle Air Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Castle Air Museum

9. Charles Paddock Zoo

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Jennifer/stock.adobe.com

10. Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

11. Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert

12. Adventure City

Tours in the Area
© Adventure City

13. Children's Museum of Stockton

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Children's Museum of Stockton

14. Disneyland Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Disneyland Park

15. Musee Mecanique

© Musée Mécanique

16. Pretend City Children’s Museum

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Pretend City Children’s Museum

17. Santa Barbara Zoo

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© alexbush/stock.adobe.com

18. Sequoia Park Zoo

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© philippe paternolli/stock.adobe.com

19. The Museum of Flying

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© The Museum of Flying

20. The Museum of Tolerance

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© The Museum of Tolerance

21. World of Wonders Science Museum

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© World of Wonders Science Museum

22. Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Turtle Bay Exploration Park

23. Universal Studios Hollywood

© Balogh Eniko/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Q: What makes California's natural landscapes unique?
  • A: California boasts spectacular natural landscapes, ranging from the rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains and deep valleys of redwood forests to the rolling patchworks of the Central Valley farmlands and the arid yet beautiful Mojave Desert.
  • Q: What are some highlights of California's cities?
  • A: The heart of the Hollywood entertainment industry is found in the city of Angels (Los Angeles), and the hilly and healthy San Francisco is best known for the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge, iconic Alcatraz Island, and famous tramway cable cars.
  • Q: What are some fun activities for kids in California?
  • A: Here are some fun things to do with kids around the state.

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