California attractions

The Museum of Tolerance (MOT is an immersive LA museum designed to help visitors unpack human rights. Exhibitions engage diverse topics, from the Holocaust to terrorism to genocide. The standout Anne Frank exhibit tells the story of a girl in hiding during World War II, and its rich interactives bring this important history to the fore.

Made up of three islands in Alamitos Bay, the Italian-inspired neighborhood of Naples is one of Long Beach’s most charming. Attractive homes line narrow canals that provide opportunities for water activities such as kayaking and gondola rides. The largest bay island is bisected by 2nd Street, the main drag home to restaurants and shops.

With its cliff-top location on the western edge of San Francisco, the Cliff House restaurant attracts locals and visitors with its fine dining and views of the Pacific and Ocean Beach. Originally opened in 1863, the Cliff House has gone through many changes over the years and today is part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Step back in time to the Wild West at the historical mining town of Virginia City, once called the “richest place on Earth.” Enjoy 100-mile (160-kilometer) views across the high desert, ride the V&T railroad, shop, have a bite to eat or drink in an old saloon, and tour museums, mines, and mansions on a themed itinerary in one of the country’s largest National Historic Landmark Districts.

For live performances, arts events, and cultural happenings on the Central Coast, Carmel's Sunset Cultural Center is a premier destination. The building features two stages and a gallery space, and hosts events throughout the year. From comedy and rock to dance and theater, the diverse programming offers something for everyone.

Experience the frontier days of the Wild West and take in the beautiful scenery of the Nevada high desert on a ride on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. One of the most famous of all American short-line railroads, the Virginia & Truckee Railroad operates three routes using century-old steam engines and heritage diesel locomotives.

Known as the "land of giants," Sequoia National Park is home to towering old-growth redwood trees known as sequoias. They are the world's largest living trees, some of which can reach heights of 275 feet (83 meters). Administered by the National Park Service, the park (and the adjacent Kings Canyon) showcases thick forests, mountains, rugged foothills, canyons, and even vast caverns.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, part of the larger San Diego Zoo, is a vast, open-range park that houses some 3,500 animals. Sprawling across 1,800 acres (728 hectares) in Escondido, the safari park's open layout allows herds of giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and other animals to freely roam in spaces that closely resemble their original habitats. Visitors can get up close during a range of guided safari experiences.

Whether it’s food, art, shopping, or wine you’re after, it can be found at this specialty marketplace in the Town of Yountville. Formerly one of the wine country’s first estates— Groezinger Winery—this boutique shopping complex is now a Napa Valley landmark. It was first restored and converted to stores, galleries, and restaurants in 1968.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is home to more than 500 mature giant sequoias, the world’s largest tree species. Nestled within Yosemite National Park, this spot is easy to access from the road and contains 1,900-year-old trees up to 210 feet (64 meters) tall.

From the gates of Hogwarts™ to wand shopping at Ollivanders™, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ invites you into a magical universe within Universal Studios Hollywood. While it’s a favorite with true Harry Potter fans, there’s a lot to see even for visitors who don’t know the books and films by heart—including high-flying immersive rides, a British tavern, and a family-friendly roller coaster.

Universal CityWalk is the 3-block entertainment epicenter of Universal Studios Hollywood—it’s the place to be after a fun day at the theme park for dining, shopping, and live entertainment. Visitors here will find dozens of restaurants, a multiscreen movie theater, plenty of shops, indoor skydiving, and even a live concert venue. Because once the theme park closes, the fun doesn’t have to end.

The original Disney® destination, developed in 1955 by Walt Disney, Disneyland® Park remains a favorite of both kids and adults alike. Known for its nine lands—from the original Fantasyland and Adventureland to the newer Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—this is the place to cross paths with classic Disney® characters and experience attractions such as the Sleeping Beauty Castle, Space Mountain rollercoaster, and Pirates of the Caribbean cruise.

Universal Studios Hollywood™ is home to one of the world's oldest continuously operating movie studios—and the first in Hollywood to offer tours to the public. It’s also a theme park, presenting a mix of thrill rides and live-action shows based on popular films and TV series, plus a tour of the studio lots. Designed for all ages, the theme park allows you to immerse yourself in the cinematic universes of Harry Potter,Despicable Me, and more.