101 Kid-Approved Adventures for Your California Bucket List
As former California residents, we know firsthand that California can supply an endless amount of adventures. It’s so much more than theme parks and sunny weather! In honor of “The 101” highway that stretches almost the entire length of the state of California, we’ve curated our favorite 101 California bucket list experiences and we hope it inspires your Golden State getway!
With nine national parks, soaring mountains, vast desserts, beautiful beaches, and iconic landmarks, California has a little bit of everything and something for everyone. Even after we moved away, we keep going back year after year and we always find something new to experience.
5 Bay Area Adventures for Your California Bucket List
1. Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is a marvel of modern engineering and one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Seeing it should be high on your California bucket list! Don’t settle for simply viewing it from a distance, though. One of the best ways to experience the Golden Gate Bridge up close and in person is to ride a bike across it.
There are a few places you can rent bikes but they’re all outside the Presidio, so the bike ride is about 5 miles each way. If a 10-mile bike ride doesn’t sound appealing then you could always spend a little more to rent an electric bike, which is much less strenuous and maybe even more fun.
2. Ride a cable car in San Francisco
Speaking of San Francisco icons, you can’t visit the Bay Area without taking a ride on one of the city’s old fashioned cable cars. They still function the same way they did in the 1870s, when they were first invented in San Francisco. It was a genius solution back then to getting around the city’s steep hills and they still work amazingly well today. Plus they’re just fun to ride. As a bonus, don’t just go for a ride but go see how they work at the San Francisco Cable Car Museum is free and definitely worth a visit. Hop on at the bottom of California Street, ride to the top of the hill, then walk over to the museum.
3. Look for Ewoks at Muir Woods
Muir Woods, nestled in the heart of California’s lush Marin County, is an absolute must for your California bucket list. This enchanting redwood forest boasts towering trees that have stood for centuries, creating an awe-inspiring, serene atmosphere. Stroll along well-maintained paths, soak in the tranquility, and marvel at these giants. It’s a nature lover’s paradise, and the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby San Francisco
Bonus for Star Wards fans: Muir Woods will have you looking around the corner for ewoks and storm troopers. Return of the Jedi was filmed nearby.
4. Visit Chinatown in San Francisco
One of my favorite things to do in San Francisco with kids is take them to Chinatown. I always enjoy getting the chance to expose my kids to other cultures and Chinatown is a fun place to do that. Sure, there are lots of touristy gift shops with the same San Francisco souvenirs, but there are also tons of Chinese restaurants, talented street performers, and some cool architecture as well. We even stumbled across an entertaining dragon lantern dance, complete with percussionists, dancers, and dragon costumes.
5. Drive down crooked Lombard Street
What makes Lombard Street worthy of your California bucket list? Just to be able to say that you’ve drive the crookedest street in the world. With 8 hairpin turns over just one block, the slow meandering drive isn’t terribly thrilling. But driving down it is just one of those things you have to do on a trip with kids, like visiting the world’s largest ball of yarn, just to be able to say you did it.
More San Francisco Bucket List Ideas
🔲 Soak in views of the Golden Gate Bridge at Baker Beach
🔲 Eat clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf
🔲 See the Painted Ladies & stylish Victorian homes
🔲 Escape from Alcatraz
🔲 See the seals at Pier 39 & take a sailing tour
🔲 California Academy of Sciences museum
🔲 The Exploratorium on Embarcadero
🔲 Eat chocolate at Ghirardelli Square
🔲 Picnic in Golden Gate Park
🔲 Palace of Fine Arts
🔲 Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
🔲 Watch big wave surfers at Mavericks Beach in Half Moon Bay
Top 5 Northern California Bucket List Adventures
1. Take a ride at the the Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Santa Cruz is a great surf town in northern California with wonderful beaches and big waves. Steamer Lane is where you’ll see all the pro surfers and surf contests, while Cowell’s beach is for surfers of all levels. It’s where you’ll find surf schools as well.
Besides surfing, the town is most famous for the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, California’s oldest surviving amusement park. It was originally built in 1907 and spans one mile along the oceanfront. You can buy an unlimited ride pass or pay for individual rides but there’s no cost to enter. If you just want to go for a stroll and enjoy the colorful waterfront scene and enjoy the ambience, it’s free to the public even when the rides are closed.
2. Ski or Swim at Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada mountain range that straddles the border of California and Nevada. The area is full of diverse adventures you could add to your California bucket list. In the winter, it’s a great place for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, skiing, and snowboarding. There are six different ski resorts and Palisades Tahoe (formerly known as Squaw Valley) even hosted the 1960 Olympics.
In the summer, it’s a popular destination for house boating and water sports of all kinds. If you don’t have access to a boat then try your hand at a more affordable adventure like paddleboarding on the crystal clear waters of Crystal Bay, Sand Harbor, or Secret Cove.
3. Drive through a redwood tree
California is home to the largest trees in the world – the redwoods and the sequoias. Sequoias have wider trunks and are larger by volume while redwoods have narrower trunks but are taller. There are many places to see these awe-inspiring trees, such as Muir Woods, Yosemite National Park, and Redwoods National and State Parks.
While simply seeing them may be enough for some people, driving through one is a much more unique experience worth of your California Bucket List. The best place to do this is the Chandelier Tree where you can drive through a tunnel carved into an actual live tree. It’s located in Leggett, around a 3-hour drive from San Francisco.
4. Cypress Tree Tunnel at Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes is a captivating destination renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Point Reyes National Seashore is the crown jewel of the area, featuring rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife. You can hike along various trails, go beachcombing, or simply enjoy the breathtaking vistas.
One of the area’s gems is the iconic Cypress Tree Tunnel. This surreal spot is like something out of a dream, with a canopy of cypress trees forming a picturesque tunnel leading to the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse. It’s a photographer’s dream and a serene escape for anyone seeking natural beauty. The stunning Pacific Ocean views, wildlife sightings, and coastal hikes make it an absolute must-visit destination for your California bucket list. Don’t miss this enchanting slice of the Golden State!
5. Ride the Roaring Camp Railroad through a Redwood Forest
All aboard! This vintage steam train in Santa Cruz Mountains takes you on a journey back in time. As you chug through the towering redwoods, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a bygone era. The conductor’s lively narration adds a touch of history to your ride, making it educational and entertaining for all ages. So whether you’re a train enthusiast or just seeking a charming and scenic outing, Roaring Camp Railroad promises a day of fun, adventure, and a touch of nostalgia in the heart of California’s redwood wonderland.
5 Central California Bucket List Adventures
1. Get a taste of Denmark in Solvang
Solvang is a quaint little town that belongs on your California bucket list because of the delicious Danish food and quaint architecture. You may be in California but it feels like Europe! That’s because it was actually founded by Danish immigrants in 1911. Upon arrival, you’ll likely see freshly painted half timber architecture, a darling danish windmill and a replica of the Little Mermaid–Copenhagen’s bronze statue dedicated to its famous Danish author Hans Christian Anderson, the fable writer and storyteller.
When you get out of the car, you can’t help but notice all the delicious smells coming from the many bakeries. Your first stop should be the Solvang Windmill and the Solvang Bakery to grab a Danish almond kringle.
2. Visit the World Famous Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is considered by many to be one of the best aquariums in the world, if not the best. Fan favorite exhibits are the jellyfish and the 28-foot tall kelp forest exhibit – one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world. You can also see sharks, penguins, sea otters, creepy octopus, and all kinds of fish. It is a bit pricey, though. Tickets for adults are $49.95. But sometimes you just gotta spend for bucket list items like this one.
This place was the inspiration for the “Jewel of Morro Bay” in Pixar’s Finding Dory. Morro Bay is actually another great Pacific Coast Highway stop, especially if you want to see cuddly little sea otters in the wild. Oddly enough, there is no aquarium in Morro Bay in real life. Just the awesome one in Monterey Bay!
3. See the World’s Largest Tree at Sequoia National Park
Fun fact: the world’s tallest tree and largest tree by volume are both located in California. The tallest is a 380-foot tall coastal redwood named Hyperion, after one of the titans in Greek mythology. But it is off limits to visitors and will cost you a fine of $5,000 if you try to get close.
The world’s largest tree is General Sherman, located in Sequoia National Park and visitors are welcome. It’s shorter than Hyperion – “only” 275 feet tall. But it has a massive diameter of 36 feet, which is why it can stake a claim as the world’s largest. You can visit the tree and other attractions at the national park year round, but seeing the massive sequoias covered in snow in the winter is extra magical.
4. Visit Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is known as a climber’s mecca because of the massive, sheer cliffs. The famous El Capitan is where climber Alex Honnold broke the free climbing record, which you can witness in the documentary Free Solo. But Yosemite isn’t just for climbers. Families can enjoy the rivers, waterfalls, and stunning vistas of Yosemite Valley. And hikers of all skill levels can enjoy Yosemite’s many trails.
But one hike stands above the rest to be worthy of inclusion on your California Bucket List and that is Half Dome. Someday when my kids are older I plan on a big excursion to finally conquer the mountain. It’s a steep, dangerous, and strenuous 14-16 mile hike with a 4,800 foot gain in elevation. It takes 10-12 to complete and requires a permit. But it will be worth it in the end for the lifelong bragging rights.
For now I’ll have to “settle” for views like this:
5. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur
A road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur belongs atop every California Bucket List. It’s one of the most scenic drives in the country thanks to landmarks like Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
McWay Falls is an 80-foot tall waterfall tucked away in a picturesque cove in Big Sur that plunges into the Pacific Ocean. It’s one of only two “tidefalls” in California, meaning it is a waterfall that flows directly into the ocean at high tide. Prior to a 1983 landslide, the waterfall flowed directly into the ocean all the time. The landslide, which closed the Pacific Coast Highway through the region for a year, deposited mud and debris forming a beach where there was none before.
More Central California Bucket List Ideas
🔲 Ride the Sugar Pine Railroad
🔲 Sail to Channel Islands National Park
🔲 King’s Canyon National Park
🔲 Hearst Castle
🔲 See the sea otters play at Morro Bay
🔲 Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara
🔲 Golf at Pebble Beach
🔲 17 Mile Drive
🔲 See the cottages in Carmel-by-the-Sea
🔲 Santa Cruz Boardwalk
🔲 Visit the colorful Capitola Village
🔲 Kayak with wildlife in San Simeon Cove
🔲 Tour Air Force One at the Reagan National Library in Simi Valley
🔲 Point Lobos Natural Reserve
🔲 Pismo Beach
Top 5 Los Angeles California Bucket List Outings
1. Sample LA donut shops and find your favorite
Angelenos love their donuts! It seems like there is a donut shop on every corner. The most Instagram-worthy shop is Randy’s Donuts near LAX with its massive, can’t-miss donut sculpture atop the building (you may recognize it from the movie Iron Man). Primo’s Donuts on Sawtelle has the best buttermilk bars on the planet and has been in business since 1956. But our favorite donut spot that we recommend to everyone is Sidecar Doughnuts where the make gourmet donuts fresh right in front of your eyes.
2. Go surfing at Zuma Beach in Malibu
Hands down, our favorite beach in LA is a famous surfing beach in Malibu called Zuma Beach. It’s another must-have on your Los Angeles bucket list. I’m actually going to lump three things into one when I say Zuma Beach because right next to Zuma is another little hidden gem called Point Dume, where you can hike out atop some cliffs. To the south you see Big Dume Beach and to the north you see Zuma Beach.
When we lived in LA, this is one spot we took everyone that came to visit us. Big Dume Beach is also great for tidepools – we even saw starfish. And Zuma Beach is just a nice, typical Southern California beach with fine sand and perfect waves.
3. See a movie at an Old Hollywood theater
No California bucket list is complete without a visit to Hollywood. But don’t just settle for the tourist attractions and cheap thrills. Go see a movie at one of the Old Hollywood theaters. These aren’t the modern megaplexes that dot the suburbs. These theaters are ornately designed and are really cool remnants of the golden age of Hollywood in the first half of the 1900s. The best ones are El Capitan and Chinese Grauman Theater on Hollywood Boulevard and Regency Village and Fox Theater in Westwood.
4. Hike the Hollywood Sign
You can’t go to LA and not see the Hollywood sign, right? There are lots of places to see it and several hikes that you can do as well, including one that takes you right behind the sign itself (although you can’t walk up to the front – it’s off limits). Some of the trailheads are located in residential neighbors and can be hard to locate or hard to find parking. The easiest way to find a hiking trail is to go Griffith Park and park at the Griffith Observatory. There are multiple options for hiking trails from there.
But if you want to see the Hollywood sign just for the photo opp without the hike, then check out Lake Hollywood Park. It’s quite the hidden gem and it won’t be overcrowded with tourists. You can snap a pic with the Hollywod sign, but you can also see Lake Hollywood (did you know there was a lake up on the Hollywood Hills?), and get some good views of Donwtown LA if it’s not too smoggy.
5. Watch the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game on New Year’s Day
The Rose Bowl is a stadium in Pasadena that was built in 1922 and holds 90,000 people. It’s one of America’s best-known stadiums. It’s home to the UCLA Bruins football team as well as one of the finest New Year’s Day traditions.
Every year, the Pac12 and Big 10 football champions are slotted to play each other in one of the most-watched games of the year. And preceding the game is the iconic Rose Parade, where approximately 50 floral-covered floats and dozens of marching bands parade down 5 1/2 miles of Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena. Whether you’re a football fan or not, the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game is a one of a kind experience.
Looking for a place to stay in LA or Southern California? Check out the best Marriott hotels under 35,000 points.
More Los Angeles California Bucket List Ideas
🔲 Visit filming locations from your favorite TV show or movie. Examples include the Dunphy house from Modern Family, Hermosa Beach Pier from La La Land, and Pasadena City Hall from Parks and Recreation.
🔲 Attend a live taping of a TV show or try to be a contestant on a game show. This always changes but examples include: Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Voice, America’s Got Talent, The Price Is Right or Let’s Make a Deal
🔲 Take a studio tour: Universal Studios (included with admission to theme park), Paramount ($60), Warner Bros. ($69), and Sony Pictures ($45)
🔲 Hollywood Walk of Fame & Grauman’s Chinese Theater (very touristy)
🔲 Universal Studios
🔲 Six Flags Magic Mountain
🔲 Pacific Park, Santa Monica Pier
🔲 Griffith Observatory
🔲 The Getty & Getty Villas
🔲 California Science Center (home of Space Shuttle Endeavour)
🔲 See a concert at The Hollywood Bowl
🔲 Attend the symphony at Walt Disney Concert Hall
🔲 Palm tree-lined streets of Beverly Hills & [window] shopping on Rodeo Drive
🔲 LACMA & La Brea Tar Pits
🔲 Beverly Hills Library (amazing children’s section)
🔲 Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
🔲 Point Vicente Lighthouse in Rancho Palos Verdes
🔲 Angel’s Flight Railway
🔲 LA Temple Visitor’s Center
🔲 Lake Hollywood Park for close-up views of the Hollywood sign without hiking
🔲 Stay the night aboard The Queen Mary
Our Top 5 Orange County California Bucket List Experiences
1. Try surfing at Surf City USA
Huntington Beach, aka Surf City USA, is one of the best beach and surf towns in the world. Huntington Beach Pier has some of the best surfing waves in all of California. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a newbie in need of lessons, surfing at Surf City USA belongs on your California Bucket List. Or if surfing isn’t your style you can come here and just be a spectator and it’s still a fun experience. You can come any day of the week to watch the local surfers or you can time your visit with one of the many surfing competitions that take place here throughout the year to watch the pros.
2. Live the pirate’s life at Victoria Beach Pirate Tower
The Victoria Beach Pirate Tower in Laguna Beach will transport your imagination to another time and place and make you wish you could set sail on the Black Pearl yourself! Pirate Tower is just a nickname given to this unique seaside building by locals. In reality, a retired Senator named William E. Brown built it the 60-foot tall stone turret built as an enclosed staircase from his estate down to the beach.
Getting to the tower is a little adventure in and of itself. For starters, you can only access it during low tide. That and the lack of an easy way down is part of why the Victoria Beach Pirate Tower remains somewhat of a hidden gem. Victoria Beach is lined with private homes and doesn’t have a public parking lot. Check out our post on the Victoria Beach Pirate Tower for instructions on how to access it.
3. Ride the ferry to Catalina Island
Catalina Island is quite possibly the best way to escape the hustle and bustle of the crowded California coast without going far or spending a fortune. You can visit on a quick day trip or on a longer stay at one of the many hotels or vacation rental condos. Catalina Island is only accessible via one-hour ferry ride from either Newport or Long Beach, so the only cars on the island belong to the locals who live there. The best way to get around the island is by golf cart or bike. This gives it a really laid back, unhurried vibe. On top of that, the town of Avalon is one place in California that feels like Italy, different from most of the California beach towns.
There is a ton to do on the island, from sailing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or checking out the herd of bison that calls the island home. For the best activities, check out our itinerary for what to do on Catalina Island.
4. Go to Disneyland
You didn’t really think I’d leave the Happiest Place on Earth off this list, did you? When we lived in Southern California, we were Disney passholders and learned all the secrets. Our oldest daughter’s claim to fame she likes to tell people is that she’s been to Disneyland over 75 times. There’s so much we could say about Disneyland but for now we’ll just encourage you try these 10 Underrated Disneyland Desserts.
5. Run or walk the San Clemente Beach Trail
San Clemente is one of our favorite beach towns to visit in California and it deserves a spot on your California bucket list. Right next to the pier is the San Clemente Beach Trail, a stunning oceanfront pathway that stretches for around 2.3 miles along the picturesque coastline. The trail is perfect for a quick jog, bike ride, or just a leisurely walk to soak in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Our Top 5 Southern California Bucket List Experiences
1. Ride the aerial tram in Palm Springs
California isn’t all beach towns and national parks. There is plenty of beauty to behold in the California desert as well and one of the best places to do that is in Palm Springs. It’s a popular resort town known for its golf courses, restaurants, shopping, and endless sunshine. While it’s extremely hot in the summer, the weather is ideal in the winter. People love escaping to the desert in the winter when it’s a bit cooler on the coast.
Besides lounging at the resort pool or playing a round of golf, one of the coolest attractions is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. It takes you on a two and a half mile ride from the desert floor to the top of the mountain peak. There is a 6,000 foot elevation change so expect temperatures about 30-40 degrees cooler than the desert valley floor. There are two restaurants, an observation deck, and 50 miles of hiking trails. Believe it or not, sometimes there can be snow and you can even rent snowshoes to help you navigate the snowy trails.
2. Harness your inner Top Gun at the USS Midway Museum
San Diego is home to several Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard bases. But unless you belong to one of the units stationed there you won’t be able to visit. If you want to harness that inner Top Gun naval aviator on your visit to San Diego, just don some aviator sunglasses and head over to the USS Midway Museum at Navy Pier in downtown San Diego. Don’t be deceived by the use of ‘museum’ in its name – it is in fact an actual aircraft carrier. Not only do you get to step foot on the longest-serving aircraft carrier in US history but you even get to see an F-14 Tomcat up close and personal – the same planes used in the original Top Gun movie.
3. Sing U2 Songs at Joshua Tree National Park
4. Stroll the Carlsbad Flower Fields
The Carlsbad Flower Fields are a vibrant and breathtaking spectacle that draws visitors from all around the world. These incredible flower fields burst to life each spring, covering a whopping 55 acres in a riot of colors. The peak blooming season at the Carlsbad Flower Fields typically runs from early March through early May, although the exact timing can vary each year depending on weather conditions. So, whether you’re a flower fanatic, a lover of the great outdoors, or just searching for a charming, tranquil escape, the Carlsbad Flower Fields promise an unforgettable, joyful adventure.
5. Go on a safari at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the world but it also has a lesser-known counterpart – the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. So get ready for a wild adventure like no other in California. Unlike your typical zoo, here you get up close to magnificent animals from around the world in a sprawling, natural habitat setting. Lions, rhinos, and giraffes, oh my! You’ll feel like you’ve embarked on a real African safari. Leaving this off your California bucket list would be a shame.
More Southern California Bucket List Ideas
🔲 Cruise around Newport Bay in an electric duffy boat
🔲 Sea World
🔲 Legoland
🔲 Knott’s Berry Farm
🔲 Eat at the Crystal Cove Shake Shack
🔲 Soak in the views at Heisler Park in Laguna Beach
🔲 Eat a frozen banana on Balboa Island
🔲 Go on a whale watching cruise out of Dana Point Harbor
🔲 Run or walk the San Clemente Beach Trail
🔲 Ride beach cruiser bikes along the Newport Beach Pier
🔲 Take a tour of Mission San Juan Capistrano
🔲 Visit wine country in Temecula & go for a sunrise hot air balloon ride
🔲 San Diego Zoo
🔲 Seal spotting in La Jolla Cove
🔲 Point Loma Lighthouse
🔲 Explore Coronado Island and stay at the iconic Hotel Del Coronado
🔲 Stand up paddlebaording or kayaking in Mission Bay
🔲 Anza Borrego Desert State Park
🔲 Ride the aerial tram in Palm Springs
🔲 Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
🔲 Get awe-inspired by surfers at The Wedge
🔲 Hike Top of the World
🔲 Sunset Cliffs Cave
For those of you keeping track, that was 101 ideas for you California bucket list! We truly left our hearts in California and loved our time living there. We hope this list helps you create magical memories with your family. Thanks for reading!
Our family is on a mission to experience the best affordable, kid-friendly adventures in the US and help other families create lasting memories in the process. You can follow us on Instagram @theminivanbucketlist or download our free printable Utah Bucket List for a list of the top kid-friendly adventures in our current home state of Utah.