Getaway Guide: Yosemite National Park
Nestled within the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park is famous for its giant sequoias, granite monoliths, and cascading waterfalls.
Get ready to ‘seas’ the day and give in to ‘pier’ pressure—there’s always something new to discover in the Golden State.
Got that summertime sadness? Not anymore. We’re here to spice up your vacation with an awesome summertime bucket list packed with plenty of new adventures. California is the ultimate destination to cross off everything you have on your itinerary. Get ready to ‘seas’ the day and give in to ‘pier’ pressure—there’s always something new to discover in the Golden State.
Make your own itinerary or better yet, check out our bucket list of things to do in California for inspiration. Big cities and charming small towns; sandy beaches and pristine lakes; remote camping and luxurious hotels—your crazy summer bucket list can have it all when in California. Find us in the waves, because vacation mode is on, beaches!
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The best way to beat the summer heat? Plunging in a pool of cool blue waters of course. Don your California-made swimwear and go on an adventure finding SoCal’s hidden swimming holes. And spoiler alert—there are many.
The San Diego Zoo is not only one of the best in California, but also in the U.S. Add this phenomenal spot to your summer to-do list and learn about the importance of conservation from those who do it best.
Lying down under a sky full of stars on a clear night is a magical experience that deserves to be on top of every summer bucket list. Get a front-row ticket to see the skies in all their celestial splendor at one of California’s best stargazing spots.
Newsflash—California is a surfer’s paradise. If you haven’t tried your hand (and feet) at surfing yet, take the first step at Huntington Beach. This O.C. paradise has been given the nickname Surf City U.S.A. for good reason; it’s an awesome place to add to your bucket list of things to do in California.
California isn’t just home to your favorite movie star; it’s also where many of your favorite summer films were shot. Go on a road trip scouting the real-life sets of iconic films and have fun recreating a couple of scenes on the spot.
The super bloom season usually lasts well into July. Grab your camera and get ready to be blown away by the fields on your next wildflower hike. This seasonal summer bucket list idea is one you truly can’t miss.
Southern California is full of weird towns with interesting pasts and even more interesting current relics. Add a couple of them to your summertime bucket list and prepare for a unique adventure. Wondering where to start? The towns near Death Valley definitely won’t disappoint.
You should see Southern California on the Pacific Surfliner at least once in your life. This awesome trip will take you through San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, and San Diego on an adventure of a lifetime.
If you enjoy completing your Southern California bucket list from the comfort of your air-conditioned vehicle, then you should definitely check out California’s quirky roadside attractions. From Route 66 landmarks to weird desert art, SoCal has its fair share of curious attractions.
Music festivals are back again on California’s entertainment scene—in person. Check out upcoming events and add a few to your summertime bucket list for a quintessential SoCal experience.
There’s no place like Los Angeles when it comes to staycations—and we’re talking the luxurious kind. Beaches, downtowns, mountain hikes, good food, and great vibes; everything you need for a perfect vacation can be found in the City of Angels.
Southern California’s waterfall hikes are definitely bucket list-worthy adventures, especially for those who like spending time outdoors. Trek to the cascading falls L.A. and prepare to be mesmerized—dare we say you’ll ‘fall’ in love?
Your summertime bucket list could definitely benefit from a few L.A. art galleries and museums. And get this—some of them are not only life-changing and famous worldwide, but also completely free to enter.
Discover a whole new world exploring tide pools in Northern California. The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in San Mateo County will get you up close with all of Ariel's favorite friends (sans the mermaids).
Napa does have amazing vineyards, but it’s so much more than just “Wine Country”. Enjoy the abundance of this beautiful NorCal locale on a scenic drive or two the next time you cross it off your Northern California bucket list.
Ever wondered which national parks best match your zodiac sign? Probably not, but now that we mention it, you kind of want to know. If national forests or beaches are more up your alley, we also have you covered.
Whether you’re an avid adventurer or not, off-road camping is a summer to-do list experience you should try at least once. Go off the grid this season for an unparalleled encounter with NorCal’s rugged wilderness you’ll cherish forever.
Northern California houses many of the state’s hottest houseboat destinations, one of them being Lake Shasta. Gather your friends and spend a weekend on this beautiful NorCal lake and you’ll thank us later.
Trust Redwood National Park to transport you to a fantastical world with its towering trees and whimsical feel. While you’re there, don’t forget to drive along the Avenue of Giants—another summer bucket list idea you can’t miss.
Whether it be virtual or outdoor, volunteering opportunities in California are many. Make it a mission this summer to find an organization you truly care about and you might establish a volunteering relationship with them that’ll be more than just a summer bucket list idea.
With influencers killing the social media game, it's no secret that the Golden State boasts super cool Instagrammable spots. It doesn’t matter whether you have a hundred or a thousand followers, these summertime bucket list destinations shouldn’t be skipped. Rumor has it that the Bay Area has the best photo ops.
A solo trip teaches you lessons about yourself you might never learn in any other way. Pack your road trip essentials and cross off Big Sur, Tahoe, and Lassen Volcanic National Park from your summertime bucket list; it’s truly an experience you’ll cherish forever.
Give fancy camping a go this summer and embark on a retreat with your friends to one of NorCal’s coolest glamping sites. From airstreams to yurts, glamping is a concept that’s definitely not going anywhere anytime soon.
We’re avid believers that cliches are cliches for a reason. So, next time you’re in San Francisco, don’t miss out on watching the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge—we like extra cheese in our cheesiness.
The Bay Area has a crazy concentration of a large number of Michelin-starred restaurants, and we want to try them all. If slurping on Michelin-starred ramen isn’t a Bay Area bucket list experience, we don’t know what is.
What’s on your summertime bucket list? Let us know in the comments below.
Nestled within the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park is famous for its giant sequoias, granite monoliths, and cascading waterfalls.
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