How do you like to play?
Find endless ways to play your way and plan the perfect getaway to California, the Ultimate Playground.
Get Ready to PlayTrip Inspiration
- November 2024 Events in CaliforniaEnjoy one last autumnal hurrah this month, or start your winter fun early
- What’s New at California Ski Resorts for Winter 2024–2025Skiers and riders can look forward to fresh lines and new amenities as slopes open
- Fall 2024 Deals in CaliforniaScore free hotel nights, gift cards, spa treatments and more when you know where to book
- Fantastic 2024 Thanksgiving Feasts in CaliforniaCome for well-crafted turkey dinners with local wine, decadent desserts, and gorgeous settings
- See the San Diego Zoo’s Adorable Giant PandasYun Chuan and Xin Bao are the first of the vulnerable species to reside in San Diego since 2019
- 2024 Holiday Celebrations at California Theme ParksNosh on seasonal treats, see limited-edition shows, and enjoy a “snowfall” of bubbles
- Top Military Sites to Visit in CaliforniaFrom decommissioned aircraft carriers to national monuments to active Space Force bases, the Golden State is an essential destination for military history buffs
- Best Fall Hikes in CaliforniaKick up some leaves on these autumn hikes around the Golden State
- Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 World Cup in CaliforniaA record 48 nations will compete in the groundbreaking soccer tournament that features matches in Los Angeles and the Bay Area
- California Questionnaire: Mayim BialikThe acclaimed actor doesn’t just play highly intelligent characters, she really is super-smart—as evidenced by her Golden State recommendations below
- 58 Reasons Why California Is the Ultimate PlaygroundCultivating a sense of play is serious business in the Golden State. Here’s an opinionated guide to help you find all the fun you can handle.
- 8 Perfect Places to See Fabulous Fall ColorsWhere to go to see leaves as autumn unfurls in California
- Everything You Need to Know About the Los Angeles 2028 OlympicsGet a jump start on your own planning for LA28 as the Golden State gears up to host the world’s biggest sporting event
- SponsoredA Perfect Weekend in San JoseYou’ll have plenty to eat, drink, and experience on this three-day itinerary in the Bay AreaA Perfect Weekend in San Jose
- California Shopping: An A to Z GuideExplore California's vibrant shopping scene with this comprehensive guide, featuring everything from luxury malls to unique finds for every taste
Explore California's Cities
- San Francisco CountySan Francisco
- San Diego CountySan Diego
- Los Angeles CountyLos Angeles
- Orange CountyAnaheim
- Santa Barbara CountySanta Barbara
- San Luis Obispo CountySan Luis Obispo
- Monterey CountyMonterey
- Riverside CountyPalm Springs
- Sonoma CountySonoma
- Sacramento CountySacramento
- Mendocino CountyMendocino
- Los Angeles CountySanta Monica
- Santa Cruz CountySanta Cruz
- Napa CountyNapa
- Riverside CountyTemecula
Explore Things To Do
Explore California's 12 Regions
- Los Angeles County
- San Francisco Bay Area
- High Sierra
- Central Coast
- Central Valley
- Inland Empire
- Deserts
- North Coast
- Orange County
- San Diego County
- Shasta Cascade
- Gold Country
California Now Travel Stories
Find Your Passion
Know Before You Go: Disneyland Resort
A starter guide to exploring the theme parks at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, including California Adventure, live shows, events, and other attractions.
Ready, Set, RV: Exploring California’s Great Outdoors
Beaches, parks, and scenic drives await—all on your own terms
Ways to Play in Temecula Valley
Relaxation here begins with wine tasting, spa days, hot-air balloon rides, and perhaps a round of golf
8 Amazing Outdoor Experiences in Northern California
So You Think You Know the Inland Empire?
From Temecula to Riverside to Big Bear Lake and beyond, this diverse region features plenty of hidden gems
So You Think You Know Sacramento?
America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital is full of secrets and surprises—you just need to know where to look
So You Think You Know Monterey County?
Check out these 15 lesser-known spots, including a Shakespeare showcase and a bar that serves 10-cent cocktails
Ways to Play in Yurok Country
Gain new appreciation for the history and culture of these Native lands while also soaking up North Coast scenery
Weather & Timing Your Visit
Learn more about California's renowned climate
Ways to Play in San Francisco
Turn your classic city tour into an exuberant adventure
12 Awesome Surfing Spots
From Windansea Beach in La Jolla to Half Moon Bay’s Mavericks to a state-of-the-art wave machine in the Central Valley, California is blessed with some truly epic waves
So You Think You Know Los Angeles?
Go beyond the familiar to discover shops, restaurants, and natural landscapes you never knew existed
25+ Places to Find Great Art Outside in California
Murals, sculptures, and even painted fire hydrants expand the Golden State’s cultural scene
Explore the World in California
World-class scenery and amazing experiences await in the Golden State
Ways to Play in San Diego
No matter how you define playtime, you’ll find it in this SoCal hub
5 Amazing Things to Do in Anaheim
Find year-round fun in a city saturated with craft breweries, hip hangouts, a fabulous food hall, the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Angels pro sports teams, and more
12 Surprising Ways to Tour Wine Country
Experience one of California’s most beautiful regions via an offbeat mode of exploration
Know Before You Go: Universal Studios Hollywood
Get a rundown of all the rides and behind-the-scenes attractions at California’s Universal Studios Hollywood—plus where to eat and much more
L.A. Museums
See masterpieces and innovative contemporary works at museums located both in Los Angeles and the L.A.-metropolitan area
5 Amazing Things to Do in Lake Tahoe
Find year-round fun in Lake Tahoe, from summer waterskiing and kayaking to winter skiing and après nightlife
Travel Videos
California 101
Central Valley Road Trip
Luxury Minute
Hotel Casa del Mar: California Luxury Minute Resorts
Luxury Minute
La Quinta Resort & Club: California Luxury Minute Resorts
California Dream Eater
The Ultimate Wine Country Road Trip
California 101
Shasta Cascade Road Trip
California Dream Eater
The Ultimate Foodie Road Trip: Ventura + Santa Barbara
California 101
Gold Country Road Trip
California 101
California’s Highway One Road Trip
California Dream Eater
Epic Winter Road Trip: Lake Tahoe to Sacramento
California 101
Yosemite National Park
Luxury Minute
Auberge du Soleil: California Luxury Minute Resorts
Luxury Minute
Carneros Resort and Spa: California Luxury Minute Resorts
Luxury Minute
Cavallo Point: California Luxury Minute Resorts
Luxury Minute
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa: California Luxury Minute Resorts
Luxury Minute
Farmhouse Inn: California Luxury Minute Resorts
Luxury Minute
L'Horizon Hotel and Spa: California Luxury Minute Resorts
Luxury Minute
Parker Palm Springs: California Luxury Minute Resorts
Luxury Minute
Post Ranch Inn: California Luxury Minute Resorts
Luxury Minute
Terranea: California Luxury Minute Resorts
California 101
Inland Empire’s Rim of the World Road Trip
Discover Events
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
February 4–15, 2025
Palm Springs Modernism Week
February 13–23, 2025
Mendocino Coast Whale Festivals
March 2, 16 (more dates TBA)
BNP Paribas Open
March 3–16, 2025
Pebble Beach Food & Wine
April 10–13, 2025
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