23 Fun Things to Do in CALIFORNIA (Exciting, Lively, & Cool)
So you’ve searched for “fun things to do in California,” and now you’re here.
Exploring a list like this is like tossing a coin and waiting to see the results because what people consider fun differs.
One thing is sure, though: no matter what you consider fun, the sunshine state has something for you.
All you need to do is find it, which this list aims to help you with.
So, whether you want to escape a cold state in the US to enjoy the all-year-round sunshine California offers or you’re from another part of the world on tour in California, keep scrolling because you’re at the right place.
From world-famous sites like Alcatraz Island to art and culture centers and museums to natural and mesmerizing landscapes, below are 23 fun things to do in California.
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Outdoor Activities in California.
Fun Things to Do in Sacramento, California
1. Explore the Sacramento Zoo (Diverse Animals, Interactive Experiences)
Located in William Land Park, Sacramento, visiting the Sacramento Zoo is a fun thing to do in California.
The zoo opened on June 2, 1927, with just 40 animals and a land mass of about 4.2 acres, but it has now grown to be one of the most prominent zoos in California, with hundreds of animals.
They have a wide range of animals displayed at the zoo, from mammals to reptiles to birds and amphibians.
One of the favorites of many guests at the zoo is the giraffes; you can get up close to pet and play with them for a fee!
If you plan to visit this zoo, you can do well to take some gifts along with you for the animals as a way of donating to the zoo.
Visit their official website for the link to their Amazon wishlist of toys you can donate!
Address: 3930 W Land Park Dr, Sacramento, CA 95822, United States
3. Visit the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament (Historic Church, Architectural Marvel)
Visiting the main church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, should also be on your list of fun things to do in California.
The building, constructed in 1887, is a testament to the strength and beauty of Sacramento’s architecture.
This beautiful building is about 175 feet high and is iconic for its Italian-style exterior design and Victorian-style interior design.
It is popular among tourists for being both a religious and architectural phenomenon.
You can take a tour of this stunning and historic building if you decide to visit, and if you wish, you could join them for mass too!
Their Sunday masses are in English, Spanish, and Chinese so that you can worship in your preferred language.
Address: 1019 11th St, Sacramento, CA 95814, United States
3. Visit the Fairytale Town (Kid-Friendly, Fairy Tale-Themed)
Are you looking for a kid-friendly, fun activity in Sacramento?
You should consider exploring Fairytale Town, a location that has been a top choice for many children and adults for over 60 years.
With over 26 playsets revolving around fairy tales and nursery rhymes, this place offers children various fun activities and learning opportunities.
It presents a beautiful learning opportunity featuring gardens, performing arts stages, and friendly farm animals.
The attractions at this fantastic place include a storybook park, a photo gallery, and a cafe for food and drinks.
Other activities to indulge in at the Fairytale Town include the Fairytale Ale (a “magical” drinking experience) and the Fairytale Town Auction for charity.
You should check this place out to create fun memories with your children; they will love the experience!
Address: 3901 Land Park Dr, Sacramento, CA 95822, United States
Also see our article on Zoos in California.
Fun Things to Do in San Jose, California
1. Join the San Jose Scavenger Hunt: The Heart of Silicon Valley (Interactive City Tour, Group Activity)
Do you like participating in fun group activities?
Are you in need of absolute fun in San Jose, California?
If you answered “yes” to both questions, it is time to book your ticket to the San Jose Scavenger Hunt: The Heart of Silicon Valley tour!
Trust that you will enjoy every bit of it because it offers a unique opportunity to tour the city with others.
The tour usually explores the city’s attractions: story buildings, museums, parks, public arts, libraries, etc.
It also features fun games and challenges you can enjoy with other participants.
If you would like an opportunity to explore the culture and history of San Jose, going on this tour is the way to go!
Address: 87 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110, United States
2. Explore the Municipal Rose Garden (Over 4000 roses, Expansive Garden)
Exploring the Municipal Rose Garden is another fun thing to do in San Jose, California.
As the name suggests, the garden is very big on roses, and you can find over 4000 shrubs of roses and about 189 rose species.
But the range is more expansive than roses because you can find other flower and plant types here.
The garden was founded in 1927 as a symbol of the beauty of the city and a representation of the abundance of nature.
It is one of the best-liked tourist attractions in San Jose, with thousands of visitors trooping in each year to take in the wonders of nature and the beauty of roses.
If you’re a fan of mother nature outdoing itself, you should visit this stunning garden.
Address: 1649 Naglee Ave, San Jose, CA 95126, United States
3. Walk the Cesar Chavez Memorial Walkway (Free, Historical Sculptures)
You don’t need to break the bank before having fun; there are plenty of fun things to do for free in San Jose, California!
An example is visiting the Cesar Chavez Memorial Walkway.
It is a public walkway built in honor of the legacy of Cesar Chavez, an activist of the civil rights and labor movements and co-founder of the United Farm Workers Union.
The walkway starts at Plaza de Cesar Chavez (also named after him) and ends at Guadalupe River Park, spanning about 1.5 miles.
Visitors can find many sculptures and monuments erected in memory of this civil rights icon and the farm workers’ union movement along the way as they walk this walkway.
It is a fantastic opportunity to reminisce while having fun.
Address: 194 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113, United States
Also see our article on Planetariums in California.
Fun Things to Do in Los Angeles, California
1. View the City at Griffith Observatory (Breathtaking Views, Planetarium Shows)
Are you looking for some fun in Los Angeles, California?
One of your surest bets is the Griffith Observatory, a public observatory that offers breathtaking views of the city and the stars.
This observatory is the brainchild of Griffith J. Griffith, who donated money and land to build a free public observatory in his will.
He did this to bring easy access to astronomy to the public as opposed to the idea that observatories should be built in remote areas.
The observatory opened in 1935 and was named after its benefactor.
One of the fun things to do at the Griffith Observatory is to explore the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, where you get to travel through space and time with shows like Signs of Life, Water is Life, and Centered in the Universe.
The observatory also features galleries and exhibitions displaying the solar system, astronomy, and the universe.
Head on to the Griffith Observatory now for a time like no other.
Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States
2. Watch a Match at Dodger Stadium (Baseball Excitement, Iconic Stadium)
Are you a baseball fan or a fan of sports in general and in need of fun in Los Angeles?
Why not catch a baseball game at Dodger Stadium, the baseball stadium with the most seats in the United States?
A major league baseball team with numerous devoted fans, the Los Angeles Dodgers, has played its home games there since 1962.
The stadium provides a terrific environment for watching a game.
If you are considering going to this stadium, you can buy your ticket at the stadium’s official website or via outside vendors like StubHub.
The ticket price could be as low as $10 or as much as $100, depending on the event and the seating area.
Address: 1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States
3. Visit the Getty Center (Art and Architecture, Impressive Gardens)
If you love arts and architecture and need fun in Los Angeles, the Getty Center is a great place to explore.
It is a museum and cultural institution located in Brentwood, Los Angeles, showcasing various exhibits from the middle ages to this period, from European paintings to sculptures and decorative arts.
Some artists showcased at the Getty Museum include Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Monet, and Degas.
You can explore the collections independently or join a free guided tour (reservations are required in advance).
Aside from its exhibitions, another thing that draws people, both tourists, and locals, to the Getty Center is its impressive architecture and lovely gardens.
This could be an excellent location for a good time with your family or friends.
Address: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, United States
4. Take a Trip to Runyon Canyon Park (Hiking, Panoramic City Views)
Another fun thing to do in Los Angeles, California, is visit Runyon Canyon Park in Hollywood Hills.
This location features one of the best hiking trails in the city, so if you fancy hiking, this could be the perfect location for you.
It is a beloved site by many tourists and locals of Los Angeles for its unique features: it’s a fantastic opportunity to exercise while admiring LA’s natural beauty.
Runyon Canyon has various paths you can follow, from easy to complex.
You can check out the main trail, which is around 3 miles round-trip and leads to the top of the canyon for sweeping views of the city.
The main trail is relatively easy compared to other trails in Runyon Canyon, making it the most popular option among hikers.
Address: 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, United States
Also see our article on Horseback Riding in California.
Fun Things to Do in Anaheim, California
1. Explore the Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center (Flight Simulators, Aviation Experience)
Naturally, when people think of fun things to do in Anaheim, they think of Disneyland.
But you don’t have to visit Disneyland before having fun in the city; several other locations offer unique experiences.
An example is Flightdeck Flight Stimulator Center, where guests can use flight simulators to feel the excitement of being a pilot.
Equipped with realistic controls and instruments, the stimulators offer a full-motion experience that gives you the impression that you are flying.
The location offers visitors the option of flying solo or in a group and also provides various packages that vary from quick flights to full-flight simulations.
If you want to learn about aviation history and fundamental flight concepts, Flightdeck Flight Stimulator Center has a briefing room.
Address: 400 Disney Way Ste 196, Anaheim, CA 92802, United States
2. Pay a Visit to Knott’s Berry Farm (Theme Park, Diverse Attractions)
Another fun thing to do in Anaheim, California, is to visit Knott’s Berry Farm, a theme park established by Walter Knott and his family in the 1920s.
They established the park when they began berry and pie sales from a roadside stand, and it has expanded throughout time to feature dozens of rides and attractions in addition to various eateries and shops.
Some of the biggest attractions at the park include Camp Snoopy (which features small rides and attractions based on the Peanuts gang that is intended for kids), Xcelerator (a fast roller coaster that accelerates passengers from 0 to 82 kilometers per hour in just 2.3 seconds), and the Calico Mine (a dark attraction that leads passengers into an old gold mine).
It would be best if you considered visiting the park.
Address: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620, United States
3. Take a Trip to Adventure City (Amusement Park, Interactive Exhibits)
Everyone loves amusement parks, so a list of fun things to do in any city would likely contain one.
Adventure City is a cute little amusement park with various rides, activities, and interactive exhibits ideal for families with young children.
An example is the well-liked Tree Top Racers, a roller coaster that transports riders across the trees.
Another is the Drop Zone, a tower coaster that raises passengers 45 feet in the air before lowering them back to the earth.
You could also take the Adventure City Express Train, a train ride that offers tours of the park to passengers.
For an interactive experience, the Petting Farm is ideal because it allows kids to get up and personal with various animals, such as goats, sheep, and chickens.
Another interactive attraction is Rescue 911, where children can simulate being a firefighter.
Address: 1238 S Beach Blvd, Anaheim, CA 90680, United States
4. Go Ice Skating at Anaheim Ice (Modern Ice Skating Rink, Year-Round)
Winter fun activities do not get better than going ice skating; the thrill is to die for!
So, if you need fun things to do in Anaheim during the winter periods or even any other season, going ice skating at Anaheim Ice should be on your list.
Anaheim Ice is a modern ice skating rink that hosts public skating events, lessons, hockey leagues, and other year-round activities.
For people who don’t have their gear, Anaheim Ice includes a skate rental area where guests can borrow skates and other equipment.
It also has a pro shop. The pro shop offers a selection of gear, accessories, and equipment for skating and hockey.
You won’t regret your decision if you go to this place.
Address: 300 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA 92805, United States
Also see our article on Water Parks in California.
Fun Things to Do in San Diego, California
1. Visit Balboa Park (Cultural park, Museums, Gardens)
Are you looking for a location that offers various fun attractions in San Diego?
Balboa Park is a large park spanning over 1,200 acres of land with numerous museums, theaters, gardens, and other attractions.
It is a perfect fun location in San Diego.
Established in 1868, it is reputed as one of the best cultural parks in the United States, and it got its name from Vasco Nez de Balboa, a Spanish adventurer who was the first European to visit the Pacific Ocean.
The park houses renowned institutions like the Botanical Building, the Japanese Friendship Garden, and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
These are just a few attractions in the park, so you can rest assured of finding plenty to enjoy there.
Address: 1549 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101, United States
2. Explore the USS Midway Museum (Aircraft Carrier Museum, Historic)
The security sector is one of the most vital sectors of any country, and citizens can find a lot to learn about it.
So, if you want to combine a fun activity with learning, what better place than the USS Midway Museum, a famous location for tourists and San Diego locals?
The location used to be America’s longest-serving aircraft carrier in the US Navy from 1945 to 1992, but now a museum that provides guests with a rare chance to examine the ship and learn about both the US Navy’s past.
Different tours are available at the museum, depending on your preference: self-guided, audio, and docent-led tours.
If you want to get a sense of the history and technology of naval aviation in the 20th century in a fun way, you should head on to the USS Midway Museum.
Address: 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
3. Go Hiking at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (Scenic trails, Coastal Views)
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a lovely park in La Jolla that provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is home to one of Southern California’s last remaining coastal sage scrub plant communities.
It is a perfect location for people looking for fun in San Diego because of its numerous hiking trails.
The Beach Trail, which descends to Torrey Pines State Beach, is the most well-known trail because it provides breathtaking views of the ocean and the rocks.
Other famous trails include the Razor Point Trail, which provides expansive views of the reserve and the coastline, and the Guy Fleming Trail, a simple loop walk with views of the coast and Torrey Pine trees.
Address: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
Also see our article on Tubing in California.
Fun Things to Do in Fresno, California
1. Explore the Forestiere Underground Gardens (Underground Oasis, Horticultural Marvel)
Do you consider being close to nature fun?
If yes, you should head to Forestiere Underground Gardens, a unique attraction of underground tunnels and rooms lined with fruit trees, grapevines, and other plants.
It was founded by Baldasare Forestiere, a Sicilian immigrant who spent over 40 years (between 1906 and 1946) creating the tranquil oasis.
Forestiere began building the gardens in his 20s to escape the oppressive heat of the Central Valley and indulge his love of horticulture, and he worked on them until he died in 1946.
The gardens are now accessible to the public, offering an insight into the creativity of Forestiere’s mind and an opportunity to shop for plants at the gardens’ gift shop.
Address: 5021 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93722, United States
2. Watch a Show at Tower Theatre (Historic Venue, Performing Arts)
If you love performing arts or historical architecture, visiting the Tower Theatre for the Performing Arts should be on your list of fun things to do in Fresno, California.
The theatre, built in the Art Deco style, is located in Fresno’s Tower District.
It has been a registered National Historic Place since 1990, and since its establishment in 1939, it has been a favorite landmark of visitors to Fresno and locals.
From live music concerts to movie screenings and theatrical productions, visitors can find plenty to enjoy all year round at the location.
Aside from the Art Deco Style, another unique feature of the theatre is a stunning neon marquee that illuminates the night sky.
And if you want to grab something to eat before or after the performances, you can visit the concession stand.
Address: 815 E Olive Ave, Fresno, CA 93728, United States
3. Go Hiking at the Sierra National Forest (Vast Natural Beauty, Hiking Trails)
Another fun thing to do in Fresno or close is to explore the Sierra National Forest, a beautiful natural scene outside Fresno.
It is a large area that spans about 1.3 million acres, where people indulge in fun activities like hiking, fishing, camping, and boating.
The most popular activity for visitors of this forest is hiking because of the numerous hiking trails hikers of different experience levels can find there, from strolls to strenuous backcountry expeditions.
Next to hiking in popularity is camping, as the forest houses several campgrounds that provide both rustic and contemporary campsites, some of which are close to water bodies, offering campers boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities.
The forest also offers picturesque views that nature lovers will find intriguing!
Address: California 91024, United States
Also see our article on Hiking Trails in California.
Fun Things to Do in San Francisco, California
1. Visit Alcatraz Island (Historic Prison, Escape History)
Have you seen the legendary Don Siegel film, Escape from Alcatraz?
Yes, this is the Alcatraz prison featured in that film, and you can go there knowing full well that you can escape whenever you want!
Alcatraz Island was a federal prison that housed some of America’s most scandalous criminals, like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly, between 1934 and 1963.
According to Trip Advisor, it is now a popular tourist attraction site in the United States, perhaps the most popular.
You can explore the grounds to glimpse what life at this high-security prison was like while learning about an essential aspect of American history.
It’s worth mentioning once again that you can rest assured of escaping from the prison whenever you want!
Address: Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
2. Explore Lombard Street (Crooked Street, Scenic Views)
You may wonder what is unique about a street that gives it a space in a list of fun things to do, but this is no ordinary street.
Lombard Street, nicknamed “the most crooked street in the world,” is a renowned beautiful street known for its steep, zig-zag sections featuring eight sharp turns.
It is a popular tourist attraction due to its picturesque setting: the beautiful gardens full of nature’s beauty and the Victorian-style buildings it houses.
Lombard Street also houses other fun destinations like the Cable Car Museum and the San Francisco Art Institute.
Also, it is close to other tourist sites like the Golden Gate Bridge, so you can make the most of your trip there by combining it with a visit to another attraction.
Address: Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
3. Visit the Asian Art Museum (Asian Arts, Cultural Exploration)
Finally, visiting the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco will be a great addition to your list of fun things to do in California.
It is a well-liked attraction for San Francisco residents and visitors.
The museum features numerous exhibitions (over 18,000 artworks) dedicated to exploring the histories and cultures of several Asian countries.
It showcases paintings, sculptures, textiles, ceramics, etc., from countries like China, Japan, India, Korea, and other parts of the continent.
The Asian Art Museum also organizes year-round events and educational programs where special exhibitions featuring Asian arts and cultures are showcased in addition to the permanent monuments.
If you want to learn about Asian histories, cultures, and arts, head to this museum for an unadulterated experience.
Address: 200 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Attractions, Playgrounds, and Movie Theaters in California.
Looking beyond California? Check out our article on the best Fun things to do in Texas and Florida.