Beaches

The Golden State boasts more than 1,100 miles of breathtaking coastline, ranging from Hollywood-perfect expanses of smooth sand to dramatically windswept oceanside cliffs. If your idea of a perfect day involves beach volleyball, building sandcastles, hiking along picturesque seaside trails or catching a wave, you can find it all at California’s many beaches.

Golf

With internationally renowned public access courses like Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, PGA West,  Torrey Pines it is not hard to imagine why many consider California to be the world’s greatest golf destination. With hundreds of breathtaking public access facilities and resorts, start planning your next California golfing adventure today.

Nightlife

California’s cities pulsate with energy long after the sun has set. In fact, it’s not until streetlights blink on throughout the metropolitan areas that some of the state’s most dynamic venues—blues bars, comedy clubs, dance halls, martini lounges—spring to life.

Outdoor Recreation

Gold was what brought the world to California more than a century and a half ago. Gold of a different vein — nature’s gold — draws the world to California today. Lakes, rivers, deserts, redwood glens, and wind-tousled peaks; Yosemite, Death Valley, Big Sur and Mt. Lassen — the list of California’s most precious commodities goes on and on. Not to mention the California State Parks system has treasures as diverse as the state: herein you will find the largest and most diverse natural and cultural heritage holdings of any in the nation. To grasp California’s true gold, you must leave the words behind and go to one of the state’s many special places. Experience the outdoor magic at the edge of Lake Tahoe. Hoist a backpack and head for the backcountry of the Los Padres National Forest near Ojai, where you can hike to a swimming hole framed by a granite gorge. You can even take a boat out to one of the five islands of Southern California's Channel Islands National Park and camp where sea lions outnumber campers a thousand to one.

Shopping

Shopping is an art form in California. Whether you're in search of the perfect cocktail dress or an authentic Mexican piñata, you'll find it here. Want to sample fresh produce? Try our farmers markets. Looking for a handmade ceramic bowl? Check out one of the many artist enclaves dotting the state. Simply looking for a great bargain on shoes? California has some of the largest outlet centers in the country. Or are you looking to indulge in the latest designer wear? Then head to our high-end shopping districts or malls.

Spas & Wellness

Wellness is a serious pursuit in California, so its little wonder the state is home to an unusually high number of exceptional health and beauty spas and wellness centers. Whether you desire an afternoon’s pampering or a weeklong rejuvenation retreat, you’ll find your bliss here.

Theme Parks

California has long been the land of adventure, where kids and adults alike revel in their youth through feats of gravity. It all started in 1928, when Knott family built a teahouse on their 10-acre berry farm in Southern California—and Knott’s Berry Farm became America’s first theme park. Then, in 1954, Walt Disney’s crews began clearing 160 acres of Anaheim orange trees to make room for the first modern mega theme park. In 1962, Universal Studios Hollywood joined the gang with its backlot tour. To this day, Walt’s creation still reigns as California’s best-known amusement park—but Disneyland has plenty of fine company in parks large and small around the state.

Winter Recreation

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! From the northern tip of California, practically all the way to the Mexican border, California offers superb snow activities. Hundreds of miles of white-capped mountains provide unparalleled opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, skating, snow climbing — even sleigh riding. For more information on California’s ski and snowboard resorts, lessons, cross-country skiing options, trip planning assistance, and much more — be sure to start with the California Ski Industry Association, but don't forget to check out excellent regional resources such as the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, the North Lake Tahoe Visitors Bureau, or the Mammoth Lakes Visitors Bureau.