There are so many unbelievable experiences in California that I needed a California bucket list. I already crossed off a number of the items but by creating the list I will gain the encouragement to complete them all. Many of the adventures sound like something in a futuristic movie like flying a jetpack, becoming a fighter pilot for the day, performing aerobatics in a biplane or T6 Warbird, or racing a dragster but I assure you that they are not only possible in California, but I plan on experiencing every one of them. Almost anything you can dream up, you can find in California. Natural wonders are in abundance and the best festivals and concerts can be found all over the state. Here’s my California bucket list. The highlighted items have already been completed. Adding them to my list makes me dream a little bigger and gives me a place to start when I’m looking for a new experience in California. How many are on your list?
California Bucket List
Extreme
Skydive
Bungee jump
Aerobatics in a biplane
Fly in a T6 Warbird
Helicopter lessons
Skull Canyon Ziplining
Exotic car racing
Paragliding
Jetpack
Hiking, Backpacking, & Camping
Backpack to the Ventana Wilderness Hot Tub
Hike Torrey Pines
Hike Devil’s Postpile
Hike Rainbow Falls
Canoe in Moro Lake
Hike Fern Canyon
Hike to the Hollywood sign
Camp at Elk Prairie Campground
Backpack To Sentinel Dome
Camp at Death Valley’s Wildrose Campground
Hike and camp in the meadows on Mt. Shasta
Hike to the Summit of Mt. Baldy
Hike to Alamere Falls
California Air
Helicopter flight
Fly a glider
Hot air balloon
Helicopter lessons
Trapeze lessons
Fighter Jet Flight Simulator
California Land
Drive Route 66
Visit Legoland
Visit Disneyland Adventure
Zipline and explore Moaning Cavern
Sledding
Rock Climbing
Knott’s Soak City
Ride the Skunk Train
San Diego Adventure Safari
Madera Wine Trail
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
Yosemite National Park
San Diego Zoo
Drive Avenue of the Giants
Knott’s Scary Farm
Jeep Tour
4-wheeler adventure
Knott’s Berry Farm
Visit Universal Studios
Skiing
Visit Disneyland
California Water
Sailing
Surfing at Huntington Beach
Kiteboarding
Kayak La Jolla Sea Caves
Rafting
Scuba diving
Pirate dinner adventure
Test the water slides at Knott’s Soak City
Go whale watching
California Festivals & Productions
Photo credit: Paul Kozal
Coachella
Mendocino County Mushroom, Wine, & Beer Festival
Mendocino Crab, Beer, & Wine Festival
Stagecoach
BottleRock
FYF Fest
Christmas Convoy in Eureka
Festival of Whales
Sawdust Festival
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Temecula Balloon & Wine Festival
Tis the Season at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
California Accommodations
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
The Beverly Hills Hotel
Montage Laguna Beach
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Bardessono
Auberge du Soleil
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa
Terranea Resort
Carneros Resort and Spa
What am I missing? I’m always open to suggestions and excited to add to the list.
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Wow! California is such a great state, so much to see and do. I’ve been three times in all over the space of 30+ years and have enjoyed each visit but I know there’s so much more to see and experience (and eat!). Great idea to create a bucket list by region or state!
Wow! California is such a great state, so much to see and do. I’ve been three times in all over the space of 30+ years and have enjoyed each visit but I know there’s so much more to see and experience (and eat!). Great idea to create a bucket list by region or state!
This bucket list is awesome! I have done quite a few of those when we lived there including lots of hiking in the parks but there is always something else to discover in California
This bucket list is awesome! I have done quite a few of those when we lived there including lots of hiking in the parks but there is always something else to discover in California
Wow! I’m truly inspired by your list of adventure activities. I’ve never been to California, however, I’ve always known it to be a beautiful place. Now, I know there is so much to do in California. I’m definitely going to try these activities when I’ll visit the place.
Wow! I’m truly inspired by your list of adventure activities. I’ve never been to California, however, I’ve always known it to be a beautiful place. Now, I know there is so much to do in California. I’m definitely going to try these activities when I’ll visit the place.
This makes me homesick for California! Looks like you have a solid list there, but I’ll add a few!
1. Hike and rock climb in Joshua Tree National Park. Be sure to take lots of time to star gaze, the stars are amazing there!
2. Visit Solvang, an adorable Danish town complete with windmills and cheese tasting.
3. Visit Coronado Island just off the coast of San Diego. You can go kayaking and sunbathe in summer, who visit the brewery and ice skating in the winter!
California is incredible, enjoy! 🙂
Great additions! I should have had these on my list already but I will add now.
I love Joshua Tree. I camped there for a few nights and you’re right about the stars – magical.
Solvang really is adorable! We stayed at a horse ranch not far from there and had a lovely family weekend.
And Coronado Island is the perfect location. It’s close to all the parks and downtown yet seems a world away.
I’m missing Cali too.