In 2019, California’s travel industry saw it’s ninth year of continued growth. Around 42 million people chose the Golden State as their ideal travel destination as they flocked to the west coast.
But instead of flocking to Santa Monica Beach or putting on your ears and heading to Disneyland, you should take the road less traveled. There are plenty of amazing places to visit in California that will give you a picture-perfect vacation without being crowded with tourists. Make your trip more memorable by planning to visit some of the unique gems hidden throughout the great state.
Keep reading to discover some of the most unique things to do in California.
1. Visit Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
One of the most underrated things to do in California is to visit Jebediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
This park was first established in 1939 and consists of 10,000 acres of redwood forests. If you’ve never been near a redwood tree, be prepared to be amazed. These trees can grow up to 350 feet tall and have a diameter of over 20 feet!
Due to the amazing scenery, the park has been the filming location of many popular movies, including Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi and The Lost World: Jurassic Park.
2. Take a Few Winery Tours
No trip to the Golden State is complete without experiencing a few California wine tours.
Live like local celebrities and enjoy a stay in Napa Valley. Or, spend a full day on a winery tour that shuttles you from vineyard to vineyard. Either way, you’ll get to enjoy the wide variety of flavors that California grapes produce in their award-winning wines.
It’s not all about the wines though. Vineyards are full of history and breathtaking views. Between tasting events, you’ll learn some wine knowledge to take home and impress your friends with.
3. Mourn in Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Finishing this list of fun, unique things to do in California is a visit to the Hollywood Forever Cemetary.
While most tourists flock to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you can get a similar experience with an eerie undertone in this cemetery. You’ll find the final resting place of many celebrities, ranging from George Harrison and Johnny Ramone to Jerry Siegel and Judy Garland.
Because the cemetery realizes that they are a true tourist attraction, they even offer concerts, movies, and various events. Who else can say they saw a live concert in a cemetery while on their summer vacation?
Try These Unique Things to Do in California
After discovering just a few of the unique things to do in California, it’s time to start planning your next trip.
Add a day to enjoy the nature of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park while also seeing the sites of famous movies. Enjoy the bounty that California offers by living the lavish lifestyle on one of the many winery tours. Or, get in touch with your more gothic side and spend the day with the stars of the past in Hollywood Forever Cemetary.
Looking for more help planning out all the details of your California trip? Head to the Travel section of this site for all the best tips and tricks.
