Top Things to do in California
10 Libraries in California That You Shouldn't Miss
California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
Restaurants in California
1. The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,415 reviews
A popular tourist stop, this 207 acre complex houses a library, art collection and stunning gardens. The library and art gallery contain rare books and one of the most complete collections of 18th century art outside of London.
Reviewed By haigow8 - Vancouver, Canada
2nd time to Huntington. Library is still best in USA with insight on importance of each tome from Gutenberg bible to economics to Declaration of Independence, Wm Shakespeare Folio and science of planets, telescopes too. Beautiful Japanese waterfall and Chinese garden with scarce lotus flowers. Blue Boy still hanging tall, and add time to walk around the int'l gardens with above average Greek/Roman sculptures. Family priced cheese burgers and Mexican fare in cafe with free fruit infused water.
2. Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,067 reviews
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is a must-see Southern California tourist attraction. Walk onboard Air Force One, act in a movie with Ronald Reagan, touch a piece of the Berlin Wall, and so much more.
Reviewed By RKordziel - Rotterdam, United States
I have been visiting historical sites and Presidential libraries for 10 years now, and the Reagan library is probably my favorite one so far! The museum is extremely high-tech and features countless artifacts relating the the Reagans’ lives and presidency, everything in the museum was amazing; the Christmas exhibit mesmerized me with its fragrances that I actually contemplated asking if they sold air fresheners of the scent! The museum is laid out so well, and the video shown that featured President Reagan’s voice honestly made me emotional as I remembered his struggle with Alzheimer’s and recalled watching his funeral in 2004. The museum is definitely a day trip, with so much to see and do, including statues, a piece of the Berlin Wall, and the graves of Ronald and Nancy Reagan on the grounds. It is probably the best I have visited to-date. I urge anyone with an interest in history to make a pilgrimage to the Reagan library; it’s a day you’ll never forget!
3. Cerritos Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By JennyLS48 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
This is an amazing library space for all ages. Outside glows gold and white with curves and straight edges, beautiful. Inside all ages are catered for, the children’s space is wonderful, it has a huge dinosaur, light house, ceiling painted like a blue sky. There is very high quality child friendly furniture and lots of books and computers to use. There is an art space,music area, so inspiring. The teen area is a delight and the adult area reminds me of a cruise ship. Everything is perfect.locsl use it free but you can pay $100 per year and get access. All the fittings are well maintained and highest quality. They found someone to show us the meeting rooms, fantastic. Maintained by the city. And something they can be truly proud of. Well worth a visit
4. Camarillo Public Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By mojganm618
Any library is a great place for any age group to visit and enjoy, but the Camarillo Library especially because of the beautiful Spanish design. The tile work is a replica of the Adamson House in Malibu. It's a magnificent experience.
5. Coronado Public Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By 724larrym - Vancouver, Canada
We really just wanted to use the library bathroom, but were taken by the excellent assortment of books for sale in the lobby. As well, they have a little bookstore at the back of the library with worthwhile books for sale at very reasonable prices. Bravo!
6. Grant R. Brimhall Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By slr_7 - Thousand Oaks, United States
This is the main library for Thousand Oaks. It has a wonderful children's are and a large collection of books, music CDs, Movie DVDs, magazines, genealogy center, etc.. There is a lovely very large aquarium in the center of the library. There is ample parking and a lovely park adjacent to it which is good for picnicking, walking, viewing birds and fish in the ponds.
7. The City of Rancho Mirage Public Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
Outside the library, there is a statue of a young man. It shows also a lot of rocks with colors. There are a lot of books,videos, computers and more. The librarians take good care. There is a painting of the governor and his wife. There are a lot of beautiful minerals. It even has a fish. I liked that library!
8. Encinitas Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Jannohn
In addition to the expected books and periodicals, including those that can be ordered from other branches, Encinitas Library features a popular and welcoming concert hall / community room with a Steinway grand piano, computers, free Wi-Fi, a snack shop, a used book store, and other amenities, plus a good collection of DVDs and audio CDs for rent.
9. Central Park Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By ZackUribe - Santa Clara, United States
This library has a decent resident selection and since they are tied to the rest of the Santa Clara city library service AND NOW, the Link+ group, it is much easier to get access to harder to find books.
10. Carlsbad City Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Living in Massachusetts and coming for a month to Carlsbad, CA, I wanted books to read. I was able to go online, fill out the application and then get my library card once I went to customer service at the library. Everyone was helpful I feel they should have reviews for their service.
Reviewed By Y5110NDerick - Carlsbad, United States
We bought a condo in Carlsbad 9 years ago and moved here permanently about 2 years ago. The Carlsbad Libraries are a gem! Clean, well lit, very helpful staff. We got our library cards 9 years ago and have been blessed ever since.
