Top Things to do in California
The 10 Best Cultural Events in California, United States
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. Rose Parade
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By Jenlynnjack - Euless, United States
I have just returned from an amazing trip to LA with Al Brooks Rose Parade Tours. The tour company, tour guide, and bus driver were all exceptional. Our tour was called the Pacific Rose and included a 4 night stay at the Hyatt Long Beach. Each day we were treated to wonderful sights and tours including Warner Brother’s Studio, the Queen Mary, Huntington Library, and a Long Beach Harbor cruise. The cherry on top was a visit to a float construction barn and the excellent grandstand seats at the Rose Bowl Parade. Our tour also included transportation to these fabulous places, breakfast and lunch each day. I would recommend Al Brooks Rose Parade tour company to anyone looking to sit back, relax, and enjoy the historical parade and beautiful Southern California.
2. Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance
3. San Diego Comic-Con International
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Everyone is a super geek at this mother-of-all Comic Con festivals at the San Diego Convention Center. Launched in 1970 as a straightforward comic book convention, today over 100,000 enthusiastic fans (many in elaborate outfits) come to mingle with their favorite graphic novelist or get an autograph from a TV or movie star. Other events include panel discussions, exclusive film previews and interactive workshops. Bringing together such an eclectic fan base is a mighty entertaining sight to behold with gurus of fantasy, comics, movies, animation, science fiction and more convening under one roof. Squeezing into your favorite superhero costume is highly encouraged!
4. San Francisco Pride
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
The annual San Francisco Pride event is a celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities and their allies. The crowned jewel of the weekend, which has been held annually since 1970, is a festive parade running through Downtown San Francisco. Vibrant rainbow clothing, beaded necklaces, homemade signs, and fetishized outfits are commonplace among attendees and add to the celebratory feel. When your feet need a rest, there are plenty of music, dining, and shopping options to be enjoyed. Be sure to stay hydrated and wear comfy shoes because dancing and cheering are part of the deal here!
Reviewed By TV2451
This is the annual event at the end of June. Lots of things going on in the City, a film festival, the Dyke March, private parties, special concerts, plus the huge parade on Market Street on the last Sunday. And then the party in Civic Center after the parade. The outdoor events are free and attract youth, which is terrific. An institution, attracting a lot of tourists.
5. Doo Dah Parade
6. Northern California Renaissance Faire
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Grrrebecca
My child and I camped at casa De fruta and walked to the fair. The booths, shows, parades, and wandering faire staff were all dedicated to maintaining the old English atmosphere. My child got to try out throwing knives and stars, shooting crossbows and bows, sword fighting instruction, and candle dipping. We saw jousting and other horse shows. The sword swallower, cydeshow Cy, was amazing and the fire swallower, Broon, was really fun! The food was delightful but pricey. There were a lot of attractions to separate you from your money but for the most part I thought I received good value. I do recommend getting cash before you go into the fair! The on-site atm charges 4.50. Most of the booths take plastic but some only take cash and sometimes you can get a discount for using cash. I have always loved ren faires and this is the best one I've been able to get to since blackpoint forest. My child is autistic and camping nearby relieved stress for both of us. That way we could leave and return later if it was overstimulating. The staff and the performers were very cool about my child talking loudly during their shows and included is in the performance.
7. Animanga
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Animanga is the go-to Summer anime & gaming convention of Pomona, CA. Held once a year for a 3-day weekend, Animanga features cosplay competitions, gaming, vendors, amusement, panels, performances and other activities. The convention focuses on Japanese popular culture, primarily anime and manga!
Reviewed By MissMsRis
A fun small anime convention that has tons of stuff for the whole family. The arcade itself is worth every penny spent.
8. Reflections Elegante Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By willowglengallery - San Jose, United States
Wonderful diversity of beautiful paintings in a well-established neighborhood. Owners Lori and Gary Thompson are very sweet, professional, and highly knowledgeable in the art world. Proudly talks about their artists and their artwork.
9. LA County Fair
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 73 reviews
Founded in the 1920s in Pomona, CA, the LA County Fair is as much a celebration of California’s agricultural history as it is good ole’ summer fun. Carnival rides, parades, and fair animals are commonplace here as are any fried food or barbecue staple you can imagine. The fair has also incorporated some more contemporary elements over the years like local art exhibitions and a summer concert series featuring iconic musical artists like Patti Labelle and Lynyrd Skynyrd. A whimsical time for the whole family with non-stop California sunshine to boot.
10. J-Pop Summit
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
J-POP SUMMIT, a Japanese cultural festival held every summer since 2009 in San Francisco, introduces the latest in Japanese music, fashion, film, art, games, tech-innovations, anime, food, as well as niche subcultures!
