Top Things to do in California
Top 10 Tramways 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. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,203 reviews
World's largest rotating Tram car. Opened in 1963, the Tram's 80-passenger cars travel along the beautiful cliffs of Chino Canyon from the Valley Station (elevation 2,643 ft.) to the Mountain Station (elevation 8,516 ft.) in approximately 10 minutes. At the top enjoy breathtaking views, Peaks Restaurant, Pines Cafe, a gift shop, nature exhibits, educational documentary theaters, and over 50 miles of hiking trails in the Mt. San Jacinto State Park Wilderness.
Reviewed By robinb42018 - Seattle, United States
No surprise...Palm Springs is hot, hot, hot in August! The bummer is that many things are closed except on the weekends, but The Aerial Tramway and national park is not. It was an amazing experience and one I would highly recommend. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes (uh--not flip flops), and bring water. Even though the temp is up to 30 degrees cooler than down below, it is still plenty hot and dry. The ride up is a bit of a thrill, and if you are afraid of heights, I recommend sitting in the center section. At a minimum, take the Nature or Desert Trail hike at the top. It is only 1.5-2 miles and so beautiful. There are many viewpoints along the way. Tram starts at 10 a.m. and departs about every 10 minutes until 8:30 p.m. It is not cheap, but well worth it. Food, gift shop, and awesome viewpoints at the top!
2. Cable Cars
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25,107 reviews
Since 1873, cable cars have run up and down the hilly city, though after the 1950s, these cars have been kept in operation more out of historic nostalgia. Seventeen miles of track remain and have been deemed a historical landmark.
Reviewed By cazr2018 - Exeter, United Kingdom
You cannot visit San Francisco without riding the famous cable cars. Running from Fisherman’s Wharf and Union square, the cable cars are great fun- try standing up! Visit the cable car museum as well- it’s free and tells you all about the history of this unique mode of transport.
3. Historic Streetcars
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 941 reviews
Restored street cars run on tracks up and down the Market Street Railway.
Reviewed By arpad310 - Valparaiso, United States
I'm a Rail Fan and this is a wonderful collection of operating street cars; each cars has its history on board and is painted in the colors of what city it came from.
4. The Gondola at Heavenly
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,336 reviews
Hop aboard an 8-passenger glass cabin and be whisked 2.4 miles up the side of a mountain for breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Riders can hop off at an observation deck, located half way up, for even more spectacular sights.
Reviewed By ginaa117 - Baltimore, United States
Don’t make the mistake of thinking this is just a ride up the mountain and back! There’s so much to do on this journey in the gondola. There’s a map by the area where you pay/enter. Go check it out to see all of what can be done. There are trails, cafes, restaurants, etc. up on the mountain. The ride itself up was great. Stop off at the observation deck which is about 2/3rds the way up. Get off and take some pics. There’s even a cafe there. When done exploring, jump back into the gondola and continue up to the top. There’s more trails, a restaurant, kids jungle gym, and even a roller coaster! Be warned as there was over an hour wait for the coaster (we didn’t pay extra for this & heard another family stating how long the wait was). We did do the extra 900ft up ski lift from the top where the gondola drops you off. Be sure to fill out your waiver even if only doing the gondola ride so that you can have the option of riding the ski lift as well to go to the very top(it’s free with the purchase of the gondola ride). This was a fabulous day activity and you can easily do this with kids. There were some things like the restaurants that were closed for Covid, but they still offered drinks, chips, prepackaged sandwiches, etc. We even saw people that brought their own lunches and sat at one of the picnic tables at the tippy top. This place is like its own town up on the mountain. They did a great job with cleaning things as well. People were spraying the picnic tables and they had clean/dirty signs on them, spraying down each gondola, etc. We didn’t encounter one employee that wasn’t friendly or that didn’t thank us for visiting!!! It’s is worth the money. Such friendly staff and just a great adventurous day full of great views.
5. COASTER
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 725 reviews
Reviewed By AlexaBo12111956
We were staying in the Carlsbad area and after talking with a few people decided to grab the Coaster from Carlsbad down to the Santa Fe terminal in downtown San Diego. Quite frankly, it was reasonably priced and super convenient to get from our area to the downtown without having to drive. Once we arrived we grabbed the trolley that stops and drops at about 10 different locations throught the city including Seaport Village and Little Italy. Can't find the name of the trolley - but it is independantly run and well worth the money to see a great deal of the San Diego downtown area within a couple of hours. We grabbed the Coaster for the return trip and it was clean, comfortable and timely. If you dont want to drive.......consider using the Coaster !
6. Squaw Valley Aerial Tram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
Take a panoramic 10 minute ride that climbs 2,000 vertical feet and soars above a mountainscape of granite rock, waterfalls and the iconic Tram Face. And that's just the beginning. Once you reach your destination at High Camp, located at 8,200', breathe in the fresh mountain air and immerse yourself in the High Sierra. Whether you're looking to set out on one of the many hiking and walking trails, cool off in the mountaintop pool and hot tub or take a spin around the roller rink overlooking Lake Tahoe, there is something to spark everyone's inner mountain explorer.
Reviewed By 21jem - Wake Forest, United States
Our family of 4 spent the afternoon at Squaw Valley. We ate at the Dubliner ( would highly recommend the Chicken Boxty with Whiskey cream and the Rueben Fries!!) The tram was such a fun ride during the summer- so much and so far to see! We walked on several trails and enjoyed the views and wildflowers. There are so many things to do here-swim, hike, mt bike, etc. Smoke from the Yosemite fires blew in which obscured the views late in the afternoon but it was still amazing! Would love to ski here someday!
7. MST Trolley
8. Beverly Hills Trolley
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 80 reviews
Free trolley service between Civic Center (southeast corner of Civic Center Drive and Third Street) and Rodeo Drive (southeast corner of Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way) is available Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Mondays). On Sundays, the trolley picks up and drops off passengers in front of the Beverly Hills Courthouse (9355 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210) due to Civic Center Drive street closure. The Trolley departs the Civic Center Trolley Stop on the hour starting at 11 a.m. and departs the Rodeo/Dayton Trolley Stop on the half-hour starting at 11:30 a.m. THIS IS NOT A NARRATED TOUR.
9. Solvang Trolley & Carriage
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 75 reviews
Discover Solvang with the timeless elegance and fun that a horse-drawn conveyance offers! You can take a 25-min guided tour on the historical Solvang Trolley, which has been taking visitors and locals alike for rides since 1964. The Trolley is a replica of a 1900's Danish Street Car, pulled by Belgian Draft Horses. The tour is guided by multi-lingual, costumed Tour Guides that are consantly educated on local special events and history of the town.We also offer private carriage rides! Our carriages are available for wine-tasting or private tours. A 24 hour-notice is required on most days, but keep in mind that summer and holiday months book quickly, and many groups book their tours with months in advance. Our wine-tasting tours include a visit to two wine-tasting rooms within Solvang, and we offer complimentary drinks or dessert from our Ice Cream Parlor!Our Carriages are available for special events at your location. Please call for details!
10. Central Coast Trolley (Winery Day Tours)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
