Top Things to do in California
What to do and see in California, United States: The Best Government Buildings
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. Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau is the official source of information on things to see, where to stay and dine in California's wine country region of Sonoma Valley. Our friendly staff are experts on tours, restaurants and itineraries for your visit. Call, email or come in and ask us a question. Get free maps, guides and tasting passes.
Reviewed By bli1220 - Mount Dora, United States
Upon arriving in new area first thing we do is go to visitor center to make sure we have enough information to ensure we see everything possible. Our volunteer, Gail, was great. We got information of Sonoma Valley-area maps, what to expect in all little towns, and good eating suggestions. Gail really knew the area well. Thank you Gail we really appreciated your time and information.
2. Capitol Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 538 reviews
This popular park, surrounding the California State Capitol, has trees from around the world and memorials to significant state events.
Reviewed By SearchAndVisit - Ocala, United States
A walk to the capitol buildings provided shade under trees from various countries as well as California. The rose garden is beautifully maintained and the Vietnam Memorial is reason enough to slow down and reflect. This park is a gem and should be included in your visit downtown. Californians should be proud.
3. City Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 345 reviews
After an impressive seismic rehabilitation, completed in 2001, the beloved 28-story landmark can withstand an earthquake up to magnitude 8.
Reviewed By TPAT75 - Oulu, Finland
Beautiful building that offers great views over the city for free! So take some time to visit here if you're in downtown.
4. Oceanside City Hall
5. San Francisco City Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,024 reviews
The dome of this venerable Government building is a replica of the one crowning St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Reviewed By duck8to - Montville, United States
It is one of the finest city halls I have ever seen. The original city hall was built in 1899 and was destroyed in the earthquake and fire of 1906. The present city hall was rebuilt between 1913-1916 it displays an impressive Beaux Arts architectural style. The massive dome in the rotunda is 307' tall some 40' higher then the rotunda in the Nation's Capitol. With a magnificent rotunda of marble and jaw dropping grand staircase this city hall with it's four floor is second to none. Today the San Francisco City Hall has been redesigned to adjust to a possible earthquake that shook it's foundation on October 17, 1989. The 7.1 earthquake moved the structure 4'' and repairs continued until 1999. A state of the art computer controlled LED lighting system was installed which is capable of producing a variety of light shows. If you are in San Francisco, It is a sight to behold. City hall has been the site of of many notable events. Joe D'Maggio married Marilyn Monroe at City Hall in January of 1954. Mascone and Milk were assassinated here in 1979 and the first same-sex marriage was performed here in 2004. It is a National Historic landmark. Docent tours were available pre-COVID-19 on Mon-Fri at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. The tours were 45 minutes long. Sign-up for the tours were at the kiosk Goodlet Place elevator lobby. Admission is free. If you do not want a docent tour, you can enter city hall on your own. I was there prior to COVID-19. Check their website for any COVID-19 rules.
6. Carlsbad City Hall
7. Ventura City Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By jogrow7 - Ventura, United States
San Buenaventura City Hall started out as the Ventura County Courthouse and was built in 1912. It is a State of California Historical Landmark, listed on the National Register for Historic Places. The building sports a copper sheathed dome and an elegant Italian marble foyer. Between the first and second floor windows of City Hall are Gargoyles type faces of priests which serve as a historical reminder that the City of San Buenaventura was one of the nine original Mission towns founded by Father Junipero Serra and Franciscan friars in 1782. You can also see art work by local artists that is displayed on the first and second floors of City Hall. The Ventura City Hall came close to being burned by the Thomas Fire that raged through Ventura in early December 2017. Thanks to the quick response of the Fire Department, it was saved.
