Popularly known as the Golden State, this amazing tourist destination is a global trendsetter in popular culture, innovation, environmentalism, and politics. California is located in the Pacific region of the United States and is said to be the home of the hippie culture, the internet, the personal computer, the American film industry, fast food, beach, and car culture - where it all started. California is not only known for its vibrant cities, beaches, amusement parks, and natural wonders, but it is also a state which blends a little bit of everything. From national parks, mountains, forests to deserts, coastal areas, and islands, it has a lot to offer. California provides a wonderful array of accommodations as well, including eco hotels and treehouse rentals. Tourists can enjoy a walk on the iconic Golden Gate Bridge or hike along the streams at Yosemite National Park. Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, or have a close encounter with dolphins at SeaWorld San Diego. Families with children will love a visit to Disneyland, which is home to a number of rides, games, shows, and entertainment. Check out the top 10 exceptionally beautiful historical places in California.
1. Fort Point National Historic Site
Popularly known as the pride of the Pacific, Fort Point National Historic Site dates back to the American Civil War and will give you a slice of local history. This fort was built to fend off enemy warships looking to attack the San Francisco Bay. The fort is built on the Bay’s entrance and has been featured in several notable Hollywood flicks such as Dawn of the Planet of Apes and Vertigo to name a few. When in California make sure you visit this historical site!
Fort Point National Historic Site
Address: Long Ave & Marine Dr, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States
Website: Fort Point National Historic Site
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
2. Venice Canals
Built by Abbot Kinney in 1905, Venice Canals offer a completely different side of the famed beachfront neighborhood. Walk past the beautifully lit canals with gondoliers and arched bridges, and spend some romantic moments with your partner. Discover the arching pedestrian bridges, charming beach houses, ducklings and the occasional paddle boarding bulldog, while taking a stroll through the canal-lined blocks. Run away from the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy the serene atmosphere here.
Venice Canals
Address: Venice, CA 90292, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
3. Jack London State Historic Park
One of the best places to visit is Jack London State Historic Park, where you can have a look inside the house of the famous writer. Situated on the eastern slope of Sonoma Mountain, this historical place features the ruins of a burned house, as well as the graves of Jack London and his wife. Popularly known as the Wolf House, tourists can have a look at the sizable stone structure and Goulding clay loam soils over here. Relax and plan a family picnic at the park, enjoy mountain biking and horseback riding, or take pictures of the stunning landscape and spot the birds flying around.
Jack London State Historic Park
Address: 2400 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, USA
Website: Jack London State Historic Park
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
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4. Bradbury Building
This five-story-high Bradbury Building is a popular architectural landmark. This office complex is located in downtown Los Angeles and is a popular tourist stop. Why? All credits go to its skylit atrium, beautiful staircases and elevators that have intricate work. The building itself exhibits a Romanesque architecture and is a much-photographed spot. It has been featured in several Hollywood movies and TV shows courtesy its old-world charm. So make sure you click some Instagram-worthy pictures when here!
Bradbury Building
Address: 304 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA
Website: Bradbury Building
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm
California Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
5. Fort Baker
Located immediately north of Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Baker is a former 1905 U.S. Army post. Previously known as the Lime Point Military Reservation, this hidden gem features 25 historic army buildings in a parade ground, a number of historic gun emplacements, a sheltered harbor protected by a jetty, as well as forested areas and trails heading to the San Francisco Bay. Tourists can enjoy multiple activities over here including, fishing and crabbing off the pier at Horseshoe Cove, or spotting wildlife and plant species at Fort Baker.
Fort Baker
Address: Sausalito, CA 94965, USA
Website: Fort Baker
6. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Located in the picturesque Fisherman’s Wharf area, make sure you visit the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Get acquainted with the tales of yore as you soak in the scenic sights of the Pacific Coast. Stroll around the Park and marvel at the wonders stowed away in the maritime museum. Check out the historic vessels on display as you let your mind take flight. There is a visitor center handy in case you get lost or need any assistance. The Maritime Museum also has some brilliant murals by artist Hilaire Hiler.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Address: San Francisco, CA 94109, USA
Website: San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Mormon Battalion Historic Site
Built in honor of the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Battalion Historic Site is located in Old Town. Learn about the Mormon Battalion’s journey. The group of about 500 Latter-day Saints has served in the United States Army’s Mormon Battalion and gave up their lives fighting the Mexican–American War of 1846. Take an interactive video tour at this site featuring historical artifacts, and demonstrations on gold panning and brick making.
Mormon Battalion Historic Site
Address: 2510 Juan St, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
Website: Mormon Battalion Historic Site
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 1pm - 8pm
8. Winchester Mystery House
When in San Jose make sure you visit the Winchester Mystery House. This spectacular and apparently built in 1884 and was home to Sarah Winchester. Sarah was a widow and was married to William Wirt Winchester. This spooky mansion is known for its lonely corridors and labyrinthical architectural style. You can opt for a tourist tour and get acquainted with the curiosities of this once-opulent home. If you get lucky (or not!) you may encounter a spirit roaming the dark alleyways of the massive mansion!
Winchester Mystery House
Address: 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
Website: Winchester Mystery House
Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 9am - 4pm; Thu: 9am - 3pm
9. Golden Gate Bridge (from USD 38.0)
Sail under the Golden Gate Bridge, the highlight of any visit to San Francisco for over 75 years. Board the ship and experience San Francisco’s awe-inspiring waterfront, listening to interesting audio commentary. Watch out for pelicans, sea lions, dolphins, and whales, while the cruise passes below the magnificent Golden Gate. Marvel at the suspension bridge that connects the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Declared one of the Wonders of the Modern World, this bridge is a popular landmark in California. Sit back and relax with a drink on the cruise, while clicking Instagram-worthy pictures of this architectural masterpiece.
San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise
Duration: 1.0 hour
10. Hearst Castle (from USD 159.0)
Discover the history and stories of the historic Hearst Castle and learn interesting facts about this American castle. Built between 1919 and 1947 for newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, tourists can gain knowledge about the guests and friends of Hearst who graced the halls with their presence. Get the feeling of the 1920’s on the ground floor of Casa Grande, watch a film about the building at National Geographic Theatre, or browse through a huge collection of art and antiques. Walk in the footsteps of the ghosts of the past, while exploring the Grand Rooms of the house.
Hearst Castle and Central Coast Tour
Duration: 5.5 to 7.5 hour
Discover the historical sites of California
Tourism is a large-scale industry in California and it makes an enormous profit throughout the year. Take a stroll through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, which showcases majestic granite peaks, or unwind and relax at Lake Tahoe. Make sure you ride the California Street Cable Car, which will make this trip a memorable one. Do visit some fascinating ghost towns and bird sanctuaries as well. Boasting amazing nightlife, popular landmarks, culture, art, and a picturesque view of the Pacific Ocean, California is perfect for a summer getaway.
History
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