Los Angeles CA

Imagine stepping into a glass-walled rotating tram, rising thousands of feet into the sky, and watching the desert below transform into a snowy mountain forest—all before you’ve even finished your coffee. That’s exactly the kind of magic waiting for you at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a California bucket-list adventure that quite literally takes sightseeing to new heights.

Step into the glow and let your inner kid come out to play. At Monster Mini Golf in Rancho Cordova, just a short hop from Sacramento, this is not your average putting green. Think: blacklight mayhem, spooky-fun vibes, and cackling animatronic monsters lurking behind every neon turn. Whether you're teeing up for a first date or wrangling an energetic pack of kids, this place is part carnival, part arcade, part haunted house—and totally unforgettable.

If watching a movie under the stars with the Hollywood sign glowing in the distance sounds like a dream, you’re in luck. At the Rooftop Film Club at the Montelban Theatre, that dream comes to life—complete with cozy deck chairs, city lights, craft cocktails, and a big-screen lineup of crowd-pleasing classics.

There’s something magical about standing eye-to-eye with a giant Pacific octopus or watching sea otters playfully tumble through kelp beds like aquatic acrobats. At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, it’s not just about exhibits—it’s about feeling like you’ve slipped into another world, one pulse and tide away from the surface.

If you’re cruising down Pearblossom Highway and spot a life-sized dinosaur, a pirate ship, and a vintage train car all in the same yard—don’t worry, you haven’t gone off the rails. You’ve just stumbled upon Charlie Brown Farms, a wild and wonderful roadside attraction that’s been delighting visitors in Littlerock, California for decades.

Tucked high above the treetops in South Lake Tahoe, the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster isn’t just a thrill ride—it’s a one-of-a-kind alpine adventure with front-row seats to some of the most jaw-dropping views in the Sierra Nevada. Imagine strapping into a sleek, solo coaster car and cruising down a track that twists and turns through towering pines, rugged ridgelines, and wide-open sky.

If you think all malls are created equal, think again. Tucked into a low-key corner of Costa Mesa, The LAB Anti-Mall flips the idea of shopping centers on its head—and makes it artsy, local, and cool without trying too hard. It’s not a place to hustle between big-name stores under fluorescent lighting. It’s a place to hang, to sip, to browse, to linger. And maybe take a selfie under a canopy of hanging records or twinkling string lights.

Nestled just outside the vineyards and wine trails of Temecula, there’s a place that smells like warm fudge, sounds like baby goats bleating, and feels like stepping into a holiday card come to life. Sugarplum Farm, a family-run gem, blends the magic of a petting zoo, the indulgence of a fine chocolate shop, and the charm of a whimsical country escape—all on one delightfully quirky property.

If you’ve ever wondered what it might feel like to time-travel through several decades without leaving the building, Granny’s Attic Antique Mall in Temecula, California might be your kind of magic. Tucked just a short drive from Temecula’s famous vineyards, this charmingly named spot is far more than your average antique store—it’s a 30,000-square-foot labyrinth of nostalgia, oddities, and rare finds just waiting to be discovered.

If you’ve ever dreamed of standing atop a snow-dusted peak, gazing out at shimmering blue waters below, Heavenly Mountain Resort makes that fantasy real—and then some. Perched high above South Lake Tahoe, this all-season wonderland combines jaw-dropping alpine views with big thrills, cozy après-ski vibes, and family-friendly fun.