California

Tucked into the rocky hills of Riverside, California, there’s a place where prehistoric giants roam, sparkly geodes hide beneath your feet, and kids (and let’s be honest—grownups too) are encouraged to dig, touch, and explore. Welcome to Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center—a nature-science wonderland that feels part museum, part hiking trail, and part backyard fossil expedition.

Tucked along a rugged stretch of Northern California’s coast, there’s a place where wild Pacific breezes mingle with the scent of rhododendrons, and seabirds call out above crashing waves. If you're looking for that sweet spot where nature meets artistry, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is your dream stop—part garden oasis, part coastal wonderland.

Picture this: you’re cruising across the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe, cold drink in hand, palm fronds fluttering above you, and the Sierra Nevadas framing the horizon. No, you're not dreaming—you’re aboard the Lake Tahoe Tiki Boat, a floating slice of tropical heaven docked in South Lake Tahoe, California.

Tucked just north of the quirky seaside town of Mendocino, Russian Gulch State Park feels like one of those rare places you stumble upon and never forget. Imagine standing at the edge of a windswept cliff, the Pacific thundering below, and then ten minutes later, you're hiking through a redwood grove to find a 36-foot waterfall. Yep, it’s that kind of place.

There’s a secret hiding along the cliffs of San Diego that feels like a portal to another world. When the tide rolls out and the sun starts to dip, Sunset Cliffs Caves reveal themselves in all their rugged glory—beckoning the curious to come closer. You’ll hear the crashing Pacific, smell the salty breeze, and feel a little bit like Indiana Jones with every step you take.

If your inner child is overdue for a playdate—or your actual kids are bouncing off the walls—there’s a place in Sacramento that’s practically designed for liftoff. At Urban Air Adventure Park, you won’t just burn energy, you’ll launch into a full-blown adrenaline adventure. This isn’t your average trampoline park—it’s a full-scale indoor thrill zone with attractions that’ll get your heart pumping and your Instagram feed buzzing.

If you're cruising down Pacific Coast Highway with the windows down and a salty breeze in your hair, it's hard to miss the siren call of Aliso Beach Park. Tucked between rolling hills and crashing waves, this stretch of sand in Laguna Beach feels like the perfect mix of California chill and coastal charm. It’s not showy, but it is sensational—especially when the tide rolls out and the secrets of the shore begin to shine.

Hidden in plain sight on a busy stretch of Fountain Valley, The Reptile Zoo is not your average reptile exhibit. This hands-on haven is home to over 600 exotic critters—from towering tortoises and clever chameleons to snapping alligators and camera-ready snakes—and it’s all packed into one lively, interactive indoor space.

They say dinosaurs are extinct—but in the desert sands of Southern California, they’re just getting warmed up. If you’ve ever dreamed of standing in the shadow of a 150-foot-long brontosaurus or climbing inside a giant T. rex head, then buckle up for a prehistoric adventure unlike anything else on I-10.

If you think gravity is a law that can’t be broken, Confusion Hill is ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about physics, perception—and possibly your sense of humor. Nestled beneath the towering redwoods of Northern California’s scenic Highway 101, this quirky roadside gem has been delighting curious travelers since 1949 with optical illusions, slanted rooms, and tales of mysterious forces.