The third-largest state after Alaska and Texas, California offers an array of attractions in its three regions---Northern, Central, and Southern California. Families looking for a fun-filled amusement park vacation can find what they're looking for in Southern California , while outdoors types who want to get active and in touch with nature can head to Central California's Sierra Nevada range, and visitors looking for a uniquely California and scenic attraction can head to San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.
The "Happiest Place on Earth," Disneyland in Anaheim has been a major California attraction since its opening in 1955. Disneyland offers rides, entertainment, and events such as storytime and parades for families. Downtown Disney, a newer attraction next door to the park, offers shopping, food and live entertainment. Open late at night, Downtown Disney appeals to people of all ages. Older crowds can enjoy the district's movie theater, nightclubs and the popular music venue, the House of Blues.
Disneyland Resort
P.O. Box 3232
1313 S. Harbor Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92803
714-781-4565
Downtown Disney: 714-300-7800
disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland
Yosemite National Park is in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Central California, just a daytrip away from major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento. For those looking to experience the great outdoors, the 1,170-square-mile park is an ideal spot. Offering camping, hiking, climbing, swimming, and even downhill skiing in the winter, there is plenty to keep park visitors of all ages busy.
Yosemite National Park
Public Information Office
P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389
209-372-0200
nps.gov/yose
For people looking for a good attraction in Northern California, San Francisco's Golden Gate Park stands out as one of the most popular sites, with a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy within the park itself. For those looking for an indoors educational experience, the California Academy of Sciences is an impressive museum featuring the San Francisco Aquarium, a rain forest and a planetarium. The Japanese Tea Gardens is a scenic, peaceful spot to have tea. For garden lovers, the Tulip Garden and Rose Garden, and the indoor Conservatory of Flowers, and the Botanical Gardens at Strybing Arboretum are ideal spots. Younger kids will enjoy the playground and carousel, and active-minded individuals can enjoy the Archery Field, soccer, rollerblading, bicycling and golf.
Golden Gate Park
Fulton Street at 36th Avenue/Lincoln Way at 41st Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-831-2700
golden-gate-park.com
