Summer Activities in California
1. Walk, bike, or ride across the Golden Gate Bridge
A San Francisco icon, the vaulting, orange arches of the Golden Gate Bridge are an awesome sight no matter how you decide to enjoy it.
2. Explore art in Oakland
Check out the vibrant art scene across the bay from San Francisco at two free street festivals on the first Friday of each month. Art Murmur covers downtown Oakland, while First Fridays include uptown along Telegraph Avenue – and both feature gallery and street art, music, food, and live performances.
3. Step back in time in Sacramento
In California’s capital, at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, visit Old Sacramento State Historic Park. The eight-block section of downtown bustles with shops, cafes, historic sites, and museums operating in beautifully restored Gold Rush-era buildings.
4. Geek out in Silicon Valley
Visit the Computer History Museum in Mountain View to learn about computers, starting with mysterious ancient devices and leading to technologies of the future. You’ll hear the backstories, development drama, and breakthroughs of the gadgets, gurus, and iconic companies.
5. Say hello to old General Sherman and his redwood friends
General Sherman, residing at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, is the largest known tree in existence by volume, and is thought to be about 2,300 years old. Visit this giant and other famous sequoias on the park’s paved two-mile Congress Trail.
6. Travel the Pacific Coast Highway
Ask an American friend to take you on a drive down this 123-mile twisting, scenic highway along the stunning Pacific Coast. Fun stops along the way include Big Sur, Hearst Castle, and Morro Bay.
7. Go celebrity spotting and window shopping
The most famous and expensive shopping district in the country lies on a three-block stretch of stores and boutiques on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Keep a lookout for Hollywood stars shopping for the latest fashions by Armani, Gucci, Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, and more.
8. Get into the L.A. art scene
Los Angeles is famous for its art, both inside galleries, outside in official spaces, and unofficial street art – painted on sidewalks and on the sides of used and unused buildings. Wander Gallery Row anytime or visit on the second Thursday of the month for Downtown Artwalk, a free self-guided art walk with music, food, and great people-watching.
9. Play volleyball at a San Diego beach
San Diego is known for its year-round sunshine and 70 miles of coastline, from rocky cliffs to sandy beaches. Enjoy a swim, walk, bicycle ride – or game of volleyball – at one of more than 30 beachesand end the day with a magnificent Pacific Coast sunset.
10. Volunteer in your local community
Whether you prefer to walk the dogs at an animal shelter, serve food at a soup kitchen, or plant a tree with a conservation group, there are many ways to volunteer in your local community. You’ll find plenty of other opportunities at networkforgood.org/volunteer/ or volunteermatch.org/. Be sure to tag #cieegivingback when you post your photos!
We’d love to see and hear about your adventures on Facebook.