50 Things to Do in California Before You Die

Your ultimate travel bucket list for the epic Golden State.

California Love

California is the third largest and most populated state in the U.S. It's where fortune cookies, Apple computers, theme parks, blue jeans and McDonald's began.

It's home to the lowest and highest points in the continental U.S., the world's tallest tree, and the largest number of national parks in the nation.

It is, in other words, undeniably one of the most dynamic, diverse and altogether remarkable places around. Little wonder, then, that it boasts this distinction, too: most popular state in the U.S. for tourism.

Looking to explore California yourself? We've rounded up 50 of the most amazing experiences you can have here, from surfing to wine-tasting to kicking it with bears, organized geographically from north to south.

Come learn for yourself why this state is among the most extraordinary destinations in the world. Like, totally.

Wander Through Fern Canyon, Filming Site for "Jurassic Park"

Climb Mount Shasta

Explore the Painted Dunes at Lassen Volcanic National Park

Collect Sea Glass in Fort Bragg

Forth Bragg — Fort Bragg, near the coastal town of Mendocino, has one of the most dazzling glass beaches in the country.

Ski or Snowboard in Tahoe

Boat to Fannette Island in Lake Tahoe

Bike the Cypress Tree Tunnel in Point Reyes

Visit the State Capitol Building in Sacramento

Pan for Gold Along the American River

Gold Panning — Connect with California's Gold Rush past by searching for gold along Sacramento's American River.

Dine at The French Laundry in Yountville

Sip Wine in the Napa Valley

Eat Oysters in Tomales Bay

Stroll Through Muir Woods

Watch a Golden State Warriors Game in Oakland

Eat Dim Sum in San Francisco's Chinatown

Go on a Night Tour of Alcatraz in San Francisco

Bike (or Walk) Across the Golden Gate Bridge

Camp in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Camping — Yosemite has 13 campgrounds for taking in the mountain vistas, wildlife and starry sky.

See the Rodin Collection at Stanford University

Explore the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose

Embrace Bad Breath at the Gilroy Garlic Festival

Ride a Coaster at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk

See Monarch Butterflies in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Butterflies — Every fall, monarch butterflies migrate to the eucalyptus grove at Natural Bridges State Beach in astonishing numbers.

Spot Humpback Whales in Moss Landing

Greet Sea Animals at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Golf at Pebble Beach

Snap a Photo of 17-Mile Drive's Lone Cypress Tree

Hike Death Valley National Park

Climb Mount Whitney

Mt. Whitney — The most extreme adventurers scale Mount Whitney, the highest summit in the contiguous United States.

Look for Black Bears at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Drive Along the Big Sur Coastline

Explore Hearst Castle in San Luis Obispo

Hike the Mojave Desert

Soak Up History at Mission Santa Barbara

Act Like at Kid at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood

Wizarding World Harry Potter — An uncanny replica of Hogwarts Castle makes this a favorite among muggles. Don't leave without purchasing a magic wand.

Hike up to the Hollywood Sign

Order from a Los Angeles Taco Truck

Learn About Space at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles

Act Like a Snob at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Who says L.A. lacks culture? "LACMA," as it's known, is the largest art museum in the Western U.S., encompassing a collection of distinctive museum buildings, outdoor installations and gardens.

Stargaze at Joshua Tree National Park

Eat at the Original In-N-Out Burger

Lay Out at the Beach in Malibu

Enjoy Old-Fashioned Thrills at Santa Monica Pier

Watch Skateboarders in Venice Beach

Bring the Family to Disneyland's California Adventure Park

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Go Surfing in Huntington Beach

Greet Giant Pandas at the San Diego Zoo

Soak Up Culture at San Diego's Balboa Park

Watch the Sun Set in La Jolla