Things to Do in Cali
50 curated spots from Cali itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Explore one of LA’s coolest streets with indie boutiques, galleries, and cafes; great for window shopping and street photography.[7]
2h · Free (shopping extra)
Angels Flight & Historic Core Walk
Ride the short historic funicular and explore nearby streets with classic architecture and street‑level shops.[7]
1h 30m · $2-5
Baker Beach
Relax on the sand with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands, ideal for a low-key final afternoon.[2]
2h 30m · Free
Castro Neighborhood & Twin Peaks Viewpoint
Walk the colorful Castro for shops and cafés, then ride transit or a short rideshare up to Twin Peaks for sweeping city views and photos.[2]
2h 30m · Free
Embarcadero & Ferry Building Marketplace
Walk the bayside promenade, browse local food stalls and small shops inside the historic Ferry Building, and grab scenic photos.[3]
2h 30m · Free (food/shopping extra)
Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39
Explore the busy waterfront, watch sea lions on the docks, browse souvenir shops, and enjoy street performances.[2][3]
2h · Free (shopping extra)
Golden Gate Bridge & Crissy Field
Walk or bus to Crissy Field for level trails, bayfront lawns, and postcard views of the Golden Gate Bridge; optional walk partway onto the bridge.[2][3]
2h 30m · Free
Golden Gate Park
Stroll the gardens, lakes, and open meadows; you can pop into the de Young Museum or California Academy of Sciences if desired for art and science exhibits.[2][3]
2h 30m · Free (museum entries extra)
Hot Springs Thermal Baths
Natural pools at 38-44°C; soak amid misty mountains; photography from overlooks.
1h 30m · $4
Huayna Picchu Climb
Steep 1.5-hr ascent to summit viewpoint; panoramic photography; fitness: intermediate.
3h · +$25 add-on
Inca Architecture Walk
Self-guide stone walls, bridges; photo best angles at market end.
1h 30m · Free
Inca Street Market
Browse crafts, alpaca textiles; photography of vendors; sample empanadas (non-shellfish stalls).
1h 30m · Free
Kayaking Urubamba River
2-hr guided paddle; spot wildlife; wear quick-dry clothes; operator: Local Adventures Peru.
2h · $40
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Short Hike
Take an easy trail from the park entrance to experience coastal canyon landscapes and native plants just inland from the beach.[5]
2h · $5-10 (parking)
Machu Picchu Free Explore
Unguided roam terraces, Sun Gate hike; sunset photography.
3h · $152 + bus
Machu Picchu Night Tour
Limited-entry after dark; starry skies over ruins; photography with tripods.
2h 30m · $100 special ticket
Machu Picchu Sunrise Entry
6 AM entry via bus (25-min ride); guided 2.5-hr tour of Temple of Sun, terraces; golden hour photography from Guardhouse viewpoint.
3h · $152 entry + $12 bus RT
Mandor Waterfalls Hike
45-min riverside trail to 3 cascades; spot hummingbirds, orchids; golden hour shots from base viewpoint.
2h · $5 entry
Mission District Murals & Valencia Street
Explore street art around Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley, then walk Valencia Street for indie shops and casual photo stops.[2]
2h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Newport Beach Pier Evening Stroll
Short drive from Costa Mesa; walk the pier and oceanfront, enjoy the sea breeze, and take blue‑hour photos.[5]
1h 30m · Free
North Beach Evening Stroll
Walk from Fisherman’s Wharf into North Beach’s Italian-flavored streets, browse small shops, and consider a drink at a local bar.
1h 30m · Free (drinks extra)
Ocean Beach
Walk the wide sandy beach at the western edge of the city; enjoy ocean views, surfers, and sunset photo opportunities.[2][3]
2h · Free
Putucusi Hike
Steep 2-hr trail to overlook; condor spotting, epic Machu Picchu panoramas.
2h · Free
Railway Museum
Inca rail history exhibits; architecture photography indoors.
1h · $3
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
Spend a few hours with contemporary art, sculpture, and photography in a spacious modern museum.[2]
2h 30m · $25
Santa Monica Beach & Pier
Walk the iconic pier, relax on the sand, browse souvenir shops, and snap classic ocean and Ferris wheel photos.[2][7]
2h 30m · Free (rides and games extra)
Santa Monica Oceanfront Sunset Walk
Stroll along Palisades Park or the beachfront path at golden hour for wide Pacific views and photos.
1h 30m · Free
The Broad Museum
Contemporary art museum with striking architecture and works by artists like Jeff Koons; ticketed but general admission is free with advance reservations.
2h · Free (ticket reservation recommended)
The LAB Anti‑Mall & The CAMP
Shop and wander two adjacent, artsy retail centers full of independent boutiques, eco‑focused shops, and public art installations.[5]
2h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Third Street Promenade
Pedestrian shopping street with chain stores, small boutiques, street performers, and frequent pop‑up stalls.[2]
2h · Free (shopping extra)Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Arizmendi Bakery
Worker-owned bakery near Golden Gate Park; grab a slice of daily pizza, pastries, and good coffee before heading into the park.
45m · $10-15 per person
Aurelio’s Cocina
Choose a sit-down dinner with regional seafood, Baja-style ceviches, and a tasting of local flavors before a night out. Ask for the house specialties and a good regional wine pairing.
1h 30m · $40-90 per person
Blue Plate Taco
Casual Mexican spot overlooking Ocean Avenue; order fish tacos or veggie enchiladas and housemade chips and salsa.
1h 30m · $18-25 per person
Boudin Bakery Café
Famous sourdough bread bowls with clam chowder and other casual dishes overlooking the Wharf.[2][3]
1h · $15-20 per person
Burro Blanco
Grilled chicken, Andean stews, salads (no shellfish).
1h 15m · $25-35 per person
Cafe de París
Pancakes, fresh juices, yogurt parfaits (shellfish-free).
45m · $12-22 per person
Cafecito Organico at The LAB Anti‑Mall
Grab coffee and light bites at The LAB Anti‑Mall, an outdoor indie shopping center with a creative vibe.
45m · $10-18 per person
Eat Chow
Neighborhood café with hearty breakfast plates and good coffee; order chilaquiles or stuffed French toast.
1h · $15-22 per person
Gjelina Take Away
Order wood‑fired pizzas, salads, and sandwiches to go and eat on a nearby bench or at the beach.
45m · $15-22 per person
Gotts Roadside (Ferry Building)
Casual burgers, salads, and fries stand inside the Ferry Building with outdoor seating facing the bay.
45m · $15-20 per person
Govinda's Restaurant
Vegetarian quinoa bowls, veggie curries (100% shellfish-free).
1h · $15-25 per person
Grand Central Market
Historic food hall with many affordable stalls offering tacos, sandwiches, Asian dishes, and coffee.[7]
1h 15m · $12-20 per person
Indio Feliz
Wood-oven pizzas, grilled meats, veggie pastas (extensive shellfish-free menu).
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Inka Fiesta
Tamales, humitas, herbal teas (shellfish-free).
45m · $10-20 per person
Jungla Restaurante
Amazon-inspired veggies, river fish alternatives (safe options).
1h · $20-30 per person
La Boulangerie de Paris
Croissants, omelets, tropical fruit plates (no shellfish).
45m · $10-20 per person
La Taqueria
Classic Mission taqueria serving excellent, affordable burritos and tacos a short walk from mural streets.[2]
45m · $10-15 per person
Las Brisas
Mexican‑inspired coastal cuisine with sunset views over the ocean; consider sharing appetizers to keep it budget‑friendly.
1h 30m · $22-30 per person (if sharing plates)
MACU Peruvian Steakhouse
Beef cuts, potatoes huancaina (no shellfish).
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Mendocino Farms – Marina del Rey
Casual sandwich and salad spot near the harbor; try the “Not So Fried” chicken sandwich or a vegan salad.
1h · $14-20 per person