For the person on your gift list who says they don’t want anything, nothing beats the gift of a special experience instead—and something you can share together. California is brimming with unique adventures that fit the bill—from surfing artificial waves in a cutting-edge pool to solving a murder mystery on a moving train. Check out this curated selection of 10 only-in-California experiences—gifts that will also create lasting memories.
Experience the Redwood Skywalk, Eureka
Feel the magic of Eureka’s lush and ancient forest at this unique attraction—an elevated walkway that winds through a majestic redwood canopy. With spectacular views and interpretive displays, the Redwood Skywalk is not only a scenic marvel (guests are suspended 100 feet above the forest floor), but an educational journey into the rich ecology and history of these old-growth giants. It's a must-visit attraction for anyone who loves communing with nature on a grand scale. Admission starts at $24.95 for adults, $12.95 for kids.
Go Sightseeing with the Painted Ladies Tour Company, San Francisco
Paint the town pastel while experiencing San Francisco’s most celebrated sights on one of the Painted Ladies Tour Company’s vintage Volkswagen buses. These vibrant, eyelash-accented vehicles take guests on a two-hour tour that includes Lombard Street, North Beach, and The Presidio before making a pit stop for photos at the Golden Gate Bridge and the tour’s namesake icons, the Painted Ladies. Prices start at $85 for adults, $65 for kids.
Feast Your Way Through Food & Farm Tours, Sonoma County
For the foodie in your life, Food & Farm Tours offers rich culinary excursions through Marin and Sonoma counties. On the Oyster Lover’s Tour, guests will spend nearly four hours shucking and slurping sustainably harvested oysters from local purveyors like Hog Island Oyster Co. and Tomales Bay Oyster Company. Tour-goers on the Cheese Lover’s Tour will be treated to charcuterie boards, woodfire baguettes, and fresh-out-of-the-oven pastries. For a little bit of everything, you can’t go wrong with the Food & Farm Tours’ most popular tasting: Flavors of Point Reyes. Prices start at $225.
Ride the River Fox Train, West Sacramento
Situated in Yolo County's countryside, the River Fox Train is a charming locomotive that offers nostalgic escapes into the region's past, with vintage carriages and scenic views of the American River. Choose from various themed excursions, from holiday train rides to wine-tasting tours, making it a treat for families, couples, or anyone seeking a unique way to explore the Central Valley. True crime aficionados can embrace their inner detective on River Fox’s whodunit-style murder mystery train experience. Prices start at about $50 per adult.
Join a Dog-Sledding Team, Mammoth Lakes
Mush alongside Malamutes and Huskies on a thrilling ride through Mammoth’s snow-covered wilderness with Mammoth Dog Teams. Participants are whisked through Smokey Bear Flats by a team of spirited sled dogs, then enjoy some quality time petting the pups. Tours typically last one or two hours, though there are overnight options too. All tours require a two-person minimum, making it ideal for couples or families. Prices start at $120 for kids, $250 for adults.
Ride the Waves at Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch, Lemoore
Located in the farm town of Lemoore about an hour south of Fresno, Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch is a high-tech beacon for the surf-obsessed. Its innovative “dial-a-wave” technology can calibrate a perfect barrel wave for amateurs and advanced surfers alike, making it an epic, over-the-top present for that special surfer in your life. Overnight options are also available at the Surf Ranch’s bookable Airstreams and lakeside cabins. Please contact the Surf Ranch for pricing details, as this high-end experience comes with a specialized cost.
Step Back in Time at Hearst Castle, San Simeon
Only offered in the spring and fall, the very special Hearst Castle Evening Tour invites visitors to experience the opulent San Luis Obispo County estate in a new light. As the sun sets over “La Cuesta Encantada,” living-history docents donned in 1930s dress fill the grounds. History and architecture buffs will love exploring the interiors, adorned with priceless art and antiques, and can gain a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Prices start at $20 for children, $41 for adults.
Kayak Through the Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island
Paddle through hidden sea caves in California’s most remote national park on one of Channel Islands Adventure Company’s kayaking tours. Guests will spend the day kayaking through kelp forests on Santa Cruz Island and navigating Scorpion Anchorage,all while spotting bat rays, kelp crabs, and garibaldi fish along the way. Prices start $174 for kids + ferry transportation ($50) and $186 for adults + ferry transportation ($63).
Enjoy Tea in Style at The Huntington, San Marino
Spend the afternoon clinking teacups and soaking up the ambience at the newly renovated Rose Garden Tea Room located at the historic estate just outside Pasadena. Experience a classic English tea service set amid The Huntington’s resplendent rose garden, with a menu of loose-leaf teas, tea sandwiches, house-made scones with clotted cream, and an array of pastries. For a truly indulgent teatime, add the caviar service too. Prices start at $28 for kids, $62 for adults, and requires admission to The Huntington.
Embark on a World-Class Taco Tour, San Diego
Take a flavorful journey with Taco Tour San Diego, where participants explore San Diego's acclaimed and diverse taco scene bite by bite. Led by lively guides, guests pile into the taco tour bus for three and a half hours of Baja-style and al pastor goodness in Barrio Logan, Point Loma, Ocean Beach, and Little Italy. Prices start at $20 for kids, $40 for adults.
