19 Cool California Museums
Add these cultural treasure troves to your next trip
Arts & Culture
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From the 17 museums and cultural institutions in San Diego’s Balboa Park to Hearst Castle along the Central Coast to the world-class offerings in San Francisco, the Golden State is blessed with an embarrassment of riches. Don’t miss the artwork at Los Angeles County icons like the Getty Center and The Broad, but also keep an eye out for unique collections around the state, including the International Surf Museum in Huntington Beach and performing arts troupes from Oakland to Costa Mesa.
Featured Arts & Culture
25+ Places to Find Great Art Outside in California
Murals, sculptures, and even painted fire hydrants expand the Golden State’s cultural scene
Sneak Peek: Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Los Angeles' Miracle Mile will soon have even more Hollywood sparkle
Explore Native American Culture in California
Cultural centers and expansive natural areas provide a dynamic backdrop to learn more about the state’s 100-plus tribes
The Getty Center
Gleaming architecture, fabulous gardens, and breathtaking city views nearly upstage the world-class art at these museums
Native American Resorts in California
Casinos, spas, golf courses, fine dining, and live entertainment are among the biggest draws at these popular destinations
California’s 14 Cultural Districts
Visit these diverse and artistic neighborhoods throughout the state
The Autry Museum of the American West
Explore this historic museum founded by Hollywood’s singing cowboy
8 Places to See Orange County’s Gorgeous (and Free) Art
Public art lines the parks, hotels, and shopping malls of these Southern California towns
- Edutourism
- California Colleges
- Beaches
Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
Get hands-on while learning about everything from prehistoric mammals to modern gardening
Find More Things To Do
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5 Amazing Things to Do at the Golden Gate Bridge
See San Francisco's most iconic structure from every angle—by foot, bicycle, boat, and more
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The Hollywood Sign
The bright white aura of this iconic sign beams down onto the city from high in the Hollywood Hills
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5 Amazing Things to Do in San Francisco
The City by the Bay packs an impressive amount of eclectic cultural charm into just 46 square miles
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Halloween 2021: Happenings Around California
Scare zones, pumpkin festivals, and spooky parties have started around the Golden State
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7 Cool Ways to Play in the Pacific Ocean
Pull on your swimsuit and slather on sunscreen to try these saltwater-based sports in California
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Relive a SoCal Road Trip with Francesca Murray
From a magical gondola cruise to an island adventure on Catalina, the influencer behind One Girl One World shares her inspirational itinerary
- Edutourism
- Gardens
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California Welcome Center - Santa Rosa
World-class food and wine, giant trees, and Peanuts
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California Welcome Center - Oceanside
Beautiful weather, laid-back vibe and a spectacular wooden pier
Traveler Photos
Tag #VISITCALIFORNIA on Instagram to have your trip featured on our page.
Videos
View all Videos
Podcasts
Essential Tips for California Road Trips
52min
High-Value Travel
49min
California's Movie Magic
37min
3 California Podcasts You Should Know
42min
Anderson Valley, L.A. Music Venues, Family Travel
35min
Atlas Obscura, Packing Tips, Wine
26min
Balboa Park, Wellness Travel, Wide Open Walls
37min
Big Sur, Waterfalls, Oakland
23min
Bucket Lists, Craft Beer, San Andreas Fault
25min
