Things To Do in California | Travel + Leisure

California

Display Loop :: 47
 
Architecture
The Golden Gate Bridge
Marina District
San Francisco, California

 
 
Arts Venues
Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Palisades
Malibu, California

”Amid controversy about the provenance of some of its classical antiquities, Los Angeles's Getty Villa opens after a 12-year renovation....” MORE>>
 
 
Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, California

 
 
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
701 Mission Street
SoMa
San Francisco, California

 
 
Bars
Bar Marmont
8171 Sunset Boulevard
Hollywood, California

 
 
Bourbon & Branch
501 Jones Street
Tenderloin
San Francisco, California

”Marmalade is the latest trendy cocktail ingredient; here it spikes a whiskey sour....” MORE>>
 
 
Café Du Nord
2170 Market Street
The Castro
San Francisco, California

 
 
Cantina
580 Sutter Street
San Francisco, California

 
 
The Edison
108 West Second Street
Downtown
Los Angeles, California

 
 
The Penthouse at the Huntley Santa Monica Beach Hotel
1111 Second Street
Santa Monica, California

 
 
Ritual Supper Club
1743 North Cahuenga Boulevard
Hollywood, California

 
 
Stone Rose Lounge
The Sofitel Los Angeles
8555 Beverly Boulevard
Beverly Hills/Hollywood, California

 
 
Tosca Café
242 Columbus Avenue
North Beach
San Francisco, California

 
 
Beachs
Venice Beach
Los Angeles, California

 
 
Clubs
Opera
1650 Schrader Boulevard
Hollywood, California

 
 
Teddy's
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
7000 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, California

 
 
Experiences
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Ocean Front Walk
Venice, California

 
 
X2
Six Flags Magic Mountain
26101 Magic Mountain Parkway
Valencia, California

”the world’s first “fourth-dimensional” ride...” MORE>>
 
 
Museums
Exploratorium
3601 Lyon Street
Marina District
San Francisco, California

 
 
The Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Drive
Brentwood
Los Angeles, California

 
 
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
5905 Wilshire Boulevard
Mid-Wilshire
Los Angeles, California

 
 
M.H. de Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California

”When San Francisco's De Young Museum reopens on October 15 after nearly four years of construction, a city that fights...” MORE>>
 
 
Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak Street
Oakland, California

 
 
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
151 Third Street
SoMa
San Francisco, California

 
 
Music Venues
Music Center/Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County
135 North Grand Avenue
Downtown
Los Angeles, California

 
 
Nightclubs
Desert Rain
49500 Seminole Drive
Cabazon, California

 
 
View Lounge (Space Bar)
49500 Seminole Drive
Cabazon, California

 
 
Parks
Golden Gate Park
Sunset/Richmond Districts
San Francisco, California

 
 
Places of Interest
Chateau Potelle
3875 Mount Veeder Road
Napa

”Have a picnic on the mountaintop grounds after tasting the wines....” MORE>>
 
 
Conservatory of Flowers
JFK Drive, Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California

 
 
Di Rosa Preserve
5200 Carneros Highway
Napa

”For the impressive art collection....” MORE>>
 
 
Glide Memorial United Methodist Church
330 Ellis Street
Nob Hill
San Francisco, California

”'The pastor, Cecil Williams, is our local Martin Luther King Jr.Bill Clinton goes when he's in town. Socialites hand over...” MORE>>
 
 
Lagunitas Brewing
1280 N. McDowell Boulevard
Petaluma, California

”Try the potent Undercover Investigation Shutdown Ale...” MORE>>
 
 
SFMOMA
151 Third Street
South of Market
San Francisco, California

”Wagner says she can feel the town returning to life—Valencia Street's mélange of traditional Latino businesses cheek by jowl with...” MORE>>
 
 
Soda Springs Winter Resort
Soda Springs, California

”Atop snow-smothered Donner Summit, less than two hours from Sacramento, this 1930's-era hill packs a lot into its 200 acres....” MORE>>
 
 
Walt Disney Concert Hall
151 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, California

”Oldenburg and van Bruggen, who have lived, worked, and traveled together for the last 29 years, have been shuttling back...” MORE>>
 
 
Rentals
Venice Bikes & Skates
21 Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles, California

 
 
Services
Hayground Organic Gardening
Los Angeles, California

 
 
Shops
826 Valencia (Pirate Store)
826 Valencia
San Francisco, California

”Here you can buy glass eyes and striped sailor shirts while contemplating a huge vat that turns out to be...” MORE>>
 
 
Alabaster
597 Hayes Street
San Francisco, California

 
 
All Purpose
144 South Flores Street
Beverly Hills/Hollywood, California

 
 
Alpha Gear for Gents
8625 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, California

 
 
Amoeba Music
1855 Haight Street
Haight-Ashbury
San Francisco, California

”Oh, and Amoeba Music in the Haight, which is so good that a guy in Antwerp asked me about it....” MORE>>
 
 
Artists & Farmers
237 Center Street
Healdsburg, California

 
 
Babette
361 Sutter Street
San Francisco, California

”As long as I'm in the neighborhood, I visit a few favorites: Lang Antiques, for its ravishing heirloom jewels; Babette...” MORE>>
 
 
Baby Donut Co.
15030 Ventura Boulevard
Los Angeles, California

”This Los Angeles shop lets you customize your doughnut...” MORE>>
 
 
Barndiva
231 Center Street
Healdsburg, California

 
 
Bouchon Bakery
6528 Washington Street
Yountville

”For perfect pressed sandwiches, pastries, cookies and, on weekends, amazing doughnuts....” MORE>>
 
 
Candystore
3153 16th Street
Mission District
San Francisco, California

 
 
Citizen:Citizen
3435 Cesar Chavez Street
Mission
San Francisco, California

”In September, the Patels are scheduled to open a Citizen:Citizen in San Francisco's Mission District, and next year they plan...” MORE>>
 
 
Citizen Cupcake
2 Stockton Street
San Francisco, California

”This offshoot of Citizen Cake in San Francisco sells mini versions of cake classics....” MORE>>
 
 
D'Angelo Bread
25 West Gutierrez Street
Santa Barbara, California

”Walking around, I discovered D'Angelo Bread, which has an incredibly moist seed-studded multigrain bread called Rudolf Steiner (presumably after the...” MORE>>
 
 
Decades and Decades Two
8214 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, California

 
 
Del Mar Plaza
Del Mar, California

”20 terrific getaways—one “Save” and one “Splurge” idea for 10 U.S. cities...” MORE>>
 
 
Den
849 Valencia Street
San Francisco, California

”Across the street, and in a radically different frame of mind, Den offers Midcentury Modern furniture. In fact, the whole...” MORE>>
 
 
De Vera
29 Maiden Lane
San Francisco, California

 
 
Diane von Furstenberg
8411 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, California

”DVF uses frosted-glass panels and mirrored ceilings to create a glam Hollywood backdrop for her updated classics and fine jewelry...” MORE>>
 
 
Farmers Market
La Brea/Fairfax
Los Angeles, California

 
 
Ferry Building Marketplace
One Ferry Building
Embarcadero
San Francisco, California

 
 
Fitzsu
7970 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, California

 
 
George
2411 California Street
Pacific Heights
San Francisco, California

 
 
Gump's
135 Post Street
Union Square
San Francisco, California

 
 
Hairport
San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco, California

”Most airports have showers that you can use for a small fee. A few worth checking out: the Hairport at...” MORE>>
 
 
H.D. Buttercup
3225 Helms Avenue
Culver City, California

”The 100,000-square-foot, solar-powered world bazaar comprises more than 50 high-end furniture and accessory manufacturers. Celebrities known for their savvy style...” MORE>>
 
 
Jeanine Payer
762 Market Street
San Francisco, California

”Conley drops me on Market Street, where I order a delicate silver bracelet from Jeanine Payer, a jeweler with a...” MORE>>
 
 
JEP boutique
La Jolla Blvd.
La Jolla, California

 
 
Julie Holcomb Printers
1601 63rd Street
Emeryville, California

”These days she collaborates with illustrators such as Patricia Curtan (famous for her linoleum-block prints) and shows her work at...” MORE>>
 
 
Lang Antiques
323 Sutter Street
San Francisco, California

”As long as I'm in the neighborhood, I visit a few favorites: Lang Antiques, for its ravishing heirloom jewels; Babette...” MORE>>
 
 
M.A.C.—Modern Appealing Clothing
387 Grove Street
Hayes Valley
San Francisco, California

”Ben is a native San Franciscan who owns, with his mom and Chris, the nearby MAC (Modern Appealing Clothing) boutique...” MORE>>
 
 
Melrose Trading Post
Fairfax High School
544 North Fairfax Avenue
Hollywood (on the edge of Fairfax/La Brea), California

 
 
Oxbow Public Market
610 First Street
Napa, California

”The city of Napa continues to morph into one of Napa Valley’s prime food hubs. The latest reason: the 40,000-square-foot...” MORE>>
 
 
Recchiuti Confections
Ferry Building Marketplace, One Ferry Building, Shop #30
San Francisco, California

”quadruple chocolate brownies...” MORE>>
 
 
Ron Herman
8100 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, California

 
 
Root's Cellar
216 Mill Street
Healdsburg

”Healdsburg's best wine selection....” MORE>>
 
 
Round Pond Olive Oil Company
877 Rutherford Road
Rutherford

”For olive oil and vinegar tastings....” MORE>>
 
 
Ruby King Bakery
718 Franklin Street
Chinatown
Oakland, Massachussetts

”For a midday snack, join the locals at Ruby King Bakery, where sesame buns and sponge cakes are a steal...” MORE>>
 
 
Scandia Bakery
248 Forest Avenue
Laguna Beach, California

”Scandia Bakery stuffs chocolate cream puffs with fresh strawberries....” MORE>>
 
 
Sketch Ice Cream
1809A Fourth Street
Berkeley, California

”Seasonal flavors like Medjool date and prickly pear seem thoroughly modern, but Ruthie Planas, 24, and Eric Shelton, 37, run...” MORE>>
 
 
Soolip Paperie & Press
8646 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, California

”Stocks an assortment of handmade papers, including those from the Brookfield Paperworks....” MORE>>
 
 
Strange Invisible
1138 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Los Angeles, California

”In a walnut-and- steel enclosure designed to look like a carriage, Alexandra Balahoutis captures her clients' philosophies and desires in...” MORE>>
 
 
Susan
3685 Sacramento Street
Pacific Heights
San Francisco, California

”Indeed, when I visit Susan, on Sacramento Street in Presidio Heights, a few days later, I'll spend a lot of...” MORE>>
 
 
TableArt
7977 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, California

”Walter Lowry opened TableArt because he was tired of going all the way to Belgium for good table linens....” MORE>>
 
 
Three Bags Full
500 Sutter Street
San Francisco, California

”As long as I'm in the neighborhood, I visit a few favorites: Lang Antiques, for its ravishing heirloom jewels; Babette...” MORE>>
 
 
Timbuk2
506 Hayes Street
Hayes Valley
San Francisco, California

 
 
Venice Beach Bikini
1901 Ocean Front Walk
Las Vegas, California

 
 
The Way We Wore
334 South La Brea Avenue
La Brea/Fairfax
Los Angeles, California

 
 
Wilkes Bashford
375 Sutter Street
San Francisco, California

”As long as I'm in the neighborhood, I visit a few favorites: Lang Antiques, for its ravishing heirloom jewels; Babette...” MORE>>
 
 
Zonal
568 Hayes Street
San Francisco, California

 
 
Spas
Spa at Four Seasons Resort Aviara
7100 Four Seasons Point
Carlsbad, California

”Botorelax, at the Spa at Four Seasons Resort Aviara, uses collagen-enhanced potions to plump facial lines....” MORE>>
 
 
Spa Solage at Solage Calistoga Resort
755 Silverado Trail
Calistoga

 
 
Spa Vitale
8 Mission Street
San Francisco, California

”The diminutive Spa Vitale, atop San Francisco's new Hotel Vitale, has two outdoor infinity-edged soaking tubs surrounded by bamboo. Book...” MORE>>
 
 
Theme Parks
Santa Monica Pier
Colorado Avenue
Santa Monica, California

 
 
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City
Los Angeles, California

 
 
Tours
Alcatraz Island
San Francisco Bay; tours depart from Pier 33
Fisherman's Wharf vicinity
San Francisco, California

 
 
Los Angeles Conservancy
523 West Sixth Street, Suite 826
Downtown
Los Angeles, California

 
 
Market Foray
Santa Barbara, California

”20 terrific getaways—one “Save” and one “Splurge” idea for 10 U.S. cities...” MORE>>
 
 
Transportation
Big Blue Bus
Los Angeles, California

 
 
Wineries
Acacia
2750 Las Amigas Road
Napa

”Longtime Carneros names Saintsbury, Acacia and Carneros Creek are making better wines than ever, newer entrants like Robert Sinskey are...” MORE>>
 
 
Alma Rosa
7250 Santa Rosa Rd.
Buellton

”Richard Sanford produces acclaimed Pinot Noirs made from organically grown grapes....” MORE>>
 
 
A. Rafanelli
4685 W. Dry Creek Road
Healdsburg, California

”Dave and Patty Rafanelli's heralded Zinfandels and Cabernet Sauvignons (now made by their daughter, Shelly Rafanelli Fehlman) are available only...” MORE>>
 
 
Artesa Winery
1345 Henry Road
Napa

 
 
Beaulieu Vineyard
1960 Street Helena Highway
Rutherford

”The best vineyards lie west of Highway 29, yielding fruit for rich, dense Cabernet-based wines such as Flora Springs Rutherford...” MORE>>
 
 
Beringer Vineyards
2000 Main Street
St. Helena

”Whitehall Lane Winery produces superb Cabernet from Leonardini Vineyard, and Beringer's St. Helena Home Vineyard bottling, from the winery's original...” MORE>>
 
 
”Richard Sanford produces acclaimed Pinot Noirs made from organically grown grapes....” MORE>>
 
 
Carneros Creek
1285 Dealy Lane
Napa

”Longtime Carneros names Saintsbury, Acacia and Carneros Creek are making better wines than ever, newer entrants like Robert Sinskey are...” MORE>>
 
 
Chateau St. Jean
8555 Sonoma Highway
Kenwood, California

”The visitor center (where walk-in tastings are held) sells good panini, charcuterie and cheese for picnics....” MORE>>
 
 
Cliff Lede Vineyards
1473 Yountville Cross Road
Yountville

”Newer wineries with tremendous potential include Quixote and the eponymous Cliff Lede Vineyards, whose owner recently opened the area's only...” MORE>>
 
 
Clos Du Val
5330 Silverado Trail
Napa

”Play a round of pétanque before tasting their wines....” MORE>>
 
 
Di Rosa Preserve
5200 Carneros Highway
Napa

”For the impressive art collection....” MORE>>
 
 
Domaine Chandon
1 California Drive
Yountville

”That's only one of several surprising facts about Yountville. Another is that its biggest winery, Domaine Chandon, doesn't make any...” MORE>>
 
 
Dutton-Goldfield
5700 Occidental Road
Santa Rosa

”This seven-year-old winery recently built a tasting room....” MORE>>
 
 
Fess Parker Winery
6200 Foxen Canyon Rd.
Los Olivos, CA

”However you might feel about souvenir T-shirts, cheesy wine paraphernalia and bus parking, it is hard to quarrel with the...” MORE>>
 
 
Foxen Vineyard
7200 Foxen Canyon Rd.
Santa Maria, CA

”We move on to Foxen winery, a funky shack that looks like it could be a cool bar in the...” MORE>>
 
 
Frank Family Vineyards
1091 Larkmead Lane
Calistoga, California

”One of the few Napa Valley wineries that don't require an appointment or charge a fee, Frank Family makes some...” MORE>>
 
 
Gallo Family Vineyards
320 Center Street
Healdsburg, California

”Secretive Gallo has pulled back the curtain a bit by opening its first public tasting room, on the plaza in...” MORE>>
 
 
Gary Farrell
10701 Westside Road
Healdsburg

”One of the Russian River's flagship wineries....” MORE>>
 
 
Goldeneye Winery
9200 Highway 128
Philo, California

”Other outsiders making a serious investment in Anderson Valley include Napa's Duckhorn Wine Company, which founded Goldeneye Winery in the...” MORE>>
 
 
Hanzell Vineyards
8596 Lomita Avenue
Sonoma, California

”The 'Heritage' includes a tasting of two current releases; the 'Wine Library' adds at least two decade-old wines....” MORE>>
 
 
Hartford Family Winery
8075 Martinelli Road
Forestville

”A top pinot and Zinfandel producer, notable for its five single-vineyard Pinots....” MORE>>
 
 
The Hess Collection
4411 Redwood Road
Napa

”The Hess Collection Cabernet is more approachable. (Hess owns more vineyard land in Mount Veeder than any other producer.)...” MORE>>
 
 
Jarvis Winery
2970 Monticello Road
Napa, California

”The dark purple 2004 Petit Verdot, with blackberry jam flavors ($41 for a half-bottle), and the 2002 Cabernet Franc, with...” MORE>>
 
 
Jonata
Santa Barbara, CA

”This Ballard Canyon winery is a new project from the owners of cult Napa winery Screaming Eagle. Winemaker Matt Dees...” MORE>>
 
 
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
200 Taplin Road
St. Helena, California

”One of Napa's oldest postwar wineries, Joseph Phelps is known for its Rhône varietal wines and California's pioneering Bordeaux-style wine...” MORE>>
 
 
J. Rochioli
6192 Westside Road
Healdsburg

”Renowned for its single-vineyard Pinot Noirs; you can try its Estate Pinot in the tasting room....” MORE>>
 
 
J Vineyards & Winery
11447 Old Redwood Hwy.
Healdsburg, CA

 
 
Kuleto Estate
2470 Sage Canyon Road
St. Helena, California

”The vineyards have stunning views of Lake Hennessey and other great wineries, like Chappellet and Colgin....” MORE>>
 
 
Ladera Vineyards
150 White Cottage Road
South Angwin

”Tastings include wines that are sold only on-site. If you arrange in advance, the Stotesberys will lead a tour of...” MORE>>
 
 
Lancaster Estate
15001 Chalk Hill Road
Healdsburg, California

”Owner Ted Simpkins, a wine distributor, purchased the former Maacama Creek Winery in 1995 and has transformed it into a...” MORE>>
 
 
Margerum Wine Company
2401 Refugio Road
Los Olivos, California

”He's the guy who started Wine Cask in Santa Barbara, a complex that includes an eponymous fancy restaurant, a tasting...” MORE>>
 
 
Martinelli
3360 River Road
Windsor

”This fifth-generation winery has a tasting room in a renovated historic barn....” MORE>>
 
 
Medlock Ames
13414 Chalk Hill Road
Healdsburg, California

”Owners Ames Morison (who's also the winemaker) and Christopher Medlock James give tours of the eco-friendly 350-acre ranch and its...” MORE>>
 
 
Peay Vineyards
33201 Annapolis Road
Annapolis

”The vineyard is an hour's drive from both Healdsburg and Santa Rosa, but it's worth the trip to get an...” MORE>>
 
 
PlumpJack Winery
620 Oakville Cross Road
Oakville

”The older celebrities—Robert Mondavi Winery, Silver Oak Cellars and Opus One—still have many loyal fans but have been overshadowed lately...” MORE>>
 
 
Pride Mountain Vineyards
4026 Spring Mountain Road
St. Helena

”Pride Mountain Vineyard...” MORE>>
 
 
Provenance Vineyards
1695 Street Helena Highway
Rutherford

”Hewitt's sibling, Provenance Vineyards, makes a Cabernet from a site east of Highway 29 near the Silverado Trail that has...” MORE>>
 
 
Quintessa
Quintessa
1601 Silverado Trail
Rutherford

”The 2004 Quintessa, a dense Bordeaux-style blend ($120), and the 2006 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford ($40), made primarily from grapes...” MORE>>
 
 
Robert Keenan Winery
3660 Spring Mountain Road
St. Helena

”Other notable producers include established names like Robert Keenan and Spring Mountain Vineyard (both back in good form after some...” MORE>>
 
 
Roederer Estate
4501 Highway 128
Philo, California

”Anderson History The first recognition of Anderson Valley's potential came from France, when Champagne Louis Roederer debuted its Roederer Estate...” MORE>>
 
 
Rudd Winery
500 Oakville Cross Road
Oakville

”The older celebrities—Robert Mondavi Winery, Silver Oak Cellars and Opus One—still have many loyal fans but have been overshadowed lately...” MORE>>
 
 
Russian Hill Estate
4525 Slusser Road
Windsor

”An up-and-coming winery with earthy, smoky, Pinots....” MORE>>
 
 
Saintsbury
1500 Los Carneros Avenue
Napa

”Longtime Carneros names Saintsbury, Acacia and Carneros Creek are making better wines than ever, newer entrants like Robert Sinskey are...” MORE>>
 
 
Schramsberg Vineyards
1400 Schramsberg Road
Calistoga

”The tour ventures into mile-deep caves that were hand-dug in the 1870s; tours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m...” MORE>>
 
 
Seghesio Family Vineyard
14730 Grove Street
Healdsburg, California

”Helquist might serve a creamy risotto with pancetta or a zucchini- and-tomato frittata using vegetables grown in the winery's garden—and...” MORE>>
 
 
Shafer Vineyards
6154 Silverado Trail
Napa

”The best are delicious when young and capable of aging quite well; Shafer Vineyards' Hillside Select Cabernet is a prime...” MORE>>
 
 
Siduri Wines
980-C Airway Court
Santa Rosa, California

”The ripe 2005 Sonatera Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($45) and the intense 2005 Novy Page-Nord Vineyard Napa Valley Syrah ($32)....” MORE>>
 
 
Silver Oak Cellars
915 Oakville Cross Road
Oakville

”The older celebrities—Robert Mondavi Winery, Silver Oak Cellars and Opus One—still have many loyal fans but have been overshadowed lately...” MORE>>
 
 
Smith-Madrone Winery
4022 Spring Mountain Road
St. Helena

”Spring Mountain District is also the source of some memorable whites, including Smith-Madrone's great Riesling (the best in California), Pride...” MORE>>
 
 
Spottswoode Winery
1902 Madrona Avenue
St. Helena

”The St. Helena AVA is still struggling to establish an identity. So far, Cabernet Sauvignon is the district's most important...” MORE>>
 
 
Spring Mountain Vineyard
2805 Spring Mountain Road
St. Helena, California

”The tour includes a visit to the caves, vineyards where a variety of grapes are grown for educational purposes and...” MORE>>
 
 
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
5766 Silverado Trail
Napa

”Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, which first brought fame to the area, still does a fine job with Cabernet, and Silverado...” MORE>>
 
 
Sutter Home Winery
277 Street Helena Highway
St. Helena

”For a walk through the gardens, where about 85 different rose varieties are grown....” MORE>>
 
 
Swanson Vineyards
1271 Manley Lane
Rutherford

”For a sit-down wine tasting modeled on a 19th-century Parisian salon....” MORE>>
 
 
Viader
1120 Deer Park Road
Deer Park, California

”Call to set up a visit that includes hors d'oeuvres, picnics or full meals (call two weeks in advance for...” MORE>>
 
 
Von Strasser Winery
1510 Diamond Mountain Road
Calistoga

”Dyer Vineyard turns out a full-bodied Cabernet with a hint of chocolate, while Von Strasser produces a notable Bordeaux-style blend...” MORE>>