Most reviewed Historic Sites in California


  1. 4.5 Alcatraz Island (55.9k reviews)
    - Hard Time, Now Historic
    Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Islands
    Alcatraz Island image
    Alcatraz Island was once the most secure federal prison in the U.S., and held notorious inmates like Al Capone. After being decommissioned in 1963, the prison is now a museum, welcoming millions of curious travelers every year. Catch the ferry on Pier 33 to Alcatraz and explore the island at your own pace as you soak up the views of San Francisco and the bay. You can take a guided tour with a park ranger to learn more about the intriguing anecdotes about the facility’s fascinating history. But book your spots early—tickets sell out fast. – Tripadvisor See more..
  2. 4.5 Golden Gate Bridge (49.7k reviews)
    - Bridge that gap.
    Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges
    Golden Gate Bridge image
    Stretching 4,200 feet and towering as high as a 65-story building, this well-known bridge is the gateway to San Francisco. See more..
  3. 4.5 Hearst Castle (6.885 reviews)
    - Well Worth a Visit
    Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Castles
    Hearst Castle image
    Nestled atop a hill with breathtaking views of Big Sur, Hearst Castle is a must-visit spot on the California coast. With 165 rooms, you'll want to take the Grand Rooms or Upstairs Suites tours to experience the same lavish interiors that William Randolph Hearst and his guests would've experienced in the castle. For art lovers, the Art of San Simeon tour is a must. You'll get to see a stunning collection of ancient and modern artworks that Hearst collected throughout his lifetime. And don't forget to take some time to appreciate the magnificent Neptune Pool and the sweeping views of the mountains and the Pacific. – Tripadvisor See more..
  4. 4.5 Cabrillo National Monument (4.873 reviews)
    - Worth The Drive
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • National Parks • Monuments & Statues
    Cabrillo National Monument image
    Stately monument honoring Cabrillo, discoverer of San Diego Bay, is located in Point Loma that overlooks the city and the Bay. See more..
  5. 4.0 Cannery Row (4.396 reviews)
    - The old and new
    Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
    Cannery Row image
    Cannery Row is the Central Coast’s premier visitor destination. Home to some of the most luxurious hotels, world-class restaurants, boutiques & galleries, spas, premium wine tasting & exciting recreation Monterey has to offer, including the best nightlife. Walk everywhere. The breathtaking coastline of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the backdrop for every Cannery Row experience. Parking is never a problem, and everything is within walking distance. See more..
  6. 4.0 Winchester Mystery House (3.129 reviews)
    - Halloween attraction in a real haunted house
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Mysterious Sites
    Winchester Mystery House image
    The Winchester Mystery House is the beautiful but bizarre mansion of Sarah Winchester, heiress of the Winchester Repeating Arms fortune. Construction began in 1884, and didn't stop for 38 years. Haunted by the spirits of Winchester rifle victims, Mrs. Winchester built the Victorian mansion with many odd and mysterious features. The Winchester Mystery House is an architectural wonder and historic landmark in San Jose, CA. Self-guided garden tours are available. See more..
  7. 4.5 Santa Barbara County Courthouse (2.993 reviews)
    - Moorish beauty in Santa Barbara
    Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
    Santa Barbara County Courthouse image
    Santa Barbara’s iconic Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse has been called, "The most beautiful government building in America.” It is open to the public 8:00am to 5:00pm weekdays and 10AM to 5pm weekends, and all holidays except Christmas. Visitors are not admitted after 4:45. Free docent-led tours are offered daily except Christmas Day. No reservation is required. For current tour schedules, please visit the Docent Council website, https://sbcourthouse.org. Self-guided & virtual tours are also available on the website or by using the QR codes at various locations in the Courthouse. Visit the website for information about private group tours. See more..
  8. 4.5 Old Mission Santa Barbara (2.726 reviews)
    - Santa Barbara for a day
    Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
    Old Mission Santa Barbara image
    Visitors can tour this historic Franciscan mission that features twin bell towers and lovely gardens. See more..
  9. 4.5 Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial (2.476 reviews)
    - A unique memorial that also provides one of the best views in all of San Diego
    Friday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
    Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial image
    Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is a gem that awaits your discovery. In addition to honoring veterans, living or deceased, from the Revolutionary War to the current war on terrorism, with an image of the veteran, it offers one of the most spectacular views in the entire city. It's easy to find, has reasonable onsite parking and a portable restroom. Because of its height and proximity to the coast, the marine layer can limit your viewing pleasure. However, on clear days it's truly a spectacular place to visit. Weekends can be crowded, while weekdays improve your chances of locating a good parking spot. As with all outdoor activities in San Diego, a hat and sun screen are recommended. Also, a good pair of binoculars will add to your viewing pleasure. See more..
  10. 5.0 The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens (2.469 reviews)
    - Great gardens. Poor restaurant.
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Libraries • Gardens
    The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens image
    A popular tourist stop, this 207 acre complex houses a library, art collection and stunning gardens. The library and art gallery contain rare books and one of the most complete collections of 18th century art outside of London. See more..
  11. 4.5 General Sherman Tree (2.197 reviews)
    - The Biggest Tree in the World - MUST SEE
    Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
    General Sherman Tree image
    An 249.9 foot ancient tree believed to be between 2,300 and 2,700 years old. See more..
  12. 4.5 Indian Canyons (1.604 reviews)
    - lovely one
    Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Canyons
    Indian Canyons image
    Andreas Canyon is a lovely one hour loop hike that's mostly shaded. It's home to the world’s second-largest California Fan Palm oasis. We all loved it so much. We went early in the morning (around 9:30am in April) which was perfect. Cost was $12 per adult which we paid at the ranger station. They accepted a credit card. Great for kids. Love seeing all this water in the desert.Just watch for rattle snakes. We didn't see any but other hikers told us they had seen one. I would go again. It really was so amazing See more..
  13. 4.5 Bodie State Historic Park (1.494 reviews)
    - A town revived!!!
    Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Ghost Towns
    Bodie State Historic Park image
    One of the best preserved ghost towns. See more..
  14. 4.5 Mormon Battalion Historic Site (1.020 reviews)
    - 2 Guy's go to the Mormon Battalion Historic Site
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Historic Sites
    Mormon Battalion Historic Site image
    They opened at 10am and masks were required. 2 young lady docents journeyed with us through the history of the Mormon march of over 2000 miles with some women and children going also. The federal government paid for this battalion to go from Iowa to San Diego to help fight the Mexican-American war. This is a visual, audio and more history through various rooms in the Museum. Its free. There is an outside area that you can learn how to pan for gold See more..
  15. 4.5 Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum (948 reviews) from $25.00
    - Great museum. A must see
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
    Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum image
    With a visit to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, guests can tour the most modern presidential museum in the country to learn about Richard Nixon the man, his life, and his presidency. The twenty-eight-year-old presidential museum went through a complete renovation less than two years ago. The all-new museum features nearly 70 new major exhibits, 30 unique multi-media experiences, 11 original films, 12 custom digital interactives, 10 curated archival film sequences, more than 600 photographs, 8,000 square feet of wall murals and more than 300 artifacts. There is so much history in itself at the Nixon Library. Enjoy tours of Richard Nixon's original birthplace and boyhood home, walk through the presidential helicopter that flew four Presidents, take in the splendor of the White House East Room and pay respects at the final resting places of President and Mrs. Nixon. See more..
  16. 4.5 Forestiere Underground Gardens (817 reviews)
    - $45 for two people BUT worth It!!
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Gardens
    Forestiere Underground Gardens image
    Take a tour off Highway 99 and visit Fresno's best kept secret. *A hand-built network of underground rooms, courtyards and passageways reminiscent of the ancient catacombs. *Unique fruit producing trees, shrubs, and vines growing underground - some over 90 years old! *Ancient Roman architecture - arches, vaults and stone-built walls. *Underground micro-climates - temperature variations of 10 to 30 degrees! *Underground home of Sicilian visionary and self-taught artist/builder Baldassare Forestiere. See more..
  17. 4.5 Vikingsholm (796 reviews)
    - Go for the Surroundings
    Friday: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Castles
    Vikingsholm image
    Built as a summer home in 1929, this grand castle on Emerald Bay is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the Western Hemisphere. See more..
  18. 4.5 Tallac Historic Site (586 reviews)
    - Excellent Tour
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
    Tallac Historic Site image
    A Historic Site made up of 3 Estates built between 1894 and 1930. Each Estate has something different and exciting for visitors to do and see! Learn the amazing history of this area in the free museum, then stroll through the former summer homes and gardens of four wealthy gilded-age families. Guided, self-guided, and private tours are available. See more..
  19. 4.0 Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park (557 reviews)
    - Definitely a worthwhile stop!
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Parks
    Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park image
    Recreation of John Sutter's fort. See more..
  20. 4.5 Scotty's Castle (537 reviews)
    - Closed, but a tour is available
    Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles
    Scotty's Castle image
    Scotty's Castle has been closed since 2015 as a result of a torrential rainstorm and flood, but the Park Service in conjunction with the Death Valley Natural History Association does offer two doors every Sunday through the spring. Advance reservations are essential. The tour involves a walk around the grounds with extensive history of the construction and familiar characters from Scotty's Castle as well as a look inside several outbuildings and the first floor of the main house. None of the furnishings or other decor are there, but the building itself is undamaged and even visiting the empty rooms is impressive. Our tour guide was outstanding—very well informed, entertaining, and personable. If you plan to be in the park for a few days including a Sunday, this is well worth the money and time. See more..
  21. 4.5 Columbia State Historic Park (536 reviews)
    - Pan for Gold or Ride in a Stagecoach at Columbia State Park
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • State Parks
    Columbia State Historic Park image
    This historic Gold Rush town was made a state park in 1945. Between the 1850s and 1870s over one-half billion dollars in gold (at today's value) was mined in the area. See more..
  22. 4.5 Filoli (511 reviews)
    - Please support this great local piece of history.
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Gardens
    Filoli image
    At Filoli we create inspiration in everyday life by welcoming all to experience the House, Garden, and nature preserve. Located 30 miles south of San Francisco, Filoli is nestled on a slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounded by the protected Peninsula watershed. See more..
  23. 5.0 Manzanar National Historic Site (511 reviews)
    - Incredibly important
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Historic Sites • National Parks
    Manzanar National Historic Site image
    Manzanar NHS tells the stories of 120,000 Japanese Americans excluded from the West Coast and confined during WWII. Manzanar was the first of ten camps and held 11,070 people, 2/3 of them American citizens. Today, visitors explore the site by walking or driving to see foundations, trees, rock gardens, and stone alignments. Extensive exhibits feature historic photos, film footage and audio programs, a scale model, a children’s exhibit, and special programs. The visitor center is currently open 11 am to 4 pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. It is closed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The site itself is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Free admission. See more..
  24. 4.5 Jack London State Historic Park (483 reviews)
    - Self-guided tour of Jack London’s property
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Parks • Hiking Trails
    Jack London State Historic Park image
    Jack London State Historic Park, comprised of 1400 acres, is the legacy of Jack London, one of America's most famous authors. The park offers historic buildings dating to the late 1870's, great scenic beauty and more than 20 miles of trails open to hikers, bikers and horseback riders. The park is open year-round, 7 days, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. There is no camping. Day Use fee is $10/car. Historic buildings include the House of Happy Walls, the Wolf House Ruin, barns, the Cottage where Jack London lived and died and the famous "Pig Palace". See more..
  25. 4.5 Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden (480 reviews)
    - MOONLIGHT LANTERN FESTIVAL
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Gardens
    Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden image
    We visited this beautiful showcase of Chinese lanterns at night during the Christmas/New Years holiday. Just happened upon a flyer and thought we'd give it a try. It was a stunning showcase of culture. Some of the exhibits are interactive. There is a stage with Chinese acrobats performing. I don't know about the Botanic Garden, but if you're in or near Arcadia during this event, I recommend going! See more..
  26. 4.0 Harmony Borax Works (427 reviews)
    - Always Interesting Exit and Take the Longer Road
    Historic Sites
    Harmony Borax Works image
    Where Borax was produced in Death Valley until 1889. See more..
  27. 4.5 La Purísima Mission State Historic Park (393 reviews)
    - Great 1/2 day of CA history
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Missions
    La Purísima Mission State Historic Park image
    We have been to many of the California missions and this is one of the bigger and nicer ones. The grounds are very large and we spent about three hours walking around seeing the different buildings and grounds. Many details of daily life in each of the buildings and rooms. There are great reading placards at every turn which gives you the great history of both this particular mission and the California missions. We stopped by here almost by accident because we were driving by and we’re glad that we did. It’s a great place to walk around and see history of California and it’s missions. There is a $6 park fee, bathrooms in multiple locations, a gift store and a visitor center. You could easily spend 1/2 day or more exploring the area if interested in this type of history. See more..
  28. 4.5 Fort Ross State Historic Park (383 reviews)
    - Interesting history that is worth the stop
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • State Parks
    Fort Ross State Historic Park image
    Originally built by Russians in 1812, Fort Ross became a state park in 1909. Today the 3,400 acre park offers pristine natural landscapes as well as historic structures and exhibits that bring to life the former Imperial Russian settlement, early California Ranch era, and the Kashia territory. Our visitor center showcases a museum, bookshop, and an 18-minute video introducing the park's history. Some points of interest: Russian Orthodox chapel, replica Russian-style windmill, historic buildings and exhibits, cannons, historic cemetery and orchard, and a San Andreas Fault marker. You can also enjoy Sandy Cove Beach and numerous trails. Activities include hiking, swimming, marine mammal watching, and more. See more..
  29. 4.5 Greystone Mansion and Park (320 reviews)
    - A Peaceful Time Out
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Parks
    Greystone Mansion and Park image
    Placed on the Registry of Historic Places in 1976, the largest private estate in the history of Beverly Hills serves as a venue for city events, weddings, films and summer day camp. See more..
  30. 4.5 Catalina Island Casino Ballroom (297 reviews)
    - A must do tour
    Historic Sites • Theaters
    Catalina Island Casino Ballroom image
    Few words can describe the ambiance of the Catalina Casino: it epitomizes everything glamorous and romantic about Catalina Island. The one-of-a-kind venue is simply stunning inside, outside, and all around. If the meticulously decorated walls could talk, they’d tell countless stories of romance and celebration gathered from decades of memorable events. The immense, Deco-themed ballroom is large enough to contain weddings, large meetings or lectures or musical events. The Casino has retained its signature lavish style: a stunning medley of rose-hued walls, an arching, 50-foot ceiling with five Tiffany chandeliers, an elevated stage, raised seating areas surrounding the wooden dance floor, and a vintage full-service bar anchoring the back. A sweeping veranda surrounds the ballroom with stunning 360-degree views of Avalon Bay. See more..
  31. 4.5 Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park (294 reviews)
    - A relaxing walk-about!
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites
    Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park image
    Visited the Flying LC Ranch of Leo “Poncho” Carrillo (of “The Cisco Kid” fame) on a weekday and found the Ranch walk-about to be comfortable, relaxing and educational. The docents were entertaining and knowledgeable. To me they enjoyed recounting the Ranch history as I enjoyed their telling. The old “Adobe” on the property might have been the model for the “Old Adobe” at Knotts Berry Park! I tried my hand at roping with the riata outside the visitors center. I was a lot better when a lot younger! See more..
  32. 4.5 Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park (270 reviews)
    - Big old house
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites
    Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park image
    Free tour! What’s better than this? I went there on Sunday, after the Capital park tour (another free tour). There were only me and another guy. The staff gave us a 30 min quick tour. She told us a lot about the history of the house which are all quite interesting. Unfortunately you cannot take photos in the building See more..
  33. 5.0 Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park (268 reviews)
    - Lots to Learn!
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • National Parks
    Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park image
    Nice little museum with lots of information. Very well put together displays with lots of stuff to read. Made us very appreciative of all the hard work that women put into the war effort. The museum is bigger than it looks (it’s 2 large rooms) and took us about 1 ½ hours to go through (we tried to read everything). My son received a work book to complete to get a Junior Ranger badge which he enjoyed doing. He also liked exploring the rose garden and memorial (which was about a 5 minute drive away) and is a part of the NHP. If you enjoy history (especially WWII history) you will enjoy Rosie the Riveter NHP. There is a lot to learn here. See more..
  34. 4.5 Tehachapi Loop (235 reviews)
    - Amazing to Watch and Experience in Person.
    Historic Sites
    Tehachapi Loop image
    I passed a BNSF freight train on the way up the mountain from Bakersfield at about 11:30 AM on Saturday, Jan. 4th, 2020. I've driven over the Tehachapi's many times but never drove over to the loop even though I'm a big rail fan. I figured this was my best time to see the loop in action. You can hear and feel the train coming before you see it enter the loop from the overhead vantage point. When I got to the viewing area there were only a few cars but more and more fans showed up until there was around 30 people. Everyone enjoyed the spectacle. If you are a rail-fan you must stop here at least once in your lifetime! See more..
  35. 4.5 Battery Spencer (214 reviews)
    - Sunset and city views all from one location
    Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts • Military Bases & Facilities
    Battery Spencer image
    If you're considering a visit to San Francisco, look no further for the perfect location to see the city as a backdrop to the Golden Gate Bridge. Battery Spencer is a short hike of about 750 feet from the parking area; and parking is super tight - especially on nice days. There is a prison-style bathroom but at least there is one. Photos can be a challenge with all of the tourists so consider hiring a professional. I love this location for post-wedding, engagement, and family photos. See more..
  36. 4.0 Roy's Motel & Cafe (192 reviews)
    - History at your imagination
    Historic Sites
    Roy's Motel & Cafe image
    Traveling to Vegas from Palm Springs Way stop by Roy’s. An iconic and classic stop. The restrooms are out houses and very clean. On the day we stopped, and our host told us a lot of history, as well as offered us drinks and snacks and everything else instead of a restaurant. We hope for a café, but there was no café. Instead, a very pleasant surprise as we stopped. Make sure you do. See more..
  37. 4.5 Casa del Herrero (181 reviews)
    - Beautiful, classic Santa Barbara net-spanish Colonial house & special gardens.
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
    Casa del Herrero image
    Tours are by reservation only on Wednesdays and Saturdays for those 10 years & older. Admission for the 90-minute, Docent-led tours is $25 per person. All tours are booked online via our website: http://casadelherrero.com/events/. Designated in 2009 as Santa Barbara's 4th National Historic Landmark, Casa del Herrero, built in 1925, stands today as one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The creative manifestation of St. Louis industrialist George Fox Steedman, Casa del Herrero (House of the Blacksmith) reflects the visionary passions of its 'dream team' of designers: reknowned architect, George Washington Smith, landscape architects Lockwood de Forest and Francis T. Underhill, and antiquarians Arthur Byne and Mildred Stapley, who also helped outfit the well-known Hearst Castle. See more..
  38. 4.5 Bidwell Mansion (180 reviews)
    - Great learning experience
    Historic Sites
    Bidwell Mansion image
    This was a great opportunity to learn about a California pioneer and to see the beautiful home he built. We had a spectacular tour guide; he was a wealth of information and could answer every question the visitors threw at him. The home is on the edge of the Chico State campus, so we went on a mini campus tour after the home tour was complete. See more..
  39. 4.5 Tor House (180 reviews)
    - Who Knew?
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
    Tor House image
    The historic home of the poet Robinson Jeffers is open to the public for group tours Fridays and Saturdays. First Tour at 10AM, last tour at 3PM. Tours last about 1 hr 20 minutes. Docents describe the life and times of Robinson and Una Jeffers, his poetry, philosophy, and accomplishments of building his home of sea-tossed granite. Wear walking shoes to cope with uneven ground and steep stairs. No photography during tours. Special events annually are the Spring Garden Party held the first Sunday in May when photography is permitted in Tor House and Hawk Tower. Jeffers Fall Festival is held the first weekend of October and includes discussions and presentations on Jeffers' poetry and his life in Carmel. Both are paid events. Check the Tor House web site for details near the time of event. See more..
  40. 4.5 John Muir National Historic Site (167 reviews)
    - Interesting, historical place to visit
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Parks
    John Muir National Historic Site image
    Museum dedicated to the founder of the environmental movement. See more..
  41. 4.0 Hewlett Packard Garage (144 reviews)
    - When in the Silicon Valley
    Historic Sites • Educational sites
    Hewlett Packard Garage image
    Hewlett and Packard started their business in this garage. See more..
  42. 4.0 Riley's Farm (141 reviews)
    - Highly recommended for family night!!!!
    Historic Sites • Farms
    Riley's Farm image
    This working apple orchard is also a living history farm, that includes Colonial Chesterfield, a Civil War program, a packing shed operation, Riley's Log Cabin Farm and Riley's Frontier Events. See more..
  43. 4.5 McHenry Mansion (137 reviews)
    - worth the drive out to Modesto if you like high vicrorian restorations
    Historic Sites
    McHenry Mansion image
    Lovingly (expensively) restored late 19thc mansion. Modest by city standards perhaps, it would have been the grandest thing west of the immediate Bay area at the time, save perhaps for a few places in Stockton. Had a fire 12+ years ago - Gallo money brought it back and then some. Holy wallpaer Batman! This is an event venue, so mind the hours, but it's FREE (supported by event revenue) to tour. Do't miss the gift shop display of Christmas ornaments - much better than average selection of actually interesting pieces. Pretty much done to a fare the well in the main rooms, and you do get to see upstairs. Very friendly docents, happy to converse and answer any / all questions. As is often the case with these lesser known gems - a solo and very complete tour. Learned a thing or two, always nice. See more..
  44. 4.5 Annenberg Community Beach House (134 reviews)
    - Take advantage of a historic tour
    Spent More than 3 hours Visitor Centers • Art Galleries • Historic Sites
    Annenberg Community Beach House image
    The Beach House is a unique community destination. With spectacular views, splash pad, playground, gallery, Marion Davies Guest House, beach courts & fields, community & cultural events, historic pool, free wi-fi, and more, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Site hours change seasonally. Call or check our website annenbergbeachhouse.com to confirm hours of operation. The Beach House is also available to rent for private events and as a location for filming. See more..
  45. 4.5 Historic Bob Hope Theatre (125 reviews)
    - Beutiful place, Fox theather built in 1930. total restored
    Historic Sites
    Historic Bob Hope Theatre image
    The Bob Hope Theatre, known to some locals as “The Fox” is an exciting entertainment destination and a beautifully restored piece of Stockton’s history. The recent renovation has created a wonderful space to enjoy not only local arts productions, film, dance, comedy and Broadway type entertainment, but also the latest in top name musical entertainment. In 1929, Fox West Coast Theaters invests nearly half a million dollars to build a luxurious, safe and comfortable theater - the Fox California, or the Fox. The opening of the Fox on October 14, 1930, is one of the most grandiose events in the region. The Fox is the largest vaudeville house in California, with 2,170 seats. The theatre is also one of the safest buildings of the time, built entirely with cement and steel, with the ability to evacuate guests within two minutes. One of the jewels of the theatre is the $40,000 (in 1930) three manual Wurlitzer pipe organ with twin pipe lofts. Fully renovated in late 1990s and early 2000s, the theatre changed its name to the Bob Hope. Visitors can enjoy rich wood carvings and murals in the lobby and the main chamber. The original water feature in the lobby was replaced with a water-themed marble mosaic. A 1928 Robert Morton theater organ, which was last played in the Seattle Fox Theatre over 50 years ago, was restored and donated to the theatre by The Friends of the Fox. Organ concerts take place before classic movie showings which are featured on the 2nd Friday of the month throughout the year.To take a tour of the theatre contact 209-337-HOPE or 209-464-5246. See more..
  46. 4.5 Kelso Depot (110 reviews)
    - Hidden gem literally in the middle of no where.
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers • Historic Sites
    Kelso Depot image
    This is an old Union Pacific depot built in 1924 that was almost demolished. Luckily, it was saved and fully restored by the National Park Service (one of the few examples of the government actually doing something good). The depot is beautiful and houses a small museum and a functioning lunch counter. Sadly, the lunch counter is scheduled to close on October 29th, 2013. If you're real lucky, you'll also get to see some trains go by, although they no longer stop. Best time to visit is October through April. See more..
  47. 4.5 The Steinbeck House / Best Cellar Gift Shop (110 reviews)
    - Great Experience Friendly Volunteers
    Friday: 11:30 PM - 2:00 PM Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
    The Steinbeck House / Best Cellar Gift Shop image
    This Queen Anne style Victorian was the birthplace and boyhood home of author John Steinbeck. Built in Salinas in 1897, the Steinbeck family moved into the house in 1900. The Valley Guild was formed by eight enthusiastic women who shared a common interest in gourmet cooking and wanted to showcase Salinas Valley produce. The volunteers of Valley Guild purchased and renovated the house. It was opened to the public as a restaurant on February 27, 1974 -the 72nd anniversary of John Steinbeck's birth. The house is operated by volunteers with a minimum of paid staff, and recently celebrated the 40th Anniversary. The Best Cellar is in the original basement of the Steinbeck House. The Best Cellar is a delightful gift shop featuring unique gift items as well as vintage and new Steinbeck books. Original furniture from the Steinbeck family is on display including the headboard of the bed in which John Steinbeck was born. See more..
  48. 4.5 San Juan Bautista State Historic Park (101 reviews)
    - Loved this place amazing its still standing and well kept
    Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • Parks
    San Juan Bautista State Historic Park image
    I enjoyed very much walking around this place and learning the history and didn't hurt the teal trim color is my favorite color. Its amazing the history and what these walls has seen. Great photo opportunities here we were lucky to not have many people here at the time so no people in our pictures. I became very focuses on the ceilings and the beauty of the wood. the grounds and gardens are nice and don't forget to explore the old hotel and house and stables across the street also a lot of good history there as well. See more..
  49. 4.5 William S. Hart Museum & Ranch (99 reviews)
    - First Newhall movie theater
    Historic Sites • History Museums
    William S. Hart Museum & Ranch image
    This museum is housed in the former home and ranch of silent film cowboy star and director William S. Hart. See more..
  50. 4.5 Hellman-Ehrman Mansion (98 reviews)
    - Beautiful tour of Lake Tahoe history
    Historic Sites
    Hellman-Ehrman Mansion image
    The tour is amazing with a birds eye view of how the upper crust spent their summers over 100 years ago. Bring bathing suits, rafts, etc., as the beach is open to visitors. A lovely step back in time for a well spent day at the lake. See more..

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