The region of California has a unique charm to it. Its topography is well endowed, giving its visitors a visual treat of its natural splendours. There is something special to experience and discover from the north to the south. It is that part of the USA that gives you a neat treat of Hollywood to the happening Disneyland.

California works perfectly for those seeking a blissful and natural therapeutic experience or for those who are all out to have an action-packed holiday. Keeping the holiday season in mind, this time seems right for some family bonding sessions and the region will not disappoint you when to come to some wholesome entertainment that is truly world class. Whether it’s a trip to Universal Studios or some soft adventure at Lake Tahoe, California promises to satisfy the curious traveller in you. There are some who say that you go there as an adult, but come back rediscovering the child in you. It promises to offer non-stop entertainment for your kids and, of course, you.

Here is a list of 10 must-experience family adventures in California:

LAKE TAHOE EMERALD BAY CRUISE, South Lake Tahoe

There are many things to do in Tahoe, like skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, paddle boarding and kayaking, to name just a few. With its clear water surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada, jaw-dropping vistas, stately groves of pines and gorgeous sunsets, Lake Tahoe is an alpine paradise. But here at Lake Tahoe, the Emerald Bay cruise is a must, be it summer or winter. There’s no experience quite like being smack in the middle of Emerald Bay, relaxing and enjoying the views.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, High Sierra

Famous for its plunging waterfalls and massive granite faces, this unparalleled parkland, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, attracts 4 million visitors each year, and with good reason. Nearly the size of Rhode Island and covering more than 1,100 square miles, it features unforgettable natural beauty, from the sheer walls of the Yosemite Valley to the alpine beauty of Tuolumne Meadows.

KNOTT’S BERRY FARM (Buena Park), Orange County

Blending the kid-friendly playfulness of Camp Snoopy with the high-flying thrills of rides like Rip Tide, this long-time favourite aims to have rides and attractions for all ages, especially the little ones. If you love roller-coasters, this sure is the place to be. Get twisted with the Silver Bullet; this Knott’s inverted coaster has riders’ feet dangling in the air as they climb to a height of 146 ft before soaring down an initial drop of 109 feet that leads to six inversions in this two-minute adrenaline rush of a roller-coaster. Be a ghost buster or let the thrill take you over with GhostRider looming 118 ft over historic Ghost Town. GhostRider is one of the longest and tallest wooden roller coasters in the world. Are you brave enough?

SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK, San Diego

Get your cameras ready: stepping into Lorikeet Landing at San Diego Zoo Safari Park guarantees to get you some of the best shots of the day. Kids and grownups hold little cups of sweet nectar, and the colourful parakeet-like birds alight—on arms, shoulders, even the top of heads. It’s not just a visual stunner; it’s fascinating too, as kids can learn how these brilliantly-hued birds delicately lap up the nectar with their little tongues, just like a kitten.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park, a wildlife sanctuary in Escondido, is home to 2,600 animals, making it the best way, short of boarding around the globe, to watch rhinos, lions, gorillas and other exotic wild animals roam in enormous, naturalised enclosures. The Safari Park is a sibling to the famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park; consider buying combo tickets that allow you to visit both attractions.

SEAWORLD, San Diego

This well-known site near Mission Bay has a watery theme, and lets visitors see and learn about a wide range of marine life in special displays like the incredible touch pools at expansive Explorer’s Reef, and in themed shows. SeaWorld’s amazing dolphin interaction programme provides an unforgettable in-water animal experience where you, along with other park guests, meet, touch and feed dolphins, as trainers teach you to communicate with them using hand signals and the universal language of play. SeaWorld also has its share of high-adrenaline excitement, including the sensory-rich Manta mega-coaster ride. You can also enter the water right beside graceful, white beluga whales. You can touch and feed them as animal trainers share some techniques they use to communicate with these residents of the cold Arctic waters. Few places in the world offer such an up-close, unique interaction with these animals. This rare opportunity is limited to just a few guests each day. So book your place in advance and have an experience of a lifetime.

SAN FRANCISCO DUNGEON, San Francisco

Experience Old San Francisco Live through an all new attraction! The San Francisco Dungeon, now open and located at Fisherman’s Wharf, delves into 200 years of history with nine live actor shows. From Gold Rush to Gangs, the characters take you on a journey through the grisly and authentic history of the bay area. Meet the Rat Catcher who delights in detailing the pungent truth of the Plague, learn the horrible truth behind the black trade of “shanghaiing” on the dark boat ride, plus experience many more shocking stories.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD (Universal City), Los Angeles

Peek behind the scenes on a tram tour through the back lot of a huge working studio. Then go face-to-face with the giant gorilla in Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson’s creation King Kong 360 3-D. Experience a fierce battle on Transformers: The Ride-3D, or more light-hearted fun hanging out with minions from Despicable Me.

SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK, Santa Cruz

Opened in 1907, the Boardwalk is always evolving—earning it accolades as the world’s best seaside amusement park. Alongside vintage attractions, such as the 1924 Giant Dipper roller-coaster and the hand-carved 1911 Looff Carousel, are more modern pleasures—spinning cars on the roller-coaster Undertow and the latest video games and laser tag in the Casino Arcade.

CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, San Francisco Bay Area

From cool ways for your kids to learn about wildlife, to an insider’s look at a space station, to a chance to walk through a rain forest or learn about the night sky, there’s a bumper crop of cutting-edge science centres and museums all over the golden state. Many have special hands-on exhibits for children, plus special programmes and experiences just for them.

SAFARI WEST, Sonoma

The sheer amount of wildlife at this park will amaze even seasoned safari-goers. Giraffes, rhinos, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, bongos and other incredible animals roam rolling hills and woodlands in this expansive park, a 1.5-hour drive north of San Francisco. Dozens of birds also call the park home, including cranes, flamingoes, ostriches, and storks. Guests board small vehicles to tour the park with informative guides. Visitors of all ages also enjoy closer encounters with some of the park’s animals. For an unforgettable experience, consider an overnight stay in a safari-style tent, with plush beds, private bathrooms, and a natural soundtrack outside that’s straight out of the Serengeti.

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