Top 50 Night Attractions in California
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Top 50 Night Attractions in California

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Disneyland Park Californiatop_1
    󰺂10
    4613
    Anaheim.Anaheim City Center>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    󱨠Saved by 2350 users󱨠1085 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    I was a bit disappointed that I need to make an appointment for the fast line which is not really worth the money because at the end of the day we still need to wait for the available booking time

  • Universal Studios Hollywoodtop_2
    󰺂10
    2991
    Los Angeles.Universal City>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    󱨠Saved by 3623 users󱨠3898 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    caroline0108caroline0108

    Having visited Universal Studios in Osaka, Beijing, and Singapore, I'd say Universal California is a bit dated and too small, lacking the immersive experience of Universal Studios Osaka. The themed areas are too close together, making it easy to get lost in the crowd. A 2-day pass isn't necessary outside of peak season. There are practically no lines, the longest being 5-10 minutes. With the buy-one-get-one-free tickets, I only got in around noon each day, making it a bit of a waste to spend an extra night at Universal Studios. Also, although I went during Halloween, Halloween tickets had to be bought separately, and without them, you had to leave the park by 6 PM. Next time, I'll try Universal Orlando.

    The Wizarding World of Harry Potter󰺂6.4

  • Disney California Adventure Parktop_3
    󰺂8.6
    4618
    Anaheim.Anaheim City Center>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    󱨞Dine with Disney characters nightly
    󱓊Unique nighttime musicals & theater
    󱨠Saved by 818 users󱨠336 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    YNWA25YNWA25

    The security clearance was smooth and fast even though there was a huge crowd at the opening hour of the park. We had a great time enjoying the ride and facilities at Disneyland. Well maintained park.

  • Griffith Park
    4
    󰺂7.8
    Los Angeles>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨞Open until 10:30 PM
    󱨞Stargazing & free lectures available
    󱨠Saved by 216 users󱨠46% positive reviews
    4.6/5
    学校🏫学校🏫

    Griffith Park: Wilderness and Stars on the Top of Los Angeles Griffith Park is no fine garden, but a rugged and charming oasis in Los Angeles. As one of the largest urban parks in North America, it is definitely worth a special visit, especially for travelers who want to embrace the majestic nature and urban legends at the same time. The undisputed centerpiece is the Griffith Observatory, which stands on the top of the mountain. It is an architectural masterpiece in itself, and it also has a "God's eye view" overlooking Los Angeles. During the day, the Hollywood sign is clearly visible on the hillside in the distance, and the city skyline spreads out at your feet; but at dusk is the real magic moment, when the setting sun melts into gold and the city lights gradually light up until they merge into a dazzling starry sky. Inside the observatory, Foucault's pendulum swings leisurely and the dome screen presents cosmic wonders, where science and romance blend together. The vast hinterland of the park is a paradise for hikers and explorers. From easy family-friendly trails to challenging mountain routes (such as the steep trail leading to the Hollywood sign), there are many options. Walk through the dusty California oak forests and cactus bushes, encounter deer or coyotes, and feel the wilderness. The abandoned zoo area is a mysterious and desolate place, which is an alternative check-in point. The Greek Theater is hidden deep in the valley and holds concerts in certain seasons. Listening to the sounds of nature under the stars is an unforgettable experience. Real challenges to note: Parking in the observatory area is extremely difficult due to the constant crowds (it is strongly recommended to use the DASH Observatory Shuttle or online taxi); the facilities inside the park are relatively primitive, some trails lack shade and the signs are not clear enough, so you need to plan your route in advance and prepare enough drinking water. In short, the charm of Griffith Park lies in its primitive and simple wildness and unparalleled vision. Touch the stars in the observatory, feel the mountain breeze on the trail, and listen to the echo in the Greek Theater, and you will understand why it is not only a landmark of Los Angeles, but also a spiritual home for citizens-an extraordinary bridge connecting the bustling city with the quiet wilderness, the real earth and the vast universe.

    Griffith Observatory󰺂8.2

  • Santa Monica State Beach
    5
    󰺂7.9
    Santa Monica>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes
    󱨠Saved by 778 users󱨠277 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    学校🏫学校🏫

    Key highlights: 1. The legendary Santa Monica Pier: Pacific Park is a seaside playground located on the pier! The colorful solar-powered Ferris wheel is an absolute landmark. When it rises to its highest point, you can see the panoramic view of the sea, sky and city, especially at sunset. The romantic value is off the charts. The exciting roller coaster roars over the Pacific Ocean, and screams and the sound of waves are intertwined. History and feelings: The old pier built in 1909 is itself a historical relic, and the creaking wooden boardwalk is full of traces of time. This is the legendary end of Route 66, and the famous "End of the Trail" sign is a must-see. * Street art and performances: Street artists often perform on the pier and pier (music, juggling, performance art), full of unexpected fun. 2. Vibrant seaside atmosphere: Third Street Pedestrian Street: Close to the beach, a world-renowned pedestrian shopping and dining street. Brand stores, specialty shops, restaurants and cafes are lined up, and street performers are constantly performing. The bustling vitality extending from the beach to the city is seamlessly connected. Bicycle Path and Skateboard Culture The wide and flat seaside bicycle path is the best way to experience the coastline (car rental is available). The skateboard park is full of masters, showing California's unique street sports culture. Muscle Beach: Outdoor fitness area on the south side of the pier, watch the strong men and hot girls show their muscles, practice gymnastics, and experience California's healthy and sunny lifestyle. 3. Classic California Seaside Experience Watching the sunset: The pier is a great place to enjoy the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The silhouette of the Ferris wheel is set against the sunset sky, and the atmosphere is full. Beach Walk and Leisure: The beach is wide, suitable for walking, sunbathing (bring your own blanket), and watching surfers chasing waves. But the sand is coarse, the sea water is cool and the waves are big, and the pure swimming experience is average

    Santa Monica Pier󰺂5.0

  • Fisherman's Wharf
    6
    󰺂7.9
    San Francisco.Fisherman's Wharf>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Enjoy stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge
    󱓊PIER 39, a tourist landmark since 1978
    󱨠Saved by 363 users󱨠562 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    ryne.srjryne.srj

    a lot of sea lions! a must see place in san francisco! should get a sea lion plushie as well as a gift!

  • The Getty
    7
    󰺂7.9
    Los Angeles>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 12 of Best Things to Do in California
    󱨠Saved by 469 users󱨠324 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    学校🏫学校🏫

    Getty Center: The art temple on the top of a hill in Los Angeles is definitely worth a special visit! Even if you are only slightly interested in art, the Getty Center is still a place that will make your trip worthwhile. It is far more than a museum, but more like a mountaintop cultural paradise that combines architectural wonders, top art collections and beautiful scenery. Core highlights not to be missed 1. The building itself is a masterpiece of art: the pure white building complex designed by the master architect Richard Meier has simple and smooth lines and a modern feel. Take the iconic cable train slowly up the mountain, full of ritual, and the city scenery of Los Angeles gradually unfolds in front of you, and you are already intoxicated before entering the museum. 2. Hall-level art collection: *The core attraction! From the manuscripts of Renaissance masters, the shocking large paintings of Rubens in the Baroque period, to Van Gogh's vibrant "Irises" (the brushstrokes are breathtaking when seen up close), Monet's charming impressionist landscapes, Cezanne's solid still lifes... The key chapters of Western art history are vividly presented here, with extremely high quality and free to visit (only parking fees are charged). 3. The tranquil and elegant Central Garden: The Central Garden designed by Robert Irving is an oasis in the hustle and bustle. The winding paths, carefully matched plants, gurgling streams and unique water platform maze are full of natural interest and design ingenuity. It is a great place to stroll, relax and relax. 4. The unparalleled viewing platform: Located on the top of Santa Monica Mountain, the view is extremely wide. Standing on the terrace, you can see the city skyline of Los Angeles, the rolling mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean. When the weather is fine, the bustling city and the magnificent nature blend at this moment, especially at sunset, the scenery is particularly shocking. Is it worth going? Without a doubt, it is highly recommended! Art lovers must pilgrimage: the quality and breadth of the collection are enough to make people linger. Architecture and landscape control will fall in love: the perfect dialogue between modern architecture and nature and urban landscape. Visitors who seek unique experiences: the top of the mountain location, the small train, free high-quality art, the beautiful garden and the view, the combination experience is unique. Practical tips: Parking is expensive (about $20, $15 after 3pm), so it is recommended to book a parking space on the official website in advance. Reserve at least 3-4 hours to enjoy the experience. Bring a camera, the sunset view is not to be missed! Summary: The Getty Center combines top art, outstanding architecture, exquisite gardening and magnificent landscapes, providing a high-quality cultural experience full of aesthetic enjoyment and spiritual relaxation that far exceeds ordinary museums. It is not only a cultural landmark in Los Angeles, but also a must-see for anyone visiting Los Angeles.

  • Yosemite National Park
    8
    󰺂7.6
    Mariposa County>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    󱨠Saved by 145 users󱨠25% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    印象西南印象西南

    A Natural Epic Hidden in Time – A Travelogue of Yosemite After a four-hour drive deep into the mountains of California, the outline of Yosemite gradually comes into view. This land, chosen by Apple as the name for its operating system, holds a miracle sculpted by the Earth over millions of years; every step forward is a gentle embrace of nature's power. Entering the park on a sunny day, the Tunnel View observation deck was a delightful first impression. The silhouette of the Half Dome in the distance was sharp and distinct, El Capitan's granite cliffs pierced the clouds, Bridal Veil Falls cascaded like a veil, and the valleys and peaks unfolded like a flowing painting under the sunlight—no wonder it has become a classic filming location for countless people. Strolling slowly along the park's loop road, the Cook Meadow's boardwalk is lined with lush vegetation. Looking up, you can see the magnificent Yosemite Falls—the tallest waterfall in the United States. The spray from its cascading water creates shimmering light in the wind. Reaching the valley floor and looking up, the roar is a testament to nature's overwhelming power. The most unforgettable experience was an afternoon on the Merced River, renting a raft and drifting along. The clear water carried us past verdant banks, occasionally catching glimpses of deer drinking. In the distance, the redwoods swayed gently in the wind, their bark etched with the marks of time. As evening fell, the setting sun bathed the granite cliffs in warm orange hues, and the silhouette of the semi-domed building was reflected in the river beneath the Sentinel Bridge, creating a scene of tranquility and gentle beauty. As night falls, the clear night sky is studded with stars. Undisturbed by city lights, the Milky Way's outline is clearly visible. The evening breeze carries the fresh scent of grass and earth, allowing one to forget all the hustle and bustle. Hiking is the perfect way to connect with this land. The Mist Trail's stone steps, though steep, offer close-up views of the waterfalls' coolness. The mist dampens your clothes, and the joyful song of the flowing water fills your ears. Reaching the top, you'll overlook the valley, a vast and clear panorama stretching out before you. Along the way, you might encounter climbers with backpacks, steadily making their way to the summit of El Capitan. Their silhouettes on the rock face are the best testament to courage and passion. Lively creatures abound in the park: squirrels dart through the trees, eagles soar in the sky, and occasionally, you might catch a glimpse of a black bear, stopping to observe from a distance, respecting the unspoken harmony with nature. Yosemite boasts a unique charm in each season, and in this warm, sunny weather, there is both the brightness of summer and the slight chill of early autumn. Every scene here needs no deliberate seeking; whether it's the breathtaking view from the glacier, the tranquility beneath the redwood forest, or the brilliance under the starry sky, they all speak of nature's inclusiveness and grandeur. Looking back at the mountains as I leave, my heart is filled with reluctance. This land not only possesses magnificent scenery but also an awe-inspiring vitality. The peaks I've seen, the waterfalls I've heard, and the gentle breezes I've felt have become the most precious imprints of time, awaiting our next reunion.

  • Hollywood
    9
    󰺂7.4
    Los Angeles.Hollywood>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in Best Things to Do
    󱨠Saved by 690 users󱨠136 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    学校🏫学校🏫

    Controversy and the reality of the "magic mirror": Over-commercialization and clutter: Parts of Hollywood Boulevard are filled with cheap souvenir shops, piercing music, "characters" wearing exaggerated costumes who charge for taking photos (the quality varies and they may force tips), and street performers. The environment is noisy and chaotic, and the "starlight" filter is easily broken. Large gap in expectations: There is no red carpet, it is difficult to meet stars (the probability is extremely low), and the so-called "movie shooting site" is not visible on the streets, which is easy to be disappointed. Cost-effective trap: Wax museums, horror houses and other attractions have high ticket prices and serious homogeneity of content, so you need to choose carefully. Is it worth going? Rational decision: * Fanatic movie fans & film history enthusiasts: Must go! The emotional satisfaction brought by the landmark, theater, and studio tour is irreplaceable. First-time visitors to Los Angeles: You can go, but lower your expectations. Focus on the core landmarks (mountain landmarks, Chinese Theater, and a section of the Avenue of Stars), arrange 1-2 hours, and regard it as a "cultural symbol" experience. Those who seek deep culture/tranquility experience: choose carefully or avoid it.

    Hollywood Walk of Fame󰺂7.4

  • Lombard Street
    10
    󰺂7.0
    San Francisco.San Francisco Downtown>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Brick streets lined with seasonal flowers
    󱓊Experience the thrill of driving on the winding mountain road
    󱨠Saved by 310 users󱨠982 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    泰迪小熊泰迪小熊

    Came here on September 24, 2017. This attraction is unique, beautiful and interesting, and is definitely one of the must-see attractions when visiting San Francisco. Lombard Street is actually a section of Lombard Street, located between Hyde Street and Leavenworth Street. This section of the road is a steep slope, but it is designed into eight hairpin turns, and flowers are planted on both sides of the road. If you need to take a nine-turn effect, you must stand on Leavenworth Street, which is low in terrain. Chinese people can drive in the western United States where San Francisco is located with a translated driver's license. If you can drive in San Francisco, you might as well go and experience the feeling of driving through Lombard Street yourself.

What Night Attractions are there in California?
These are all Night Attractions in California:Disneyland Park California, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disney California Adventure Park, Griffith Park, Santa Monica State Beach
What are some highly-rated Night Attractions in California?
Some highly-rated Night Attractions in California include:Disneyland Park California:4.7, Universal Studios Hollywood:4.8, Disney California Adventure Park:4.7, Griffith Park:4.6, Santa Monica State Beach:4.6
At what locations in California can Night Attractions in California be found?
The Night Attractions in California are mainly located in:Disneyland Park California:Anaheim, Universal Studios Hollywood:Los Angeles, Disney California Adventure Park:Anaheim, Griffith Park:Los Angeles, Santa Monica State Beach:Santa Monica
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