Ah, California. The land of possibility, the home of Hollywood, and the place where people move to chase the sunshine.
Filled with diverse cities, rocky mountains and awe-inspiring natural beauty, you can see why thousands flock to California to live permanently or take a vacation.
If you’re looking for a Christmas gift for the Californian in your life, browse our list below. From San Diego Zoo tickets to Laguna Beach Surf Lessons, there’s something for everyone all across the state of California.
Full Day San Diego Zoo Tour With Transportation - $70
The state of California presents a lot of opportunities to get out into nature, interact with wildlife and basically feel at one with The Great Outdoors. If you know someone local to San Diego who loves animals, this Full Day San Diego Zoo Tour will make the ultimate Christmas gift.
With this experience package, your giftee will receive comfortable, air-conditioned transportation and entrance to the zoo, allowing them to explore at their own leisure and know their journey home is already sorted! The perfect “No Fuss” gift.
During their San Diego Zoo experience, they can visit the Urban Jungle and feed the giraffes, ride The Skyfari® aerial tram, marvel at the Giant Panda exhibit, and even hold baby animals if available.
Laguna Beach Surf Lesson - $102
Is there anything more synonymous with California culture than surfing? Whether you know a born and raised Californian who wants to hit the waves, or someone looking to experience this quintessentially Californian activity for the first time, this Laguna Beach surf lesson makes the perfect gift.
With this experience gift, your lucky giftee will head to Laguna Beach and join an expert instructor for a semi-private surfing lesson, learning the basics of paddling out, catching the wave, popping up and - hopefully - staying up!
This stretch of coastline is one of the most scenic in the country, so it's a true honor to learn to surf here. The instructors have a high rate of students standing up on their first lesson, and they’ll get to learn with top quality equipment - a great way to discover a new passion. If your giftee is keen to learn to surf, this California experience gift ticks all the boxes.
Los Angeles Sightseeing Bus Tour - $89
Do you know a native Californian, or someone planning an LA vacation who loves a little taste of fame?
Some people love the proximity of celebrity – the thrill of knowing that someone who they admire lives or works near the spot in which they are standing. Make your giftee’s dreams come true with this star-studded LA Bus Tour.
They’ll meet their local guide at the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, and board the colorful open air tour bus for a jam-packed journey through LA. While they travel through the city, the guide will provide commentary on the local sights, and there'll be plenty of opportunities to get out of the van and take in the sights.
The group will walk through sunny Santa Monica Pier, browse the farmer's market at The Grove, and visit the much-loved Griffith Observatory to snap an obligatory picture of the Hollywood sign! There are many other highlights besides, and the guide will be on-hand at all times to provide behind the scenes insight, and a real flavor of LA life.
Hike To Potato Chip Rock With Round-Trip Transportation From San Diego - $20
We’re heading over to San Diego for this next portion of our California gift guide, for this incredible hike to Potato Chip Rock.
If you know an outdoorsy type or someone who loves an unusual adventure, you can’t go wrong with this affordable experience gift. They’ll join a group hike to one of San Diego's most iconic landmarks, Potato Chip Rock!
Located at the summit of Mt. Woodson, the natural rock formation juts out over seven feet, and is so thin it looks like it may break at any moment! This half day hiking experience makes a unique gift for that once-in-a-lifetime San Diego vacation and for locals looking to check this one off of their to-do list.
San Francisco Aquarium Of The Bay - $29
If the Californian you’re buying for this Christmas is based in San Francisco, they’ll love this Aquarium of The Bay experience gift.
The Aquarium of the Bay is one of San Francisco's top attractions, with hundreds of thousands of visitors exploring the fascinating exhibits and underwater tunnels every year. Whether they’ve lived in SF their entire life or are visiting for the first time, the Aquarium of the Bay is fun for locals and tourists alike - kids especially love the live animal feedings!
During their experience, they’ll discover the Bay's native marine animals including jellyfish, rays, eels, sharks and colorful fish, and learn about the unique ecosystem that these creatures call home.
The ideal Christmas gift for those fascinated by marine life, this San Francisco Aquarium of The Bay ticket will have them grinning on Christmas morning.
San Francisco Little Italy And North Beach Food Tour - $69
Buying a California Christmas gift for a foodie?
One can't head to the Golden City without exploring San Francisco's Little Italy. To help them make the most of their visit, book them a space on the Little Italy and North Beach Food Tour; they’ll discover the best bites with a local guide!
They’ll want to make sure they arrive with an empty stomach - on this tour they can expect traditional sweet treats, Italian charcuterie, coffee shops, authentic pizza and lots more, plus they’ll get to meet the experts behind the restaurants and cafes, some who have been operating for generations.
The Little Italy and North Beach Food Tour is a fun and informative way to discover San Francisco's food scene, and makes a great gift for SF locals.
Best Of Yosemite Glacier, Sequoias, Waterfalls Hiking Tour - $149
Yosemite is a must-visit for any local Californian or someone visiting the state. At over 3,000 square kilometers, there's a lot to see and do in Yosemite National Park.
Help your giftee make the most of their visit and only see the best bits with the Best of Yosemite Hiking Tour. They’ll join a highly educated guide to explore glaciers, giant sequoia forests, waterfalls and hiking trails.
During this tour, they’ll spot wildlife, capture incredible photographs, relax on riverside beaches and simply breathe in the landscape.
Muir Woods Trip From San Francisco With Seaplane Flight - $449
Give the Californian in your life the gift of adventure, with this incredible San Francisco trip featuring a seaplane flight.
They’ll spend an adventurous morning in gorgeous San Francisco and its surrounding natural beauty, taking a trip to Muir Woods, traveling over Sausalito by seaplane and enjoying a Champagne lunch before heading back to the city by ferry. An unbelievable day out!
They’ll be picked up by a colorful tour bus, driven by a local San Francisco guide. They’ll begin by traveling through the most quintessential San Francisco landmark: The Golden Gate Bridge. Next, they’ll head out to Muir Woods to look up in awe at the imposing redwood trees, before driving back into the Marin Headlands.
From here, they’ll head to the seaplane base in Sausalito - and take in this charming coastal city from above, with an awe-inspiring 30 minute flight. Once they land back in Sausalito, it's time for a Champagne toast and decadent lunch in the sun. Finally, they can travel back to San Francisco by ferry. With the wind in their hair and a great morning behind them, they’ll feel on top of the world - with you to thank!
Cocktails And History Walking Tour Of Santa Barbara - $250
Treat your Californian giftee to a slice of culture through a captivating walking tour in Santa Barbara.
Nestled amidst pristine beaches and a Mediterranean climate, Santa Barbara is a vibrant coastal city brimming with captivating architecture and an array of exceptional dining and drinking venues. Embark on this three-hour tour accompanied by a seasoned guide, unravelling the city's rich history and exploring its distinctive buildings.
Along the way, they'll indulge in multiple libation stops, soaking in the city's unique ambiance. The tour includes visits to two cocktail tastings and a brewery, offering a delightful array of delicious drinks and delectable nibbles.
This Cocktails and History Tour of Santa Barbara is the perfect gift for someone who loves to explore somewhere new (and loves cocktails!). It's a splendid way to uncover the hidden gems and distinctive flavors of Santa Barbara while immersing oneself in its fascinating culture.
Redwood Railbike Journey From Fort Bragg CA - $195
This experience gift will prove to be truly unforgettable for your Californian giftee.
They’ll take an incredible railbike journey through majestic, towering redwoods and along Pudding Creek Estuary.
They’ll meet their guide and fellow adventurers at Fort Bragg, CA - just a 15 minute drive from Mendocino. After receiving some instructions and a safety briefing, they’ll don their protective helmet and hop into a truly unique method of transportation: An electrically assisted railbike, which they’ll be pedalling along a historic track under a canopy of redwoods.
As they journey through the Pudding Creek Estuary with the redwoods towering above them, they can keep their eyes peeled for blue herons, osprey and other local wildlife. They’ll stop over in Glen Blair Junction, before heading back the way they came.
This Fort Bragg CA Railbike Experience is the perfect experience gift for anyone who loves the great outdoors, and makes a fantastic addition to a Mendocino vacation.
Monterey Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise - $170
Gift your Californian friend an unforgettable sailing adventure with a catamaran cruise along the serene Monterey Bay. Departing from the picturesque Monterey Bay, this one-and-a-half-hour journey offers a tranquil experience complete with complimentary drinks and onboard snacks.
Upon meeting the captain and fellow passengers at Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, they'll board the catamaran, settling in for a Monterey Bay-style sailing escapade. Against the backdrop of the sun painting the sky, they'll witness the captivating sights of Monterey passing by, resembling a scene straight from a California postcard. With one free drink included, they can choose from a selection of wine, beer, hard seltzer, or soft drinks to savor during the cruise.
Encouraged to keep a lookout, they might be greeted by local wildlife, potentially spotting playful sea lions, seals, and perhaps a few dolphins gracefully navigating the waters. This Monterey Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise is the perfect gift for someone who loves to be out on the water. Have for your giftee immerse themselves in the beauty of the bay while creating lasting memories on this captivating sailing journey.
Thanks for reading!
Thanks for reading our Californian Christmas State Guide. We hope you’ve found a perfect gift for the Californian in your life from our list, but if you’re still searching, browse all our California experience gifts here.
Happy holidays from all of us at Experience Gifts!
