California is a state that has it all; glorious sandy beaches, mountainous deserts and deserted mountains, great weather, people, wine and food. Christmas in California can range from barbecues on the beach in Los Angeles to skiing the world-renowned slopes of Lake Tahoe, so the choice of exciting activities, experiences and days out is plentiful. This means finding a fun experience gift idea for the Californians on your Christmas list should be simple, but there is such thing as too much choice!
To help cut through the noise, we’ve curated this article to take you on a journey from the southern tip just north of Mexico to the national forests south of Oregon border, showcasing the most unique and adventurous experiences in the Golden State. From scenic Segway tours in San Francisco to ethnic neighborhood food tours in Los Angeles, there’s a Christmas experience gift in California for your Dad, Sister, Grandparents, and everyone on your list!
| San Diego Pacific Beach Surfing Lesson
We start in California’s most southern county; San Diego. Famous for its Spanish heritage, the sprawling Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and miles of pristine coastline, our Christmas experience gift top pick was a no-brainer. Surfing is more than a water sport in California, it’s a lifestyle, and an outdoor activity that’s synonymous with SoCal culture.
Treat someone this year to a surfing lesson on Pacific Beach and it could be the start of a new hobby, or just an excuse to get out of the house and enjoy the water! With private, semi-private, and group lesson options available, these San Diego surfing lessons make exciting Christmas experience gift ideas for all ages.
| Tandem Paragliding Experience in Santa Barbara
Out of the city and north to Santa Barbara, the ‘American Riviera’. As well as having a friendly community vibe, a great wine industry and superb climate, Santa Barbara is also home to the longest stretch of south-facing beach on the west coast!
To truly appreciate this spectacular shoreline, we recommend the Santa Barbara Tandem Paragliding Experience, a unique and exciting Christmas gift for adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers. The Introductory Tandem Flight at Elings Park is designed specifically for paragliding newbies, providing a breath-takingly scenic experience in a safe and controlled environment. We can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon in Santa Barbara, a great Christmas gift for locals and visitors alike!
| Paso Robles Wine Tasting Tour
We’re heading inland now to San Luis Obispo County and the city of Paso Robles, one of California’s main wine producing regions. The history of winemaking in Paso Robles dates back to the late 18th century, when Spanish explorers recognized the growing potential of the land and planted the first vineyards – cuttings of which still provide the starts for vines growing today.
A fun Christmas experience gift idea would be the private Paso Robles East Side Wine Tour, an all-inclusive winery excursion for you and your party alone. Guests can choose which wineries are visited, tastings are included in the cost, and the personal guide is with you the whole way to explain the fascinating history, culture, and wine industry of the Paso Robles region. A fantastic Christmas gift for California wine lovers!
| Off Road Driving Experience in Carmel
Take the famously breath-taking Route 101 north via Big Sur and you reach Carmel-by-the-Sea, a picturesque Californian town where high-heels over two inches are banned and chain restaurants are illegal. If you’re Christmas shopping for someone who isn’t a big fan of rules, treat them to a thrilling off-road driving experience and challenge their 4x4 skills in a powerful Land Rover!
The muddy course is purpose-built to test every aspect of off-road driving, with steep hills and sharp descents, logs, rocks and boulders to navigate, and side-tilts that will leave your heart in your mouth. Land Rover driving experiences make fantastic Christmas gifts for Dads, Husbands, and any Californian adventurer.
| LA Universal Indoor Skydiving Experience
Experience the thrill of skydiving without leaving the ground at the Los Angeles Universal CityWalk Indoor Skydiving Experience! Nestled in Hollywood's iconic CityWalk, this premier facility offers an exhilarating adventure perfect for all thrill-seekers. Under the guidance of certified instructors, learn the basics of indoor skydiving before taking flight in the state-of-the-art wind tunnel.
Feel the rush of air propelling you skyward as you effortlessly float and twist mid-air, capturing unforgettable moments. Receive a personalized certificate of flight achievement as a lasting reminder of your extraordinary experience. This is the ultimate choice for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Hollywood, and makes a perfect Christmas gift for anyone!
| San Francisco Segway Sightseeing Tour
Now firmly in the region of Northern California, we find ourselves in San Francisco. Famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, its vibrant LGBT community, and the oldest Chinatown in the United States, San Francisco is a city with a story to tell. Sightseeing tours are great experience gifts for both residents and tourists, but with so much to see and do, a classic walking tour just won’t cut it.
Try the San Francisco Segway Tour this Christmas and give a loved one a totally unique experience, exploring the historic Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach neighborhood on a futuristic personal transporter! We love Segway tours when visiting a new city, and they make great Christmas experience gifts for families.
| Thanks for Reading!
From the shores of San Diego to the winelands in Sonoma County, our California journey has reached its conclusion. Christmas in Cali doesn’t have to be cause for concern this year with one of these exciting experience gifts, so have a browse and let us know what you think in the comments!
