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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in California

Interesting spots

Experiences that genuinely pique your curiosity instead of just recycling the same predictable options.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Medieval Torture Museum image 1
Medieval Torture Museum image 2
Medieval Torture Museum image 3
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Dark basement holds medieval torture devices and vivid displays. Creepy vibe grows with interactive exhibits and audio guides. Decor with skulls and cobwebs creates a suffocating atmosphere that makes history feel real.

Dark atmosphere sets the tone with gruesome props and interactive exhibits. Audio guides add informative context to each display, making history vivid and engaging.

People are saying

"This museum's detailed displays were fascinating and immersive."

"I found the museum's exhibits really cool and interactive."

"It's interesting to learn about the detailed and dramatic historical torture devices."

Good to know

1

Admission is $29.99 per person for the Medieval Torture Museum.

2

The museum is wheelchair accessible, but the elevator is currently broken.

3

Expect to pay for parking near the museum, which can be congested.

02
Hilbert Museum of California Art image 1

Museum features modern architecture and a quiet atmosphere perfect for relaxed visits. Exhibits highlight retro themes with works by Millard Sheets and Emigdio Vasquez. Visitors enjoy insightful tours revealing California's rich art history.

Collection shows very different styles of Millard Sheets and Emigdio Vasquez. Exhibits include old radios and diverse artworks from the 1920s to 1960s. Captions and tours provide interesting insights into California's history and art.

People are saying

"I loved that visiting the museums was completely free."

"I loved the diverse California art and paintings, especially the watercolors."

"The art and exhibits here are really interesting."

Good to know

1

Admission to the museum is free for all visitors.

2

Reservations are required in advance to visit the museum.

3

The museum offers free parking nearby.

03
US Navy Seabee Museum image 1
History museum

History museum offers a calm space with military exhibits and a kids' STEM play area for hands-on fun. Large displays include vehicles and uniforms, telling stories of soldiers' achievements. Named bricks honor Seabees, adding a meaningful tribute to the experience.

Space feels surprisingly large with detailed exhibits on military history. Displays include vehicles, equipment, and uniforms alongside stories of soldiers' achievements across campaigns.

People are saying

"I learned so much about the Seabees' military and humanitarian missions."

"This museum offers a fascinating look at Seabee history and their vital role."

"The displays and exhibits here are really interesting."

Good to know

1

Admission to the museum is free for all visitors.

2

The museum is family-friendly with exhibits suitable for all ages.

3

Visitors can expect to spend 2-3 hours exploring the museum.

04
Hidden Donkey Escape Rooms image 1
Escape room center

Escape rooms offer highly detailed wizard themes with unique puzzles that challenge both kids and adults. Immersive sets and intricate props create a magical atmosphere. Thoughtful puzzles and immersive dynamics make the experience truly captivating.

Puzzles here are interesting and thoughtful, with some truly unique challenges. The room features immersive dynamics that add depth to solving the puzzles.

People are saying

"The escape room puzzles were super fun and interesting."

"This place is great for kids; my 10 and 12-year-olds loved it."

"The puzzles here are super fun and interesting to solve."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure availability.

2

Expect a 60-minute time limit for each escape room experience.

3

The escape room features unique puzzles not found in other locations.

05
Chronos Escape Room image 1
Escape room center

Escape room center features immersive themed rooms with challenging puzzles that are both creative and difficult. Atmosphere shifts from creepy to exhilarating with dark lighting and sound effects. Suitable for families and enthusiasts seeking fun and reward.

Puzzles offer a super interesting challenge with detailed and creative designs. The rooms feel very difficult and include some creepy elements that add to the experience.

People are saying

"The escape rooms here are really fun and challenging."

"It's a really fun and kid-friendly experience for everyone."

"I found the escape room experience very interesting."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure your preferred time slot.

2

The escape room is suitable for both kids and adults.

3

Expect challenging puzzles that require teamwork to solve.

06
Mormon Battalion Historic Site image 1

Historical landmark features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities like gold panning. Tours offer engaging elements that bring history to life. Visitors enjoy a viewing tower with great area views.

The site offers a very interesting and interactive historical experience. Tours engage visitors with great interactive elements that bring history to life.

People are saying

"I found the historical sites here really interesting and interactive."

"It's a fun, educational experience for the whole family."

"The tour was interesting and interactive."

Good to know

1

Tours run on a schedule.

2

No tickets or reservations are needed to visit.

3

The site has no entrance fee.

07
Experience Machine: The Mind Suite image 1

Escape rooms offer immersive themes like steampunk and pirate adventures with interesting puzzles that challenge the mind. Players enjoy a unique experience blending fun and detailed set decorations. Both beginners and experts find the atmosphere engaging and memorable.

Escape rooms feature really interesting puzzles with themes like steampunk and mind challenges. The experience offers great quality rooms that are both fun and doable.

People are saying

"The escape room was super fun and challenging."

"Alain was a great host for the Escape Rooms."

"The puzzles in the escape room were really interesting."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for groups larger than six to ensure availability.

2

Each escape room experience lasts approximately 60 minutes.

3

Participants must be at least 12 years old to enter the escape rooms.

08
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum image 1

Spacious museum offers interactive exhibits and a wet deck for hands-on ocean learning. Quiet, seaside vibe pairs with spectacular harbor views. Knowledgeable staff enhance the experience with engaging explanations.

Small size holds interesting artifacts and interactive displays. Staff and docents provide knowledgeable explanations that engage visitors of all ages.

People are saying

"You'll learn so much about local maritime history here."

"You get a great view from the 4th floor."

"I found the museum's interesting artifacts and interactive displays really engaging."

Good to know

1

Admission is $12 per adult, with discounts for military and first responders.

2

Free parking is available for 90 minutes at the museum.

3

Interactive exhibits include a sportfishing game and a boat driving simulation.

09
Mission San Juan Capistrano image 1

Historic mission grounds offer grand ruins and beautiful gardens that create a serene atmosphere. Visitors enjoy engaging audio tours and learn through informative displays about the site's rich past. Accessible paths make exploring peaceful outdoor spaces easy and enjoyable.

Beautiful grounds showcase interesting history and informative displays about the Mission. Botanical treasures like the Crown of Thorn add unique appeal.

People are saying

"The historical sites' beautiful grounds and architecture are amazing."

"It's a fun, kid-friendly place with scavenger hunts and brick making."

"I found the history here really interesting."

Good to know

1

Admission is $20 for adults, $14 for children, and $17 for seniors.

2

The mission hosts summer concerts under the stars, a popular seasonal event.

3

Every day at 9 am, four historic bells ring to call for prayer.

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