factories to visit in california

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Take a Made in America California Factory Tour

California is a great place to see guitars being made, visit a winery , or tour a candy factory . You can see a working mill as well as woodworking tools being manufactured, visit a working nut farm, or see where popular tableware is produced.

California Factories That Offer Tours

Alembic | Rohnert Park, CA

Alembic invites you to visit the factory and see how they make their fine hand-crafted, ready-to-play, and custom basses and guitars. Alembic also produces pre-amps and accessories. Tours are available with advance notice on the first Wednesday of the month

When Alembic started back in 1969, our goal was to create the finest quality American made instruments ever known.  Alembic

Bates Nut Farm | Valley Center, CA

Educational tours, weekdays from January through September. Spend time on the farm and learn how nuts are grown and harvested, the history of nut agriculture in California, tour the roasting, packaging, and storage area, enjoy a hayride, and more.

#Bates Nut Farm

Blue Ox Millworks | Eureka, CA

Tour a working mill that has made pieces for made pieces for state parks, historic cathedrals, Russian East Orthodox churches, two governor’s mansions, and even the White House twice. You’ll see all the woodworking trades that have made Blue Ox Millwork famous.

#Blue Ox Millworks

Heath Ceramics | Sausalito, CA

Visit the sweeping semi-circle factory where Heath Ceramics has been making dinnerware , drinkware , and serveware in the USA since 1959. Factory tour sizes are limited so reservations are required.

#Heath Ceramics

Intel | Santa Clara, CA

Intel offers self-guided visits, group tours, student tours, and field trips at the Intel Museum where you’ll learn about Intel’s history, the science behind the semiconductor industry, and much more.

Jet Propulsion Laboratory | Pasadena, CA

Visitor day tours for groups of 10 or less, public group tours, educational tours, and virtual tours. Guests may also visit the von Karman Visitor Center, the Space Flight Operations Facility, and the Spacecraft Assembly Facility.

#Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Lance Camper Mfg. Corp. | Lancaster, CA.

A behind-the-scenes look at Lance Campers for shoppers, owners, RV enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to learn how Lance campers are made. By appointment, tours are scheduled on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

Sherline | Vista, CA

Sherline manufactures lathes and woodworking tools at a 66,000-square-foot facility that hosts production, assembly, and administrative offices. They invite visitors to take a factory tour, Monday-Friday, excluding holidays.

Taylor | El Cajon, CA

Enjoy a showcase of Taylor guitars when you visit the USA headquarters in El Cajon, CA.

#Taylor Guitars

Shop Taylor Guitars on Amazon

U.S. Borax Visitor Center | Boron, CA

One of the biggest and richest deposits of borax on the planet is buried deep in the Mohave Desert. Take a trip to the visitors center where you’ll get free admission to historical and geological exhibits on the rim of the active borax mine.

More Tours in California

California Chocolate & Candy Factory Tours

Made in the USA Matters has a complete directory of United States chocolate and candy factories that offer tours . Check out the chocolate and candy factory tours in California .

California Cheese Factory Tours

Made in the USA Matters has a complete directory of United States cheese factories that offer tours . Check out the cheese factory tours in California .

California Dairy Farm Tours

Made in the USA Matters has a complete directory of United States dairy farm tours . Check out the dairy farm tours in California .

California Distillery and Brewery Tours

Made in the USA Matters has a complete directory of United States distilleries and breweries that offer tours . Check out the distillery and brewery tours in California .

California Vineyard & Winery Tours

Made in the USA Matters has a complete directory of United States vineyards and wineries that offer tours . Check out the vineyard and winery tours in California .

USA Factory Tours

Did we miss a California factory tour? Please share it with our community in the comments below.

American Dairy Farm Tours | See Dairy Products Made in the USA

American Cheese Factory Tours | See Cheese Made in the USA

American Chocolate & Candy Factory Tours | See Chocolate & Candy Made in the USA

American Potato Chip Factory Tours | See Snack Foods Made in the USA

American Distillery & Brewery Tours | See Spirits Made in the USA

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Factory Tours

Celebrating american imagination and industry, 52 tours in california.

California factories to visit and tour

California has factories to visit and tour. Below, first are the active, working factories. The next section has historical operations which often have demonstrations or renactments. These incluse both large and small operations, from several person chocolate factories and cheesemakers to large manufacturers making paper towels, wood products, beverage cans and bottles, are open to the public with real tours, exhibitions and fun education.

In some cases, such as a manufacturing process that is no longer in use, the only way to see it and learn about it is a museum or living history center. So, we also provide information about engineering facilities and museums, dinosaur digs, even government facilities, like NASA, astronomy oberservatories and more that are open to the public on certain days and times. And if there is some place that is just plain fun to visit, we add that, too!

These are perfect for homeschooling, for STEM and for fun! Kids love visiting these places! They're learning and getting an education without even realizing it. And most of these are either free or under $10! What's better then fun, entertaining, good for children and families, educational and free?

Here are some of the top factory tours in California and contact information and tips about visiting them.

Factories to visit in California

Factories, engineering, museums and other fun demonstrations and exhibits to visit in california.

• Paramount Pictures Studio Tour - Movie Studio Tour 5515 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038. Phone: (323) 956-1777. Open: see their website, as conditions are constantly changing. Paramount Pictures Studio Tour provides a glimpse into Hollywood's history and present. Explore the studio's iconic backlot, soundstages, and the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where many legendary stars are buried.
• See a TV show being recorded live - Jeopardy - Sony Pictures Studios, Stage 10, Culver City, CA. Directions: Google Maps . You should request tickets as far in advance as possible. The show is recorded twice a day for a week or two. You can even register for the chance to be on Jeopardy Let's Make a Deal - Haven Studio, Glendale, California. Directions: Google Map You can apply for general admission or a priority ticket . The show is recorded several times a day, at 9 AM, 11 AM, and 1 PM. They even have a costume shop where you can rent ($10-$35 to rent) or purchase costumes to wear on the show. The Price Is Right - CBS Television City, corner of N Fairfax Avenue and Beverly Boulevard, Hollywood, CA. Tickets are free and you can obtain them online. Click here to find a ticket . The show is usually taped 5-10 days out of every month. Directions: Google maps . Wheel Of Fortune - Sony Pictures Studios, Stage 11, Culver City, CA. Directions: Stage 11 is located off Culver Boulevard, across the street from Calley Park. Google Maps . Tickets are free, you can also apply to be a contestant . There are other shows, including the late night talk shows, like Jimmy Kimmel , Follow the link for more about those.
• Sony Pictures Studio Tour - Movie Studio Tour 10202 W Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232. Phone: (310) 244-8687. Open: see their website, as conditions are constantly changing. The Sony Pictures Studio Tour offers a guided walking tour through a historic studio lot. You can see soundstages, sets, and props used in popular films and TV shows.
• Sunset Las Palmas Studios - Movie Studio Tour 1040 N Las Palmas Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038. Phone: (323) 860-0000. Open: see their website, as conditions are constantly changing. Hollywood Center Studios offers group tours for those interested in behind-the-scenes looks at a working studio lot. Note that availability may vary. Sunset Las Palmas Studios, formerly General Service Studios and Hollywood Center Studios, is an American independent entertainment production lot Phone: (323) 860-0000
• Universal Studios Hollywood - Movie Studio Tour 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608. Phone: (800) 864-8377. Open: see their website, as conditions are constantly changing. Universal Studios Hollywood offers the Studio Tour, which takes you behind the scenes of a real working movie studio. You can explore iconic sets, visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and enjoy thrilling rides and attractions. It's both movie studio and amusement park. The tour is a ride at the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park in Universal City, California near Los Angeles. Studio Tour is the theme park's signature attraction. It travels through a working film studio, with various film sets on the Universal Studios Lot. Duration: 45–60 minutes. Admission is included with a Theme Park Ticket or Annual Pass purchase. (blackout dates apply)
• Walt Disney Studios - Movie Studio Tour 500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521. Phone: (855) 458-4212. Open: see their website, as conditions are constantly changing. Walt Disney Studios does not offer public tours, but you can visit the Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank. While not a traditional tour, you can explore the lobby and view a gallery of Disney animation history.
• Studio Tour
• Classics Tour
• Studio Tour Plus
• Deluxe Tour

California Historical Forts and Sites, Famous buildings, Active Federal facilities to tour, Geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

• Alerts and Current Conditions
• Info about the park
• Park event calendar

• La Brea Tar Pits - Famous for the prehistoric animals like Mastodons that are preserved in the natural tar, La Brea Tar Pits are in Hancock Park in Los Angeles, US. Natural asphalt has seeped up from the ground in this area for tens of thousands of years.

California State historic sites and parks

These are state-run parks, museums and historic sites that present the history of some manufacturing process, industry, or living settlement

• Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
• California Citrus State Historic Park
• California State Mining and Mineral Museum Park Property
• California State Railroad Museum Point of Interest
• Cambria State Marine Park
• Governor's Mansion State Historic Park
• Hearst San Simeon State Park
• Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument
• Heber Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
• Lighthouse Field State Beach
• Limekiln State Park
• Palomar Mountain State Park
• Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
• Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park
• Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
• Ames Monument State Historic Site

California Seasons, bugs, topography and climate

Located in the Rockies and at the edge of the plains, Wyoming has both landscapes. In the summer, it tends to be semi-arid, hot during day and cool at night. Winters can be brutally cold. Many roads are closed or impassible in the winter.

Bugs are thankfully few!

Camping in California

If you're looking to save money on your trip, camping may be a fun alternative to hotels and motels, especially, if you already have the gear, or are looking to get some. BTW, this websites ( https://RoadTrippingAndCamping.com ) explains everything you need to know about camping gear and where to the best gear at the lowest prices.

If you're not from California, you may not realize that

There are both state parks and private campgrounds in California .

OlimpiaFit Quick Dry Towel - Fast Drying Lightweight Microfiber Travel Towels w/Bag for Camping, Beach, Gym, Backpacking, Sports, Yoga, Swim Portable Camping LED Light and Fan , 40hrs Rechargeable Battery w Hanging Hook for Tent, Car, RV, outages, etc.

Cheese / chocolate / BREWERY - TOP CA CATEGories

California factory & maker tours near you.

Discover all the great factory and maker tours around you in California (CA). Industrial and food factories, farm and maker tours are becoming more popular as they provide hours of entertainment and are cheap and often free. Tours are great for creative date ideas and family adventures with many factory production lines surprisingly kid friendly and educational.

01. Jelly belly

Fairfield, ca.

Self-guided tours allow you to explore the ¼ mile journey above the factory at your own pace, enjoying the all-new look at our candy making. Included in your factory tour ticket you have access to the Jelly Belly Museum and the Jelly Belly Express Train Ride. At the end you can shop the Jelly Belly Chocolate Shoppe and Fudge Counter.

You can also browse the Jelly Belly Jelly Bean Art Gallery, shop the Jelly Belly Candy Store, dine at the Jelly Belly Café, shop the Jelly Belly Chocolate Shoppe and Fudge Counter & more…

The working factory operates Monday – Friday. If you want to see the full factory in action, they recommend joining a tour during the week. 

02. Oakdale Cheese & Specialties

Oakdale, ca.

Come by and learn more about the process and the people of Oakdale Cheese & Specialties. Enjoy a free self-guided tour of their facility. Enjoy their varieties of national award-winning Gouda. Customers can enjoy their cheese, relax and have a picnic under the trees next to the pond.

03. Joe Matos Cheese & Farmstead Co.

Santa rosa, ca.

The farmstead is open daily. No official tour but a simple visit is quite a unique experience of its own as you travel down their quarter mile gravel driveway right into the heart of their working farm. Drive carefully and watch for children, tractors, cows, chickens, ducks, geese and goats! Taste the St. Jorge cheese and purchase cheese & beef at their Cheese Factory sales room.

04. Golden Gate Fortune Cookie

San francisco, ca.

Since 1962, San Francisco’s legendary Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory has been making custom fortune cookies by hand. Visit and watch their team make these delectable treats by hand. Over 10,000 fortune cookies made each day, baked fresh on a cast iron rotating griddle wheel. This unique experience is not to be missed!

05. Dandelion Chocolate

A lively tour of their active bean-to-bar chocolate factory. A self guided walk-through of our chocolate-making process (and plenty of samples!). They talk about sourcing from various cocoa origins and share info about cacao trees, then taste your way through fresh cacao pods, roasted cocoa beans, molten chocolate, and finally finished single-origin chocolate bars.

05. Anchor Brewing

Get a glimpse at centuries-old craft brewing traditions, a taste of San Francisco history, and a flight of selected Anchor beers.

06. Bates Nut Farm Educational Tour

Valley center, ca.

They offer a variety of tours for your group of 15 or more.

Visit Bates Nut Farm and be reminded of the simpler things in life!  Each year the Bates family welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world. Today the fourth and fifth generation families are working on the family farm that was established in 1921.

“Nuts For You” Tour • Weekdays January – September.

Pumpkin Patch Field Trips • Weekdays in October.

Harvest Tour • Weekdays November – December

07. Kennedy Goldmine Tour

Jackson, ca.

The Kennedy Mine, famous for being one of the deepest gold mines in the world (at 5912 feet), demonstrates how gold changed an entire way of life in California. Open every Saturday, Sunday and Holiday from 10 AM to 3:30 PM.

A free self-guided tour or a guided surface tours that cost $12 Adult and $7 Child. 

Visit the Kennedy Gold Mine and gain new insight into the complications and hardships of the miner’s way of life !

08. Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience

At Ghirardelli, they pride ourselves on making quality chocolate so delicious it makes life a bite better. They are the longest continually operating chocolatier in America, Ghirardelli has delighted consumers with new chocolate experiences for nearly two centuries and you can learn more about their history here! 

Please note: Parts of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience are under renovation with a reopening date of Summer 2023. The renovated store format will showcase the brand’s history in chocolate, sundae making and other fountain and bakery favorites like milkshakes, hot chocolate, brownies, cookies and freshly made daily hot fudge.

09. Hilmar Cheese Tour

Free Self-Guided Visitor Center Tours. Learn at your own pace how cheese is made and explore interactive, hands-on exhibits about cows, dairies and cheesemaking. Watch Daisy’s MOOvie, ask any staff member to start the show. See employees package the “big cheese” – 640-pound crates of cheese. 

For a little extra try the Public Ice Cream Making Tour.Come create (and eat) your own ice cream. Take the tour followed by the ice cream activity. Join the fun as you “shake, rattle and roll” to create your own homemade individual ice cream. Fun for all ages, especially those “young at heart.”

10. McEVOY RANCH Walkabout tours

Petaluma, ca.

The walkabout tours are a quintessential way to experience the Ranch’s natural beauty and many unique facets.

Learn about our rich history while you explore the Lower & Upper Ranch, exclusively accessible by tour. Select from a Public Walkabout Ranch & Art Tour or a Private Ranch & Art Tour which is paired with our Reserve Olive Oil Tasting.

For reservation questions or changes, contact us at (707) 778-2307 or email us at  [email protected] . 

11. Eagle Mining Co. Mine Tours

Discover an exciting learning experience at The Eagle Mining Co. in Julian, California. Their old-fashioned gold mine offers terrific and informative California tours that guide adventures through the world of a 1870s mining operation. Join us and learn as we help preserve our state’s rich history. The tours last one hour, and are conducted by a courteous professional. They are also oriented towards good, clean, family fun.

Visit a state and take a tour!

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Fun factory tours in the Bay Area with kids

• June 1, 2024
• by Julie Herson
• One Comment

I love to visit factories and peek behind the scenes to see how stuff is made. Especially fantastic are the hands-on tours where kids are so engrossed they forget to be bored. Many Bay Area production lines are surprisingly kid-friendly.

My favorite Bay Area factory tours with kids:

Tcho chocolate in berkeley.

Short, sweet, by appointment: Chocolate Peek behind the scenes at TCHO where you can book a tour of the facility , for groups 1-24. Looks like they’re currently available most Tuesdays and Thursdays, but that may change. Tickets are $15 per person.

Boichik Bagels, Berkeley

Salty and satisfying: Bagels Enjoy a Saturday morning learning about the ins and outs of the famous local favorite Boichik Bagels at their factory in West Berkeley. Tours are free on a first come first served basis on Saturday mornings at 8:30 am.

Jelly Belly Factory Tour, Fairfield

Long, involved, sugary: Jellybeans Spend all day in  the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield to see how candy is made for free. Fun and informative wait in line. No reservations. Self-guided and self-paced tours daily from 9am to 4pm. Freebies offered along the way with a gift shop to take your money at the end. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for ages 3+.

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, San Francisco

An exciting opportunity awaits you: Cookies Visit to see how the prescient cookies are made. They make up to 10,000 fortune cookies a day, baked fresh on a cast iron rotating griddle wheel. Take a Cable Car their for an added treat: From the Powell Street Cable Car (Powell Street & Market – Bay + Taylor line), exit Powell St & Jackson St. Walk right down Jackson St past Stockton. Ross Alley will be on the right-hand side, between Stockton and Kearny.

Dandelion Chocolate Factory, San Francisco

One hour of education followed by hot chocolate With small-batch, high end, dark chocolate, I admit that this visit is for me more than the children. For kids eight and up, book a one-hour tour of Dandelion’s facilities for $20 per person. Guests can redeem their tickets for a hot chocolate afterward. Learn more and reserve your spot > They also offer classes for parents and children.

Boudin Bakery, San Francsico

Sour, but in the best kind of way: Bread Free and easy; just find your way to Boudin on the Wharf . Watch the bakers busy at work crafting batches of bread by hand through a 30-foot observation window. Have a question? Ask it directly to the bakers through a two-way intercom system. They are sure to have an answer. Then spend the rest of day being a tourist on the Wharf.

Krispy Kreme in Concord or Fremont

Quick, easy, sugary: Donuts When is a donut shop really a miniature factory? When you can peek behind the glass and see dough turn into donuts and plain ones shower in sugar glaze. Get a sugar high at the Krispy Kreme mini factory in Concord and Fremont then run, play, and paddle in  Central Park . The most challenging part is finding when the HOT light is on so you can watch all the action. No RSVP or purchase needed.

Yummy factories that need to start tours or bring them back:

Before compiling our list, I visited a bunch of places and I tried to visit many more. Will you join me in wishing that this sweet place will open its doors to us to?

• IT’S-IT factory in Burlingame has NO TOUR but a company store where you can watch a video and pick up special merchandise and ice cream treats. Open Monday – Friday from 10am-5:30pm at 865 Burlway Road.
• Fenton’s Creamery in Oakland used to offer an Artic Tour of their ice cream factory, but it seems they’ve put tours on hold for now. Fingers crossed they start up again soon!

Where do you like to find out how stuff is made with your kids? I’d love to know if there are some I missed! 

[Photos by Heather Flett]

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• Filed Under: Day Trips , Foodie , Grade Schoolers , Kids , Oakland , Preschoolers , Rainy Days

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1 thought on “fun factory tours in the bay area with kids”.

Heath Ceramics has a tour at their Sausalito factory which was great. (Unless your kid is a bull in a china shop type. Then you might want to skip it because they take you right on to the actual factory floor in very close proximity to the actual fragile merchandise.) Although not particularly aimed at kids, they are certainly welcome and the two seven year olds I went with did fine. The mamas loved it!

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Go On Tour with Kids in L.A. Factories

Published October 8, 2018

Story and Photos By Matt Krantz

Learn about marmalade and see it made at E. Waldo Ward in Sierra Madre.

Got a golden ticket? You’d need one to enter Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. But if you want to peek inside some of Southern California’s most interesting factories, usually all you have to do is ask.

Local factories – which make everything from fresh marmalade to olive oil and, yes, chocolate – gladly open their doors to families looking to see the inner workings of their production process. Factory tours give families a glimpse into the business, manufacturing and even history of these companies. And in many cases, kids can taste the results. Sometimes the founders or owners of the companies will make an appearance or give the tours themselves.

“Touring factories is an inspiring experience for children and can also be very educational,” says Karen Axelrod, author of Factory Tour.com and the book, “Watch It Made In the USA.” “Everyone is like a 5-year-old when they go on a factory tour. Their eyes light up.”

Factories on the Farm

Graber Olive House in Ontario – less than 40 miles from L.A. – feels like a step back in time. The second you pull up in the driveway, you’re transported to 1894, when Clifford C. Graber and his brother Charles started the business.

The roughly one-hour tour starts in the grading room, where olives picked from the company’s orchard in the San Joaquin Valley are unloaded and sorted by size. The olives are then soaked in a salt solution in one of 550 concrete olive vats for 21 days. You’ll see every step of the process down to the canned olives being heated in a steam cooker at a curiously precise 242 degrees for 62 minutes.

“Families that visit always find the process to be interesting,” says Rosalie Godfrey, a tour guide at Graber who has worked at the company for 31 seasons. “And the olives are a treat.”

At Graber Olive House in Ontario, Rosalie Godfrey shows visitors how local olives are canned and made into olive oil.

If you’re looking to try out a factory tour, this is a good one to start with because no advance planning is required unless you’re coming with a large group. Tours are offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Just ask for a tour in the gift shop office. The tours are open to all ages and restrooms are available. There’s no cost for the tour and there’s no restaurant on the premises, but you can buy as many olives as you can eat. Try to go at harvest time, October through December, if you want to see the factory in action.

How do you discover which factories to tour? Follow the breadcrumbs. As you visit more factories, you’ll find some interesting business connections, as it can be a small-business world, after all, in Southern California. Take a close look at the shelves at Graber Olive House’s gift shop, for instance, and you might notice marmalade sold by E. Waldo Ward of Sierra Madre – the perfect place for your next factory adventure.

Like Graber, E. Waldo Ward has been in business a long while, going back to 1891 when Edwin Waldo Ward Sr. first started to grow citrus in this residential town. The two companies have worked together for years.

When you arrive for the E. Waldo Ward tour, you might think you went to the wrong place. The factory looks more like a quaint farmhouse located in a sleepy neighborhood than in an industrial park. Just look for the steps leading up to a yellow building with a sign that reads, “Office.” Let the person at the desk know you’re ready for the tour. Ward’s great-grandson Jeff, who owns the company, still gives many of the tours himself. “Are you ready?” Jeff asked us when we arrived.

Waldo Ward makes everything from barbecue sauce to jelly, but it’s the marmalade it’s best known for. E. Waldo Ward grows a unique type of orange, the Seville orange, known for a unique zesty taste perfect for marmalade. Ward explains the difference between jam and marmalade, a fine distinction you might miss when rushing to fill your cart at the grocery store. Unlike jam, marmalade retains some of the fruit’s skin, giving it a more distinct taste.

Waldo Ward is as much a farm as it is a factory. The orange trees are grown on a small orchard on the property, which is part of the tour. You’ll also see how the fruit is cooked at 200 degrees before being packed into jars, where the tops are screwed on by hand. At the end of the tour, you’re invited to sample a variety of the company’s products.

The historical aspect of E. Waldo Ward makes it a popular factory tour, says Kim Cooper, a tour guide with Esotouric Bus Adventures, which occasionally brings groups to the factory. “Our passengers love the chance to step back in time and see how Southern California’s world-famous orange crop was sugared up and packaged as marmalade served in all the Harvey House restaurants along the transcontinental rail lines,” she says. “The traditional factory equipment, still in use by this fourth-generation family business, tells a fascinating story made all the sweeter because the tour ends in the gift shop. Who could resist taking a little piece of California history home to share with friends?”

David Tran, founder of Huy Fong Foods in Irwindale, gives visitors the chance to see the company’s iconic bottles of sriracha sauce made and filled.

The hour-long tour is free, but you’ll have a tough time not buying some of the company’s products when it’s over. The tour is perfect for kids of all ages since it moves pretty constantly and there’s even an outdoor portion. Restrooms are available. Tours are usually conducted on weekends, but it’s best to call ahead and make sure.

This Tour is Red Hot

While E. Waldo Ward is a farm with a factory, it’s all high tech at Huy Fong Foods. That’s the maker of the iconic bottles of red sriracha hot sauce emblazoned with a rooster logo common in so many SoCal restaurants. It turns out you can tour the company’s massive factory in Irwindale, watch hundreds of bottles whiz by and get flash-filled with chili sauce.

The factory is so large – more than 650,000 square feet – that visitors are transported to the various stages of production in golf carts. Not only does the company sort and process the red chilies it grows here, it mixes in the ingredients and makes the iconic bottle as well. The tours are given several times a day.

“Kids get amazed with our blow molding machine, which makes our bottles from a small plastic preform to a bottle,” says Daisy Acuna, one of the company’s tour guides. “The parents enjoy watching the packaging area. It surprises them how automated we have become.”

The company opened its factory to the public in 2014, around the time the City of Irwindale sued it. The lawsuit alleged some residents complained the factory was a public nuisance due to its spicy scent. Touring the factory for themselves, though, visitors found a high-tech production facility – not some kind of eye-watering experience. The city dropped the lawsuit in mid-2014, and the tours remain a way for families to see what’s inside. The tour allows “people to see for themselves how our sauce is truly made and there is ‘no tear gas made here,’” Acuna says.

It’s also an American success story. Founder David Tran, who had tinkered with chili recipes in his native Vietnam, headed to the U.S. in 1979 on a Taiwanese freighter named Huey Fong. It was such an important moment in his life that he named his company after it. “Many [visitors] are impressed learning that David Tran is very involved in his company, and the fact that he has never changed the price on his product is very amazing to them,” says tour guide Andrea Castillo. You’ll likely see Tran in the factory – and he’ll gladly stop to talk to visitors on the tour and take photos.

You need to schedule a tour ahead of time, but they are free and there are no age restrictions. Food isn’t available, but you will likely get to choose a bottle of one of the company’s sauces at the end. Restrooms are available. “The families that come by are usually big fans of sriracha and very eager to learn how the sauce is made,” Castillo says.

Famous Assembly Line

Finding out which companies offer tours can be tricky. Some, like Huy Fong Foods, promote them on their websites, but with others, you have to ask. That’s the case with Beverly Hills chocolatier Edelweiss Chocolates. It’s really a retail store on Canon Drive, and the entrance looks like any other candy shop with rows of truffles and bars.

Edelweiss Chocolates is a chocolate shop in Beverly Hills, but it gives behind-the-scenes tours so visitors can see how its wares are made.

But just ask, and the clerk will take you to the back of the store and show you how the chocolate is made. There are vats for melting and shaping chocolates in the company’s signature shapes. You’ll see the assembly line that, legend has it, inspired the “I Love Lucy” television episode where Lucy and her pal Ethel, posing as factory workers, can’t keep up with the increasingly speedy line and try to hide the evidence by stuffing their mouths full of chocolates. Pay close attention and you’ll see a portrait of Lucille Ball on the wall near the machine.

You don’t need to book this tour, but it’s a good idea to call ahead to make sure there’s someone available to take you to the back. The tour is free, but restrooms are not available in the store.

Even if a tour doesn’t require reservations, it’s a good idea to call ahead. Sometimes tours are put on hold for business reasons. Chocolatier ChocXO’s factory tours in Irvine were so popular they filled up months in advance. But during this past summer, the company closed the factory and moved its entire operation to a larger facility in Canada. Robinson Helicopter offered tours of its factory in Torrance for years – allowing visitors to see the manufacture of its choppers. But since the company is doing construction in its facility, at least as of the summer, tours have been suspended. Similarly, Amazon.com has temporarily halted tours of its San Bernardi.no distribution facility, which allowed visitors to see how the giant online retailer packs and ships the items ordered.

Finding tours takes some “good old-fashioned research,” Axelrod says. FactoryTour.com and FactoryTourist.com keep a list to get you started, and you’ll be surprised at how many Southern California companies would be happy to show you their factories. They’re just waiting for you to ask. No golden ticket required.

Matt Krantz is an L.A.-based writer whose work has appeared in USA Today and L.A. Weekly.

  Local Tours You Can Take

Graber Olive House: 315 E. 4th St. Ontario; graberolives.com , 909-963-1761.

• Waldo Ward & Son: 273 E. Highland Ave., Sierra Madre; waldoward.com , 626-355-1218.

Huy Fong Foods: 4800 Azusa Canyon Rd., Irwindale; huyfong.com/toursnow , 626-286-8328.

Edelweiss Chocolates: 444 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills; edelweisschocolates.com , 310-275-0341.

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From planes to crayons, these fun factory tours go behind the scenes

Feb 14, 2020 • 7 min read

What’s more fun than breaking open a bright new box of crayons or digging a spoon into a melty pint of ice cream? Getting a behind-the-scenes look at how they’re made, of course.

Whether you’re a super fan or are just generally curious, companies around the US – some that have been in business for decades, and in some cases, for over a century – are offering a fresh new way to experience their goods. Visiting the factory offers insight on how a product comes to life, usually in a hands-on, interactive and fun way. From Cape Cod potato chips to PEZ candies, these 11 factory tours are worth a visit.

PEZ Factory – Orange, Connecticut

The world’s largest PEZ dispenser, vintage Star Wars PEZ and a PEZ motorcycle can all be found in the 4000 sq ft visitor’s center of the company’s candy-making factory . From floor-to-ceiling windows, see the tiny tabs being packaged. (Along with its sister candy-making factory in Traun, Austria, the company produces 5 billion candies each year).

Take time to explore the decades of memorabilia packed into the two-story center, and go on a scavenger hunt for a chance to win a sweet prize at the end.

Ben & Jerry’s – Waterbury, Vermont 

Every ice cream lover should add a Waterbury, Vermont , pilgrimage to their bucket list. The Ben & Jerry’s factory tour gives guests a front-row peek into the ice cream-making process, an overview of the company’s colorful history, and – the best part – a sample of the flavors. Finish the visit with a stroll around the company’s outdoor Flavor Graveyard, an ode to discontinued pints.

If a 30-minute tour isn’t enough, opt for the Flavor Fanatic Experience; the $225, two-hour package includes a private guided factory tour, a tie-dyed lab coat, and a hands-on mixing and tasting session in the Flavor Lab, led by one of the company’s Flavor Gurus.

Cape Cod Chips – Hyannis, Massachusetts

In Hyannis, Massachusetts, find the Kennedy compound, the fast ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, and the Cape Cod Potato Chip factory. More than 250,000 visitors each year take the free, self-guided tour, which includes a walk through the facility to see potato chips made in custom kettles, plus relics from the first factory dating back to the 1980s.

At the end of the tour, break open your complimentary chips at an umbrella-shaded table on the sunny patio. (The tour is available Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm.)

US Mint – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

If you have coins in your pocket, there’s a good chance they were minted in Philadelphia . (You can tell by the tiny “P” stamped on one side.) In the city of brotherly love, the US Mint has been producing coins for over 225 years, and visitors can see the process during the self-guided, 45-minute tours available to the public most days.

See the coining operation from 40ft above the factory floor, check out the historic artifacts, like the press used to make the nation’s first coins in 1792, and see the series of seven, 5ft-tall Tiffany glass mosaics created to commemorate the opening of the third US Mint building in 1901. While the Mint sadly doesn’t offer free samples, you can buy commemorative coins and other collectibles in the gift shop.

You might also like: Philadelphia will be known as 'The City of Sisterly Love' for the remainder of 2020

Jelly Belly Factory – Fairfield, California

The sixth-generation family-run candy company has been in business since 1898, and making the beloved Jelly Beans since 1976. At the Jelly Belly Factory , self-guided tours lead visitors through a quarter mile-long elevated path, with interactive exhibits and a view of the factory floor. For a flat fee of $39 for groups of up to six, private tour guides will take you through. In the end, everyone gets free samples of the rainbow-hued treat.

Louisville Slugger Factory  – Louisville, Kentucky

You can’t miss the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory , located in downtown Louisville , Kentucky. The 120ft, 68,000 pound, world’s largest baseball bat leans against the side of the building, marking the entrance. Louisville Slugger has been making its iconic bats since 1884, and the factory and museum give visitors an up-close look at how they’re produced. Walk through the line to see the step-by-step process, explore the Bat Vault, with a copy of nearly every bat the company has ever made, and leave with a souvenir mini bat, free for tour-goers.

You might also like: A spirited trip through Kentucky bourbon country

Tillamook Creamery Factory – Tillamook, Oregon

Inside the strikingly modern facade of Oregon’s Tillamook Creamery Factory , the milk produced by the cows on the company’s fourth generation farm is transformed into award-winning cheeses. Get a bird’s-eye view from the observation windows, down onto the factory floor, as the process goes from fresh milk to cheese curds to aged cheddars.

The sprawling, state-of-the-art aging warehouse on site houses upwards of 37 million pounds of cheese, which age from 60 days to 6 years before being sent back out to the warehouse to be cut into bricks and packed up for the grocery store. Don’t leave before sampling all the cheese.

Hershey’s Chocolate Factory – Hershey Pennsylvania

In the central Pennsylvania town of Hershey, the lamp posts are shaped like Hershey’s Kisses and there’s usually a faint whiff of chocolate in the air. To find the source, head straight for the Hershey’s Chocolate Factory . During the free, 30-minute tour, visitors can take an immersive journey through the facility to see how chocolate is made, from cocoa bean to foil-wrapped bar, and finish with a Hershey’s treat.

For $26.95, the create-your-own candy bar tour lets visitors make their own confection, and design a personalized wrapper for a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Crayola Experience – Easton, Pennsylvania

Crayola has been in business for over a century, making iconic crayons and coloring accoutrements for kids and adults alike. (Color Escapes, ie adult coloring books, were introduced in 2015.) The colorful company has a manufacturing plant in Pennsylvania ’s Lehigh Valley, about halfway between Philadelphia and New York City, and about ten minutes away, visitors can check out the Crayola Experience . Guests can see how crayons are made in a live show, pose for a personalized coloring page, mold a critter or character out of crayon wax, and name a color, taking home a keepsake crayon.

Taylor Guitars – San Diego, California

Seasoned musicians and anyone who appreciates a good Spotify playlist will love the thoroughly educational look into how Taylor Guitars are made. Every weekday at 1pm, free, guided tours are offered at the legendary manufacturer of premium acoustic guitars, used by artists like Taylor Swift, Dave Matthews, and Zac Brown.

The 75-minute tour takes place right on the factory floor, so visitors can soak up each step of the process, from choosing the wood and assembling the pieces to finished product. Don’t miss the guitar room, where myriad models are available to test out. (Tours aren’t offered on weekday holidays, so check the schedule before visiting.)

Boeing – Everett, Washington 

The Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour is located just north of Seattle , at the company’s Everett factory. Inside the building – which is the largest in the world, by volume – the aircraft design and manufacturing company assembles the 747, 767, 777 and 787 planes. The 90-minute tour is the only one of its kind in North America, offering a look inside a working commercial jet engine assembly plant, and highlights include the factory tour, plus the Boeing gallery that showcases over 150 products the company makes and is developing, including satellites, submarines, and alternative fuels.

On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the facility offers hands-on robotics workshops, introducing visitors to the basics of coding robots for use in the manufacturing process. Tours are so popular, travelers can book day trips from downtown Seattle that include transportation, hotel pickup and dropoff. (Visitors must be 4, or 122 cm tall, to go on the tour.)

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25 Best Factory Tours in America for Families Who Love to Go Behind the Scenes

Find out what it takes to construct a jellybean, giant plane and everything in between.

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After a prolonged period of being stuck at home, some families are looking to travel again. And while the COVID-19 pandemic means that precautions still have to be taken, and not every destination is up and running at 100% capacity, there's still plenty of unique experiences out there that are once again open to the public.

The following factory tours and appropriate for kids, are well-reviewed by families and are currently open to visitors (or will be opening soon). But you might want to book ahead — some require timed tickets or reservations before you visit. But when you're done, you'll all know a little bit more about how the world around you is made.

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory (Louisville, Kentucky)

Swing by to see how baseball bats are made — this company has been churning them out since 1884. Your family can walk through the factory production line and watch the wood chips fly! Everyone can try out bats from iconic players, like Babe Ruth and Derek Jeter. With plenty of photo ops (including your crew inside a giant baseball mitt) and a free mini bat souvenir for every guest, this tour will be a home run. Open daily; $ 18 for adults, $11 for ages 6 – 12, free for ages 5 and under

Jelly Belly Visitor Center & Factory (Fairfield, California)

From your perch above the production line, you’ll witness all the steps — slurry, steam bath, glossy application — it takes to create the gourmet jellybeans that have been a thing since the late 1800s. Video screens provide close-ups and fun facts (like it takes 1 – 2 weeks to make a jellybean). Feeling hungry? Stop at the café for a jellybean-shaped pizza. Open daily (but factory workers are typically there only on weekdays), $5 for adults, $2 for ages 2 and up, free for younger kids

MORE INFORMATION

The Kazoo Factory Tour Experience (Beaufort, South Carolina)

After learning the ins and outs of kazoo-making during a factory walk-through, everyone gets to create their own instrument to take home. A built-in souvenir is music to our ears! Open Monday to Friday, $9 for adults, $7 for ages 4 – 11, free for younger kids

PEZ Visitor Center (Orange, Connecticut)

The colorful facility dispenses equal parts nostalgia (it maintains well-organized vintage PEZ displays) and tech wizardry (you can see how the famous candy is packed). Be sure to snap your kid’s pic in front of the world’s largest PEZ dispenser, which looks like a person wearing a PEZ-themed baseball cap. Open daily; $5 for adults, $4 for ages 3 – 12, free for younger kids

Polaris Experience Center (Roseau, Minnesota)

School-age kids who love to build things will have their mind blown going behind-the-scenes at this maker of snowmobiles and ATVs. On the guided tour, they’ll see laser cutters, high-speed saws and other cool equipment making parts for the vehicles. They can also watch motors being installed and ATVs being tested. Whoa! Open Monday to Friday; children under age 6 prohibited; free

Hammond’s Candy Factory Tour (Denver, Colorado)

This centuries-old confectioner invites you to see how it makes its lollipops, candy canes and other treats. Looking through large viewing windows, your crew will be gobsmacked at how the colorful candies are shaped and packaged. Open Monday –Saturday; free

Kohler Design Center Factory Tour (Kohler, Wisconsin)

Got a teen whose interested in manufacturing? They’ll be fascinated by this detailed two-hour, 3 ½-mile foray behind the scenes of how the brand’s famous plumbing products are created. Open Monday – Friday, children under 14 not permitted, free

Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop (Jacksonville, Florida)

Willy Wonka vibes are strong at this mansion that takes guests from room to room of candy-making demos. You’ll get to design your own chocolate bar, choosing from more than 16 toppings. Check availability online; $6.45 per person

Henry Ford Rouge Factory Tour (Dearborn, Michigan)

One truck per minute rolls off the assembly line at this famous automotive factory — and your crew gets a birds-eye view of the goings-on from a 1/3-mile observation deck. There’s also a gallery of cool cars, like a 1965 Ford Mustang, to check out. Check dates online; $22 for adults, $16.50 for ages 5 – 11, free for younger kids

Turkey Hill Experience (Columbia, Pennsylvania)

While the dairy producer’s actual factory is closed to the public, this children’s museum-like attraction gives families the inside scoop on ice cream-making, plus unlimited free samples. Your kids can create their own virtual flavor, and then star in a commercial promoting it . Open daily; starts at $10.50 per person

World of Coca-Cola (Atlanta, Georgia)

Since you can’t tour an actual Coke bottling plant, this attraction is the next best thing. Its Bottle Works exhibit, showcasing real equipment, explains the packaging process. And you’ll get a chance to taste different kinds of sodas from around the world. Open daily; $19 for adults, $15 for ages 3 – 12, free for younger kids

Tillamook Creamery Tour (Tillamook, Oregon)

From a viewing gallery above the factory floor, you’ll see how milk becomes cheese. Then hit the dining hall for gooey faves, likes grilled cheese and mac ’n cheese. Your fam can even share a “flight” of ice cream. Open daily; tour is free, you can add tasting experiences for a charge

Warner Bros. Studio Tour (Los Angeles, California)

Your crew will be star-struck hanging out at a working movie studio. During the hour-long guided portion, you’ll see backlots, movie sets and maybe even spy someone famous. Then you’ll have two more hours to explore on your own — plenty of time to snap a pic of your family in front of the fountain from Friends . Open daily: $69 for adults, $59 for ages 5 – 10

The Great Utz Chip Trip Tour (Hanover, Pennsylvania)

Kids will discover how potatoes get turned into chips at this famous maker’s plant near the Pennsylvania-Maryland border. They can watch factory workers from an observation gallery; closed-circuit TV monitors provide close-ups. Everyone receives a free sample of chips at the end. Open Monday – Thursday, free

Ben & Jerry’s Factory Experience (Waterbury, Vermont)

With a tentative re-opening planned for the end of June 2022, this beloved attraction wets appetites with a short movie about how Ben & Jerry got their start. From there, it’s off to the mezzanine where you’ll watch how the ice cream is made. Samples of ice cream (sometimes a flavor that’s exclusive to the factory) is the proverbial cherry on top. On your way out, visit the “ice cream graveyard” of flavors that are no longer made. Check back for ticket info

The Crayola Experience (Easton, Pennsylvania)

There are many activities to take part in at The Crayola experience, including a live show where a "crayonologist" demonstrates how crayons are made. The 65,000-square-foot attraction also includes a toddler and a big-kid playground, interactive games and a studio for art projects, among manny other stations — they recommend blocking out three or four hours for a visit. Open daily. Admission is $25 if you buy tickets in advance; a timed ticket is required for all visitors ages 3 and up. There are also Crayola Experience locations in Chandler, Arizona; Mall of America, Minnesota; Orlando, Florida and Plano, Texas, but offerings may vary

Taza Chocolate Factory Tour (Somerville, Massachusetts)

Specializing in stone-ground chocolate, this candy maker explains the production process and hosts a sampling. On weekends, there’s a scavenger hunt-themed tour for kids under age 10 . Open Wednesday – Sunday; $8-$12 per person

The White House (Washington, DC)

Though not a factory in the traditional sense, White House tours are back, and you can meander around the famous Blue Room, Red Room, State dining room and — best of all — the Rose Garden. But you can’t wait until the last minute to book. Twenty-one to 90 days before you’d like to visit, you need to request one of the free tours by contacting your congress member’s office. Tours are only available on Fridays and Saturdays

Blue Bell Creamery Factory Tour (Brenham, Texas)

Look high above the factory floor to see ice cream being packaged in different types of containers. An employee is on-hand to answer all the kids’ questions about the process, so encourage them to ask away. Open Monday – Friday; free

American Whistle Company (Columbus, Ohio)

A kitschy stop on a Midwest road trip, this factory doles out loads of engaging info about a topic you probably never considered — how whistles are made. Everyone receives a whistle to take home. Open Monday Friday; $6 per person

The former senior editor at Parents who started the brand’s awards programs, Karen Cicero is a seasoned journalist who specializes in travel, book, lifestyle and food coverage.Cicero has visited almost every state with her family (look out Wyoming, she’s coming for you next!) She recently presented at several travel industry conferences, including PRSA and the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance. A mom who goes overboard for all the holidays, Cicero lives in the Christmas city itself: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

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California's 6 Best Food Travel Experiences

California is well known as one of the most foodie centered states in the country so narrowing down the state's best food travel experiences is a challenge. But, we've picked our top 6 must do food experiences in California – these are the top things every foodie traveler must absolutely try when visiting California.

Take Your Pick of Michelin Restaurants in the San Francisco Area

San Francisco is second only to New York City in the number of its Michelin starred restaurants .  Michelin rated restaurants range from inexpensive Bib Gourmand restaurants, where a meal can be purchased for under $40, to the three starred and highly lauded French Laundry, frequently ranked as one of the best restaurants in the country.  

Expect to pay through the nose for the three-starred restaurants, with Eater SF rating Saison, one of the three-starred restaurants, as the spendiest spot in the city ;  Eater's Bill Addison spent $864 on a meal for just himself, after cocktails, wine pairing, tax, and tip on his meal, though he decided it was one of the best meals of his life.  

In 2016, the city had 50 starred restaurants with 5 three-starred restaurants and 74 Bib Gourmand restaurants. Click here to read more about the ​ 2016 Michelin starred restaurants in San Francisco.

Head for the Vineyards

California is home to America's finest wine regions, with its dry, sunny climate perfect for Zinfandels and Cabernet Sauvignons.  Most think of Napa Valley and Sonoma, but it's also a joy to visit Mendocino, Paso Robles, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and Sierra Foothills.  Each region focuses on certain types of wines, depending on its climate, and it is easy enough to drive through the beautiful state, meandering through wineries as you please.  

Here's the list of wines that each region does particularly well:

• Napa Valley: Cabernet Sauvignon. The country's most expensive Cabernets are produced in the Napa Valley and premium bottles can range from $150 to $200.
• Sonoma Valley: Zinfandels. The fruity and peppery Zinfandel wines are well-known across the United States, with Ravenswood and Francis Coppola as some of the largest producers in the region.
• Mendocino: This is one of California's most secluded wine regions and home to the largest group of organic winemakers in the country.  Try Gewurtzraminers and Pinot Noirs and unique organic varietals.
• Paso Robles: While its known for its Zinfandel heritage grape, this region has become more famous for its varietals including the first Syrah to be planted in California.
• Santa Cruz Mountains: Try Merlots and Pinot Noirs in this beautiful location up in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
• Sierra Foothills: Zinfandels are your best bet in this hotter climate, though Viogniers are also good options in this region.

If you go wine tasting in California, do your research beforehand because not every winery has open tasting rooms and some wineries offer much better service than others.   

Indulge in Food Festivals

California plays host to some of the most interesting and unusual food festivals in the country, largely because it produces so much amazing produce.  Check out these unique food festivals:

• Napa Truffle Festival : The country's top truffle chefs converge to take on the pricey fungi, with wild mushroom forays, truffle marketplaces, and dinners.
• Holtville Carrot Festival : A while back, Holtville was the Carrot Capital of the World.  While it can no longer claim that title, the town still puts out a fun carrot festival each year.
• Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival : The Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival is the premier food and wine festival in California, bringing in celebrities from across the country to teach others about food, wine, and epicurean culture.  
• California Strawberry Festival : The California Strawberry Festival is one of the nation's top food festivals, with everything strawberry served, from strawberry pizza to strawberry nachos to make-your-own strawberry shortcakes and strawberry crepes.
• Gilroy Garlic Festival : The Gilroy Garlic Festival is one of California's most famous and quirkiest festivals.  No kissing after this festival but there are plenty of garlicky treats, including the famous Gilroy garlic ice cream.

Opt for the Beer Instead

If you prefer a nice stout to a Cabernet, California has plenty of breweries that offer tours and events.  Check out some of these tours here: 

• Anheuser-Busch Factory Tour , Fairfield: After grabbing some jelly beans, hop on over to the Anheuser-Busch Factory Tour, where you can learn more about how Budweiser is brewed or take part in other events, including music and art nights.  
• Firestone Walker Brewery , Paso Robles: Firestone Walker offers short 30-minute tours which guide guests through their working brewery, ending at the Taproom Restaurant where guests can pair the brews with food.
• Sierra Nevada , Chico: Sierra Nevada offers several different types of brewery tours.  You can try their 90-minute Brewhouse Tour which takes guests through the entire process of beer making, a summertime Sustainability Tour which focuses on the company's alternative energy efforts, an in-depth 3 hour Beer Geek tour, and a 2-hour Engineering tour showcasing the inner workings of the company's production systems.

Try a Factory or Produce Tour

California is a very fun place to take factory tours and see how our food is actually made.  Here are some of our top choices for food factory tours in California:

• Boudin Bakery, San Francisco : The bakery produces San Francisco's famous sourdough bread and its 26,000 square foot flagship in Fisherman's Wharf is a fun place to spend a few minutes watching the bakers make the bread.
• Jelly Belly Factory Tour , Fairfield: The Jelly Belly factory tour is a fun way to see America's favorite jelly beans being made.  If you visit in the fall, you can get the chance to see candy corn being made, as well, since the Jelly Belly company makes candy corn.  
• Cowgirl Creamery : Cowgirl Creamery offers a $5 Cheese 101 class which includes an up-close view of curd making and a chance to sample all of their cheeses.  This is a very popular class so book early for this one!
• Terranea Land to Sea Culinary Experience : Though it's not a traditional produce or factory tour, the gorgeous Terranea resort offers a unique Land to Sea Culinary Immersion package, where guests spend 3 days exploring all of Terranea's culinary offerings, from its sea salt conservatory to its 8 restaurants and chef's California Coastal philosophy.

Eat at Some of California's Most Famous Spots

California is home to some of the country's most famous restaurants with iconic dishes served up at these locations:

• Ghirardelli chocolate at Ghirardelli Square : You can try the iconic chocolate at 3 different locations within Ghirardelli Square, including trying a Ghirardelli sundae with hot chocolate poured on top.
• Pink's Hot Dogs : Pink's is a Hollywood legend, serving chili dogs, hamburgers, and huge portions, for over 76 years.  Pink's Hot Dogs are now served all across Los Angeles but the original location at La Brea and Melrose is its most famous where celebrities, locals, and visitors rub shoulders to grab a hot dog.
• In-n-Out : In-n-Out's burgers are considered among the best fast food burgers in the country and experts say that you must order their burgers and fries "Animal Style," with a mustard-grilled patty, extra Thousand Island dressing, and extra pickles.
• Boudin Bakery : Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl is the first thing most people think of when they think of San Francisco's cuisine.  Though clam chowder is a Northeastern dish, the chowder takes on special flavors with Boudin Bakery's warm sourdough bread bowl.
• Dim sum at Yank Sing: While there are many places across California to get dim sum, Yank Sing in San Francisco serves up some of the most exceptional dim sum in the city.  
• Korean tacos at Kogi BBQ : In 2008, Chef Roy Choi introduced a new concept in food trucks by combining Mexican and Korean food into a Korean taco.  Originally, the food trucks had difficulty attracting customers because of the unusual flavor combinations but, after working with food bloggers to spread the word, the Korean taco business took off.  Today, Kogi BBQ has a fleet of K-taco trucks, two restaurants, and a location at the Los Angeles airport.  

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Chocolate and Candy Factory Tours in the U.S.

If You're Lucky, Try Some Treats Fresh off the Line

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Jelly Belly

Theo chocolate.

• Boehm's Candies

Hammond’s Candy Company

Sweet’s candy company, cerreta candy company, the candy factory, rebecca ruth chocolates, anthony-thomas chocolates, sanders and morley candy makers, webb’s candy shop.

If you have ever watched "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," you have probably dreamed of setting foot inside a candy factory one day. Well, there are many working candy factories today in the U.S. that offer free or low-cost tours. They might not include Willy Wonka’s chocolate rivers or edible vegetation, but these factory tours can be a lot of fun.

Candy factory tours offer an exciting look at how beloved sweets are made behind the scenes, and in addition to seeing the assembly methods, visitors often learn about candy making and the history of the specific candy and candy company.

Touring a candy factory can be a great family activity since it appeals to all ages and is affordable—almost all of the tours listed below are free. (If you are a large group, it is always a good idea to call ahead to schedule a tour that can accommodate you). Best of all, candy tours often end with free samples of the merchandise, fresh off the assembly line.

Note that most of these candy factories use nuts in the process, so a tour would require special precautions for anyone with a nut allergy. Browse this listing of candy factory tours, see if there is one near you, and enjoy.

The main  Jelly Belly factory is located (appropriately enough) at One Jelly Belly Lane in Fairfield, California. The company was founded by Gustav Goelitz in 1869. As you may have guessed, jelly beans , in more than 50 flavors (including pomegranate and chili-mango) rank as its primary product. The self-guided tour is free, and it takes about 45 minutes to cover the quarter-mile area that includes interactive exhibits, films depicting the intricacies of candy making, and examples of Jelly Belly art. You can skip the line with a personal guided tour for one to six people included for a single fee, but you must make a reservation.

In Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, you can visit the Jelly Belly warehouse and distribution center. Learn how these jelly beans are made on a free, 30-minute train ride through the facility complete with whimsical decorations and jelly bean characters fun for children and all kids at heart.

Theo Chocolate is considered one of the first organic, fair-trade certified chocolate makers in North America. Around since 2006, the factory is located in a former brewery building and trolley car depot in the Fremont neighborhood of North Seattle, Washington. About 60,000 visitors tour the factory per year. Tours have an admission fee except for free tours on Fremont Third Thursday. The guided tour is about one hour long, includes chocolate samples, but children under age 5 are not permitted on the tour. For those under age 5, a weekly children's storytime tour is offered. You can also book a private tour for groups of up to 24 people, which can include young children and babies.

Boehm's Candies

Boehm's Candies has been around since 1942 when Austrian Olympian runner Julius Boehms opened his first candy shop in the Ravenna area of Seattle, Washington. He later designed, built, and relocated his shop to an authentic Swiss-style Alpine chalet in the Issaquah foothills, which reminded him of home. Tours of the Issaquah production facility and shop are available during the summer months only for a small fee per person (under age 1, free). On a 40-minute tour, you can see how their famous truffles , caramels, and nut candies are made. Outside of the summer months, if you have a group of 10 or more, you can inquire about scheduling a tour.

Carl T. Hammond, Sr., founded Hammond's Candy Company in Denver, Colorado, in 1920. You can visit the factory and watch as treats like lollipops, candy canes, and other popular Hammond's treats are pulled, twisted, shaped, and packaged by hand. The 30-minute tour is free. No reservations are required, but you can call ahead. The tour is offered every 30 minutes on the hour and on the half. Children are welcome. Wheelchairs and strollers can access the facility.

The Sweet Candy Company first opened its doors in 1892 in Portland, Oregon. In the 1900s, the company moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where it has been ever since. Sweet Candy Company remains family-owned and operated by the third, fourth, and fifth generations of the family. Their specialty is taffy , gummies, chocolate sticks, and the company produces 250 other candies. The tour is free, by appointment only, Monday through Friday. The guided tour includes fresh factory samples and educational and interactive stations.

The Cerreta Candy Company is a family-owned business founded in 1968 by Jim Cerreta, Sr., in Glendale, Arizona. He had learned the art of candy production in his father-in-law’s factory in Canton, Ohio. He then passed the skill on to his children and grandchildren. Four generations later, the business is going strong. Their signature candy is French mint chocolates followed closely by chocolate caramels and creams. The free, 30-minute guided tour is offered Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and at 1 p.m. A VIP tour package is available for a small fee.

Visit The Candy Factory in Columbia, Missouri, and observe some of the traditional candy-making processes in use since they opened their doors in 1974. The Candy Factory creates chocolate assortments of truffles and, for free, you can take a sneak peek at the process through their viewing room.

When you think Kentucky, there are likely two things that come to mind: the Kentucky Derby and bourbon whiskey. It stands without question that Rebecca Ruth Chocolates in Frankfort, Kentucky, has tipped a nod to both in its lines of chocolate samplers and liquor-filled chocolates. From its famous bourbon balls to its Triple Crown Assortment, the selections are something you can only find in Kentucky. A 20-minute tour is available for a small fee. Children under 5 are free.

Walk the glass-enclosed, suspended "catwalk" and observe nine assembly lines producing 30,000 pounds of chocolates at the Anthony-Thomas factory in Columbus, Ohio. A tour guide explains each process step-by-step from the kitchens to the final packaging on a one-hour tour. View huge copper kettles where the gooey centers of some of the candies are created and take a look at the network of silver-wrapped pipes that carry liquid chocolate throughout the factory. The tour is available for a very small fee and is free for children under age 3. The admission fee can be applied to a candy purchase. No reservations are required.

Since 1875, Sanders fine chocolates have been woven into the fabric of Michigan culture. With chains throughout the Great Lakes region, it was the regional chocolate. With its own rich history since 1919, Morley Candy Makers bought Sanders in 2002. The Sanders and Morely Candy Makers chocolate factory tour in Clinton Township, Michigan, is great for all ages and it is free. Guided tours are available by appointment only. But you can stop by any day for a free self-guided kitchen tour.

Somebody at the helm was paying attention to marketing when developing the product lines at Webb's Candy in Davenport, Florida—each product is unique. From goat's milk fudge bars to citrus jelly candies made with real citrus juices, Webb's is the real deal. To learn more about them, take a free, self-guided tour

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Best US Factory Tours and Museums

Related to:, celestial seasonings.

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Photo by: Courtesy of Celestial Seasonings

Courtesy of Celestial Seasonings

We’ve all had a cup of Sleepytime tea, but have you ever wondered what goes into making that little pouch of goodness? At the Celestial Seasonings factory, visitors can watch as herbal tea ingredients are blended, packaged and shipped to your local grocery store. The tours are free, and include free samples of all the different Celestial Seasonings tea varieties.

Harley-Davidson

harley davidson, motorcycle, factory, york, pennsylvania

Photo by: Klaus Nahr , Flickr CC-BY-SA-2.0

Klaus Nahr , Flickr CC-BY-SA-2.0

Get in touch with your inner biker at the Harley-Davidson factory in York, PA, where the Touring, Softail and Trike models are all made. Catch a glimpse of the manufacturing and assembly process, and sit on a Harley before it’s shipped from the factory.

Jelly Belly

jelly belly, factory, tour, fairfield, california

Photo by: Jelly Belly Candy Company

Jelly Belly Candy Company

Did you know that a jelly bean takes at least a week to make? Find out why on a Jelly Belly factory tour in Fairfield, CA, where 150 different jelly bean flavors are constantly being cooked up. Tours are free, but make sure to check out the candy store and chocolate shop before you leave.

Louisville Slugger

louisville slugger, museum, factory, kentucky

Photo by: Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory to see how the iconic bats are made. The factory museum also has a collection of retired Louisville Sluggers that have been swung by some of baseball’s greats. Tours are $10, and you’ll get your very own miniature bat!

The Crayola Factory

crayola crayons, factory, easton, pennsylvania

Photo by: William Thomas Cain/Getty Images

William Thomas Cain/Getty Images

While there is not an actual manufacturing plant onsite, the Crayola Factory serves as a museum and visitor center where you can become an expert on how the famous crayons are made. Learn about Crayola’s history, color on the walls, play with sidewalk chalk, and watch as your own souvenir box of crayons is made.

Intel Museum

intel, museum, santa clara, california

Photo by: Bloomberg/Getty Images

Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Intel Museum is a 10,000-square-foot learning experience. Watch as employees demonstrate how silicon chips are made, and even try on one of the “bunny suits,” which workers must wear while manufacturing the chips.

Maker's Mark Distillery

makers mark, distillery, loretto, kentucky

Visit this National Historic Landmark to learn about the distillery’s history, watch the fermentation process, and get a look at the barrels that the whiskey ages in. The tour also includes a look at the bottling area, where workers hand-dip the top of each bottle in Maker’s Mark’s signature red wax.

Hershey's Chocolate World

hersheys chocolate world, factory, hershey, pennsylvania

Photo by: Gary Burke/Moment/Getty Images

Gary Burke/Moment/Getty Images

Feel like you stepped into a scene from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Hershey’s Chocolate World . Walk through a tropical jungle where cocoa beans are harvested, take a simulated factor tour, create your own candy bar, and don’t forget to pick up your free sample!

mack truck, museum, allentown, pennsylvania

Photo by: Lehigh Valley, PA

Lehigh Valley, PA

Head to Macungie, PA, to see how Mack trucks are made. Be prepared, because the factory tour includes 1.5 miles of walking! Stop by the Mack Museum in Allentown, PA, to see truck models from 1907 to 1973.

Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream

ben and jerrys, ice cream, factory, waterbury, vermont

Photo by: Raffi Asdourian , via Flickr

Raffi Asdourian , via Flickr

Located in Vermont’s Green Mountains, the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream factory is a must-see for satisfying any sweet tooth. Get a glimpse of the ice cream production line, watch a “moo-vie” on the company’s history, and stop at the Flavoroom for a taste of the flavor of the day. Don’t forget to visit the flavor graveyard, the final resting place for retired ice cream varieties.

Gibson Guitar Factory

gibson, guitars, factory, nashville, tennessee

The Gibson luthiers (string-instrument makers) bind, paint, neck-fit, buff and tune the famous guitars right at the Memphis factory. Watch as they make some of the same guitars that have been played by Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix.

Tabasco Factory

tabasco factory, avery island, louisiana

Photo by: Omar Torres/AFP/Getty Images

Omar Torres/AFP/Getty Images

Visit tiny Avery Island on the Bayou to learn how the famous hot-pepper sauce is made, aged, bottled and shipped. Make sure to stop at the Tabasco Country Store at the tour’s end for a taste of Tabasco-flavored ice cream and to pick up Tabasco-inspired souvenirs.

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Backpacking In California: 21 Amazing Spots You Must Visit

Our two favorite things to do in the outdoors in California is hike and camp. Why not combine the two with a backpack camping trip? We know camping in Southern California is very popular with families to couples and folks with their dogs, but for the more adventurous, finding cool spots for backpacking in California is even more exciting.

There are some amazing spots for backpacking in California, from the Bay Area of San Francisco to Southern California and everywhere in between. Some favorite places for backpack camping include Joshua Tree , the Lake Tahoe area, Yosemite National Park and the Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park areas. Much of these wilderness areas are more ‘hard core backpacking’ for those with experience and the legs to carry themselves further than a couple of mile hike.

For those of you who are new to this outdoor adventure, we share relatively easy, doable backpacking trails here in California to consider for your first (or second or third!) backpacking camping trip with or without kids. As we explore more of the backcountry camping options throughout California, we will update this list.

Don’t miss our top tips and backpacking hacks for beginners !

Jump to a Heading Below

21 Overnight Spots for Backpacking in California 

Are you looking to get out into the backcountry?  It has become one of our favorite past times to really get off grid and see some really remarkable landscapes that just wouldn’t be possible on day trips. Below we share some easy beginner trails as well as some longer hikes even a few segments of the JMT that can be done on short stints.

Crystal Cove State Park

The trails are busy during the day with those on a day hike, but once the sun sets, this becomes your little oasis of nature. Crystal Cove State Park is one of the best family friendly backpacking trips as it’s a short trail, meaning you can pack it out and get back home pretty quickly if it all falls apart.  Note, there is little shade at the camping area, which can be very hot during the summer months.  Also, as with most backcountry campsites, there is no fire allowed other than a camp stove. 

Catalina Island Backpack Camping

Don’t despair though, there are options for those without the stamina to go for so long! For the shorter options, you can take the ferry to Two Harbors, where you will hike 5 miles from Two Harbors to Little Harbor. Little Harbor Campground was rated “One of the Best Campgrounds in the West” by Sunset Magazine, so it’s popular and requires advance reservations.

Backpack camping at Catalina does take a bit of advance preparation since you have to take the boat across in advance and camping is allowed only in the established campgrounds, which do require reservations. If Little Harbor is full, you could attempt to hike to Parsons Landing which is a bit further (around 7 miles one way). For both of these sites you can reserve water and firewood in a locker that will be waiting for you. For Little Harbor you can also have an ice chest with food delivered as an added bonus. This is a wonderful addition to help ease your load. Find out all you need to backpack Catalina Island on our ultimate guide .

Channel Islands Camping

We recommend this as a great starter backpack camping trip since you have to pack in and out all of your stuff, but you don’t necessarily have to hike that far from where the boat drops you off! It helps you learn what is needed for backpacking camping, how much weight you can carry comfortably without putting too much stress on your body carrying it a long distance. 

There is one established campground on each of the islands: above the Landing Cove on Santa Barbara (.25 mile, steep uphill), on the east islet of Anacapa (up stairs about .5 mile hike), at Scorpion Canyon on Santa Cruz (.5 mile flat hike), at Water Canyon on Santa Rosa (1.5 miles from pier, flat), and above Cuyler Harbor on San Miguel (1 mile; steep uphill).

In addition to the established campgrounds, there is limited backcountry camping options as well. Del Norte campsite near Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island is the only option for year round backcountry camping and is about 3.5 miles hike from Prisoners Harbor. Also, during certain times of year, backcountry beach camping is allowed on Santa Rosa Island, but the nearest site is about a 9 mile hike.

Read up more about what you need to bring with you, how to make reservations and how to purchase boat transfers here . 

Mount San Jacinto State Park

Backpacking camping at San Jacinto is a great option even with young kids.  There are such beautiful meadows and alpine areas you will feel miles away from civilization even if you take the easy way and take the tram up! Once you arrive to the top of the tram, you will need to hike around 2.3 miles to Round Valley . Here you will find water (usually, but bring enough and filtration) and several beautiful established campsites. This is an amazing first backpacking option when the tram is operating and the restaurant is open – meaning you could even make it a multi-night campout without worrying about bringing so much food since you could always pop into the Mountain station for refreshments! 

Note: You will need a permit and that permit at the time of writing goes through the regular mail! Applications can be found here . 

Hoegee’s Camp in the San Gabriel Mountains

Another great option for those of us looking for backpack trips in Southern California is Hoegees Camp. This backcountry campsite lies along Winter Creek in the canyon adjacent to Sturtevant Falls . Both trails begin from Chantry Flats. (Note: An adventure pass is required to park at Chantry Flats).

And while the hike to Hoegees Camp does not offer a waterfall like Sturtevant Falls, it does offer a 4.25-mile out-and-back hike through a lush canyon with only about 700 feet of elevation change. Hoegee’s Camp was a resort for hikers back before the 50s. Now it offers vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings on 14 first come first serve sites. These are free and available year round. 

The directions are fairly straightforward. Start at Chantry Flats and descend along the paved trail for 0.6 miles to Roberts Camp. After crossing the bridge at the bottom of the pavement, you will come to a junction; make sure to turn left onto Lower Winter Creek Trail at this point. You will pass a few wilderness homes and concrete dams along the way before arriving to Hoegee’s Camp.

Gould Mesa Campground

This campground is a first come first serve site, so you would need to get there super early on a weekend to make sure you procure a site. Week days are still busy, but less competitive. Fires are allowed in the established fire pits and there is one pit toilet for your use.

Piedra Blanca Wilderness Camp

When you are here, you have several options on where to go backpacking. You can go towards the Piedra Blanca Camp which is the left at the trail junction or you can head around 4.2 miles towards Bear Creek Campground. Again these are popular spots for first timers so you won’t be alone out here. 

You will need an Adventure Pass to park at the trailhead. Note: the parking lot fills up VERY quickly on weekends, so plan to arrive no later than 8 a.m. Check in with the Ojai Ranger station before you head out to check on current fire restrictions.

Want a packing list for your next car camping trip with kids? Download and print our extensive family camping packing list here !

Barker Valley in the Palomar Mountains

Barker Valley in the Palomar Mountains, located in northeast San Diego County is probably not best for your first backpacking trip, but is a great one when you want a little more challenge. To backpack camp at Barker Valley, you will need to obtain a permit from Cleveland National Forest. The best time of year to camp here is late spring when there is water in the creek and it is not too cold. 

The hike isn’t too strenuous, however, you must hike down about 1000 feet in elevation to the river to camp, which means you will hike back up it when you leave. It clocks in at about 6.5 miles total, so it’s not over the top strenuous, but also not one of the easiest.  Once you work up to this type of backpacking camping trip, you may never go back to the short and simple hike-in spots! Note: This area is notably colder than you think, so pack for cooler weather! 

Joshua Tree Backcountry Camping

The rule here for off grid camping is as long as you are 500 feet from any trail and 1 mile from a road and not on day use land, you are good to go. Make sure that you are also very good at leave no trace. One recommended location is to take the Boy Scout trail and camp west of it. 

In addition to the camping options inside the park, there is also dispersed camping just on the outskirts of the actual park. Most campers suggest heading to the 29 Palms area for BLM land. If you need more information on what to do while in Joshua Tree or 29 Palms , we have you covered. We have spent so much time here exploring from when my son was a toddler to a pre-teen!

Cedar Glen Backcountry Camp (aka IceHouse Trail)

Cedar Glen Backcountry Camp in the San Bernardino Mountains is a backcountry camp located about 2.75 miles and about 1,200 feet in elevation from the Icehouse Trailhead (following the Chapman Trail at the split). While this camp is higher elevation, the hike isn’t too strenuous for those carrying their gear. The camp area has space for a group as well as smaller more covered up areas away from the trail. There are no established markers (like fire rings) for camp however. 

To camp here you will need to obtain a free permit from the Mount Baldy Visitor Center (909.982.2829). The only fires permitted at the camp are camp stoves also with a prearranged permit. Even though this camp doesn’t have any amenities, it makes a good base for hiking in the area or to try out your backcountry camping skills. 

Horsethief Canyon to Pine Valley Creek

Horsethief Canyon Trailhead runs through Cleveland National Forest’s Pine Creek Wilderness and is perfect for backpacking at any one of the shady campsites near Pine Valley Creek. This is a relatively easy hike both into and out of the canyon, with easy access to water, making this a perfect backpacking trip for newbies to get their first taste of backcountry camping.

Follow the trail to around 1.5 miles, where the trail veers away from Horsethief Creek and approaches Pine Valley Creek. Once you reach the banks of the creek at 1.6 miles, you can look around the area for a spot to settle in for the night. While here, enjoy the cottonwood trees and search for some of the grinding holes on the boulders along the west side of the water hole.

You will need to obtain a permit in advance of your overnight trip through the Cleveland National Forest. Fill out this form , fax it to the Descanso District, and wait for them to mail it back to you. Call to find out if they have managed to update their system yet to make it easier!

Kitchen Creek to Fred Canyon (A PCT Hike/Camp)

Have you ever dreamed of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)? Well here is your chance to do a portion of the hike and camp along the way too. The beauty of hiking the PCT is the ability to set up camp most places. In this area, dispersed camping is allowed on National Forest land off Kitchen Creek Road and Thing Valley Road. 

This short and easy segment (about 3 miles in and 3 miles back) offers nice views of the surrounding area with little incline or elevation change (550 gain if walking uphill from Kitchen Creek and downhill if walking from Fred Canyon). This short distance makes it great for families or beginning backpackers. The best time of year to do this trail is summer, fall or spring as winter can get cold. 

Note: A National Forest Adventure Pass is required to park. The trailhead has space for 3-5 vehicles. Parking at the Fred Canyon Road end requires a high clearance vehicle to pass through the road. No facilities until Cibbets Flat at the turn-around area. A visitor’s permit can be obtained locally from the Descanso Ranger District in the Cleveland National Forest. 

Buckeye Trail in the Los Padres Forest near Big Sur

Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places in California for camping – whether it is car camping or backpack camping. One of the best trails to try out in the area is the Buckeye Trail. This moderately difficult, albeit beautiful trail has ocean views and travels through oak groves, redwood groves, chaparral.

The Buckeye Trail is 8.6 miles long in total, with several campgrounds dotted along the way. Beginning at the abandoned Salmon Creek Guard Station the trail winds its way north-northwest along the coastal slope, offering sweeping views of the coastline.  After passing above and within view of the Southern Redwood Botanical Area, the trail arrives at Buckeye Flat. From Buckeye Flat, the trail continues north through Cruikshank Camp before descending to Villa Creek Camp.

If you can make it all the way to Villa Creek, you will be rewarded with redwood trees and tranquil sounds of flowing water.  To start your hike, park at the now closed Salmon Creek Ranger station off Hwy 1. 

Recent visitors report an overgrown trail with quite a bit of poison oak at the first .5 mile. Also let it be known it’s a somewhat strenuous hike with somewhat steep drop offs. 

Big Pine Lakes

This is a true backcountry camping experience with no established grounds. However, the great news is that there is plenty of fresh cold water (always filter!) so you do not need to bring a ton with you. That said, you are required to bring a bear container as there are bears in this neck of the woods. See below for more on recommended gear for any backpack camping trip. This trip also requires a permit for camping that you can get on Recreation.gov .

Chickenfoot Lake in Little Lakes Valley

Another fantastic spot for backpacking in California, also located in the eastern Sierra Nevadas, is at Chickenfoot Lake on the Little Lakes Valley trail .  This is a popular spot for fishing and backpacking in California. Beginning your journey from the Mosquito Flat Trailhead, you will hike around 3.5 miles to the lake before setting up camp. Even though you might think 3.5 miles isn’t very far, this is at 10,000+ foot elevation and is considered a moderate hike, especially with a 30 pound pack on! That said, it is only 1000 feet in elevation, making this one of the easiest backpacking trips we have found in the Eastern Sierras.

You will need a wilderness permit which can be found on recretion.gov 6 months in advance or as a walk up option 2 weeks before  your hike date. This is a very popular hike, so permits are often difficult to come by. 

Obviously there is water available at the lake, but make sure to bring adequate filtration (we love this water filter !). And don’t forget the camera/phone chargers. This is one of the most beautiful sites (other than Big Pine Lakes) on this list and you will want a ton of photos!

An extension on this hike is Rock Creek to Mammoth Lakes clocking in at around 38 miles. You will need transport at the other end, but a cool trail exiting Duck Lake. 

Duck Lake & Pika Lake

Another great Eastern Sierra backpacking trip that is worth exploring is to Duck and Pika Lakes outside of Mammoth. We first looked at this hike as part of a 5 day thru hike, but realized it can also easily be done as a simple backpacking trip. Many people do this as a day hike, but it is about 10.5 miles round trip, so why not spend the night up by the lake and explore more from there? Going all the way to Pika Lake, you will see Arrowhead Lake, Skelton Lake, Barney Lake, Duck Lake and Pika. Stunning views make this a favorite so you won’t be alone up there!

The whole hike to Pika Lake and back is about 10.5 miles round trip and roughly 2,000 ft of gain. Again permits are required and can be found at recreation.gov.

John Muir Trail Section Hiking: Tuolumne Meadows to Devils Postpile

This trip can be done in 2-5 nights depending on your fitness and level of comfort. It is about 38 miles one way. In order to do this trail, there are a bit of logistics to sort out, but during the summer months the YARTS and the Reds Meadow Shuttle make this very doable. 

Yosemite Thru Hike – Happy Isles to Tuolumne

Another fantastic backpacking in California bucket list trip that everyone hopes to do someday is the first segment of the JMT from Happy Isles to Tuolumne. Again, during summer this trip is made easier with shuttles so that you can go one way without worry. We recommend taking a couple of days to do this trip to really enjoy it. Serious thru-hikers often do it in just 1 night, but we like to take our time! Park your car at Tuolumne where you will finish, take the YARTS shuttle to Yosemite Valley and off you go. This can also be done in reverse which makes it mostly downhill and it is easier to get permits as well. 

Backpacking to Minaret Lakes

Although this can be done as a long day hike, why not backpack and spend a little more time here really soaking up the sights? This can easily be a 1-2 night trip. I would recommend hiking to Minaret Lake or as close to it as you can make so that you can see the alpenglow over the minarets in the morning. The round trip for this trail is 16 miles. 

Getting here during summer requires a little bit more of effort and planning. If you drive down before 7 a.m. you can drive and park in the overnight hikers parking lot. If not, you will need to take the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile shuttle to get to the trailhead. Once on the shuttle, you will get off at stop #6. There is water and bathrooms here to use before you set off. 

Permits are also required for this hike. You need a permit for Minaret Lake, not the northern section of the JMT.

Backpacking Green Lake Near Bridgeport

Green Lake is a hidden gem tucked away near Bridgeport, California that is a perfect backpacking route for beginners. Getting into the trail requires a long drive down a 9 mile dirt road, but it can be passed with most vehicles easily. This is an out and back trail covering around 6 miles total. An overnight permit is required for any backpacking trip in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, which can be found on recreation.gov . A beautiful blue-green (actually) lake awaits you. this is perfect for a 1 or 2 night backpacking adventure with plenty of area to explore around the lake.

Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon National Park

Things to Consider for Backpacking in California

As you prepare for your first or 10th backpacking trip, you will need to consider a few things. 

• Destination: How far can you go? Do you need a permit? Is there water available? What is the best season?
• Gear: What type of gear will you need? Will you pitch a tent or try hammock sleeping? What about filtration for water? Do you have all the lightweight gear necessary?
• Food: What will you eat and drink? Will you be able to pack light enough to carry it all, but have enough food for your trip? How will you cook it? Clean it?
• Leave No Trace: Are you prepared to pack in/out all of your belongings, including your poop?

Essential Packing List for Backpacking in California

Check out our backpacking pack list (with free printable).

A backpack of some sort is a necessity. Most people recommend getting anything from a 45 liter to 60 liter pack. For two adults who can split things up between you, you could probably get away with a bit smaller pack, but bigger will always allow more versatility. Try not to pack your bag to more than 20% of your body weight for maximum comfort. 

Backpacking Tent

A lightweight backpacking tent will probably be the most expensive item you will purchase, but in the end it will be worth it to have a light durable tent. We like the Nemo Dagger lightweight tents . They are light, easy to put up and just fits two people with sleeping mats, but there are various options. Remember every little ounce adds up on each item.

Sleeping Pad

We use the Sea to Summit sleeping pad and the Therma-rest Ultralite Pad. 

Sleeping Bag

There are a variety of great lightweight sleeping bags. The most important thing to keep in mind is the weather that you plan to camp in and the weight. One great bag is the REI Joule 21, which is a great 3 season pack that is light but also very warm. Other options are Feathered Friends for lightweight down sleeping bags or Enlightened Equipment Ultralight quilts. We love our Zenbivy quilts with sheets that attach to our mats. 

Trekking Poles

We love our Black Diamond poles we have had since our trip hiking the narrows in Zion many years ago!

If you plan to be off the radar quite a bit, getting a reliable GPS device is essential. We recommend the Garmin Inreach Mini . You never know when an emergency will strike or you need to contact someone. 

Get the smallest lightest one you can. We like the Biolite headlamp, but there are a ton of options. If you do have space, consider also bringing a small solar light and/or power bank as well in case you have battery problems.

First Aid Kit

REI has a ton of great backpacking first aid kits that are also waterproof which can be essential for longer backpacking trips. 

Camp stoves will be one of your most important items for cooking. The top brand used by most backpackers is Jetboil . They have so many different options, which are small, light and boil water quickly. Another option people have recommended is the MCR Pocket Rocket stove and/or the full mess kit with stove . Test out a few, feel how heavy they are, see how they work for you before you set out in the wilderness. 

Water Purification

Water purification is an important thing to consider when backpacking in California. Not all sites will have access to water, but if they do, you will always need to filter the water. Many people use the SteriPen , water bottles (we have this one ) that filter or even gravity bags that filter between the two bags. Our preferred is the Platypus Quickdraw. 

Cups/B owls

The idea thing here is to bring thats that are super light and can be used for multiple purposes. Check out various options, but this on e is useful and light for us. 

Leave No Trace Poop Kit

Have your baggie ready for tissues and a trowel handy to dig your holes. 

Figuring out what to eat is some of the most difficult decisions for backpacking. Here are a few favorites we have on our list: Instant coffee sticks, apple & cinnamon instant oatmeal, nuts and seeds, coffee glazed almonds, Inner bean black bean snack, banana chips, just mangos, oven baked cheese bites, peanut butter pretzels, mini peanut butter crackers, garlic basil linguine pasta (from Trader Joes: cooks in 2-4 min), chicken broth packets with couscous. Other options are freeze dried foods from REI. We have heard the Pad See You by Backpackers Country is delicious, but haven’t tried it yet! 

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Have you been to any of these spots for backpacking in California? We have so many on our bucket list including the “Lost Coast” in northern California, adventuring on the John Muir trail and maybe even someday we might find ourselves backpacking near Mount Whitney!

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