CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURE MUSEUM - Woodland, CA

The California Agriculture Museum is home to the nation’s most unique collection of tractors and artifacts. Interactive exhibits and special events tell the history of farm to fork, dating back to the Gold Rush era. Hear local storytellers boast of how California food producers did things bigger and better. California evolved from horse drawn, to steam driven, to fuel powered machines. Galleries and corridors wind you by harvesters, wheel and crawler track-type tractors, combines, trucks, art, and photo galleries. The museum is dedicated to enhancing the understanding and appreciation of California’s rich cultural heritage through the presentation of its collection, and rotating exhibits. The kid’s zone is designed to bring families back to a simpler time when play depended on your imagination.
1958 Hays Lane, Woodland, CA 95776 • 530.666.9700 • CaliforniaAgMuseum.org

HISTORY MUSEUM AT THE FORBES MILL ANNEX - Los Gatos, CA

The History Museum features rotating and traveling exhibits. Past subjects have ranged from the native Mutsun (Ohlone) to the Gold Rush to the impact of WWII on the Santa Clara Valley. The History Museum tells the many tales of this unusual foothill town...Find out how "Mountain Charlie" McKiernan, a somewhat eccentric town folk hero from Gold Rush days, tangled with a grizzly bear and lived to tell about it! Discover the legacy of the South Pacific Coast and Southern Pacific Railroads and the interurban trolleys. Visit the historic annex to Los Gatos' first commercial building, James Alexander Forbes' Santa Rosa flour mill, which was saved by local volunteers from destruction in 1982 and turned into a museum.
75 Church St. off E. Main St., Los Gatos, CA 95030 • 408.395.7375 • www.nps.gov

INTEL MUSEUM - Santa Clara, CA

Discover the transforming role of Intel silicon technology in a changing world. The Intel Museum celebrates 40 years of Intel history and innovation through more than 30 interactive exhibits, educational programs, docent-led tours, and family fun. Explore what it's like inside an ultra-clean, highly automated silicon chip fabrication facility (fab); travel through Intel silicon history from Intel's first microprocessor, the 4004, to today's processors based on Intel's 45nm High-k silicon technology; write your name in binary code; "get digitized" by creating a digital postcard; and more!
2200 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95054 • (408) 765-0503 • www.intel.com/museum

KELLEY HOUSE MUSEUM - Mendocino, CA

The 1861 Kelley House is a historic house museum, home of pioneers William and Eliza Kelley. Filled with furniture from the 1800s, the upstairs bedrooms contain items that belonged to the Kelley family. Exhibits vary. The ocean-view museum sits on a one-acre garden with pond and lies in the heart of the historic district of Mendocino, California, a picturesque town of 1,000 people on the Northern California Coast. The museum is open Fridays through Mondays from 11AM-3PM. Photo Credit: Deirdre Lamb. Admission to the Kelley Houe Museum is FREE. Click HERE to see upcoming events.
45007 Albion Street, Mendocino, CA 95460 •  info@kelleyhousemuseum.org • 707-937-5791 • kelleyhousemuseum.org

MARIN MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN - Marin, CA

The Marin Museum of the American Indian is one of the little known treasures of Marin County. Situated on an actual site of a Miwok Village, the Museum is devoted to Native American culture and is the only one of its kind in the Bay Area. The Museum also serves as an educational center to over 6,000 elementary children each year. The Native American artifacts and reference materials are irreplaceable and provide a unique opportunity to learn about the local native life ways. Artifacts on display include Navajo textiles, Eskimo carvings, Plains beadwork, birch bark baskets and Northwest coast masks.
2200 Novato Blvd. at Miwok Park, Novato CA 94947 • 415.897.4064 • www.marinindian.com

MONARCH GROVE SANCTUARY - Pacific Grove, CA

OCTOBER - FEBRUARY. Each winter, thousands of Monarch Butterflies cluster together on the pines and eucalyptus of the Sanctuary. Arriving in October, these hardy insects will overwinter until February, when they will join the spring Monarch migration, spreading northward and eastward, hunting for milkweed plants on which to lay their eggs. Why is this migration so unique? In many migrating species, such as birds and whales, the same individuals travel the migration route year after year. In contrast, migrating Monarchs have never been to their destination before. In fact, several generations of Monarchs have lived and died since last year's butterflies departed. How do they find their way? Scientists think that they may rely on the Earth's magnetic field, the position of the sun, and the polarization of the sun's rays. The butterflies have nothing but instinct to guide them. The Sanctuary is located on Ridge Road, one block west of the intersection of Lighthouse Avenue and 17 Mile Drive. Parking is available at the entrance.

MORRO BAY STATE PARK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY - Morro Bay, CA

Okay, this museum isn’t free for everyone...only those under 16. But adult admission is only $3. And, it sits on a hill overlooking Morro Bay Estuary so it’s worth it just for the panoramic view. New exhibits provide current scientific information related to the estuary and bay ecosystems and allow visitors to learn about tidal forces, geology, erosion, human impacts on the land and how to preserve and protect the environment and all its living creatures in a fun, hands-on learning environment. Several of the exhibits feature touch screens that provide visitors the opportunity to find out what the forces of nature are doing at that moment in time. Visitors can build a sand dune, operate the hydrologic cycle and dig into the food pit to create their own food chains.
20 State Park Road, Morro Bay, CA 93442 • 805-772-2694 • ccspa.info/morrobay

PHOEBE HEARST MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY/UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - Berkeley, CA

The Museum of Anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley, was founded in 1901 by Phoebe Apperson Hearst who envisioned the Museum as the cultural cornerstone of one of the world’s leading research institutions. Today, the Hearst Museum houses the oldest and largest anthropological collection in the West. The Museum preserves and interprets a global record of material culture through its more than 3.8 million objects. It also promotes the history and diversity of human cultures through research, exhibitions, and programs. Major collections include Egypt, Africa, Peru, North America — especially California — the Mediterranean, and Oceania. General admission is free, docent tours are $2. Closed for renovations until early 2017.
103 Kroeber Hall, Berkeley • (510) 642-3682 • hearstmuseum.berkeley.edu

POINT CABRILLO LIGHT STATION STATE HISTORIC PARK - Mendocino, CA

The Point Cabrillo Light Station is located between Mendocino and Fort Bragg on the beautiful NorCal coastline. Stop by and visit our historic buildings and fully functioning Lighthouse, and get a taste of how the lightkeepers used to live! We're open every day of the year from 11A.M. until 4P.M. See the beautiful wildlife, learn our history, and even STAY at the Light Station in one of our four vacation rentals. Click HERE to see upcoming events.
43500 Lighthouse Rd., Mendocino, CA 95460 • 707-937-6122 • Free entry: 11 A.M. - 4 P.M. •www.pointcabrillo.org Click HERE to see upcoming events.

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON SILVERADO MUSEUM - Saint Helena, CA

The Silverado Museum, which houses one of the world's most distinguished collections of Stevensoniana, celebrates the author of such beloved classics as Treasure Island, Kidnapped, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and A Child's Garden of Verses. The Museum is located in St. Helena in the heart of the wine country, almost in the shadow of the mountain from which the city takes its name. In 1880 Robert Louis Stevenson spent his honeymoon in an abandoned bunkhouse at the old Silverado Mine on the slope of Mount St. Helena. The Silverado Squatters is Stevenson's account of his stay there. The Museum houses the personal collections of former J. Walter Thompson Company Chairman Norman H. Strouse, an ardent Stevenson collector. For nine years the Museum was housed in a beautiful old stone building, The Hatchery, but in May, 1979 it moved to more spacious and permanent quarters in the new St. Helena Public Library Center. In 1976 a BBC-Glasgow team filmed a documentary which has been shown twice over BBC-Glasgow in Stevenson's native Scotland. Visitors have come from all 50 states and 81 foreign countries.
1490 Library Lane St. Helena, CA 94574 • 707-963-3757 • www.silveradomuseum.org

SAN CARLOS MUSEUM OF HISTORY - San Carlos, CA

The Museum has assembled a varied assortment of items from private collections, and gathered information from public records and oral histories detailing the creation and development of San Carlos. There is an extensive collection of photographs, maps, literature, tools, clothing and mementos. In addition, there are examples of early office and electronic equipment. View artifacts from the first settlers to the area, the Lamchin Indians; learn about the 1795 land grant to the Arguello Family during Spanish rule; enjoy photos of early San Carlos life - families, homes and businesses; inspect Engine One, a restored 1927 Seagrave Fire Engine; discover the early electronics industries founded here; gaze upon a rare collection of Sorcha Boru pottery.
533 Laurel Street, between San Carlos Avenue and Holly Street, next to the Fire Station • www.sancarloshistorymuseum.org

SANTA CRUZ SURFING MUSEUM - Santa Cruz, CA

Overlooking the legendary Steamer Lane surfing hotspot, this little gem of a museum features photographs, surfboards, and videos tracing over 100 years of surfing history in Santa Cruz. Surfing is truly a culture unto itself. Those who ride waves share a deep connection to the ocean that can only be forged over hours spent bobbing in the swell, patiently waiting for the set to roll in, and then working furiously to catch and ride the awesome power of tons of water rushing toward the shore. The exhibits at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum explore this unique culture from its early origins in Hawaii through over 100 years of surfing in Santa Cruz. Also on display see surf memorabilia from bygone eras, local surf club patches, surf movie posters, wetsuits, examples of basic surf moves, and a board that survived a shark attack (the surfer made it too!) Admission is free, donations are welcome.
701 W Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 • (831) 420-6289 • www.santacruzsurfingmuseum.org

TRITON MUSEUM OF ART - Santa Clara, CA

The Museum exhibits contemporary and historical works of art by artists of the Greater Bay Area, and provides innovative educational programming. The Triton Museum of Art was founded by rancher, lawyer and art patron W. Robert Morgan in San Jose, California in 1965. Less than two years after its opening, the Triton Museum moved to its current location.
1505 Warburton Avenue, Santa Clara, California 95050 • (408) 247-3754 • www.tritonmuseum.org

WELLS FARGO HISTORY MUSEUM - Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, CA

On display are original Concord Coaches, Wells Fargo’s Banking and Express documents, artifacts, early photos, gold coins, mining tools, ore, balance scales, working telegraphs, and western fine art. Each museum also showcases Wells Fargo’s role in regional history. www.wellsfargohistory.com

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ATTRACTIONS

JELLY BELLY FACTORY TOUR - Fairfield, CA

Step into our factory and smell the aroma of chocolate, apricot, cinnamon or pineapple, whatever is being cooked up that day. A visit to our candy making factory in Fairfield, Calif., located about an hour's drive north of San Francisco, is a sugary delight. During the 40-minute walking tour, Jelly Belly guides will show you a real working factory where we cook up over 150 different sweet treats. Learn the secrets to how they create the legendary Jelly Belly jelly bean, and discover why it takes more than a week to make a single bean. See taffy, chocolates, and wild gummi critters in the making, too.
1 Jelly Belly Ln., Fairfield, CA 94533 • 1-800-953-5592 • www.jellybelly.com

DESERT ATTRACTIONS

HI-DESERT NATURE MUSEUM - Yucca Valley, CA

The Hi-Desert Nature Museum is a family-oriented facility with collections and exhibits related to the desert’s unique natural and historical elements. The museum features educational opportunities for visitors of all ages, including natural history dioramas displaying wildlife in the desert, an interactive “Kids Korner” with plenty of hands-on activities, a mini-zoo with live desert creatures, a gem and mineral collection, a Native American artifacts exhibit and a fossil collection. Six rotating exhibits related to the local natural and historical theme are scheduled each year.
58116 29 Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley, CA 92284 • 760-369-7212 • www.hidesertnaturemuseum.org

MOJAVE RIVER VALLEY MUSEUM - Barstow, CA

The Museum houses a series of displays and exhibits that portray the history of the Mojave River Valley from the arrival of Father Garces in 1776 on through pathfinders, pioneers, miners, railroads and the present space program.
270 Virginia Way. Located at the intersection of Barstow Road and Virginia Way. Exit I-15 at Barstow Road and go north two blocks, turn left. • www.mojaverivervalleymuseum.org

OASIS OF MURALS - 29 Palms, CA

In late 1994, Action Council for 29 Palms, Inc. began a project to paint the community's rich history on business walls to boost civic pride and make the City of Twentynine Palms more inviting to visitors. Nestled in the shadow of the Joshua Tree National Park, "Oasis of Murals" now displays the heritage of Twentynine Palms through 20 murals.
6476 Adobe Rd., P.O. Box 306, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 • (760)367-1963 or email: action29@cci-29palms.com • http://action29palmsmurals.com/murals.html

ROUTE 66 MOTHER ROAD MUSEUM - Barstow, CA

The Museum displays a collection of historic photographs and artifacts related to Route 66 and the Mojave Desert Communities. Displays include development of the United States Route 66 from early pioneer trails, railroads, automotive history, businesses and sites.
681 N. First Avenue, Barstow, CA. 92311 • 760-255-1890 • www.route66museum.org

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ATTRACTIONS

BIG BEAR HISTORICAL MUSEUM - Big Bear, CA

Big Bear Historical Museum, open weekends May through October, offers a walk through the colorful and romantic history of Big Bear. Located just east of the airport in the Big Bear City Park on Greenway Drive.
(909) 585-8100 • www.bigbearinfo.com

BUENA VISTA AUDUBON NATURE CENTER - Oceanside, CA

The Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center was built in 1988 by the Buena Vista Audubon Society. The vegetation next to the nature center is all native. Inside, the Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center has displays and exhibits showcasing local animals in their natural settings. These displays are very realistic, using taxidermy animals and actual plants.
2202 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA • 760-439-BIRD • www.bvaudubon.org

CALIFORNIA SURF MUSEUM - Oceanside, CA

Special exhibits celebrating surfing. Admission is free, donations are welcome.
23 N. Coast Highway Oceanside, CA 92054 • (760) 721-6876 • www.surfmuseum.org

THE GETTY CENTER - Los Angeles, CA

The Getty Center presents the Getty's collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens, and breathtaking views. View European paintings, drawings, manuscripts, sculpture and decorative arts, and European and American photographs; a selection from the special collections of the Research Library at the Getty Research Institute; and modern architecture and gardens. Admission to museum is free. Parking is $15 ($10 after 3 pm).
1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, California 90049 • (310) 440-7300 • www.getty.edu

THE GETTY VILLA - Malibu, CA

The Getty Villa is an educational center and museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. What you’ll see: Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities arranged by themes including Gods and Goddesses, Dionysos; the Theater, and Stories of the Trojan War; Roman-inspired architecture and gardens. Admission to museum is free, though an advance timed ticket is required. Parking is $15 ($10 after 3 pm). Check website for ticket availability or call 310-440-7300.
17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, California 90272 • www.getty.edu

GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY - Los Angeles, CA

Visitors may drive directly to Griffith Observatory and park in its parking lot or on the adjacent roads. As always, there is no admission charge to enter the Observatory building and no reservation is required to visit, however there is a charge of $3 to $7 (depending on age) to attend the live planetarium program, Centered in the Universe, in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Centered in the Universe takes visitors on a journey of cosmic exploration and discovery. Starting this summer, a new program, Water Is Life, leads viewers on a search for water - and possibly life - beyond Earth. Live presentations of these programs are scheduled every 60 - 90 minutes each day the Observatory is open.
213-473-0800 • www.griffithobs.org

MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND ART - Ontario, CA

The purpose of the Museum of History and Art, Ontario is to promote knowledge and understanding of the history, art, and cultural traditions of the greater Ontario area in a broad context. See website for schedule of exhibits.
225 South Euclid Avenue, Ontario, CA • 909-983-3198 • www.ontarioca.gov/museum

OLAF WIEGHORST MUSEUM - El Cajon, CA

This museum honors the accomplishments of Olaf Wieghorst, known for his magnificent portrayals of the nineteenth century American West, exhibiting a remarkable affinity for the cowboys, the Native American Indians, and the settlers who helped shape this country's Western landscape. During his career, Wieghorst sketched and painted hundreds of pieces of work, 92 of which were issued as limited edition prints. His work hangs in a number of museums including the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City and the Whitney Gallery of Western art in Cody, Wyoming. Private owners have included local residents, Hollywood celebrities, arts patrons, industrialists, investors, and four United States presidents.
131 Rea Avenue, El Cajon, CA. 92020 • 619 590-3431 • www.wieghorstmuseum.org

RIVERSIDE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM - Riverside, CA

The Riverside Metropolitan Museum is a center for learning and a community museum that collects, exhibits, and interprets cultural and natural history. In a rapidly changing community, the museum provides an understanding and appreciation of our region’s legacy. Originally the Cornelius Earle Rumsey Indian Collection, the Museum opened in the basement of old City Hall in 1924, when the widow of NABISCO magnate Cornelius Earle Rumsey donated her late husband’s collection of Native American artifacts to the City of Riverside. In 1948, the Museum was relocated to its current facility, a former U.S. Post Office built in 1912. Located on the corner of Orange Street & Mission Inn Avenue. Check website for current exhibits.
www.riversideca.gov

TIMKIN MUSEUM - San Diego, CA

Located in San Diego's beautiful Balboa Park, the Timken Museum of Art houses the world-class Putnam Foundation Collection of European old masters American art, and Russian icons. Artworks in the collection range from 13th-century altarpieces through 18th-century portraits to 19th-century still lifes.
1500 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 • (619) 239-5548 • www.timkenmuseum.org

WELLS FARGO HISTORY MUSEUM - Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, CA

On display are original Concord Coaches, Wells Fargo’s Banking and Express documents, artifacts, early photos, gold coins, mining tools, ore, balance scales, working telegraphs, and western fine art. Each museum also showcases Wells Fargo’s role in regional history. www.wellsfargohistory.com