Road Trip: California

California may be well-known for its endless sunshine and miles of beaches, but the Golden State is also home to great museums, theatres, comic book stores, and other family attractions. These are Toy Tales’ top recommendations for places to visit when in California.

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Cartoon Art Museum

A family-friendly museum dedicated to comic books, comic strips, political cartoons, graphic novels, anime, and underground comics. cartoonart.org

Musée Mécanique

Home to over 200 vintage coin-operated mechanical arcade machines and musical instruments. museemecaniquesf.com

Burlingame Museum of PEZ Memorabilia

Admire over 1000 PEZ dispensers dating back to 1950. The Classic Toy Museum and Banner Toy Museum are co-located. *** Permanently Closed ***

Yosemite National Park

Don’t pass up the opportunity to visit this UNESCO World Heritage site and home to Yosemite Sam. nps.gov/yose

Heroes Comics

A long-standing Fresno favourite for comics, action figures, collectables, and more. *** Permanently Closed ***

Playland Arcade

Opened in 1950, this institution remains one of the top locations for families looking for some arcade fun on the Santa Monica Pier. facebook.com/playlandarcade

Nuart Theatre

Regularly hailed as one of the top theatres in Los Angeles, this beautry retains its old-fashioned charm while hosting new and classic films, movie premieres, filmmaker events, and midnight showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show each Saturday. landmarktheatres.com/los-angeles/nuart-theatre

Meltdown Comics

A sophisticated space where comics, merchandise, and comedy collide on Sunset Boulevard.meltcomics.com *** Store Permanently Closed***

Disneyland Park

This it the only theme-park property designed by Walt Disney himself, opened in 1955. No visit to California would be complete without a stroll through Disneyland park. disneyland.disney.go.com

Museum of Pinball

Hone your craft or rediscover your love of pinball with over 800 vintage and modern pinball machines in a 40,000 square foot facility. museumofpinball.org

LEGOLAND California Resort

A must-do for LEGO lovers, LEGOLAND features rides, shows, and interactive attractions that engage the whole family. legoland.com/california

The New Children’s Museum

Designed to encourage children’s innate creativity, the Museum hosts exhibits, special events, and camps that educate and entertain. thinkplaycreate.org