Black History Month is here! There are many places to visit, but here at Limon, we want to highlight a few important day trips in California featuring significant African-American history.

1 – San Francisco

San Francisco, home to the notorious Alcatraz prison and Fisherman’s Wharf. This urban city features the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD). MoAD is a contemporary art museum located within San Francisco which celebrates black culture. One of the most recommended exhibits from the museum is Soul of Black Folks, an exhibition featuring artwork by African artist Amoako Boafo. The museum also features events discussing topics such as black art and racial inequality.

2 – Long Beach

Located next to Los Angeles, Long Beach is host to the annual African-American Festival at the Aquarium of the Pacific which features singing, dancing, storytelling, and historical displays.

Be sure to check out the jellyfish station and the lion lighthouse at the Aquarium of the Pacific featuring sea-life exhibits. Of the many exhibits that are currently present at the Aquarium of the Pacific, two exhibits that stick out are the Southern and Northern California galleries featuring sea mammals from all over California! After a visit to the aquatic life, stop by for a burger at Bamboo Bistro located within the aquarium.

3 – Riverside

Every year, the city of Riverside hosts a Black parade and expo in the downtown area. Downtowns in cities and towns are a great place to visit to get a feel of the city. Not only will the parade be featured in the downtown area of Riverside, but there are also many great restaurants to visit such as many great pubs like The Salted Pig, a gastropub serving comfort food known for their craft cocktails and brunch, Heroes Restaurant and Brewery known for their craft beer, burgers, and BBQ feasts, and ProAbition Whiskey Lounge & Kitchen, a prohibition-themed bar known for their whiskey and cocktails.

There are also many Mexican restaurants like Tio’s Tacos and El Patron serving authentic Mexican cuisine.

There is also UCR Arts which is a museum that features exhibits and photographs that “are of historic and artistic interest”

During this month, UCR features many exhibits about Black History month such as photography from Bruce Davidson, who features “documentary photography” about the Brooklyn Gang and Time of Change and Travon Free who features photography that combines art and politics. Free featured the photographs at George Floyd protests in Los Angeles.

4 – San Diego

Each year, the UC San Diego library features an exhibition for black history month. This year, the exhibit focuses on black health and wellness. The library also features an exhibit on African-American life through photographs.The library also features other exhibits such as the history of public transportation in San Diego and many more!

After your day at the library, check out Plant Power Fast Food, a vegan fast food restaurant. The top three dishes you must try over there are the Big Zac, “Chicken” Sandwich, and “Chicken” Tenders. If you want breakfast, check out the Canadian Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich. Be sure to grab the Iconic fries with it and wash it down with an old fashioned milkshake.

Of course, there are many more places to check out during Black History month such as the Julian Hotel in Julian, California, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in Earlimart, California and Moses Rodgers House in Stockton, California. But, we wanted to highlight cities that feature great places to visit during your day trip and hope that this guide helps you!

Which places have you been to? Let us know in the comments and be sure to follow the Limon newsletter for more updates on day trips in California!