Traveling to California can involve more than visiting the beach or going to a theme park. The state is replete with cultural activities and historic sites.

"California has a reputation as a haven for people with creative minds and you can see this in our multifaceted cultural offerings," said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of the California Travel and Tourism Commission. "Whether it's large-scale organizations, quirky museums showcasing California's history, music venues galore or the many robust artists' communities throughout the state, visitors are taking note."

For example, the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society is celebrating the Watson Cabin Centennial May through June. The cabin, which still stands on the original Tahoe City site where it was finished in 1909, remains an outstanding example of turn-of-the-century construction.

A multi-media exhibition of more than 40 works by 21 California Native American visual artists, as well as poems by 10 Native Americans, will be part of the "Sing Me Your Song, Dance Me Home: Art and Poetry from Native California" exhibit at the San Joaquin County Historical Museum in Lodi through Aug. 16.

Visitors who appreciate fine furniture might enjoy the Sam Maloof Residence, Workshop and Gardens near the San Gabriel Mountains. The residence is open as a living museum with public tours Thursdays and Saturdays.

The Annenberg Foundation recently opened the Annenberg Space for Photography in Century City. The 10,000 square-foot facility features a state-of-the-art digital projection gallery. Admission is free.

And the Monterey Bay Aquarium is featuring an exhibit called "The Secret Life of Seahorses" this year.

For information on these and other California cultural events and sites, visit www.VisitCalifornia.com.