Disney’s California Adventure (daily 10 a.m.–9 p.m.) celebrates much of what makes California special. If Disney is your only stop on this trip but you’d like to get a sense of the state as a whole, California Adventure can give you a little taste. (Though for my money, you’ll do better to extend your vacation and spend some time exploring California in all its real non-Disneyfied glory.)
Like Disneyland [1] proper, California Adventure is divided into themed areas. Rides in California Adventure tend toward the thrills of other major amusement parks, but include the great Disney touches that make the Mouse special.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/los-angeles-and-orange-county/disneyland