Here is a list of 30 the best places to visit in Southern California. These list of the best places to go in Southern California will be a magical event during your visit. Southern California has a lot to offer. The Southern California Bucket List identifies the best places to visit. Southern California covers an area huge, so we'll divide the list according to the region. Day Trippen lists the best places in Southern California. The Getty Museum is the best place to visit at a budget price in Los Angeles.
Offering spectacular views over Los Angeles and stunning artwork from worldwide artists. The museum opens at 10am all the days except Tuesday when it closes at 10am. Yes, Hollywood Boulevards attracts tourists. Yes, the characters can look silly. Southern California offers great outdoor adventures, delicious food, beautiful scenery and warm weather. Find a great place in Southern California to go surfing or biking, there are a lot of options.
Are you interested in finding upcoming trips to Southern California? Ready for a quick trip? All right! Southern California offers great outdoor adventures, delicious food, beautiful scenery and warm weather. Find a great place in Southern California to go surfing or biking, there are a lot of options. There are several attractions nearby, including Los Angeles Palm Springs National Park.
Visitor activities here include sailing, scuba diving, surfing, or scuba diving. Visitors to LEGOLAND can go through the Disney World Sea World, Disneyland and Santa Barbara Zoo to visit the attractions. If you are traveling alone or with other travelers you can take an Old Town Trolley Tour or take another available town tour.
There are several attractions nearby, including Los Angeles Palm Springs National Park. Visit the Catalina Islands - Long Beach - Santa Barbara - Santa Monica, Malibu. Southern California offers everything from relaxing beach days to action-packed vacations. However, in these article i discuss 30 the best places to visit in Southern California. So, continue reading and discover these prettiest places to visit in Southern California!
01. San Diego
The San Diego art community offers a wealth of cultural attractions and a wide range of museums to choose from, making San Diego an ideal place to stay for art & cultural enthusiasts. There are many exciting and relaxing activities for children as well as great beaches.
The Gaslamp Quarter and the Old Town Statepark offer a unique view into the historical city of San Diego. Family holidays can be celebrated by families at Disneyland park, LEGOLAND SeaWorld zoo or Safari park. First-time tourists may start by taking Old Town Trolley Tours or choose to go by Segway, Walking or Cycling tour.
San Diego is famous for its warm climates, parks and beaches. Known as a city rich with artistic and cultural attractions, it is the second biggest city in California, and offers many art districts and many museums.
Hammonds Gourmet Ice Cream
Get an Ice Cream from Hammonds Gourmet Ice Creams in Point Loma. This place is rated as an excellent place to buy ice cream in San Diego and we enjoyed it very much! Do not know what to choose for your tastes? Sample a lot on waffle cone flights.
02. Palm Springs
Palm Springs offers an amazing climate and a warm, dry winter, which makes it a perfect spot for the outdoor enthusiast. It is possible to hike through a variety of beautiful deserts and take a thrilling Jeep, motorcycle or bicycle ride. Golf is popular throughout Palm Springs and Living Desert's aquarium are must-do attractions.
It is possible to visit several interesting museums, such as the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and Children’s Discovery Museum of Desert. There are many excellent museums that provide arts and live theater and other events that you are also possible to see.
03. The Giant Forest
The giant forest is one of numerous groves of enormous Sequoia trees within Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. This specific grove is worth visiting while you're at the place where there's a General Sherman tree which is considered the greatest living tree.
The easiest way to explore the Giants forests is by walking along a section of trails, however, the trail runs along the general highway. You can learn everything at the Giant Forest Museum, which includes an extensive parking area and provides an ideal start point for several trails. Alternatively rangers can guide the tour to the area.
04. Mission Beach and Pacific Beach
One of San Diego's most attractive spots is Mission Beach. This quiet beach boasts clean golden sand and excellent surfing. The beach is THE place to visit in San Diego. There is always a sunbath and beachgoopers on the soft sand.
Next to Mission Beach is Pacific Beach with similar atmospheres and is a favourite of young people. We like to rent bikes and ride along the paved paths of Mission Bay. It will take a day for you to ride a bike through Mission Beach or to San Diego.
05. Torrey Pines State National Reserve
Put on your hiking boots and head towards Torrey National Park. It is the best location in Southern California for walking along coastal trails. We suggest the Guy Fleming trail for varied landscape, however, this trail is rather long, so head out early at night as best as possible.
It features incredible shoreline views that offer some of the best views from the South Coast! I'd like to go to Razorpoint and climb Redbutte. The list was ticked with excitement and enthusiasm.
06. Ocean Beach
Ocean beaches are more gritty - more local than other San Diego beaches. This is the perfect place to stay in San Diego. There's also a small cove beach that rivals a large ocean. Beach volleyball is popular as is the hanging out of the grass strip hoolahooping.
Come along! It has a reputation as one of the best breweries in the United States and some breweries on New Port Ave. You can also try some craft beer while walking through OB. We went to Beavers Beer in Belcher.
07. La Jolla Cove, San Diego
La Jolla is a good location to see seals. When looking for unusual species of wildlife, head out to The Caves of Lajolla. You can continue to explore to view seals in kids pool. The river has a great tide pool.
The La Jolla Shore is a beautiful beach for families with more leisure time than most. For coffee lovers, it is impossible not to visit Bird Rock Coffee Roasters in Bird Rock's little town.
08. Spend a day in Laguna Beach
SoCal is a wonderful destination for tourists and Laguna Beach is among them. The town lies within Orange County and is known for crystal clear waters, rocky cliffs, and spectacular sunsets. Laguna Beach provides the ideal place in which to relax in the ocean. And they are plentiful too!
Things to do in the area include visiting the Laguna Art Museum, walking through Heist Park or wandering the shops or restaurants on Forest Ave. It is also an amazing journey along the ocean coast. Taking a trip to Newport Beach is another opportunity to enjoy the beautiful ocean. Find other places to visit: San Diego, California.
09. Anaheim amusement parks
Visit Anaheim for entertainment beyond amusement parks
Anaheim is an excellent destination to explore what Southern California offers. Anaheim lies between Los Angeles and San Diego near the center of Orange County and offers the ideal place of travel for travelers who visit this area. In Anaheim California there are many popular attractions including Disneyland park and Knotts Berry Farm.
Tourists are also welcome at the many beaches around Huntington Beach, the popular surf city of the US. Anaheim hosts several museums such as Battleship Iowa, Discovery Science Center and Marconi automotive museum.
10. Take the Pacific Coast Highway
There are certain things that make traveling special. You have a chance to disconnect from the world and relax. It doesn't get much better than this state in California. The sunshine and beautiful landscape makes SoCal ideal for a drive on the road. In SoCal, it can be very interesting to drive along Pacific Coast Road.
It runs alongside the coast offering stunning views over the Pacific Ocean. On your journey you pass charming town, state parks and beaches. See also the list of fun and best activities in Ramona, California.
11. Spend a weekend in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is the ideal holiday location for anyone seeking relaxation with the best the state of California has to offer. Santa Barbara boasts some of the finest wineries in the state, and wine tastings are an important part of that.
It is possible to choose one that is best for your budget and interest. Santa Barbara is a popular spot for whale watching. You might find the whale from your shore, or take a boat trip.
The town has a wide variety of hiking routes that will allow you to experience the great outdoors. Santa Barbara is a great place to visit in Southern California. Santa Barbara is the place for a fun outdoor adventure.
On the cultural side, visitors are welcome to view Casa de Herrero, The Granada Theatre and the old Mission Santa Barbara, enjoy a show at the Lobero Theatre and visit the Museum Contemporary Art Santa Barbara. The numerous miles of beaches tempt bathers and surfers, and it is possible to try stand up paddle-boarding at Butterfly Bay.
12. Old Town State
Old Town State Historic Park, San Diego
Visiting Old Town State Historic Park will allow for some of the most interesting experiences. The place is very pleasant, with an adorable fiesta market and many Mexican restaurants. If you want to spend more time by the beach you can just walk on ocean beach or go to Cabrillo Monument and the tide pools.
Our time was running thin but the place came highly recommended by the San Diego community.
13. Balboa Park
Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in the United States. This is an amazing activity for anyone visiting Southern California. It offers 17 museums, an extensive garden area and the San Diego zoo.
You can easily visit Balbia Park. Make it a day. We recommend visiting the Fleet Science Center, the Spanish Village Art Center & the Japanese Tea Garden.
14. Sunset Cliffs, San Diego
When you think of free activities to visit Southern California, there is nothing to compare to the California sunset. Sunrise Cliffs is a good place to go to watch sunsets in southern California.
Those children have a huge space where they can play safely on rocks from behind the cliff edge while you enjoy your day and relax.
15. Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is a quiet and relaxed community at the center of South Bay. The beach town draws surfers everywhere to ride the waves. In addition to these there are volleyball tables, a fun dock to watch a sunset and an entertainment beach.
Tourists chilling in the city can enjoy the sun, swim in the lake, watch the people or make lots of purchases.
16. Death Valley National Park
Spend a weekend exploring Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park has a unique location below sea level which makes it America's warmest, lowest and wettest national park. Despite the morbid sound the park is set in tall peaks, snowcapped mountains, and large desert dunes.
The best location for a quick trip is Furnace Creek's Visitors' Center. There you'll find the best orientation videos and get directions and information. You may embark on an orientated hike with a ranger guide or take the tour on foot, bicycles, cars and Jeeps.
Death Valley National Park is alive. Several superlative adjectives are often used in the description of the area, but the hot, the coldest, and dry are the most common. Death Valley offers incredible scenic views across the wild deserts.
17. Sturtevant Falls
Sturtesvant waterfall is without doubt the highlight of a trip to Big Santa Anita Canyon, situated in the foothills of Angeles National Forest and accessible to tourists from any place. This is a fairly easy hike from Chantry Flat recreation area off the 210 freeway.
Upon your departure, your trail will begin with an extremely steep descent along pavement and an equally steep climb at the end. Your hike then levels up to lead you through a shade area at the top of the 40-foot Trail.
18. Sequoia National Park
The Sequoia National Park is near Kings Canyon National Park in the southwestern Sierra Nevada and is located near its pristine natural habitat. The two parks feature high mountain views, deep canyons, massive caves and many of the highest tree species around.
During any visit you should explore a few remaining large forest forests of large sequoia trees. You could begin by taking an intro to the Giants Forest Museum then walking, driving or a shuttle. Almost all the paths can accommodate a wheelchair.
19. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
The Thousand Oaks State Nature Reserve offers visitors and residents a convenient wilderness with breathtaking views. It is possible to walk, run, hike and observe animals along a network of trails that offer gentle walks and vigorous hiking with numerous steps.
The area contains extensive wetlands providing important habitat for migrating seabirds.
20. Pasadena
Spend a day in beautiful Pasadena
Pasadena is located northeast in Los Angeles and is best known as the host city in the Rose Bowl Game. Pasadena's lesser-known historic areas include Old Pasadena where you can stroll through dozens of beautiful Victorian and Art Deco buildings.
The city has many art museums, cultural attractions, including the Amory Center for Art and Design. You can also escape the streets and go in nature at LA County Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Dos and Don'ts in Paseo.
Pasadena's charming mix of urban surroundings, historical charm and culture make Pasadena a perfect place to visit. This sprawling ten-kilometer city northeast of Los Angeles is known for the Tournament of Roses, which involves college football players competing at the city's Rose Bowl stadium.
In honour of the beginning of the tournament a famous parade of roses takes place around town. In this place floral floats and march bands draw crowds to the streets of the town. Besides football matches there are numerous cultural experiences.
21. North Algodones
North Algodones Dunes Wilderness Area
Algodone Sand Dunes are surrounded by the most beautiful beaches of North America. The wilderness areas within the dunes system offer adventurers a vast trailless wilderness area to explore on foot and in a single day.
If you wish to go backcountry camping or dungeebackpacking, you have to bring your own gear and water. It's forbidden to use vehicles within the wilderness, but the enthusiasts on-the-go can enjoy Imperial Sand Dunes in the northern part of Glamis.
22. Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is considered a surfing capital of Californian waters and offers a 10-mile (15 kilometers ) coastline that attracts millions of visitors throughout the year. This beach town boasts an exclusive feel and attracts visitors to the city.
Other notable attractions include Balboa Pier, International Surfing Museum, Orange County Museum of Art, Adventure City, Bolsa Chica Eco-Reserva, Mile Square Regional Parks and Heritage Museum of Orange County.
23. Santa Monica
Hotel Santa Monica has an excellent location near downtown LA and it makes an excellent base to explore LA and it's surrounding areas. The Santa Monica Pier offers visitors the Pacific Park amusement park, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium numerous restaurants with stunning ocean views and Looff Hip-Podrome.
Art fans are welcomed by Edge Mar Center for the arts, 17th Street Art Complex and Bergamot Station where there are more than 20 art shops.
24. La Jolla Cove
The Jolla Cove is regarded as a beautiful beach along the coast of San Diego which makes for an ideal location to relax. The cove is part of the San Diego lagoon ecosystem, which contains an abundance of marine animals which provides a safe environment for snorkeling and scuba.
You can hire everything you need from the town and if you like kayaking, you can join guided cave kayak tour including La Jolle Cove.
25. Anaheim
Anaheim is located on the Southern California coast and is home to the famous Disneyland Resort. Among the famous attractions in this area are the Discovery Science Center and Angel Stadium of Anaheim.
Those little ones that love to surf go to Huntington Beach. This popular place is rented on weekends. In Beverly Hills there are many famous Hollywood actors as well as an upscale mall - Rodeo Drive.
26. Long Beach
Long Beach is renowned for exhibiting the finest art of its kind in a unique way. The Long Beach Music Center offers concerts with The Long Beach Symphony Orchestra or Long Beach Opera.
Family activities include fun at the beach, tours Queen Mary's historic castle and aquarium of oceans, and visit the USS Iowa near San Pedro.
27. Heisler Park
Heisler Park is located at the edge of the Laguna Beach National Marine Reserve and is surrounded by the cliff. The area offers pleasant walks along a wide variety of hiking paths through attractive gardens and stops at beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
The parks offer easy access to many beaches, such as Picnic Beach, Rockpile Beach, Main Beach and Diver Cove.
28. Temecula
Temecula Valley is wine country from Southern California. Aside from the obvious wine-tasting trip in the city, Temecula also offers a wide variety of attractions during the holiday season.
Visitors can enjoy hot air balloon trips or shopping sprees or play golf in prestigious golf courses, dining at the best restaurants, and relaxing at renowned wellness centers.
29. Santa Catalina Island
Santa Catalina is a picturesque location near LA and the California Channel Islands. This island destination is perfect for those looking for somewhere to stay in California and enjoy many different adrenaline stimulating activities.
Alternatively, if you like a more quiet pace, then take a Skylines trip to the island safely.
30. Visit Disneyland
Disney is the principal attraction in Anaheim. Although it's arguably the funniest place on the planet, it is the most iconic attraction in the city, but it has many other sights beyond Mousehouse.
Known as the biggest amusement park in Anaheim, the world-famously popular theme park is one among Southern California's best attractions. Disneyland Resort Anaheim combines two separate theme parks. You can enjoy almost any theme or attraction anywhere you go.
💥Other's Best Places To Visit In Southern California💥
Catalina Island Museum
Learn about the island's history
Get an overview from Catalina Island Museum. In the early 1900s chewing gum maker Wrigley bought the island to make it an ideal holiday destination. The story is more than meets the eye if you are ready to dive into the fascinating history with more than 10,000 photographs, Catalina pottery and tiles and various archaeological sites. Find Related: Where can I stay during weekends in Los Angeles?
Go nature tripping
Billionaire gum triumvirate William Wrigley Jr. helped develop Catalina. Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens were built in honor of his name. Enjoy a stroll in its 37-acre garden featuring plant species native to California and the Channel Islands. Approximately 165 miles of trails provide another avenue for enjoying nature where you may find surprisingly diverse species.
Celebrate sports
Anaheim hosts the Anaheim Ducks and Angels. A place where the sport lovers can relax. It is open for a public tour during March through September at Angel Stadium. In winter, Honda Center is host to several other sport events, including American basketball, and professional wrestling. Find the Best Things to Do for the Holidays in Temecula, California.
Take a hike
The Golden Canyons of Death Valley are an absolute sight to see. During a hike in these picturesque badlands of maze-like hills and canyons, you can observe that their environment changes color dramatically depending on the light conditions. Tower wall formation ripples forming from ancient mud and canyons make the landscape an extraordinary sight.
Explore geological wonders
Artist Drive is an scenic 14.5 km drive that winds through multi-colored hills formed by various volcanic deposits. After your trip you can visit a part of the museum where parts of Star Wars' Episode IV are filmed. The trip to Death Valley is a good option for anyone who has no desire of a long trek.
Enjoy books and botany
The Huntington libraries are situated just outside of Marino, but there's still a great location at Pasadena. Although an excursion to the library will only last for several hours, there's plenty of fun to explore here. There is art worth seeing, books, and outdoor space.
Go on a culinary adventure
Head south of downtown and you can visit a processing plant-turned-food hall in Anaheim that offers trendy restaurants fresh fruits and a culinary heritage. Kroft offers unique and innovative mash-ups such as fried cheeseburger egg rolls and chicken tikko poutine.
Enjoy outdoor activities
There are lots of adventure activities to suit adrenaline lovers. Blast through the water at incredible speed on scuba diving boats or tower over forests 600 feet above by zipline.
Malibu
The Malibu area is situated on a magnificent 32-mile Pacific shoreline and has been the home of the Hollywood rich and famous who have bought top oceanfront properties. Several thousand people travel to Surfrider Beach near Malibu Pier to charter a boat and to take a trip to the beach for a few hours.
The Ocean Institute
If you are a water lover with kids you should visit Dana Point Ocean Institute on your journey to Huntington Beach. For an underwater study, you should do an inside tour of Ocean Institute. Dana Point Harbor is located on the bottom edge of the rugged cliff face and is very beautiful. You can start early for some exploration. There is an attractive pool nearby.
Ellie's Table
The Ellie table offers light meals at the 1883 Judge Egan House. I found this soup and quiches very satisfying. Save some extra time by creating a special cake. The interior was fantastic!
Livermore Valley Wine Country
The Livermore Valley has secluded and verdant terrain with rolling hills covered by pine trees a little farther south than San Francisco. It's an old tradition in winemaking.
Robert Livermor planted the first vines in this valley in 1840, soon followed by James Concanon and c. he wente in 1881. Most California Chardonnays come from the Livermore Valley.
Corvette Diner
You won't be disappointed when you visit the quintessential Retro Diners in California. The best restaurant in the city is a corvette restaurant. It was different in every way I was there. Diners at this restaurant are part café and part museum with a great collection of 50's-inspired items on display.
The most iconic pieces in the dining room were the corvettes which sit in the center of the restaurant. Usually the cooks wear rockabilly clothing with bee hives. Sometime they play entertainment. While the children wait for the meal, head back to the arcade at the restaurant to play air hockey.
Irvine
Irvine takes the crown as California's biggest city by being the “safest big city”. In central Orange County, the city boasts great weather all season and makes for great holiday destinations.
Because of the conveniently located location, you'll be near dozens of the most interesting attractions in California.
Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel
Kimpton offers some of Southern Californias best beaches. You will need some time at the hotel to relax before arriving. The ocean view rooms are great for starting the day.
The hotel is a few meters from the ocean, and offers exciting entertainment and nightlife for guests who are planning on staying in the vicinity of Huntington Beach.
The hotel also features a fantastic on-site restaurant that serves Latin and Asian cuisine. Outside, you can relax in the fire pit or enjoy cocktails at our bar. They offer bikes for your exploration.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Not to miss out on Orange County’s birthplace Mission San Juan Capistrano. Its sandstone wall is crumbling with its bell wall, bougainvillea covered paths, a lush garden and flower gardens. When walking here, visit the Los Rios Historic District.
Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks is the 62nd-largest town in Ventura County and is located about 40 miles (163 kilometers). If you come here you may visit the famous Interpretive Centre in Chumash which was once a home for the Chumash.
A few other attractions include Paradise Falls Presidential Library Ronald Reagan Wildwood Regional Park Garden of the World.
Pacific Hideaway
Not missing: dinner at hotel restaurant Pacific Hideaway. This is a great food trip to Southern California. The cuisine and wines from Asia or Latin America were just as amazing as the service and funky decor.
Breakfast at Pacific Hideaway is as tasty as dinner. So get ready for a full exploration. Besides the Australians, they had Pavlovas.
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