When it involves California, there are a lot of locations to select from, but when it’s your first time within the Golden State, it’s best to begin in Southern California. The area has among the finest cities, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Barbara, to call a couple of. And that’s earlier than you even get to the pure magnificence. California has iconic highway journeys, stunning surroundings, and well-known landmarks.
The finest strategy to see Southern California is to hire a automotive so you’ll be able to pull over and see all of the little nooks and crannies. Southern California has outside adventures the place you’ll be able to go to islands, discover sea caves and spot seals. Or you’ll be able to go to abandon scorching springs, theme parks and wine tasting. It’s a really versatile area.
In this information, we’ll cowl the most effective issues to do in Southern California that can assist you plan your journey.
Having a Southern California bucket checklist is a should. There’s simply a lot to do and see within the area; you’ll need at the very least every week to even start to understand it. People spend months touring simply the West Coast – and that’s with out even heading inland to spots like Death Valley.
Before you get into the meaty stuff, take a look at our fast information on essentially the most unbelievable issues to do in Southern California.
Best of Southern California: A Quick Guide
- Must See: Joshua Tree National Park, Alabama Hills, Santa Cruz Island, LA, and Death Valley.
- Where to Stay: The Rumi ($), Tarantula Ranch Campground & Vineyard ($$), and Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club ($$$). Also, take a look at these finest all-inclusive resorts in California.
- Fun To Do: See the ocean lions at La Jolla, go to an amusement park in LA, go wine tasting in Santa Barbara, and go to Newport Beach.
- Day Trips: Head to Runyon Canyon Park, take a tour of LA and its well-known Hollywood signal, take a day journey to Las Vegas, and take a day journey to Joshua Tree National Park.
- Must attempt Foods: California sushi roll, cobb salad, fish tacos, and something utilizing avocados.
Best Things to Do in Southern California
You now have a quick thought of easy methods to spend your time in Southern California. As you’ll be able to see, the area provides the right alternative to expertise metropolis life and pure adventures. It has the most effective of each worlds.
It is time for a definitive checklist, although. So, what are the most effective issues to do in SoCal? Let’s check out which high 23 made the ultimate reduce.
1. San Diego
First up, San Diego. Visiting this metropolis is among the finest issues to do in SoCal. This massive metropolis has nice climate, 252 days a yr of it. It’s the place to be for espresso strolls by means of stunning parks like Balboa Park and seashore days. Here’s our information to the most effective San Diego seashores.
Downtown San Diego has the Gaslamp Quarter, all of the nightlife, and dive bars. The remainder of San Diego county has loads of preserves and seashores to make the most of good climate.
Insider Tip: Use the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park.
Practical Info: Many sights like Balboa Park and seashores are free. $20 a day for leisure.
2. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is among the finest nationwide parks within the US. It cash its distinctive identify from the bizarre-looking Joshua Trees – they’ve spindly wood trunks and branches that appear to be overgrown cacti. The bushes have been named by Mormon immigrants within the mid-Nineteenth century, who named the strange-looking flora after Joshua within the bible.
Visiting this park is definitely among the finest issues to do in Southern California. The novelty of the bushes, the variety of climbing trails, and the attractive darkish sky make it the right addition to an itinerary.
You’ll love this nationwide park should you love pure magnificence and exploring distant areas. It is straightforward so as to add to a go to to LA or Laguna Beach, one more reason we needed to embrace it on this checklist.
Insider Tip: Plan an in a single day journey to take advantage of the unbelievable darkish skies – you might have nearly zero gentle air pollution.
Practical Information: The Visitor Center is open every day from 8:30 am to five pm. The park has a $15 per particular person entrance charge.
3. Death Valley National Park
We can’t talk about issues to do in Southern California with out mentioning Death Valley National Park. Albeit named fairly morbidly, this park is among the most excessive and interesting locations of pure magnificence to go to within the area.
It has beforehand reached the very best temperature recorded on Earth – think about experiencing 134 levels Fahrenheit – and is the US’ hottest, driest, and lowest-elevation nationwide park.
You ought to undoubtedly go to Zabriskie Point for dawn. Natural Bridge can also be a wonderful hike to plan. There are many issues to do in Death Valley, however this park earned its spot principally from its record-breaking extremities.
Insider Tip: Needless to say, it’s best to keep away from visiting within the peak of summer season.
Practical Information: The park usually closes based mostly on climate circumstances and security considerations, so control the web site. Entrance is $15 per particular person.
4. Santa Monica Mountains
Mountain lovers, the Santa Monica Mountains are a gem of a coastal vary. You would possibly even see the Pacific Ocean from among the summits. There is not any higher place for mountains, and it’s proper in LA.
There are many climbing trails within the Santa Monica Mountains, over 500 miles of them. The vary can also be a key habitat for mountain lions and an important place to see wildlife. Get to the Santa Monica Mountains early to hit the paths earlier than noon warmth.
After you hike, head into town. In town you might have Santa Monica Beach and Santa Monica Pier to hang around at.
Insider Tip: Bring binoculars so you are able to do some wildlife recognizing on the paths.
Practical Information: Open 24/7 and no entrance charge.
5. Huntington Beach
Just south of LA sits Huntington Beach, aka Surf City, in California’s Orange County. Visiting Huntington Beach is an absolute should for any browsing fanatic. There’s all the things from longboard leases to the International Surfing Museum. You might spend a morning ripping waves in the most effective surf and a day studying in regards to the metropolis’s browsing historical past and tradition.
Southern California has such a robust browsing tradition, so we had so as to add this goldie to the checklist. It is a perfect single-day exercise, or for the surfing-obsessed, you could possibly keep for every week or extra, profiting from the wonderful browsing circumstances.
Insider Tip: Take benefit of the Surfing Walk of Fame.
Practical Information: Budget round $20 for sightseeing and upwards of $10 an hour for board leases.
6. Venice Beach
Visiting Venice Beach is among the most bucket checklist issues to do in Southern California – particularly should you love bodybuilding. The Venice Beach Gym is the core of this coastal neighborhood and has seen the greats, together with Arnold Schwarzenegger, hit its weights.
Venice Beach can also be famed for its boho vibe. Here, you’ll be able to embrace the salty-hair Californian aesthetic, stopping to choose up takeout smoothies and watching the gifted avenue performers.
Venice Beach can also be a high contender for budget-friendly issues to do in SoCal. This metropolis provides tons of free actions.
Insider Tip: Book a day go at Venice Beach Gym.
Practical Information: Budget round $15 for a day of leisure in Venice Beach.
7. Pacific Coast Highway
Driving the Pacific Coast Highway in SoCal is superb when you’ve got 4-5 days to do it. This is the final word highway journey, 575 miles from simply north of San Francisco to San Diego. It’s the entire West Coast.
Along the way in which, you’ll be able to cease at Big Sur and iconic SoCal cities like LA, Santa Barbara, and Laguna Beach. You’ll have ocean views and among the most stunning roads you’ll ever drive.
Look for viewpoints, particularly round stunning spots like Bixby Creek Bridge. The Pacific Coast is one thing to take your time with. Take your time and cease for loads of picture alternatives, seashores, and hikes.
Insider Tip: Plan to cease at loads of scenic bridges, particularly close to Carmel Highlands.
Practical Information: Only gas and lodging prices.
8. Los Angeles
Of course, LA was all the time assured a spot on this checklist. It is the house of Hollywood – and with the well-known Hollywood signal, don’t you dare overlook it – and probably the most famed cities on the earth.
LA has the Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills, and Universal Studios, in addition to all its rides and theme park sights. You even have Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory. It uniquely blends celeb dwelling and nitty gritty US metropolis tradition. This means you get bucket checklist sights in addition to cultural experiences.
LA is a should when visiting Southern California. It can also be the simplest place to fly into, so we’d counsel beginning your expertise in LA and branching out throughout the area.
Insider Tip: Don’t attempt to see all the things in LA in only a few days. Pick a few areas and prioritize close by sights.
Practical Information: Budget round $100 a day on leisure when visiting LA – there’s simply a lot to do and see.
9. Channel Islands National Park
Fancy pushing the boat out, fairly actually? Check out a few of Southern California’s most stunning islands. The Channel Islands National Park is a shocking archipelago of 5 islands with dramatic ridges and pristine seashores.
In the park, you’ll be able to camp in a single day seasonally, go to on a tour, or simply take a day journey. If you’re fortunate, you’ll spot dolphins, sea lions, and even whales. On land, there are many bird-watching alternatives and a wonderful fox inhabitants.
You can’t beat this park for an island expertise. It is adventurous to get to and completely overflowing with nature and animal encounters.
Insider Tip: Arrange water actions like kayaking or scuba diving for the most effective expertise.
Practical Information: Ferries have variable schedules, so verify particular person operator web sites. There’s no entrance charge, however price range as much as $100 for ferry charges.
10. Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is beautiful. It is your best option if you’d like an alternative choice to Redwood National Park in Northern California. Sequoias are big redwoods, and this nationwide park has over 400,000 acres.
You should go to the General Sherman Tree, one of many largest bushes on the earth. Driving by means of Sequoia National Park’s Tunnel Log can also be nice enjoyable. There are loads of trails, just like the Redwood Canyon Trail, which you could additionally hike.
Allow at the very least a full day to go to Sequoia National Park. In a great world, you’ll give your self at the very least a couple of days. Hiking amongst these gigantic bushes is definitely among the finest issues to do in Southern California.
Insider Tip: Plan to drive by means of among the tree tunnels for some further enjoyable.
Practical Information: There’s an entrance charge of $20 per particular person.
11. Palm Springs
Palm Springs is finest identified for its setting in Coachella Valley. If you’re heading right here in April, it’s best to undoubtedly bag Coachella Festival tickets – it’s probably the most well-known music festivals on the earth.
However, visiting Palm Springs can also be splendid for getting a style of desert metropolis life. Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, Palm Springs has loads of scorching springs, climbing, and horseback driving trails.
When you aren’t having fun with the desert locale, you’ll be able to go to its artwork galleries and boutique shops. Palm Springs has an opulent, inventive environment.
Insider Tip: Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for the most effective views.
Practical Information: Budget $15 a day for leisure.
12. Crystal Cove State Park
Visiting this attractive state park is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Southern California. Crystal Cove State Park has over 3 miles of seashore to calm down on, plus 2,400 acres of coastal terrain for climbing and biking. We love its coastal setting.
Crystal Cove State Park provides the most effective combine of out of doors journey and seashore day rest. In the early morning, you’ll be able to hike to Moro Ridge Lookout. Then, you’ll be able to spot dolphins and sunbathe within the afternoon. Just keep in mind water and solar cream as a result of each are fairly uncovered.
Insider Tip: Check out the view from the Crystal Cove State Park Tunnel.
Practical Information: $15 per automobile cost per day.
13. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a sneaky addition to this information. It is correct on the cusp of being classed as Northern California. Still, it’s so superb that we’ll embrace it as among the finest issues to do in Southern California.
Yosemite National Park is the right storm of hanging granite landmarks and scenic climbing trails to waterfalls and towering redwoods. Regarding pure landmarks and sweetness, Yosemite has it in bucket hundreds. You can see why it’s so in style.
Allow at the very least a full day to go to Yosemite, if not staying in a single day to hike a couple of totally different trails. Half Dome and Yosemite Falls are the most effective hikes within the park. You can take a look at our information on the park’s finest issues to do right here.
Insider Tip: Start early to keep away from the crowds.
Practical Information: $15 per particular person entrance charge.
14. Catalina Island
Catalina Island is a wonderful spot simply 22 miles off the Southern California shoreline. You can simply attain it on a day journey through ferry, or you’ll be able to camp there in a single day and make it an much more adventurous factor to do.
Catalina Island has two tiny resort cities, Two Harbors and Avalon. You can guide scuba diving excursions, rent water tools like kayaks, and go wildlife recognizing on close by climbing trails.
Visiting Catalina Island is a wonderful strategy to embrace SoCal’s islands and get off the mainland. If you go to out-of-season, you’ll even get many trails to your self.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Cat Harbor Overlook Trail.
Practical Information: Budget round $100 for return transport by ferry.
15. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a beautiful small metropolis on the Southern Californian shoreline. The metropolis is sandwiched between the ocean and Los Padres National Forest, and the broader Santa Barbara County is understood for its wine manufacturing. Visiting this metropolis is among the high issues to do in Southern California, and right here’s why.
Walking round Santa Barbara is a deal with, with Spanish colonial structure all through its downtown space. You’ll wish to enable loads of time to snap images of the Mediterranean-style white stucco structure. There’s additionally the Old Mission Santa Barbara, launched in 1786 by Spanish colonizers.
You can hit the seashore if you aren’t wandering scenic streets and visiting spiritual and historic sights. Santa Barbara has some stunning seashores, together with the centrally situated West Beach and Leadbetter Beach.
Insider Tip: Check out the structure on the MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation
Practical Information: Budget round $30 for leisure per day.
16. Long Beach
Long Beach is a coastal metropolis simply outdoors the metropolis of LA and on the outskirts of Orange County. It is the place to go for sophistication and marinas lined with fancy seafood eating places. It has a superb procuring scene and likewise a glitzy coastal environment – providing extra yachts and marinas than seashores.
Visiting Long Beach is an excellent strategy to expertise a extra fancy, city facet of California’s coastal dwelling. To expertise coastal SoCal modernized, it’s the right place for a time out. Hop between the museums, store, and dine out overlooking the marina and Pacific Ocean views.
Long Beach can also be tremendous accessible from LA. You can drive from central LA to Long Beach in simply half-hour or hop on public transport, which takes an hour.
Insider Tip: Book a desk on the oceanfront patio at Parkers’ Lighthouse restaurant.
Practical Information: Budget round $150 on leisure, together with a meal out and procuring.
17. La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is technically shut sufficient to San Diego to fall underneath this metropolis’s class. However, it’s such a well-liked Southern California attraction that we’re giving it its personal part. La Jolla Cove is a tiny bay space most well-known for its tons of of resident sea lions.
If you’ve by no means seen a sea lion within the wild, head to Jolla Cove. There is lots to {photograph} from a distance and plenty of data boards detailing the animals and easy methods to safely see them.
If you’re even luckier, you may as well spot whales throughout migration seasons. Visiting Jolla Cove is the most effective factor for any animal lover or conservation fanatic.
Insider Tip: Bring binoculars and a digital camera with a long-ranging lens to see wildlife from a distance.
Practical Information: Free and open 24/7.
18. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz won’t be one of many well-known trio in California – aka San Fran, LA, and San Diego – however it’s a sensible coastal metropolis to go to for a conventional, enjoyable environment. Visiting Santa Cruz is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Southern California.
Santa Cruz has a vintage-style esplanade with an iconic amusement park. You can courageous its Haunted Castle, trip the Giant Dipper, or bask in basic beachfront treats like ice cream and scorching canines. Who doesn’t need a conventional seashore day when visiting Southern California? Santa Cruz is right if you’d like extra amusement park than surfer vibes.
You can go to Santa Cruz for a day and revel in its conventional seashore leisure. Or you’ll be able to keep for a weekend or perhaps a complete week. Either method, a visit to Santa Cruz is among the most enjoyable issues to do in SoCal.
Insider Tip: Sample the seafood on the Santa Cruz Wharf pier.
Practical Information: Budget $30 a day for leisure.
19. San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum simply south of LA. It is definitely among the finest issues to do in Southern California, particularly should you’re all for spiritual historical past or structure.
The mission constructing was based over 200 years in the past and as soon as tried to transform and promote the Christian religion. Nowadays, this isn’t the case. It now paperwork the multi-cultural historical past of California and the event of religions over time.
San Juan Capistrano isn’t only a spiritual constructing however a time capsule of the spiritual dynamics that created California’s trendy communities. It solely takes a couple of hours to go to, however you’ll achieve a ton of data from the expertise.
Insider Tip: Stop by the close by Laguna Niguel Regional Park after visiting.
Practical Information: It opens from 9 am till 5 pm on Tuesdays to Sundays and prices $18 per grownup.
20. Santa Ynez Valley
If wine tasting is in your Southern California bucket checklist, go to the Santa Ynez Valley. This attractive valley is most famed for its grape vines, and there are tons of of alternatives for wine tasting and winery excursions.
The valley is primarily identified for its Pinot Noir, chardonnay, and Syrah wines. And if you aren’t sampling these, you’ll be able to guide horseback driving excursions or scorching air balloon rides. Visiting Santa Ynez Valley is among the most romantic issues to do in Southern California. It is a number one romantic getaway within the US.
Make positive to go to Sunstone Winery. This stunning vineyard has a French-style villa with wine caves and a shocking courtyard stuffed with lavender.
Insider Tip: Santa Ynez Valley can also be famed for Danish bakeries – so be sure that to pattern some baked items.
Practical Information: Budget round $25-30 for a flight of 5 wines.
21. Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is barely a small metropolis, however it packs a punch. The metropolis is a serene mixture of artwork galleries and seashores. Visitors can spend their mornings at Laguna Art A Fair or the Laguna Art Museum after which head to the seashore within the afternoon. You are in luck, too, as Laguna Beach has among the finest California seashores.
Laguna Beach has an excellent walkable metropolis heart and a splendidly laid-back environment. If you wish to expertise Southern Californian coastal tradition, that is the place to take action.
The metropolis is right for these on a price range, with solely meals bills and gallery entrance charges to pay. You can calm down on its seashores and stroll its boulevards the remainder of the time.
Insider Tip: Allow time to stroll the Laguna Boardwalk.
Practical Information: Budget round $20 on leisure when visiting for a day.
22. Alabama Hills
Believe it or not, visiting the Alabama Hills is among the finest issues to do in Southern California. Despite its identify, this stunning mountain vary is ready in inland California, subsequent to Sequoia National Park. The panorama is distinct, with sharp granite ridges and alpine meadows full of yellow flowers come spring.
If you wish to get off the overwhelmed monitor, climbing within the Alabama Hills is ridiculously scenic. There’s the Shark Fin Trailhead and Mobius Arch Loop Trailhead. You are only a brief drive from Lone Pine and its Museum of Western Film History.
Insider Tip: Visit Lone Pine’s museum for fascinating memorabilia.
Practical Information: Budget round $10 per day for leisure.
23. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
If you drive the Pacific Coast – which we talked about earlier – you’ll go the beautiful Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. But truthfully, it’s price visiting in its personal proper. Visiting Pfeiffer is among the high issues to do in Southern California.
The 1,000-acre state park hugs the Pacific Ocean shoreline, with beautiful seashores, dramatic coastal roads, and delightful hikes by means of surrounding redwood forests. Make positive to take a look at McWay Falls and Partington Cove.
If you might have time, we’d counsel tenting for the final word expertise. This method, you’ll be able to catch some dawn viewpoints as nicely.
Insider Tip: Visit out of season to attenuate crowds and get the most effective expertise.
Practical Information: No entrance charge.
Where to Stay in Southern California
Once you realize what you’d love to do and see in Southern California, you’ll be able to resolve the place to remain. There are so many lodging choices. You can discover hostels, luxurious resorts, or mid-range boutique properties throughout the area.
We’d counsel initially basing your self in Los Angeles, because it’s the simplest place to achieve by airplane and is centrally situated for onward journey round Southern California. You can discover lodge lodging in cities like San Diego and Palm Springs. Or you will discover distant luxurious bases close to the nationwide parks.
Here are among the finest accommodations in Southern California for all budgets:
- Luxury: Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club: For luxurious lodging within the sleepy celeb spot of Malibu, the 5-star Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club is a high-quality selection.
- Mid-Range: Tarantula Ranch Campground & Vineyard: Tarantula Ranch Campground & Vineyard is a tremendous glamping property with tiny trailer homes outdoors the Death Valley boundaries.
- Budget: The Rumi: It doesn’t get far more budget-friendly than The Rumi. This hostel is situated in Koreatown, Los Angeles, and provides low-rate dorm rooms.
Tips and Information For Visiting Southern California
Before you begin ticking off all these high issues to do in Southern California, that you must get sensible. It is fabulous figuring out which of the area’s well-known sights you wish to go to. But this part will make these desires realities.
We’ll cowl all of the important bits of knowledge, like seasonal issues and easy methods to get round. Get able to make some notes.
Best Time To Visit
We’ll begin by saying that Southern California is gorgeous all yr spherical. You’ll discover enjoyable issues to do and good climate for 12 months of the yr.
Many individuals would say that summer season is the most effective time to go to, with essentially the most days of sunshine and the very best temperatures. However, we recommend selecting the shoulder season, both June or October.
You nonetheless get the excessive temperatures in June or October, however you skip the summer season crowds. Similarly, you’ll be able to go to the desert areas with out the danger of utmost temperatures. Did you realize that areas like Death Valley National Park can get so scorching in summer season that there’s a threat to human life? You would possibly deal with strolling Santa Monica Pier in hovering temperatures, however the desert, in all probability not. Sticking to-the-shoulder months will make your Southern California expertise far more fulfilling from a crowd-avoiding and security perspective.
Getting There
The best strategy to attain Southern California is by flying into Los Angeles or San Diego’s airports, particularly if touring internationally. From right here, you’ll be able to simply entry trains, buses, and rental vehicles. You may also fly in after which use the most important cities as launchpads to discover the remainder of the area.
If you’re touring domestically, you’ll be able to equally attain Southern California by prepare. Amtrak connects main cities like Los Angeles with Northern California and close by states. You can guide snug seats and sleeper compartments, taking the scenic, most sustainable route.
You may also take buses like Greyhound should you’re on a price range when touring domestically. You may also take a highway journey to Southern California – simply take a look at these superb US highway journeys should you want any extra convincing.
Getting Around
Getting round Southern California is straightforward. You can fly between many cities, however we advocate renting a automotive more often than not.
Southern California is supposed to be pushed. For metropolis breaks, you’ll be able to simply stroll and use public transportation. But should you’re touring regionally throughout Southern California, you’ll have to assume once more. If you wish to go to its nationwide parks and distant areas of pure magnificence, you’ll want your personal wheels. Renting a automotive is essentially the most liberating strategy to get across the area. And you received’t miss out on any of the most effective bits.
If you’re not heading to the nationwide parks – or prepared to pay for group excursions with transfers included – you may as well get round utilizing trains and buses. There’s a prepare between San Diego and LA.
How Much Time Do You Need
You might spend months in Southern California if you wish to do all the things in your bucket checklist. As a rule of thumb, give your self at the very least two weeks to get essentially the most out of the world.
You want at the very least 3-4 days per metropolis, which is every week in San Diego and LA. Then, give your self one other week to go to among the coastal cities and one of many two inland nationwide parks, Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Park.
Of course, when you’ve got extra time, keep extra. With extra time, you’ll be able to go to the nationwide forests and get to among the extra off-the-beaten-path spots just like the Channel Islands National Park. The extra time you spend in southern California, the higher.
It’s straightforward to see why Southern California is so particular. Not solely do you might have among the most well-known cities on the earth to go to, however you even have among the most stunning pure areas. Southern California has all the things from cacti and purple rock desert landscapes to iconic boulevards in LA. It has among the most stunning and well-known sights on the earth.
Why We Love Southern California
Once you’ve embraced all there’s to see in Southern California, head north to San Fran, Redwood National Park, and Yosemite National Park. Or you’ll be able to cross the border to go to Las Vegas or Utah and its mighty 5 nationwide parks. Southern California has a incredible assortment of issues to do. Still, it’s additionally ideally situated to enterprise into different areas of the US. Definitely take advantage of your expertise.