25+ Best Places to Visit in Southern California

As a California native, I’ve been lucky enough to spend my entire life traveling extensively throughout the Golden State. I grew up in San Diego County, and my family regularly enjoyed fun getaways to local destinations. Now as a Los Angeles local, I’ve continued to make California travel a priority. 

Put simply, if you’re looking for amazing places to visit and things to do in Southern California, I’m your girl! 

I’ve organized this guide by destination type so that you can easily pick the perfect destination for your travel style. Discover stunning coastal destinations (hello Encinitas, Laguna Beach, and Malibu!), cool desert escapes (think Joshua Tree and Palm Springs), charming small towns (like Solvang, Julian, and Ojai), and everything in between. 

Whether you’re planning an extended California trip or are a resident looking to plan your next getaway, consider this your go-to Southern California travel guide.  

Note: each section is generally organized geographically, starting south and moving north! 

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Major SoCal Cities

Let’s kick off the list with the two major cities in Southern California: Los Angeles and San Diego. As someone who has lived in both, I’m well-versed in the ins and outs of both cities. 

San Diego 

America’s Finest City is known for its laid-back lifestyle, amazing attractions, and excellent brewery scene. There are so many things you can include on your San Diego itinerary, but highlights include:

• Balboa Park
• San Diego Zoo
• Nights Out in the Gaslamp Quarter
• Hiking at Torrey Pines State Reserve
• Excursions to La Jolla and Coronado Island

Of course, if you’re visiting San Diego in the summer or early fall, you can also spend plenty of time at the beach! There are so many gorgeous beaches up and down the coast, with a few of my favorites being Moonlight Beach (Encinitas), Fletcher Cove Beach (Solana Beach), and La Jolla Shores Beach (La Jolla). 

If you have the time for an extended trip, there are also so many great beach towns in San Diego County. You’ll find more about destinations like Encinitas, Del Mar, and Carlsbad below. 

Los Angeles 

Los Angeles has something for everyone. Get an up-close look at movie-making magic, experience local hikes, explore the museums, go on a luxury shopping spree, relax at the beach…you can really do it all (and more!) during a Los Angeles trip. 

There are so many amazing things to do in the city, especially if you are visiting Los Angeles for the first time. Some top activities include: 

• Doing the Warner Bros. Studio Tour
• Seeing the Hollywood Sign 
• Exploring Griffith Observatory
• Window shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills
• Visiting local museums, including The Academy Museum (a personal favorite!) and The Getty Center
• Spending a day at Universal Studios

If you’re looking to experience the more local side of the city, there are a ton of amazing non-touristy things to do in LA, like touring architectural gems and exploring the food scene. 

For an action-packed LA vacation, I recommend staying in West Hollywood or Beverly Hills. This keeps you close to a majority of the most popular attractions, helping to minimize your time in traffic! 

Much like San Diego, the greater Los Angeles County is also home to many more vacation-worthy destinations, all of which are worth visiting during an extended visit. Read more about Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Malibu in the next section! 

Old Town in San Diego | Torrey Pines Gliderport in San Diego County | Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles

Stunning Coastal Destinations

SoCal is known for its beautiful beaches! If you want to explore the coast and relax in the sand, these are the best Southern California vacation destinations to consider for your next trip. 

Coronado Island

Coronado Island is a little slice of heaven that is located right across the bay from Downtown San Diego (and conveniently, just a 20 to 25-minute drive from the San Diego International Airport). 

Despite being so close to the city, Coronado offers a small coastal town feel that is perfect for a relaxing vacation. It is known for its cute shops and restaurants, as well as its pristine, white sandy beaches (including the spacious Coronado Beach).

Coronado is also a great area to stay in San Diego if you want to spend time at the beach while still being close to the city’s top attractions! Consider staying in the famous Hotel del Coronado, one of the most well-known hotels in all of San Diego. 

If you like biking, I highly recommend doing a guided bike tour around Coronado. It’s a great way to get outside and see the entire island! 

Hotel del Coronado | La Jolla Coast | Torrey Pines Gliderport Sunset

Del Mar

Head up the coast into North County San Diego and you’ll find Del Mar, a picturesque upscale beach town. 

Del Mar is similar to La Jolla in that it has great shops and eateries, as well as lovely beach space. You also get amazing ocean views at Powerhouse Park…one of my favorite places for a picnic! 

That said, Del Mar is smaller and not quite as well known as La Jolla, so it’s a touch less touristy (although it can still get busy!)! It’s an ideal place to visit if you’re looking for a relaxing, laid-back escape to the beach. 

Beside lounging by the ocean, I highly recommend hiking at Torrey Pines State Reserve. This is one of my favorite outdoor activities to do in San Diego! For a beer and a bite to eat, I also love Viewpoint Brewing. 

One thing to note is that the Del Mar Fairgrounds is located in Del Mar. The area can get extra busy during the San Diego County Fair (early June through early July) and during the horse races (the main races are from mid to late summer).

Encinitas

Encinitas has long been my favorite beach town in North County San Diego. The downtown area along Highway 101 is small but vibrant, and I love the laid-back hippie surf vibes…perfect for a chill beach vacation!

Of course, one of the best things to do in Encinitas is spend a day by the water. Hang out at Moonlight Beach, or watch the surfers do their thing at Swami’s Beach. 

Beyond the beaches, one of my favorite spots in Encinitas is the meditation garden at the Self-Realization Fellowship. The property is gorgeous, and you get incredible views of the water. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset! 

Encinitas also has excellent restaurants, breweries, and shops. A few of my favorite eateries include Modern Times Brewery (which has an amazing vegan menu!), Culture Brewing Co., Plumeria Thai, The Taco Stand, Q’ero, and Honey’s Bistro. 

Carlsbad

Carlsbad may be the most well-known North County beach town. Compared to Encinitas, it’s a bit more touristy, and has more going on. 

It also has a reputation for being very family friendly. There are excellent, spacious beaches, as well as great attractions for kids (the most popular one being Legoland). If that’s not quite your vibe, don’t worry…there are plenty of other things to do in Carlsbad! 

Besides hanging out at the beach, I recommend strolling through Carlsbad Village and checking out the food and shopping scene. It’s home to some excellent restaurants, including Campfire…one of my all-time favorite eateries in San Diego! 

If you’re a beer fan, Carlsbad has great breweries. Pure Project and Docent Brewing are two of my favorites. 

There are also some fun seasonal attractions. In the spring, I recommend visiting The Flower Fields to see the thousands of ranunculus flowers in bloom! 

Meditation Gardens in Encinitas | Encinitas Boat Houses | Carlsbad Village

Laguna Beach

I always love visiting Laguna Beach for a day or a longer getaway. It is a prime destination for a summer beach vacation…although it can definitely get busy!

The Orange County beach town is famous for its pristine beaches. You really can’t go wrong at any of the beaches, but I particularly adore Treasure Island Beach and Crescent Bay Beach. 

A visit to Laguna Beach also isn’t complete without a stroll down Heisler Park, which sits atop a coastal bluff. The views of the coast are stunning, and there are staircases going down to the sand. 

While you’re in town, be sure to stop by some of the local shops and eateries. For food, I love Las Brisas, Rasta Taco, Zinc Cafe, and Wild Strawberry Café. 

Laguna Beach also has excellent seasonal events. There’s the Sawdust Festival (there are winter and summer events!), as well as the famous Festival of Arts Show and Pageant of the Masters. 

Catalina Island 

I was lucky enough to go to summer camp on Catalina…I can confirm, there’s something magical about this island! 

Most visitors make their way to Avalon, a charming, Mediterranean-like coastal town. It’s accessible via ferry, with boats departing from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point (via Catalina Express), as well as Newport Beach (via Catalina Flyer). 

Avalon (and Catalina in general) is known for being an excellent spot for outdoor adventures. The crystal clear, blue water is great for snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as kayaking and sailing. There are also great hiking trails! 

Another main attraction in Avalon is the Catalina Casino, a historic entertainment center that dates back to 1929. 

Santa Monica

Located on the west side of Los Angeles, Santa Monica is one of the most popular beach destinations in the entire county. 

The vibrant coastal city is known for the historic Santa Monica Pier, the pristine Palisades Park (a great spot to go for a stroll!), and of course, the beaches. 

There are also some excellent eateries. Calabra, Cobi’s, Élephante, and Tartine (my favorite bakery/coffee shop in the area) are a few stand outs.

Downtown Santa Monica is more of the tourist hub. That said, I also highly recommend adding a stop at Montana Avenue to your Santa Monica itinerary. There are some excellent shops, cafes, and restaurants here! 

Another super popular activity worth doing is an oceanfront bike ride down The Strand. You can ride down to Venice Beach, which leads us to our next destination… 

Venice Beach 

Just south of Santa Monica is the eclectic Venice Beach. It’s worth checking out both destinations during a visit to the area. If you have just a day to spare, you can easily spend a whole day seeing the main attractions in Venice and Santa Monica! 

Venice Beach is known for its bustling boardwalk. It’s personally not my absolute favorite part of the neighborhood, but it’s a fun area to do a quick stroll around while you are in the area. 

My favorite street in Venice is Abbot Kinney, which has earned the title of coolest block in America. You’ll find a vibrant and eclectic mix of shops and galleries, as well as some cafes and other eateries. To eat and caffeinate, I love Intelligentsia Coffee and The Butcher’s Daughter

The Venice Canals are also a must-visit.  The man made canals date back to the early 1900s, and it’s a beautiful area to stroll through!

Heisler Park in Laguna Beach | Santa Monica Pier | Venice Canals in Venice

Malibu

One of my favorite places for a peaceful beachside escape, even if it is just for a quick Malibu day trip!

This destination offers 21 miles of coastline, making it the ultimate place for a beach-centric trip. A Malibu itinerary should include plenty of time lounging at local spots like Zuma Beach, El Matador Beach, and Surfrider Beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a surf lesson!

Malibu also offers incredible hiking trails. It’s one of my favorite areas to go hiking in all of Los Angeles! Point Dume is a must for an easy but super scenic stroll. I also love hiking in Charmlee Wilderness Park. 

A few other highlights in Malibu include the Malibu Pier (I recommend dining at Malibu Farm!), Adamson House, and the Malibu Village Mall. 

One thing to note is that, unlike a lot of the other beach destinations on this list, there isn’t really a central downtown area of Malibu. You will need to spend some time in the car driving from spot to spot, but the drive down the Pacific Coast Highway (and up in the Santa Monica Mountains) is incredibly beautiful!

Channel Islands

For the outdoor adventure seekers, there’s Channel Islands National Park. It’s remote, and is one of the least visited national parks in California…but that makes it that much more special for those that decide to visit!

The Channel Islands are made up of five islands, with Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands being two of the most popular to visit. These islands are popular destinations for a day trip, or a longer trip if you are up for camping (there isn’t any lodging on any of the islands).

One of the best ways to explore this national park (and the incredible sea caves!) is by water. Consider booking a kayak or snorkel tour through Santa Barbara Adventure Company, which operates on Santa Cruz Island! There are also some excellent hiking trails across the different islands. 

You can visit the islands via a boat that departs from Ventura. 

Santa Barbara 

Also known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara has long been one of my favorite destinations for an easy weekend getaway from Los Angeles. This coastal city boasts palm

tree-lined streets, gorgeous beaches, and stunningly beautiful Mediterranean and Spanish-style architecture.

A Santa Barbara vacation isn’t complete without a stop at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, which dates back to 1929. The Spanish-Colonial style building is a fully operational courthouse, but is open to visitors who want to explore the ornate and historic structure. It’s one of my favorite spots in the city, and a must-visit if you like architecture!

Other top attractions in the city include the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (I love visiting in the spring, when the poppies are in bloom!), Old Mission Santa Barbara, and Stearns Wharf. You’ll also find great shopping along State Street. 

Santa Barbara also has an excellent dining scene. Rascal’s and The Daisy are a couple personal favorites! If you’re a wine drinker, you’ll want to do a tasting or two in The Funk Zone.  

Santa Barbara Courthouse | Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara | Point Dume in Malibu

Cool Desert Escapes

For a different side of Southern California, head to the desert! Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or a chill escape, you’ll find something that fits your interest. 

Palm Springs (& the Greater Coachella Valley)

The Coachella Valley is one of my favorite Southern California destinations for a relaxing, sun-soaked getaway! 

Palm Springs is the central hub, with amazing shopping (especially vintage shopping), dining, and nightlife. The lively desert city is home to some of the best attractions in the area (more on that in a moment). 

That said, you also have Palm Desert (and neighboring Indian Wells and La Quinta). Compared to Palm Springs, it’s a little calmer and more laid-back, and has a more modern, recently built vibe. 

As a whole, the Coachella Valley is the ideal destination for lazy days by the pool…but there’s plenty more to do in the area. During your Palm Springs getaway, I recommend seeing the mid-century modern architecture, hiking the Palm Canyon Trail, taking the aerial tram up to Mount San Jacinto State Park, and getting a date shake (you can also tour a date farm!). 

The Coachella Valley is also known for its incredible design-forward hotels and vacation rentals. I’m a huge fan of the perfectly pink Sands Hotel and Spa in Indian Wells…the perfect place to lounge by the pool!

Joshua Tree National Park 

Another Southern California national park that is absolutely worth the visit is Joshua Tree. Known for its otherworldly desert landscape, it’s the perfect place to unplug and enjoy time out in nature. 

There are so many incredible hiking trails in Joshua Tree, many of which are short and easy. This means you can pack in a lot, even with just a day or two! A few of my favorites include Hidden Valley Nature Trail, Split Rock Loop Trail, and Arch Rock Trail. 

In addition to exploring the park, a Joshua Tree trip isn’t complete without spending some time in the actual town of Joshua Tree. It’s small, but there are some cool shops, as well as a couple great restaurants. 

I also recommend stopping by Pioneertown. This town was originally built to be used as a set for western films and TV shows in the 1940s and 50s. 

Mid-Century Modern Home in Palm Springs | Palm Canyon in Palm Springs | Joshua Tree National Park

Idyllic Mountain Towns

Breathe in the mountain air and find some peace! Whether you are looking to hit the slopes or simply want to rent a cabin and connect with nature, these SoCal mountain towns are worth considering for your next trip. 

Idyllwild

Enjoy a cabin getaway in the beautiful town of Idyllwild! This has long been my go-to when I want to escape the city for a peaceful mountain getaway.  

Hiking one (or more!) of the many trails in the area is one of the best things to do in Idyllwild. I particularly like the Idyllwild Park Trail, and I also recommend taking a stroll around Lake Fulmor. 

In town, grab a beer and a bite to eat at Idyllwild Brewpub. Mama’s Egg House and Ferro are two other excellent restaurants worth visiting! I also love strolling around town and visiting the local shops. 

Big Bear 

Big Bear is a popular destination year-round, with unique activities to enjoy in each season. 

It’s a particularly popular spot to visit in the winter, as it’s a great place to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. Make your way to Snow Valley, Snow Summit, or Bear Mountain, all of which are managed under Big Bear Mountain Resort. 

When the weather warms up, head to Big Bear Lake to go kayaking, ride jet skis, and enjoy other water sports. For some fun on land, try riding the mineshaft coaster! 

There are also some great trails in the area that are beautiful from the late spring into the fall. It’s also an ideal area to see fall foliage! 

Lake Arrowhead

Just about 25 miles west of Big Bear Lake is Lake Arrowhead. I especially love doing a day trip to Lake Arrowhead in the fall when the foliage is at its peak. That said, it’s a lovely destination to visit year-round! 

The town is small, but it’s super fun to stroll around, stop by local shops, and take in the views of the lake. If you’d like to get out on the water, you can also book a one-hour boat tour on the Lake Arrowhead Queen. 

There are also some great places to eat in town. I particularly like The Lakefront Tap Room!  

Lake Arrowhead is also a lovely destination to get outside and go on a hike. A short drive outside of town is Heaps Peak Arboretum, where there’s a really nice walking loop that is under a mile long. It’s home to the largest sequoia grove in the San Bernardino Mountains!

Idyllwild Trail | View in Idyllwild | Lake Arrowhead

Beautiful Wine Regions

I love a good wine weekend getaway, and thankfully, there’s more to explore beyond Napa and Sonoma! Here are the two wine regions in Southern California worth visiting for your next vineyard getaway. 

Temecula 

Temecula is located in the southern section of Riverside County, just north of San Diego County. With close to 50 wineries, there’s tons to explore!

Some top vineyards in the area include Robert Renzoni, Altisima, Leoness Cellars, and

Doffo Wines (but of course, there is so much more!). I’m also a big fan of Fallbrook Winery, which is just south of Temecula in Fallbrook. 

Booking a winery tour of Temecula is a great way to go. You won’t have to worry about transportation, and they’ll help with vineyard selection! 

Beyond wine tasting, it’s also worth spending some time in Old Town Temecula. You’ll find charming, rustic storefronts…it feels like you are stepping back in time!  

Another super popular activity is doing a hot air balloon ride. It’s an incredible way to see the wine country from above. 

Santa Ynez Valley 

The Santa Ynez Valley (which is about a 45-minute drive from Downtown Santa Barbara) has quickly become one of my favorite places to visit in SoCal for a wine weekend getaway. I’ve returned multiple times over the past few years!  

With over 100 vineyards, there are plenty of great places to go wine tasting. A few of my favorites include Brave and Maiden Estate, Koehler Winery, Roblar Vineyards, and Sunstone Winery. Just like with Temecula, I recommend booking a winery tour for ease! 

Beyond wine tasting, some of the best things to do in the Santa Ynez Valley include feeding the ostriches and emus at OstrichLand USA, going on a hike, doing a horseback riding tour, and shopping at local farmstands. 

You’ll also want to spend time exploring some of the super charming small towns, which includes Solvang (more on that below!), Los Olivos, and Los Alamos. Each has its own unique flavor, and each is definitely worth exploring!

If you’re looking for a place to stay, I particularly love Hotel Ynez in Solvang. 

Store in Los Olivos | Los Alamos | Roblar Winery

Charming Small Towns

SoCal is chock-full of cool small towns! From old western villages to unique towns with their own flair, these small but mighty destinations have a lot to offer. 

Julian

Growing up in San Diego, Julian was the go-to destination for a fun fall day trip. This small town has a cool history, as it was rapidly developed in the 1870s during the gold rush. It still has that western charm today!

That said, Julian is probably best known as being the go-to spot in SoCal for amazing apple pies. A visit to Julian isn’t complete without a stop by Julian Pie Company for a sweet treat. As you can probably guess, you can also go apple picking in Julian. 

Another fun fact about Julian is that it is one of the few destinations in the US where you can see the Milky Way, thanks to its low levels of light pollution. The town is part of the International Dark Sky Community, and hosts Dark Sky events throughout the year. 

San Juan Capistrano 

Orange County’s San Juan Capistrano is a particularly fun destination to visit for history buffs (although there is something for everyone!). It’s also a super easy day trip from LA and San Diego by train, as the train station is conveniently located right in town!

At the heart of San Juan Capistrano is Mission San Juan Capistrano. The historic Spanish mission was founded in 1776, and is open for tours. 

The town is also home to the Los Rios Street Historic District…the oldest neighborhood in the state! This neighborhood features tree adobes from the late 18th century and early 19th century. 

Besides the cool historical sites, San Juan Capistrano has excellent restaurants, as well as some fun shops. I especially love El Adobe de Capistrano. It’s located in a historic building, and is the place to go for excellent Mexican food!

There is also the new River Street Marketplace, an open air shopping space with great stores and restaurants. 

Ojai 

Ojai has become my go-to day trip from Los Angeles when I’m looking for an easy escape from the city. The town is so incredibly cute, with lots of adorable boutiques and vintage stores. Bart’s Books is a must-visit – it’s the world’s largest outdoor bookstore! 

Whether you’re doing a day trip to Ojai or a longer vacation (it’s great for a chill weekend getaway!), I highly recommend stopping by Ojai Olive Oil. They do tastings, and it’s also the perfect spot to stock up on high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar! 

The Ojai dining scene is also especially great. I’m a huge fan of Hip Vegan, Three Birds, and The Dutchess. Highly Likely is also excellent (I haven’t been to the Ojai location yet, but I love their LA restaurants!). 

There are also some really nice hikes and nature strolls around town. I like visiting Ojai Meadows Preserve for an easy walk!

Montecito

Beautiful Montecito (which borders Santa Barbara) is a lovely spot for a laid-back day trip or a nice coastal getaway. You can also visit during a Santa Barbara trip! 

The upscale community is home to a handful of cute restaurants and shops, mostly along Coast Village Road. I particularly love Little King Coffee and Panino Sandwich, and have heard great things about Merci and Bettina! 

A trip to Montecito isn’t complete without a visit to the picture-perfect Butterfly Beach. I love going during sunset! If you’re into hiking, there are also some great trails in the Santa Ynez Mountains, right above Montecito. 

Another cool spot worth visiting is Lotusland, a 37-acre estate and botanical garden (advanced reservations are required!). I also recommend visiting Godmothers Bookstore in Summerland, the town right next to Montecito.  

Keep in mind that accommodations are pricey in the area. If you’re looking to splurge, book a stay at Rosewood Miramar Beach or San Ysidro Ranch (both are on my bucket list!). 

Solvang 

In the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley is Solvang…the Danish capital of the US! 

This town is kitschy and a touch touristy, but a lot of fun to visit. There are plenty of things to do in Solvang, including visiting a local museum (the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art is a favorite of mine!), admiring the Danish-inspired architecture, and shopping at the local stores. As mentioned in the Santa Ynez Valley section above, a visit to OstrichLand USA is also a must! 

Solvang also has a really great food scene. You’ll definitely want to get a Danish pastry from one of the local bakeries. I’m also a huge fan of Good Seed Coffee and Copenhagen Sausage Garden!

Building in Ojai | Ojai Bell Tower | Windmill in Solvang