We love visiting Southern California attractions and have compiled a list of the top 10 things in SoCal. There is much more to see than Theme Parks, so get going on this Southern California to-do list. Your Trip Starts Here.
1. Take a Trip To Palm Springs
Palm Springs with so many things to do in Palm Springs, one day is not enough time. The downtown center along the famed Palm Canyon Drive is excellent for starting your trip to Palm Springs. Area attractions include Palm Springs Tramway, Indian Canyons, Living Desert Zoo, Whitewater preserve, and the Springs air museum. The list of things to do is almost endless. Palm Springs is a popular day trip or weekend getaway.
2. Drive Up The Coast to Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara many attractions in Santa Barbara can be near Stearns Wharf. Visitors can rent bicycles, relax on the beach, or visit the nearby Santa Barbara Zoo or historic Mission Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara is about two hours from Los Angeles, within an easy day trip. Another option is the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train, which takes about three hours, but you don’t have to worry about weekend traffic jams.
3. Explore Beautiful La Jolla
La Jolla is a beautiful coastal community a short drive from downtown San Diego. Sandy beaches, hidden coves, and sea caves to explore. One of the most fun things in La Jolla is taking the seven sea caves Kayak Tour. If you want to stay on dry land, you can visit Sunny Jim Cave without getting your feet wet. Another popular attraction in La Jolla is the Birch Aquarium, part of the world-renowned Scripps Institute of Oceanography.
4. Take a Walk Along Hollywood Boulevard
Downtown Hollywood is a star-studded destination, even for those that aren’t star-struck. A great place to visit, with some spots you don’t want to miss. The list of things to do in Hollywood will keep you busy. Nearby attractions competing for your attention are Madame Tussauds Hollywood and the ‘original’ Hollywood Wax Museum opened in 1965. It must see by both tourists and locals.
5. Must-See Griffith Park Observatory
Griffith Park Observatory is one of Los Angeles’s most visited destinations. Three levels of state-of-the-art hands-on exhibits and displays are inside the beautifully restored building. The observatory grounds have many points of interest, including an Egyptian sundial and a memorial to James Dean. Griffith Park’s attractions include the Los Angeles Zoo and the Los Angeles Live Steamers. Admission to the Griffith Park Observatory is free.
6. Cruise Coast Highway to Malibu Beach
Pacific Coast Highway has been the subject of many songs and is a large part of the California experience. The highway runs the whole length of California, and as it passes through Malibu, you are yards from some of the most scenic beaches in the world. There is plenty to see and do in Malibu, including 7,000 acre Malibu Creek State Park, the historic Adamson House adjacent to Malibu Beach Lagoon, and Fast and the Furious fame, Neptune’s Net Diner.
7. Visit Orange County’s Laguna Beach
Most visitors come to Laguna Beach to enjoy its seven miles of beautiful coastline. When first arriving in Laguna Beach, travelers are greeted by the 1930s lifeguard tower that watches over the sand activities at Main Beach. This Orange County beach town has a little of everything for those that want a relaxing getaway and some fun in the California sun.
8. The Alps of Southern California Lake Arrowhead
There are plenty of things to do in Lake Arrowhead. The changing seasons allow residents and visitors to enjoy various outdoor activities, including water skiing, fishing, boating, and hiking.
9. Go Window Shopping along Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills is located in the heart of Los Angeles and adjacent to other fun areas, such as Santa Monica and Hollywood. Any time is a good time to visit, as the weather is usually sunny and fair year-round. One of the better ways to explore the town is on the Beverly Hills trolley tour. You can board the trolley near Rodeo Drive, and for five dollars, you can ride around town for 40 minutes.
10. Death Valley National Park
This area of California was called Death Valley by prospectors who crossed the valley on their way to the goldfields, although only one death in the room was recorded during the Rush. Today thousands of tourists from all over the world visit Death Valley National Park each year. Plan to spend 2 -3 days exploring these spectacular desert park attractions.
How many of these places have you visited and what is your favorite destination?