Senior Friendly Day Trips, Tours in Southern California

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Senior-Friendly Southern California Day Trips. Below are some great day trips for seniors. These trips offer a slightly slower pace and plenty of places to sit and relax while taking in the scenery. Popular options for seniors include bus tours or a train journey aboard Amtrak. I selected all these destinations for seniors to escape their daily routine and enjoy an adventure. I hope every reader enjoys them, no matter their age.

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Take a Stroll Old Towne Orange

In Orange County, California, Old Town District is the perfect destination for a weekend day trip when all you want to do is wander. Old Town Orange will not disappoint, with bric-a-brac antique stores tucked neatly between cozy sidewalk restaurants and bubbling fountains. Most of the district’s points of interest are near the central plaza, which has plenty of free street parking.

Smell the Roses Sherman Gardens

Everything from exotic orchids to a California pepper tree is on display. Desert cactus, herbs, and, of course, a fantastic and super-fragrant Rose Garden are lovingly nurtured by the gardeners on staff. The on-site Café Jardin Restaurant offers handmade crepes, freshly baked pastries, and other goodies to make stopping at the gardens worthwhile. Sherman Gardens is easily walkable, and there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy nature.

Take a Trip on the Surfliner

A trip on the Pacific Surfliner can be as simple as a few miles to San Diego or Santa Barbara. Almost every train station along the route has an exciting attraction within walking distance. Popular stops include Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente Pier, Old Town San Diego, and State Street Santa Barbara. Onboard snack bars and bathrooms make the train convenient for older and younger passengers.

Visit Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission Capistrano is a good choice for a senior-friendly day trip. Tour buses and almost hourly train service make getting to the mission easy. Explore the mission’s beautiful gardens and historic buildings. In the spring, swallows migrate thousands of miles from their winter homes to San Juan Capistrano. There are plenty of nearby dining and shopping opportunities. If you still have some energy to burn off after the mission, I highly recommend visiting the nearby Los Rios Historic District.

Historic Olvera Street, Downtown Los Angeles

Olvera Street is adjacent to Union Station in downtown Los Angeles.  Olvera Street is a landmark that retains its authentic charm and captures the essence of what LA used to look like years ago. This area of Los Angeles features 27 historic buildings with a traditional Mexican-style plaza, including the Avila Adobe, constructed in 1818, and the former home to Francisco Avila, one of the city’s first mayors. Olvera Street is a popular stop for many tour buses. This trip would be best taken during the week as Olvera Street can get very crowded on weekends and holidays.

Take a Sunday Drive Heritage Valley

State Route 126 connects Santa Clarita to Ventura. The highway follows the banks of the Santa Clara River through Heritage Valley and makes a beautiful place for a Sunday Drive. Plenty of areas of interest include Bennets Honey Farm and the historic town of Santa Paula. So make sure you allow plenty of time to take them all in. Unfortunaltly, the Filmore Railway has been closed for several years and no longer offers train excursions.

President Richard Nixon Library

Take a tour of the original farmhouse where President Nixon was born, just a few steps away from his final resting place. Inside the Library, the main gallery is where you can explore the history and the exhibits. The library features nearly 70 significant exhibitions, including a replica of President Nixon’s Oval Office and an extensive display of Nixon’s historic trip to China. A fantastic garden with a large reflection pool at the Library is ideal for sitting, relaxing, and enjoying the view.

Step Back in Time Graber Olive House

Graber Olive House specializes in tree-ripened olives, a somewhat time-consuming process but a superb way to bring out the best in these green and black beauties. The olives come from the family ranch located in the San Joaquin Valley. Several hundred tons of olives are trucked to the historic Ontario Olive House each year to be canned or processed into olive oil at gift shops and tours. Hours are limited, so check with their website before you go. Also in the area is Logan’s Candy Shop, which has been hand-making candy since 1933 and is well worth a look.

Lunch at Original Farmers Market

Since 1934, a historic landmark has been on the corner of Third and Fairfax. It’s called the Farmers’ Market, and it’s a fascinating place to spend the day. The market stores offer a remarkable selection of fresh fruits, candy, baked goods, homemade ice cream, wines, meats, and poultry. Parking is scarce here, so arriving early and planning a weekday visit is best. Take advantage of your retirement and visit during the week while most people work.

Take a Ride Auto Driving Museum

The Automobile Driving Museum has a remarkable, rotating collection of nearly 150 classic, antique, and historic cars, all with retro color schemes, snazzy hood ornaments, and unique taillights. Still, perhaps its claim to fame is that on Sundays, guests are given a rare opportunity to drive in a piece of history as they are whisked around in one of several pristine classic vintage cars from the museum’s collection. Even if you do not visit on a car ride day, this fun museum is an excellent place to see and learn about vintage vehicles.

Discover Sea Life Birch Aquarium

The Birch Aquarium is located on a hilltop site that provides a panoramic view of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus just off the Pacific Ocean. Birch Aquarium is a mid-size facility with most of the displays indoors. One of the highlights of a trip to the aquarium is a 70,000-gallon kelp tank forest. If children are along on this trip, there is a very popular Tide Pool Plaza where they can touch and learn about the tide-pool animals. There is a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the Aquarium entrance, but once you get there, all the exhibits are on one level.

Casa Romantic San Clemente California

Casa Romantica is perched on a cliff overlooking the San Clemente Pier in South Orange County. This historic home was built in 1927 by the City of San Clemente, Ole Hanson. The 5-acre Casa Romantica estate was one of the first buildings in the new Spanish Village By The Sea. Due to a landslide, most of the garden area is closed, but visitors can still explore the interior rooms of the mansion. There is also a revolving art show and, on select weekends, various events.

Enjoy the Seaside at Seal Beach

Home to the second-longest wooden pier in the United States, Seal Beach blends a rustic old surf town and a modern upscale cultural community. Of course, the main attraction that lures visitors to this quaint seaside town is the beach with its soft sand and sunshine. A trip to Seal Beach would not be complete without a visit to the Red Car Museum aboard Car No. 1734, a restored Pacific Electric Railway car on the corner of Main and Electric downtown.

Bring Home Some Treats Bates Nut Farm

Bates Nut Farm is tucked away in an oak-filled valley near Valley Center, California, and makes a great family day trip. The 100-acre Farm was established in 1921 when Gilbert and Beatrice Bates purchased the property. Today, the Bates Nut Farm offers a wide selection of nuts, dried fruit, candies, plus much more.

Visit The Santa Ana Zoo

If you’re looking for a zoo that’s not too big and requires less walking, the Santa Ana Zoo is perfect. The zoo has many exhibits, some of which could fit into a larger zoo. There’s also a lovely old-fashioned carousel, a fun mini-train that’s easily accessible, a delightful butterfly walk-through area, and a snack shop near the entrance. You can take your grandkids to a fun family outing at the Santa Ana Zoo.

Here are some tips for planning a day trip for seniors:

• Choose An Accessible Destination: Make sure the destination is easily accessible and has amenities that cater to seniors, such as wheelchair ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
• Don’t Make The Trip Too Long: Always remember our senior citizens’ comfort when planning the trip. This includes selecting a comfortable mode of transportation, scheduling regular rest stops, and opting for moderate activities.
• Choose Activities that Interest Seniors: It’s important to choose activities and destinations that match seniors’ interests, such as museums, historical sites, parks, or shopping. This enhances their enjoyment and engagement during the trip.
• Check for discounts: Many attractions and Restaurants offer senior discounts. Be sure to check for these discounts when planning the trip.
• Packing Essentials: Pack crucial items like water, snacks, medication, and a first-aid kit to ensure the seniors’ safety and comfort during the trip.
• Flexibility is Key: Be ready to adjust the plan as needed. Seniors may require more rest time or be unable to participate in certain activities. Staying flexible allows you to accommodate their needs, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable trip.
• Plan The Trip With the Seniors: Keep the seniors informed about the plan and gather their input. This ensures everyone enjoys the trip and feels included in the process.

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Orange County Day Trip Ideas

Los Angeles Area Day Trip Ideas

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