Ultimate Southern California Bucket List Fun Things to Do

---

Southern California is a stunning destination to live in or visit. Our ultimate bucket list showcases the most popular tourist attractions, hidden gems, and points of interest in the region. We have organized the list by region since Southern California is a large area. From Santa Barbara to San Diego, here are the top picks to visit in Southern California.

---

Los Angeles – Orange County – San Diego – Palm Springs – Santa Barbara – Road Trips

Visit the Getty Museum For Free

The Getty Museum, rated as the top free attraction in Los Angeles, is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. It offers breathtaking views of Los Angeles and houses a remarkable art collection worldwide. The museum is open every day at 10 a.m., except Mondays when it is closed.

Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Stars

Hollywood Boulevard may be a popular tourist destination, and often, costumed performers are vying for attention on every corner. It can also be a bit of a hassle to find parking. However, despite all these things, Hollywood Boulevard is still worth visiting and deserves a place on your bucket list. Along this famous street, you can find the Walk of Stars, Madame Tussauds, the Hollywood Museum, Movie Star Tours, and numerous other attractions that are sure to entertain and delight.

Petersen Automotive Museum’s Unique Vehicles

The Petersen Automotive Museum is not your typical old-fashioned museum with rows of old cars. This trendy attraction is at the forefront of innovation and technology. It revolves around narrating how the automobile industry has influenced Southern California. The museum houses unique vehicles, iconic posters, and pictures and features a sprawling underground lair known as the “vault.” https://www.petersen.org/

Catalina Island Day Trip Bucket List Must-do

Catalina Island is a must-visit destination in Southern California. It is easily reached by boat or helicopter. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted with charming beaches, seaside restaurants, and exciting outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking to relax or seek adventure, Catalina Island has something to offer everyone. If you have a Southern California bucket list, add Catalina Island to it. However, remember that one day is not enough to explore everything this beautiful island offers. https://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/

Vasquez Rocks Science Fiction to Westerns

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area boasts a rich history of popular filming locations for hundreds of movies. These iconic rock formations have been featured in various genres, ranging from science fiction to westerns. The notorious bandit Tiburcio Vasquez used the same rock formations to evade law enforcement between 1873 and 1874, eventually naming the area after him.

Angeles Crest Highway Road Trip

The perfect Southern California road trip is the Angeles Crest Highway from La Canada to Mountain High in Wrightwood.  Angeles Crest Highway is a favorite destination for road bikes and sports cars. But to enjoy this magnificent highway, you must take your time, pull over, and enjoy the vistas.  The upper reaches of Angeles Crest Highway are one of the few places in Los Angeles where you can experience all four seasons.

Los Angeles Farmers Market Shopping & Dining

The Original Los Angeles Farmers Market is a vibrant place with a friendly atmosphere and warm people. With over 100 stores and booths, you can find a wide range of food and items worldwide at this famous location. Visiting the Original Farmers Market on Third and Fairfax is a must-do activity for anyone’s Southern California bucket list. https://farmersmarketla.com/

Historic Olvera Street, Los Angeles

El Pueblo de Los Angeles is the original downtown of Los Angeles, and it’s a must-visit spot for anyone who wants to experience the rich history and culture of the city. Olvera Street, located in the heart of the district, is packed with various restaurants and casual cafes that cater to every taste. One of the most popular spots on Olvera Street is historic La Golondrina, which has served up delicious chile rellenos and mole poblano since the Roaring 20s.  If you plan to visit Olvera Street, remember it’s open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily.

Mulholland Highway Road Trip

Mulholland Highway is a famous roadway popular among the wealthy and famous who enjoy driving their exotic sports cars and motorcycles. For everyone else, it is a picturesque route through the Santa Monica Mountains. Often, the journey is just as important as the destination, and the stops along the way can be just as memorable.

Experience Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive

If you want to enjoy shopping on the Drive, you might want to consider leaving your credit card at home. The experience itself is worth the visit. You’ll find some of the world’s most coveted brands, such as Valentino, Fendi, Gucci, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, and Armani, that will surely make you ecstatic and perhaps a little envious.

Ronald Reagan Library More Than a Museum

The Reagan Library is not just a museum; it’s an experience that caters to people of all ages. From the impressive Boeing 707 aircraft to a piece of the Berlin Wall, there is something special here for everyone. It’s worth noting that the library was constructed entirely through private donations. Annually, more than 300,000 visitors get to learn about the legacy of our 40th president. https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/

Grand Central Market Los Angeles Foodie Paradise

A visit to Grand Central Market is a must-do for anyone exploring Southern California. This bustling marketplace offers diverse dining options and is a popular spot for people from all walks of life. You’ll find the historic Angels Flight just across the street from the market, and the nearby Metro Red Line station makes it easy to explore the rest of downtown Los Angeles.

Point Dume Nature Preserve Malibu Beach

If you want to experience nature, Point Dume in Malibu Beach is the perfect place to visit. This spot is one of the few remaining oceanfront properties not developed along the Malibu Coast. Below the Point Dume is a secluded beach known as Pirates Cove. Interestingly, the final scenes of the original Planet of the Apes movie were shot at this location.

One-of-a-Kind Venice Beach California

Venice Beach is a popular tourist spot with various attractions such as souvenir shops, street vendors, performers, and tattoo parlors. Despite its reputation as a tourist trap, it’s still worth visiting at least once. The Venice Boardwalk is open seven days a week and comes to life around noon. On weekends and holidays, it gets very crowded, so whether that’s a good or bad thing depends on what kind of trip you want.

Visit the Iconic Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles

The iconic Griffith Park Observatory is a must-visit destination. Constructed in 1935, it has been a popular tourist attraction ever since. Visitors can explore attractions at the observatory grounds, such as an Egyptian sundial and a commemorative monument to James Dean. Additionally, the observatory’s location offers stunning views of Los Angeles, making it an ideal spot for sightseeing. https://griffithobservatory.org/

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios is the amusement park with the most value for your money in Southern California. Begin with the renowned backlot movie tour, then move on to thrilling theme park rides. After that, enjoy some beautiful shows and entertainment. Finally, cap off your day with a leisurely walk through Universal Studios CityWalk. It’s safe to say that Universal Studios offers more entertainment for your money than Disneyland.

Malibu Creek State Park

This park in the Santa Monica Mountains has been used as a filming location for hit TV shows and movies, including M*A*S*H, Planet of the Apes, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Pleasantville.

Paradise Cove Malibu

Paradise Cove is a serene beach along the Malibu Coast in Southern California. Visitors can unwind and bask in the sun while enjoying the possibility of spotting a few Hollywood celebrities. The Paradise Beach Cafe offers delicious seafood dishes and a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean.

Orange County

Bolsa Chica Wetlands

If you are looking for a quiet nature retreat, the Bolsa Chica Wetlands is for you. What was once a field of oil wells has lovingly been restored to an Ecological Reserve. Bolsa Chica Wetlands is home to abundant coastal wildlife and is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset—top of the Southern California bucket list for nature lovers.

San Clemente Beach Trail

You cannot miss a stroll along San Clemente’s beach trail, stretching from North Beach to the Pier. It’s the perfect spot for runners, families, hikers, and dog lovers. Towne Orange is an ideal destination for a weekend outing.  Antique stores and cozy sidewalk restaurants line the streets of this delightful Orange County location.

Sawdust Art Festival

Sawdust is a must-visit destination for locals and tourists as it is home to the Summer and Winter Laguna Beach Art Festivals. The grounds of Sawdust provide a beautiful setting for talented local artisans to create, showcase, and sell their original artwork every year. They can be found in Laguna Canyon, nestled under a stunning canopy of oak trees. https://sawdustartfestival.org/

Balboa Island & Peninsula

Balboa Island is located between the Balboa Peninsula and Newport Bay. Whether you are searching for sun, sand, water, or rides, a day trip to the Balboa Peninsula has you covered. The Balboa Peninsula is also home to the Catalina Flyer, which offers transportation to Catalina Island.

South Coast Plaza

South Coast Plaza is a well-known and popular shopping mall featured in several TV shows like The OC, Clueless, and Beverly Hills 90210. The mall is so famous that it shares the same destination tag on shopping bags with other popular cities like Paris, Tokyo, and New York City, for luxury brands such as Gucci and Prada.

Huntington Beach

If you’re staying in Anaheim or the Disneyland Resort, Huntington Beach is your nearest beach. The highlight of this beach is the Huntington Beach Pier, which extends for more than 1,800 feet into the Pacific Ocean. The pier is an excellent spot to take in the breathtaking coastline of Orange County.

Laguna Beach California

Laguna Beach is the heart and soul of Orange County. Laguna Beach has 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. With countless activities, it’s no wonder that Laguna Beach is a favorite destination for Southern Californians.

Knotts Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm is the perfect choice if you are looking for an affordable theme park in Southern California. We have excluded Disneyland from our bucket list because it is too expensive. You can enjoy equally thrilling experiences for only half the price at Knott’s Berry Farm, so why not prioritize it on your list of things to do in Southern California?

Mission San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano’s Mission is one of the most visited attractions in Orange County. California’s first vineyard and winery were located on the grounds of Mission San Juan Capistrano. San Juan Capistrano has shops, art galleries, and a selection of restaurants near the Mission.

Goat Hill Junction

A group of train enthusiasts runs Goathill Junction. Every third weekend of the month, the group offers free train rides. You don’t have to be a kid to ride; show up, stand in line, and off you go. Train rides last about ten minutes and take you around Fairview Park. Over and under bridges, these little trains clicky-clack to the delight of kids of all ages.

Quail Hill Loop Trail

Quail Hill Loop is a relaxing hike in the middle of suburbia. The trail is slightly over 2 miles long and perfect for a family hike. There is ample free parking at the trailhead, and if you bring your cell phone, there is an audio tour.

Trestles Beach

Trestles Beach is secluded, just the way surfers like it. No beachfront parking, no hotels, just some of the perfect waves you will find anywhere in California. The 3½-mile-long beach comprises five surf breaks: Cotton, Uppers, Middles, Lowers, and Church.

LAB Anti-Mall Costa Mesa

At the Animal, there are no big box stores. Instead, visitors wander indoors and out, exploring art installations, vintage clothing shops, and artisan bakers. Whether your style is classic, cutting edge, or simply comfortable, you’ll find something you can’t live without at the Animal.

Crystal Cove State Beach

Historic Beach Cottages, secluded Beachcomber Restaurant, and miles of wind sandy beach make Crystal Cove a must-do for any Orange County bucket list. It is located halfway between Laguna Beach and Corona Del Mar along the Pacific Coast Highway.

1000 Steps Beach Saltwater Pools

Laguna’s secret saltwater pools are not so hidden. Every travel site, big and small, blogs, YouTubers, social media, Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter have posted about them. However, if you are an adventurer, you want to add 1000-step “secret saltwater pools” to your bucket list.

Sherman Gardens Corona Del Mar

Originally a nursery, the gardens were established in 1955. Over the decades, many plant species were brought to the property. This hidden Gem covers over two acres of land packed with flora and fauna from around the globe.

San Diego

Coronado Village San Diego

The town of Coronado is located across the bay from downtown San Diego. You can reach the village of Coronado by passenger ferry or via the San Diego Bay Bridge. Visitors enjoy numerous boutiques, seaside restaurants, and the historic Hotel Del Coronado.

Bernardo Winery

Bernardo Winery is a beautiful and historical place. Plan on spending several hours here exploring the grounds and shops. Bernardo Winery is worth putting on your bucket list of things to do in Southern California. Bernardo Winery is 25 miles north of downtown San Diego.

San Diego Botanic Garden

San Diego Botanic Garden has a fantastic collection of plants from all over the world. Your kids will not get bored. Children have their gardens to explore and play in. Escape to any location worldwide when you visit the San Diego Botanic Garden.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Take an African Safari without leaving the Golden State at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Explore 1800 acres of exotic animals set in a vast garden-like setting. This park has something for everyone, and the best part is that the tickets are affordable compared to most other Southern California attractions.

Mission Trails Park

One of the more exciting things to see in the park is the Mission Dam. Built across the head of Mission Gorge, the 244-foot-long dam supplied water to Mission San Diego de Alcala. Mission Trails Regional Park is just a few miles from downtown San Diego.

Torrey Pines State Park

Torrey Pines State Reserve offers 2,000 acres of untouched land, including long stretches of beachfront and a fantastic lagoon home to migrating birds. Visitors come from all over Southern California to witness the rarely seen California coast.

Mission San Luis Rey

Oceanside’s Mission San Luis Rey is a beautiful gem amidst the historic mission’s growing development.  The church is recognized as the most unique and one of the most beautiful in the mission chain. Mission San Luis Rey is the largest of the California missions.

Potato Chip Rock

Potato Chip Rock is one of those places you have seen pictures of and have to do that. The best time to do this hike is early morning or late afternoon. Be warned, on weekends, there can be a line to take a picture. This is a fun group hike, and even though it is a top-rated destination, it is still worth checking out.

Bates Nut Farm

Bates Farm store offers nuts, fruits, candies, packaged delicacies, and locally grown produce. There is also a petting zoo and the Farmer’s Daughter gift shop. Seasonal events make Bates Nut Farm a year-round attraction for families.

La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is a beautiful place to enjoy your favorite water sports – surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, or kiteboarding. The cove is home to La Jolla Underwater Park. This scenic cove is a great place to go tide pooling and swimming. One of the most popular activities in La Jolla is a kayak trip to the seven sea caves of La Jolla.

Julian Sightseeing

Julian was once a booming hub during California’s gold rush. These days, Julian is famous for their apple crop. The apples collected by the farms are then used to make everything from cider to pies, and the centerpiece of Julian’s downtown district- the famed Julian Apple Pie Company–is a must-visit for all.|

Oasis Camel Dairy Farm

Oasis Camel Dairy Farm is one of Southern California’s most unique attractions. Located in Ramona, It bills itself as “an oasis from the ordinary”’, and that’s the truth. Camel milk handmade soaps, lotions, and lip balm can be purchased. Their soaps are one of their best-selling products. Made with all-natural ingredients, they come in some unique scents.

Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum

Hidden Gem is suitable for all ages. In Vista, the antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum has grown during its nearly 40-year existence into one of the state’s foremost educational and recreational facilities, focused on early American farm life.

Cabrillo National Monument

Located on a southward-jutting finger of Point Loma, the small park is an oasis of nature and military history established in 1913. It commemorates the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay in 1542. On a clear day, this is one of the most spectacular views in San Diego.

Palm Springs California

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is one of the most unusual buildings in Southern California. It took Cabot over 24 years to build this multi-level building. Inside the museum, a collection of Native American pottery, early 20th-century photographs, and artifacts from Cabot’s Alaskan adventures is on display.

Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum

Hidden away in Southern California’s high desert, Purifoy filled 10 acres of desert land with over a hundred works of art. Admission to  Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum is free. There is a donation box where visitors can donate a few dollars to help with the site’s preservation.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

No first-time visitor to Palm Springs can pass up a ride on the Palm Springs Tram. The tram climbs 8,563 feet in about 15 minutes, rotating 360 degrees several times on its way up to Mount San Jacinto. It is a short ten-minute drive from downtown Palm Springs.

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

Get back to nature at the Big Morongo Preserve. Less than an hour’s drive from Palm Springs, the park spreads over 31,000 acres of the Little San Bernardino Mountain Range. Big Morongo Preserve is internationally recognized as one of the top bird-watching sites in North America.

Pioneertown

Built in the 1940s, this western ghost town is well off the beaten path but worth visiting. The best time to visit Pioneertown is on weekends. Pappy and Harriet’s Palace is the best and only place to eat in town. It is a biker-friendly bar that serves up tasty burgers and sandwiches.

Whitewater Preserve

Nowhere else in the world will you find crystal clear lakes teeming with trout in the middle of the desert. Whitewater Preserve is an easy drive from Palm Springs and well worth the trip. Wildlife enthusiasts will get their fill as they enjoy catching a glimpse of the Big Horn sheep, bobcats, coyotes, bears, and deer that live on the Preserve’s lands.

Living Desert Zoo

The Living Desert Zoo is located 15 miles southeast of Palm Springs. This family-friendly attraction is nestled at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Visitors experience the majesty of wild animals and exquisite desert gardens in a stunning natural setting.

Moorten Botanical Garden

Moorten Botanical Garden was a favorite retreat for California Gold’s host, Huell Howser. A little-known secret of visitors to Palm Springs is that the gardens allow guests to stroll and view this vast and wondrous collection peacefully. It’s a beautiful place to wander and enjoy a fantastic collection of desert plants.

Shields Date Garden

Sample dates, indulge in a date shack, and learn about the ” Romance and Sex Life of the Date.” Shields Date Garden has been at the exact location on Highway 111 since 1924.  This iconic roadside attraction is a worthy candidate for any bucket list.

Indian Canyons Palm Springs

Palm Canyon is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful places in North America. It’s filled with indigenous flora and fauna that starkly contrast the rocky gorges and desert surrounding it.

Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs

Palm Canyon Drive in the heart of Palm Springs. Many things to do in Palm Springs can be found in and around the downtown center and along the famed Palm Canyon Drive, sometimes called the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert.”

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a geologist’s dream, as hills of bare rock and loose boulders create a rock climbers’ paradise. One day is not enough time to see all of Joshua Tree National Park’s attractions. Camping opportunities are everywhere in Joshua Tree, with nine campgrounds.

Tahquitz Canyon Palm Springs

Tahquitz Canyon is on land owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. This desert wilderness has incredible rock formations, pools, flowers, and wildlife, with the centerpiece being a spectacular 60-foot seasonal waterfall. If you like to hike, add this spot to your bucket list.

Desert Hot Springs

Desert Hot Springs is a short drive from Palm Springs. Abundant streams of hot minerals fill the pools of many of the area’s hotels and resorts.  This small desert town is a Mecca for people who like to soak in the refreshing waters of the natural hot springs that dot the area.

Salvation Mountain

The late Leonard Knight built Salvation Mountain as a monument to God. Visitors to this off-the-beaten-path attraction can view a concrete mountain covered in slogans. Nearby Slab City is home to “winter “snowbirds” that live rent-free in their trailers and campers. A group of volunteers maintains Salvation Mountain.

Glass Outhouse Art Gallery

The glass outhouse near the Joshua Tree National Park entrance offers a view like no other restroom. At the same time, it may seem too intimate. The glass, in one way, you can see out but not in. Glass Outhouse Art Gallery offers unique artworks and creative get-togethers for artists. 29 Palms, California.

Santa Barbara

Solvang California

Solvang is a tourist attraction you do not want to miss. A 30-minute drive from Santa Barbara takes you to a Danish Village in Wine Country. Solvang has Danish Bakeries, quaint little shops, and wine-tasting rooms. It is a tourist stop, yes, it is, and it is worth visiting.

Neverland Los Olivos

Take a trip to the former Ranch of Michael Jackson. While it is impossible to enter the ranch, there is plenty to see. Fans from all over the world leave gifts and write notes at the main gate of Neverland. Neverland is top of the bucket list for any Michael Jackson fan.

Santa Barbara Zoo

The Santa Barbara Zoo is a fantastic mid-size zoo. Exhibits are world-class, thanks to the contributions of many Santa Barbara residents. Some areas of the zoo have views of the coast. There is a great little train ride for kids of all ages.

Jalama Beach Camping

Secluded Santa Barbara County Park has the most beach campsites. Every site has an ocean view. If you don’t have an RV, Jalama Beach has beach cottages you can rent out by the day or week. While visiting Jalama, be sure to try a world-famous Jalama Burger.

Goleta California

Known for its 1,500-foot-long fishing pier, Goleta provides an outdoor playground popular for bicyclists, fishers, and families for a stroll and viewing the Pacific coast. Goleta’s climate is always moderate; visitors can enjoy its features year-round.

Mission Santa Barbara

Mission Santa Barbara is a reminder of the path of the Padres in California history and is one of the best-preserved in the California mission chain. So a visit to this fantastic place should not be overlooked. Self-guided tours may be taken daily from 9 a.m. to 5 pm, and docent-led tours may be arranged by appointment.

Lake Cachuma

Lake Cachuma is a short drive from Santa Barbara. Consider visiting the lake when you come through on your next wine excursion, or bring the family for a camping weekend.

Los Alamos California

Los Alamos was founded in 1876 as a stagecoach stop between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. Today, it is a popular stop for browsing antique stores. If art, wine tasting, or fine dining are more your thing, Los Alamos has something for you. It is about sixty miles north of Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens

Paths paved, unpaved trails, and occasional seating areas invite guests to explore or sit back and connect with nature. Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens is an excellent place for walking and hiking. Docent-led tours are always available, but just wondering about and exploring at your own pace can be fun.

La Purisima Mission Lompoc

If you only visit one California Mission, make La Purisima Mission the one. This fascinating place is an excellent day trip for all ages. La Purisima Mission was the eleventh mission of the twenty-one Spanish Missions established in what became California. Mission La Purisima Concepcion de Maria Santisima was founded on December 8, 1787.

Los Olivos California

Los Olivos is an excellent place to start your trip to the Santa Barbara Wine Country. Los Olivos’s charming historic town has art galleries, boutiques, wine stores, and landmark stagecoach stop housing. Santa Barbara and the adjoining Santa Ynez Valley offer the ideal destination for Southern California wine enthusiasts.

Road Trips

Alabama Hills Owens Valley

Alabama Hills is located just outside of Lone Pine, California. Travel time from Los Angeles is about six hours, so plan on spending one night in the area.  Since the early 1920s, hundreds of TV shows and movies have featured the area’s distinctive arches. One of the most photographed arches in the Alabama Hills is the Mobius Arch.

Lake Isabella Kern River

The Kern River Valley is 180 miles from Los Angeles.  Of course, the main attraction is Lake Isabella— one of the largest reservoirs in Southern California.  Upper and Lower Kern Rivers offer fishing, camping, and white water rafting.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley offers a fantastic assortment of natural attractions. From dunes to ghost towns, it is a must-do for any Southern California bucket list. Some out-of-state tourists like to visit in the summer just for bragging rights about experiencing the 100-degree-plus heat. Whenever you visit, you will never run out of things to do.

Ortega Highway

Highway 74 runs from San Juan Capistrano to Lake Elsinore. The road has many tight turns and changes in elevation, making it very popular amongst sports bikes and car enthusiasts. For folks willing to take their time, there are many interesting points.

Oak Glen Road Trip

For an apple lover, the orchards are a must-visit. They produce many unique varieties, such as the Vasquez and King David, grown only in Oak Glen, and “antique varieties” no longer commercially available, including Ben Davis, Gravenstein, and Pink Pearl.

Titus Canyon Off-Road Trip

Take the back road into Death Valley National Park. Titus Canyon Road is a 27-mile trip near the Nevada town of Beatty. It climbs 5,000 feet before winding down to lower Titus Canyon and into Death Valley.

Mojave Road Off-Road Trip

This trip should be on the top of any off-road enthusiast’s bucket list. The total driving distance is about 140 miles. Even though it is possible to make this trip in one day, most travelers take 2 to 3 days to complete the journey.

Big Sur Road Trip

Big Sur is 150 miles south of San Francisco and about 300 miles north of Los Angeles. It covers a 90-mile stretch of wilderness from the north at Carmel, by Monterey, to the south at Hearst Castle. This drive along the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most scenic in the world.

Heritage Valley Route 126

State Route 126 connects Interstate 5 in Santa Clarita to U.S. Route 101 in Ventura. Highway 126 passes through Piru, Fillmore, Santa Paula, and the Spanish Rancho Camulos national landmark.  All are bursting with citrus and avocado orchards, roadside produce stands, and historical landmarks.

National Old Trails Highway Route 66

Named for the coast-to-coast highway that predated Route 66, today, the National Trails Highway has only a few ghostly shadows. The distance from Victorville to Needles is around 175 miles, the best traveled during the day.

Cambria by the Sea

The Pacific Ocean lends its beauty and cool temperatures to the residents and visitors of Cambria. The rock formations created from years of crashing waves are unique. Plan to spend at least one night in Cambria exploring the area thoroughly.

Hearst Castle at San Simeon

Hearst Castle is about a five-hour drive from Los Angeles. This vast estate is about five miles inland and sits atop a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Hearst Castle is surrounded by a 40,000-acre ranch, some of which is still owned by the Hearst family.

Pismo Beach California

The city’s centerpiece is the Pismo Beach Pier, stretching 1,370 feet over the Pacific Ocean; the pier serves as an icon and tourist draw. Pismo Dunes is a trendy place with off-roaders, as it is the only beach in the state where vehicles can be driven on the beach.

Randsburg California

Randsburg once housed nearly 3,000 miners and their families. When gold was first discovered in 1895, prospectors flooded the area and quickly formed Rand Camp, aptly named after the Witwatersrand mining area in South Africa.

If we missed your favorite Southern California destination, let us know in the comment below.

31 San Francisco Day Trip Ideas