Southern California is a destination that people revisit time and time again. Its beautiful weather and myriad of beachside locations make it a top place to soak up the sunshine and enjoy a relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There’s plenty to do and explore, so taking a road trip around here will open up a world of experiences.
Take a look at some of the best places to make your trip truly unforgettable.
Hire a bike and ride along The Strand
The Strand is one of the area’s most popular routes that takes you along the shoreline from Torrance Beach to Will Rogers State Beach or vice versa. Along the way, stop off at famous spots, including Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier, plus a number of quaint beach towns that have their own charm. You don’t have to rush the cycle either as there’s plenty of places to stop off at and have a bite to eat.
Hike the Santa Monica Mountains
For some of the finest views over the Californian coastline, a visit to Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Park is a must. It’s a short drive from the city and has a variety of paths and trails that take you to the top of the park. You can spend a few hours here or make it an all-day adventure. Just be sure to take some sturdy walking boots to keep your feet comfortable. If you need transport and accommodation, why not consider RV rental in San Diego to make your journey super comfortable, and also affordable.
Visit San Diego Zoo
This incredible zoo is set within Balboa Park and offers a fantastic experience for both adults and kids alike. You might want to spend an afternoon here exploring everything in full, and the walk is very hilly, so be prepared. The zoo has some unique attractions, too, including the must-ride Skyfari. Plus, there are plenty of food outlets if you need to take a pit stop. Don’t forget to check out the deals and offers before you go as you can often save money on the entry price.
Visit Griffith Observatory
Set in the hills of LA, you’ll find the famous Griffith Observatory. This attraction has a range of exhibitions and free telescopes to use to see the stars. It’s also the perfect place to see the iconic Hollywood sign and one of the best spots in the city to admire the bright lights of Los Angeles at night.
Watch the performers at Venice Beach
Venice Beach is renowned for its bodybuilding competitions, and yes, Arnold Schwarzenegger was once a regular here. Aside from the sights at Muscle Beach, there’s also a range of street performers that entertain the crowds. You’ll see a variety of crazy stuff here, and it can make for a memorable visit to the area.
Other top things to do include:
- Hike Runyon Canyon
- Drive the Pacific Coast Highway
- Visit Shoreline Village
- Explore Crystal Cove State Park
- Ride the Long Beach Bike Path
- Watch the sea lions at La Jolla Cove
