Here are 11 unique Southern California day trips that are worth a bucket list (2023)

Published inSouthern California day trips20.09.2020vonAngela

It's that time of year when we all get a little nervous about going on vacation. If you are unable to pack your bags and head out on an out-of-town adventure, then take a look at all of these great day trips tucked away here in Southern California that will make you feel like you're on a Mini Escape. We've put together an incredible list of unique Southern California day trips that will take you from the perfect blue skies of San Diego to the hot streets of San Bernardino. Get ready to tick a few things off your Southern California bucket list, friends. Nothing beats this list of fun and excitement in the heart of California's most beautiful region!

Did your favorite Southern California experience make the list?

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One of Southern California's best day trips is somewhere you can spend a whole weekend exploring and never run out of work. In Balboa Park you will find museums, hiking trails, theaters, a zoo and even botanical gardens. The list of adventures at this city park is endless, so take some time to explore this beautiful destination in the heart of San Diego.More info

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If you love the idea of ​​being surrounded by the scent of citrus, then you should definitely take a day trip to California Citrus State Historic Park. Your senses are dazzled in all directions by the scent of the citrus trees. Plus, in high season, you can even taste some of these delicious fruits.More info

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Who knew this Southern California desert oasis existed!? You will be mesmerized by the beauty of this 2,800-acre nature reserve, complete with hiking trails, streams, ponds and even mountains. It's the kind of place you want to go to when you need an escape.More info

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Taking a tour of the ghost town of Calico will transport you back in time to the 1800's. This old mining town is well preserved and has been fully restored to capture the look and feel of its original state.More info

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Enjoy the splendor of San Diego's Cabrillo National Monument for a perfect day of exploring in the SoCal sun. You will find hiking trails, an old lighthouse and a fascinating history that will make you appreciate the area even more.More info

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Located in Los Angeles County in the city of Agua Dulce, you will be mesmerized by the stunning rock formations in this park that have been around for over 25 million years.More info

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If you're looking for a relaxing getaway to a mountain town that also offers a lakeside vibe, then Crestline is the place for you. Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, this is the perfect retreat for the whole family.More info

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Keys-Creek-Farm

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Spending time at a fragrant lavender farm is one of the most refreshing ways to spend a day in SoCal. One of our favorites is Keys Creek Lavender Farm in San Diego County. Take some time to stroll the grounds and you'll feel completely rejuvenated.More info

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This spectacular reserve in SoCal offers over 9,000 acres of beautiful land to explore. Whether you love hiking and walking trails, scenic picnic spots, or springtime pools, this is an epic place with something for everyone.More info

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Sometimes you just need to go to a peaceful, charming, and quaint side of SoCal and escape the city. Oak Glen Village is the perfect getaway for a day trip to beautiful SoCal farmland in a cozy little village where you will find local shops, boutiques and restaurants.More info

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How about a day trip by train? Amtrak offers a scenic route from San Luis Obispo to San Diego on the relaxing Pacific Surfliner. Take the entire route or just pick your favorite cities and explore each location on foot. It's a great way to see SoCal with new eyes.More info

Do you have favorite spots on this list of unique Southern California day trips? Or do you love them all and have trouble picking a favorite?

If you love SoCal adventures like me, then you might want to check this outSide tripencompassing some of Southern California's most charming small towns.

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Address:San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Address:9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92503, USA

Address:Whitewater Preserve, 9160 Whitewater Canyon Rd, Whitewater, CA 92282, USA

Address:Calico-Geisterstadt, 36600 Ghost Town Rd, Yermo, CA 92398, USA

Address:Cabrillo-Nationaldenkmal, San Diego, CA 92106, USA

Address:Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center, 10700 Escondido Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA 91390, USA

Address:Crestline, California, USA

Address:12460 Keys Creek Road, Valley Center, CA 92082, USA

Address:Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve, 39400 Clinton Keith Rd, Murrieta, CA 92562, USA

Address:Oak Glen, CA 92399, USA

Address:Pacific Surfliner (Amtrak), Depot Santa Fe, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Outdoor-Abenteuer in SoCal

26.09.2020

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What are the best waterfall hikes in Southern California?

If you fancy a good hike, then there's a whole heap of Southern California waterfalls that you must visit. From epic hikes in the mountains to unassuming waterfalls on the beach, nothing beats the region's beautiful natural wonders. Escondido Falls is a 150 foot waterfall dusted with moss and is an accessible trail of a 3.8 mile loop hike. Take a shorter 2.6-mile hike to Hermit Falls, and although the waterfall is smaller, you'll find that the area is less crowded. Located deep in the heart of Malibu, La Jolla Canyon Falls is accessible by car and a short hike into the Santa Monica Mountains.

What are the most beautiful lakes in Southern California?

When most people think of beautiful lakes in California, they are quickly reminded of Lake Shasta and Lake Tahoe in the state's northern reaches. Nevertheless, there are also numerous lakes and reservoirs in the southern region. Drive to Big Bear Lake, the most popular vacation spot in the heart of the Southern States, or maybe Lake Havasu, shared by Arizona and California. Silverwood Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains is also a great day trip for families looking for a break from the city.

What are the best beaches in Southern California?

Southern California is truly known for its beaches, the miles of shoreline that stretches from one end of the region to the next. Some of the best beaches in Southern California are Malibu's famous El Matador Beach, which is most commonly used for film and photo shoots, and Santa Monica Beach with its famous pier. Zuma Beach is right next to Point Dume, a great surf spot, and Coronado Beach in the San Diego area is perfect for families and young people alike.

OnlyInYourState may receive compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address:San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Address:9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92503, USA

Address:Whitewater Preserve, 9160 Whitewater Canyon Rd, Whitewater, CA 92282, USA

Address:Calico-Geisterstadt, 36600 Ghost Town Rd, Yermo, CA 92398, USA

Address:Cabrillo-Nationaldenkmal, San Diego, CA 92106, USA

Address:Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center, 10700 Escondido Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA 91390, USA

Address:Crestline, California, USA

Address:12460 Keys Creek Road, Valley Center, CA 92082, USA

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Address:Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve, 39400 Clinton Keith Rd, Murrieta, CA 92562, USA

Address:Oak Glen, CA 92399, USA

Address:Pacific Surfliner (Amtrak), Depot Santa Fe, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

FAQs

What is the number 1 tourist attraction in California? ›

1: Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the top attractions in California. This gorgeous wilderness rests along the Sierra Nevada mountains. Its granite cliffs and waterfalls are the kind of beauty that only exists along America's West Coast: immense, majestic, and breathtaking.

What is the number one bucket list destination? ›

Bali, Indonesia. A tropical paradise tops our list of the best bucket list vacation spots. Indonesia's most romantic destination, Bali is a wonderland bursting with natural gems so beautiful, they'll leave you breathless, and people so friendly, you'll want to invite them home.

What is the prettiest part of the California coast? ›

It is best known for the stretch along the Californian coast, with spectacular ocean views and awesome attractions as you travel.
...
The 7 most scenic spots on the pacific coast highway:
  • The Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Greyhound Rock Beach.
  • Monterey.
  • Carmel by the Sea.
  • Big Sur and Pfeiffer State Beach.
  • Dana Point.
  • Point Loma.
Aug 9, 2017

What are the top 10 most visited places? ›

10 Most Visited Tourist Attractions in the World
  1. The Colosseum in Rome, Italy. ...
  2. The Louvre Museum in Paris, France. ...
  3. The Vatican Museums in Rome, Italy. ...
  4. The Statue of Liberty in New York City. ...
  5. The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. ...
  6. Basilica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain. ...
  7. French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana.

What is 10 bucket list? ›

The Bucket List 10 -⏩ What are the Top 10 Bucket List Items?
  • See the Northern Lights. ...
  • Skydive. ...
  • Swim with Dolphins. ...
  • Find My Soulmate. ...
  • Go Scuba Diving. ...
  • Buy A House. ...
  • Complete a Marathon. ...
  • Visit the Grand Canyon.
Jul 15, 2020

What are good bucket list ideas? ›

Fun Bucket List Ideas
  • Learn to play chess.
  • Run a marathon.
  • Finish a classic novel.
  • Set a Guinness world record.
  • Join a bike rave.
  • Ride a roller coaster.
  • Go sky diving.
  • Go bungee jumping.

What city is the #1 US tourist destination? ›

More than 50 million visitors travel to New York City every year making it the number one tourist destination in the USA. New York City is known for its diverse culture and world-renowned attractions.

What city in California has the most tourist attractions? ›

No surprise here: Los Angeles is the ultimate star-studded destination for global travelers. There is almost too much to do in the vast Southern California city.

What is the 1 tourist attraction in America? ›

1. National Mall | Washington DC. Immaculately maintained by the National Park Service, the National Mall and Memorial Parks feature more than 1,000 acres of must-see monuments, sites and green space.

What part of California do people visit the most? ›

The gateway cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles are home to some of the state's most well-known sites, from the Golden Gate Bridge to Hollywood and Disneyland. This is also where many of the top cultural attractions can be found.

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