Best Day Trips in Southern California

Southern California is just bursting with things to see and do beyond the usual theme park attractions.  The options are endless – from a day at the beach to exploring the mountains or desert.  Here are our top picks for a day out:

Catalina Island.  Located about 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Santa Catalina Island is a wonder to explore.  Take the Catalina Express from Long Beach, Dana Point or San Pedro and enjoy the 1-hour ride to this island paradise. There you can explore the town of Avalon. Take a glass-bottomed boat tour of the harbor where you can see dolphins, seals, sea lions and, of course, the fish. Or get your feet wet by exploring in a kayak or paddleboat.  You can take a walking tour of the Catalina Casino – an art-deco building built during the Great Depression that housed a theater, ballroom and more.  And don’t miss the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden – built by William Wrigley Jr. , the head of the Wrigley chewing gum empire - with 38-acres of California island endemic plants.

Ojai.  If you’re looking for a laid-back trip to the countryside, then Ojai is a great escape.  Don’t miss the Ojai Olive Oil Company, a family-owned business that produces 3 different types of olive oil from 2,000 trees.  Visit the tasting room where you can sample the oils and balsamic vinegars they have for sale.  The town is brimming with shops to explore, wineries and more.  If you are up for a hike or bike ride, The Los Padres National Forest is right around the corner.

Temecula. For the wine-tasting afficionados, Temecula is Southern California’s answer to Sonoma or Napa Valley.  There are more than 30 wineries in the area, which you can explore on your own or take a guided tour from one of the local wine touring companies.  Don’t miss the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride over the wineries either – it’s a spectacular view you won’t want to miss. 

Solvang. Solvang is a step back in time to Old World Denmark.  Here, you’ll find windmills, quaint shops and even a replica of Copenhagen’s Round Tower.  Taste some Danish specialties, explore the Christmas shops and breweries.  On the outskirts of town you’ll find Quicksilver Ranch with adorable mini horses and OstrichLand to see, pet and feed the ostriches and emus.

Mission San Juan Capistrano.  California is dotted with missions founded by the Franciscan order of Catholic priests.  The mission at San Juan Capistrano, founded by Father Junipero Serra, is probably one of the prettiest of all the missions.  Known for celebrating the swallows migration in February, it’s a wonderful glimpse of life during that time.  Take a stroll through town and explore the Los Rios Historic District of historic homes and museums.

Palm Springs.  Palm Springs is known for it’s hot springs, luxury resorts, famous residents and great golf courses.  Take a ride on the Aerial Tramway up to the San Jacinto Mountains.  Explore the nearby Cabazon outlets.  Or just relax by the pool, get a massage and enjoy your day.

Julian.  The heart of the San Diego gold rush in 1870, Julian is a charming historic town and popular mountain getaway.  Shop downtown in historic buildings, explore the hiking trails, or enjoy the self-guided History Walk.  And don’t forget to sample their famous apple pie!

Venice of America Canals.  What started out as a whimsical experiment, tobacco millionaire Abbot Kenney set out to create his own version of Venice in America – a seaside luxury resort that mirrored its counterpart in Venice, Italy.  The network of canals lined with flowerbeds, crossed by charming bridges, and dotted with colorful gondolas fell into disrepair, but after 40 years of neglect, the canals have been renovated and it is now a fun (and funky) place to visit.
 
Looking for other day trip ideas in Southern California? Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call at (805) 236-4437.  We’re happy to help you plan a great day!