Southern California is a heavenly place to live or visit. If you’re lucky enough to spend time in this magnificent part of the country you should make sure to soak up as much of the beautiful landscape as possible. If you see nothing else in this part of the world, here are 12 places in Southern California you must see before you die. Perhaps you’ve already had the pleasure to visit many of these locations. How many have you scratched off your bucket list?

1. Catalina Island
flickr/lpotatol
Have you ever seen such a glorious view? There's no question that Catalina Island is one of the most magnificent spots in all of SoCal. Grab a ferry and head to this scenic getaway that is simply heaven on earth. To learn more about this beautiful island, head to our previous coverage.
2. Pelican Cove - Rancho Palos Verdes
flickr/insaphowetrust
It's no wonder people come here to paint this stunning setting. Located in Rancho Palos Verdes, Pelican Cove is a picturesque spot with towering cliffs and rolling waves crashing below. For more information, visit our previous article.
3. Treasure Island Park -- Laguna Beach
Bennilover/Flickr
Treasure Island in Laguna Beach is known for its spectacular setting that boasts picture-perfect ocean views at every angle. Take a stroll along the winding path and find a cozy nook where you can stop and appreciate the scenic overlook. To learn more about this picturesque park, visit our previous post.
4. Joshua Tree
flickr/rennett stowe
You may have heard of Joshua Tree before, but have you ever had the chance to visit? It may look impressive in pictures, but until you see it in person it's impossible to appreciate its arresting beauty. This is the ultimate destination for a road trip in Southern California. To learn more, visit our previous article.
5. Palisades Park -- Santa Monica
flickr/paul hamilton
Spending a day or even just an afternoon in Palisades Park in Santa Monica will give you a slice of the SoCal lifestyle. Towering palm trees and the sound of ocean waves in the background make this a dreamy spot for a walk in the park. To learn more, visit this webpage.
6. Death Valley National Park
Justin Mier/Flickr
Over 3-million acres of deserts and mountains is what you'll find at Death Valley National Park. The jaw-dropping landscape is hard to fathom until you are standing in the middle of it and taking it in with your own eyes. Read our previous article to learn more.

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7. Lavender Fields
flickr/art4theglryofgod
There are certain times of year in Southern California when you will find lush lavender fields in full bloom across the region. Take a day trip to any one of these fields to experience the intoxicating scent of lavender in the air and it will be a moment to remember. Pictured here: Keys Creek in Valley Center.
8. Hotel Del Coronado
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One of the most recognizable hotels in the world is located in Coronado right here in Southern California. Even if you're not staying in Coronado, taking a tour of the Hotel Del is a splendid way to spend part of your day. After you experience the grandeur of this historic hotel, spend some time on the grounds to take a stroll in the outdoor courtyard where the ocean provides a magical backdrop. Learn more about Hotel Del Coronado in this post.
9. Mt. San Jacinto State Park
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A day trip in Southern California isn't complete without an outing to Mt. San Jacinto State Park. What makes the setting even more spectacular? Experiencing it by tram on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world's largest rotating tramway in the world. Now that's what I call an adventure of a lifetime!
10. Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Tracie Hall/Flickr
The scenery at Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden is sublime. You never know what wonders to expect as you explore the grounds, such as this colorful peacock taking an afternoon break on a garden bench. Learn more about this gorgeous botanical garden in our previous coverage.
11. Kelso Dunes -- Mojave Desert
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At first glance, you may think this is a snow-capped mountain, but what you're actually seeing is the smooth sand of the Kelso Dunes in the Mojave Desert. Have you ever hiked a mountain of sand? Head to Kelso Dunes and scratch that one off your bucket list. For more information, read this article.
12. Point Vicente Lighthouse
flickr/tony hoffarth
Our last destination on our list of places in Southern California you must see is the Point Vicente Lighthouse in Rancho Palos Verdes. Whether you're a visitor or a local, you should make sure to see this magnificent structure on one of your outings. Take a walk along the grounds and take in the view to be reminded why SoCal is one of the most stunning spots in the country. Read more in this article.

Oh my — SoCal is pure bliss! There are so many more spots to add to your bucket list, but these 12 places in Southern California you must see will get you off to a good start. If you have been lucky enough to visit all of these locations, which one is your favorite?

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More to Explore

Places In Southern California You Must See

Melissa M | May 02, 2021

What are some of the best attractions in Southern California?

As the entertainment capital of the world, SoCal has its fill of attractions that can delight visitors of all ages. The most famous of these are Disneyland, WB Studios, Universal Studios, and the San Diego Zoo, among others. But there are some lesser-known places that are worthy of a visit. Harper’s Topiary Garden in San Diego is a strange roadside attraction that sits outside of the private residence of its creators. Here you can see an intricately designed garden filled with impressive topiaries set to spark your imagination. Ostrichland USA in Solvang is another fun attraction where you can feed ostriches or emus which roam freely around the property.

What day trips can I take in Southern California?

When you live in a region as large as SoCal, the choices of day trip locations are seemingly endless. Within the San Jacinto Mountains is the charming mountain town of Idyllwild surrounded by pine trees with plenty of opportunities to go hiking. It’s a great place to visit year-round as it experiences all four seasons. If you enjoy European architecture and wine, head to Solvang and you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a Danish town that happens to have several vineyards to go wine tasting.

What are the best parks in Southern California?

One of the most beautiful parks in SoCal happens to be Aliso Beach Park in Laguna Beach. This park is rarely overrun with people but is a worthy place to spend some time. Griffith Park in Los Angeles is perhaps the best-known, and for good reason. With an ample number of hiking trails, the Hollywood Sign, a zoo, and Griffith Observatory, there are plenty of things to do and see at this picturesque park.

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Featured Addresses
Santa Catalina Island, California 90704, USA
31300 Palos Verdes Dr S, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, USA
Treasure Island Park, South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA, USA
Joshua Tree, CA 92252, USA
Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
Death Valley, CA, USA
Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
Mount San Jacinto, California, USA
Arboretum A, Arcadia, CA 91007, USA
Kelso Dunes, California, USA
31550 Palos Verdes Dr W, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, USA