It’s that time of year when we’re all getting a little antsy for a vacation. If you aren’t able to pack your bags and leave for an out-of-town adventure, then take a look at all of these splendid day trips hiding right here in Southern California that will make you feel like you’re on a mini getaway. We’ve put together an incredible list of unique day trips in Southern California that will take you from the perfect blue skies of San Diego to the heated streets of San Bernardino. These are some day trips from Riverside and lots more. Get ready to knock a few things off of your Southern California bucket list, friends. There’s nothing like this list of fun and excitement in the heart of California’s most beautiful region! Did your favorite Southern California experience make the list? Let us know!

1. Balboa Park
Balboa Park, San Diego, CA, USA
flickr/michael seljos
One of the best day trips in Southern California is in a place you could explore for an entire weekend and never run out of things to do. At Balboa Park you'll find museums, hiking trails, theatres, a zoo, and even botanical gardens. The list of adventures at this urban park goes on and on, so make sure you take some time to embrace this beautiful destination in the heart of San Diego.
2. California Citrus State Historic Park
9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92503, USA
Flickr/Jasperdo
If you love the idea of being surrounded by the smell of citrus, then make sure you take a day trip to California Citrus State Historic Park. Your senses will be dazzled by the smell of citrus trees in every direction. Plus, you'll even get to sample some of this delicious fruit at peak season.
3. Whitewater Preserve
9160 Whitewater Canyon Rd, Whitewater, CA 92282, USA
yelp/jill h.
Who knew this desert oasis existed in Southern California!? You'll be mesmerized by the beauty of Whitewater Preserve, a 2,800-acre nature preserve loaded with hiking trails, streams, ponds, and even mountains. It's the kind of place you want to head to when you're in need of an escape.

Take a relaxing stroll around the Preserve in this beautiful 4K video:
4. Calico Ghost Town
Calico, 36600 Ghost Town Rd, Yermo, CA 92398, USA
yelp/john w.
When you take a tour of Calico Ghost Town you'll step back in time to the 1800s. This old mining town is well preserved and has been completely restored in order to capture the look and feel of its original condition.
5. Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
flickr/Pussreboots
Take in the splendor of Cabrillo National Monument, located in San Diego for a perfect day of exploring in the SoCal sun. You'll find hiking trails, an old lighthouse, and some fascinating history that will make you appreciate the setting even more.

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6. Vasquez Rocks Natural Area
10700 Escondido Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91390, USA
yelp/irina L.
Located in Los Angeles County in the town of Agua Dulce, you'll be mesmerized by the stunning rock formations within Vasquez Rocks Natural Area that have been around for over 25 million years.

This beautiful video highlights some of the most beautiful aspects of the area:
7. Crestline
Crestline, CA, USA
flickr/don graham
If you're seeking a relaxing trip to a mountain town that also offers a lakeside vibe then Crestline is the place to be. Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, this is the perfect getaway for the whole family to enjoy.

Explore Crestline in this stunning 4K video:
8. Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve
39400 Clinton Keith Rd, Murrieta, CA 92562, USA
yelp/joseph y.
This spectacular preserve in SoCal known as the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve offers over 9,000 acres of gorgeous land to explore. Whether you love hiking and walking trails, scenic picnic areas or vernal pools, this is an epic spot that offers a little something for everyone.
9. Oak Glen Village
Oak Glen, CA 92399, USA
flickr/don graham
Sometimes you just need to head to a peaceful, charming and quaint side of SoCal and get away from the city. Oak Glen Village is the perfect escape for a day trip in SoCal's beautiful farm country in a cozy little village where you'll find local shops, boutiques and diners.
10. The Pacific Surfliner
San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
flickr/loco steve
How about a day trip via train? Amtrak offers a scenic route from San Luis Obispo to San Diego on the relaxing Pacific Surfliner. Take the entire route, or just select your favorite cities and explore each location on foot. It's a splendid way to see SoCal with a new set of eyes.

Do you have any favorite spots on this list of unique day trips in Southern California? Or do you adore them all and have a hard time picking a favorite? If you love taking SoCal adventures as much as I do, then you might want to check out this road trip in Southern California that covers some of our most charming small towns.

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Day Trips from Riverside California

Meghan Kraft | September 26, 2020

What are the best waterfall hikes in Southern California?

If you’re game for a good hike, then there’s a whole heap of Southern California waterfalls that you need to visit. From epic hikes into the mountains to low-key beachfront falls, there’s nothing like the region’s beautiful natural wonders.

  • Escondido Falls is a 150-foot waterfall that’s dusted in moss and accessible way of a 3.8-mile roundtrip hike.
  • Head to Hermit Falls for a shorter hike at 2.6 miles, and though the waterfall is smaller you’ll find that the area is less crowded.
  • La Jolla Canyon Falls is deep in the heart of Malibu, accessible by car and a short hike into the Santa Monica Mountains.

 

What are the most beautiful lakes in Southern California?

When most folks think of beautiful lakes in California they’re quickly reminded of Lake Shasta and Lake Tahoe in the northern reaches of the state. Still, there are numerous lakes and reservoirs in the southern region as well.

  • Head to Big Bear Lake, the most popular vacation spot among southern folks, or perhaps:
  • Lake Havasu is shared by Arizona and California in tandem.
  • Silverwood Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains is also a great day trip for families who are looking for respite from the city.

 

What are the best beaches in Southern California?

Southern California is truly known for its beaches, the miles of coastline that stretches from one end of the region to the next. Some of the best beaches in Southern California include:

  • The famed El Matador Beach in Malibu, most commonly used for movie and photoshoots, and the Santa Monica Beach with its ever-famous pier.
  • Zuma Beach can be found right next to Point Dume, a great surfing spot, and
  • Coronado Beach in the San Diego area is perfect for families and young folks alike.

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