It’s hard not to love the sight and sound of a waterfall. There’s something both thrilling and relaxing about a beautiful waterfall. So, what’s even better than seeing only one waterfall? How about an entire weekend devoted to seeing lots of waterfalls?! There are so many great waterfalls in Southern California that are worth a visit.

Because we know how much you love all of the natural beauty offered here, we’ve put together the ultimate waterfall road trip in Southern California that will take you to some of our favorite falls in the region. Some are big, some are small, and some are perfect for an afternoon swim. You may not be able to hit all of these in a single day, or even in a single weekend, but pick a few that are close to home and use our customizable map to navigate your way there.

All of the falls on this list require at least a short hike, so make sure to plan accordingly. Bring comfy shoes, lots of water, and a healthy dose of sunscreen. Ready to hit the road?

Are you ready for some fun? Grab your keys, get a playlist ready, and prepare for a delightful waterfall road trip in Southern California that will take you to eight waterfalls. What a perfect way to spend an outdoorsy weekend in one of the most beautiful regions of the country.
Google Maps
1. Paradise Falls, Thousand Oaks
Paradise Falls, 928 West Avenida De Los Arboles, Wildwood Regional Park, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, USA
yelp/nancy t.
Your first stop is at the incredible Wildwood Park, a hidden gem of a natural oasis in Thousand Oaks. Here, you'll find a beautiful waterfall that's an absolute delight. There are miles and miles of trails to explore in Wildwood Park, but the hike to reach Paradise Falls is a short jaunt from the trailhead. You only have to travel about 1.5 miles to reach this stunning cascade.
2. Escondido Falls, Malibu
Escondido Falls Terrace, Escondido Falls Terr, Fremont, CA 94539, USA
Escondido Falls, Escondido Canyon Trail, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
yelp/karly w.
The trip to Escondido Falls requires an easy two-mile hike. The parking area is right along the Pacific Coast Highway. If you're up for a more adventurous journey, there are several falls farther along the trail that are appropriate for experienced hikers. If you're looking for something a little easier, experiencing the lower falls at Escondido Falls is quite breathtaking and doesn't even require too much effort to reach.

Check out some footage from the trail to Escondido Falls:

3. Solstice Canyon, Malibu
Solstice Canyon Road, Solstice Canyon Rd, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
yelp/karreno a.
Are you seeking an easy-to-reach waterfall that doesn't require a strenuous hike? Solstice Canyon may be the perfect spot for you! It's a great addition to this waterfall road trip in Southern California thanks to its incredibly tranquil atmosphere. It's located in Malibu within Solstice Canyon along the Solstice Trail. There are plenty of more difficult hikes throughout the canyon that will take you to other waterfalls and plenty of other sights, this gem is nice and easy-to-reach if all you're up for is a simple stroll.

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4. Eaton Canyon Falls, Pasadena
Eaton Canyon Falls Trail, Altadena, CA, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Your next stop is Eaton Canyon Falls, which requires a bit more of a hike than some of the other stops on this list. It's worth the effort, but you will have to take a three-mile round trip hike. The good news it's its fairly flat, so depending on your pace, the entire trip will take about 2.5 to 3 hours. This is quite a popular destination, so you'll want to hit the trail early to avoid the crowds. It's one of the best kid-friendly hikes in Southern California.
5. Sturtevant Falls, Arcadia
Sturtevant Falls, California, USA
yelp/willem v.
This next one is an amazing paradise that's ideal for escaping a hot day. Sturtevant Falls is tucked away inside of Santa Anita Canyon and it's an absolutely magnificent spot that embodies all the best attributes of Southern California. This picturesque destination is nestled inside a woodsy forest filled with gorgeous trails. The three-mile hike has a refreshing reward at the end of the trail: a beautiful and ice cold waterfall that's the perfect escape from the heat.

You can also catch the nearby Hermit Falls, which is much less popular and less likely to draw a crowd. Check out both of these magnificent Southern California waterfalls in the following video:
6. Heart Rock Falls, Crestline
Heart Rock Trail, Crestline, CA 92325, USA
flickr/logan brumm
This next stop is great because it's a two-in-one destination. This scenic spot located in Crestline will take you to both a heart-shaped rock and a waterfall all in the same trip. The short hike is fairly easy and will take around an hour, depending on your pface. As with many of the falls on this list, morning is the ideal time to be on the trail for the best, least-crowded experience. Whether you're with that special someone, your family, or by yourself, this is one of the best short trails in SoCal.
7. Tahquitz Falls, Palm Springs
Tahquitz Falls, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA
yelp/joe bielawa
Your next hike will take you to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Southern California, but it's worth noting that it is located within a desert. You may want to add this to a bucket list to complete on a cooler day rather than brave this one in the summer heat. If you do decide to attempt the trail on a hot day, make sure to pack plenty of water and go as early in the day as possible. The hike to reach Tahquitz Falls is fairly short, at only about a mile. It's a charming waterfall that will definitely cool you off!
8. Cedar Creek Falls, Ramona
Cedar Creek Falls, California 92065, USA
yelp/joel a.
Up for a little more of a trek? The six-mile hike to reach the SoCal waterfall swimming hole at Cedar Creek Falls is definitely worth the effort. This beauty in San Diego County is tucked away inside the remote town of Ramona. The stunning falls will enchant you, but make sure to bring along plenty of water. This hike has very little shade, so you'll want to stay nice and hydrated.

This is such a gorgeous 80-foot waterfall:

There are so many great stops on this waterfall road trip in Southern California! Did we forget any of your favorites? We are always up for hearing about more waterfalls in SoCal, so make sure to leave a comment with your suggestions for waterfalls to check out on our next road trip.

This next one is an amazing paradise that’s ideal for escaping a hot day. <a href=”https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/southern-california/waterfall-paradise-hike-so-cal/” target=”_blank”>Sturtevant Falls </a> is tucked away inside of Santa Anita Canyon and it’s an absolutely magnificent spot that embodies all the best attributes of Southern California. This picturesque destination is nestled inside a woodsy forest filled with gorgeous trails. The three-mile hike has a refreshing reward at the end of the trail: a beautiful and ice cold waterfall that’s the perfect escape from the heat.<br><br>You can also catch the nearby Hermit Falls, which is much less popular and less likely to draw a crowd. Check out both of these magnificent Southern California waterfalls in the following video:
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More to Explore

Waterfalls In Southern California

Melissa M | April 15, 2021

What is the tallest waterfall in Southern California?

Big Falls in San Bernardino County is considered to be the tallest waterfall in Southern California at a total height of 500 feet, although the impressive top part of the falls is only about 150 feet before continuing down to the river below. If you want to do a shorter version of the waterfall road trip above, here is our Southern California’s Tallest Falls Road Trip that will take you to four of the tallest waterfalls in SoCal.

What are the best hikes to take in Southern California?

Along with Southern California’s unparalleled beauty comes extraordinary hiking trails that lead to the most scenic spots. Hummingbird Trail in Simi Valley is a 5-mile trek that leads through incredible rock formations and rocky terrain. Torrey Pines State Reserve in La Jolla is so picturesque that you won’t even notice you’re breaking a sweat hiking; you’ll be too busy being wowed by the beauty all around you! And did you know that redwood trees exist in Southern California too? Head to Carbon Canyon Regional Park Redwood Grove in Orange County and take a magical 2.5-mile hike through a forest of these massive enchanting trees.

Are there any other road trips I can take in Southern California?

We’ve all heard of the seven wonders of the world, but how about the seven wonders of SoCal? Using our handy Scenic Road Trip guide, you can take a few days to visit marvelous places like the otherworldly Zabriskie Point in Death Valley, the lava tube at Mojave National Preserve, the Sunny Jim Sea Cave in La Jolla, and more!

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