26 Exciting Things to Do in Southern California in 2026 (You’ll Want to Save This List)

I confess that putting together a bucket list for Southern California is no easy feat. With so much to see and do, I felt a little guilty when my list started looking like just a Wikipedia entry for the state's prettiest beaches – hey, I like sun and surf, what can I say?.

But SoCal is so much more than just cowabunga culture – it's absolutely packed with fun activities, adrenaline adventures, mesmerizing views, and endless opportunities to immerse in a nationally recognized art and dining scene. I've been working my way through my much larger list for some time now, and these entries are just a few of the things I still haven't seen or done. From classic tourist-favorite waymarkers and iconic natural wonders to little-known trails, here are 25 things you still have time to do in Southern California in 2026.

1. Travel Back to the Renaissance at Deptford’s Iconic Pleasure Faire

Just a short drive from Pasadena, this long-standing spring Ren Faire has been entertaining the local peasantry and royal masses since 1963. The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire is the perfect place to escape from the realities of the 21st Century and immerse yourself in the 1600s through jousting tournaments, jesting and juggling acts, artisan markets, and interactive activities like the Gnome Hunt. You should note that the Faire is known as the world’s oldest continually operated Renaissance fair. Therefore, it has cemented its status as a historical Southern California institution.

While I know the event is held each spring, I'm making my reservations now to ensure I don't miss any of the excitement in 2026. Please remember that as a potential guest, you are encouraged to arrive fully dressed in your period costume. This will allow you to participate in the lively, immersive atmosphere fully.

2. Take a Scenic Ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

If you're not into heights, trams, and gondolas, they likely aren't your idea of a good time. But if you're like me, riding the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers a thrilling ascent from the desert floor to the breathtaking alpine wilderness of San Jacinto Peak. That is an engineering marvel, boasting the world's largest rotating tramcars. Therefore, every passenger can enjoy a spectacular, unobstructed view during the ten-minute journey. The Valley Station, the Mountain Station, and the rotating tramcars themselves are all fully wheelchair accessible and A.D.A. compliant.

It's an absolutely massive tram line, climbing over 8,000 feet to the summit, where the temperature drops and the landscape transforms from the sunbaked desert floor to lush mountain forests. The panoramic views of Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley, and the surrounding mountains are gorgeous, especially as the tram's rotating cabin offers a 360-degree perspective. What a rush!

Permit Reminders: It is highly recommended that you purchase tickets online in advance to secure your spot, especially during busy weekends, holidays, and the cooler winter season, as time slots can sell out.

3. Explore the Getty Museum in Los Angeles for Art and Incredible Views

The Getty Museum offers an experience unlike any other, where breathtaking views of Los Angeles pair perfectly with a world-renowned art collection. If you love architecture as much as I do, the museum's striking blend of modernism and minimalism, expansive use of white travertine, and floor-to-ceiling windows are absolutely stunning, offering spectacular views of the surrounding gardens and the Los Angeles skyline. The exhibits themselves range from masterpieces of European art to ancient antiquities, but I can't decide whether I'm more excited about the setting or the Rembrandt and Gentileschi pieces!

4. A Romantic Hot Air Balloon Experience Over Temecula Valley

A hot air balloon ride over Temecula Valley offers an unforgettable perspective of the region’s rolling vineyards and lush hills, bathed in the golden light of early morning. From this vantage point, sprawling wine country unfolds below, with miles of scenic vineyards, quaint farms, and distant mountain peaks stretching out in every direction. These views are a photographer’s dream, showing off the valley in a way few other experiences can. For better trip planning to the Temecula region, remember that flights are highly weather-dependent and typically depart right at sunrise.

5. Attend the California Poppy Festival and Celebrate Spring in Bloom

Yes, we know this is another event that has passed in 2025, but I'm already planning my visit for 2026. The California Poppy Festival, held annually in Lancaster, attracts thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the vibrant display of California's state flower. With over 200 vendors, live music, carnival rides, and a variety of food options, this spring festival is a must-do, especially for fellow photographers! If you are planning to attend the California poppy festival, plan carefully so you get the most dramatic photos of the vibrant orange fields.

6. Take a Scenic Hike to the Famous Hollywood Sign

Touristy? Perhaps. But the views and selfie opportunities from this SoCal icon are worth the hike! Paired with an experienced guide, the trek becomes more than just a check on a California bucket list. While you are in Southern California, understand that this iconic Hollywood Sign hike typically begins in Griffith Park. Therefore, you can easily combine your adventure with a visit to the iconic Griffith Observatory afterward for spectacular city views and planetarium shows.

7. Sleep Under the Stars at Joshua Tree National Park

One could argue that Joshua Tree is one of California's most underrated national parks, often overshadowed by SoCal's beachier and less remote destinations. But stargazing at Joshua Tree National Park would be a dream come true in my book—like stepping into another world, where the night sky unfolds in a dazzling display of stars, far from city lights.

This national park offers some of the clearest views of the Milky Way in the country, and an overnight stay here ensures plenty of time to admire the heavens from every angle. Just make sure you don't forget your park pass. For the best astronomical viewing, plan your trip to Joshua Tree National Park to stargaze during the new moon phase between September and May, as the summer months are associated with extreme daytime heat and monsoon conditions.

8. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway for Epic Ocean Views

I can't go into 2026 without having experienced at least one epic road trip and driving the Pacific Coast Highway. Or as much as I can is a journey that feels like a love letter to the ocean, with the road winding along the rugged coastline and offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean at every turn. The dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and towering rock formations provide a constantly changing landscape, and stops along the way, like Big Sur’s Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls. A bucket-list sight on its own, it offers opportunities to experience some of California’s marvelous natural beauty up close. Before you set out, always check the Caltrans website for the latest road conditions, as this section of Highway 1, particularly through Big Sur, is prone to sudden closures due to rockslides and storm damage.

9. Explore Iconic Contemporary Art at The Broad in Los Angeles

The Broad in Los Angeles is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates cutting-edge contemporary art in a dynamic, visually stunning setting. The museum’s striking architecture, with its vaulted “veil” design, hints at the modern, artistic wonderland inside. The Broad collection boasts works by Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and Yayoi Kusama, among others. Plus, the museum's free admission and proximity to the Walt Disney Concert Hall make for a fantastic immersion in Los Angeles's art scene. While in The Broad in the LA area, also find time to visit the adjacent restaurant Otium, which offers you the chance to experience sophisticated, modern American cuisine in a beautiful setting right on the plaza.

10. See the Stunning Desert Wildflowers in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

I'll admit it: I'm a HUGE fan of wildflowers. Fortunately, California has no shortage of dreamy flower blooms to witness! Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest in the state and is a fantastic spot to catch the Colorado Desert's annual display, set against a magnificent desert backdrop.

While I'm here, a visit to the Arroyo Tapiado Carrizo Badlands Mud Caves is definitely on my list, too. Since the town of Borrego Springs is a designated International Dark Sky Community, staying at a local resort like the Palm Canyon Hotel or the La Casa Del Zorro will provide access to pools and dining while still offering world-class stargazing right from your patio.

11. Stay at the Beachfront Montage Laguna Beach for Luxury and Ocean Views

The 30 acres of seaside luxury don't even begin to describe this bucket list five-star hotel. Laguna Beach already has some phenomenal beaches and hotels. Montage Laguna Beach offers unmatched oceanfront views from nearly every room, where you can enjoy sunsets over the Pacific and the sound of waves crashing below. The hotel’s spa is nationally ranked, too, and after a long year, a beachfront massage or seaweed facial sounds divine! To go with the breathtaking coastal vistas, both of the hotel's Michelin-starred on-site dining experiences serve up locally sourced flavors that perfectly marry luxury and authentic SoCal culture.

12. End Your Day with a Sunset at El Matador Beach

California sunsets are famous for their stunning hues and breathtaking vistas, but El Matador Beach in Malibu takes it to another level. With its rugged cliffs, towering sea stacks, and hidden sea caves, this secluded gem feels more at home on the misty Pacific Northwest coast than in SoCal. It's the perfect place to take a sunset walk along the sand, the sky painted with fiery oranges and purples, and the gentle surf kissing your feet as you explore one of the most stunning, unspoiled corners of the Malibu coast. To have an excellent chance of experiencing the most dramatic color and clearest skies, plan your visit to catch the sunset at El Matador Beach during the fall and winter months.

13. A Journey Through History: Visit the Southern California Railway Museum

California has quite a few epic scenic railroads and seasonal train rides to its name, all of which are well worth checking out. But the Southern California Railway Museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the West's most extensive collection of railway locomotives, passenger and freight cars, streetcars, and interurban electric cars dating back to the 1870s. These are some of the best-preserved historic trains in the country, many of which you can actually ride on your visit. For the best experience, plan your visit to the Southern California Railway Museum for a weekend. That is because the historic trains are generally operational only on Saturdays and Sundays for rides.

14. Relax in Style at a Stunning Oceanside Beachfront Villa

When every single vacation rental in Southern California looks like a slice of beach heaven, it can be nearly impossible to pick one for a weekend stay. But the way this waterfront villa seamlessly flows right into the beach is absolute #getawaygoals.

The Kick Back in SoCal Luxury at a Beachfront Villa in Oceanside features:

• Jacuzzis
• BBQs
• Fitness centers
• Comfortable patios for sunset viewing
• Fitness centers
• Private fire pits, and
• Heated pools

15. Summit Inspiration Point on Anacapa Island for Stunning Views

Summiting Inspiration Point on Anacapa Island is an unrivaled experience that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the surrounding Channel Islands. The islands themselves are already phenomenally well protected from human influence, and this incredible hike offers a chance to see diverse seabirds in their natural habitat. You can also enjoy the cool, salty mist from a vantage point that relatively few Californians get the opportunity to experience.

16. Stay in Style at Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara

The perfect mix of luxury, history, and modern elegance just steps from the Santa Barbara waterfront, Hotel Californian offers stunning views of both the ocean and the Santa Ynez mountains. Its design blends stunning Spanish Revival architecture with contemporary touches, but the real draw might be the rooftop pool with panoramic views, award-winning dining, and the relaxing spa. Please note that the Hotel California in Santa Barbara offers accessible routes throughout its public spaces, and many of its guest rooms feature designs that accommodate individuals with mobility and hearing challenges.

17. Adventure Awaits in Pinnacles National Park

I meant what I said earlier about being obsessed with rock formations! Despite being one of the least-visited national parks in the state, Pinnacles National Park's unique geology, rugged landscapes, and rich biodiversity make it pretty high on my list. The park's dramatic spires and twin peaks create a surreal backdrop for hiking and exploration, with trails that wind through rocky cliffs, caves, and gorges. It’s also one of the best places to photograph California condors up close and is perfect for experiencing a quieter, less-visited part of California’s natural wonders.

If you plan to hike the popular Bear Gulch Cave or Balconies Cave trails, you must bring a reliable light source. That is because the caves are often pitch black and may require scrambling over slippery surfaces.

18. Savor a Memorable Meal Above the Bay at Mister A’s

This year, my restaurant list is all about exceptional dining experiences with epic views. Consistently voted the most romantic restaurant in San Diego, Mister A’s offers a dazzling panoramic overlook of San Diego's bay and skyline from its balcony seating area. The menu here is approachable, yet sophisticated, blending American, French, and Mediterranean influences into distinctly West Coast dishes – perfect for a romantic sunset dinner above the rooftops.

As the restaurant is located on the twelfth floor, it is fully accessible via elevator. For that reason, it is highly recommended that you call ahead to request an accessible table when making your reservation. Remember, you should wear business casual, not beach attire.

19. A Cozy Woodland Retreat: Stay in an A-Frame Cabin in Julian

Beautifully blurring the line between the sandy beaches of SoCal and the woodsy settings of NorCal. This idyllic A-frame cabin in Julian has stunning floor-to-ceiling windows just begging to frame a vibrant California sunset, while also boasting cozy seclusion in the trees. While here, remember that you’re just a short drive from historic downtown Julian, famous for its apple pies. Also, since it is designated as an International Dark Sky Community, it offers incredible stargazing right from your cabin's deck.

20. Go on an Exciting Palm Springs Desert Safari

Speaking of rushes – in addition to the Living Safari in Palm Springs, an off-road Palm Springs Desert Safari offers an exhilarating adventure through the breathtaking landscape of the Coachella Valley. This is where vast dunes, rock formations, and palm oases create a stunning backdrop. Riding in a rugged 4x4 vehicle across the undulating desert terrain offers unrivaled close-up views of this mesmerizing SoCal ecosystem, where unique wildlife abounds.

21. Explore the Iconic Vasquez Rocks in Southern California

Located in the Sierra Pelona in northern Los Angeles County, near the town of Agua Dulce, Vasquez Rocks is an iconic hiking destination with otherworldly rock formations and jagged spires that rise sharply from the desert floor. There's nowhere else quite like it that I know of, so it makes sense that it's been featured in so many movies and TV shows. The good news for you is that entry and parking are completely free, and the primary, famous rock formation is easily accessible via a short walk from the last parking lot.

22. Explore Art, History, and Nature at the Huntington in a Day

History buffs and bibliophiles, unite! The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino is a true hidden gem in Southern California that stands out from other museums for its unique combination of historic manuscripts, masterpieces of art, and exceptional gardens—all set on a sprawling, 120-acre estate. The library’s rare books collection (swoon) includes works like the Gutenberg Bible and letters from George Washington, offering an intimate peek into history. Then there's the art museum – and the desert and serene Japanese gardens to stroll through. What a unique spot to visit.

While the gardens are beautiful throughout the year, you should plan for a spring visit to see the peak bloom of the Rose Garden and wisteria. Alternatively, you might aim for late fall, when the Japanese Garden's maple trees turn a distinct red and gold.

23. Hike to the Heart of Amboy Crater for a Unique Adventure

Hiking to the top of an active volcano may not be a realistic bucket list dream for most. Still, the rare opportunity to explore the desolate beauty of a volcanic landscape in the heart of the Mojave Desert is a unique Southern California adventure that awaits with open arms. The Amboy Crater hike traverses ancient lava fields, past black basalt rocks, and up to the crater rim. Here you can peer into the ancient caldera and take in sweeping views of the surrounding desert. Then, the descent into the heart of the volcano itself. Where else can you have such a remote and otherworldly experience?

24. Enjoy an Al Fresco Meal with Stunning Views at Castaway

For a memorable meal any time of day, Castaway is one of my top picks for its perfect blend of stunning views, exquisite food, and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. This hidden gem in the hills of the San Fernando Valley offers a chic dining experience that perfectly captures what's so special about living – and dining! in SoCal. It not only boasts stunning floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase dreamy, breathtaking views of the valley and Los Angeles skyline, but also features a meat dry-aging room, a charcuterie station, and a floor-to-ceiling wine cellar.

25. See Fall Colors Like Never Before in Bishop Creek Canyon

Contrary to popular belief, Southern California does have a fall season! Experiencing autumn in Bishop Creek Canyon is close to my heart because it offers one of the longest and most vibrant fall color displays in California, showcasing quintessential PNW-like autumn beauty but without the extreme cold. The canyon's high elevation and diverse topography create a stunning backdrop of golden aspens, deep crimson leaves, and bright yellow foliage, which contrasts beautifully with the dark green evergreens and granite crags, making it perfect for autumn hiking. And with the changing leaves often lasting until November, this canyon is one spot I can return to at least a few times over the season to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

26. Discover Art and Culture in San Diego’s Barrio Logan

The Arts District and Murals is a vibrant neighborhood home to Chicano Park, which features the world's most extensive collection of Chicano murals. It is truly a National Historic Landmark. When you walk through the park, you will feel like stepping into an open-air museum with a pulse. Here is the secret: consider visiting during the weekend in the afternoon – that's when the neighborhood is truly alive.

Top to bottom, California is a confluence of geological and coastal wonders, intermixed with some unbelievably cool museums, gardens, and incredible dining experiences. This list barely scratches the surface of everything SoCal has to offer! It's an ambitious list, but I can't wait to dive in with both feet and see what else I can add. What else did we miss? We are always pleased to hear your views.

Finally, when planning your own Southern California adventure, please consider using our itinerary planner to map out the perfect 2026 trip.