The Definitive Guide To Uncovering Southern California’s Best Attractions — Small Towns, Gorgeous Parks, Museums, And More!
With so many great things to do and places to explore, picking your next adventure in Southern California isn’t always an easy task. Our region of the Golden State is simply filled with amazing destinations. Charming towns, unique stores, beautiful parks, and an endless amount of museums means that there’s truly never a dull moment here in SoCal. With that in mind, we compiled a guide to some of the best spots you’ll find in our state. Consider it the definitive guide to attractions in Southern California and refer to it the next time you need some inspiration for your upcoming adventures.
The Best Small Towns In Southern California
Southern California may be well-known for places like Los Angeles and San Diego, but our region of the state is home to so many great little towns that are truly worth exploring. With a combination of amazing scenery, one-of-a-kind attractions, and general friendliness, our small towns are some of the best you'll find in the country. Some of our favorites include Solvang ("a little slice of Denmark in Southern California"), Avalon, Lake Arrowhead, Malibu, and Idyllwild, but honestly, the list could go on forever. Do yourself a favor and plan a visit to one of Southern California's best small towns for an unforgettable outing.
The Must Visit Book Store In Southern California
Southern California has some of the nicest weather all year round, so of course, we like to take full advantage of that whenever possible! Hiding out in the town of Ojai, Bart's Book is considered "The World's Greatest Outdoor Bookstore." Yep, you can stroll through aisles upon aisles of books all while taking in bright blue skies and fresh air. Filled to the brim with books in all subjects, literary enthusiasts will find themselves in heaven at this must-visit book store. After picking out a book that interests you, you can sit down with it on the open-air patio and start flipping through its pages. Basically, you'll never want to leave this unique little book shop in Southern California.
The Unique Park In Southern California
One of the most beautiful and unique parks you'll ever come across is located in breathtaking San Diego, California. Sunset Cliffs Natural Parks is true to its name! Perched on the top of coastal cliffs, this park boasts fantastic scenery no matter the season or time of day. Parkgoers can explore the top of these rugged cliffs before heading down to the beach for a picture-perfect outing on the SoCal coastline. If you can, time your visit around sunset and get ready for a gorgeous show put on by Mother Nature. Plan a visit to Southern California's cliffside park for views that are sure to leave you in awe.
The One Of A Kind Boat Ride In Southern California
It's not every day you get to have an epic adventure on a glass-bottomed boat! Taking off from Catalina Island, the Glass Bottom Boat Voyage grants visitors the unique opportunity to see a side of the island that you typically can't see on foot. While cruising around the island, passengers can look through the bottom of the boat for an up-close glimpse at ocean life. Just don't forget to look up and enjoy the ocean views every once in a while. This 40-minute adventure is a must when exploring Catalina Island. Are you ready to take on this one-of-a-kind boat ride in Southern California?
The Most Charming Farmers Market In Southern California
One of the greatest perks of SoCal living is having access to fresh produce in every season. Our region of the state is just loaded with fantastic roadside stands and farmers markets where you can swing by for some farm-fresh fruits and veggies. However, Farm Stand West in Escondido may just be the most charming of them all. Growing and selling seasonal produce since 1924, this family farm stand is one of the best around. Stop by anytime and get yourself some amazing produce that was grown just feet away on the family's own farm! Farm Stand West is a real local gem that you must visit for produce that tastes just as good as it looks.
The Magical Train Ride In Southern California
For a scenic train ride across gorgeous scenery, look no further than Fillmore & Western Railway Co. in Ventura County. Specializing in providing trains for the film industry, the railway also hosts scenic rides for everybody to enjoy. With experiences like the Weekend Scenic Train Ride that takes you through Heritage Valley, this train ride exudes tranquility and natural beauty! Enjoy views of local farms and endless orchards all from the comfort of your train car. They even have a great dining car where you can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the sights. The whole family will love a ride on this magical train ride in Southern California, so plan your excursion soon.
The Tallest, Most Impressive Bridge In Southern California
When driving through the town of San Pedro in Los Angeles County, you'll undoubtedly get a glimpse of the area's tallest and most impressive bridge. The Vincent Thomas Bridge towers high above the surrounding scenery, serving as the main link between San Pedro, Los Angeles, and Terminal Island. On top of being the tallest, the bridge is also the only suspension bridge in the entire Los Angeles area. It's definitely become one of the most notable man-made landmarks since it was initially opened in 1963 and driving across it is always a treat. Take in the view from above and seek out this awe-inspiring bridge in Southern California.
One Of The Most Unique Museums In Southern California
Southern California is home to some amazing museums and you'll find one of the most unique hiding out in the city of Victorville. The California Route 66 Museum is a fun and quirky stop for any who happens to pass by it. Dedicated to showcasing the wild history of one of the most famous roads in the United States, history buffs are sure to get a kick out of endless memorabilia and artifacts featured in the museum. It almost feels like a giant time capsule of America from the 1920s to the 1960s! Young or old, you're bound to get some entertainment, and maybe even some education, out of a visit to this wacky museum in Southern California.
