No matter the season, it’s always fun to plan mini getaways and fun outdoor adventures in Southern California. If you have a case of wanderlust, and you’re looking for some new spots in SoCal to explore, then you’ll want to take a look at this compilation of our favorite spaces and places to visit. From remote getaways to splendid outdoor hikes and everything in between, we believe that these are some of the very best day trips in Southern California. Ready to start exploring? Let’s go!

1. Sunset Cliffs - San Diego
1253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107, USA
Eric May/Flickr
For those who seek the most scenic parts of SoCal, this spectacular spot won't disappoint. Tucked inside San Diego, Sunset Cliffs is a marvelous destination for breathtaking views, glorious walking trails, and picture-perfect snapshots.

Our journey to discover Southern California day trips starts out in San Diego, California. Take a look at the beautiful Sunset Cliffs Natural Park with Alejandro’s Adventures:
2. Idyllwild - Irvine
Idyllwild, Irvine, CA 92602, USA
Don Graham/Flickr
Visiting the mountain town of Idyllwild is always a magical experience. You'll be enthralled with the artistic vibe of this charming small town that comes alive every year for the annual Jazz in the Pines summer festival. No matter what time of year you go, you'll find a thriving community filled with great local shops and restaurants that will all make you feel right at home.
3. Briar Rose Winery - Temecula
41720 Calle Cabrillo, Temecula, CA 92592, USA
Roy G./Yelp
Briar Rose Winery is located in a fairytale setting in beautiful Temecula Valley. Perfect for a Sunday drive, this picturesque winery is surrounded by serene walking paths and stunning hillside views. Sip and sample wine for the afternoon, and enjoy a leisurely picnic on the grounds of this charming SoCal hideaway.
4. Carpinteria
Carpinteria, CA, USA
Lutris/TripAdvisor
Exploring Southern California's coastal cities is just one of the many delights of living in this part of the state. For a real treat, take a leisurely drive to the town of Carpinteria and spend the day walking along scenic trails, shopping the quaint main street, and dining at some tasty local restaurants.
5. Chantry Flat Recreation Area - Sierra Madre
Cydney M./Yelp
Chantry Flat, California 91006, USA
CleftClips/Flickr
Editor's Note: Unfortunately, Chantry Flat Recreation Area is temporarily closed due to damage from the Bobcat Fire.

Nothing beats a day out in one of SoCal's lush green forests... especially on a hot summer day. Tucked inside Angeles National Forest, Chantry Flat Recreation Area is a stunning destination for some of the most picturesque hikes imaginable.
6. Ventura Harbor Village - Ventura
Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001, USA
Ventura Harbor Village/Yelp
This quaint village on Ventura Harbor is just one of the many places in SoCal where you'll want to spend a leisurely afternoon. Whether you wish to stroll along the harbor to enjoy great shopping and dining or you want to soak up the SoCal sun while playing in the water, this is one place that everyone should experience at least once.

Join Exploration To Go as they go on a day trip near you in Ventura Harbor Village:

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7. Balboa Park - San Diego
Mity/Flickr
Balboa Park, San Diego, CA, USA
Michael Seljos/Flickr
Although you may want to spend more than just one day here, Balboa Park is the one place in SoCal that is an absolute must-see for those who live here and for those who are just vacationing. From magnificent gardens, peaceful walking paths, stunning architecture and world-renowned galleries, this is a breathtaking urban park that is almost too good to be true.
8. California Citrus State Historic Park - Riverside
California Citrus State Historic Park, 9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92503, USA
Kyle a./Yelp
Taking a tour of this lovely citrus park in SoCal will completely rejuvenate you. Imagine being surrounded by the beauty of fruit trees in every direction and smelling the sweet scent of citrus all around you. Take a guided "Taste and Tour" of the citrus grove and snack on samples of citrus throughout the park.
9. Descanso Gardens - Flintridge
something.from.nancy/Flickr
Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011, USA
Patty S./Flickr
Whether you are taking a leisurely stroll through the scenic gardens or you're taking a ride on the Enchanted Railroad, a day trip to Descanso Gardens is nothing but picturesque bliss.
10. Gold Mine Tour - Julian
Eagle Mining Co., 2320 C St, Julian, CA 92036, USA
Jeremy C./Yelp
The Eagle Mining Company will take you on a tour of a lifetime through an actual SoCal gold mine that will take you back in time to what life was like during the California gold rush. Located in the town of Julian, this one-hour gold mine tour is a great way to spend part of your day in this charming SoCal town.
11. Wrightwood
Wrightwood, CA, USA
Kyle Harbour/Flickr
Located in the San Gabriel Mountains, the town of Wrightwood is a magnificent spot for exploring on a day trip. This quaint town is only 90-minutes from Los Angeles, so it's nice and easy to reach from most parts of SoCal. Once there, you'll find magnificent hikes and local charm that will make you appreciate all that SoCal has to offer.
12. Cedar Creek Falls - Ramona
15519 Thornbush Rd, Ramona, CA 92065, USA
Arge O./Yelp
Last but certainly not least on our list of the best day trips in Southern California is a beautiful waterfall known as Cedar Creek Falls. For a refreshing splash in the water on a hot summer day, there's nothing that beats a nice cool dip in the water from a SoCal waterfall. After a strenuous and challenging hike in San Diego County, this beautiful waterfall at Cedar Creek Falls will be a welcome surprise.

Marlon & Gabriela head to Cedar Creek Falls in this video showing off one of our favorite SoCal day trips with a beautiful reward:

So what do you think? Are these the best day trips in Southern California? Perhaps you know of some other spontaneous day trips near you. If so, feel free to share them with us in the comments!

If you’re looking for another memorable spot to add to your Southern California summer bucket list, you’ll want to check out this divine getaway that everyone should experience at least once.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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best day trips in Southern California

Beth C. | February 25, 2022

What are some of the top natural wonders in Southern California?

SoCal is truly an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Complete with the expansive desert landscape, rugged mountains, and gorgeous coastal views, there's a ton to explore in this picturesque U.S. region. Some of the top natural wonders include:

  • Lava Tube: One of our top recommendations for experiencing the best natural wonders in Southern California is a destination known as the Lava Tube in Mojave National Preserve. It's a gorgeous tunnel made entirely of lava that can be explored. Along the way, you'll admire the otherworldly rock formations and rays of light beaming through the cave at various points.
  • La Brea Tar Pits: Next up on our list would be La Brea Tar Pits. Located in Los Angeles, this fascinating destination is home to thousands of plant and animal fossils.

 

Some additional natural wonders in Southern California include:

  • Moreton Bay Fig Tree: Santa Barbara, CA
  • Arroyo Tapiado Carrizo Badlands Mud Caves
  • Slot Canyon: Anza Borrego State Park, Borrego Springs, CA
  • Trona Pinnacles: California Desert National Conservation Area
  • Point Dume: Malibu, CA
  • Zabriskie Point: Death Valley, CA
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • Racetrack: Death Valley, CA

 

For more information about these incredible places, check out our previous article outlining the best natural wonders in Southern California.

What are some other day trip destinations in Southern California?

Some day trip destinations in Southern California worth exploring include:

 

Southern California is such a vast region that you could easily devote an entire lifetime to exploring all that it has to offer. There are quite literally thousands of day trips you can enjoy while traveling through, and we've pinpointed some of our favorites in the article above. One of our favorite recommendations is Table Rock Beach. A gorgeous hidden beach, this Laguna Beach destination is hidden from the main road so it's relatively undiscovered.

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