Posted in Southern California Day Trips February 20, 2022 by

The 12 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take In Southern California

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
flickr/eric may
For those who seek out 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.
1253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107, USA
2. Idyllwild
flickr/don graham
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.
Idyllwild, Irvine, CA 92602, USA
3. Briar Rose Winery
yelp/roy g.
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.
41720 Calle Cabrillo, Temecula, CA 92592, USA
4. Carpinteria
TripAdvisor/lutris
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 along the quaint main street, and dining at some tasty local restaurants.
Carpinteria, CA, USA
5. Chantry Flat Recreation Area -- Sierra Madre
yelp/chantry flat
Chantry Flat, California 91006, USA
flickr/cleft clips
Nothing beats a day out in one of SoCal's lush green forests...especially on a hot summer day. Tucked inside Los Angeles National Forest, Chantry Flat Recreation Area is a stunning destination for some of the most picturesque hikes imaginable.
6. Ventura Harbor Village
yelp/ventura harbor village
This quaint village tucked along Ventura Harbor is just one of the many places in SoCal where you'll want to spend a leisurely afternoon. Whether you want 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.
1583 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001, USA
7. Balboa Park
flickr/mity
San Diego, CA, USA
flickr/michael seljos
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
yelp/kyle a.
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.
9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92503, USA
9. Descanso Gardens
flickr/something.from.nancy
1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011, USA
flickr/dirtinmypocket
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, CA
yelp/jeremy c.
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 1-hour gold mine tour is a great way to spend part of your day in this charming SoCal town.
C Street, C St, Julian, CA 92036, USA
11. Wrightwood
flickr/kyle harbour
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.
San Gabriel Mountains, California 91759, USA
12. Cedar Creek Falls
yelp/arge o.
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.
15519 Thornbush Rd, Ramona, CA 92065, USA

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

Address: 41720 Calle Cabrillo, Temecula, CA 92592, USA
Address: 9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92503, USA
Address: San Diego, CA, USA
Address: 1583 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001, USA
Address: Idyllwild, Irvine, CA 92602, USA
Address: Carpinteria, CA, USA
Address: San Gabriel Mountains, California 91759, USA
Address: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011, USA
Address: 15519 Thornbush Rd, Ramona, CA 92065, USA
Address: 1253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107, USA
Address: C Street, C St, Julian, CA 92036, USA
Address: Chantry Flat, California 91006, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

best day trips in Southern California

February 25, 2022
Beth C.

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. 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. 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 in Santa Barbara, Arroyo Tapiado Carrizo Badlands Mud Caves, Slot Canyon in Anza Borrego State Park, the Trona Pinnacles, Point Dume in Malibu, Zabriskie Point in Death Valley, Joshua Tree National Park, and the Racetrack in Death Valley. For more information, check out our previous article outlining the best natural wonders in Southern California.

What are some other day trip destinations in Southern California?

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. Some other day trip destinations in Southern California worth exploring include the Wayfarer’s Chapel, Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Gardens of the World, Europa Village, the Greystone Estate, White Water Nature Preserve, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, Oak Canyon Nature Center, and Victoria Beach Tower.

Address: 41720 Calle Cabrillo, Temecula, CA 92592, USA
Address: 9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92503, USA
Address: San Diego, CA, USA
Address: 1583 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001, USA
Address: Idyllwild, Irvine, CA 92602, USA
Address: Carpinteria, CA, USA
Address: San Gabriel Mountains, California 91759, USA
Address: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011, USA
Address: 15519 Thornbush Rd, Ramona, CA 92065, USA
Address: 1253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107, USA
Address: C Street, C St, Julian, CA 92036, USA
Address: Chantry Flat, California 91006, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.