The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary If You Love Spending Time Outdoors In Southern California
By Natasha Kayes|Published April 28, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
Throughout Southern California are found diverse landscapes, natural wonders, and endless opportunities to explore. We have scores of stunning beaches, from wide expanses of glittering gold sand to rocky coves to looming bluffs over the shore. You can take to the mountains and enjoy lakes, waterfalls, pine forests, hiking trails, rock climbing, skiing, and snowboarding. It may surprise some to know that SoCal also has vast deserts that are home to unique plants and wildlife, “singing” sand dunes, striking rock formations, and even a massive volcanic crater. There are endless ways to enjoy everything this state has to offer. If you would like to spend a weekend exploring some exciting outdoor adventures and activities in Southern California, set out on this two-day escape and immerse yourself in natural beauty.
From national parks and campgrounds to waterfalls, canyons, and more, there is so much to love about America’s natural splendor — and June, designated as Great Outdoors Month, is the perfect time to get outside.
With just two hours of driving time, this two-day nature-focused road trip gives you plenty of time to slow down and smell the roses, enjoy the scenery, and fall in love with SoCal all over again.
Wander Through The Huntington Library’s Botanical Gardens
The botanical gardens at Huntington Library have been praised by many as the best gardens in Southern California.
Spend the day exploring the expansive gardens and discovering their hidden gems. There are a whopping 16 different themed gardens spread over approximately 130 acres, and each one seems more intriguing than the last. Stroll along the elevated boardwalk through a bamboo forest, cross the beautiful stone bridge over the pond in the Japanese garden, and marvel at the meticulous bonsais and walled areas of the Chinese garden. Make sure to stop and enjoy the stunning waterfall. Yes, it is manmade, but it is beautiful, and who doesn’t instantly relax at the sound of water flowing over rocks and pools?
Meander through the breathtaking Australian, desert, and Camellia gardens, then step into the 16,000-square-foot greenhouse conservatory filled with living plants in three different habitats - a tropical rainforest (make sure you look for one of the most unusual plants in the world, nicknamed “Stinky plant”), a cloud forest, and a carnivorous plant bog.
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Dine at Moonshadows in Malibu
After exploring the gardens today, you will head for the coast and enjoy a little scenic drive along the beach on Pacific Coast Highway before stopping for an unforgettable dinner at Malibu’s iconic Moonshadows restaurant.
Moonshadows has amazing ocean views throughout and an awesome heated patio perched above the waves. Request a table outside for an unforgettable evening dining to the sounds of the waves crashing and a perfect view of the sunset.
Start off with a Burrata Cheese or Pan Seared Scallops appetizer, then try the Oven Roasted Main Lobster, Surf and Turf, or fish of the day. Pair it with a glass of wine or one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails, perhaps a Moon Fashion or Blue Island. And don’t forget dessert - Organic Maple Creme Brûlée, Caramelized Banana Almond Crostata, or maybe the Valrhona Chocolate and Gianduja Souffle.
Check into the lovely Malibu Beach Inn to relax and enjoy the rest of your evening on the coast. This boutique hotel is located right on the shore at so-called Billionaire’s Beach.
Laid-back elegance, panoramic views, and beach access are the hallmarks of this seaside retreat. Guest rooms face the ocean with private patios and balconies perfect for morning coffee with ocean breezes, sunsets and sunrises, and stargazing. Rooms and suites are well-appointed with amenities like Nespresso coffeemakers and Smeg tea kettles, pillow-top mattresses, in-room fireplaces, custom robes, and Bamford toiletries.
After you check in, take a moonlit stroll on Carbon Beach before falling asleep to the sound of the waves. In the morning, before another day of adventuring, head to the hotel restaurant to enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the patio over the sand.
Hike To Rock Pools And A Lake At Malibu Creek State Park
After breakfast, take the scenic Malibu Canyon Road to Malibu Creek State Park with its more than 8,000 acres of picturesque hills, flatlands, and of course, a beautiful creek.
This park offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing, birdwatching, picnicking, etc. We highly recommend the Rock Pool and Century Lake Trails hike. This relatively easy 4.4-mile hike takes you along the creek to the stunning rock pools and the lake. Whether you take a dip in the pools, explore the rocky area around them, or just sit and breathe in the natural beauty, this hike is well worth it.
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Malibu Creek State Park, 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302, USA
There are so many hiking trails and views to be seen in the park, including some historic filming locations. There are also a ton of great spots to sit and enjoy a picnic, so you may want to consider stopping somewhere in town to grab some coffee, snacks, or charcuterie before heading into the canyon. This is one place you could easily spend several hours exploring.
After some easy hiking in Malibu Canyon, it’s time to take another little hike to a fascinating cave in the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve in West Hills.
The El Escorpion Trail leading to the Cave of Munits is a fairly short 1.7-mile loop, but it is considered moderately challenging. Actually, the trail up to the cave is mostly flat, beginning with a wide dirt trail that narrows and gains a little bit of elevation toward the peak. There is little shade so make sure to bring sunscreen and water. Getting up to the cave itself requires a bit of scrambling using your hands and feet, but it is worth the effort if you are up for it.
The Cave of Munits is a narrow chimney cave and confident scramblers and climbers can not only climb into it, but right up through the top. The cave appears small but opens up beyond the opening into little cavern worth exploring. This cave is believed to have served as a home to a Chumash shaman at one time. After exploring the cave, you can extend the adventure by climbing out the top and heading toward the Castle Peak summit, or scramble back to the trail and admire the views before calling it a day.
Are you ready to grab your hiking boots and your car keys and head out on this fantastic nature escape? What are your favorite outdoor adventures and activities in Southern California? We would love to hear about them. Looking for more inspiration? Explore some more exciting SoCal road trip itineraries.
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