8 Inexpensive Road Trip Destinations In Southern California That Won’t Break The Bank

Looking for a fun and inexpensive way to spend a day in SoCal? Contrary to what you might think, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy all the beauty and culture that Southern California has to offer. Here are eight destinations you can visit on a leisurely road trip in SoCal and none of them will break the bank.

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Looking for a destination where you can take a short drive then spend the rest of your day surrounded by wildlife and nature? A road trip to Chino Hills State Park is just the place to go when you're seeking a break from the big city. Tucked inside the Santa Ana Mountains, this scenic destination is packed with trails galore that will leave you feeling refreshed. 

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Did you know SoCal was home to a sunken city? Dating back to the 1920s, this destination was once an upscale residential area. All of that changed in 1929 when a landslide occurred and a majority of the cliff slipped into the ocean. Now known as the Sunken City, you can see where this tragedy happened almost 100 years ago. Although the trail leading to the sunken city is currently closed due to dangerous conditions, you can still see this hidden gem from a safe distance. 

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There's nothing more SoCal than heading to one of the many beautiful piers that are located throughout this part of the Golden State. One local favorite is the San Clemente Pier as it offers such a picture-perfect place to stroll and provides a stunning sunset view. 

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A road trip to Balboa Park is a day to remember. This impressive urban park is packed with 1,200 acres of nature, museums, and historic cultural landmarks to explore. It's one destination the whole family will enjoy. 

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Crystal Cove State Park is a haven for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy hiking, dipping your toes in the ocean, or taking a leisurely stroll along the sand, this picturesque destination is a heavenly place to spend an entire day in SoCal. 

flickr/ Ian D. Keating

There's something about the smell of citrus that completely captures that Southern California feeling. So why not head to the one and only California Citrus State Historic Park for a glimpse of Old SoCal? Wander through the citrus grove and sample freshly grown fruit -- the whole family will love it!

flickr/jeff hitchcock

Whether you're a local or you're just visiting SoCal, a road trip to see the iconic Cabazon Dinosaurs is an essential Southern California experience. For the young and the old, these towering dinosaurs are always a cool thing to see and do in SoCal without breaking the bank. 

flickr/don graham

Although Southern California is a frequent destination to visit oceanside towns, don't forget that SoCal is also home to some pretty charming small mountain towns that are worthy of a road trip. One of our favorite spots, Oak Tree Village in the town of Oak Glen, is a great place to soak up that old-time charm that SoCal locals know and love. 

What a fun way to spend the day! Do you have a favorite spot on this list? Looking for more outings in Southern California? Instead of taking the car, how about taking the train? Here are 8 incredible places you can visit by train in Southern California.