Posted in Southern California Seasonal February 01, 2021 by

10 Spectacular Outdoor Places To Visit In Southern California

SoCal is a place where you just want to be outside. So start planning some fun outdoor adventures to embrace all the beauty that SoCal has to offer! From wildflowers and botanical gardens, to incredible state parks and nature preserves, here are 10 spectacular outdoor places to visit in Southern California:

1. Sierra Madre Wistaria Festival
facebook/sierra madre wistaria festival
Shake off the winter and embrace spring! In mid-March, you can head to the charming town of Sierra Madre to celebrate the annual Wistaria Festival. What makes this event so epic? You'll get to see one of the world's largest blossoming wistaria vines that dates back to 1894 when it was first planted. Note: the festival is canceled for 2021, but will hopefully come back in 2022. Be sure to visit the Sierra Madre Wistaria Festival Facebook Page for updates.
2. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
flickr/laura hamilton
flickr/bill gracey
This state park sure is a stunner. Every spring beings wildflower season, where the fields come alive with color. There are plenty of places to see the colorful flowers in SoCal, but Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is one of our favorites. After having heaving rains this season, we bet the flowers will be bright and colorful this year. You can visit this state park at 200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004.
3. UCR Botanic Garden
googlemaps/connor sousa
With over 3,500 different plant species, a variety of wildlife, and a picturesque walking trail, a day trip to this hidden botanical garden is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in SoCal.. You can find the UCR Botanical Garden Trail at 1 Botanic Gardens Drive, Riverside, CA, 92507.
4. Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park
flickr/daniel orth
Head to Inland Empire and you'll discover a picturesque open-space preserve with over 1,500 acres of stunning land to explore. Although Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park can be enjoyed all year long, our favorite time to show up is during the spring season when the wildflowers along the trails are in full bloom and bursting with color. You can visit this park at 400 Central Avenue, Riverside, CA, 92507.
5. Jacaranda-Lined Streets
flickr/frank reyes
When spring rolls around in Southern California, the bright purple blossoms of the jacaranda serve as a reminder as to why we love this season so much. Bursting with blooms and adding a splash of color to SoCal's streets, the jacaranda tree is always a beautiful sight to see.
6. The Tulip Fields
facebook/descanso gardens
Nothing says spring like a blanket of tulips in the garden. To see an abundance of these beauties in SoCal you can head to Descanso Gardens during tulip season this spring. Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge, CA, 91011.
7. California Citrus State Historic Park
googlemaps/rick simper
googlemaps/dohyup kim
Although California Citrus State Historic Park is a delightful place to visit all year long, it's an especially magical place to be during the spring season, when the smell of citrus is oh-so-fragrant throughout the park. In addition to touring this beautiful park, you will also have the opportunity to sample citrus right off the tree! California Citrus State Historic Park is located at 9400 Dufferin Avenue, Riverside, CA, 92503.
8. Los Angeles County Arboretum
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Not only does the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden have 127-acres of lush plants and gardens to explore, but it's also home to Baldwin Lake. An enchanting place to be, especially in the spring season when the colors come to life, this local gem should definitely be at the top of your list. Los Angeles County Arboretum is located at 301N N. Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA, 91007.
9. Point Vicente Lighthouse
flickr/tony hoffarth
A trip to the Point Vicente Lighthouse is especially spectacular in the spring when the surrounding plants and flowers are in full bloom and blue skies overhead seem to go on for infinity. You can find the Point Vicente Lighthouse at 31550 Palos Verdes Drive W., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, 90275.
10. Pacific Coast Highway
eric demarcq/flickr
No list of things to do in spring in Southern California is complete without a mention of the Pacific Coast Highway. Although you can't go wrong with a Sunday drive in SoCal most any time of year, the spring season is one of the best times to hit the road and head down the Pacific Coast Highway when that chilly spring breeze is still in the air right before the heat of summer takes over. Breathtaking!

There’s no doubt about it — SoCal is simply magical, especially during the springtime. Do you agree with our top 10 outdoor places to visit in Southern California? What other magical places would you add to the list? Leave your suggestions in the comments below!

And if you’re looking for a few more reasons to fall in love with SoCal’s beauty, you may also want to take a look at these 15 places that belong on your SoCal bucket list.

Address: Sierra Madre, CA 91024, USA
Address: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, USA
Address: Ucr Botanic Gardens Rd, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
Address: 400 Central Ave, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
Address: Descanso Drive, Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011, USA
Address: 9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92503, USA
Address: Arboretum A, Arcadia, CA 91007, USA
Address: 31550 Palos Verdes Dr W, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, USA
Address: CA-1, Malibu, CA, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Outdoor Places To Visit In Southern California

February 05, 2021
Beth C.

When is the best time to visit Southern California?

While beautiful all year long, Southern California is a region that seems tailor-made for the springtime. With mild temperatures and the promise of sunshine and wildflowers, Southern California truly shines in the spring. So what can you expect when you visit Southern California in the springtime? Clear, sunny skies and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. In fact, many people would agree that spring is the best time to go on a road trip. Check out some of the very best road trips you can take in Southern California.

What are the best state parks in Southern California?

Southern California’s park system is among the most impressive in the U.S. If you’re someone who values quality time in the great outdoors, this region of the state will not disappoint. From national parks to state parks, Southern California is abundant in dedicated outdoor spaces. Of course, national parks tend to be especially crowded, so you may want to visit one of the area’s state parks for a more secluded and no less incredible adventure. Some of the best state parks in Southern California include Cuyamaca State Park, Malibu Creek State Park, El Capitan Beach State Park, Bolsa Chica Beach State Park, Gaviota State Park, Chino Hills State Park, Border Field State Park, Saddleback Butte State Park, Crystal Cove State Park, and Mount San Jacinto State Park. Learn more about these incredible Southern California state parks.

Does Southern California have any natural wonders?

Yes! Southern California is teeming with natural wonders just waiting to be discovered. Some of the most popular natural wonders in Southern California include Lava Tube in Mojave National Preserve, La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, Moreton Bay Fig Tree in Santa Barbara, Arroyo Tapiado Carrizo Badlands Mud Caves, and Slot Canyon. Curious to learn more? Check out this article about Southern California’s many natural wonders.

Address: Sierra Madre, CA 91024, USA
Address: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, USA
Address: Ucr Botanic Gardens Rd, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
Address: 400 Central Ave, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
Address: Descanso Drive, Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011, USA
Address: 9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92503, USA
Address: Arboretum A, Arcadia, CA 91007, USA
Address: 31550 Palos Verdes Dr W, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, USA
Address: CA-1, Malibu, CA, USA