Your Ultimate Guide To Summer Fun In Southern California

Remember the good old days when summer was all about sleeping in, playing outside, trips to the beach, camping, and carefree fun (ok, and sometimes summer school, but still…)? We are not kids anymore, and we don’t get the entire summer off, but that does not mean we can’t still enjoy some of the best things to do in Southern California in summer! And here are some of our best ideas to fuel your summer adventure dreams.

Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Southern California

It would be a shame to let summer pass without an amazing little getaway. Whether you are looking for relaxing days in the sun or fun family things to do in Southern California in summer, here are three of our favorite destinations for an unforgettable vacay this season.

Avalon, CA 90704, USA

Management/TripAdvisor

• Location: Los Angeles County
• Popularity: Most popular on summer weekends
• Need To Know: Access the island via a one-hour ferry from San Pedro, Long Beach, or Dana Point. Ferries run several times per day.

A trip to Catalina Island is amazing nearly any day of the year, but there is never so much to do as there is during summer months. Explore the charming little town of Avalon, drive a golf cart to some incredible lookout points, take a backcountry tour to look for the resident herd of bison, tour the famous Avalon Casino (hint: not a casino), go hiking or biking, or spend the day lounging at the beautiful Descanso Beach Club.

Of course, the spectacular blue waters offer a plethora of other activities including boating, kayaking, glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling, and world-class scuba diving. You can even take a little boat trip to the secluded Two Harbors on the island’s west end. Catalina has campgrounds, lovely hotels, and lots of vacation rentals to create your perfect summer getaway. Get started by booking your ferry ride on Catalina Express.

Big Bear Lake, CA, USA

Josue C/TripAdvisor

• Location: San Bernardino County
• Popularity: Especially popular during July and August. Least crowded during May, June, September, and October.
• Need To Know: About 2 hours from Los Angeles. Road conditions are generally good from late spring to fall. If traveling during winter, always check road conditions and weather before heading out.

Often associated with ski season, the quaint mountain town of Big Bear Lake offers some of the best Southern California summer activities. Once the season begins, the weather is pretty perfect for nearly any outdoor adventure. Enjoy fishing, swimming, kayaking, boating, and more on the lake itself, or explore the many beautiful hiking trails in the region. Families love spending the day at Magic Mountain Recreation Area with its mountain coaster, year-round bobsled run, Eagle sky ride, and waterslide.

Head to Big Bear Village to explore shops, restaurants, and more during the day or night. There are plenty of options when it comes to accommodations, from lodges and hotels to stunning lakefront cabins.

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Santa Barbara, CA, USA

Danita Delimont/Gallo Images ROOTS RF collection via Getty Images

• Location: Santa Barbara County
• Popularity: Most popular during July and August
• Need To Know: Just about a 2-hour drive from downtown LA. You can explore the town’s main corridor and waterfront area via electric shuttle which runs all summer and costs just 50 cents!

Santa Barbara is a small coastal city full of history, culture, and fun things to do. Along the waterfront, you will find gorgeous sandy beaches, walking and biking paths, parks, hotels and restaurants, and Stearns Wharf, where you can walk, eat, shop, take a variety of boat trips, and enjoy amazing sunsets. Walk the famous State Street to find cool shops and boutiques, sidewalk cafes and fine dining, and so much more. Make sure to visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse! Learn about the history of the area through hand-painted murals, climb the famous clock tower for amazing views, and wander around the sunken gardens.

Santa Barbara’s Spanish architecture, iconic red roof buildings, and vibrant atmosphere make it a perfect place for a summer getaway. There are endless options for your stay, from this one-of-a-kind hotel to this nature-filled retreat.

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Best Beaches & Rivers To Visit In Southern California This Summer

There is nothing like a summer day on the water. Whether you are a fan of beaches or lakes, these trips don’t cost much (and often nothing at all) – and the more cheap things we find to do in Southern California in Summer, the more fun we can afford, right? If you haven’t visited these spots before, now’s the time, and if you have, welcome back!

la Jolla Shores Beach, La Jolla Shores Beach, San Diego, CA 92037, USA

IrinaSen/iStock via Getty Images

• Location: San Diego County
• Popularity: Very popular in summer months
• Need To Know: There is designated parking, but it is recommended to arrive before noon to find a space. Lifeguards are on duty year-round. Restrooms and showers are available at La Jolla Shores Beach.

Known affectionately as “The Jewel” of San Diego County, La Jolla offers a coastal experience everyone should enjoy at least once. Pristine sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, hiking trails, swaying palm trees, clear blue water, and cool tide pools are just the beginning. Take a kayak tour of the fascinating sea caves, watch sea lions sunbathe and play on the surf, enjoy arguably the best snorkeling on the SoCal coast, and even swim with leopard sharks at La Jolla Cove.

After a day in the sun, enjoy cocktails or dinner with a view at an elegant spot like the new Sea & Sky. This is one beach day you will want to repeat again and again.

Castaic Lake, California, USA

Melissa Lam/Google Reviews

• Location: Castaic
• Popularity: Popular, especially on weekends
• Need To Know: Open sunrise to sunset. Camping is first-come, first-served. Vehicle entry costs $12 ($5 for seniors and ADA); camping is $30/day; daily boat launch fees are $9 for non-motorized and $13 for motorized.

Castaic Lake State Recreation Area is home to two scenic bodies of water and no shortage of summer fun. And it is easy to get to, located in the northern part of Los Angeles County. Get out on the water, whether you enjoy canoeing, sailing, jet skiing, kayaking, paddling, floating in a tube, or swimming. You can bring your own equipment or rent boats lakeside.

On land, enjoy a picnic overlooking the water, do a little fishing, explore hiking and biking trails, and let the kids work off their energy in the unique playgrounds. Castaic also has a lovely family campground, including RV sites with hookups, so you can wake up to beautiful lake views.

Coronado Island, Coronado, CA 92118, USA

Jonathan Borrayo/Google Reviews

• Location: Coronado Island, San Diego
• Popularity: Hidden Gem, much less crowded than other Coronado beaches
• Need To Know: Entry fee is $10 to $15. Dogs are not allowed on the beach. Restrooms, showers, and picnic areas are easily accessible.

Coronado Island has several gorgeous beaches. The main Coronado Beach is literally golden, shimmering with mica in the sand, and sits in front of the legendary Hotel Del Coronado. If you are looking for a more remote, less crowded beach that is every bit as beautiful, head a few miles down the isthmus that connects the island to the mainland in the south. Here you will find Silver Strand State Beach, named for the glimmering silver oyster shells strewn across the sand.

Silver Strand actually has two beaches, one on each side of the highway on this narrow strip of land - one facing the Pacific Ocean and the other facing San Diego Bay. Three pedestrian tunnels cross under the highway and connect the two beaches. Beachgoers enjoy sunbathing, clam-digging, picnicking, swimming, surfing, boating, volleyball, fishing, and camping at Silver Strand.

Parks To Visit In Southern California This Summer

As fabulous as our beaches and lakes are, they are certainly not the only cool and beautiful places to spend a warm summer day. From the city to the mountains to the coast, these parks will make you smile and fuel your inner adventurer.

Palomar Mountain State Park, 19952 State Park Drive, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060, USA

Pius H/TripAdvisor

• Location: San Diego County
• Popularity: Hiking trails and campgrounds are popular, especially on summer weekends.
• Need To Know: Vehicle entrance fee is $8 per day and must be paid by cash or check. There are no gas stations on Palomar Mountain and cell phone service is very inconsistent throughout the park.

The incredible Palomar Mountain State Park features a nearly 1,900 acres of natural beauty, from dense forests of oaks, conifers, and ferns to serene grassy meadows and beautiful vista points. There are more than 11 miles of hiking trails including the popular and challenging Boucher Trail where you will find the Boucher Lookout Tower. Enjoy fishing at Doane Pond, picnics under the trees, and camping in one of the peaceful campsites at Doane Valley and Cedar Grove Campground.

Balboa Park, San Diego, CA, USA

JuanJo P/TripAdvisor

• Location: San Diego
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need To Know: The park is public and free to enjoy. Individual museums, events, zoo, etc., have their own tickets and pricing. An Explorer Pass can be purchased to access most museums and attractions in the park.

As well-known as this magnificent urban park is, there are many Southern California locals who have never explored San Diego’s historic 1,200-acre Balboa Park. With so much to do, you could literally spend several days exploring this immense cultural center, starting with gorgeous gardens and green areas. There are scenic walking paths, cool bridges, a carousel, picturesque fountains and statues, and incredible architecture.

Balboa Park is home to several fascinating museums, theaters - including an IMAX theater at the Fleet Science Center - a Spanish Village Art Center, and the famous San Diego Zoo. Top all of that off with an ornate outdoor amphitheater that features a pipe organ and offers free concerts on both weekends and weekdays all summer long.

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Crystal Cove State Park, California, USA

E26/TripAdvisor

• Location: Laguna Beach
• Popularity: Very popular during summer months, particularly on weekends
• Need To Know: Day use parking is $15 per vehicle and $20 on summer weekends and holidays.

Get ready for a unique combination of open natural space that includes over three miles along the gorgeous Pacific shoreline. When you visit Crystal Cove State Park, you will find a little bit of everything. You can spend hours on the pristine sandy beach backed by scenic cliffs and explore amazing tide pools teeming with life when the tide goes out. Hike along the bluffs overlooking the crystal blue water or head inland along miles and miles of backcountry trails through chaparral-covered canyons.

End the day with an iconic SoCal sunset over the Pacific before heading home. Or bring your tent or RV and set up camp along the coast at Moro Campground so you can wake up to the waves crashing on the beach. There are also primitive backcountry campsites available, accessible only by foot.

Heisler Park Beach Stairway, 361-399 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA

Sally Luu/TripAdvisor

• Location: Laguna Beach
• Popularity: Popular during summer months, but still offers a peaceful atmosphere.
• Need To Know: Metered parking available along Cliff Drive.

When it comes to fun things to do in Southern California in summer, some cool spots have more than just a few, and Heisler Park is one of them. This oceanfront park has a tropical feel with palm trees, gardens, wide green spaces, walking paths, and incredible ocean views. There are lots of picnic areas, from secluded tables to group areas to grassy lawns, as well as barbecue grills and lawn bowling greens.

Wandering through the park, you will find interesting art pieces, sculptures, and mosaics that will catch your eye and make for fun photo ops. With restrooms, sports courts, and direct access to multiple beaches and tide pools, this family and dog-friendly park is an excellent day trip destination.

Best Free Summer Activities

We all appreciate finding fun and free things to do in Southern California in summer, especially if we have a family to entertain. So, the following are some of the amazing things you can do that won’t put a strain on your wallet!

Griffith Observatory, 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

Matt Dusig/Google Reviews

• Location: Los Angeles
• Popularity: Popular, busiest on weekends, during summer months, on holidays, and at sunset
• Need To Know: The facility is admission-free and open to the public Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets for planetarium shows are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, $6 for children 5 to 12 years old.

Griffith Observatory is one of the most iconic attractions in Los Angeles, situated above Hollywood and visible for miles around. You can drive, take a bus, hike, or bike to the observatory. The building itself is nothing short of magnificent and houses one of the most interesting free and interactive museums in the city. Explore incredible exhibits, see a demonstration of the Tesla Coil, listen to free talks, or step inside the Samuel Oschin Planetarium to see one of the fascinating shows.

On clear evenings, the domes open and you can look through one of the powerful telescopes. There are also often telescopes set up on the surrounding grounds to help visitors explore the night sky. The views from the observatory are a spectacle in themselves, including the Hollywood sign, the city below, and of course, brilliant sunsets. Whether you live in LA or are just visiting, a visit to Griffith Park is a summertime must.

5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA

Yasmin Adams/Google Reviews

• Location: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles
• Popularity: Popular event
• Need To Know: Concerts are free with limited seating on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a $20 parking fee if you choose to drive; public transit is available with a bus stop directly in front of the museum.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is not only an iconic art center but has become known for the “Urban Lights” public art installation which is free to visit and makes for amazing photos. For years now, it has also become one of the best free live music event venues in the city.

If you are looking to plan some romantic things to do in Southern California in summer, how about a free outdoor jazz concert in an awesome artsy setting? Jazz at LACMA is perfect for a fun and relaxing date night. On Friday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., May through October, the venue features legendary artists, musicians, and bands against the backdrop of the striking “Urban Lights.”

The Getty, 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, USA

Miguel Quintana Vasquez/Google Reviews

• Location: Los Angeles
• Popularity: Popular attraction; busiest on weekends and holidays
• Need To Know: Museum is free but requires a timed-entry reservation. There is a fee for parking on-site.

If you have never been to the magnificent Getty Center, it is high time for a visit. Not only will you find incredible permanent and rotating exhibits of art from the Middle Ages to the present, but the outdoor spaces are equally worth exploring. Wander through one of the most unique and beautiful botanical gardens and take a walk out to an overlook where you will find the museum’s hidden cactus garden and panoramic views of the LA basin. This is, of course, a perfect spot to watch the sun go down and on a clear day, you can see all the way to the ocean.

Shop for all sorts of art-inspired gifts, books, jewelry, and more in the Getty Museum. Fuel up for your day of exploration with a Garden Tea, a meal at the restaurant, or a delicious latte from one of the coffee carts. What makes summer even more special at the Getty? The “Off the 405” outdoor summer concert series brings exciting talent to the museum. Enjoy a free concert surrounded by incredible architecture and beautiful sunset views.

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Best Summer Events And Festivals In Southern California

Last, but in no way least, there are some spectacular festivals that should be on your summer bucket list. Whether or not you have experienced these wonderful events before, you don’t want to miss them this year.

5000 Niagara Ave, San Diego, CA 92107, USA

Ocean Beach MainStreet Association/Facebook

• Location: San Diego
• Popularity: Very Popular
• Need To Know: Free to attend. A free trolley runs between two designated parking lots and the festival. There are also limited ADA parking areas near the event site.

The annual Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off is an epic one-day summer event that has brought tens of thousands of Southern Californians to this coastal town for over four decades. Located right on the beach, this epic street party is a blast for hungry fun-seekers of all ages. There are games and activities in the Family Fun Zone, an Artists Alley, continuous live music performances, and of course, plenty of gourmet food and drinks to be purchased. Watch wild eating contests and be part of the cook-off by tasting and voting for your favorite chili chefs. This is guaranteed to be a memorable event!

Lake Casitas Recreation Area, 11311 Santa Ana Rd, Ventura, CA 93001, USA

Ojai Valley Wine Festival

• Location: Lake Casitas Recreation Area, Ojai
• Popularity: Gaining popularity, but this is a smaller event with a ticket limit of 2,500.
• Need To Know: Admission cost $105 on the day; discounted tickets are available online prior to the event. Admission includes unlimited tastings and a souvenir crystal wine glass. Non-drink tickets are available on the event day only for $25. Parking is $10 and payable by cash only.

Rated as one of Ventura County’s “Best Wine and Food Festivals,” Ojai Wine Festival takes place every summer on the shore of Ojai’s picture-perfect Lake Casitas and supports a variety of charitable projects. Festival-goers will enjoy tasting wines from more than 30 award-winning wineries and at least 20 craft brews and ciders. Enjoy gourmet food trucks, live music, dancing, shopping with a variety of local vendors, and a silent auction. Get ready for an awesome day on the lake.

Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach, 650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA

Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters | Facebook

• Location: Laguna Beach
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need To Know: Performances begin at 8:30 p.m. nightly and tickets range from $30 to $160.

One of the most beloved annual summer events in Southern California is the Festival of Arts which includes the jaw-dropping Pageant of the Masters. Every night from early July through late August, classic art masterpieces, including paintings and sculptures, come to life on stage under the night sky. Thrilling audiences from all over for more than nine decades, this is one of the oldest and most renowned fine art shows in the United States, and an extraordinary show that we think everyone should see at least once.

Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 10 E Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001, USA

Tequila & Taco Music Festival/Facebook

• Location: Ventura, Palmdale, and San Luis Obispo
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need To Know: Tickets range from $30 to $55 per person and are good for one day each. Choose from General Admission, Tequila Experience (includes 6 tequila samples and a souvenir cup), or Margarita Experience for 2.

What could be more SoCal than an entire weekend dedicated to Tequila, Tacos, and Music? Spend the day (or two!) sampling top-shelf tequilas, margaritas, and mouthwatering street tacos while dancing your heart out to live performances all day long. Maybe even fit a little shopping into your day. If tequila and tacos are not exactly your thing (say it ain’t so!) this is still a festival for you because there will be plenty of craft beer options and loads of gourmet Mexican food creations.

With most annual festivals, you have just one chance to attend, but this is not one of them. There are actually several dates and locations throughout the summer, which you can check out on the Tequila & Taco Festival website.

There is nothing like a SoCal summer! So take advantage of these fantastic things to do in Southern California this season. Time to weigh in – which of these places and activities are calling to you this summer? Which have you experienced in the past? We want to hear from you! Now, let’s make this an oh-so-Southern-California summer to remember.