When you live in a place like Southern California, there really is no reason to stray far from home for a vacation when there is so much to see and do right here in our neck of the woods. From woodsy camping trips to island getaways and even thrilling road trips, there's so much fun to embrace in SoCal that you'll want to spend your vacation close to home.

1. Aztec Falls (San Bernardino County/Pacific Crest Trail)

You don't need to head out of town to find a refreshing swimming hole where you can cool off on a hot day. Just load up the car and hit the road and you can splish and splash the whole afternoon. Aztec Falls in San Bernardino County is always a popular choice, but there are seven more swimming holes to choose from throughout SoCal that you may want to check out.

2. Big Bear Lake

For a weekend staycation, nothing beats a trip to Big Bear Lake. Stroll through the main village for some local eats and drinks, head out on the lake for a lazy day out on a boat, or take a hike through the many woodsy trails you'll find nearby in the San Bernardino Mountains.

3. Spend a Day In America's Finest City

When you are only a car ride away from America's Finest City, it only makes sense that you'd add this SoCal jewel to your staycation list. From harbor walks to urban parks and stunning oceanside cliffs, you'll be surrounded by fun and beauty in every direction as you take in all that San Diego has to offer.

4. Take A SoCal Garden Tour

If all you want to do is have a peaceful day wandering through pristine landscaped gardens, you should definitely add these arboretums and botanic gardens to your staycation list. These 9 Gardens in Southern California will completely refresh you and inspire you with acre after acre of colorful beauty.

5. Wet 'n' Wild Palm Springs (1500 S Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs).

A SoCal staycation wouldn't be complete without a trip to a waterpark. One of our favorite places to splash in the water is at Wet "n" Wild Palm Springs. No matter how old you are, this is the kind of destination that will bring out the kid in everyone.

6. De Portola Wine Trail (Temecula Valley)

You don't need to head to Napa or Sonoma for a wine vacation. Just head to the De Portola Wine Trail in Temecula Valley and you have yourself a local wine staycation right here in SoCal. You'll see some of the most beautiful vineyards and countryside along this wine trail that's only a hop, skip, and a jump from home.

7. La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove, home to one of the most beautiful beaches in SoCal, is a delightful spot to add to your staycation. Linger at the beach for the afternoon then stroll to town to grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby restaurants. Grab a seat at a sidewalk table and enjoy the SoCal breeze. After an afternoon at The Cove, you'll be in vacation mode in no time.

8. A Road Trip to SoCal's Most Majestic Castles

Road trips are practically synonymous with summer. So why not load up the car and head out on a fun journey across SoCal?! On this particular road trip, you'll be checking out the many beautiful castles hiding right here in our neck of the woods. These 9 castles are absolutely breathtaking from the outside, and many of these locations will even let you take a tour on the inside.

9. Coronado

With a destination as magnificent as Coronado, why would anyone ever travel out of state for a getaway!? Whether you take the ferry or you drive across the Coronado bridge, this charming town is easy to reach and worth the drive. You could pack in an entire day of fun activities including a lazy day at the beach, a bike ride along the promenade, or maybe even a picnic at the park. There's so much to see and do here that you will instantly feel like you're on a much needed holiday.

10. Henninger Flats Campground (2260 Pinecrest Drive, Altadena).

We all know a real vacation means taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. So how about a camping staycation to get you out in nature? Henninger Flats is a bit of a hidden gem and provides wonderful forest seclusion while still being close to the city to be easily accessible for most everyone. This campground does require a bit of a hike, but once you arrive you'll be thrilled to pitch a tent and have a little rest and relaxation.

11. Catalina Island

Beauty and charm abound at this SoCal island that is truly a dream come true. When you arrive in Catalina Island, you may have to pinch yourself because it's hard to believe this SoCal gem is so close to home. This may be the most distant destination on the list, and one that requires a ferry ride, but as far as staycations go this one spot simply can't be beat.

Are you ready to load up the car and head out on a SoCal staycation? There's so much to see and do here that your hardest decision will be where to go first. For more SoCal adventures that you might want to embrace, take a look at these 10 Natural Attractions in Southern California that will take your breath away.