It's hard not to love the sight and sound of a waterfall. There's something equally thrilling and relaxing about the rush of water over a rocky ledge. So, what's even better than seeing one waterfall? How about an entire weekend devoted to seeing lots of waterfalls?! There are so many great waterfalls in Southern California worth a visit.

Because we know how much you love all of the natural beauty offered here, we've put together the ultimate Southern California waterfalls road trip that will take you to some of our favorite falls in the region. Some are big, some are small, and some are perfect for an afternoon swim. You may not be able to hit all these in a single day. Or, even in a single weekend. Pick a few that are close to home and use our customizable map to navigate your way there.

All of the falls on this list require at least a short hike, so make sure to plan accordingly. Bring comfy shoes, lots of water, a healthy dose of sunscreen, and road trip snacks. Ready to hit the road?

Are you ready for some fun? Grab your keys, get a playlist ready, and prepare for a delightful waterfall road trip in Southern California that will take you to eight waterfalls. What a perfect way to spend an outdoorsy weekend in one of the most beautiful regions of the country.

1. Paradise Falls, Thousand Oaks

Your first stop is at the incredible Wildwood Park, a hidden gem of a natural oasis in Thousand Oaks. Here, you'll find a beautiful waterfall that's an absolute delight. There are miles and miles of trails to explore in Wildwood Park, but the hike to reach Paradise Falls is a short jaunt from the trailhead. You only have to travel about 1.5 miles to reach this stunning cascade.

2. Escondido Falls, Malibu

The trip to Escondido Falls requires an easy two-mile hike. The parking area is right along the Pacific Coast Highway. If you're up for a more adventurous journey, there are several falls farther along the trail that are appropriate for experienced hikers. If you're looking for something a little easier, experiencing the lower falls at Escondido Falls is quite breathtaking and doesn't even require too much effort to reach.

Check out some footage from the trail to Escondido Falls:

3. Solstice Canyon, Malibu

Are you seeking an easy-to-reach waterfall that doesn't require a strenuous hike? Solstice Canyon may be the perfect spot for you! It's a great addition to this waterfall road trip in Southern California thanks to its incredibly tranquil atmosphere. It's located in Malibu within Solstice Canyon along the Solstice Trail. There are plenty of more difficult hikes throughout the canyon that will take you to other waterfalls and plenty of other sights, this gem is nice and easy to reach if all you're up for is a simple stroll.

4. Eaton Canyon Falls, Pasadena

Your next stop is Eaton Canyon Falls, which requires a bit more of a hike than some of the other stops on this list. It's worth the effort, but you will have to take a three-mile round-trip hike. The good news is that it is fairly flat, so depending on your pace, the entire trip will take about 2.5 to 3 hours. This is quite a popular destination, so you'll want to hit the trail early to avoid the crowds. It's one of the best kid-friendly hikes in Southern California.

5. Sturtevant Falls, Arcadia

This next one is an amazing paradise that's ideal for escaping a hot day. Sturtevant Falls is tucked away inside of Santa Anita Canyon and it's an absolutely magnificent spot that embodies all the best attributes of Southern California. This picturesque destination is nestled inside a woodsy forest filled with gorgeous trails. The three-mile hike has a refreshing reward at the end of the trail: a beautiful and ice-cold waterfall that's the perfect escape from the heat.You can also catch the nearby Hermit Falls, which is much less popular and less likely to draw a crowd. Check out both of these magnificent Southern California waterfalls in the following video:

6. Heart Rock Falls, Crestline

This next stop is great because it's a two-in-one destination. This scenic spot located in Crestline will take you to both a heart-shaped rock and a waterfall all in the same trip. The short hike is fairly easy and will take around an hour, depending on your pace. As with many of the falls on this list, morning is the ideal time to be on the trail for the best, least-crowded experience. Whether you're with that special someone, your family, or by yourself, this is one of the best short trails in SoCal.

7. Tahquitz Falls, Palm Springs

Your next hike will take you to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Southern California, but it's worth noting that it is located within a desert. Add this to a bucket list to complete on a cooler day rather than brave this one in the summer heat. If you attempt the trail on a hot day pack plenty of water and go as early in the day as possible. The hike to Tahquitz Falls is fairly short at only about a mile. It's a charming waterfall that will definitely cool you off!

8. Cedar Creek Falls, Ramona

Up for a little more of a trek? The six-mile hike to reach the SoCal waterfall swimming hole at Cedar Creek Falls is definitely worth the effort. This beauty in San Diego County is tucked away inside the remote town of Ramona. The stunning falls will enchant you, but make sure to bring along plenty of water. This hike has very little shade, so you'll want to stay nice and hydrated.

This is such a gorgeous 80-foot waterfall:

There are so many great stops on this Southern California waterfalls road trip! Did we forget any of your favorite waterfalls near you? We are always up for hearing about more waterfalls in SoCal, so make sure you leave a comment with your suggestions for waterfalls to check out on our next road trip.

Need more road trip ideas? We've got you covered:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/southern-california/best-road-trips-in-southern-california/

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