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7-Day Southern California Lunar New Year and Winter Events Itinerary Jan 24 - Jan 30 2026

Day 1 · Sat, Jan 24
Riverside, California

Arrival and Riverside Lunar Festival

Morning:

Begin your Southern California adventure by checking into the legendary [Mission Inn Hotel & Spa](https://www.missioninn.com/), where you can explore the stunning Spanish-style architecture and lush courtyards. Afterward, stroll toward the Riverside Main Street pedestrian mall to experience the opening hours of the [Riverside Lunar Festival](https://www.google.com/search?q=Riverside+Lunar+Festival+official+site), featuring vibrant cultural displays and traditional artisan booths.

Afternoon:

Spend your afternoon immersing yourself in vibrant masterpieces at [The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture](https://riversideartmuseum.org/visit/the-cheech-marin-center-for-chicano-art-culture/), a world-class facility showcasing diverse heritage. Afterward, head to Mount Rubidoux Park for a refreshing hike up the winding paved trails to capture stunning panoramic photos of the city from the iconic Peace Tower.

Evening:

As daylight fades, experience a premiere show at the historic [Fox Performing Arts Center](https://www.google.com/search?q=Fox+Performing+Arts+Center+official+site), a beautifully restored 1929 cinema palace. Follow this with a refined Italian dinner at [Mario's Place](https://mariosplace.com/) before ending your night with artisan cocktails at the industrial-chic [W. Wolfskill](https://wwolfskill.com/) gastropub.

Day 2 · Sun, Jan 25
Riverside, California

Lunar New Year Celebrations and Local Artisans

Morning:

Start your morning with a specialty coffee and breakfast at [Back to the Grind](https://www.google.com/search?q=Back+to+the+Grind+official+site), a historic subterranean coffeehouse that serves as a hub for the local arts community. Afterward, head to Mission Inn Avenue to secure a prime viewing spot for the energetic Dragon and Lion Dance performances that headline the second day of the [Riverside Lunar Festival](https://www.google.com/search?q=Riverside+Lunar+Festival+official+site). Spend the rest of your morning browsing the colorful stalls of the Artisan Market, where you can find unique handmade jewelry and traditional calligraphy.

Afternoon:

Refuel with a diverse lunch at the [Riverside Food Lab](https://www.riversidefoodlab.com/), a vibrant communal food hall offering everything from artisan bao buns to local craft brews. After eating, head to [UCR ARTS](https://www.google.com/search?q=UCR+ARTS+official+site) to explore the provocative visual exhibits at the California Museum of Photography before ending your afternoon with a peaceful walk around Lake Evans in the historic Fairmount Park.

Evening:

Conclude your celebratory weekend by dining at [The Salted Pig](https://www.google.com/search?q=The+Salted+Pig+official+site), a local favorite famous for its creative gastropub fare and rustic charm. After dinner, enjoy a nightcap and live entertainment at [ProAbition Whiskey Lounge](https://www.google.com/search?q=ProAbition+Whiskey+Lounge+official+site) or head to the [Riverside Game Lab](https://www.riversidegamelab.com/) for a nostalgic evening of vintage arcade games and pinball.

Day 3 · Mon, Jan 26
Los Angeles, California

Dine LA and Hollywood Exploration

Morning:

After your morning drive into Los Angeles, start your exploration with a scenic hike through [Griffith Park](https://www.laparks.org/griffithpark) for unparalleled views of the iconic Hollywood Sign. Afterwards, head to the heart of the city to walk the legendary [Hollywood Walk of Fame](https://walkoffame.com/) and admire the ornate architecture of the [TCL Chinese Theatre](https://www.google.com/search?q=TCL+Chinese+Theatre+official+site).

Afternoon:

Indulge in a curated Dine LA Restaurant Week lunch at Connie & Ted's, where you can savor fresh coastal flavors like their signature lobster rolls in a vibrant West Hollywood setting. Following your meal, immerse yourself in the world of cinema at the [Academy Museum of Motion Pictures](https://www.academymuseum.org/en/tickets), exploring immersive galleries and the iconic Dolby Family Terrace. End the afternoon with a stroll beneath the towering historic streetlamps of the [LACMA Urban Light](https://www.google.com/search?q=LACMA+Urban+Light+official+site) installation.

Evening:

As the sun sets, savor an exquisite Dine LA dinner at Musso & Frank Grill, the legendary haunt of silver screen icons known for its timeless red leather booths and classic martinis. Cap off your Hollywood evening with a visit to [Yamashiro Hollywood](https://yamashirohollywood.com/) for breathtaking nighttime views of the city lights, followed by a creative cocktail at the hidden Victorian-themed speakeasy [No Vacancy](https://www.google.com/search?q=No+Vacancy+official+site).

Day 4 · Tue, Jan 27
Dana Point, California

Coastal Drive and Whale Watching

Morning:

Bid farewell to the city lights as you cruise south along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, making a brief stop to admire the historic beach cottages and tide pools at [Crystal Cove State Park](https://www.crystalcovestatepark.org/). Upon reaching the coast, fuel up with a waterfront breakfast at [Coffee Importers](https://www.coffeeimporters.com/) before checking in at the [Dana Point Harbor](https://danapointharbor.com/) for your upcoming maritime adventure.

Afternoon:

Embark on an exhilarating seafaring journey with [Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari](https://www.dolphinsafari.com/) to witness the majestic gray whale migration through the pristine waters of the Dana Point State Marine Conservation Area. After returning to shore, take a leisurely stroll along the Bluff Top Trail to admire the dramatic ocean vistas and the historic Hide Drogher Statue overlooking the harbor.

Evening:

Enjoy a sophisticated seafood dinner at [Glasspar](https://www.glasspar.com/), where the menu celebrates the day's fresh catch in an elegant, airy setting. Conclude your coastal day with a twilight cocktail at [180blu](https://www.google.com/search?q=180blu+official+site), the outdoor lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, which offers sweeping cliffside views of the Pacific surf under the stars.

Day 5 · Wed, Jan 28
San Diego, California

San Diego Discovery and La Jolla Shores

Morning:

After a scenic coastal drive south, start your exploration at La Jolla Shores Park, where you can take a guided kayak tour to explore the famous Seven Sea Caves. Continue to the nearby Children's Pool to witness the playful harbor seals in their natural habitat before grabbing a specialty latte at The Living Room Cafe overlooking the rugged coastline.

Afternoon:

After lunch, head inland to the cultural heart of the city at [Balboa Park](https://www.balboapark.org/) to admire the stunning Spanish Colonial Revival architecture while visiting the [Japanese Friendship Garden](https://www.google.com/search?q=Japanese+Friendship+Garden+official+site), which is particularly serene in the winter. Conclude your afternoon exploration by browsing the eclectic galleries of the [Spanish Village Art Center](https://spanishvillageartcenter.com/) or taking in the panoramic city views from the California Tower at the Museum of Us.

Evening:

As the sun sets, head to Little Italy for a refined dinner at [Juniper & Ivy](https://www.juniperandivy.com/), a local favorite for its innovative 'left coast' cookery and chic atmosphere. Continue your night in the historic Gaslamp Quarter to enjoy the glowing neon signs before grabbing a craft cocktail at the [Altitude Sky Lounge](https://altitudeskylounge.com/), where you can take in 360-degree views of Petco Park and the shimmering San Diego Harbor.

Day 6 · Thu, Jan 29
San Diego, California

Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines

Morning:

Start your day with the crisp ocean air at the legendary Torrey Pines Golf Course, where you'll join the early crowds for the prestigious Farmers Insurance Open. Before following the marquee groups out to the South Course, enjoy a signature breakfast at [A.R. Valentien](https://www.lodgetorreypines.com/ar-valentien) inside the craftsman-style The Lodge at Torrey Pines for a luxurious start to this premier PGA Tour event.

Afternoon:

After the tournament excitement, take a short hike through the wind-sculpted pines of the [Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve](https://www.torreypine.org/) to reach the dramatic views along the Guy Fleming Trail. Afterward, head to the [Torrey Pines Gliderport](https://www.flytorrey.com/) to watch colorful paragliders drift over the Pacific before descending the rugged trails to the secluded shores of Black's Beach.

Evening:

Wrap up your high-energy day at the links by heading to the seaside village of Del Mar for a sophisticated dinner at [Pamplemousse Grille](https://www.google.com/search?q=Pamplemousse+Grille+official+site), a renowned destination for its upscale French-New American cuisine. After your meal, enjoy a crisp night walk through Powerhouse Park before retreating to the L'Auberge Del Mar terrace to sip handcrafted cocktails by the fire pits while listening to the rhythmic sounds of the Pacific Ocean.

Day 7 · Fri, Jan 30
San Diego, California

San Diego Restaurant Week and Farewell

Morning:

On your final morning, take a scenic drive across the San Diego-Coronado Bridge to explore the historic grounds of the [Hotel del Coronado](https://hoteldel.com/), where you can stroll along its iconic sparkling sands and admire the Victorian architecture. Afterward, wander through the boutique shops at the Coronado Ferry Landing to capture one last stunning photograph of the San Diego Skyline reflected across the bay.

Afternoon:

Savor an exquisite San Diego Restaurant Week lunch at [C-Level Lounge](https://www.cohnrestaurants.com/clevel) on Harbor Island, where you can enjoy upscale coastal cuisine while taking in sweeping views across the water. Afterward, spend your final afternoon exploring the historic Liberty Station, wandering through the eclectic food stalls of [Liberty Public Market](https://libertypublicmarket.com/) and the vibrant creative galleries within the Arts District Liberty Station.

Evening:

Commemorate your final night with an exquisite San Diego Restaurant Week dinner at [Mister A's](https://www.google.com/search?q=Mister+A%27s+official+site), which offers panoramic penthouse views of the glowing city skyline. Afterward, stroll along the Embarcadero North to admire the historic Star of India at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Conclude your adventure with a themed signature cocktail at [The Grass Skirt](https://thegrassskirt.com/), a hidden tiki oasis in Pacific Beach, for a memorable farewell to the Southern California coast.

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