The iconic Santa Monica Pier is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Southern California. It offers beautiful views of the ocean, an amusement park, an aquarium, a historic carousel, and plenty of delicious food options.
Disneyland is one of the most popular theme parks in the world and a beloved destination for families. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of rides, shows, parades, and character interactions. Don't forget to try the churros!
Golden Gate Park is home to several attractions, including the California Academy of Sciences, the de Young Museum, and the Japanese Tea Garden. After exploring the park, head over to the Golden Gate Bridge, a San Francisco icon that offers stunning views of the bay and the city.
Alcatraz Island is a fascinating historical site that served as a military prison and a federal penitentiary before becoming a National Park. Visitors can take a ferry to the island and explore the cellhouse, the gardens, and the natural habitat.
The Griffith Observatory is a state-of-the-art facility that offers breathtaking views of Los Angeles and the stars. After visiting the observatory, explore Hollywood, the entertainment capital of the world, which offers plenty of attractions, landmarks, and street performers.
Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park and movie studio that offers thrilling rides, immersive shows, and real-life sets from famous films and TV shows. You can also go behind the scenes and learn about the magic of filmmaking.
The La Brea Tar Pits are a fascinating natural wonder that contain thousands of fossilized bones from extinct animals. After visiting the tar pits, head over to Beverly Hills, the home of luxury shopping, dining, and celebrity spotting.
The USS Midway Museum is a retired aircraft carrier that has been transformed into a first-class museum. Visitors can explore the ship's hangar deck, flight deck, and living quarters. Afterward, head down to San Diego and visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo, which houses over 3,700 animals!
Legoland California is a theme park and resort that is designed for kids and families. It features over 60 rides, attractions, and shows, as well as a water park and a hotel. After spending the day at Legoland, head over to Carlsbad State Beach, a beautiful spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
Santa Barbara is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, beautiful beaches, and wineries. After exploring the town, take a ferry to Channel Islands National Park, a stunning and isolated coastline that offers opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife sightings.
Travellers should consider renting a car or using ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft, as public transportation in Southern California is not always efficient or reliable. Driving times can be long, especially during rush hour, so it's important to plan accordingly. Flights may be necessary to travel between San Francisco and Los Angeles, which take approximately 1-2 hours and cost $100-200 per person.
If you have less time, consider skipping some of the destinations or combining them into a shorter trip. If you have more time, add visits to other attractions, such as SeaWorld San Diego, Hearst Castle, or Yosemite National Park. It's also important to pack layers of clothing, as the weather in California can vary greatly from day to night and from coast to inland.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary airport serving Los Angeles and is located 16 miles southwest of Downtown LA. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the primary airport serving San Francisco and is located 14 miles south of Downtown SF. Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) and Oakland International Airport (OAK) are alternative airports for Los Angeles and San Francisco, respectively.
Tour Operator Urban nature & discovery walking tours
Garden Safaris offers immersive, guided walking tours that reveal the hidden natural beauty of Santa Monica. We specialize in urban “safaris” that blend gardens, architecture, secret stairways, canyon paths, and ocean views into unforgettable local adventures. Led by knowledgeable guides, our tours go beyond typical sightseeing, inviting travelers to explore peaceful, lesser-known landscapes and discover the stories, design, and nature woven into the city. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing garden stroll or an active scenic hike, Garden Safaris turns the city into a living outdoor escape.