7-Day Adventure Itinerary to "Sun" in December 2023

1. Day 1: Exploring Santa Monica
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Downtown Santa Monica

   Start your adventure in sunny Santa Monica. In the morning, take a stroll along Santa Monica Pier and enjoy the breathtaking views. In the afternoon, visit the Santa Monica Mountains for a thrilling hike. Wrap up the day with a beautiful sunset at Palisades Park.

   • Santa Monica Pier: $10, 2 hours
   • Santa Monica Mountains: $0, 4 hours
   • Palisades Park: $0, 1 hour
2. Day 2: Exploring Malibu
   20 minutes (12.7 miles) from Santa Monica

   Embark on a scenic drive to Malibu. Start your morning with a thrilling surfing lesson at Zuma Beach. In the afternoon, explore the stunning Getty Villa, where you can admire ancient art and beautiful gardens. Wrap up the day with a hike at Solstice Canyon.

   • Zuma Beach: $50, 2 hours
   • Getty Villa: $20, 3 hours
   • Solstice Canyon: $0, 2 hours
3. Day 3: Adventuring in Joshua Tree National Park
   2 hours 30 minutes (140 miles) from Malibu

   Head inland to Joshua Tree National Park. Spend the morning hiking through the unique desert landscapes and spotting local wildlife. In the afternoon, rock climb at Hidden Valley or explore the Cholla Cactus Garden. Witness a mesmerizing sunset from Keys View.

   • Joshua Tree National Park: $30, 6 hours
   • Rock Climbing at Hidden Valley: $75, 3 hours
   • Cholla Cactus Garden: $0, 1 hour
   • Keys View: $0, 1 hour
4. Day 4: Thrills in Disneyland
   2 hours 30 minutes (135 miles) from Joshua Tree National Park

   Experience the magic of Disneyland. Spend the whole day exploring the park's thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and beloved characters. Don't forget to catch the enchanting fireworks display in the evening.

   • Disneyland: $150, 10 hours
5. Day 5: Discovering Catalina Island
   1 hour 30 minutes (35 miles) from Santa Monica Pier

   Take a ferry to Catalina Island and uncover its natural beauty. In the morning, go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. After lunch, hike to the stunning Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden. Enjoy the evening exploring Avalon's charming shops and restaurants.

   • Catalina Island Ferry: $75, 2 hours
   • Snorkeling: $50, 2 hours
   • Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden: $10, 2 hours
6. Day 6: Zip-lining in Big Bear Lake
   2 hours 30 minutes (97 miles) from Catalina Island Ferry

   Head to the mountains for an exhilarating day of zip-lining in Big Bear Lake. In the morning, soar through the treetops and enjoy breathtaking views. Afterward, explore the charming Big Bear Village and indulge in delicious local cuisine.

   • Zip-lining: $100, 4 hours
   • Big Bear Village: $0, 2 hours
7. Day 7: Beach Day in Venice
   30 minutes (16.4 miles) from Big Bear Lake

   Spend your last day relaxing at the iconic Venice Beach. In the morning, take a bike ride along the boardwalk and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants. Wrap up your adventure with a stunning sunset at Muscle Beach.

   • Bike rental: $20, 2 hours
   • Seafood lunch: $30, 1 hour
   • Muscle Beach: $0, 1 hour

Recommendations

Are there any other local attractions, events, or experiences I should also consider? How about day trips? Any good ideas on how to maximize my fun?

For more adventure, consider taking a day trip to Lake Arrowhead for kayaking and hiking. If you're interested in local events, check out the calendar for outdoor concerts or art festivals. To maximize your fun, make sure to try out local cuisine and immerse yourself in the vibrant beach culture.

Check hotel and flight prices here.