The Santa Monica Pier is a landmark and popular attraction located in Santa Monica. It’s known for its amusement park, beautiful beach, and various attractions for tourists and locals to enjoy.
Joshua Tree National Park is a hiker's paradise, with palm oases, cactus gardens, and rugged rock formations. It offers scenic drives, hiking trails, rock climbing, and camping, making it a perfect spot for adventurous travelers.
La Jolla is a picturesque seaside area with beautiful beaches and coves. It offers outdoor activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and surfing, as well as exploring the La Jolla Cove and the Children's Pool, where seals and sea lions are often seen lazing on the beach.
Balboa Park is a cultural and recreational hub in San Diego. It boasts 17 museums, numerous gardens, and 1,200 acres of green space. The park is also home to the San Diego Zoo, one of the biggest and most diverse zoos in the world.
Coronado Island is a charming small town with a beautiful beach, historic Hotel Del Coronado, and many shops and restaurants. Visitors can bike or walk along the scenic 16-mile Silver Strand Bikeway and enjoy the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is California's largest state park, featuring stunning desert landscapes and wildflowers, hiking trails, and seasonal waterfalls. It's a great spot for stargazing and camping, and to witness the amazing sunsets over the desert.
Catalina Island is a serene paradise with picturesque beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rugged interior terrain. Visitors can explore the island on foot or by zip line, take a glass-bottom boat tour, or indulge in water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Venice Beach is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood in Los Angeles, known for its bohemian vibe and its famous boardwalk. Visitors can stroll along the beach and watch the street performers, browse the local shops and art galleries, or visit the Muscle Beach outdoor gym.
Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park and working movie studio where visitors can experience thrilling rides, live shows, and behind-the-scenes tours of their favorite movies and TV shows. It's a must-visit for movie buffs and thrill-seekers.
Santa Barbara is a charming coastal city known for its Spanish colonial architecture, beautiful beaches, and excellent wineries. Visitors can explore the local museums and galleries, shop and dine on State Street, or hike in the scenic Santa Ynez Mountains.
Malibu is a breathtaking coastal city with picturesque beaches, scenic cliffs, and luxurious homes. Visitors can surf or swim at Surfrider Beach, hike in the Malibu Creek State Park, or visit the Getty Villa museum and gardens.
For this tour, we recommend renting a car to explore Southern California at your own pace. Expect to spend around $40-50 a day for a midsize car rental. Uber and Lyft are also widely available in the cities on this tour, and public transportation is an option in some areas. Be aware that parking fees can add up, especially in popular tourist spots.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to San Francisco, Napa Valley, or Big Bear Lake. If you have less time, you can skip some of the destinations and focus on the ones that interest you the most. Remember to always check the opening and closing times for the places you want to visit, and plan your itinerary accordingly. It's also a good idea to book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
The main airports in Southern California are Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Diego International Airport (SAN), and John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County. LAX is the busiest airport in the region and serves as a major gateway for international and domestic travel. SAN is located in downtown San Diego and offers easy access to the attractions in the city. SNA is closer to Disneyland and other Orange County destinations. Expect to spend around 30 minutes to 1 hour traveling from the airports to the city centers, depending on traffic conditions.