A Summer In California: The Best Day Trips From LA + Things To Do In LA

📸 credit by @thenoahbaker

This post was originally written in the summer of 2020. During that time, I visited most of these places in the span of 2 weeks without staying at any hotel, and boy, did I have a great experience. I went to Idyllwild for the first time. I had the best burrito of my life in Ojai, followed by a short trip to Santa Barbara. I drove through Palm Springs and watched stunning sunsets in San Diego. I knew that there were many beautiful daytime road trips from LA, but not to this extent. 

One of the best things about living in Southern California is that you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to satisfy your wanderlust. You can go on a road trip to the beach or the mountains within just a two-hour drive from LA. But I also wanted to include a few hotels and other landmarks in LA and other places to further indulge in an authentic Southern California experience.

All in all, I hope this post inspires you to discover the beauty of the Golden State. Here we go! 

Palm Springs

Many people find Palm Springs boring, but I find it fascinating partly because I love the desert. Every time I drive to Palm Springs, it’s like I’m entering into a time machine. The beautiful art deco hotels and residential houses against the stark blue sky and palm tree silhouettes, make this place a time capsule. Play some Frank Sinatra music or Joao Gilberto in your car to elevate your 1950’s experience.  I have been going to Palm Springs every other month since my first time in June 2016. A-list celebrities like Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe used this desert oasis to escape the bustle of the city and exuberant fans. To this day, Palm Springs still upholds a reputation for being one of the most relaxing getaways from LA: Leonardo Dicaprio has an impressive property villa and the Kardashians also own a lavish property in La Quinta, another resort city two towns over Palm Springs.  

 What to do:

You don’t need to book a stay at a hotel. You can walk into the Saguaro Hotel and simply lounge by the pool. If you’re a mid-century fanatic like I am, go to the Parker Hotel and lounge in the beautiful lobby, because you will not have pool access.

Stroll by Downtown Palm Springs.

Book a Palm Springs Modern Architecture Tour.

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which is the world’s largest rotating Tram car and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Chino Canyon cliffs.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery! I never get tired of seeing the beautiful backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains.

Where to eat:

I’m not well-versed when it comes to the foodie scene in Palm Springs. The good thing is that there is a plethora of options for every budget – you will be hard-pressed to pick just one. I was also surprised by the amount of Italian restaurants there are. Every time I go there, I always go to Lulu California Bistro and order a hearty delicious pasta plate. It never fails. If you want a solid, amazing vegan option, I recommend ordering the Tempeh salad at Palm Greens Café (life-changing). Needless to say, there is something that caters to everyone in Palm Springs.

A must: Great Shakes (160 S Palm Canyon Dr A, Palm Springs, CA 92262)

If you want to have the best shakes of your life, this is the place, right here. This family-owned business uses a secret formula with premium ice cream and the finest, freshest ingredients and homemade sauces. The lovely cashier recommended the Blueberry Hill Shake.

Have the best pancakes of your life at Elmer’s Restaurant, a classic in Palm Springs.

Where to stay: The Monkey Tree Hotel. So beautiful. The first time I stayed there was in 2016 and I simply fell in love with it: reasonably priced, comfortable beds and gorgeous vistas of the San Jacinto Mountains, all in a beautiful mid-century modern décor with striking pops of yellow that make for magnificent Insta-worthy photos against the stark blue sky.

This is the view you get when you walk out of your room

If you have the money, everyone in LA loves the Korakia Pensione, a romantic Mediterranean-style pensione with Moroccan influences. I personally prefer to stay in a mid-century style hotel that fully enhances my Palm Spring experience.

You can also book an AirBNb at one of the drop-dead gorgeous mid-century style residential houses that are so abundant, yet so expensive in Palm Springs.

Solvang

You may not go to Europe this summer, but you can easily fake it by visiting Solvang. This charming town is designed to be a pastiche of old Danish villages. I remember my first time there in December of 2017, when it was beautifully decked out for Christmas. I had the time of my life walking through this fairytale town with its authentic Danish bakeries and beautiful windmills. I ate at one of the restaurants that offered Danish food and it was delicious. If you want to go for the more local route, I recommend eating at Industrial Eats in Buellton, followed by a delicious pastry in Solvang while taking in the visually delightful Danish style architecture.

There are many Scandinavian restaurants in Solvang to choose from, but if you love a good traditional German sausage and would like to taste various types, head over to Copenhagen Garden House. In addition to the overwhelming amount of sausages to choose from, there are beers and sauces galore.

What to do:

Check out the mini horses at the Quick Silver Ranch (temporarily closed due to COVID-19)

Feed an ostrich and emu at the Ostrich Farm in Buellton!

Visit the pasture of miniature donkeys at Seeing Spots Farm.

Get lost in The Book Loft! This independent bookstore has been in business since 1970! It has a wide selection of new books on the first floor and used books on the second floor. It states on Yelp that they get visitors from all over the world, including those from Scandinavian countries in search of antiquarian books.

I was reading Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia, a book about LA written in the late 80’s and she mentioned this place called Pea Soup Andersen’s Restaurant. Apparently they have the best pea soup, which they have been serving to travelers for over 40 years! Another highly recommended place is The Hitching Post II.

If you’re a wine lover, I suggest planning a wine tasting tour in the Santa Ynez Valley. Its amazing vineyards, wineries and hotels make for a nice getaway in the mountains.

Satisfy your taste buds at Bob’s Well Bread in Ballard to experience delightful handcrafted artisanal bread! It’s only a 6 minute drive from Solvang.

Ojai

After many trips to Santa Barbara, I can’t believe it took me so long to visit this magical place. This beautiful town in the mountains is the perfect place for a respite from the city: the vast natural landscape makes for an ideal short day trip from LA. Ojai is also a hippie mecca and is a draw for LA locals who want a short weekend natural retreat. Certainly, I felt wonderfully peaceful when I went there. I later found out that numerous publications have deemed Ojai a vortex of spiritual energy, hence the hippie community and the abundance of spiritual and meditation retreats. Ojai has also been California’s best-kept secret for a long time, and now I can see why. Celebrities like Reese Witherspoon, Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt have been known to frequent Ojai.

What to do:

Peruse the aisles of Bart’s Books, a beautiful outdoor bookstore.

Go to local wine tastings

Walk up one of the many beautiful trails Ojai has to offer which lead to beautiful creeks and waterfalls. Don’t forget your water and SPF! 

Drive up to the Meditation Mount, a Zen spot famous for Ojai’s “pink moment sunset” in its luscious splendor. Sit on the bench and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains and valleys. Ojai’s strategic east-west facing mountain location is imperative in this phenomenon. The peak of this unique sunset occurs between November and February.

Take a leisurely stroll along Ojai Avenue, where you will find art galleries, boutique stores, several places to eat and wine tasting rooms.

Treat yourself to one of the numerous healing activites Ojai has, including outdoor meditations and relaxing spas mixed with spirituality that will leave you restored and rejuvenated.

If you know the movie Easy A (2010), which featured Emma Stone and Penn Badgley, you may be surprised to know that the whole movie was filmed in Ojai. You can go to Nordhoff High School and gawk at the lockers and get a feel for what it would have been like to go to school there. I sure did!

Where to eat:

The Dutchess is a Burmese-Californian restaurant that opened in January 2022. From delicious baked goods to start off your day, to a variety of signature Burmese dishes, every ingredient at The Dutchess is farmed in a ecologically responsible way. Since they close at 9:30 PM, this place is a great option for breakfast, brunch or dinner!

If you happen to go on a Sunday, experience Ojai’s local culture by going to the Certified Farmer’s Market. Hours are 9 am to 1 pm on Sundays. Visit the website here.

Boccali’s Pizza And Pasta

3277 E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023

A favorite in Ojai! This family-owned restaurant has been operating since 1986 and is known for its high-quality ingredients, including their mozzarella cheese, sauces and dough that are made daily. All the ingredients they use are grown in their garden. I can’t think of a better luxurious eating experience. It almost feels as if you are in Tuscany! I had the meat lasagna and I have to say that it was by far the best lasagna I’ve eaten in California. It had everything you would hope for in a hearty lasagna. The meat was really tender yet flavorful and surprisingly, the overall dish was very light. I didn’t feel sluggish afterwards. The tomato sauce was the culmination that married all the ingredients together beautifully. Since it was so big, I thought I would have leftovers but nope, I ate the whole thing!

A perfect way to end your experience is by ordering their strawberry shortcake. What a gorgeous dessert. You should ask for another plate in order to avoid a mess. The strawberries melted in my mouth in the first bite, that’s how fresh they were. Seriously, if you don’t want to eat a whole meal, just come for the strawberry shortcake. I read on Yelp that people drive here specifically for it. The bottom includes fresh baked home-style shortbread. Will I drive here again just for the strawberry shortcake? Yes! I felt like I was in Tuscany. Unfortunately, because it was so big and I couldn’t finish it, I asked the lovely waitress if it would hold up well to take the leftovers home in what would be approximately 5 hours. She sadly told me no.

Boccali’s Pizza And Pasta website

If you opt for a vegan option, go to Hip Vegan Café.

Ojai Tortilla House. Ok, I’m not kidding when I said in the beginning of this post that this was the best burrito I had ever had. Was it the fresh ingredients? The handmade flour tortillas? I’m not crazy about Mexican food, but if you go to Ojai and you don’t mind getting takeout, a visit to Ojai Tortilla House is a must. There’s usually a line out of the door, but it moves pretty fast. This place only accepts cash, so make sure you have it before you get there! They close on Mondays and they’re only open until 2, so the earlier you get there, the better! 

Do you want to stay the night? I recommend checking out Caravan Outpost, an upscale motel where guest rooms are individual Airstream trailers. Website

The Capri Hotel

1180 E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023

This quintessential California 1960s motel with a mid-century design is the ultimate “‘California Dreamin'” experience!

“The Capri is a 30 room mid-century modern property built in 1963, and conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Ojai, CA. One and one-half hour drive north of Los Angeles, or one half hour south of Santa Barbara, our hotel is surrounded by incredible views of the Topa Topa Mountains.” – CapriHotelOjai.com

Website Instagram

After my trip to Ojai I came home five shades darker than the natural color of my skin. The sun over there is really strong. Make sure to wear at least SPF 2000.  

Tony’s Pizzaria

186 E Thompson Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001

If you don’t want to eat dinner in Santa Barbara, Montecito or Ojai, you can grab a pizza slice on the way back home at Tony’s Pizzaria in Ventura. This pizza shack has been in business since 1959 and has been frequented by a handful of celebrities, which you will see on the celebrity picture wall inside! Think old-school NY Italian restaurant in a Tiki theme! If this is not enough, they also offer Hawaiian shaved ice cream! This is not your run-of-the-mill pizza joint. The recipe has been passed down from Johnny “Tony” to the Barrios family until today, making their pizzas one-of-a-kind and turning Tony’s Pizzaria into the Ventura landmark it is today. You may wait a little bit, but unlike other pizza joints, the pizza pies and slices at Tony’s are made to order, so they’re not just sitting in the counter display case. Less than half a mile away from Tony’s, you can find Surfers Points At Seaside Park, a world-class surf destination in California. Tip: if you go in the late hours of the day, bring a jacket! 

Santa Barbara

A California road trip wouldn’t be complete without stopping at the iconic historical city of Santa Barbara. The beautiful coastal views, the Spanish revival architecture, luxurious spas and resorts, and a thriving culinary scene at just a short two-hour drive from LA, making Santa Barbara the ideal day trip. Since it’s summer and the days are way longer, a great alternative is to spend half the day in Solvang and then the rest of the day in Santa Barbara. 

If you’re feeling in the mood for some Mexican food, I recommend La Super Rica Taquería — also known as Katy Perry’s favorite spot in Santa Barbara. For those who don’t know, Katy Perry was born and raised there.

What to do:

Eat fresh seafood at Santa Barbara Shellfish Company in Stearns Wharf.

Get to know Santa Barbara’s history at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.

Stroll through Downtown and hit up Paseo Nuevo, a beautiful outdoor shopping center.

Go for a swim at Summerland Beach

Sit and gaze at the glorious Moreton Bay Fig Tree, an impressive giant tree which is the largest ficus macrophylla in the US.

If you love Italian food, go to Via Maestra 42.

Have delicious coffee at Café Haley.

Go to a wine tasting room.

Montecito

Your likelihood of bumping into Oprah is much higher if you go to Montecito, home to the rich and famous. Among its residents, a few popular ones are Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, Ellen, Oprah, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande and Rob Lowe. The good news is, you don’t have to be mega rich to go there. Go to Coast Village Road and browse the little cafes and boutique stores.

A recommended spot to enjoy Italian food is The Lune (Emma Stone and more celebrities frequent that spot).

Other places:

Lucky’s Steakhouse

I aIso recommend getting a pizza from Bettina Pizzeria, followed by some ice cream from Rori’s, which is right across from the restaurant. I went to Rori’s and saw people enjoying their pizzas on the outside patio. They Iooked so good! 

Idyllwild

You don’t need to drive 4 hours to experience beautiful mountain scenery like you would at Yosemite. Just two hours from LA lies this quaint little forest town. During the winter, Idyllwild turns into winter wonderland surrounded by the ethereal snow-capped mountains.

Rent a room at the Hotel Hicksville Pines Bud & Breakfast. Just look at those rooms! I can’t think of a better way to escape the city. Dita Von Teese is also a huge fan of this hotel. Her devotion to Hicksville is so big that she even has her own room! The owners of the hotel messaged me on Instagram and let me know that their coffee shop was inspired by Solvang!

Go to Lake Fulmor. There is a sign at the entrance that states this lake is not recommended for swimming, so please adhere to the rules!

Visit the cute little stores and restaurants on Village Center Drive.

Pay a visit to El Buen Cacao. This is a family-owned business that handmakes their chocolate with clean and fresh ingredients. Although you can still enjoy hot chocolate in the summertime, sipping hot chocolate in the cold winter must be a decadent experience for sure.

Model Delilah Parillo, who was featured a lot in the Glossier ads, is from Idyllwild. She mentions in one of her interviews how a photographer from Palm Springs discovered her while she was working at the candy store! I find it so fascinating how someone can grow up there. There’s even a school! There are only two candy stores in Idyllwild and they’re next to each other: Candy Cupboard and Idyllwild Soda Pop & Sweet Shop.

Go on a hike! There are many amazing different hikes you can do in the San Bernardino Forest. A short Google search will suffice depending on your desired difficulty. If you’re feeling adventurous and really want to disconnect, you can always bring a tent and camp for a night or two at one of the campgrounds.

Cabazon Dinosaur Museum

50770 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230

Cabazon Outlets is where it’s at: countless discounts on designer brands, beautiful outdoor space, super nice employees. Every time my dad comes to LA, we make the Desert Premium Outlets a mandatory stop where he literally shops until he drops. However, I can’t believe that after driving to Cabazon so many times, I had never been to the Cabazon Dinosaur Museum before!

Look out for the Wafflesaurus Truck (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 11:30-5:30!)

Calico Ghost Town

36600 Ghost Town Rd, Yermo, CA 92398

This old west mining town has been around since 1881 and was abandoned in the mid-1890s when the price of silver plummeted. The park is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information regarding entrance fees and tours, please visit the website. 

Bombay Beach

This place is another reason why I love the California desert. Bombay Beach, located on the shore of the inland Salton Sea (1 hour from Palm Springs), is an eclectic apocalyptic wasteland. In the last few years, this abandoned resort town has experienced a resurgence due to the influx of hipsters and artists that have made Bombay Beach a playground to display their art, turning it into a funky open-air museum in the middle of the desert. If you don’t know the backstory of Salton Sea, it was a thriving resort destination in the 1950’s and 1960’s, just like Palm Springs. Here’s an excerpt from Slate.com: “By the late 1970s, the ecosystem was deteriorating rapidly. With no drainage outlet, almost zero yearly rainfall, and runoff flowing in from nearby farms, the sea was polluted with pesticides and saltier than the Pacific Ocean. Depleted oxygen in the sea killed scores of fish and dragged their rotting bodies onto the beach, where they shriveled in the sun. As they decomposed, the sand became coated in a layer of fragmented fish skeletons.”  If you go there and smell rotten eggs, it’s due to the elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide.

Below are Bombay’s Beach most popular ruins and art installations:

The abandoned drive-in.

The Burning Man Airplane.

A giant star made out of concrete.

Bombay Beach Polaroid Museum.

The swing over the sea! 

The futuristic house.

Bombay Beach Estates.

Bombay’s Beach last welcome sign.

As staggering as it sounds, there are people who live there so be respectful. Wear sturdy closed-toed shoes! There is lots of broken glass and sharp things that will cut your foot if you don’t watch your step. Remember, it’s the desert so stay hydrated. Bring proper sun protection and take heat precautions!

Encinitas

Encinitas was named by Surfer Magazine the #7 best surf town in America. No wonder. This bohemian surf oasis, just an hour north of Mexico is the epitome of California Dreamin’: tanned guys that look like Abercrombie models carrying their 6ft long surfboards, the smell of corn tortillas in the air, the beautiful palm-lined streets with the ever-present ocean. It doesn’t feel like LA, but rather like you’re in the 80’s of Southern California. The first time I was there was in January 2020 and I couldn’t believe this place had been under my radar for this long. Most tourists from LA go to Laguna and that’s pretty much the farthest they go. Not many people know about this surfer’s paradise. I cannot wait to do a full-post about Encinitas on my blog. You have to go in person and see it yourself. If you love Mexican food, Encinitas is heaven on earth. Go to El Pueblo Mexican food, a very unassuming taco joint next to a gas station to enjoy delicious 99 cent fish tacos. Yes, you read it right. Compared to LA, Mexican food in San Diego County is outrageously cheap. The tacos there are unbelievable and the portions are pretty hefty.

No wonder Emily Ratajkowski, who was born in London and raised in Encinitas, raves about her hometown in all her interviews describing her happy memories growing up in this taco paradise.

What to do:

Visit the beautiful Self-Realization Fellowship Center Gardens.

Do some whale watching in La Jolla

Catch a beautiful sunset at Moonlight State Beach.

Watch surfers at Swami’s Beach, an internationally known surfing spot.

Eat the best burrito of your life at The Taco Stand (a staple in Encinitas), or go to the beloved local’s restaurant, Fish 101 in Leucadia.

If you go to Encinitas, I highly recommend making dinner reservations at Herb + Sea. I went with my family in December 2021, and it was my dad’s favorite meal during that trip to LA. The menu is seasonal, so make sure to check the menu. Another thing I recommend is taking a walk on nearby Swami’s Beach to work up an appetite.

Stroll around the Downtown shopping district and peruse the cute sidewalk cafes, boutiques, shops and bars.

Eat breakfast at Panninkin Coffee or go over to Leucadia Donut Shoppe to enjoy freshly made donuts! Caution, go there early because they sell out super fast! Also, don’t forget to check the schedule.

For dinner you can either enjoy more Mexican food or enjoy delicious sushi at Kaito Sushi.

Visit the San Diego Botanic Garden.

Temecula

Besides Ojai, you can easily recreate a Tuscany experience by visiting Temecula. What a gem! This city located in southwestern Riverside County is a tourist and resort destination known for its wineries and impressive vineyards. The city consists of Old Town Temecula, which is a cowboy Western movie brought to life. The other is Temecula Wine Country. Temecula boasts 30 wineries, where you can savor exquisite wines. I’m not going to lie, if you don’t like wine, this may not be the best trip for you. However, it has a few activities non-wine lovers can enjoy:

Explore in full-depth a winery on horseback!   

Traipse around Old Street Temecula and take in the historical landmarks and picturesque Western architecture.

Have a full-fledged Tuscan dining experience at Robert Renzoni Vineyards And Winery. 

The best thing about Temecula is that the majority of places offer outstanding food, since most ingredients are locally sourced. Do yourself a favor and order the goat cheese toast from Public House. This is their most popular menu item and a staff’s favorite. The sweet roasted tomato and balsamic glaze tied everything together. What a dreamy, top-notch dish. At the moment, they’re only accepting cards.  

Another Temecula favorite is The Goat And Vine, known for their thin-crust pizzas. Le Coffee Shop is a modern café with a French twist that serves French breakfast dishes. Since it’s a breakfast spot they close pretty early.

Experience the sunset above the endless acres of vineyards in a hot air balloon!

Santa Catalina Island

Avalon, Santa Catalina Island 

The photos of Avalon genuinely remind me of one of Spain’s Mediterranean islands. Santa Catalina is located 22 miles southwest of Los Angeles and is part of California’s Channel Islands. 

There is a wide array of fun things to like cycling, kayaking and zip lining. There are no cars on the island, so your only way around is by golf cart or bike! Upon further investigation, I found out that the food is not that good and is, to no surprise, overpriced. But don’t let this be a deterrent!

There are round trips by boat that depart daily for Avalon from San Pedro or Long Beach for $74 round-trip. Since it’s an island, the food and vacation activities will be more expensive.

What to do:

There is a wide array of fun things to do depending on what your goals are. There are no cars on the island so your only way through is by golf cart or bike!

Camping

Cycling

Snorkeling and scuba diving: for being in California, I was surprised that you can find clear blue water. Not the same as in Hawaii, but pretty close!

Kayaking

Ziplining

Helicopter rides

If you want to do a tour, book your desired activity on Catalinatours.com

Upon further investigation, I found out that the food is not that good and is, to no surprise, overpriced. But don’t let this be a deterrent!

Two-day trip

If your budget allows, these are the best places to spend a two-night stay in California.

Madonna Inn

I had seen this place on Instagram plenty of times. In 2018, after a trip to Big Sur with my dad, we briefly stopped at The Madonna Inn. To say that we loved it is a complete understatement. While we didn’t stay there, we idly roamed around the hotel for more than an hour and even got a few mementos. My dad fell in love with their crystal glass goblets.

As soon as this beautiful picture popped up in my feed, it instantly piqued my interest. Think 1980’s meets Elvis Presley and Las Vegas. Since opening in 1958, this hotel has become an iconic landmark of the central coast of California, making it the perfect California road trip destination. The property includes 110 whimsical and ethereal guest rooms, each with its own distinct style.

The whole hotel is decked out in its signature bubblegum pink. If you look up the Madonna Inn location on Instagram, it will give you a better understanding of how fun and quaint the rooms are. Although I haven’t stayed at the hotel, every corner of the lobby makes for a perfect Instagram photo. If you want to reserve a specific room, you have to do it weeks, or even months in advance!

Getaway House

816 W Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear, CA 92314

I found this place on Instagram!! OMG what a genius idea! This cabin hotel is available in different cities throughout the US. On Getaway’s homepage, just select the city you’re in and it will redirect you to the booking dates. For such a stunning and luxurious experience, I was surprised at how fair the prices were.

They also have gift cards and discounts available. A minimum two-night stay is required. With this being said, whether you want to unwind from the city by yourself or with a loved one, this black elegant cabin in the middle of the woods is exactly what the doctor ordered. There is no TV and no wifi, as it is designed to immerse you in the experience. California’s Getaway House is located in Running Springs, near Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead.

Paso Robles

Whether you’re staying at the Madonna Inn or any other nearby town in California’s Central Coast region, you can’t go there without paying a visit to the Field Of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles. This stunning open-air exhibit that features 58,800 stemmed spheres lit by fiber optics, has caused a buzz on Instagram and has earned plenty of blog write-ups. They reopened the exhibit on June 12^th 2020. For tickets and information, go to the website here.

Sequoia National Park

Home to the largest and oldest Sequoias in the world, this park with breathtaking vistas and its myriad of trails, is a no brainer for nature lovers out there. Located northeast halfway between LA and San Francisco, it’s a three-and-a-half hour drive from both cities and it gets plenty of visitors from both cities. 

Joshua Tree National Park

The first time I drove through Joshua Tree was in 2016 while I stayed at The Monkey Tree Hotel in Palm Springs, and let me tell you, I’ve never felt more badass in my life. I’m not talking about the freeway from LA to Vegas, but the actual desert in its natural rawness. There’s also an absolute silence and stillness I had never experienced before. I only drove five miles into the desert before going back, but please, always fill up your gas tank before entering the park and if you’re planning on exploring, go with someone else.

If you want to have an unforgettable stargazing experience, these are amazing, yet expensive AirBnB glamping options. Did you know that Joshua Tree National Park is the best place for stargazing in the US?

Twentynine Palms Inn is the oldest hotel outside of Joshua Tree and features lovely cabins and bungalows. For being a one-star hotel, I was impressed by the many five-star rating reviews.

The Trona Pinnacles

At just 3 hours northeast of LA in the Mojave Desert, you can pretend to be on Mars or in a Star Wars movie at the surreal Trona Pinnacles. According to the Bureau of Land Management’s website: “The Trona Pinnacles are a unique geological feature in the California Desert Conservation Area. The unusual landscape consists of more than 500 tufa spires, some as high as 140 feet, rising from the bed of the Searles Dry Lake basin.” They are composed primarily of calcium carbonate and have been featured in numerous commercials and movies like Star Trek and Lady Gaga’s music video “Stupid Love”!

By doing a cursory glance on Google, you will find many hotels in Ridgecrest, which is approximately 20 miles east from The Trona Pinnacles. If, on the other hand, you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent yourself an RV and camp there! For information and safety rules, click here. Can you imagine experiencing the otherworldly sunsets in person?

Do not use a regular car. If you don’t have a 4×4 or an SUV with tires in excellent condition, it is highly recommended that you rent one. The road is filled with jagged rocks and there is zero phone reception!

San Diego

A one-day road trip to San Diego is feasible, but if you plan on exploring, I recommend staying one night.

Have you ever been to Mexico? If not, just go to Old Town. It reminded me so much of the villages I travelled to when I spent summers in Mexico. 

Take a surf lesson

Go to the Cabrillo National Monument

Hike to Cowles Mountain or Torrey Pines State Park.

Go to the Venice Beach of San Diego, Mission Beach!

Watch the most beautiful sunset at Sunset Cliffs.

San Diego is Italian food heaven! Experience Little Italy by going to Monello or Civico 1845 if you’re in dire need of delicious handmade pasta. Buona Forchetta in South Park is another Italian restaurant staple in San Diego and is known for their authentic wood-fired oven pizzas.

Give yourself a respite and go to Fashion Valley, a beautiful open-air shopping mall in Mission Valley.

Take a stroll through Seaport Village and enjoy the beautiful vistas of the ocean and the harbor as you walk along the restaurants and souvenir shops.

Soak up the Chicano culture and eclectic art scene at Barrio Logan, a flourishing neighborhood with hip cafes, art galleries, and colorful mural art. Make sure to visit Por Vida for a delicious cup of coffee! It’s my favorite coffee shop in San Diego!!

If you want to feel like you’re in Hawaii, grab a fresh authentic poke bowl at It’s Raw Poke Shop in Ocean Beach! This neighborhood reminded me so much of Hawaii due to the greenery and laid-back beachy vibes. 

Don’t forget to visit Coronado Island and go back to the 1950’s or New Orleans with its majestic old-world architecture and luscious green gardens. Have your picture taken against  the historic beachfront Hotel Del Coronado, just like Marilyn Monroe did in 1958 while filming “Some Like It Hot”! The beach and the whole island was legit, like being in the South of France.

Big Sur, California

I know Big Sur is a quintessential California experience, but you would need at least four nights to explore this beautiful coastal region, especially since it takes 5 hours to get there. Not to mention that that stretch of PCH has zero phone reception, which is why you have to plan ahead every nook and cranny of the places you want to go. If you want to read about my experience in Big Sur in 2018 (crazy how time goes by!), go to my travel section.

Other popular destinations for nature lovers in California include Yosemite and Yellowstone National park. Moreover, If you’re fearless and daring, you can also venture into the hottest place on earth, Death Valley.

What to do in LA?

 There is no shortage of fun things to do in LA.

Watch a movie at a drive-in movie theater

With movie theaters currently closed due to COVID-19, what better way is there to enjoy a movie than in the comfort of your own car with your own food and drinks? This pandemic has made LA embrace the car culture even more. It reminds me so much of the 50’s! I truly hope they make a permanent comeback!

Locations: If you’re in the San Fernando Valley, go to Vineland Drive-In Theather. Hope Street Cinema in Downtown LA organizes drive-ins across Los Angeles in different venues and 100% of the profits go to charity. Their Instagram is @stfoodcinema.

The Donut Hole

15300 Amar Rd, La Puente, CA 91744

Established in 1968, the Donut Hole serves up doughnuts 24 hours a day, seven days a week. How many times have you actually driven through the middle of a donut? It’s drive-thru only, so the best thing is that you stay in your car the entire time! They don’t accept credit cards so make sure to have cash on hand.

Vince’s Spaghetti

8241 Foothill Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Stop by this iconic landmark on Route 66 that opened in 1945. The reviews don’t lie — the spaghetti is delicious and the sauce is tasty and rich. Vince’s Spaghetti has never failed to deliver the same quality comfort food since it opened back in the 40’s. Another signature item is their delicious cheese bread. The portions are big, so make sure to go on an empty stomach.

Go on a hike in Topanga Canyon and explore vintage second-hand clothes at the funky store Hidden Treasures.

Watch the airplanes land at LAX from the In-N-Out Burger parking lot

9149 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045

It’s such an astonishing experience to see the bellies of the airplanes so close. Out of all the In-N-Outs in California, this is the winner for me. If you’re in LA and you’ve never been to this In N Out, you’re missing out!! 

Living in California comes with many perks. One of them is that you can actually see the very first McDonalds and In N Out that ever existed!

13766 Francisquito Ave, Baldwin Park, CA 91706

First Original McDonald’s Museum

Located not too far off of Route 66 in San Bernardino is the first McDonald’s in the world. I will soon write a post about this so stay tuned! 

Catch a sunset at one of these beautiful places. Go to the link here.

Go to Malibu

I’m going to be blunt here. Other than enjoying the beautiful beaches, driving through PCH or gazing at the jaw-dropping waterfront mansions, there isn’t much else to do in Malibu. This is the reason why I seldom go there. However, I’m really happy that in the last year, they have opened up a giant modern strip mall with Whole Foods and more coffee shops. The latest addition has been Broad Street Oyster Company at The Malibu Country Mart. After seeing celebrities and influencers posting photos of mouth watering lobster rolls on Instagram left and right, I knew that that was a reason for me to make the trek and drive all the way up there.

Definitely worth the drive! The bread was as fluffy as a cloud and the lobster was phenomenal to say the least. The lobster roll has two sauce choices: mayonnaise or butter. You can also add Caviar but that’s like $40. I got mine with mayonnaise. It was really good, but in retrospect I should have probably ordered the one with butter to make it more hearty.  The fries were also delicious!

Other things to do in Malibu:

Take a walk on the pier.

If you want to enjoy the beaches, drive further north on PCH and go to Zuma Beach! Did you know that’s the beach where the Backstreet Boys shot their 2005 music video “Incomplete”?

Catch a sunset at El Matador Beach. This is Malibu’s most popular beach. The beginning scene of Grease and so many other iconic movies, shows and music videos were filmed there. Expect to find a crowd.

A handful of celebrities live in Malibu. You can easily spot them either at Nobu, Malibu Country Mart, or the beautiful grocery store, Vintage Grocers. My dad and I bought a package of strawberries there and they were scrumptious. 

Go to the Malibu Country Mart and marvel at the expensive boutique clothing stores.

I recommend either grabbing lunch or dinner at Spruzzo while enjoying the beautiful sunset and beach views. Kristy’s Village Café is a good solid brunch option.

The Malibu Café is another Malibu staple. I have been there quite a few times. The food is nothing to write home about and they have very limited options when it comes to beverages and milk preferences, but the décor in the middle of the ranch is beautiful, cozy and inviting.

The Old Place in Malibu serves traditional American comfort food. It looks straight out of a Cowboy Western movie with its quaint and quirky atmosphere. They’re only open Thursday through Sunday so check the times and availability before you make the trek.

More things to do in LA:

Drive by your favorite movie locations!

Support small food vendors by going to local farmer’s markets. Studio City farmer’s market is the place to go for the best celebrity sightings! Melrose Place also holds a weekly farmer’s market every Sunday.

If you want to feel like you’re in Cabo San Lucas, go to Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes. The spectacular vistas, waterfront pool and the impressive grounds are a true getaway from LA.

I can’t speak for the rooms since I have not stayed there but the location is simply beautiful. A true getaway in LA. They’re being really strict with the COVID19 CDC guidelines so if you’re interested in staying there, you should make reservations well in advance. When I went with my dad to check it out, we were going to have dinner there, but the crowded and loud restaurants prompted us to go somewhere else. We ended up at Gabi James, a Spanish restaurant in Redondo Beach and had the time of our lives. The food was surprisingly really good, and this is coming from a Spaniard! They have outdoor seating available. 

Marvel at the power of nature by strolling through the grounds of the Huntington Library Botanical Garden in San Marino. It might take you half a day to explore all of the gardens as well as the art collection. This oasis is the perfect place to slow down and practice some walking meditation. 

I hope you enjoyed this guide! What are your favorite road trips in California?