A Summer in California: The Best Day-Trips From LA + Things to Do in LA (Updated 2025)

📸 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 spent the day in Palm Springs and another day in San Diego. I knew that there were many beautiful day 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 quell your wanderlust. Within just a two-hour drive from LA, you can either be on the beach or in the mountains.

I hope this post inspires you to discover the beauty of the Golden State. However, I also wanted to include a few hotels and other landmarks in LA to further indulge in an authentic Southern California experience. 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. I love driving through the residential streets with beautiful mid-century modern houses and playing Frank Sinatra or Joao Gilberto to elevate my 1950s experience. I have been going to Palm Springs every other month since I visited it for the 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 from 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. However, 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 food scene in Palm Springs, but there is a plethora of options for every budget – you will be hard-pressed to pick just one. My top choice is always Lulu California Bistro for a hearty pasta. It never fails. If you want a solid 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. 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 hotel that fully enhances my Palm Spring experience.

You can also book an Airbnb at one of the drop-dead gorgeous mid-century houses that are so ubiquituous albeit expensive.

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, enjoying eating authentic Danish bakeries. With this being said, Solvang is a very touristy place. 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, head over to Copenhagen Garden House. In addition to the overwhelming amount of sausages to choose from, Copenhagen Garden House is 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. On Yelp, you will find reviews from visitors all over the world, including those from Scandinavian countries.

I was reading Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia, a book about LA written in the late 80’s and she mentioned a place near Solvang called Pea Soup Andersen’s Restaurant. Apparently they have the best pea soup! 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 will 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 has taken me so long to visit this magical place. Ojai is a beautiful town in the mountains. It’s the perfect place for a respite from the city, and the vast natural landscape makes for an ideal short day trip from LA. Not only does Ojai have a strong hippie presence, but it’s also famous for the large number of spiritual retreats. Certainly, I felt a very strong sense of tranquility 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 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

Visit one of the many beautiful trails Ojai has to offer, most of them include 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”. Ojai’s strategic east-west orientation of the mountains are crucial in this phenomenon. The peak of this unique sunset occurs between November and February. Even if you go at any other time of the year, you can sit on a bench and take in the sweeping views of the mountains and valleys.

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

Treat yourself to one of the numerous healing activites Ojai has to offer, including outdoor meditations and relaxing spas with healing facials 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, 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 sustainably farmed. 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 homemade mozzarella cheese, sauces and dough. All the ingredients you eat are grown in their garden. I can’t think of a better 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 a pretty hefty portion, I thought I would have had leftovers but nope, I ate the whole thing!

A perfect way to end your meal is by having their strawberry shortcake (pictured above). 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 a freshly baked shortbread. Will I drive here again just for the strawberry shortcake? Yes!

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 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 spend the night? I recommend checking out Caravan Outpost, an upscale motel where the guest rooms are in 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, so make sure to wear 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, which is conveniently located off the US-101. 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 with a Tiki theme! If this is not enough, they also offer Hawaiian shaved ice cream! Tony’s Pizzaria is not your run-of-the-mill pizza joint. Their recipes have been passed down from Johnny “Tony” to the Barrios family until today, making their pizzas a one-of-a-kind and turning Tony’s Pizzaria into the historic landmark that 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 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 visiting the historical city of Santa Barbara. A few things that make Santa Barbara the ideal day trip is the beautiful coastal views, the Spanish revival architecture, the luxurious resorts and its thriving culinary scene

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 in the mood for some Mexican food, I recommend going to 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 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, Ellen or Meghan Markle is much higher if you go to Montecito, home to the rich and famous. Head over to Coast Village Road and browse the charming 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. When I went to Rori’s, I saw people enjoying their pizzas on the outside patio. They Iooked so good! 

Idyllwild

You don’t need to drive 4 hours to experience a 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 ethereal snow-capped mountains.

Rent a room at the Hotel Hicksville Pines Bud & Breakfast. Just look at those rooms! 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!

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 makes their own chocolate! Although you can still enjoy hot chocolate in the summertime, sipping hot chocolate in the cold weather must be a decadent experience for sure.

Model Delilah Parillo, who was featured extensively in campaigns from the beauty brand Glossier is from Idyllwild. She mentions in one of her interviews how a photographer from Palm Springs discovered her while she was working at one of the local candy shops! I find it fascinating how someone can grow up in such a remote place, but they even have 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 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. 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!

Calico Ghost Town

36600 Ghost Town Rd, Yermo, CA 92398

This 1880s west mining town 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 (about an hour drive 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 1950s and 1960s, 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 you will notice the smell rotten eggs right away, which is due to the elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide!

Below are Bombay Beach’s 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 and wear sturdy closed-toe shoes! There are glass shards 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

It’s no wonder why Encinitas was named by Surfer Magazine the #7 best surf town in America. 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 will feel like you’re in Southern California in the 80s. The first time I went there was in January 2020, and I couldn’t believe this place had been off my radar for so long. 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 and enjoy their delicious 99 cent fish tacos. Yes, you read it right.

Model Emily Ratajkowski, who was born in London and raised in Encinitas, raves about her hometown in all her interviews. She usually describes how she loved growing up eating tacos and going to mandatory surf lessons.

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

Eat a burrito 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 there with my family in December 2021, and it was my dad’s favorite meal during that trip to LA! He ordered a fish, which was exceptionally fresh. Another thing I recommend is going on a walk at Swami’s Beach!

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

Eat breakfast at Panninkin Coffee or head over to Leucadia Donut Shoppe to enjoy freshly made donuts! Caution, go there early because they sell out super fast!

For dinner you can either indulge in more exceptional and outrageously cheap 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. Located in southwestern Riverside County, Temecula is a widely renowned 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 rest of the town consists of Temecula Wine Country, which boasts 30 wineries. If you don’t like wine, this may not be the best trip for you. However, Temecula boasts many activities that non-wine lovers can enjoy:

Explore 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 homemade balsamic glaze tied everything together. Yes, it was as good as it looked!

Another favorite in Temecula 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 staples. But 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 

Every time I see photos of Avalon they remind me of a Mediterranean island in Spain. Santa Catalina is located 22 miles southwest of Los Angeles and is part of California’s Channel Islands. 

On the island, there is no shortage of fun activities like cycling, kayaking and zip lining. There are no cars, 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.

In order to get to Avalon, you need to book a one-way or roundtrip ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro. Since it’s an island, the food and activities will be more expensive.

What to do:

Camping

Cycling

Snorkeling and scuba diving: for being in California, I was surprised to see clear blue water. Obviously, it’s not the same cerulean blue water you can find in Hawaii, but it’s pretty close!

Kayaking

Ziplining

Helicopter rides

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

Two-day trip

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

Madonna Inn

In 2018, after a trip to Big Sur with my dad, we made a pit stop 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.

Read my interview with Audrey Pearce, the granddaughter of the founders here!! If you go, you can’t miss eating the iconic Pink Champagne cake.

Think Dolly Parton meets Alice in Wonderland. Since its opening in 1958, the Madonna Inn has become an iconic landmark on California’s Central Coast. 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 on Instagram, it will give you a better understanding of how fun and quaint the rooms are. The lobby was absolutely dreamy, giving me a preview of what I can expect when I stay there. If you want to book a specific room, you have to do it months in advance!

Getaway House

816 W Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear, CA 92314

This cabin hotel is available in different cities throughout the US, offering guests a unique glamping experience in the woods. On the Getaway’s homepage, just select your city and it will redirect you to the booking dates in your nearest location.

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

If you’re staying 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 features 58,800 stemmed spheres lit by fiber optics, which has caused a buzz on Instagram and earned plenty of accolades. For tickets and information, go to the website here.

Sequoia National Park

Home to the largest and oldest Sequoias in the world, Sequoia National Park is a no brainer for nature lovers. It’s located northeast halfway between LA and San Francisco.

Joshua Tree National Park

Note: Since I wrote this post, a lot has happened and now Joshua Tree is my happy place when I need to get away from LA. Read all my posts about Joshua Tree here. Hopefully I’ll be able to buy property there in the near future! Who knows? 😉

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

For 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. For being a one-star hotel, I was impressed by the many five-star 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.”

The Tronna Pinnacles has 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 an RV and camp there! For information and safety rules, click here. Can you imagine experiencing a sunset in such location?

Unless you 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

As an experienced driver, a one-day trip to San Diego is completely feasible for me. For others, it may be exhausting, which is why I recommend staying at least one night.

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

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!

Catch a 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, known for their authentic wood-fired oven pizzas.

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 art murals. 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 and authentic poke bowl at It’s Raw Poke Shop in Ocean Beach! This neighborhood reminds me so much of Hawaii, with the lush greenery and laid-back beachy vibes. 

Don’t forget to visit Coronado Island and go back to the golden era of the 1950s, with its charming old-world architecture and luscious green gardens. Have your picture taken at the beachfront Hotel Del Coronado, just like Marilyn Monroe did in 1958 while filming “Some Like It Hot”! The beach and the whole island felt like being in the South of France in the 1950s. There was so much allure and charm on every corner!

Big Sur, California

I know Big Sur is a quintessential California destination, but you would need at least four nights to explore this beautiful part of California, especially since it takes 5 hours to get there. That particularly 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!), head over to my travel section.

Another wildly popular destination for nature lovers in California is Yosemite National Park. For those who want an extreme experience, you can venture into the one of the hottest places on earth, Death Valley. Please take extreme caution if you go there in the summer.

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

What better way to enjoy a movie than in the comfort of your own car with your own food and drinks?

Locations: If you’re in the San Fernando Valley, go to Vineland Drive-In Theather. Hope Street Cinema in Downtown LA is another company that hosts drive-ins across Los Angeles in different venues, and 100% of the profits go to a 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? The Donut Hole is drive-thru only and 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 40s. Another signature menu 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 funky vintage second-hand clothes at 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 Southern California comes with many perks. Did you know that you can actually visit the very first McDonald’s and In N Out that ever existed?

13766 Francisquito Ave, Baldwin Park, CA 91706

First Original McDonald’s Museum

Located not too far from Route 66 in San Bernardino lies the very first McDonald’s in the world. Unfortunately, the museum does not have an operating kitchen, but it is free!

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

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, in the last year they have opened up a giant modern strip mall with a Whole Foods and a myriad of eateries. Head over to Broad Street Oyster Company at The Malibu Country Mart for a mouthwatering lobster roll.

Other things to do in Malibu:

Walk on the the iconic pier.

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

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

It’s no secret that 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.

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

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 quaint decor is beautiful, cozy and inviting. You won’t want to leave!

The Old Place in Malibu serves traditional American comfort food in a quaint and quirky atmosphere, very reminiscent of a cowboy Western movie.

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.

Step into another dimension at the Huntington Library Botanical Garden in San Marino, with its plethora of beautifully landscaped gardens. 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?