Things to Do in Southern California
While Southern California is known worldwide for its glamorous cities and famous attractions, it also has plenty of hidden corners where you can slow down and soak in the laid-back charm. After crisscrossing the region on many trips, from the sun-drenched coastlines of Orange County to the high desert of Joshua Tree, I’ve discovered some incredible gems that go beyond the usual tourist trail.
Whether it’s tucked-away beach towns, scenic backroad drives, or boutique stays with a local touch, there are countless ways to experience a more unique and tranquil side of Southern California. Here's what I recommend.
1. Walking with presidents and peace at Sunnylands Center & Gardens
The Sunnylands Center & Gardens in Rancho Mirage didn’t hit me like a museum or a monument, it was quieter than that, more meditative. I wandered beneath the towering palms and desert blooms, moving through symmetry and stillness that once hosted presidents, royalty, and artists. The estate felt like diplomacy in garden form, open, serene, intentional.
Located just a short drive from Palm Springs, it was easy to reach and made for the perfect half-day adventure. We loved strolling through the nine acres of desert-inspired gardens, where colorful blooms popped against the stark mountains in the distance. The mid-century modern architecture of the visitor center gave everything a stylish, Palm Springs vibe. It was the kind of place where we could slow down, take in the desert air, and feel a little bit like insiders in on a California secret.
Inside the center, I watched archival footage of world leaders meeting on this very estate. I stood near a photo of Queen Elizabeth II on the grounds and thought, “They didn’t just come here for policy, they came here for clarity.” I lingered in the labyrinth of palo verde trees and golden barrel cacti, not rushing. It was a place to pause, to imagine what conversations had happened under those same clear skies.
Afterward, I stopped at Wilma & Frieda’s just down the road in Palm Desert. I ordered the short rib eggs benedict with a side of citrus-dressed arugula. It was rich, but balanced, the kind of brunch that made me feel like I was still lingering in elegance, but with a little more butter involved.
Where I Stayed: I stayed nearby at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, where the desert met pools and palm trees. The evening light across the mountains felt like the day closing its eyes softly.
Sunnylands Center & Gardens At a Glance
- Location: 37977 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
- Vibe: Peaceful, refined, contemplative
- Highlights: 9 acres of desert gardens, rotating exhibitions, estate history
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon to avoid the desert heat
- Cost: Free for gardens and center; estate tours require advance booking
- Hours: Open Thursday–Sunday, 8:30am–4pm (seasonal closures in summer)
- Tip: Book estate tours well in advance, they sell out quickly, especially in winter
2. Rising into the clouds on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
I thought the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway was one of the most breathtaking ways to experience California’s desert and mountains in one swoop. In just 10 minutes, we went from the warm desert floor up into the cool, pine-scented air of Mount San Jacinto State Park. The rotating tram cars gave us 360-degree views the whole way, so it felt like flying straight into another world.
Located just a few miles outside downtown Palm Springs, it was an easy drive and a total must-do while we were there. We loved how the journey itself was as memorable as the destination—watching the desert city shrink below us as rugged cliffs rose around the tram. At the top, the world opened up into forests, hiking trails, and sweeping overlooks that made us forget we had been poolside in the desert just an hour earlier.
I pressed my forehead to the glass, tracking the sharp edges of cliffs and the long drops below, and somewhere near the top, I thought, "Sometimes the fastest way to clear your head is straight up." At Mountain Station, I stepped into crisp pine air that felt like it belonged to a different state entirely. Trails stretched out in all directions, and I followed one that led to a quiet overlook, just me, the wind, and the wide sweep of Coachella Valley far below.
After the hike, hunger hit hard. I grabbed a window seat at Peaks Restaurant, perched at the top of the mountain. I ordered the grilled trout with lemon caper sauce and seasonal vegetables. Maybe it was the altitude, maybe the view, but it tasted like something earned. Every bite was slow and grounding, like reentry into earth after floating in sky.
Where I Stayed: I stayed down the hill at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs. Rooftop pool, mountain views, and desert light pouring through the windows, it felt like the right place to land after such a literal and emotional lift.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway At a Glance
- Location: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Vibe: Scenic, exhilarating, transformative
- Highlights: 10-minute rotating tram ride, hiking trails, mountaintop dining
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for golden light, but earlier if hiking
- Cost: $30 adults, $18.95 kids (round-trip)
- Hours: Varies seasonally; typically 10am–8pm
- Tip: Bring a jacket, even in summer, it’s 30° cooler at the top
3. El Segundo Museum of Art: Art as Experiment in a South Bay Town
Stepping into ESMoA felt like entering an art experiment more than a museum. The walls were high and white, skylights shifting light gently over installations that blurred the line between gallery and lab. I stood in the courtyard and thought, “This isn’t just art, you become part of it.”
Located right in downtown El Segundo, just minutes from LAX, it was incredibly easy to pop in during a trip to Los Angeles. We loved how approachable it felt, no intimidating galleries, no hushed hallways, just bright, open spaces filled with creativity. The museum rotates its “experiences” regularly, so there’s always something new to see. Whether we were exploring thought-provoking installations or chatting with friendly staff, it felt alive with imagination.
What I Loved Most: ESMoA felt alive, like it was as curious about me as I was about it. I didn’t feel like a visitor. I felt like a participant.
My highlights? I lingered in a gallery exploring abstraction, where sculpture met texture and the air smelled faintly of resin and wood. A volunteer walked me through an interactive grid on the floor, each number linked to a prompt or short film. It wasn’t just an exhibit, it was a conversation.
Plan your ESMoA visit:
- Location: El Segundo and surrounding South Bay area, now in a more mobile format, still rooted in the community
- Hours: Typically open Thurs–Sun, 10 am–5 pm; check ahead for current schedule
- Vibe: Experimental, approachable, creative
- Best For: Art lovers, curious travelers, families
- Nearby Eats: Local cafés and diners on Main Street
- Nearby Activities: El Segundo Beach, small shops, walking paths near the coast
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime during a new exhibit cycle, each one changes the entire feel
4. Sunset Stillness at Lorimar Vineyards and Winery
I thought Lorimar Vineyards and Winery in Temecula was the kind of wine country escape that mixed rustic charm with a lively, welcoming vibe. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and framed by mountain views, the setting was pure Southern California beauty. Whether we were sipping a bold red on the patio or listening to live music at sunset, Lorimar made the whole experience feel easy, fun, and unforgettable.
Located right in Temecula Valley Wine Country, it was an easy drive from San Diego, Orange County, or Los Angeles. We loved how the winery blended a Tuscan-inspired estate with laid-back California style. The tasting room spilled out onto a gorgeous patio, where live bands often set the mood. It wasn’t just about wine—it was about enjoying the whole scene: the scenery, the music, the people, and of course, the food pairings that brought everything together.
My highlights? Dinner at the onsite restaurant, where I ordered a rosemary chicken panini, hot, herby, and pressed just enough to crisp the edges of the ciabatta. It came with garlic truffle fries, warm and fragrant, the kind you savor slowly. I ate under string lights with a view of the vines, the scent of lavender and crushed gravel in the air.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from San Diego or Los Angeles: ~1.5–2 hours
- Vibe: Rustic elegance, sunset views, artistic touches
- Highlights: Vineyard paths, live music, tasting room, open-air dining
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon into evening for golden hour views
- Cost: Free to explore the grounds; food and experiences vary
- Hours: Daily, typically 11am–6pm; check for evening event hours
5. Stepping into wonder at Disneyland
I thought I knew what to expect from Disneyland. But walking through the gates into Main Street, U.S.A., I felt it, that little jolt of magic, like I’d crossed into someplace where everything is brighter, warmer, and a little more possible. Music swelled from unseen speakers, balloons bobbed overhead, and the smell of churros wrapped around me like a hug. By the time I reached Sleeping Beauty Castle, I thought, “No matter how old you are, this place knows exactly how to reach you.”
Located in Anaheim, California, Disneyland was easy to reach and endlessly rewarding once inside. We loved how every detail (from the scents of churros drifting down the street to the background music that set the mood) pulled us deeper into the experience. It’s not just a theme park, it’s a carefully woven world where adventure, wonder, and imagination all live side by side. No matter the age, it was impossible not to get swept up in the fun.
From the old-school charm of the Jungle Cruise to the edge-of-your-seat rush on Space Mountain, I let the park carry me. I waved at princesses, ate popcorn before lunch, and rode Pirates of the Caribbean twice just to hear that low accordion hum. As the sky turned rose gold and the castle lit up, I felt a lump in my throat that was half nostalgia, half awe.
Dinner was at Café Orleans in New Orleans Square. I ordered the famous Monte Cristo sandwich with a side of pommes frites. It was over-the-top delicious (cheesy, sweet, salty, perfectly fried) and somehow felt just right in a place where indulgence was part of the experience. I finished my meal just in time for fireworks, watching colors explode over the castle as I held my breath like a kid again.
Where I Stayed: I spent the night at the Disneyland Hotel. The headboard lit up with fiber-optic fireworks and played lullaby music at the touch of a button. It was a detail that shouldn’t have moved me, but it did.
Disneyland At a Glance
- Location: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
- Vibe: Whimsical, emotional, unforgettable
- Highlights: Sleeping Beauty Castle, Space Mountain, parades and fireworks
- Best Time to Visit: Midweek during off-season (late January or September)
- Cost: $104+ depending on date and tier; Park Hopper extra
- Hours: Usually 8am–11pm, varies by day
- Tip: Use Genie+ to skip long waits and mobile order meals to save time
6. Long Beach Antique Market
I thought the Long Beach Antique Market was a treasure hunter’s dream come true. Spread out over acres of open-air stalls, it felt like stepping into a living time capsule—vintage furniture, quirky collectibles, retro fashion, and one-of-a-kind finds everywhere you turned. Whether we were browsing for home décor, flipping through old vinyl, or just people-watching with a coffee in hand, the market had this amazing energy that made every visit feel like an adventure.
Held at Veterans Stadium in Long Beach, it was easy to get to and had plenty of space to wander. We loved the laid-back California vibe—vendors chatting about their pieces, music floating from booths, and shoppers strolling with their latest discoveries. The market only happens once a month, which made it feel extra special, like a pop-up treasure chest that you don’t want to miss.
Our highlights:
- Scoring a mid-century chair that looked straight out of a design magazine—for a bargain.
- Digging through crates of vintage records and finding a few gems to bring home.
During our time there, we roamed the aisles for hours, stopping for snacks from food trucks and striking up conversations with vendors who knew the stories behind their pieces. I loved how the market was as much about the atmosphere as the shopping—you never knew what you’d stumble across, and that was the fun of it. By the time we left, we had a mix of treasures and plenty of inspiration for how to use them at home. It was the perfect mix of nostalgia, discovery, and good old-fashioned weekend fun.
Plan your Long Beach Antique Market day:
- Location: Veterans Stadium, Long Beach, California
- Best for: Vintage lovers, decorators, collectors, and anyone who loves the thrill of the hunt
- Good to know: The market is held the third Sunday of each month—arrive early for the best finds, and bring cash for quick deals.
7. Feeling grounded at the Environmental Nature Center
The Environmental Nature Center (ENC) in Newport Beach felt like stepping into a living classroom, but one that didn’t ask me to study, just to listen. I wandered through trails shaded by sycamores and coast live oaks, past butterfly gardens and bubbling creeks. Everything around me whispered quiet lessons. Somewhere near the redwood grove, I stopped and thought, “This is what learning feels like when it’s rooted in stillness.”
Located just minutes from the beach, it was incredibly easy to reach yet felt worlds away once we stepped inside. We loved how thoughtfully everything was designed, from the educational displays to the eco-friendly buildings. The trails were perfect for a relaxed stroll, and the center’s commitment to sustainability made every visit feel meaningful. It was a place that blended beauty with purpose, and we walked away feeling recharged and inspired.
Kids were exploring the nature play area, their laughter mixing with the hum of bees. I followed the trail signs through 15 California native plant communities in a single loop (desert, chaparral, oak woodland) all coexisting in this little pocket of city. It was small, but the stillness expanded time. I sat for a while on a shaded bench, just breathing in eucalyptus and sun-warmed earth.
Afterward, I headed to Haute Cakes Caffe just a short drive away. I ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes with a side of bacon and an iced lavender latte. It was the kind of breakfast that felt earned after a walk with intention, sweet, floral, and quietly decadent.
Where I Stayed: I stayed nearby at the Lido House, a former city hall turned coastal-chic hotel. The rooftop views and sea breeze reminded me that nature here doesn’t end with the trails, it stretches into the way people live.
Environmental Nature Center At a Glance
- Location: 1601 E 16th St, Newport Beach, CA 92663
- Vibe: Reflective, earthy, educational
- Highlights: Native plant trails, butterfly garden, sustainable architecture
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for cooler air and bird activity
- Cost: Free (donations encouraged)
- Hours: Daily 8am–5pm
- Tip: Stop by the Nature Center building, it’s a model for green construction and calm design
8. Breathing with the tide at San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
San Elijo Lagoon didn’t announce itself loudly. It just opened up, wide sky, still water, and the hush of reeds in the breeze. As I stepped onto the trail, I felt like I’d found something most people drive right past. Great egrets stood frozen in the shallows, and mudflats stretched like quiet invitations. I walked slowly, letting the path narrow and widen around the marsh, and thought, “This is what it means to listen with your whole body.”
Located in Encinitas, right between Solana Beach and Carlsbad, it was easy to reach yet felt tucked away from the busyness of the coast. We loved how the reserve stretched out toward the ocean, with trails weaving through wetlands that attract all kinds of wildlife. From herons gliding low over the water to lizards darting across the path, there was always something to see. It’s the kind of place that makes you realize just how much life thrives in these coastal ecosystems.
The reserve's loop trails wound through salt marsh and coastal sage scrub, shifting with every turn. I spotted shorebirds skimming low across the water and saw families with binoculars pointing toward a distant osprey nest. But mostly, I heard my own breath sync with the tide. For all the noise Southern California is known for, San Elijo was a soft exhale.
Afterward, I drove to The Roxy Encinitas, just ten minutes away. I ordered the roasted vegetable flatbread with goat cheese and a hibiscus lemonade. The patio was lively, the music mellow, and I sat there, still salty from the air, feeling like the ocean had followed me to lunch.
Where I Stayed: I booked a room at the Alila Marea Beach Resort in nearby Encinitas. Perched above the coastline, it was sleek but rooted, wood, glass, sea breeze, and views that didn’t need a filter.
San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve At a Glance
- Location: 2710 Manchester Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007
- Vibe: Serene, wild, restorative
- Highlights: Coastal trails, birdwatching, native habitat restoration
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for bird activity and cooler temperatures
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Trails open daily sunrise to sunset
- Tip: Start at the Nature Center to pick a trail and learn how the tides shape the landscape
9. Step Back in Time at the Murphy-Smith Historical Bungalow in Laguna Beach
I thought the Murphy-Smith Historical Bungalow was a charming little window into Laguna Beach’s past. Tucked right into the heart of downtown, this cozy 1920s cottage felt like stepping back in time, with its period furnishings, vintage details, and stories of early Laguna life. It wasn’t just a house—it was a reminder of the town’s roots, when artists and families were shaping the character of this seaside community.
Located just a short walk from the beach and galleries, the bungalow was easy to find and added a totally different dimension to our Laguna Beach visit. We loved how intimate it felt—small enough to really linger in each room, yet full of fascinating details. The docents were friendly and full of knowledge, eager to share anecdotes that made the history come alive. Surrounded by the buzz of modern Laguna, this quiet bungalow felt like a little time capsule in the middle of it all.
Our highlights:
- Admiring the Craftsman-style architecture and original details preserved inside the home.
- Hearing stories about the Murphy-Smith family and how life looked in Laguna nearly a century ago.
During our visit, we wandered room to room, taking in antique photographs, vintage furniture, and everyday objects that painted a picture of early coastal living. I loved how the bungalow contrasted with the vibrant art scene and busy streets outside—it grounded the experience of Laguna in its history. It was a short but memorable stop, perfect for anyone who loves history tucked into small, meaningful places.
Plan your Bungalow visit:
- Location: Downtown Laguna Beach, California, just steps from shops, restaurants, and the beach
- Best for: History buffs, architecture lovers, and anyone curious about early Laguna life
- Good to know: The bungalow is small, so visits don’t take long—perfect to pair with a day exploring downtown or the nearby galleries.
10. The New Children's Museum in San Diego
I thought The New Children’s Museum in San Diego was one of the most creative, joyful spaces we’ve ever explored. It wasn’t your typical museum—it was hands-on, playful, and designed for kids (and grown-ups) to dive right in. From climbing structures and interactive art installations to messy, colorful studios where imagination ruled, every corner invited us to touch, build, and play. It felt less like a museum and more like an ever-changing wonderland.
Located right in downtown San Diego, just a short walk from the Gaslamp Quarter and the waterfront, it was easy to reach and perfectly set up for a family outing. We loved how the building itself felt bright and modern, with huge windows and open spaces filled with light. The exhibits were designed to be approachable and immersive, encouraging kids to create their own art, move their bodies, and think outside the box. Even as adults, we found ourselves getting swept up in the fun.
Our highlights:
- Watching our son climb, crawl, and laugh their way through giant art installations built for play.
- Joining a hands-on workshop where we got to make our own messy, colorful creations.
During our visit, we mixed climbing through multi-level play structures with slowing down for storytelling and art-making sessions. I loved how the museum balanced active play with thoughtful, creative experiences. It felt like a place where kids weren’t just entertained—they were inspired. The energy inside was contagious, and we left feeling like we’d tapped into our own inner child for a while, too.
Plan your New Children’s Museum adventure:
- Location: Downtown San Diego, California, near the Gaslamp Quarter
- Best for: Families with children, educators, and anyone who believes in the power of play
- Good to know: Exhibits rotate often, so there’s always something new. Memberships are a great option if you’re local, and there’s a café on-site for quick breaks.
Conclusion:
What I love most about Southern California is the variety. One day I can be surfing in Malibu, the next I’m exploring the arts and food scene in Los Angeles, and then I’m hiking through the underrated desert landscapes of Joshua Tree. Each experience feels unique and makes me appreciate how this region truly has some of the best things to do in the country.
Southern California isn’t just one place, it’s a mosaic of moods. I hiked through high desert gardens and coastal wetlands, floated up mountains and into movie sets, wandered castles and nature centers alike. At every stop, I found contrast: motion and stillness, fantasy and reflection, ocean salt and stunning desert bloom. It reminded me that travel doesn’t always need a long itinerary, it just needs enough space to feel something new in the best possible way. And here, I felt wonder, every single day.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
