Cool & Unusual Things to Do in Southern California
Everyone who lives in Southern California (or just visiting) needs a go-to list of perfect things to do that are guaranteed to make your heart sing. I realize that everyone's taste is different. For example, I adore gardens and beaches above other attractions, but I think this list will work for most people.
1. Sunnylands Center & Gardens
As a garden fan and lover, I fell under the spell of this place, full of beautiful desert gardens and unique landscaping year round. We decided on a spring trip in May to admire it in full bloom.
We started our weekend getaway driving into Rancho Mirage near Palm Springs (15-minute drive!), already feeling like this hidden gem was going to be something special and unusual.
First thing we did was park and walk toward the Sunnylands Center, and the modern architecture alone was very exciting.
We walked inside the visitor center first, which was calm, and one of the best designed spaces I’ve seen.
Next we headed straight to the gardens, and this was where the magic really started. Walking along the paths was peaceful, with mountain views everywhere.
I kept stopping to take photos because every angle looked amazing, unique - see my photos. We took our time exploring the desert plants, water features, and open lawns, and it felt like the absolute best hidden escape.
After that we learned about the history of the estate, which made the visit even more meaningful and honestly a bit mind blowing.
I remember thinking this was one of the most underrated cultural experiences in Southern California, especially being so close to the Coachella Valley.
We stayed nearby at the 4-star Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa for two days which allowed me to visit twice. The gardens are free to visit so I thought why not?
- Location Map
- Sunnylands Center & Gardens website
- Cost: Free
What I loved best:
My personal highlights were walking through the labyrinth in the gardens and sitting in the café courtyard.
2. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Chris and I both absolutely love Palm Springs, and have been many times.
First we drove into Palm Springs, right near Chino Canyon just minutes from downtown, which already felt vibrant and exciting for a weekend getaway.
We parked, grabbed tickets, and before we knew it we were stepping into this rotating tram car which is such a brilliant idea and totally unique.
As we slowly lifted off, we couldn’t stop looking at the desert floor below us, it was amazing seeing palm trees turn into rocky cliffs.
The ride itself felt like pure magic, one of the best views we’ve ever seen and definitely a hidden gem experience in SoCal.
Just imagine...In just 10 minutes, you go from the warm desert floor up into the cool, pine-scented air of Mount San Jacinto State Park! In those 10 minutes, the rotating tram cars gave us 360-degree views the whole way and to me it felt like flying straight into another world.
Once we reached the top at Mount San Jacinto State Park, the air felt cooler and fresh which was such an interesting contrast.
We walked around the observation decks first, which was my favorite part, the views were the absolute best and so romantic.
Then we explored some short trails, nothing intense, just enough to feel like a mini adventure and a family friendly experience.
We grabbed snacks inside and relaxed, soaking it all in, thinking how affordable and cool this unusual attraction really is.
The forest scenery up top felt like a total escape from the desert, making it an awesome and joyful surprise.
Heading back down was just as exciting, watching the desert slowly reappear felt like the perfect ending.
Afterwards, I read somewhere that the rotating tramcar is actually the largest of its kind in the world.
- Location Map
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway website
- Cost: $36.95 Adults, $20.95 kids 3-10
What I loved best:
My highlight was Mount San Jacinto State Park. It was total wilderness up there of of alpine trails, crisp air, and views across the Coachella Valley. It was hard to believe that just below lay desert heat and swaying palms so if you are looking for a dramatic shift in scenery, this attraction is for you!
3. El Segundo Museum of Art
For me, this museum feels like one of those quietly perfect cultural stops near Los Angeles that rewards anyone who takes the time to slow down.
We began at ESMoA, where the open, light-filled galleries and thoughtfully curated exhibitions immediately set a reflective, intimate mood.
My favorite part was wandering through the installations together, pausing to talk about what we were seeing, letting the art spark conversations that felt both playful and surprisingly deep.
I loved how approachable the museum felt—free to enter, unpretentious, and designed to make art feel like a shared experience rather than something distant or formal.
Afterward, we explored the surrounding streets of El Segundo, which had a laid-back charm with its tree-lined blocks, local cafés, and a sense of calm that felt worlds away from the busier parts of the city.
We stopped for coffee nearby, sitting close and people-watching, enjoying the kind of easy conversation that comes naturally after being inspired by art.
Browsing small shops and studios around town was another highlight, full of creative energy and unexpected finds that made the afternoon feel personal and unhurried.
- Location Map
- El Segundo Museum of Art website
- Cost: Free
I wandered through light-filled galleries where paintings, photographs, video installations, and interactive pieces coexisted. Docents encouraged me to share impressions and even write responses on a community wall.
What I loved best:
The atmosphere was playful and unpretentious, a place where art becomes approachable and alive, my favorite highlight. westdrift Manhattan Beach was a good choice for an overnight stay nearby and we had fun in the outdoor pool.
4. Lorimar Vineyards and Winery
This is one of my favorite wineries to visit because it blends relaxed wine-country charm with those signature Southern California views. I loved that it’s incredibly easy to get to, yet it still feels wonderfully tucked away.
I thought this place 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. 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 was about enjoying the whole scene: the scenery, the music, the people, and of course, the food pairings that brought everything together.
- Location Map
- Lorimar Vineyards and Winery website
- Cost: Affordable day trip
What I loved best:
Dinner at the onsite restaurant was my personal highlight, 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.
5. Long Beach Antique Market
Ready for a day of treasure hunting? Check out the Long Beach Antique Market, a true standout!
I had a blast wandering here, a sprawling treasure hunt where every aisle promised something unexpected. My son came along, darting between booths and pointing out quirky finds, while I tried to keep up and not get lost in the sea of vintage wonders.
Held once a month at Veterans Stadium, this market is legendary in Southern California — more than 800 vendors set up shop, offering everything from mid-century modern furniture and vintage clothes to vinyl records, retro toys, and one-of-a-kind oddities. It felt like walking through a living museum where you could actually take the exhibits home.
- Location Map
- Long Beach Antique Market Facebook page
- Cost: $ 10 admission, kids under 12 free
I loved the thrill of the hunt: flipping through stacks of old postcards, running my hand across a weathered oak dresser, and spotting a collection of colorful Pyrex bowls that made me nostalgic.
What I loved best:
My son’s favorite? Digging through bins of old action figures and comic books — the kind of simple joy that made the morning fly by. We spent the night at Hampton Inn Long Beach Airport before our flight home.
Local tip: No pets allowed at Long Beach Antique Market so unfortunately fluffy has to sit this one out.
6. Environmental Nature Center
We started this weekend getaway heading toward the Environmental Nature Center near Newport Beach (less than an hour from LA), tucked by the Back Bay which already felt like magic.
First thing we did was walk through the entrance trails, and honestly it felt like a hidden gem right in Southern California.
This was one of the most peaceful natural escapes I’ve ever experienced, a lush 5-acre pocket of native California wilderness right in the middle of Newport Beach.
The welcome area was small but vibrant, and it immediately set the tone for a unique and unusual experience.
We wandered into the native plant gardens next, which was one of the most amazing underrated nature moments for me.
Not every place lets you feel calm and excited at the same time, but this spot nailed that balance.
Then we explored the butterfly garden, and it was pure magic watching them float around, see in my photos.
Walking the dirt paths felt like stepping into a dream, especially knowing we were still near busy Newport Beach.
We stopped to read the signs about local wildlife, which made the whole experience more interesting and educational.
One of my favorite parts was spotting lizards and birds just doing their thing, so cool and joyful.
The staff chatted with us about conservation, and it felt like a brilliant idea for a family or romantic visit.
After that we checked out the small learning center, which was simple but honestly the best surprise.
Everything felt affordable and accessible, making it an absolute best weekend nature escape.
We sat quietly for a bit, soaking in the sounds, and it felt like the most peaceful experience ever.
This place is seriously an underrated gem compared to louder Southern California attractions.
Walking deeper into the trails came next, and each turn felt exciting and new.
It’s unusual how such a small space can feel so spectacular and full of life.
- Location Map
- Environmental Nature Center website
- Public Hours: Saturdays and Sundays 10AM – 3PM
What I loved best:
My favorite was the butterfly house (I circled around for the second time), where native butterflies flit among blooming flowers — magical and serene. We spend a night at Balboa Bay Resort
7. San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
This was one of the most enchanting coastal wetlands I’ve ever wandered through and definitely one of the best things to do in Southern California! The Reserve is a dynamic meeting of land, sea, and sky that felt alive in every direction. The tidal waters shimmered with reflections of egrets and herons, the salt marshes hummed with life, and the trails carried me from lush riparian habitats to open coastal scrub with views stretching all the way to the Pacific.
I drove about 30 minutes north from San Diego to reach the lagoon, where I spent the day hiking its network of trails, pausing at overlooks to watch osprey dive for fish, and winding through boardwalks that skimmed the water’s edge.
What I loved best:
I stopped at the award-winning Nature Center, an airy, light-filled space with interactive exhibits that gave me a deeper sense of the lagoon’s role as both a wildlife sanctuary and a vital tidal estuary.
8. Murphy-Smith Historical Bungalow in Laguna Beach
This was one of the most charming glimpses into Laguna’s past I’ve ever experienced, and stepping through the doors felt like traveling back a century to the early 1900s.
The Murphy-Smith Historical Bungalow sits tucked near downtown Laguna Beach, close to the ocean and art galleries.
First thing we noticed was how this hidden gem felt totally frozen in time but still vibrant.
Walking up the path felt exciting, like discovering one of the coolest and most unusual spots in Southern California.
Inside, we explored the small rooms slowly, soaking up what felt like an underrated historical experience.
The wood floors, old windows, and charming details made it feel authentic, imperfect, and honestly amazing.
Next we wandered the garden area which was peaceful, joyful, and surprisingly romantic for such a tiny place.
I kept thinking how affordable and interesting this stop was compared to bigger, crowded attractions nearby.
We took our time reading the plaques and imagining families living here back in early Laguna days.
This was one of those best experiences where less is more, and nothing felt rushed.
After that, we walked toward the beach just minutes away, which made the whole visit even better.
The location near Main Beach and Heisler Park makes this bungalow an absolute best hidden find.
There was something magical about how quiet it was despite being near busy Laguna streets.
I loved how unique and educational it felt without being boring or overly curated.
We ended the day with coffee nearby, still talking about how underrated and special it was.
What I loved best:
My highlight was the front porch and garden, perfect for imagining life in Laguna a century ago, a true local gem.
9. The New Children's Museum in San Diego
This was one of the most creative, joy-filled museums I’ve ever stepped into — a place where art, play, and imagination collided in the most colorful ways.
The first time I visited The New Children’s Museum in San Diego with my son, I was immediately struck by how welcoming and thoughtfully designed it is for families. Located in the heart of downtown, the museum feels like a playful escape from the busy city streets. As soon as we walked in, my son’s excitement was contagious — he couldn’t wait to explore, climb, and touch everything.
What I love most about The New Children’s Museum is how hands-on it is. This isn’t a place where kids are expected to quietly observe from the sidelines. Instead, my son was encouraged to move, create, and fully immerse himself in each exhibit. From interactive art installations to large climbing structures, every space felt like it was designed with curiosity and imagination in mind.
Another thing I really appreciated was how easy it is to fit a visit into a day of exploring San Diego. The museum’s downtown location makes it convenient to pair with a walk along the waterfront or a meal nearby. We found that arriving earlier in the day worked best — it was less crowded, and my son had more freedom to explore at his own pace. Parking can be a bit tricky later in the day, so planning ahead definitely helps.
Inside, the exhibits cater to a wide range of ages, which made the experience feel flexible and relaxed. Some areas allowed my son to burn off energy by climbing and crawling, while others gave him the chance to slow down and focus on creating art. I also loved that many exhibits encourage collaboration, giving us opportunities to play and learn together rather than just watching from the sidelines.
- Location Map
- The New Children's Museum facebook
- Cost: $ $24 admission, kids $20
What I loved best:
For me, The New Children's Museum is one of the coolest things to do in Southern California because it's exciting for kids!
The whole place pulsed with creativity and the spirit of discovery, my personal highlight.
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.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
