Southern California stretches like a sun-drenched ribbon of contrasts, from quiet desert gardens to the electric joy of theme parks and the misty calm of coastal wetlands. I didn’t just move through the region...I let it move through me. Every stop had a different pace, a different temperature, a different kind of stillness or thrill. And somewhere between the mountains and the surf, the glamor and the grit, I found something unexpected: space to breathe, wonder, and feel awake again.
Best Things to Do in Southern California
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.
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
Rising into the clouds on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway was more than a ride—it felt like an ascension. As the rotating tramcar climbed from the desert floor into the rugged San Jacinto Mountains, I watched the landscape shift from sunbaked rocks to alpine forest in a matter of minutes. It was like being lifted out of one reality and gently dropped into another.
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
Wandering the dream at Hearst Castle
Walking into Hearst Castle felt like stepping into someone else’s imagination—someone bold, theatrical, and absolutely unafraid of excess. Perched high above the Central Coast in San Simeon, the estate unfolded in layers of marble, mosaic, and mythology. I moved through rooms gilded in gold leaf and echoes, trying to keep up with the opulence. And somewhere between the Roman Pool and the Neptune Pool, I paused and thought, “This wasn’t built to impress—it was built to astonish.”
The outdoor terraces opened to ocean views so sweeping they felt surreal, like California itself was being framed by colonnades and cypress trees. Inside, ceilings soared and tapestries whispered of European castles that Hearst had collected piece by piece. Every hallway was a world traveler’s dream, stitched into California hillside stone.
After the tour, I drove down the hill and stopped at Cavalier Coastal Kitchen in nearby San Simeon. I sat on the patio with a bowl of clam chowder and the grilled salmon with lemon dill butter. The fog rolled in as I ate, softening the landscape just enough to make the castle feel even more like a mirage behind me.
Where I Stayed: I booked a room at the Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, right along the bluff. Waves crashing all night, stars above, and just enough old-school charm to keep Hearst’s magic alive a little longer.
Hearst Castle At a Glance
- Location: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452
- Vibe: Grand, cinematic, awe-inspiring
- Highlights: Neptune and Roman Pools, Grand Rooms Tour, art and antiques
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall; fog often clears by midmorning
- Cost: $30+ for daytime tours; various options and combos available
- Hours: Open daily 9am–5pm (may vary by season)
- Tip: Book in advance—this is one of California’s most popular state monuments
Living inside the action at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood wasn’t just a theme park—it was a sensory overload, in the best way. The roar of dinosaurs from *Jurassic World*, the shriek of rollercoasters, the sudden whoosh of pyrotechnics—it all came at me like a movie I didn’t just watch, but starred in. Even in the chaos, I found myself smiling without thinking. Somewhere between Diagon Alley and Springfield, I caught myself thinking, “This is what joy sounds like—loud, ridiculous, and impossible to ignore.”
The Studio Tour gave me the breath I didn’t realize I needed. Rolling past sound stages, sets from *Psycho* and *Jaws*, and that surreal flash flood scene—it pulled back the curtain without ruining the magic. Every corner of the park had its own tempo: high-speed screams, quiet character moments, butterbeer breaks. I let myself be a kid for a while, no questions asked.
When the adrenaline wore off, I grabbed dinner at Antojitos Cocina Mexicana on Universal CityWalk. The carne asada tacos came with just enough spice to bring me back to earth, and the coconut mojito felt like vacation in a glass. Neon lights buzzed around me as people kept pouring in, but I leaned back and let the night slow down.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, walking distance from the entrance. After a day of sensory highs, it was blissfully quiet—plush pillows, blackout curtains, and views of the city glittering below.
Universal Studios Hollywood At a Glance
- Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
- Vibe: Thrilling, cinematic, immersive
- Highlights: Studio Tour, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, WaterWorld show
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays or early morning to avoid long lines
- Cost: $109+ depending on the day and ticket type
- Hours: Typically 9am–9pm, varies by season
- Tip: Buy tickets online and use the Universal app for wait times and mobile food orders
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.”
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
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.”
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
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.”
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
Conclusion:
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 desert bloom. It reminded me that travel doesn’t always need a long itinerary—it just needs enough space to feel something new. And here, I felt wonder, every single day.