Looking for an excuse to get out of the house this weekend and hit the road on a fun SoCal adventure? Look no further than these 10 quick road trips in Southern California that will take you to some of our favorite places in SoCal. No need to spend hours and hours in the car to get to these spots as they are an easy drive from most parts of SoCal. So which road trip will you be doing this weekend?
- Kimberly Crest House and Gardens
Kimberly Crest House and Gardens Who doesn’t love the beauty of a castle?! Especially one that looks like it’s right out of a fairtyale! Not only is this castle quite the sight to see from the outside, but Kimberly Crest House and Gardens is open to the public for tours. Visit the official website for tour dates and times, as well as lots more pictures and information! 1325 Prospect Dr, Redlands, CA 92373, USA
- Ventura Harbor Village
Ventura Harbor/Facebook This is one road trip that provides the perfect combination of ocean views and shops and restaurants galore in a setting that overlooks the ocean at every angle. If you love exploring new destinations in Southern California, then you’ll want to make sure to add this to your road trip bucket list, as it’s definitely worth seeing in-person for a fun weekend outing. Read more about this little town here. 1583 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001, USA
- De Portola Wine Trail
management/TripAdvisor
DePortola Wine Trail Nothing is more leisurely than a road trip through wine country. Hit the road and head to Temecula where you will find the De Portola Wine Trail along De Portola Road. Whether you are sipping and sampling wine (make sure to appoint a designated driver, of course) or you’re just enjoying the magnificent setting and stunning hillside views, this is one road trip that you will never forget. Read more about the De Portola Wine Trail here. 39870 De Portola Rd, Temecula, CA 92592, USA
- Balboa Island
Yotut/YouTube If you were born and raised in Southern California, it’s quite possible you have fond memories of going to Balboa Island as a kid. Even if you’re all grown up now, this iconic SoCal destination is one place that will always make you feel like a kid at heart. On this road trip you’ll head toward Balboa Island and hop on the ferry. Once you arrive you can stroll along the main street and browse the local shops, take a ride on the Ferris Wheel, and grab a chocolate dipped banana or your favorite frozen dessert. Read more about Balboa Island here. Balboa Island, Newport Beach, CA, USA
- The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens.
paobascon/Flickr You could easily spend an entire day exploring the stunning surroundings of The Huntington. From picturesque gardens that will take your breath away to stunning architecture that is magazine-worthy, this is one place within reach of a short drive that will make you feel like you are world’s away. Read more about the Huntington here. 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108, USA
- Calico Ghost Town
Alex/Flickr How about a ghost town getaway for your weekend road trip? Calico Ghost Town, located in the Calico Mountains, is one place that everyone should take the time to visit at least once while in Southern California. A former silver mining town dating back to the 1800s, this destination will take you back in time as you explore a slice of SoCal’s history. Read more about it here! Calico Ghost Town, 36600 Ghost Town Rd, Yermo, CA 92398, USA
- Visit your favorite SoCal Pier.
Tony Hoffarth/Flickr We are huge fans of the many beautiful piers that can be found here in Southern California. No matter what part of SoCal you live in, you can always find a beautiful pier to stroll that’s only a short car ride away. Whether you visit San Clemente Pier, pictured here, or another pier closer to home, you can count on fresh air and ocean views on an easy road trip that’s close to home.
- Los Rios Historic District.
Wayne Hseih/Flickr If you’ve ever wanted to visit the oldest neighborhood in all of California, then a road trip is the perfect time to do it. Los Rios Historic District, located in San Juan Capistrano, is a charming, old-timey destination that dates back to the late 1700s! Filled with quaint shops and local restaurants, this area can easily be reached by car or by train as it’s located right off the San Juan Capistrano Train Depot. When it comes to quick road trips in Southern California, you can’t beat this one! While you’re here, make sure to grab a freshly-brewed tea at the Tea House. Los Rios, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, USA
- Meditation Mount
fullgrownwoman/TripAdvisor When you’re looking for a road trip that will take you to a serene and peaceful setting where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll find that Meditation Mount is the perfect place to visit. Located in the town of Ojai, this tranquil setting nestled in the mountains provides beautiful walking trails, soaring views, and peaceful lookout points that will remind you exactly why you love living in SoCal. Want to know more? 10340 Reeves Rd, Ojai, CA 93023, USA
- Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
Friends of Carrillo Ranch Hop in the car and head out to a historic ranch on this easy road trip that will take you to San Diego County. Located in the town of Carlsbad, Leo Carrillo Ranch and Historic Park is an outdoor destination the whole family will enjoy. From scenic trails throughout this 27-acre setting to fascinating historic architecture, you could easily spend an entire day strolling through this SoCal gem. Click here for more info! 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Ln, Carlsbad, CA 92009, USA
So where are you headed this weekend? We hope one of these SoCal road trips will be at the top of your list! Do you have any quick road trips in Southern California you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments! If you love exploring new parts of Southern California while eating great food, you may also enjoy taking this Taco Trail road trip that will lead you to the very best tacos in all of Southern California.
Kimberly Crest House and Gardens
Who doesn’t love the beauty of a castle?! Especially one that looks like it’s right out of a fairtyale! Not only is this castle quite the sight to see from the outside, but Kimberly Crest House and Gardens is open to the public for tours. Visit the official website for tour dates and times, as well as lots more pictures and information!
1325 Prospect Dr, Redlands, CA 92373, USA
Ventura Harbor/Facebook
This is one road trip that provides the perfect combination of ocean views and shops and restaurants galore in a setting that overlooks the ocean at every angle. If you love exploring new destinations in Southern California, then you’ll want to make sure to add this to your road trip bucket list, as it’s definitely worth seeing in-person for a fun weekend outing. Read more about this little town here.
1583 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001, USA
management/TripAdvisor
DePortola Wine Trail
Nothing is more leisurely than a road trip through wine country. Hit the road and head to Temecula where you will find the De Portola Wine Trail along De Portola Road. Whether you are sipping and sampling wine (make sure to appoint a designated driver, of course) or you’re just enjoying the magnificent setting and stunning hillside views, this is one road trip that you will never forget. Read more about the De Portola Wine Trail here.
39870 De Portola Rd, Temecula, CA 92592, USA
Yotut/YouTube
If you were born and raised in Southern California, it’s quite possible you have fond memories of going to Balboa Island as a kid. Even if you’re all grown up now, this iconic SoCal destination is one place that will always make you feel like a kid at heart. On this road trip you’ll head toward Balboa Island and hop on the ferry. Once you arrive you can stroll along the main street and browse the local shops, take a ride on the Ferris Wheel, and grab a chocolate dipped banana or your favorite frozen dessert. Read more about Balboa Island here.
Balboa Island, Newport Beach, CA, USA
paobascon/Flickr
You could easily spend an entire day exploring the stunning surroundings of The Huntington. From picturesque gardens that will take your breath away to stunning architecture that is magazine-worthy, this is one place within reach of a short drive that will make you feel like you are world’s away. Read more about the Huntington here.
1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108, USA
Alex/Flickr
How about a ghost town getaway for your weekend road trip? Calico Ghost Town, located in the Calico Mountains, is one place that everyone should take the time to visit at least once while in Southern California. A former silver mining town dating back to the 1800s, this destination will take you back in time as you explore a slice of SoCal’s history. Read more about it here!
Calico Ghost Town, 36600 Ghost Town Rd, Yermo, CA 92398, USA
Tony Hoffarth/Flickr
We are huge fans of the many beautiful piers that can be found here in Southern California. No matter what part of SoCal you live in, you can always find a beautiful pier to stroll that’s only a short car ride away. Whether you visit San Clemente Pier, pictured here, or another pier closer to home, you can count on fresh air and ocean views on an easy road trip that’s close to home.
Wayne Hseih/Flickr
If you’ve ever wanted to visit the oldest neighborhood in all of California, then a road trip is the perfect time to do it. Los Rios Historic District, located in San Juan Capistrano, is a charming, old-timey destination that dates back to the late 1700s! Filled with quaint shops and local restaurants, this area can easily be reached by car or by train as it’s located right off the San Juan Capistrano Train Depot. When it comes to quick road trips in Southern California, you can’t beat this one! While you’re here, make sure to grab a freshly-brewed tea at the Tea House.
Los Rios, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, USA
fullgrownwoman/TripAdvisor
When you’re looking for a road trip that will take you to a serene and peaceful setting where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll find that Meditation Mount is the perfect place to visit. Located in the town of Ojai, this tranquil setting nestled in the mountains provides beautiful walking trails, soaring views, and peaceful lookout points that will remind you exactly why you love living in SoCal. Want to know more?
10340 Reeves Rd, Ojai, CA 93023, USA
Friends of Carrillo Ranch
Hop in the car and head out to a historic ranch on this easy road trip that will take you to San Diego County. Located in the town of Carlsbad, Leo Carrillo Ranch and Historic Park is an outdoor destination the whole family will enjoy. From scenic trails throughout this 27-acre setting to fascinating historic architecture, you could easily spend an entire day strolling through this SoCal gem. Click here for more info!
6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Ln, Carlsbad, CA 92009, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Quick Road Trips in Southern California August 19, 2021 Tori Jane What are some amazing places to visit in Southern California? Southern California is outrageous beautiful – much more so than many people seem to give it credit for. Most obviously, it’s home to splendid beaches, but there’s so much more to SoCal than just that. There’s Sequoia National Park, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, a park that is nothing short of hypnotically beautiful. In Antelope Valley, there’s an outstanding and vibrant poppy field that attracts revelers and photographers alike year in and year out. The best colors of the year can be spotted from mid-February through May, so make sure to plan accordingly if you decide to visit. Joshua Tree National park is absolutely incredible, and home to some of the strangest trees – the fabled Joshua Trees – you’ll ever see. What kind of day trips in Southern California are there to take? If you can dream it, you can probably plan it! Southern California is a huge area of land, and with so much space comes plenty of ideas for epic day trips. There are the more obvious choices, like making an entire day (or longer) out of SoCal’s breathtaking state and national parks, but then you can get more creative, too. We’ve covered plenty of ideas for day trips in Southern California; take a drive through some of SoCal’s most incredible fields of wildflowers, such as the poppies in the spring. If you’re more of an urban exploration fan, no worries – there are plenty of ghost towns and/or abandoned places day trips you could plan, too. Foodies might want to consider a trip to some of the best ice cream shops in the region, or maybe the best wine tastings. The possibilities are only as limited as your imagination. What are some fun things to do in Southern California? Southern California is known for its sunny, sandy beaches, good vibes, and relaxed atmosphere. Of course, you could always do the usual stuff – hiking, camping, or fishing come to mind, and all are very popular with locals and visitors alike. However, you can always put a uniquely Southern California twist on those things; find places to camp on the beach. If you’ve never experienced beach camping… you have no idea what you’re missing. You’ve GOT to do it. You could also visit our national parks, of which there are nine to choose from. Go kayaking or canoeing, or if you’re more adventurous, explore some caves. City slickers will love the beauty of places like Los Angeles, where there’s never any shortage of fun things to do and see.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Quick Road Trips in Southern California
August 19, 2021
Tori Jane
What are some amazing places to visit in Southern California? Southern California is outrageous beautiful – much more so than many people seem to give it credit for. Most obviously, it’s home to splendid beaches, but there’s so much more to SoCal than just that. There’s Sequoia National Park, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, a park that is nothing short of hypnotically beautiful. In Antelope Valley, there’s an outstanding and vibrant poppy field that attracts revelers and photographers alike year in and year out. The best colors of the year can be spotted from mid-February through May, so make sure to plan accordingly if you decide to visit. Joshua Tree National park is absolutely incredible, and home to some of the strangest trees – the fabled Joshua Trees – you’ll ever see. What kind of day trips in Southern California are there to take? If you can dream it, you can probably plan it! Southern California is a huge area of land, and with so much space comes plenty of ideas for epic day trips. There are the more obvious choices, like making an entire day (or longer) out of SoCal’s breathtaking state and national parks, but then you can get more creative, too. We’ve covered plenty of ideas for day trips in Southern California; take a drive through some of SoCal’s most incredible fields of wildflowers, such as the poppies in the spring. If you’re more of an urban exploration fan, no worries – there are plenty of ghost towns and/or abandoned places day trips you could plan, too. Foodies might want to consider a trip to some of the best ice cream shops in the region, or maybe the best wine tastings. The possibilities are only as limited as your imagination. What are some fun things to do in Southern California? Southern California is known for its sunny, sandy beaches, good vibes, and relaxed atmosphere. Of course, you could always do the usual stuff – hiking, camping, or fishing come to mind, and all are very popular with locals and visitors alike. However, you can always put a uniquely Southern California twist on those things; find places to camp on the beach. If you’ve never experienced beach camping… you have no idea what you’re missing. You’ve GOT to do it. You could also visit our national parks, of which there are nine to choose from. Go kayaking or canoeing, or if you’re more adventurous, explore some caves. City slickers will love the beauty of places like Los Angeles, where there’s never any shortage of fun things to do and see.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Southern California is outrageous beautiful – much more so than many people seem to give it credit for. Most obviously, it’s home to splendid beaches, but there’s so much more to SoCal than just that. There’s Sequoia National Park, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, a park that is nothing short of hypnotically beautiful. In Antelope Valley, there’s an outstanding and vibrant poppy field that attracts revelers and photographers alike year in and year out. The best colors of the year can be spotted from mid-February through May, so make sure to plan accordingly if you decide to visit. Joshua Tree National park is absolutely incredible, and home to some of the strangest trees – the fabled Joshua Trees – you’ll ever see.
What kind of day trips in Southern California are there to take?
If you can dream it, you can probably plan it! Southern California is a huge area of land, and with so much space comes plenty of ideas for epic day trips. There are the more obvious choices, like making an entire day (or longer) out of SoCal’s breathtaking state and national parks, but then you can get more creative, too. We’ve covered plenty of ideas for day trips in Southern California; take a drive through some of SoCal’s most incredible fields of wildflowers, such as the poppies in the spring. If you’re more of an urban exploration fan, no worries – there are plenty of ghost towns and/or abandoned places day trips you could plan, too. Foodies might want to consider a trip to some of the best ice cream shops in the region, or maybe the best wine tastings. The possibilities are only as limited as your imagination.
What are some fun things to do in Southern California?
Southern California is known for its sunny, sandy beaches, good vibes, and relaxed atmosphere. Of course, you could always do the usual stuff – hiking, camping, or fishing come to mind, and all are very popular with locals and visitors alike. However, you can always put a uniquely Southern California twist on those things; find places to camp on the beach. If you’ve never experienced beach camping… you have no idea what you’re missing. You’ve GOT to do it. You could also visit our national parks, of which there are nine to choose from. Go kayaking or canoeing, or if you’re more adventurous, explore some caves. City slickers will love the beauty of places like Los Angeles, where there’s never any shortage of fun things to do and see.
