Southern California is one of the best vacation destinations for families, couples and singles. The region offers options for every taste and budget. Here are some of the best suggestions on what to see during your trip to Southern California.
- Beaches Galore
From Ventura south to Coronado, Southern California has some of the best known and most beautiful beaches on the planet. Surfers will find waves suitable for beginners and pros alike. The US Open of Surfing is an annual event in Huntington Beach. Each July, surfers, and aficionados of the laid back California beach lifestyle get together to surf, skateboard and enjoy regional art and dining.
If surfing is not your thing, try your hand at paddleboarding in calm harbors. Those who would rather stay on the beach and soak up the sun will find over 100 public beaches along the Southern California coast.
- A Food and Wine Lover’s Paradise
Southern California is a true melting pot of people and cultures. In addition to cultural and architectural influences, many international cuisines are represented.
Visitors to Los Angeles frequent Koreatown and Chinatown for authentic Asian food. A must for while visiting San Diego is to go on an Italian wine tour in Little Italy. In between, there are wineries, craft beer breweries and restaurants to satisfy any palate.
California is also well-known for burger stands, taco trucks and some of the best donut shops anywhere. So even if your tastes are simple, you will find new dining experiences in Southern California.
- Amusements and Entertainment
Southern California continues to be the epicenter of the film and television industry in the United States. Have you ever wanted to be a part of a live studio audience and watch how television is made? Several websites allow you to sign up to be a part of an audience. Or you can stroll along Hollywood Boulevard and see people offering free tickets.
From the north of Los Angeles down to San Diego, there are theme parks for all tastes and budgets. Universal Studios, Disneyland, LEGOLAND, Knotts Berry Farm and Seaworld San Diego are just a few of the amusement attractions that are open year-round for your entertainment.
- Breathtaking Scenery
In addition to spectacular beaches, Southern California is also home to several mountains featuring great skiing and snowboarding. Mammoth and Big Bear Mountains are home to skiing for all skill levels, and they are less than two hours away from Los Angeles and Orange County.
Southern California has climates ranging from the scorching hot in the desert to a Mediterranean style mild climate on the coast. Each of these climate types brings landscaping that is impressive and well worth exploring. Drive along the coast in Malibu or through the Joshua Tree National Park to get a feel for just how beautiful Southern California is.
- A Historic Journey
California became a state in 1850. Before that, it was a U.S. territory and part of Mexico. This means there is a considerable amount of history just waiting to be explored.
The influences of Native American and Mexican settlers can be seen throughout the state but especially so between Los Angeles and San Diego. The Getty Museum, the Heritage Square Museum, and the San Diego History museum are great places to start your exploration of California history.