We have featured so many marvelous things to do and places to go in Southern California. With the new year on the horizon, why not make a list of new places to explore? To get you started, we have compiled a list of 12 of the most fun, interesting, and yes, delicious, places that deserve some attention – one for each month of the year. From historic landmarks to island adventures, and of course, mouth-watering treats, we think these are some of the places you must visit in Southern California during the coming year.
- The Ranch at Death Valley
Management/TripAdvisor Death Valley National Park is unquestionably one of Southern California’s most interesting and popular destinations. What many people don’t know is that in the middle of this dramatic and uniquely beautiful landscape lies this incredible hotel. This article on The Ranch tells you everything you need to know before booking your stay. Death Valley National Park, Furnace Creek, CA 92328, USA
- Castaic Lake
Cesar Kasas/Google Local There are many beautiful lakes in Southern California, but this crystal blue reservoir is a true hidden gem. The clear water, beach-like shores, and stunning views of the surrounding hills provide an idyllic place for a relaxing day trip. Read about Castaic Lake in this article. Castaic Lake Drive, Castaic Lake Dr, Castaic, CA 91384, USA
- Los Angeles Union Station
Agata L/Google Local This historic train station is far more than the main transportation hub for the City of Los Angeles. Union Station is a captivating piece of Southern California history. Dramatic high ceilings, 30-foot windows, leather armchairs, grand black walnut ticketing counter, and ornate tile decor harken back to the glamorous 1930s and 1940s. Read more about Los Angeles Union Station here. 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
- Avalon, Catalina Island
Natasha Kayes Experience an island getaway just one hour from the city. This tiny island is packed with opportunities for adventure no matter what time of year you decide to visit. Check out this article on Catalina Island to start planning your escape. Avalon, CA 90704, USA
- La Jolla Sea Caves
La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks/Google Local Unlike other cave tours - which are undeniably fascinating - the sea caves in La Jolla are particularly intriguing. On a tour by kayak, you will explore the caves, each with its own marine environment, that were carved in the cliffs along the shore. Our previous article on La Jolla Sea Caves is worth a read. La Jolla Cove, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
- Porto’s Cuban Bakery
Samia Javaid/Google Local With its roots in Rosa Porto’s home kitchen in Cuba, this family-run Los Angeles favorite presents home baking at its absolute best. Whether you are in a sweet or savory food mood, there is something delectable waiting for you inside. A trip to Porto’s bakery is one you will not regret. Find out more about Porto’s bakery in this past article. 315 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203, USA
- Moonshadows Restaurant
Diamond/Google Local This iconic Malibu restaurant is situated right on the beach along the Pacific Coast Highway. Come for brunch, lunch, or dinner, and enjoy panoramic ocean views while you dine on delectable food and cocktails. What are you waiting for? Read our full article on Moonshadows here. 20356 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
- The Castle in the Forest
The Castle in the Forest/Airbnb Nestled among the trees near Lake Arrowhead - a fairytale-like setting, we must say - is an enchanting 10,000-square-foot castle that you can rent for a magical getaway. With seven spacious and uniquely-appointed bedrooms, you and up to 15 other guests can spend the night living like royalty. Learn more about The Castle in the Forest in this past article. Skyforest, CA 92352, USA
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Gord Zura/Google Local Just minutes from downtown San Diego is this historic landmark that is as fun to explore as it is educational. With museums and beautiful historic buildings dating back to the 1800s, visitors learn much about California’s early history. Check out this article about Old Town San Diego. Old Town, San Diego, CA, USA
- Oak Mountain Wine Cave
Robert Mitchell/Google Local The first and only wine cave in Southern California really is an extraordinary destination. Enter the cave that lies 104 feet below the vineyards above and learn why this is the ideal environment for consistently producing excellent wines. Read on about Oak Mountain Winery in this article. 36522 Vía Verde, Temecula, CA 92592, USA
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway/Google Local Enjoy 360-degree views as you ascend almost 6,000 feet from the desert floor of Palm Springs to the San Jacinto mountain summit, where you can enjoy two restaurants, a cocktail lounge, a museum, hiking, cross-country skiing, and other seasonal adventures. Be sure to read our previous article on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
- Coronado, CA
Sean Theriac/Google Local The tiny island and town of Coronado, just off the coast of San Diego, makes you feel like you have traveled far from home. Visit or stay at the iconic Hotel Del Coronado, situated on what has been called California’s prettiest beach. Whether you spend an afternoon or an entire weekend, one trip to Coronado will not be enough. read our previous article on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Coronado Island, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
We could go on and on about amazing SoCal destinations and activities. What places would you love to visit in Southern California in the coming year? We want to hear from you in the comments.
Management/TripAdvisor
Death Valley National Park is unquestionably one of Southern California’s most interesting and popular destinations. What many people don’t know is that in the middle of this dramatic and uniquely beautiful landscape lies this incredible hotel. This article on The Ranch tells you everything you need to know before booking your stay.
Death Valley National Park, Furnace Creek, CA 92328, USA
Cesar Kasas/Google Local
There are many beautiful lakes in Southern California, but this crystal blue reservoir is a true hidden gem. The clear water, beach-like shores, and stunning views of the surrounding hills provide an idyllic place for a relaxing day trip. Read about Castaic Lake in this article.
Castaic Lake Drive, Castaic Lake Dr, Castaic, CA 91384, USA
Agata L/Google Local
This historic train station is far more than the main transportation hub for the City of Los Angeles. Union Station is a captivating piece of Southern California history. Dramatic high ceilings, 30-foot windows, leather armchairs, grand black walnut ticketing counter, and ornate tile decor harken back to the glamorous 1930s and 1940s. Read more about Los Angeles Union Station here.
800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
Natasha Kayes
Experience an island getaway just one hour from the city. This tiny island is packed with opportunities for adventure no matter what time of year you decide to visit. Check out this article on Catalina Island to start planning your escape.
Avalon, CA 90704, USA
La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks/Google Local
Unlike other cave tours - which are undeniably fascinating - the sea caves in La Jolla are particularly intriguing. On a tour by kayak, you will explore the caves, each with its own marine environment, that were carved in the cliffs along the shore. Our previous article on La Jolla Sea Caves is worth a read.
La Jolla Cove, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
Samia Javaid/Google Local
With its roots in Rosa Porto’s home kitchen in Cuba, this family-run Los Angeles favorite presents home baking at its absolute best. Whether you are in a sweet or savory food mood, there is something delectable waiting for you inside. A trip to Porto’s bakery is one you will not regret. Find out more about Porto’s bakery in this past article.
315 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203, USA
Diamond/Google Local
This iconic Malibu restaurant is situated right on the beach along the Pacific Coast Highway. Come for brunch, lunch, or dinner, and enjoy panoramic ocean views while you dine on delectable food and cocktails. What are you waiting for? Read our full article on Moonshadows here.
20356 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
The Castle in the Forest/Airbnb
Nestled among the trees near Lake Arrowhead - a fairytale-like setting, we must say - is an enchanting 10,000-square-foot castle that you can rent for a magical getaway. With seven spacious and uniquely-appointed bedrooms, you and up to 15 other guests can spend the night living like royalty. Learn more about The Castle in the Forest in this past article.
Skyforest, CA 92352, USA
Gord Zura/Google Local
Just minutes from downtown San Diego is this historic landmark that is as fun to explore as it is educational. With museums and beautiful historic buildings dating back to the 1800s, visitors learn much about California’s early history. Check out this article about Old Town San Diego.
Old Town, San Diego, CA, USA
Robert Mitchell/Google Local
The first and only wine cave in Southern California really is an extraordinary destination. Enter the cave that lies 104 feet below the vineyards above and learn why this is the ideal environment for consistently producing excellent wines. Read on about Oak Mountain Winery in this article.
36522 Vía Verde, Temecula, CA 92592, USA
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway/Google Local
Enjoy 360-degree views as you ascend almost 6,000 feet from the desert floor of Palm Springs to the San Jacinto mountain summit, where you can enjoy two restaurants, a cocktail lounge, a museum, hiking, cross-country skiing, and other seasonal adventures. Be sure to read our previous article on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
Sean Theriac/Google Local
The tiny island and town of Coronado, just off the coast of San Diego, makes you feel like you have traveled far from home. Visit or stay at the iconic Hotel Del Coronado, situated on what has been called California’s prettiest beach. Whether you spend an afternoon or an entire weekend, one trip to Coronado will not be enough. read our previous article on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Coronado Island, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
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