Longing for a fun road trip that will take you to some of the most magical places in Southern California? Then it’s time to load up the car and hit the road as we’ve put together a fairytale adventure to remember. Ready for some fun? This awesome road trip will show you Southern California like never before – be ready to be totally spellbound by some of the most beautiful places in SoCal:

Looking for a memorable way to experience Southern California? Let’s hit the road and experience these seven destinations that are all incredibly magical in their own way.

googlemaps Check out the official Google Map for an interactive experience, and pick and choose where you want to start and where you want to end for a perfect itinerary custom-made for you. Ready? Let’s go.

  1. Summer Past Farms

Summers Past Farms With a name like Summers Past Farms, you can’t help but imagine a fairytale destination that captures the very best of summer. And it truly does! Located in the small town of Flinn Springs, this relaxing stop offers a little bit of everything - a serene setting, whimsical grounds, a coffee shop, a gift shop, and even handmade soaps made right here on the property. This amazing working farm in Southern California is a one-of-a-kind experience you’re sure to love. 15602 Olde Hwy 80, El Cajon, CA 92021, USA

  1. Casa Romantica Cultural Center

facebook/casa romantica cultural Located in the coastal town of San Clemente, the Casa Romantica Cultural Center is a magnificent hideaway with the most breathtaking views you’ve ever experienced. Lush gardens and serene paths fill the outdoor space and provide a wonderful respite from city life. This is an amazing glimpse at arts and culture in Southern California you won’t find just anywhere. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, CA 92672, USA

  1. Pirate Tower

googlemaps/phong vo Head to Laguna Beach to spot the mysterious Pirate Tower that looks like it’s part of an old medieval castle right on the sandy beach. Whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, you’ll appreciate this fairytale tower that is one of the most unexpected places to discover in Southern California. Plus, not to mention it’s one of the best hikes in Southern California you can do. 2713 Victoria Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA

  1. South Coast Botanic Garden

flickr/tracie hall Head toward Palos Verdes Peninsula, which is a sight to behold in and of itself, and head to South Coast Botanic Garden where you’ll find a fairytale destination packed with walking trails, storybook gardens, and plenty of picturesque scenery that will leave you feeling refreshed. This is an amazing hidden gem in Southern California that feels like something out of a fairy tale. 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274, USA

  1. The Magic Castle

tripadvisor/nautical voyager One of SoCal’s true hidden gems, this spellbinding Magic Castle is filled with all sorts of mystery and intrigue. Originally built in 1909 and now home to the Academy of Magical Arts, this local treasure is a destination you must see to believe. As it turns out, Hogwarts is real, and it’s right here in Southern California. 7001 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA

  1. Sturtevant Falls

all trails/shannon trapane How about adding a waterfall to this road trip?! Sturtevant Falls, tucked inside the Angeles National Forest, is a SoCal favorite. It can be reached by heading out on a short hike that will lead you to this stunning 50-foot waterfall. It’s quite the sight to see. This is an amazing waterfall hiking trail in Southern California that you cannot leave your camera at home when visiting. Forest Route 2N40, Forest Rte 2N40, Arcadia, CA 91006, USA

  1. Sugarplum Farm and Chocolate Shop

googlemaps/venissa valenzuela Located in the town of Temecula, SugarPlum Farm and Chocolate Shop is the perfect addition to this fairytale road trip. A petting zoo and chocolate shop in one? You betcha! And it’s just as delightful (and delicious) as it sounds. 39695 Berenda Rd, Temecula, CA 92591, USA

What a fun way to spend the day in SoCal! Do you have a favorite spot on this road trip? Which truly magical places in Southern California are on your bucket list? We’d love to know, so please share in the comments.

googlemaps

Check out the official Google Map for an interactive experience, and pick and choose where you want to start and where you want to end for a perfect itinerary custom-made for you. Ready? Let’s go.

Summers Past Farms

With a name like Summers Past Farms, you can’t help but imagine a fairytale destination that captures the very best of summer. And it truly does! Located in the small town of Flinn Springs, this relaxing stop offers a little bit of everything - a serene setting, whimsical grounds, a coffee shop, a gift shop, and even handmade soaps made right here on the property. This amazing working farm in Southern California is a one-of-a-kind experience you’re sure to love.

15602 Olde Hwy 80, El Cajon, CA 92021, USA

facebook/casa romantica cultural

Located in the coastal town of San Clemente, the Casa Romantica Cultural Center is a magnificent hideaway with the most breathtaking views you’ve ever experienced. Lush gardens and serene paths fill the outdoor space and provide a wonderful respite from city life. This is an amazing glimpse at arts and culture in Southern California you won’t find just anywhere.

415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, CA 92672, USA

googlemaps/phong vo

Head to Laguna Beach to spot the mysterious Pirate Tower that looks like it’s part of an old medieval castle right on the sandy beach. Whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, you’ll appreciate this fairytale tower that is one of the most unexpected places to discover in Southern California. Plus, not to mention it’s one of the best hikes in Southern California you can do.

2713 Victoria Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA

flickr/tracie hall

Head toward Palos Verdes Peninsula, which is a sight to behold in and of itself, and head to South Coast Botanic Garden where you’ll find a fairytale destination packed with walking trails, storybook gardens, and plenty of picturesque scenery that will leave you feeling refreshed. This is an amazing hidden gem in Southern California that feels like something out of a fairy tale.

26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274, USA

tripadvisor/nautical voyager

One of SoCal’s true hidden gems, this spellbinding Magic Castle is filled with all sorts of mystery and intrigue. Originally built in 1909 and now home to the Academy of Magical Arts, this local treasure is a destination you must see to believe. As it turns out, Hogwarts is real, and it’s right here in Southern California.

7001 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA

all trails/shannon trapane

How about adding a waterfall to this road trip?! Sturtevant Falls, tucked inside the Angeles National Forest, is a SoCal favorite. It can be reached by heading out on a short hike that will lead you to this stunning 50-foot waterfall. It’s quite the sight to see. This is an amazing waterfall hiking trail in Southern California that you cannot leave your camera at home when visiting.

Forest Route 2N40, Forest Rte 2N40, Arcadia, CA 91006, USA

googlemaps/venissa valenzuela

Located in the town of Temecula, SugarPlum Farm and Chocolate Shop is the perfect addition to this fairytale road trip. A petting zoo and chocolate shop in one? You betcha! And it’s just as delightful (and delicious) as it sounds.

39695 Berenda Rd, Temecula, CA 92591, USA

For more of the most amazing places that Southern California has to offer, be sure to explore some of the best hikes in Southern California. If you enjoy those, you’ll also love the most amazing state parks in Southern California as well! How lucky are we to live in the most beautiful part of the country? Ridiculously.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Magical Places in Southern California November 23, 2022 Tori Jane

What are some truly magical places in Southern California?  

SoCal is a pretty amazing place, and some of the most magical places in Southern California are jewels like:  

Catalina Island  Pelican Cove Park   Treasure Island Park  

  2. What are the best hidden gems in Southern California?   Skip the crowds and check out some of the most amazing hidden gems in Southern California including:  

Experience the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway   The Mosaic Tile House   The Thousand Steps Beach  

  3. Where are some amazing fairytale places in Southern California?  There are some incredibly beautiful, fairytale places in Southern California that deserve a spot on your bucket list, such as:  

Joshua Tree National Park (it’s seriously surreal)    Death Valley National Park (it’s much cooler than it sounds)    The Point Vincente Lighthouse  

The OIYS Visitor Center

Magical Places in Southern California

November 23, 2022

Tori Jane

What are some truly magical places in Southern California?  

SoCal is a pretty amazing place, and some of the most magical places in Southern California are jewels like:  

Catalina Island  Pelican Cove Park   Treasure Island Park  

  2. What are the best hidden gems in Southern California?   Skip the crowds and check out some of the most amazing hidden gems in Southern California including:  

Experience the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway   The Mosaic Tile House   The Thousand Steps Beach  

  3. Where are some amazing fairytale places in Southern California?  There are some incredibly beautiful, fairytale places in Southern California that deserve a spot on your bucket list, such as:  

Joshua Tree National Park (it’s seriously surreal)    Death Valley National Park (it’s much cooler than it sounds)    The Point Vincente Lighthouse  

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

SoCal is a pretty amazing place, and some of the most magical places in Southern California are jewels like:  

  • Catalina Island
  • Pelican Cove Park
  • Treasure Island Park

 

  1. What are the best hidden gems in Southern California?  

Skip the crowds and check out some of the most amazing hidden gems in Southern California including:  

  • Experience the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
  • The Mosaic Tile House
  • The Thousand Steps Beach
  1. Where are some amazing fairytale places in Southern California? 

There are some incredibly beautiful, fairytale places in Southern California that deserve a spot on your bucket list, such as:  

  • Joshua Tree National Park (it’s seriously surreal)
  • Death Valley National Park (it’s much cooler than it sounds)
  • The Point Vincente Lighthouse