The 10 Most Incredible Natural Attractions In Southern California That Everyone Should Visit

Who doesn’t love a day out in nature? Especially during the summertime. Southern California is chock full of the most stunning natural destinations that are a delight to visit on a breezy afternoon. From rugged cliffside parks to hidden coves, and many places in between, here are our 10 favorite spaces and places in SoCal that everyone will want to explore.

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Trail Canyon Falls in Tujunga Canyon offers the best of both worlds -- an outdoor hike and a beautiful waterfall. Take this moderate six-mile hike along a picturesque trail and you'll be treated to a refreshing waterfall as your reward for getting out in nature. You can learn more about Trail Canyon Falls right over here.

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You'll find this natural oasis hiding in Newport Beach in Orange County. This lush and peaceful preserve is filled with a bounty of wildlife and picturesque scenery at every turn. From woodsy trails to wide open bike and equestrian paths, there's a little something for everyone to enjoy. You can follow this link to get more information about Upper Newport Bay Nature Reserve.

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Although you may have visited Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden a time or two, perhaps you didn't know there was a hidden lake tucked inside this magnificent setting. Take a day trip to this lovely park and you'll find Baldwin Lake hiding behind the famous Queen Anne Cottage. To take a closer look at this lake and to get more details about the park, you can check out Baldwin Lake right over here.

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This small cove in Laguna Beach is a delight for a quiet day at the beach. You'll find plenty to do here including exploring tide pools, scrambling along the rugged rocks, and strolling along the beach. To learn more about the beauty of Shaw's Cove and where to find this picturesque destination, you can head right over here.

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For a day out in nature filled with the sweet smell of citrus, you'll want to head to the California Citrus State Historic Park located in Riverside. From guided tours through the citrus groves to sampling the sweetest citrus fresh off the tree, you'll be in heaven at this SoCal park. To get more information about this state park, you can check out this link for more details.

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Tucked inside the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area you'll find the beauty of Franklin Canyon just waiting to be explored. For hiking, picnicking, or a relaxing day in the sun, this blissful slice of nature is a great spot where you can escape from the city for a little peace and quiet. You can check out more details about Franklin Canyon Park at this link.

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This captivating spot in Southern California is a truly unique experience. Whether you are into rock climbing, hiking, sightseeing, or just wandering and exploring, these spectacular rock formations that were formed nearly 25 million years ago make for the perfect backdrop for your outdoor adventures. Check out more information about Vasquez Rocks right over here.

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Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge is pure beauty, peace, and tranquility in every direction. Spend the afternoon wandering through this picturesque botanical garden and stroll down lush green trails filled with sights and sounds that will delight your senses. You can head over to this link to find more details about Descanso Gardens.

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Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego is a slice of heaven located in America's Finest City. This cliffside beauty provides spectacular views and an ocean breeze to-die-for. If you're looking for a picture-perfect spot for an outdoor stroll, this SoCal destination is a winner. You can find out more about Sunset Cliffs right over here.

flickr/kara brugman

For a fun-filled day exploring gardens of every kind -- Desert gardens, Japanese gardens, Chinese gardens, and many more -- The Huntington simply can't be beat. You'll never run out of things to see or do; you could easily fill an entire day strolling through this paradise. To see more stunning photos of The Hungtington and to get details on how to visit this natural paradise, take a look at this link.

Are some of your favorite SoCal nature destinations on the list? Where else do you like to explore when you head outside for some captivating scenery?

For more spaces and places to explore in Southern California, you may enjoy heading to our Southern California home page where you’ll find hundreds of unique destinations in SoCal that are a delight to experience.