Summertime is the best time to explore all your favorite parts of Southern California, plus all the new spots that are waiting to be checked off your summer bucket list. Here are some of our favorite spaces and places that you’ll want nothing more than to savor this summer. From breezy oceanside day trips to charming small-town destinations, these are the best day trips in Southern California!

1. Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake, CA, USA
Facebook/Big Bear Lake Village
It's hard to decide what season is best to visit Big Bear Lake, because every season at Big Bear makes for a fun adventure. A summer day trip here is especially spectacular with all the outdoorsy adventures to enjoy including afternoons on the lake, hikes in the surrounding mountains, and breezy afternoons exploring the quaint village shops along tree-lined Pine Knot Avenue.
2. El Capitan Canyon -- Santa Barbara
El Capitan Canyon, 11560 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93117, USA
El Capitan Canyon
If you're seeking a day trip that is more of an "overnight" trip, then you'll want to consider this glamping adventure in Santa Barbara that is purely delightful. This picturesque glampground will spoil you to pieces with an onsite gourmet grocery store, a wine shop, charming picnic tables under a canopy of trees, and comfy-cozy sleeping quarters in a yurt, cabin, or a safari tent. It's perfect if you're hoping to find unique things to do in Southern California.
3. Chantry Flat Recreation Area -- Sierra Madre
yelp/cydney m.
Chantry Flat, California 91006, USA
flickr/cleft clips
Nothing says summer like a refreshing hike out in nature. But who wants to go hiking in an area where the sun will beat down on you on a hot SoCal day? Thank goodness for Angeles National Forest, where you can hike in a lush outdoor paradise with lots of shade and trees to protect you on a scorching hot day. You can find more information about the hike in Chantry Flat right over here.
4. A Day Trip by the beach -- the Pacific Surfliner
Pacific Surfliner (Amtrak), Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
flickr/Loco Steve
Nothing beats a scenic train ride in SoCal. With ocean views right outside your window in an air-conditioned train car, this may be the best way to travel. The Pacific Surfliner via Amtrak offers a relaxing ride between San Luis Obispo and San Diego. Take the train from town to town and explore each stop on foot. Pictured here: San Clemente.
5. Balboa Park -- San Diego
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
flickr/MA1216
If you're always searching for "getaways near me," this is the ideal spot for you. You may need more than one day to explore this sprawling 1,200-acre urban park tucked inside America's Finest City, as there is so much to see and do in this single setting. Balboa Park is overflowing with fun summer activities including stunning trails, a picturesque rose garden, a Spanish Arts Village, some of the best museums in SoCal, outdoor restaurants, food vendors galore, and a beautiful outdoor fountain that is a blast to splash in on a hot summer day.

Related Stories

The Small Town Beach In Southern California That's An Idyllic Summer Day Trip

The Small Town Beach In Southern California That's An Idyllic Summer Day Trip

 Here Are 10 Unique Day Trips In Southern California That Are Bucket-List-Worthy

Here Are 10 Unique Day Trips In Southern California That Are Bucket-List-Worthy

 8 Incredible Southern California Day Trips You Can Take By Train

8 Incredible Southern California Day Trips You Can Take By Train
6. Laguna Beach
Facebook/Visit Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach, CA, USA
Facebook/Visit Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a summer paradise. From stunning oceanfront hikes to the charming historic shopping district plus everything in between, you'll have a blast exploring this Orange County resort town on a summer afternoon. Add a little old-fashioned charm to your day in Laguna Beach and hop on the free summer trolley to do even more exploring.
7. A Waterfall Adventure
Sturtevant Falls, California, USA
flickr/US Dept of Agriculture
We could all use some cooling off on a hot SoCal day. And nothing beats a refreshing waterfall to do that. Sturtevant Falls, in the San Gabriel Mountains, is an especially beautiful destination where you can hike to a waterfall and cool off with a refreshing mist from the water. The hike can be a doozy in the heat, so plan to go early in the day and make sure to pack plenty of water. If you're seeking a waterfall adventure a bit closer to you, here are 10 SoCal waterfalls to choose from that you may want to add to your bucket list.
8. Spend the day in the charming town of Solvang.
Solvang, CA 93463, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Dan Lindsay
If your summer plans don't include a European vacation this year, you can still experience the flavor of Europe by heading to the charming village of Solvang. This SoCal destination that's been nicknamed the "Danish Capital of America" will make you feel like you've traveled to another part of the world without ever jumping on a plane.
9. San Diego Zoo Safari -- Escondido
San Diego Safari Park, San Diego, CA 92027, USA
San Diego Zoo Safari Park/Facebook
One of the best day trips in Southern California is a day spent with animals! How about going on safari right here in SoCal? No need to hop on a plane for this safari adventure. Just head to Escondido in San Diego County to experience the next best thing to a real safari adventure at San Diego Zoo Safari. To make this the most authentic experience possible, you'll want to take the covered wagon tour so you can experience the wildlife up close and in person.
10. A small town day trip to Oak Glen.
Oak Glen, CA 92399, USA
yelp/david c.
Spending an afternoon in Oak Glen is like stepping back in time. This storybook town in San Bernardino County is the perfect destination for a scenic Sunday drive. Take in the sights and sounds of the local orchards, spend some time exploring nearby Oak Tree Village, and make sure to take a relaxing stroll through Oak Glen Preserve. You won't have to search "day trips near me" anymore, because you've found the perfect one!

How’s that for the perfect summer activity list? Any plans to do these epic day trips in Southern California? Go ahead and add these destinations to your to-do list, and you’ll have one unforgettable summer! Tell us which of these ideas is your favorite!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Day Trips in Southern California

Danielle Schwartz | April 22, 2022

What are the most well-known parks in Southern California?

  • Some of the most well-known parks in Southern California include Angeles National Forest and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The lush Angeles National Forest is a beautiful place to hike and have a quick and beautiful getaway from the busy city life of Los Angeles.
  • If you're a fan of desert landscapes and camping under the stars, you'll definitely like Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Keep an eye out for the wildflower season too. It's an amazing and memorable time to make the drive out to the desert.

 

What are the best beaches in Southern California?

While it's tough to choose just one or two beaches in one of the vacation capitals of America, two of the best beaches in Southern California are Santa Monica Beach in Los Angeles and La Jolla Shores Beach in San Diego.

  • Santa Monica Beach is stunning and is one of the most spacious beaches in the region. There is plenty of room for volleyball, sunbathing, swimming, and sandcastle-building. It's also right by the quirky and fun Venice Beach, which is a great place to enjoy art and take a walk.
  • La Jolla Shores is a perfect family beach and has lots of opportunities to learn to surf and paddleboard. The local restaurants and shops are a major draw to this beach too.

 

What is the hottest month of the year in Southern California?

The hottest month of the year in Southern California is August, with an average high of 84 degrees and an average low of 66 degrees in Los Angeles. If you take one of these day trips in the hottest month of the year, just be sure to drink plenty of water and take your sunscreen. Some of these trips could even be perfect for cooling off. If you head to the beach, this is a great time to take a swim in the normally chilly ocean!

Related Articles

Explore Southern California