If you’ve ever had the urge to jump in the car and head out on a road trip through Southern California, now is the time. We’ve put together an itinerary of some of SoCal’s most eye-popping destinations that everyone is sure to love. From a botanic garden to a lakeside retreat and even a beautiful whitewater preserve that is a treat to the eyes, this heavenly SoCal road trip is just what you need for a relaxing and scenic weekend. Here’s the itinerary:
Follow along on this interactive map and head out from the point closest to you. Make it an all-day trip or break it up and turn it into a weekend adventure. Either way, off we go!
Before the desert temps make this part of Southern California unapproachable for several months due to the extreme heat, make your way to Whitewater Preserve for a glimpse of heaven on earth. Address: 9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, White Water, CA 92282.
When you need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, there's nothing more rejuvenating than a visit to Tranquility Trail at Oak Canyon Nature Center. Tucked inside the city of Anaheim, this woodsy gem will treat you to charming walking paths filled with forested trails and storybook paths. It truly is perfection at its finest. Address: 6700 E Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim, CA 92807.
Want to experience California's beautiful and towering redwood trees without traveling all the way to Northern California? Take a walk through the Redwood Grove at Carbon Canyon Regional Park for a glimpse of perfection. Address: 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, CA 92823.
Hiding behind these charming green gates you'll find a local treasure that's worth a stop. With a variety of nature trails and an abundance of wildlife, this splendid outdoorsy destination will show you a new side of SoCal. Address: 17851 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92647.
It doesn't get much better than a scenic visit to the magnificent Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens. Wander through paradise as you tour a variety of gardens that show off rare and beautiful settings that will simply take your breath away. Address: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108.
A SoCal road trip through perfection wouldn't be complete without stopping at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. Stroll along a scenic 2.5 mile walking trail and stop to smell the blooms that make this destination so very fragrant. Address: 1500 N College Avenue, Claremont CA 91717.
Known by locals as a "best-kept secret," this majestic hideaway in the San Bernardino Mountains is a great place for hiking, day tripping, and playing in the water on a hot summer day. Whether it's your first stop of the day or your last stop, this little gem will completely enchant you.
What a glorious side of SoCal to experience! Whether you simply drive by and enjoy the scenery or you get out of the car and stroll through the various trails, this is one SoCal road trip that belongs on your itinerary this year.
Looking for more road trips in Southern California to enjoy? Here are 10 quick road trips that you can enjoy all year long.
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