There’s plenty to see and do in Southern California all year long, but we thought it might be fun to put together a road trip that will inspire you to explore beautiful places in Southern California. And nothing seems quite as intoxicating as taking a road trip to see the seven wonders…of Southern California. Ready to see where we’re headed? Pack your bags, fuel up the car, and get ready for one of the most scenic road trips in Southern California.

If you love a road trip, then you're in store for one thrilling adventure.
Google Maps
Please note, this isn't a quick one-day road trip. Plan out an entire weekend or longer for this adventure so you can really stop and enjoy each location. Especially when you reach the Channel Islands, as that is an adventure in and of itself. Pick and choose where you'd like to start the trip and take it from there. Just remember, the stop listed for Channel Islands National Park isn't your final destination as you'll have to board a boat to travel to the island. Here's an itinerary for this scenic road trip to the seven natural wonders in Southern California.
1. Zabriskie Point, Death Valley
Zabriskie Point, California, USA
stuart rankin/Flickr
On this road trip, you'll head to Death Valley where you'll get to see the awe-inspiring beauty of Zabriskie Point. Dating back millions of years from a lake that dried up over five million years ago, this is one of the most incredible natural wonders in Southern California that will make your jaw drop. You can learn more about the Zabriskie Point in our previous article.

Let's go on an epic hike through Death Valley with the Hiking Guy as he shows us the path from Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral Zabriskie Point and Gower Gulch:
2. The Lava Tube in the Mojave National Preserve, Baker
Mojave National Preserve, 90942 Kelso Cima Rd, Essex, CA 92332, USA
andrew/Flickr
Time to head to the Mojave National Preserve to visit the spellbindingLava Tube that can be experienced in the town of Baker, California. Show up at just right the time and you'll get to see a bright and shining ray of light shooting through the cave entrance. Reachable by a local hiking trail, you'll want to come prepared with comfortable shoes and plenty of water for one of the most wondrous places to visit in Southern California.
3. Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves, Arroyo Tapiado, California, USA
djfrantic/Flickr
Located inside Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, you'll find the Arroyo Tapiado Carrizo Badlands Mud Caves which are made up of nine slot canyons and 22 caves. You'll want to take some time to explore this mesmerizing cave system, so make sure to pack some hiking boots for this incredible journey that will show you one of the most beautiful places in Southern California you never even knew existed.
4. Cedar Creek Falls, Ramona
Cedar Creek Falls, Ramona, CA 92065, USA
lazvi01/TripAdvisor
SoCal may not be known for its waterfalls, but you better believe we have them, and some pretty good ones, too. One of the most noteworthy waterfalls and natural wonders in Southern California is Cedar Creek Falls which has an 80-foot waterfall that is quite spectacular to see. You can reach this beauty by taking a local hiking trail that starts at 15519 Thornbush Rd, Ramona, CA 92065.

Hike to Cedar Creek Falls in Ramona, CA in this video from Daniel Kusper:

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5. Sunny Jim Sea Cave, La Jolla
photos by clark/Flickr
Sunny Jim's Sea Cave, 1325 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
jennifer boyer/Flickr
To reach this unique cave in SoCal, you'll want to head to The Cave Store in La Jolla. This is the only sea cave in Southern California that is accessible by land.
6. Vasquez Rocks, Agua Dulce
Thomas from USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center, 10700 Escondido Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA 91390, USA
mr. babyman/Flickr
Located in the town of Agua Dulce, which translates to "Sweet Water" in Spanish, the Vasquez Rocks is an impressive rock formation that's been gracing this land for over 25 million years. Whether you show up for a quick snapshot or you want to climb the rocks for yourself, this is a fun adventure that will completely inspire you when you see it for yourself.
7. Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park, California, USA
aaron zhong/Flickr
Southern California is home to Channel Islands National Park where you'll find eight of the channel islands on the U.S. coast. Although you're not able to reach the islands directly on this road trip, you can view them and board a charter boat to reach them from this destination in Oxnard, CA. Quite spectacular and mesmerizing to see in person, this is one wonder that could be experienced all by itself in an entire weekend. This is truly one of the most magical places to visit in Southern California. You can learn more about the Channel Islands in our previous article.

One of the most beautiful places in SoCal, Channel Islands National Park is definitely worth a visit. Let's check out some of the sights and wildlife you might discover in this video from Shore Me Some More:

With so many beautiful places in Southern California to explore there will never be a shortage of road trips you can take. What do you think of this seven wonders road trip, one of the most scenic road trips in SoCal? We think it’s the perfect way to explore the southern half of our great state.

Looking for more road trip ideas to experience Southern California? Then you may also like this quirky road trip that will take you to SoCal’s most unique roadside attractions.

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

More to Explore

Scenic Road Trips In Southern California

Melissa M. | July 26, 2021

What are some of the most beautiful places in Southern California?

Some of the most beautiful places in SoCal include:

 

Aside from Southern California’s seven natural wonders discussed above, this part of the state is filled with breathtaking places wherever you go. Surround yourself with towering redwood trees with a trip to Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Orange County, a beautiful place just waiting to be explored! Coronado is always a magical place to visit. Don’t forget to swing by and see Hotel del Coronado (or even spend the night if you can)! You can read about more beautiful places in Southern California in this article. 

What are some of the most unique places to visit in Southern California?

Some of the most unique places to visit in Southern California include:

  • Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center, Riverside, CA: There’s a unique park in SoCal that is filled with...dinosaurs! Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center in Riverside has botanical gardens as well as a dinosaur trail with over 10 dinosaur sculptures. This park is open to the public and free to visit!
  • Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Los Angeles, CA: This weird and wonderful cemetery is the final resting place for many celebrities (and their pets). It is definitely worth a visit to see the eclectic mix of gravestones and famous names. At night it even turns into an outdoor theater!
  • Museum of Death, Los Angeles, CA: A museum dedicated to all things related to death? Only in LA right? This fascinating museum is a bit creepy, but that's what makes it so special.

 

What are some other road trips I can take in Southern California?

SoCal is a great place to take a road trip. If you would like to take a themed road trip, try one of ours! We have put together several SoCal road trips including:

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