The 17 Best Things to do in Southern California

There is no shortage of things to do in Southern California. Whether you’re looking for a dose of culture or just wanting to relax on the beach, you can find it all in Southern California. Here are just a few of the best things to do in this sunny region.

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The Getty

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The Getty is one of the world’s largest art museums and it’s right here in Los Angeles. With a collection that includes works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Monet, the Getty is a must-see for art lovers. But even if you’re not into art, the museum is worth a visit for its stunning architecture and incredible views of the city.

The Getty Center is located in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, and it’s easy to get to by car or public transportation. Once you’re there, you can spend hours wandering the museum’s different wings, or you can take a guided tour. Either way, you’re sure to have a memorable experience at the Getty.

Malibu Wine Safaris

The Malibu Wine Safaris are located in the heart of Los Angeles wine country and offer visitors the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the area’s most popular animals. The safaris take place on a working ranch and include a tour of the vineyards, as well as opportunities to feed and pet the animals. Visitors can also purchase wine and cheese to enjoy during their safari.

Disneyland Park

Disneyland Park is the original Disneyland, which opened on July 17, 1955. It is located in Anaheim, California, and is the only theme park designed and built under the direct supervision of Walt Disney. The park has since undergone several expansions and renovations, and now features eight themed “lands”: Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, Mickey’s ToonTown, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland.

As the first Disneyland park ever built, Disneyland Park holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans around the world. For many, it is the quintessential Disney theme park experience. From classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and Sleeping Beauty Castle to newer additions like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, there is something for everyone at Disneyland Park.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, Disneyland Park is sure to create lasting memories. So come and explore the magic of Disneyland Park – where dreams come true!

Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm is a world-renowned theme park located in Buena Park, California. The park first opened its doors in 1940 and has since become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. Knott’s Berry Farm is home to dozens of rides, shows, and attractions, making it the perfect place for a day of fun.

Some of the most popular rides at Knott’s Berry Farm include GhostRider, Xcelerator, and Perilous Plunge. These thrill rides are sure to get your heart pumping! If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, there are also plenty of family-friendly rides like Snoopy’s Space Race and The Pony Express.

In addition to its amazing rides, Knott’s Berry Farm is also home to a variety of shows and attractions. Be sure to check out the Birdcage Theatre, where you can see live shows featuring your favorite characters from Peanuts. You can also visit the Calico Mine Ride, a dark ride that takes you through an old gold mine, or take a spin on the world-famous roller coaster, The Timber Twister.

No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to love at Knott’s Berry Farm. So come on down and enjoy a day of fun at one of California’s most popular theme parks!

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles. Situated at the end of Santa Monica Boulevard, it offers a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean. The pier also houses a number of shops, restaurants, and other attractions, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two.

Some of the most popular attractions at Santa Monica Pier include the Santa Monica Aquarium, Pacific Park, and the Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome Carousel. Visitors can also take a ride on the famous Ferris wheel, which has been featured in many movies and television shows over the years.

Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy the sun and surf or just want to experience some of LA’s most iconic landmarks, Santa Monica Pier is definitely worth a visit.

Huntington Beach Pier

The Huntington Beach Pier is an 1,850-foot long municipal pier located in Huntington Beach, California. It is the centerpiece of the city’s bustling beach scene and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The pier offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as a variety of shops, restaurants, and other attractions.

Visitors can also enjoy fishing, surfing, and other recreational activities at the pier. The Huntington Beach Pier is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southern California and is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre urban park in San Diego, California. Located adjacent to downtown San Diego, Balboa Park contains museums, gardens, and recreation areas. The park was created in 1868 and is named after Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa.

In 2015, Balboa Park was ranked as the number one city park in the United States by TripAdvisor. The park is also home to a number of events and festivals throughout the year, including the San Diego Comic-Con, the San Diego Pride Festival, and the San Diego Jazz Fest.

The park’s attractions include the San Diego Zoo, the Museum of Man, the Timken Museum of Art, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, and many others. The park also contains several performing arts venues, including the San Diego Symphony and the Old Globe Theatre. Balboa Park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a national park in the United States located in southeastern California. The park covers a total of 790,636 acres and includes two distinct desert ecosystems: the higher Mojave Desert and the lower Colorado Desert. Joshua Tree National Park is named after the Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia), a type of yucca plant that is indigenous to the park.

The park was established on August 10, 1936, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a national monument. In 1950, the monument was redesignated as a national park. Joshua Tree National Park is home to a variety of plants and animals that have adapted to the harsh desert environment.

Some of the more notable plants include the Joshua tree, the yucca plant, and the creosote bush. Animals that can be found in Joshua Tree National Park include the black-tailed jackrabbit, the kangaroo rat, and the desert tortoise.

The park is a popular destination for rock climbing, hiking, and camping. More than 3 million people visit Joshua Tree National Park each year.

If you’re planning on visiting Joshua Tree National Park, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, the park is located in a desert environment so it can be quite hot during the day. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Second, because the park is located in a remote area, cell phone service can be spotty. It’s always a good idea to let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. Finally, be sure to watch out for animals while you’re hiking. Joshua Tree National Park is home to a variety of desert wildlife including snakes, lizards, and coyotes.

Whether you’re looking to hike, climb, or just enjoy the desert scenery, Joshua Tree National Park is a great destination. Just remember to come prepared for the heat and bring plenty of water. Have fun and be safe!

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles. The observatory houses a number of telescopes, as well as interactive exhibits about astronomy. Visitors can also enjoy sweeping views of the city from the observatory’s grounds. The Observatory was opened in 1935 and is located on Mount Hollywood, in Griffith Park.

The main telescope at Griffith Observatory is the Coelostat, which is used to observe the sun. The Observatory also has a number of smaller telescopes that are available for public use. The Observatory offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year, including stargazing nights and special guest lectures.

Crystal Cove State Park

Crystal Cove State Park is a state park of California, United States, encompassing 3.2 miles of Pacific coastline, inland chaparral canyons, and the Crystal Cove Historic District of beach houses.

The Crystal Cove Historic District consists of 46 cottages built in the early 20th century as part of a planned seaside resort. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, and later became a state park to preserve the area’s historic character.

In addition to the preserved historic district, activities in the state park include swimming, surfing, scuba diving, and picnicking. The beach at Crystal Cove is a popular destination for Orange County residents and visitors.

Solvang

Solvang is a city in Santa Barbara County, California. It is located in the Santa Ynez Valley. The city was founded in 1911 by Danish-Americans from the Midwestern United States and was named after the city of Solvang, Denmark.

There are many things to do in Solvang. You can go wine tasting, visit one of the many museums, or go shopping. There are also several golf courses in the area if you are looking for something to do outdoors.

Solvang is a great place to visit if you are interested in Danish culture or just want to experience a little bit of Denmark in the United States. The city has a lot to offer and is definitely worth a visit.

Catalina Island

Catalina Island is a beautiful place to visit, with plenty of activities to enjoy. There is something for everyone on the island, whether you want to relax on the beach or explore the many hiking trails.

One of the best things about Catalina Island is the snorkeling. The clear water and diverse marine life make it a perfect place to explore underwater. There are also plenty of other water activities to enjoy, such as stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.

If you’re looking for some adventure, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore on the island. You can even go zip-lining or rock climbing if you’re feeling adventurous.

No matter what your interests are, Catalina Island is sure to have something for you.

The Broad Museum

The Broad is a contemporary art museum in Los Angeles that houses the collections of philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. The museum’s collection includes over 2,000 works by 200 different artists, ranging from paintings and sculptures to video installations and photographs. Among the artists represented in the collection are Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, and many others.

The museum was designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the same architects who designed New York’s High Line Park. The building itself is a work of art, with its distinctive “honeycomb” exterior made up of 3,000 individual concrete panels.

The Broad opened to the public in 2015 and has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Los Angeles. In 2018, the museum welcomed over 1 million visitors.

If you’re interested in contemporary art, or simply want to see some impressive architecture, a visit to The Broad is a must-do during your time in LA.

San Diego Zoo

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The San Diego Zoo is a fun place to visit for people of all ages. The zoo offers something for everyone, from the youngest child to the most seasoned adult. There are many things to see and do at the zoo, including animal exhibits, educational presentations, and fun rides. The zoo also offers a variety of dining options, shopping opportunities, and special events.

The San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park in San Diego, California. It houses over 3,700 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies. The zoo is committed to the conservation of endangered species and has participated in the recovery of several endangered species, including the California condor, the Channel Islands fox, and the San Joaquin kit fox.

The San Diego Zoo was founded in 1916 by Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth. It opened to the public on October 2, 1916. The zoo grew quickly, and by 1923 it had outgrown its original site. The zoo relocated to its current location in Balboa Park in 1925.

The San Diego Zoo is a leader in animal care, research, and conservation. The zoo’s animal care staff is committed to providing excellent care for the animals in their charge. The zoo’s research programs are aimed at improving our understanding of animal behavior, ecology, and reproduction. The zoo’s conservation programs work to protect endangered species and their habitats.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong fan, the San Diego Zoo is sure to provide a fun and memorable experience.

Big Bear

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Big Bear is a great place to vacation if you love the outdoors. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, like hiking, biking, and fishing. And in the winter, you can hit the slopes at one of the nearby ski resorts.

But what makes Big Bear truly special is its charming cabins. Whether you’re looking for a cozy place to stay during your winter vacation or a summer getaway, there are plenty of options to choose from.

So why not plan your next trip to Big Bear and enjoy the beauty of nature with a little bit of luxury?

Aquarium of the Pacific

Aquarium of the Pacific, located in Long Beach, California, is one of the largest public aquariums in the country. The Aquarium sits on a five-acre site that was once oilfield land. The Aquarium features over 11,000 animals representing more than 500 species. The Aquarium’s mission is to instill a sense of wonder, respect and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean and its inhabitants.

The Aquarium of the Pacific has several exhibits that showcase the unique marine life found in the Pacific Ocean. One of the most popular exhibits is the Shark Lagoon. The Shark Lagoon is home to more than 30 sharks, including sand tigers, nurse sharks, and lemon sharks. Visitors can view the sharks up close from a walk-through tunnel or from a glassed-in viewing area. Other popular exhibits at the Aquarium include the Tropical Reef Habitat, the Southern California/Baja Gallery, and the Northern Pacific Gallery.

The Aquarium of the Pacific also offers educational programs for all ages. These programs include classes, camps, and field trips. The Aquarium’s education staff works closely with educators to develop programs that meet state and national science standards.

A visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific is an enjoyable and educational experience for people of all ages.

Death Valley

The Death Valley is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It is known for its beautiful scenery and adventurous activities. There are many different things to do in the Death Valley, such as hiking, camping, and exploring the different geological formations.

However, the Death Valley is also dangerous, and it is important to be aware of the dangers before you undertake any of these activities. There have been many fatalities in the park, with the most common being heat stroke. There are also many cliffs and drop-offs in the park, so it is important to be careful when hiking and exploring since you could easily fall and injure yourself.

The Death Valley is an amazing place to visit, and if you take the necessary precautions, you will be able to enjoy the beauty and adventure of the Death Valley without putting yourself at risk.