52 Little Escapes in Southern California
Think of this as your year of easy adventures. I’ve curated 52+ ideas—one for every week—to inspire joyful, low-stress Southern California getaways. Whether it’s a quick day trip or an overnight recharge, these experiences—ranging from gliderport picnics to jazz festivals—are proof that travel doesn’t have to be far to be meaningful.
While many make great day trips, consider extending your stay—add a night at a charming hotel, enjoy a long dinner, or unwind with a spa treatment. For example, stroll the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena, then stay the night at The Langham and indulge in classic afternoon tea. I have a million 24-48 hour ideas!
Here Are Your 52 Little Escapes
San Diego
- Morning walk at the San Diego Zoo
- Picnic at Torrey Pines Gliderport
- Sunset bonfire at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas
- Catch waves at La Jolla Shores, rent a kayak and explore the caves there
- Hike Cowles Mountain
- Museum hop at Balboa Park
- Tour the USS Midway
- “Electric Ocean” cruise, SeaWorld San Diego (vibrant summer nighttime event)
- San Diego County Fair
- Opening Day at Del Mar Racetrack – July 18, 2025
- Watch the Pacific Classic at Del Mar
- Bike-to-races outing to Del Mar
- Sailing in San Diego Harbor
- Walk the cliffs at Sunset Cliffs or Cabrillo Point
- Sunset Yoga with an Ocean View — Mission Bay Park or Sunset Cliffs
- Stand-up paddle in San Diego
- Catch a performance at Lamb’s Players Theatre in Coronado
- Explore Anza-Borrego Desert State Park — hike, stargaze, or discover the giant metal sculptures
Orange County
- Surf lesson in Huntington Beach
- Tour the Huntington Beach Surf Museum
- Birdwatch at Bolsa Chica Reserve
- Kayak at Bolsa Chica
- Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach
- Laguna Beach Festival of Arts
- Stand-up paddle in Newport Beach or Huntington Harbor
- Sailing from Dana Point Harbor (dolphin & whale watching)
- Check into one of Orange County’s five-star resorts — like Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, The Resort at Pelican Hill, Montage Laguna Beach, or Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
Los Angeles / Greater LA & Inland
- Bike ride along Venice Beach
- Sunset at Santa Monica Pier
- Stargazing in Joshua Tree
- Desert soak in Desert Hot Springs
- Zipline in San Gabriel Mountains
- Scenic drive on Rim of the World Highway
- Hot air balloon ride in Temecula
- Wine tasting in Temecula Valley
- Grape stomping at harvest events in Temecula
- Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival
- Eat through Grand Central Market (LA)
- Huntington Gardens & afternoon tea at The Langham
- Watch a film at Silver Lake Picture Show
- Visit Griffith Observatory
- Day trip to Catalina Island
- Parasailing in Catalina
- Hike Malibu canyon trails
- Attend Conejo Valley pop-up arts events
- Free summer concerts in LA
- Juneteenth festivals around SoCal
- Free museum day at Getty Villa
- Long Beach Jazz Festival
- Temecula jazz night at local theater
- Bowling night (classic fun, any time)
Santa Barbara & Ojai
- Sailing from Santa Barbara Harbor
- Watch a polo match at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club — tailgate on the field or dress up for the grandstands
- Check into one of Santa Barbara’s five-star stays — like Rosewood Miramar Beach, Ritz-Carlton Bacara, San Ysidro Ranch, or El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel
- Beekeeping & honey tasting at Ojai Valley Inn
- Overnight spa escape to Ojai Valley Inn
- Explore Libbey Park & Bart’s Books in Ojai
Let’s Plan Something Wonderful
Whether it’s a picnic, a weekend away, or a spa escape that fits into your life beautifully, I’d love to help. Let’s make space for more joy, more often.
Jo-Anne Redwood
Luxury Travel Advisor, Luna World Travel
> email me directly
213-716-6087
