Outside of the expansive metropolis of Los Angeles, there is plenty to see and do in Southern California. From sunny beaches to quaint small towns, the natural beauty and coveted climate make this region a delight to explore. This list of day trips details some of the best options for spending a day experiencing all of what SoCal has to offer.
Leave the car behind and set out along flat bike paths along the coastline as you ride from Oak Bluffs to remote Chappaquiddick Island ("Chappy"). Relax on the windswept beaches on the small island made famous by the Kennedys. The total ride is about 18 miles (9 miles each way), with a very short bike ferry to cross the water.
Covering 1.5 million acres of southern Florida, the Everglades National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, from pythons to panthers. The fragile ecosystem here is protected as an International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and at only a short driving distance from Miami, a road trip to the Everglades is a great way to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature for the day.
Escape the San Francisco Bay Area with one of these long weekend trips along the coast, into the wine valleys, or up to the Sierras. Enjoy days of hiking coastal trails along windswept bluffs, tasting world-renowned wines, discovering the historical past of California, or hiking up to granite cliffs or among the world's largest trees. Here are five great ways to get out of town this summer and explore more of your extended backyard.
Dillon Beach is a quirky beach town about 60 miles north of San Francisco, worth visiting for its coastal small town vibe (think baby cousin of Santa Cruz, with less tie dye), nice beach and great views of the tip of the Point Reyes peninsula. _x000D_
This day trip takes you into the small-town life of Ojai. Wander through the local mom-and-pop shops, relax at the outdoor meditation center, and end your day with a wine tasting at a local cellar.
Bring the whole family to two of the most fun and scenic spots in the East Bay: Mt. Diablo State Park and Tilden Regional Park, wrapping up with a delicious (yet kid-friendly) local favorite restaurant for dinner.
Take a full day to explore Santa Barbara and its neighboring areas. Taste fresh Danish pastries in Solvang and sip on local wine in Los Olivos. Explore the modern artistic neighborhoods of Santa Barbara and take in the views of its beautiful beaches.
Just over an hour from the South Bay, the cypress trees and cool ocean breezes of the Monterey Peninsula feel a world away. Here's how to make the most of a day trip to this scenic stretch of coast.
The San Francisco Bay Area might be best known for its urban sprawl and technology industry, but it also features amazing natural beauty and countless charming destinations across its many microclimates. You just need to know where to look. These day trips will help you uncover and experience the best of the Bay Area with detailed suggestions on where to stop, what to do, and where to eat. _x000D_