Sure, SoCal is great and it features some of the most incredible landmarks and tourist sights but you live there so the magic doesn’t feel the same. When the weekend arrives, do you find yourself thinking outside of Southern California but you don’t have the time to dedicate to a stay across state lines?
Let’s take a look at 5 easy weekend road trips that you can take outside of SoCal.
5. Fresno
In the San Joaquin Valley, you’ll find Fresno. This small town is home to the famous Forestiere Underground Gardens and Chaffee Zoo. The main attraction is, hands down, Yosemite National Park, which provides tourists with a look at impressive rock formations and waterfalls. A 3-day weekend is more than enough time to check out all of the local tourist attractions.
Sites to Check Out
Yosemite National Park
Forestiere Underground Gardens
Chaffee Zoo
Woodward Regional Park
Shinzen Japanese Garden
4. Salinas
Salinas is a small town that has a slow-moving feel to it. The town is best known for being the home town of John Steinbeck, famous author and Nobel Prize winner. If you want a quiet weekend away from the city, Salinas is your destination.
Sites to Check Out
National Steinbeck Center
Toro Park
Hilltown Ferry Historical Landmark
Spreckels Memorial Park
Closter Park
3. Monterey
Looking to escape SoCal but you want to stay close to the sea? Monterey might be your best bet. Nestled on the central coast, Monterey is another city made famous by novelist John Steinbeck. Just like Steinbeck’s novels, the town has maintained its coastal charm.
Sites to Check Out
Monterey Bay Aquarium
17-mile Drive
Monterey Bay
Cannery Row
Dali17 Museum
2. Big Sur
If you want to make the most of your weekend, why not start in Monterey and visit Big Sur on the way back to SoCal?
Located on California's Central Coast, Big Sur is satisfying to both mountain lover and beach bum. Big Sur allows you to enjoy the rugged coast of the state while admiring the seemingly endless mountains. Whether you go for the pictures, the surf, or the hike, Big Sur should be a definite stop on your list.
Sites to Check Out
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Point Lobos
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
17-mile Drive
Bixby Creek Bridge
1. Lone Pine
Let’s be up front right away: There really isn’t much to do in Lone Pine in the way of shopping malls or nightlife. This is a destination for the SoCal resident who needs to get far away from tall buildings, traffic, and street performers. Lone Pine features plenty of amazing hikes and, most importantly, it’s the nearest city to Death Valley National Park.
Sites to Check Out
Death Valley National Park
Alabama Hills
Museum of Western Film History
Lone Pine Creek
Mount Whitney Trail
Comments