David and I love to take road trips. We’ve even taken a few cross-country road trips. We still talk about every detail and stop along the way. But sometimes learning and experiencing the wonders of our own neck-of-the-woods is just as fascinating as traveling a great distance. We like to refer to this as our Southern California Staycation.
Did you know there’s more to Southern California than beaches and amusement parks? But we want to share a few of the lesser known but fabulous places to visit in this place we call home.
(La Valencia Hotel, La Jolla, California)
But first … there’s that famous thing known around the world as … Southern California traffic. Yup! It can be a real live, nerve-wracking, put a kink in your day, throw you off schedule, kind of thing. So … even though I an drive in traffic… I prefer to let David so it!
Nestled in the hills of the Pacific Palisades is the J. Paul Getty Villa. Be prepared to step back in time to the ancient days of Rome. The museum is a replica of the ancient villa of the Papyri. The stunning gardens, incredible architecture and one-of-a-kind museum artifacts are extraordinary. Not to mention the breathtaking views of the pacific ocean!
The Huntington Library is situated on 207 acres in San Marino. The grounds are beautiful, along with several architecturally unique buildings housing art collections as well as rare books and manuscripts. Plan for an entire day so you’ll be able to visit all seventeen of the botanical gardens.
The original Los Angeles Farmer’s Market is in the heart of the city. It first opened in 1934 and has since been designated a historic Los Angeles landmark. Farmer’s Market features more than 100 restaurants, grocers, and tourist shops. It’s the perfect place to relax over a meal and to people watch.
The unique town of Laguna Beach is charming in and of itself. From the art galleries, unique shopping and restaurant experiences, to gorgeous beaches, it seems Laguna Beach has it all. I spent many a summer day sunbathing in Diver’s Cove. Now, many years later, we explore the coves with our grandchildren.
Sea World San Diego is located right on the waters of Mission Bay. The almost ever-constant breeze and scent of the ocean make for the best holiday ever! But besides the entertaining shows, there are also opportunities to get up close and personal with dolphins, beluga whales and penguins. They’re very awesome educational experiences!
Meet Izu! We think of him as the unofficial mascot for the San Diego Safari Park. His favorite place to sleep is right on top of his very own Land Rover. If possible, plan on an entire day when visiting the Safari Park. And the earlier you arrive the more active the animals tend to be. We love to observe the animals that are able roam in large enclosures without cages. The San Diego Safari Park is an asset to the animal community. It has worked hard and with great successes at removing animals off the endangered list.
Of the countless activities Southern California has to offer, these are just a few of our favorites. Most are all day experiences and we don’t like to miss a minute of fun.
Debra says
I’ve still never been to the Getty after visiting CA so many times! You’ve mentioned some places I need to go!!!
Cathi says
David and I would love to visit the Getty with you Debra. There’s so much to see. It truly is a step back in time.
Cathi
Jenna Wood says
I’ve lived in SoCal most of my adult life so a staycation for me is NorCal (it’s still pretty darn close but feels like another world.) Of course we took our car to Walmart’s oil and lube center for a full workup before driving up the coast.
Cathi says
Oh Jenna … David and I need to take a road trip up north. California truly is the golden state with so many diverse things to see.
Cathi
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
We love SoCal. We go to San Diego every year – it’s one of our favorite places.
Cathi says
San Diego is beautiful Robin. There’s so much to see!
Cathi
Melissa Pezza says
I live in Rhode Island, so I won’t be staycationing in Southern California. However, I think an actual vacation to the area might be in order!
Cathi says
And Melissa … I would love to road trip all arounf Rhode Island! 😉
Cathi
Dee Mauser says
I’ve never been to California but it’s on my bucket list. So many bloggers are lucky enough to get press trips there but so far my luck hasn’t been that good. Maybe one day. I love the Mediterranean look of that hotel.
Cathi says
I hope you have the opportunity to visit California soon Dee. It truly is a great state with a lot to see.
Cathi
Elizabeth @ Being MVP says
I’ve never thought about doing a staycation here. However, I would love to staycation at the La Jolla hotel 😉
Cathi says
La Jolla and the La Valencia Hotel are beautiful Elizabeth.
Cathi
SHELLEY R ZUREK says
Out of all the places you suggested I think I would like the J.Paul Getty house and Laguna beach. And we always grab a great Oil change (like you did before we go) Have to check out Walmart and Pennzoil.
Cathi says
The Getty Villa is gorgeous. It’s amazing how so much history and art are brought together in such a gorgeous setting!
Cathi
Dawn says
If I lived in southern California, I’d definitely make every vacation a staycation. There’s so much to do there, you never really need to travel.
Cathi says
So true Dawn. The tourist spots along with the less known places make for many fabulous activities!
Cathi
Lena Burkut says
Trust me, would be happy to statcay in SoCal. Midwest – not as much.
Cathi says
SoCal is wonderful Lena but I bet there are wonders in the Midwest too. I’ll have to road trip there in the future!
Cathi
Tammileetips says
I love to visit California! The sunshine there always makes me happy, I have not been to the San Diego Safari before looks amazing!
Cathi says
San Diego Safari Park is awesome Tammilee. My kids grew up going there all year long. There’s even summer camps that the kids loved attending. But I’m here to tell you, the SoCal sunshine gets oh so hot at times. We’re in triple digits right now. *wink
Cathi
Mama to 5 BLessings says
I have never been to California before. Those look like some great places to visit especially the beach!
Cathi says
Oh yes Nicole! The beaches are beautiful. Our grandkids love to explore the tide pools.
Cathi
Ann Bacciaglia says
The J. Paul Getty Villa looks amazing. I would love to go and stay there. I get all my oil changes done at Walmart.
Cathi says
You’re so right Ann! The Getty is amazing. David and I love Walmart and all the Rollbacks prices too!
Cathi
gingermommyrants says
If i lived in California i would never want to leave. It is such a beautiful place with so many great things to do. I am hoping to get there for a vacation later this year.
Cathi says
California is beautiful and I feel so lucky to live here.
Cathi
Liz Mays says
I was in California a week or so ago but I already want to go back. There’s so much to do! I need to visit that huge farmer’s market.
Cathi says
Oh my gosh Liz! Next time your here grab a cab to Farmer’s Market. Plan on grabbing lunch and people watching. I’m sure its never too far from where you’re staying.
Cathi
Kelly Hutchinson says
I absolutely love to visit California, especially in the Spring! The weather is just so beautiful! I would love to take the kids to an African Safari Park and meet Izu!!
Cathi says
Izu is awesome Kelly. He has his own little pride complete with a few females and new babies. Pure fun to see!
Cathi
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
I know from living there for years, there’s so much to do in Los Angeles! Sounds like you guys are having a great summer!
Cathi says
We enjoying summer Sabrina. I hope it’s good in your ‘neighborhood’ too!
Cathi
Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says
We are planning on visiting California very soon. Thanks for all of the ideas!
Cathi says
You’re so welcome Nancy! Enjoy your trip to the Golden State!
Cathi
David @ Spiced says
I wish we lived closer to California so we could roadtrip to some of these awesome places! I’ll put it on our vacation bucket list. Thanks for sharing! #client
Cathi says
You’re so welcome David. California is really is amazing. A well deserved destination on your bucket list!!
Thanks so much,
Cathi