25 Fun Things to do in Southern California

Southern California is one of my favorite places in the country. My dream came true when I had the opportunity to live in this gorgeous region for a year. I lived in Long Beach, and thus, enjoyed convenient access to both L.A. and Orange Country.

An attractive year-round mild climate, amazing beaches, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame are just some of the reasons the area attracts so many tourists each year. When first moving here, I thought the area was all Hollywood, malls, and theme parks. I quickly discovered that the area’s main draw was the beautiful nature surrounding the congested cities.

The area is really diverse with so many incredible things to do, regardless of whether your interests lie in recreation, entertainment, or history. Gorgeous sandy beaches, scenic drives, hikes in the Santa Monica mountains, TV tapings, fun tourist attractions, waterfront bike rides, and cultural attractions are just some of the activities you can consider for your bucket list. Fortunately, many of SoCal’s best attractions are free, so it’s a great vacation destination for those watching their budget.

in no particular order…

1. Take a ride along “The Strand” bicycle path

My favorite thing to do while living here was hopping on my bike for a 22 mile long ride along the Pacific coastline. I took up cycling as a major hobby after just a few months living here. Along the route, you will pass by numerous beautiful beach towns, each with their own unique vibe and attractions.

Never ending views of the coast, plenty of fun stops along the way, and an awesome workout all rolled into one – who could ask for more?! Highlights along The Strand route include the Manhattan Beach Pier, Venice Beach, and the Santa Monica Pier. To date, this is the most entertaining and scenic bike path I’ve ever come across. I am a big 80’s movie buff and also wanted to check out this path thanks to old classics like Summer School.

Address: Torrance Beach to Will Rogers State Beach

2. Hike Runyon Canyon

Runyon Canyon is one of my favorite place to hike even though it’s super crowded most of the time. The views of L.A., the Hollywood sign, and the surrounding mountains are nothing short of amazing. You will want to bring your camera for this one! If you have ever watched TMZ, this is one of the places the paparazzi tries to capture photos of celebs (lots of movie stars have homes in this area). It gets crowded with tourists on weekends, but weekdays are much more peaceful.

Take a break from the beaches and spend a perfect afternoon enjoying the incredible views, while also getting in an energizing workout. If you are up for a challenge, running along the hills here really kicks your butt (one of my favorite places for race training!).

Address: 2001 N Fuller Ave Los Angeles, CA 90046

3. Ride the iconic Santa Monica Pier roller coaster

On this historic 100 year old pier, you will find carnival games, rides, restaurants, and a small aquarium. The iconic roller-coaster is not your ordinary amusement park ride, rather one loaded with stunning 360 degree ocean vistas. I rode the coaster once just to check it off my list: yes, it is overpriced but the views are pretty fantastic.

This is one of my favorite stops along The Strand – a welcome treat after biking 20 miles! You will find all those carnival style food stands where you can grab a quick bite. On an interesting side note, did you know that the pier marks the end of the famous Route 66 highway? So, it actually is a great stop for history buffs as well!

Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier  Santa Monica, CA 90401

4. Bike, surf & enjoy the views in Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is one of my favorite beach towns in Orange County. In addition to an 8 mile long bike/walking path (this path is so scenic but a bit rough due to the wind), you will also find plenty of unique restaurants and shops and exciting events all year long.

Known as the “Surfing Capital of the World,” the Huntington Beach pier is a great place to observe surfers in action. The US Open of Surfing is held annually each summer. Those without a shark phobia, can sign up for a lesson!  If you are going to learn to surf, you might as well learn to do so in the Surfing Capital. I would love to surf but I am too terrified of possible shark encounters (I can’t imagine my legs just dangling in the water while I can’t see anything). I’ll watch the pros instead! Or better yet visit the International Surfing Museum.

Address: Main & PCH Huntington Beach, CA 92646 (Pier)

5. Visit the San Diego Zoo

Sure, it is one of the priciest (70+ bucks a person) and toughest zoo walks around (the course is very long and hilly!), but nevertheless it’s on of the best in the country. The gorgeous landscaping, diverse variety of animals (one of few US zoos home to the Giant Panda), and unique attractions (check out the Skyfari tram ride).

This large zoo is set on 100+ acres in gorgeous Balboa Park. Honestly, I feel more like I am walking around a park than a typical zoo. Because it’s so huge, it will take 4-5 hours to walk in its’ entirety, so plan on getting in one fabulous workout! To save a few bucks on zoo admission & avoid the long line (hundreds of people will be lined up at least a half hour before opening), purchase discount tickets online. On a side note, I really loved the underwater hippo viewing and koala exhibit.

Address: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Check out my experience visiting this great zoo

6. Drive up the Pacific Coast Highway

The beautiful Pacific Coast Highway, commonly referred to as the PCH, starts in San Diego and ends in Northern California’s Mendocino County. One great short route is to drive from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. Along the way, you will take in the most stunning coastal scenery, as well as pass through many quaint beach towns. Although the Southern portion of this drive is not nearly as spectacular visually as the Central/Northern portion, it is still worth the drive. Plan a week or more to explore in its’ entirety.

Highlights include:

• Monterey State Beach: Gorgeous scenery and a lot of seaglass.
• Trees of Mystery: I love quirky roadside attractions. This one is as odd as it gets. You can take a gondola ride through the redwoods, stroll a quirky interpretive trail, and browse through a Bigfoot museum.
• Seaglass Beach: As an avid collector of “frosty trash turned gems,” I had to stop at this beach known for holding the world’s highest concentration. There are layers upon layers of glass- note it is illegal to collect here!

You can check out my experience driving the PCH for more details.

7. Take advantage of the extraordinary hiking trails at Griffith Observatory

If you are into hiking, I highly recommend heading over to the famous Griffith Observatory for the Mt. Hollywood hike. It’s one of L.A.’s best attractions in my opinion, moresp for the incredible hiking than the planetarium shows. First off, there is an amazing overlook of the Hollywood sign and the L.A. skyline here. Second, the stargazing at night is fabulous. And, perhaps, best of all, it is completely free to visit. The founder was a philanthropist who donated the land for public use.

A few miles of short, yet steep trails will take you up close to the Hollywood sign. You will also take in some great views of the skyline and surrounding hills here. Then after you hike, you can take in the views of the starry night skies at the observatory. This was one of my favorite hiking experiences since moving here – it was so cool to see the iconic sign in such close proximity.

Address: 2800 E Observatory Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

8. Enjoy a peaceful morning walk or jog along the beach

We all know that this region is home to some of the top beaches in the country. Growing in frigid for most of the year Chicago, I always wanted to rollerblade on the famous Strand path that was featured in so many movies. The sunshine, the volleyball players, the views – it just all looked so dreamlike. I have been enjoying many of these great beaches since relocating.

From my experience, the beaches are pretty desolate in the early morning hours. This is the perfect time to appreciate the beauty and serenity by listening to nothing but the crashing of the waves. A few of my favorites beaches for morning walks and recreation: Long Beach, La Jolla Shores, Mission Beach, and Santa Monica State Beach.

Addresses: Long Beach (2100 E. Ocean Boulevard ), La Jolla Shores (8200 Camino del Oro), La Jolla Cove (Coast Blvd, San Diego).

9. Take in a unique street performance at Venice Beach

Visiting Venice beach is definitely a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience…we saw someone walk on glass which was pretty crazy! You also have the opportunity to visit Muscle Beach, once a prime spot for bodybuilding competitions (Arnold Schwarzenegger was once a regular here!). It is just one of many interesting stops along The Strand Bicycle Path, and for sure the most memorable. A little out there, but an interesting time to say the least. You will also see the famous basketball courts, most notably where White Men Can’t Jump was filmed.

Address: 1500 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291

10. Hike the scenic nature trails at Torrey Pines State Preserve

Torrey Pines State Nature Preserve in La Jolla, a gorgeous section of San Diego, offers several short & scenic nature strolls to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Pacific. It’s the place to go when you want to take your workout outside, enjoying the beautiful year-round summer weather and picturesque views of the coastline.

Really, who needs a gym in an area this gorgeous!? The nice thing here is that the trails are all really short and I would say easy-moderate in intensity. You can read more about my experience hiking here for the full breakdown.

Address: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

11. Shop, dine, & enjoy the views in Shoreline Village

Strolling around Shoreline Village, located near Downtown Long Beach, is a fantastic way to spend a summer afternoon. Not only is it home to the top rated Aquarium of the Pacific, there are also over a dozen restaurants located on the waterfront, all with scenic outdoor seating. I like dining at Tequila Jacks and Yard House. Also, you can’t beat the fabulous views of historic Queen Mary. This ocean liner offers weekend brunches and you can also stay the night and even take a haunted tour.

Add in beautiful water views, souvenir shops, whale watching cruises, beaches, an amazing beachfront walking/biking path, and entertainment, and you have a full day of fun activities. Tip – go up to the lighthouse in the evening for fabulous city views!

Address: 401-435 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802

12. Enjoy a peaceful morning hike at Crystal Cove State Park

This hidden gem in Orange County’s offers serenity, scenic views, and a variety of intense hiking trails. Crystal Cove is a beautiful, peaceful state park for enjoying nature and taking beautiful photography. The hills are very steep, so be ready for an awesome lower body workout! We like hiking the El Moro trail which is moderately steep and offers great views of the coast. On a side note, I have heard about a few scary mountain lion encounters here (mostly with cyclists) which does make me a bit nervous.

On a side note, it is an outstanding place to train for races. I did some of my half marathon training on these hills. You will also find a nice quiet beach which is often overlooked by tourists.

Address: 8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

13.  Take a leisurely ride (or jog) along the Long Beach Bike path

Although not the longest, nor most popular path in the area, this 3 mile trek is a great option for those limited on time and looking to squeeze in a quick workout on the beach. At 6 miles round-trip, this beach path is perfect for those seeking a scenic summer workout that is not too long nor exhausting.

It’s so easy that we usually complete the entire path twice for a nice little workout. Fortunately, our apartment is within biking distance so we can enjoy this beauty daily. The path is completely flat, not overcrowded, and offers unending views of the water! As a bonus, if you continue biking another 1/2 mile or so you will be in beautiful Shoreline Village!

Address: Alamitos Ave and Ocean Blvd Long Beach, CA 90802

14. Hike the Santa Monica Mountains

There are hundreds of miles of beautiful trails to explore within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation area. At more than 150,000 acres, it is the world’s largest urban national park! It’s wonderful to have so many peaceful, scenic, rustic trails just a short drive away from the city. Trails are very diverse, ranging from simple nature strolls to all day adventures, with scenery highlights varying from picturesque coastal views, to up close views of the L.A. skyline.

For a bit of everything, just 10 minutes from Santa Monica beach, I recommend the Los Liones Trail. This relatively easy hike comes in just under 3 miles total and offers wonderful views of the coast and the skyline. Bring plenty of water, wear quality hiking shoes, and set out in the morning to avoid hefty crowds, and you are ready for a rustic escape from the urban congestion! Note that there are a few different turn around points if you can’t handle the entire trek.

Address: 566 Los Liones Dr Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. There is no fee to park.

15. Watch the sea lions sunning at La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove, a quiet beach bordered by 2 sandstone cliffs, is one of San Diego’s prettiest beaches: one of the best for photography. However, photographing the beautiful coastline is not the only reason people flock to this hidden gem. Wildlife watching is prime here – it is common to see lots of sea lions sunning on the rocks.

There are so many of them out in the early morning hours. We saw dozens out sunning. I recommend grabbing a bite to eat in La Jolla (Caroline’s Seaside Cafe is one great choice – I love their veggie quiche), and then heading to the beach before the afternoon crowds arrive. Other activities to enjoy here include swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and collecting sea glass.

Address: Coast Blvd, San Diego, CA 92037

16. Visit the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

The OC is a haven for bird watchers. One great pick is Bolsa Chica preserve located in Huntington Beach. I have never seen more birds in my life. Even better, you can enjoy a peaceful nature stroll away from the suburban congestion. It’s a great alternative to the beach. As an added bonus, you can head over to Huntington Beach afterwards for recreation, shopping, and dining!

Address: 18000 Pacific Coast Hwy Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Learn more about this conservatory

17. Take a stroll, walk, or jog along San Diego’s Oceanfront Boardwalk

The beautiful Mission/Pacific Beach boardwalk, which runs 3 miles along the Pacific coast, offers a picturesque setting for anyone looking to enjoy some outdoor recreation in the California sunshine.

Fun people watching, unique attractions along the way (Check out the Giant Dipper coaster at the Belmont Amusement Park), and beachfront restaurants/shops should keep you motivated. This is one of my favorite attractions in San Diego. I loved the scenery, the overall vibe, and the easy access to food and attractions. Tip: Weekends can get busy, so try to plan your visit on a weekday morning.

Address: There is a large free parking lot near the Belmont Amusement Park (3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109).

18. Attend a TV show taping

Since living in L.A., I have attended tapings of numerous TV shows, including game shows, talk shows, and sitcoms. I love getting to see the production side of the TV industry. Tickets to sitcoms, game shows, and reality TV shows are available.

I have been a Big Brother fan for years so this was such a fun experience to be a part of the audience. I also loved seeing Mario Lopez host Extra! at The Grove seeing as I was a big fan of Saved by the Bell. Perhaps the most exciting experience of all was standing in line all night for the front row seat on The Price is Right. We were totally exhausted and did not get picked, but I would do it all again!

Address: 3000 W Alameda Ave Burbank, CA 91503 (NBC Studios)

19. Search for your favorite stars at the Hollywood Walk of Fame

I admit that the Walk of Fame and Hollywood in general is not the most attractive area. This is something I recommend doing just once to say that you have done it. Looking for your favorite celebrities hand and footprints is a fun, free activity to do if you are visiting the LA area. Here’s your best (and likely) only opportunity to take a picture next to all your favorite celebs.

You will also find the historic Grauman’s Theater where many movie premieres take place. There is a shopping center called Hollywood & Highland (now Ovation) located within walking distance where you will find plenty of fun tourist shops and restaurants, in addition to amazing views of the Hollywood sign.

Address: Hollywood Blvd & Vine St Hollywood, CA 90068

20. Take in the beauty of Laguna Beach

Laguna is one of the most beautiful beaches in Orange County, if not the entire state. This was one of my first tourist stops thanks to MTV’s Laguna Beach show which I watched all the time back in my college days so the nostalgia factor was there.

That being said, it really is a beautiful beach to see in person. I love jogging along the sand, listening to the waves early in the morning before the crowds hit. Dramatic cliffs and ocean views make this beach a hot spot for photographers. After your beach visit, there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and art galleries to visit.

Address: Coast Hwy and Broadway, Laguna Beach, CA 92652

21. Visit the El Dorado Nature Center

Living in busy Long Beach, we like to take a little time out to visit this very quiet, scenic nature center, located far away from the beach crowds. A variety of easy nature trails (about 2 miles total) will take you through beautiful forests and a few small lakes. It’s a great place to get back to nature after a few tiresome days at the beach.

This little preserve is a wonderful way to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city for some quiet relaxing recreation. It’s a great place to birdwatch and we see many small mammals here such as bunnies.

Address: 7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815
More info on the trail system

22. Window shop on Rodeo Drive

At Rodeo Drive, you can take photos and window shop along one of the most famous streets in the world. You can also have someone snap your photo by the iconic Beverly Hills sign. Plenty of photo opportunities exist at every turn.

Overall, it’s a fun experience for visitors new to LA to grab a coffee and people watch for the afternoon. Once you visit once you probably will agree it is too touristy, however, at least you can check it off your bucket list! Don’t expect to run into any celebs here, although it’s a great time for movie and TV buffs! Most tourists are familiar with the famous shop scene from Pretty Woman (“Big Mistake!”), although I tend to think of one of my 80’s favorites, Troop Beverly Hills when I walk around here!

Address: 421 N Rodeo Dr #1, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
A full listing of shops on Rodeo Drive

23. Search for colorful seashells/seaglass

Beachcombing is always a fun activity to add to any beach vacation as you can walk away with a few free souvenirs to remember your trip. Silver Strand State Beach in Coronado is a hotspot for all different types of seashells, while La Jolla Cove in San Diego is your best bet for seaglass. While the seaglass is not as spectacular as that which you would find at Northern California beaches, you will find some nicely tumbled shades of green, white, and brown.

Addresses: Silver Strand (5000 CA-75, Coronado, CA 92118), La Jolla Cove (Coast Blvd, San Diego, CA 92037).

24. Treat yourself to a great meal at an authentic Mexican restaurant

This region is home to some of the best Mexican restaurants in the country. It would be silly to waste your time here eating at the same chains you can find at home. Why not try out something different and delicious? One of my personal favorites is Casa Guadalajara in Old Town San Diego. The food, service, and setting are all exceptional! The decor is so colorful and I loved the mariachi band! Bonus points for the big vegetarian menu which is hard to come across at Mexican establishments.

Address: 4105 Taylor St, San Diego, CA 92110

25. Spend Halloween at Disney

We all know Disneyland is amazing anytime of year, however, nothing beats an October visit for the super festive Halloween extravaganza. Known as the Oogie Boogie Bash, this festive annual event requires a special ticket after regular park closing, thus helping to thin out the crowds. Trick or treat stations for everyone (yes adults are welcome too!), a special Halloween fireworks show and parade, spirited decor everywhere, and a special Nightmare Before Christmas themed version of the Haunted Mansion ride, make this one event that Halloween lovers do not want to miss out on!

And there’s so much more – endless photo opportunities, spooky music, special pumpkin treats, and everyone is free to dress up in costume. I love this event – it’s the top Halloween event period.

The best part of all is next to no wait time for the majority of rides. Because the traffic is centered heavily upon the holiday festivities, popular rides like Thunder Mountain, Indiana Jones, and Space Mountain have next to no wait. The longest we waited was 30 minutes for the Haunted Mansions. Although you have limited time at the park, you will have time to enjoy the festivities and get on most rides.

Read about my experience attending this festive event where I also compare it to the Disneyworld version. Spoiler: Both events offer a little something different, with Disneyland winning for the better themed rides and Disneyworld winning for better overall ambiance and decor.

More fun in SoCal

*Stroll around the quaint Earl Burns Miller Japanese Gardens in Long Beach at CSULB. What a gorgeous place away from all the congestion! The Koi pond is so beautiful! Too bad photography is not allowed here or I would share some pictures.

*Enjoy a fun & scenic water adventure via Kayaks on the Water in Long Beach – Fantastic views and affordable prices make for the perfect weekend activity in a beautiful area.

*Sign up for the Long Beach Half Marathon. If you want your first half to be a scenic one, it doesn’t get much better than this course! Enjoy a mostly flat course, immense support from the local community, and gorgeous never ending views of the Pacific! Running this race was absolutely beautiful and to this day is still one of my best times 🙂

*Stroll the 2nd Street shops in Long Beach’s Belmont Shores neighborhood – This beautifully landscaped shopping and dining area is the perfect place for a summer stroll. We dined and browse the shops here regularly.

*Beach volleyball! It is hard to envision this area and not think of volleyball. Dozens of beach volleyball nets are set up everywhere along the beaches, especially Hermosa, Redondo, and Huntington. Whether you want to play a game or just be a spectator, the choice is up to you!

*Visit the Long Beach Museum of Art. It’s free every Friday! We enjoy the beautiful artwork and the gorgeous scenery.

*Take a tour of the historic, haunted Queen Mary. This ocean liner has a long history of hauntings and paranormal investigators are often drawn to it. If you like Ghost Adventures, you may have seen Zak and the gang investigate.