Manhattan Beach Pier in Southern California

Manhattan is one of L.A. county’s most beautiful beaches. Surfing, volleyball, and biking are very popular here with various tournaments occurring throughout the year. This large beach is over 2 miles long, making it the perfect place for a morning stroll. Or if you feel like a bike ride, hop on The Strand (a 22 mile bike ride from Torrance to Pacific Palisades). A clean beach with swimmable water and soft sand, Manhattan is the ideal place to relax and refresh.

14. Take a ride along the beautiful coastal Huntington Beach Bike Path

Bike path in Huntington Beach, California

Huntington Beach’s 7.5 mile coastal path features excellent views in the perfect Southern California setting. This is Southern California at its’ best: plenty of sunshine, surfers and volleyball players, and excellent views of the Pacific. The trail is clean and well maintained, however, it tends to get pretty crowded as there is no separate biking/walking path. Visit on weekday mornings for the fewest crowds.

15. Enjoy a summertime cruise of Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay

Zephyr Cove boat ride in Lake Tahoe

Zephyr Cruises in South Lake Tahoe offers an incredible sightseeing cruise of Emerald Bay. Besides hiking, this is by far the best way to take in the natural beauty of the area. The pristine forests and mountains are absolutely breathtaking. Sit back and enjoy a narrated tour of the area while gazing at the incredible views surrounding you.

16. Plan a San Francisco trip

San Fransico skyline from the Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco has so much to offer, including: incredible natural landscapes, top notch restaurants and hotels, and some of the country’s top cultural attractions. Marin Headlands, a popular hiking trail, offers incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city. You will also want to take a walk along the bridge itself, which is open to pedestrians. The pathway takes you on a 1.7 mile journey like no other filled with gorgeous views of the city and surrounding mountains.

San Fransisco is well known for high quality seafood and Asian cuisine, and there are plenty of restaurants to choose amongst. Also be sure to take a ride on one of the city’s famous cable cars!

17. Bird watch at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Huntington Beach, California

Huntington Beach is home to Bolsa Chica Wetlands, a 300 acre coastal sanctuary. The 1.5 mile trail around the refuge provides ample opportunities for bird watching (over 200 species call the reserve home). A truly beautiful area for taking a peaceful, uninterrupted stroll. Visit early in the mornings for fewer crowds and less noisy distractions from the nearby freeway.

18. Dine and shop at Shoreline Village

View of Shoreline Village from the Long Beach Ferris Wheel

Shoreline Village is a section of downtown Long Beach which features attractive Cape Cod style architecture, fun waterfront restaurants, touristy shops, and a handful of waterfront activities (cruises, sailing lessons, etc.). Something as simple as taking a stroll through this quaint village leaves you with a relaxed, happy feeling. Views of the harbor and Queen Mary are excellent, especially from the Rainbow Harbor Light house.

19. Take a tram ride through the redwoods at Trees of Mystery