Discover Exciting Attractions in Southern California

Slip into Old California at Ojai’s Restored Hotel El Roblar

The Hotel El Roblar reopened in June 2025, standing as Ojai’s oldest hotel since 1919. It embraces Old California style with Mission Revival architecture, antiques, and artwork. The hotel covers 2 acres on Ojai Avenue, boasting 39 rooms, 11 bungalows with kiva fireplaces, a pool, gym, and event space. Dining options include the Condor Bar offering ‘California Mexican’ cuisine and La Cocina for breakfast and lunch. Rates start around $525 per night.

Kayak Through La Jolla’s Sea Caves

Perfect for beginners, this kayak adventure takes you from La Jolla Shores to its sandstone cliffs, often accompanied by seals and sea lions. Tours covering about 90 minutes are guided, costing approximately $96 for singles and $108 for doubles. Five kayak companies operate nearby. Options include kayak and snorkel tours to see garibaldi or leopard sharks.

Explore the David Geffen Galleries at LACMA

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art offers a new experience at the David Geffen Galleries with an interesting layout inspired by water bodies. It features works from local artists and renowned painters like Matisse and Bacon. Designed by Peter Zumthor, the $724-million museum generates diverse opinions while showcasing amazing art. Open Monday to Sunday with varying hours, adult admission is $25 for residents and $30 for others. Some visitors may enter free depending on the day and membership status.

Alpaca Farm Tours in Carpinteria

Canzelle Alpaca Farm in Carpinteria offers an hour-long tour of around 40 alpacas and two llamas. The gentle creatures allow petting and feeding. Besides alpacas, the farm also has dogs, horses, a peacock, and others. Tours are usually $37.10 per adult and require reservations. Sound baths are also available Fridays through Sundays.

Experience the Hollywood Bowl

A Los Angeles tradition since the 1920s, the Hollywood Bowl hosts diverse performances from classical music to pop and jazz. Notable acts for the 2026 summer include Paul Simon, Chance the Rapper, and Andrea Bocelli. Picnicking is allowed, but parking may be challenging. Consider using rideshare or shuttle services to reach the venue early.

Visit the Getty Center Before Its Temporary Closure

The Getty Center in Brentwood, housing notable artworks by Van Gogh and Cézanne, will close in March 2027 for upgrades. The museum remains free, though parking is $20. Visitors often use a tram to explore the sprawling campus. The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades offers ancient art exhibitions, catering to antiquities enthusiasts.

Stay at Baby Grand Hotel in Coronado

Baby Grand, a maximalist hotel opened in May, features lavish decor and amenities on an Orange Avenue spot previously a 1950s motel. It has 31 rooms highlighted by custom clamshell headboards. Rates start at $350 per night. The hotel is close to local beaches but pay attention to water conditions due to potential contamination issues.

Paramount Drive-In Theater Experience

The Paramount Drive-In Theater offers a cozy movie experience in your car with two large screens and FM radio sound. Entrance costs $14 per adult, and external snacks are permitted. This venue also features swap meets and reopened in 2014 after closing in 1991.

Tandem Paragliding at Torrey Pines Gliderport

Torrey Pines Gliderport in San Diego County offers thrilling paragliding experiences. Watch flights or enjoy meals at Cliffhanger Cafe. Tandem flights cost about $190-$200, with additional offerings like hang gliding and live music during summer evenings. Adjacent tours of the Salk Institute are available.

Tour the Adamson House in Malibu

The Adamson House, a 1930 Spanish Revival home, captivates with its Malibu Potteries tile and historic furnishings. Part of the National Register of Historic Places, adult tours cost $7, and visiting its stunning grounds is free. It’s within walking distance of Malibu Pier.

Taste Churros at El Moro Near Dodger Stadium

El Moro, a famed Mexican street-food chain founded in 1935, opened near Dodger Stadium. Specializing in churros, coffee, and hot chocolate, this locale mimics the brand’s Mexico City charm. Churros cost $3, and special sauces can be added. Find it less than a mile from the stadium.

Venice Electric Light Parade

Venice’s Electric Light Parade, active since 2015, occurs every Sunday from Windward Plaza. The vibrant ride spans around eight miles, featuring boomboxes and dynamic lighting. Rentals are available for bikes and other gear.

Echo Park Lake Swan Boat Rentals

These foot-powered swan boats offer a leisurely activity on Echo Park Lake. Available daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., rentals cost $13 per adult. Advance reservations are required, and boats accommodate different group sizes.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Events

This venue blends cultural events, including film screenings, with its historic setting. Yoga sessions, donation-based, occur daily, and summer movies are popular on the Fairbanks Lawn. Historical grave sites also attract many visitors.

Visit Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory offers stunning city views alongside telescopic and planetary attractions. The observatory’s design is a highlight of Griffith Park, with access to trails like Mt. Hollywood. Parking can be expensive, so consider alternative transportation or shuttles. Various exhibits and presentations inside are mostly free.

Relax at Los Angeles State Historic Park

L.A. State Historic Park, close to Chinatown, covers 32 acres, featuring a green expanse amid downtown’s urban landscape. Dog walkers and families frequent this area. The site includes a farmers market and several dining options. Important historical features are viewable at Roundhouse Bridge.

Santa Monica Pier Funhouse

The Santa Monica Pier’s Funhouse delivers a unique experience with disorienting illusions. Open daily for $15 per person, it references a previous attraction from the 1920s. The pier operates year-round with varying hours.

Explore Balboa Park in San Diego

San Diego’s Balboa Park combines historic architecture with diverse museum offerings over 1,200 acres. It hosts the San Diego Zoo, various museums, and its Botanical Building. Visitor passes help with multiple museum trips, and the city expects to end non-resident parking fees by 2027.

Sail to Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz Island, part of Channel Islands National Park, provides rugged nature experiences from Ventura Harbor. Island Packers ferries transport visitors for day trips or camping. Activities include guided kayaking and hiking, with notable wildlife viewing opportunities.

Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach

The Sawdust Art Festival showcases diverse art and interactive demos. The annual event runs from June to September, with more festivities in November. Visitors can explore various artistic styles in this historic Laguna Beach location.

Stroll Ventura Pier and Promenade

Ventura Pier, California’s oldest, offers scenic walks with fishing opportunities. The nearby Ventura Promenade features dining and recreation options along the ocean. Plenty of parking choices are available, with validation possible at specific restaurants.

Island Getaway to Catalina

Catalina Island offers a nearby escape via ferry. Explore Avalon’s small-town atmosphere or the island’s rugged adventure options like hiking and zip-lining. Round-trip ferry costs range from $97 to $99 for adults, with other side trips available around the island.

Explore Irvine Great Park

Irvine Great Park, with its vast fields and hot air balloon rides, is still evolving. Visitors can enjoy sports facilities, skating, and Great Park Live music events. A new amphitheater is planned for 2027.

Horseback Riding in the Hollywood Hills

Ride through the Hollywood Hills with Sunset Ranch. Located near Griffith Park, it offers trail rides with views of the Hollywood Sign and cityscape. Horseback tours vary in length and start at $75 per person.

Balboa Fun Zone in Newport Beach

Balboa Fun Zone features classic carnival rides, the historic Balboa Pier, and the Balboa Island Ferry. The ferry service is transitioning to electric vessels while maintaining its century-old service.