After living in Southern California for a long time, it's easy to take for granted the many beautiful spaces and places that make this side of California such a blissful place to live. If you need a reminder of the many destinations that are worth exploring again and again, then you might want to take a look at this list and bookmark these destinations. These spots are no secret, especially to those of us who are local, but they're definitely worth visiting once again.
Please note, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch and Wayfarer's Chapel are temporarily closed.
1. The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens.
The Huntington, located at 1151 Oxford Road in San Marino, CA, completely embodies SoCal's abundant beauty. From lush gardens of every variety to elegant architecture throughout the grounds, you'll be reminded exactly why you love visiting this gem in SoCal as you spend a day strolling through this scenic setting.
Whether you're a kid or just a kid at heart, a day trip to Balboa Island is a classic SoCal day trip that will bring a smile to your face. For the ultimate Southern California experience, you can hop on the ferry to head to the island. Once you arrive, you can fill the day with local shopping, dining, and strolling for a perfect SoCal afternoon.
Tucked inside the San Gabriel Mountains, Sturtevant Falls is a challenging and rewarding hike that will get your blood pumping in a stunning setting that leads to a refreshing waterfall. This hike can be especially challenging as the temps in SoCal increase, but the waterfall is one way to cool off after a long day on the trail.
SoCal locals know that you don't have to hop on a jet for an international getaway when you need a holiday fix. Just head to the town of Solvang only a short drive from Southern California and you'll be in the "Danish Capital of America" in no time.
When spring rolls around in SoCal, every Southern Californian knows it's time to head out and soak up the beauty of the wildflowers. One of the best spots to see some spectacular color is at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. Whether you're a local or an out-of-towner, you will never tire of this magnificent scenery. The Flower Fields are located at 5704 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, California.
SoCal is filled with many picturesque beaches. Although it's hard to pick a favorite, it's just as hard not to fall in love with La Jolla Cove. The perfect spot to spend a day lounging, playing, and soaking up the sun, this perfect beach in Southern California is a slice of paradise any day of the week.
No matter where you explore in Santa Monica, you can count on a dreamy setting surrounded by some of the best views of the Pacific Ocean. Whether you stroll along the pier, relax in Palisades Park, or pick a perfect perch near the bluffs, the charm and beauty of this SoCal city is no secret.
When you're seeking an epic SoCal view, there's nothing quite like a hike at Torrey Pines where you can gaze out at a picture-perfect setting of the Pacific Ocean. Grab your hiking shoes, fill up that water bottle, and take in the scenery of this magical spot that can only be found in Southern California.
Sometimes all you want to do is find the perfect spot to sit and relax and stare out at perfection. If you are a local, you've most likely found yourself sitting at these very benches in Laguna Beach that offer the most epic view of a lifetime. If you've yet to experience this view in SoCal, you can find it at Treasure Island Park in Laguna Beach. No matter how many times you stare out at this setting, this view never gets old.
The most beautiful chapel in the entire world is located right here in Southern California and it's a gem that every local must witness at least once. Constructed of glass and surrounded by the natural beauty of towering trees , this glass church in the woods that overlooks the ocean is a masterpiece that can easily be viewed again and again. You can find the Wayfarer's Chapel at 5755 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.
Lakes are not the first thing that come to mind when you think of Southern California, but for those of us who live here we know that SoCal has some delightful lakeside destinations that we love to return to again and again. Lake Gregory is a favorite for its tranquil setting and its walkable trail that winds its way around the entire lake.
So many stunning places to return to in Southern California. Do you have a favorite on the list?
If you'd like to explore SoCal even more, here are 10 hidden oases that will completely take your breath away.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Here in Southern California — where we spend so much time in our cars, even when we're on vacation — walkable destinations, such as San Diego’s massive Liberty Station, are rare but oh-so-appealing. This unique destination in one of the country’s most family-friendly cities brings together the past, the present, and the future of San Diego. Aimed at inspiring the community and becoming San Diego’s “town square,” the historic 360-acre property has been transformed from a military center into a vibrant community hub of shopping and dining, arts and entertainment, and much more.
Liberty Station was founded in 1923 as the Naval Training Center (NTC). It served as a significant military resource through World War II and the Cold War, eventually closing in 1997. The Spanish Colonial Revival architecture remains, providing a unique space and an anchor to the city’s past.
The present offers visitors abundant opportunities to explore history, slow down and relax, and create new memories. Wander through Liberty Station’s broad plazas and you’ll find endless things to see, do, and, of course, eat. In the Arts District, you can discover local artists at galleries and exhibitions, watch live performances like dance and improv, enjoy music concerts, and express your creative side at workshops and studios. Shop for hand-made, artisan, and vintage goods at boutique shops like Sea Hive Station.
There are activities and adventures for every age and interest at Liberty Station. If you love the water, take advantage of fun activities like paddleboarding or even waterfront yoga. Challenge friends or family members to a round of mini-golf at The Loma Club or let the kids burn off some energy with gymnastics or ninja training at G3Kids. Or grab a bucket of buttery popcorn and settle into a luxury recliner at The Lot for a feature film. If you’re a history buff, visit the USS Recruit or take an 8,500-step walking tour to get a glimpse into the NTC’s past and learn some fascinating stories.
When (not if) you work up an appetite, get ready for some tough decisions, as there are over 20 diverse restaurants ranging from sushi to pizza to fine dining, and everything in between. You’ll even find cool dining attractions like the iconic 50s-style Corvette Diner with its poodle skirt-wearing waitresses, Rock n’ Roll vibe, Gamer’s Garage Arcade, and mouthwatering burgers, shakes, and fries.
And let’s not forget about Liberty Public Market, a true destination within a destination. Located within Liberty Station’s oldest barrack that housed San Diego’s Naval Training Camp, this marketplace could be a day trip in itself. It is home to restaurants, bars, coffee and bakeries, candy and popcorn boutiques, and a host of specialty shops selling soaps, olive oils, jewelry, records, and more.
Of course, Liberty Station is also a place to relax and unwind. Some 48 acres of scenic parkland are perfect for leisurely picnics, long walks, enjoying some family downtime, and catching gorgeous sunsets. You could spend days (or longer!) discovering all that this place has to offer. Want to make a weekend of it? Once again, you don’t need a car. Stay right in Liberty Station near the water’s edge at the beautiful Courtyard Hotel.
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Have you had the chance to explore San Diego’s incredible walkable destination? Learn more and plan your trip by visiting the Liberty Station website. And while you’re here, check out another awesome piece of San Diego history you can walk through — Cabrillo Bridge!
