Llamas & Ponies & Goats, oh my! Southern California is known for being one of the prettiest places in the country. And understandably so! It boasts sunshine all year round, access to the Pacific Ocean, eclectic food options, and roots in many cultures. It’s also home to many animal shelters and sanctuaries and thousands of acres of preserved land. If you’re looking for cool day trips in Southern California, or just something to do next weekend, we recommend you head over to the Lakewood Equestrian Center for some interactive animal fun. And then head on over to the El Dorado Nature Center for some nature exploration.

The Lakewood Equestrian Center is located in Lakewood, CA, and is a 19-acre horse boarding facility.

While horses are the primary focus of the Center, the grounds also include "Pony Time," which offers riding lessons, pony rides, and a petting zoo. Pony Rides are reserved for those age one and older, and riders must not exceed 80 pounds.

The pony rides are a great activity for kids....

...and a great way to introduce them to the love of horseback riding when they are perhaps a little bit older.

You can even take a pony lesson while here from Wednesdays through Sundays between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

It is available for kids ages three through seven, and under 80 pounds; they will learn how to brush, saddle, and ride!

The petting zoo is open on the same days and hours, where you can see, pet, and feed a variety of animals: llamas, sheep, goats, chickens, and pigs.

Once you’ve had enough animal fun for the day, head over to El Dorado Nature Center. The 105-acre property serves as a sanctuary for animals and plant life, and offers trails around forests, lakes, and streams. The trails are open Tuesday through Sunday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and the museum is open the same days between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Come prepared with cash or credit for parking and leave your furry friends at home, as pets are not allowed on the trails.

The surrounding beauty alone takes you away to another place and time.

This is just one aspect that makes it one of the most popular day trips in Southern California.

For a full experience of the grounds and to round out your day, we recommend taking the El Dorado Park Nature Trail. The 2.3-mile loop trail is mostly flat, rated as easy, and typically takes hikers 50 minutes to complete.

All told, we’re sure you’ll agree that these are some of the best things to do in Southern California.

So, the next time you have an available weekend or just want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, make your way over to the Lakewood Equestrian Center and the El Dorado Nature Center. It’s the perfect combination to entertain the family or, for solo travelers, to capture that much-needed solace and alone time.

Have you ever been to either of these wonderful places? If so, what were your favorite parts? Have you ever been to a petting zoo before? What was your favorite animal to feed? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

For another wonderful animal adventure in Southern California be sure to check out the San Diego Zoo Safari Park!

If you’re still in the mood for more California adventures, take a look at this video: