Do you love to explore southern California as much as we do? Whether you're exploring on foot, by bike, or even by car, there's so much to see and do in SoCal that it's hard to pick exactly where to start. So how about a handy-dandy list of the must-see spots in southern California that will satisfy the explorer in you? We thought you might enjoy that, so we put this list together for you. We'll wander through historic parks, forested hikes, and hidden hot springs on this SoCal tour. Ready to explore? Let's go! Here are our picks for the best places in southern California everyone should explore:

1. La Jolla Sea Caves

La Jolla is one of those places we simply cannot get enough of. One of our all-time favorite things to do in this magical little city is taking a kayak tour of the sea caves. There are several companies in the La Jolla area that offer half-day excursions, so you can tour this stunning spot in La Jolla up-close and in person. Visit the official website for the most up-to-date information on closures and rates. La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks can be found at 2164 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, California, 92037.

2. Carbon Canyon Regional Park

Orange County is home to one of our favorite hidden gems in SoCal. This woodsy park will surround you with towering redwood trees that will make you think you've taken a wrong turn and ended up in northern California. Nope, you're still in SoCal, and these handsome trees are all yours! Visit the official website for the most up-to-date information on hours, fees, and more. Find it at 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, California, 92823.

3. Fullerton Arboretum

We're suckers for any kind of bench that allows us to sit and relax while surrounded by gorgeous scenery. Not only is Fullerton Arboretum a picture-perfect spot for wandering, but you'll find many charming benches that are perfect for doing exactly that. Have we mentioned yet how much we love the relaxation part of exploring? 'Cuz we do. Visit the official website for the most up-to-date information on hours, closures, programs, and more. Find it at 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton, California, 92831.

4. Coronado

One of the most photographed hotels in all of Southern California is the Hotel Del in Coronado, and it's one magnificent place to see. Not only is the hotel worth exploring (rumor has it that it's haunted), but the entire Coronado area as a whole is a worth a visit. Spend a little time on the hotel grounds and then take a walk through the gorgeous town of Coronado, which might remind you of a little slice of Mayberry. Visit the official website for the most up-to-date booking information, and more photos, too!

5. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

You may be under the impression that Santa Barbara is not part of Southern California, but we're happy to report that this stunning city is technically part of the SoCal region. Aren't we lucky to claim this beautiful spot as our own? One of our favorite places to explore in the area is the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. You'll find over five miles of trails that will take you through a variety of native plants and wildlife that are a treat to the senses. Visit the official website for the most up-to-date ticketing info, as well as programs and exhibit information. Check it out at 1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, California, 93105.

6. Thornton Winery

You may think that Northern California has all the pretty wineries, but we have a few beauties of our own right here in Southern California. Head to Temecula for a day of exploring our very own wine country! Thornton is not only one of the prettiest ones out there, but it also hosts an annual Jazz Series that is a blast to attend if you time your visit just right. Visit the official website for the most up-to-date program information and resources for planning a trip! Check it out at

32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, 92592.

7. Balboa Park

If Balboa Park is one of those spots you've always heard about but never taken the time to explore, we must tell you that you're missing out. It is one of the most beautiful and well maintained urban parks that can be found in Southern California. You'll find everything under the sun to keep you entertained for an entire weekend or longer, like museums, fabulous restaurants, gorgeous walking paths, a beautiful theatre offering some of the best shows in SoCal. There's also a botanic garden with a variety of native plants growing in their natural habitat! Make a day of it. Better yet, plan your whole weekend around it! Visit the official website for the most up-to-date program information and resources for planning a trip!

8. Huntington Library and Gardens

One of my favorite places in Southern California is the lush and heavenly Huntington Library and Gardens. This is where I go to clear my hand by surrounding myself with nothing but beauty. Visit the official website for the most up-to-date program information and resources for planning your next trip! You could explore this spot all day and still have more to see. Check it out at 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, California, 91108.

9. Kelso Dunes

At first glance, this may look like a snow-capped mountain, but what you're actually seeing is the sculpted beauty of sand dunes in Mojave National Preserve. Hiking through this area is the best way to experience this unexpected side of SoCal. Visit the official website for the most up-to-date area information, and more photos, too!

10. San Gabriel Mountains

A hike through the San Gabriel Mountains is enough to remind you why you love it here so much. If anyone thinks SoCal is nothing but ocean and sandy beaches, take them on a hike in the wilderness; it will open their eyes to the variety of scenery you can find in this part of the state. Visit the official website for the most up-to-date parks information and resources for planning a trip!

11. Malibu Creek State Park

On a day when you want to take a refreshing dip in cool water, the rock pool at Malibu Creek State Park is the perfect spot to wander off to. Pack a picnic and spend a day at this relaxing setting in beautiful Malibu. Visit the official website for park closures, hours, fees, reservation info and more. Find the park at 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, California, 91302.

12. Deep Creek Hot Spring

Take a load off your feet and sink into the soothing Deep Creek Hot Springs in San Bernardino County. Be prepared to do some hiking first, as it's approximately four miles round-trip, but all that exercise will earn you some much-deserved downtime in the awesome, relaxing pool of water. Visit the official website for park closures, hours, fees, reservation info and more. Find the park at Pacific Crest Trail, Apple Valley, California, 92308,

13. Heisler Park

We are blessed to have some of the most beautiful parks down in Southern California, such as Heisler Park in Laguna Beach. This is a favorite spot of ours that looks like the perfect place to bring a picnic along and enjoy the beautiful surroundings on a sunny SoCal afternoon. Visit the official website for park hours, fees, reservations, and more. Find the park at 375 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, California, 92651.

14. Hey, speaking of Laguna Beach...

Here's another grand spot in Laguna Beach worthy of an afternoon stroll. Located above Treasure Island Beach, this little hideaway offers up cozy benches perfect for watching the sun go down after you've enjoyed a leisurely stroll around Treasure Island Park. Tres perfect! Visit the official website for the most up-to-date resources for planning your next trip! You could explore this spot all day and still have more to see.

15. Ventura Harbor Village

We always feel like we've been dropped inside a postcard when we visit Ventura. This picturesque spot right on the harbor is a wonderful place to be play tourist for a day. Browse the local shops, then grab a seat outside at a delightful area restaurant and have a long lunch with a stunning view. Visit the official website for the most up-to-date area info and resources.

16. Cabrillo National Monument

For one of the best views in San Diego, we strongly suggest you spend some time at Cabrillo National Monument, located in Point Loma. This is the perfect spot to look out at the harbor and admire the breathtaking view that can be found in this part of the country. Walking trails abound in this pocket of San Diego, so be sure to bring some comfortable shoes. Visit the official parks website for the most up-to-date resources for planning your next trip. Cabrillo National Monument is located at 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, California, 92106.

Do you have a case of wanderlust right about now? Make sure to pack a camera and some comfortable shoes to make the most out of your SoCal explorations. If these 16 ideas aren't enough to satisfy the explorer in you then take a look at these 10 Fascinating Spots In Southern California That Are Straight Out Of A Fairytale.