Top
sights of Southern California
Sightseeing
in Southern California, South of Los Angeles
What
to see in Southern California?
Southern California
- from the Desert to the Sea, Valleys and Mountain Ranges
Southern California
has a diverse range of things to do with the desert, mountains,
valleys and the sea all within less than 3 hours from Los Angeles.
This will take a little planning to see it all but very rewarding
with a lot to talk about when you get home.
South out
of LA
Laguna Beach
Drive South
to Newport Beach and then on to Laguna Beach along the Pacific Coast
Highway. Laguna Beach has mostly managed to retain its laid back
feel despite its growing popularity. You could spend either a day
or half of one walking around and visiting boutique stores and art
galleries.
San Juan Capistrano
Take Highway
5 south stopping at San Juan Capistrano. Admire the beautiful Spanish
Mission and look out for the famous swallows. The swallows have
returned every summer for centuries. Next drive to San Clemente
for its lovely beach. Then on to Carlsbad and Encinatas, and if
you still have the time, a stop in San Diego.
San Diego
San Diego is
approximately a two hour drive from Los Angeles. San Diego has fine
old historic California Missions to see and good old "Old Town".
Stay a couple of nights to see the world famous San Diego Zoo. Head
for the Gas Lamp Quarter for refreshments and entertainment.
Temecula and
Palm Springs
Leaving San
Diego head "Temecula", which is about an hour away, and
the Temecula Valley Wineries for a taste of real California wine
direct from the valley wineries. Stay overnight in Temecula. If
you can afford the time, take a leisurely desert drive to "Palm
Springs".
Palm Springs
At Palm Springs
head for the must do Palm Springs Aerial Tramway rotating car. It's
a 2-1/2 mile ride from the Valley Station to the Mountain Station
for breathtaking views of the desert and the mountains. Stay a couple
of nights in Palm Springs see the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
and walk around the town early evening.
Joshua Tree
National Park
Given enough
time you could further experience the desert with a drive into the
desert park that makes up the Joshua National Park.
Viewed from
the road, this desert park only hints at its vitality. Closer examination
reveals a fascinating variety of plants and animals that make their
home in this land shaped by strong winds, unpredictable torrents
of rain, and climatic extremes. Dark night skies, a rich cultural
history, and surreal geologic features add to the attraction of
this place.
Back to LA?
You will certainly
know Southern California if you managed to explore Southern California
both South and North
of LA so it's no crime to return to Los Angeles at this point.
But why not stay a while
longer in Southern California?
However, expect
to hear alot more along the way so if you can leave yourself a few
more days you'll see even more of California. Trouble is, if you
see even more you might find it hard to leave. So maybe its best
to get back to Los Angeles
before it's too late :)
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Top 100 things to do in Los Angeles
