Top 5 Hollywood Day Trips: Explore Southern California

So, you’re in Hollywood, huh? Pretty amazing, isn’t it? Beyond the stars on the Walk of Fame and the movie studios, like, lies a whole bunch of other cool things to see and do just a short drive away. We will look into five fantastic day trips you should take while you’re visiting Hollywood to explore more of Southern California’s awesome offerings. They’re rather diverse, and give you a peek at some spots other than the traditional tourist hot spots, actually!

1. Beach Bliss in Malibu

Okay, let’s begin with the beach! And not just any beach, but Malibu, like, you know, where those iconic sunsets and surf vibes really take center stage. You could drive up the Pacific Coast Highway and, like, feel that ocean breeze just totally transform your entire mood. Malibu is really a collection of beautiful beaches, each with, more or less, its own personality. Zuma Beach is pretty famous for its broad sands and is great for, you know, just lounging or maybe a little surfing. And then, there’s El Matador State Beach, kind of known for its rocky formations and secluded coves, definitely postcard-worthy!

And don’t, actually, just stay on the sand. Try to find yourself lunch at one of the seaside restaurants, specifically Nobu Malibu; which has got to be one of the most perfect experiences in California. Also you could pop into the Getty Villa. Like the name says, the villa is more of an impressive and quite breathtaking museum filled to the brim with antiquities from Ancient Greece and Rome. I am sure a morning exploring those sandy coves and then an afternoon with tasty seafood makes a super trip. I mean, if you want some A-list relaxation and a bit of natural beauty all wrapped up in one day, Malibu is a place I’d say you must visit.

2. Pasadena: A Touch of Old-World Charm

For a slightly more historical change of pace, visit Pasadena. It is just northeast of Los Angeles, very close to Hollywood, even! Pasadena is basically known for its beautiful architecture and, in some respects, a kind of old-world vibe that’s rather different than that of, like, the rest of LA. Start with a stroll around Old Pasadena, where you’ll discover Victorian and Art Deco structures home to all sorts of boutiques, galleries, plus eateries. This historic district just gives the best mix of history plus, you know, modern shopping. Check out Pasadena City Hall; arguably one of the most beautiful municipal buildings in California. Really!

If gardens are just a little bit your thing, actually spend the afternoon at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, plus Botanical Gardens. So, in other words there’s a bit of everything, eh? And with more than 120 acres to wonder, so it’s easy to wander for the afternoon looking at the very carefully crafted thematic botanical plots, also a lot of impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts and American as well as European art. Pasadena gives a nice, refreshing break out of the LA scene, plus, a dash of some culture too, right after your beach day?

3. Santa Barbara: The American Riviera

If you really would love to spend the entire day getting your steps in, why not consider traveling further up the coast to Santa Barbara? Usually people refer to Santa Barbara as the “American Riviera,” and I get that, ’cause it just looks and feels pretty Mediterranean, more or less. One way it does that is from the beautiful whitewashed buildings and, actually, red-tile roofs that you’ll come across here! Now, your day will need to begin with visiting the Santa Barbara Mission. You know, that Spanish mission is arguably one of the most aesthetically-pleasing and important historical sites within California.

Okay, so walk along State Street after you visit the mission, where you’re going to be seeing stores and restaurants and spots of everything! Just keep walking all the way to Stearns Wharf, that is kind of a landmark location which jutted out just into the Pacific. Also consider stopping in to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Basically, a place which actually impresses tourists due to the very elaborate Spanish-Colonial design and mural art within its halls, actually!. Enjoy views of the ocean and mountains all around. After that, relax and grab some drinks from one of the wineries, Santa Ynez being a close destination for it and so often a must do, which means Santa Barbara can deliver relaxation and culture which will mean this California tour will go that much further beyond the big-city scenes!

4. Discovering Idyllwild: A Mountain Escape

Want some very fresh mountain air for one moment instead? Good idea. Head down towards Idyllwild that is situated really in the San Jacinto Mountains. Like, a total flip to what you picture when considering Southern California, yet, so much is there. The mountain getaway feels incredibly separated from LA, even though it’s only about a two-hour-or-so drive. Hiking opportunities are very cool in that particular location. The trails in Mount San Jacinto State Park offer varying levels of issue so, more or less, all grades of hiker will get to see it. Take one path which meanders through beautiful forests, big old granite formations and you get amazing views from above of San Jacinto Peak.

And then get to look round Idyllwild town, one small art town filled with unique stores as well as some galleries plus little places to feed you too. As I was saying, you can, you know, see a mountain backdrop. So that means Idyllwild presents not a usual trip for somebody traveling here that presents respite of hustle and bustle plus the sun and coast of Southern California. Just a tiny breath taking and a welcome break away.

5. Temecula Valley Wine Country: A Taste of California

Wine lover, basically? If you might be and happen being a bit, venture onward just towards Temecula Valley which may have become an recognized place. And with near about 40 wineries round you could discover the ideal California wines here really. Go take different winery excursions to discover the many vintners offer tastes too and also an overview round all areas including that regarding how different things occur into it all. Many establishments are like pretty peaceful places to relax with large outdoor areas and panoramic vista.

Consider stopping and experiencing that particular city because effectively to understand exactly what various merchants possess including that unique downtown which gives cute little shops and restaurants that deliver a specific meal from winery hopping. That delivers a specific knowledge away from all well considered sightseeing round California but does something quite distinctive! Also just take time down around here as is very cool to meander by way with wine and sun combined!