Holiday season is just around that corner and that means that millions of tourists will be flowing into the beautiful and luxurious Southern California area. Southern California is one of the United States’ true tourist hotspots. In fact, the city of Los Angeles celebrated 50 million tourists in total just last year!
If you and your family are looking to make the trip out West and do all there is to do in Southern California, here are some of the top destinations you will definitely want to put on your list!
1. Los Angeles and Santa Monica
Chances are good you are going to by flying into LAX anyways, so you might as well spend a day or two in the City of Angels. Los Angeles is the iconic city of celebrities and Hollywood, but it offers so much more.
Head to the historic downtown LA to get a feel for the culture of the massive metropolis. Then, if you are looking for some sun and ocean breezes, head west to Santa Monica to walk the boardwalk, ride the roller coaster on the Santa Monica pier, and patronize one of the many top-tier restaurants that overlook the ocean.
2. Disneyland
If you’re coming to SoCal to get your share of thrills, Disneyland is without question the place to be. Open since 1955, the iconic theme park holds the perfect combination of nostalgia and adventure.
With holiday season upon us and the weather starting to cool down, Disneyland’s Holiday events are about to heat up. Make your holiday season is the happiest it can be at “The Happiest Place on Earth”.
See your children’s eyes light up with wonder at the “World of Color – Season of Light” nighttime spectacular or explore Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle. Meet some of Disney’s most beloved characters at “A Christmas Fantasy” parade or meet the most famous holiday hero of all during Santa’s Holiday Visit. With all this and more available to you this season, your little ones are sure enjoy a vacation they’ll never forget.
Before you go, just make sure that you search for ways to save on Disneyland tickets, SeaWorld tickets plus hundreds of other Southern California attractions so you don’t miss out on great deals.
3. Santa Catalina Island
Located just southwest of Los Angeles is the Channel Islands, Catalina Island is one of the easiest island getaways to get to.
All you have to do is aboard the ferry that shuttles hundreds of people back and forth each day. There, you will have the opportunity to take part in a zip line eco tour, a dolphin tour, off-road canyon expeditions, snorkeling, swimming, and much more.
4. San Diego and La Jolla Cove
Further down south near the Mexico border is the idyllic SoCal city of San Diego. San Diego is a tourist hot spot with more than 90 diverse museums, wonderful beaches, LEGOLAND, Sea World San Diego, and San Diego Zoo/Safari Park.
If you are looking for something a little more laid back, head to the beach town of La Jolla. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches along the California coastline, La Jolla is a great place to see marine life, go surfing, do some hiking, and much more.
5. Palm Springs
If you’re in the mood to play 18 holes of golf, sit by the pool and catch up on some reading, or pamper yourself with a world-class massage, Palm Springs has it all. Known for its dry weather and stunning desert landscapes, Palm Springs is a great place to unwind and relax.
