Southern California is home to Hollywood, the Kardashians, Pinkberry, Disneyland, and a whole slew of iconic places, people, and events. Now, you can easily book a guided tour of Southern California and make plenty of memories, but you also don’t want to miss the lesser known attractions. Like the beaches that are less popular but just as beautiful as the shores of Long Beach. Or the walking paths, canyons, hot springs, and beautiful scenery that is present in the national parks of Southern California. Then there is the food – the small mom and pop restaurants that have been in operation for decades, the food trucks, delis, and bakeries that make the area unique. Here is a complete guide to visiting Southern California and guaranteeing that you will have an amazing vacation.
Decide on How to Get Around Southern California
Most people choose to fly into Southern California, more specifically LAX. Alternatively, you can drive or take the train into Southern California but be aware that there is often heavy traffic in the area. There are more than 50 million people living in the state of California, with most of them being concentrated in the lower half. If you don’t want to spend a good portion of your trip fighting traffic, then you should stay in an area where it is less congested. Additionally, look into catching a cab, riding the train, or simply relying on ride-sharing services when you want to get around. It is guaranteed that between the public transportation system and the locals, you will get around if you opt not to drive yourself.
Determining How Long to Stay
Before coming to Southern California, know how long it is that you want to stay while on vacation. The reality is that you probably won’t be able to accomplish everything on your to-do list unless you plan on staying in the area for at least six months. So, prioritize each attraction, event, and restaurant. Know where you are going to be vacationing, such as at a local resort or highly regarded hotel. Booking a private rental is also ideal, particularly if you want to be flexible about dates.
Don’t Just Visit the Most Well-Known Cities
The southern part of California might be the most popular part of the state for visitors, but that doesn’t mean that each part is truly and fully explored by visitors. For instance, there is the Carlsbad Visitor Center. Located close by San Diego and Huntington Beach, this quaint town by the sea is a great place for families, singles, couples, and groups to go on vacation. You can go to VisitCarlsbad.com and get plenty of information on what Carlsbad has to offer. Head out to Los Angeles if you want to be grouped together with thousands of other tourists or head out to other lesser-known cities and see what makes Southern California great.
Get a Chance to Enjoy Every Setting
The beaches of California might be what draws the majority of travelers to come and visit, but there are other types of scenery that should be enjoyed while in the state. There are dry areas of the desert that host miles and miles of interesting looking plants and animals. There are also mountainous ranges in California that are great for hiking, camping and exploring. Southern California is also home to rolling hills, vast lakes, rivers, forests, and canyons. You will get to enjoy just about every setting while in Southern California, especially if you go to a destination like Carlsbad. So, don’t sell yourself short by sticking only to the beaches – get out and explore it all.
Know What Events Are Going On
As Southern California is vast, there is almost always something going on. Whether you come with your entire family so that you can enjoy cultural festivals, want to enjoy the local food and wine scene, or plan to go to a concert event, Southern California has you covered. Visit Carlsbad if you want to stay in an area where you will get to experience a little of everything on the menu. There are attractions that are great for keeping entire families entertained, and then there are special places that are suitable only for romantic couples. Take a look at the Carlsbad tourism website to see what is going on before you come out for a visit.
Be Flexible About What You Do While in Southern California
Although a lot of vacationers like to have a detailed travel itinerary, there is just something about California that will lead you off the beaten path. Be open to taking a detour or two while you are on vacation here. You may learn that there is a local brewery hosting a big event within walking distance of your hotel. Visit https://www.swipenclean.com/. While walking around the area, you might end up staying and shopping for hours longer than expected. That is the beauty of coming to visit this laid-back state. So, just go with the flow and enjoy the ride while in Southern California.
Take the Weather into Consideration
The good part about visiting Southern California at any time of year is the fact that it is going to be warm. During the summer, it gets quite hot in Carlsbad, San Diego, and other parts of the state of California. Moreover, there are also times of the year where it can rain a lot, become incredibly smoggy, or extra humid. In a nutshell, you are going to need to bring your sunscreen, sunglasses, and weather appropriate attire when you come to visit Southern California.
Come for a couple of weeks or just for the weekend. No matter what, you are going to enjoy your stay in Southern California and you will be excited about coming back. In Carlsbad, there are resorts, great restaurants, and fun attractions for all ages. In Los Angeles, there is always something to do no matter what time of day or night you head out. The locals are friendly and accommodating, and there is always more to explore. So, don’t think that you know what Southern California has to offer until you come for a visit.
