So, you are planning a trip to California? Good idea! After all, who doesn’t want those beachy vibes and perfect climate all year round?
However, California can be a bit overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. There are so many things to see, and one weekend is simply not enough time. That’s why most people are forced to make a tight schedule for all the things they want to visit in two days.
In most cases, they make the mistake of going to a place that requires more time, and a couple of hours is just not enough. So, the best way to experience California during a weekend is to make a bucket list of all the must-visit sports based on your preferences. That’s why we’ve made a list that you’d probably love. Let’s find out the best hot spots in California for a paradise weekend.
Start at Joshua Tree National Park
There is something about this place that fills me with excitement every time I look at the incredible scenery. It truly feels like you are on a different planet. This is a national park that will give you that desert vibe and has a forever-changing landscape.
So, what makes it so special? Well, it has some incredibly unique trees, massive boulders, and some incredible out-of-the-ordinary tours like UFO and Stargazing tour. (And yes! There are some stories and landmarks that people believe are from extraterrestrials.)
If you love a bit of hiking, I’d suggest that you go on the Ryan Mountain Trail, but be prepared it is a solid workout. However, if you get to the top, the views are stunning and it will give you a 360-degree view of the entire park.
So, when is the best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park? Well, I’d go there during Spring. The colors are vibrant, and there is a strange tint to the entire landscape that will make you feel like you are looking through an Instagram filter.
Soak Up the Coastal Vibes at Catalina Island
If you want something completely different, that involves a sunbed, a beach, and a place to dip your feet in the water, then I’d go to a unique and small place that not many people know about. We are talking about Catalina Island.
You can take a 40-minute ferry ride from Long Beach, and you’ll enter a small town that I’d call paradise. What’s the best thing about Catalina Island? Well, this place is small, and the primary mode of transportation here is golf carts! Yes, you heard that right.
There are many unique tours that will season your trip with a bit of adrenaline like the Zip Line Eco-Tour, and after a wild ride, you want to sip some cocktails at Descanso Beach Club, with an incredible view and some good food.
Del Mar Racetrack
Now here is something unique that not many people think about when they are considering a trip to California. If you love that coastal vibe, but still a bit of adrenaline, I’d suggest you visit Del Mar. This is an incredible place with stunning beaches, (in my opinion even better than Miami), and a perfectly relaxing vibe.
But Del Mar has a little secret. This town has one of the best horse racing tracks in the United States (the Del Mar Racetrack) which is a must-see attraction, even if you are not a horse racing fan.
So, when is the best time to visit Del Mar? Well, I’d suggest going at the end of the Summer, or if you are a horse racing fan in November to catch this year, and also next year’s Breeders’ Cup race. This is one of the biggest horse racing events in the world, and it is truly an experience that you wouldn’t want to miss.
Just make sure that you learn a thing or two about the race before going, even checking the Breeders’ Cup 2024 contenders is enough to get you in the right mindset.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is the place for those who love a mix of relaxation and excitement. Start with the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which takes you up 8,500 feet to Mount San Jacinto. Up here, it’s 30-40 degrees cooler than the valley floor (a blessing in the summer), and you might even see snow in the winter. Imagine going from palm trees to snow-covered firs in just 10 minutes!
After soaking in the views, relax at one of the city’s many luxury spas or take a dip in a hotel pool (there are plenty). If you’ve got kids, Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort has an on-site waterpark that’ll keep them smiling for hours.
Santa Monica
No trip to California is complete without some beach time, and Santa Monica is a must. Stroll along the Santa Monica Pier, where you can hop on the Ferris wheel or play some games at the arcade. Feeling sporty? Rent a bike and ride down the beachfront bike path. If you’re looking for a little more activity, hit up Muscle Beach and work out like the pros.
Want to shop or grab a bite? Head over to the Third Street Promenade, where you’ll find everything from quirky boutiques to high-end stores, along with plenty of restaurants offering fresh seafood and local dishes.
