We are heading into summer and recommend scheduling some time to rejuvenate and relax. Here are a few places we love in California! Plan a day trip or enjoy a mini scenic vacation weekend at one of these beautiful spots.
Big Sur
Big Sur is a tourist attraction - but for a good reason: it's beautiful there! From the rugged coastline to Monterey pines there are so many things to do/see there. Even driving along Highway 1 through Big Sur would be worth it. There are hikes, beaches, and parks to visit so it's a great place for a day or weekend trip.
If you want to visit one of the State Parks, try Limekiln or Julia Pfeiffer Burns. Go on a hike and explore. If you're into waterfalls, there are many waterfall destination hikes such as Pfeiffer Falls and Limekiln Falls.
If you want to just relax and sight-see, take a stroll along Pfeiffer Beach or visit the Point Sur lighthouse. You can also stop to admire the historic Bixby Canyone Bridge and go to the Henry Miller Memorial Library.
When you've built up an appetite, stroll over to a restaurant that offers a scenic view like Nepenthe, which overlooks the amazing coastline.
If you plan on staying overnight, check out Post Ranch Inn, Ventanna Inn and Spa, or Treebones Resort. You can also rent out a cabin. If camping is more your thing, you can definitley rent a spot at one of the campgrounds and make it an adventure.
El Matador State BeachHave a free day and feel like getting away? El Matador State Beach may be your answer. Located in Malibu, this beach is known for its sea caves and amazing massive rock formations.
There's a paid small lot that you can park in or you can try to find a spot along the PCH. From the parking lot, there's a steep path that takes you down to the beach. After taking in the beautiful scene, feel free to take out your cameras as it's a photographer's dream destination - it's not uncommon to observe multiple photoshoots going on.
Make sure you visit El Matador during low tide if you want to explore the tide pools. We also recommend wearing water shoes or something more protective than sandals due to the jagged rocks.
Find an isolated area on the beach to sit back and enjoy some privacy and the sunset.
Joshua Tree
Looking for a perfect place to star-gaze? Try Joshua Tree. This desert park will provide a breathtaking view of the stars above at night. Joshua Tree is named after the distinct joshua trees found in the area. It's located in Southern California and it's characterized by its large rocks and desert landscape.
Joshua Tree is also a good place for hiking and for climbing. Hall of Horrors is a popular spot for rock climbers. Remember to take caution when hiking/climbing and stay hydrated.
We have seen and admired all the Superbloom pictures around California this Spring and Joshua Tree is no exception. If you happen to schedule a trip in the Spring, research the best spots to observe this event.
You can reserve a campground at Joshua Tree National Park, stay at a hotel, or rent an Airbnb and enjoy a memorable time with friends/family.
Napa ValleyHead to Napa Valley for a romantic getaway where couples can enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities.
Napa Valley is probably most known for being a wine destination due to its climate and environment that allows for growing wine. And there are definitely many vineyards available to tour. Most of the wineries are family-owned and operated so each place has a story that you can learn. With an abundant amount of winery tours to choose from, it can be hard to choose, but how can you go wrong?! There are some wine and art pairings available also.
If you can't make up your mind, there is a Napa Valley Wine Train that you can take. It's a bit pricey, but it deals with all the planning for you.
Explore the beautiful outdoors in Napa Valley. You can enjoy go on a bike tour or just grab a chair and soak in the view of the picturesque landscape. It's such a leisurely and quiet place that you are able to forget your phone for a while and unwind. There are also hikes around the area and if you're up for it, you can also book a hot air balloon ride and soar over the valley.
We hope you'll enjoy these beautiful places to relax in California. With the busy lives that we live, we can forget to take the time to slow down and enjoy the moment. An easy remedy is to travel to a peaceful destination that allows us to take a deep breathe and appreciate our surroundings.
