Perfect Southern California Road Trip Itinerary – Best Things To Do + Map

Are you planning a trip to Southern California? Then you can just read this Southern California road trip itinerary with many famous places to visit, winter-themed locations, outdoor activities, and a map of the Southern California road trip (SoCal road trip).

ALSO READ👉🏼: 7 Best California Scenic Drives – Beautiful Road Trips In California

Southern California Road Trip – Touring Southern California

Southern California is worth visiting for its diverse attractions, ranging from the glamorous entertainment industry in Los Angeles and iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign to the beautiful beaches of Santa Monica and the laid-back atmosphere of San Diego. 

ALSO READ👉🏼: Perfect LA To San Diego Road Trip (Itinerary + Map)

With a year-round mild climate, it offers a perfect blend of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and scenic landscapes, making it a destination that caters to various interests and preferences.

Weather – Southern California Trip – SoCal Road Trip

Southern California typically experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, with coastal areas enjoying cooler temperatures than inland regions; this climate contributes to the region’s appeal as a year-round destination with plenty of sunny days and limited rainfall.

 However, variations exist, with desert areas experiencing more extreme temperature fluctuations and the coastal regions benefitting from refreshing ocean breezes, creating diverse microclimates throughout the region.

Map Of Southern California Itinerary – SoCal Road Trip

Southern California Road Trip Itinerary – Plan A Trip To Southern California

Check the Southern California itinerary 7 days(SoCal road trip) with things to do, where to stay, and all helpful tips for first-time tourists. 

Day 1 of SoCal road trip: Los Angeles

Los Angeles in Southern California is worth visiting for its unparalleled blend of vibrant cultural diversity, iconic landmarks like Hollywood and the Santa Monica Pier, and a dynamic arts and entertainment scene, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

ALSO READ: 👉🏼Best Los Angeles Itinerary 3 Days (3 Days In LA Things To Do + Hotels)

• Morning:
  • Arrive in Los Angeles & book Overnight stay at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
  • Breakfast at a local cafe
• Afternoon:
  • Explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
  • Visit Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city
• Evening:
  • Dinner in the trendy area of Los Feliz.

Day 2: Los Angeles to Santa Monica

Santa Monica is worth visiting for its iconic pier featuring an amusement park, aquarium, and family-friendly attractions, coupled with its pristine, sun-kissed beaches, lively shopping along Third Street Promenade, and a vibrant culinary scene, making it a quintessential Southern California destination that offers a perfect blend of leisure and entertainment. 

• Morning:
  • Drive to Santa Monica (about 30 minutes) and book Overnight stay at Hotel Casa del Mar.
  • Visit Santa Monica Pier and ride the Ferris wheel
• Afternoon:
  • Explore Third Street Promenade for shopping and dining
  • Relax on Santa Monica State Beach
• Evening:
  • Sunset at the beach with Dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

👉🏼8 Best Family Vacations In California – Family Getaways, Family Destinations & Spots

Day 3: Santa Monica to Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake in Southern California is worth visiting for its picturesque alpine beauty, offering year-round outdoor activities such as skiing snowboarding in winter, and hiking, boating, and fishing in the serene mountain setting during the warmer months.

• Morning:
  • Drive to Big Bear Lake (about 2 hours) and check into The Lodge at Big Bear Lake
  • Breakfast in the mountain town.
• Afternoon:
  • Enjoy winter activities like snowboarding or skiing at Big Bear Mountain Resort
• Evening:
  • Cozy up in a cabin or lodge
  • Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Big Bear Lake to Palm Springs

Palm Springs in Southern California is worth visiting for its luxurious desert oasis, renowned for its hot springs, world-class golf courses, mid-century modern architecture, and a vibrant arts and culture scene against the stunning backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains.

• Morning:
  • Drive to Palm Springs (about 2.5 hours)
  • Book your Overnight stay at the Parker Palm Springs.
  • Explore the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
• Afternoon:
  • Stroll through Palm Springs VillageFest (Thursdays)
  • Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum
• Evening:
  • Dinner at a downtown Palm Springs restaurant
  • Relax at a hot spring spa

Day 5: Palm Springs to San Diego

San Diego in Southern California is worth visiting for its perfect blend of idyllic beaches, a rich cultural scene, family-friendly attractions like the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, and a diverse culinary landscape, all set against a backdrop of consistently pleasant weather.  

ALSO READ👉🏼: Interesting San Diego Itinerary 3 Days (Best Things To Do + Hotels + Day Trips)

• Morning:
  • Drive to San Diego (about 2 hours)
  • Book an Overnight stay at Hotel del Coronado or The Westgate Hotel
  • Explore Balboa Park and its museums
• Afternoon:
  • Visit the San Diego Zoo
  • Lunch in the Gaslamp Quarter
• Evening:
  • Sunset at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
• Dinner in Little Italy

Day 6: San Diego

San Diego is the most popular destination on Southern California road trip.

👉🏼Best San Diego Itinerary 2 Days + Things To Do On Weekend

• Morning:
  • Relax on Coronado Beach
  • Visit the USS Midway Museum
• Afternoon:
  • Explore Old Town San Diego
  • Lunch at a Mexican restaurant
• Evening:
  • Dinner in the historic Gaslamp Quarter

Day 7 of Southern California Itinerary: Departure

Morning:

• After breakfast in San Diego, go for last-minute shopping or sightseeing, depending on your departure time.

This Southern California road trip itinerary offers a mix of city exploration, outdoor activities, and winter-themed experiences. 

Best Tours To Take On Southern California Road Trip

Check out some of the best tours on this Southern California trip for great fun.

• Hollywood Studio Tour, Los Angeles: Explore iconic Hollywood landmarks movie studios, and learn about the entertainment industry.
• Santa Monica Bike Tour: Pedal along the scenic beaches and explore the famous Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach.
• Big Bear Lake Snowshoe Eco-Tour: Discover the winter wonderland of Big Bear Lake with a guided snowshoe tour through picturesque landscapes.
• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Experience: Take a ride on the world’s largest rotating tramcar for breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley.
• San Diego Harbor Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing cruise along San Diego Bay, featuring skyline views, naval ships, and marine life.
• Balboa Park Segway Tour, San Diego: Glide through the historic Balboa Park on a Segway, exploring museums, gardens, and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.  
• Temecula Wine Tasting Tour: Experience Southern California’s wine country with a guided tour of Temecula Valley’s vineyards and wineries. 
• Old Town Trolley Tour, San Diego: Hop on and off at popular attractions, exploring San Diego’s historic sites, museums, and neighborhoods.
• Surfing Lessons, Huntington Beach: Embrace the California surf culture with a surfing lesson in the renowned surf city, Huntington Beach.
• Catalina Island Day Trip: Take a ferry to Catalina Island for a day of snorkeling, hiking, and exploring the charming town of Avalon.
• La Jolla Cove Snorkeling Tour:
  • Dive into the crystal-clear waters of La Jolla Cove for a guided snorkeling adventure among marine life and underwater caves. 

I hope you loved reading about this article on the Southern California road trip itinerary and will soon plan a trip to Southern California. Enjoy your Southern California Vacation.

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Valuable Resources for California Road Trip Itinerary Planning

• 7 Best California Scenic Drives – Beautiful Road Trips In California
• 20 Incredibly Charming Small Towns In California
• Perfect LA To San Diego Road Trip (Itinerary + Map)
• Perfect LA to San Francisco Road Trip Itinerary 8 – 10 Days

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