50 Activities to Add to your Southern California Summer Travel Bucket List

It goes without saying that Southern California is one of the most vibrant places on earth. From palm tree lined streets, sunny skies, and memorable cities and small towns, you will never run out of things to do when it comes to a vacation in Southern California. Whether you’re a first time traveler, a local (high five!), or looking to move to SoCal, here are 50 activities to add to your summer travel bucket list!

Southern California Summer Travel Bucket List for the By Nica Lina Adventurer

If you’re all about boutique experiences, wellness, and the charm of small towns, you have a profound love for wine, unique accommodations, and moments of self-discovery, this is definitely for you. Add these 50 activities to your Southern California travel itinerary this summer for the best summer yet.

BTW – I curate custom travel itineraries, and lucky for you, I was born and raised in SoCal! If you’re looking for the perfect travel itinerary, I will curate it tailored for you!

Add these Adventure & Wellness Activities to your Summer Bucket List

Your Southern California travel guide has to start with adventure and wellness activities! There are so many breathtaking landscapes that will introduce you to a world of self care and rejuvenation.

1. Attend a sunrise yoga session on the beach at Malibu.
2. Experience an outdoor sound bath at the Integratron in Landers.
3. Hike the trails in Topanga State Park.
4. Take a wellness retreat in Ojai.
5. Enjoy a day at the Glen Ivy Hot Springs.
6. Soak in the views and serenity on a paddle-board in Marina Del Rey.
7. Join a meditation group in the tranquil setting of the Self Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine.
8. Jet ski from Long beach to Catalina Island!
9. Relax at a spa day in Palm Springs.
10. Participate in a beach cleanup to connect with the community and nature.

Wine & Dine

11. Sip local wines on a Malibu Wine Hike.
12. Attend a summer wine festival in Santa Barbara.
13. Indulge in a wine and cheese pairing class in Temecula.
14. Experience a sunset winery tour in Paso Robles.
15. Hop on a “sip and cycle” tour in Solvang.
16. Try biodynamic wines at a vineyard in Los Olivos.
17. Enjoy a wine-themed picnic in the Santa Ynez Valley.
18. Attend a winemaker’s dinner to learn about the process and indulge in perfect pairings.
19. Visit the urban wineries along the San Diego wine trail.
20. Book a private tasting at an exclusive winery in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Boutique Hotels & Accommodations

You’ll never run out of Southern California travel ideas, here are some boutique hotels and accommodations to keep in mind for your SoCal travels!

21. Stay at the unique boutique Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara.
22. Experience chic comfort at The Surfrider Hotel in Malibu.
23. Relax at the bohemian Korakia Pensione in Palm Springs.
24. Indulge in luxury at the Oceana Santa Monica.
25. Book a stay at the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside.
26. Enjoy the artsy vibes at Hotel Joaquin in Laguna Beach.
27. Get away from it all at the Blue Sands Inn in Santa Barbara.
28. Retreat to Capri Hotel in Ojai for a peaceful escape.
29. Soak in the coastal charm at The Cassara Carlsbad.
30. Experience the Casa del Mar in Santa Monica for beachfront elegance.

Shopping & Boutiques

31. Browse the unique shops at the charming Los Rios Historic District in San Juan Capistrano.
32. Find one-of-a-kind pieces at the Melrose Avenue shopping district. Don’t forget to check out the Melrose Trading Post for vintage finds!
33. Explore the boutiques of the Funk Zone in Santa Barbara.
34. Stroll the Pasadena Antique Mall for hidden treasures.
35. Discover local artisans at the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach.
36. Enjoy the quaint shops and atmosphere of Julian, a historic gold-mining town.
37. Spend a day at the LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa.
38. Go shopping on Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach.
39. Explore the up-and-coming boutiques in the East Village Arts District of Long Beach.
40. Indulge in luxury retail therapy at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.

Quaint Towns & Unique Experiences to Add to your Southern California Summer Travel Bucket List

41. Watch a movie under the stars at a rooftop cinema club.
42. Have a leisurely breakfast in the idyllic town of Montecito.
43. Visit the Danish-American town of Solvang for a taste of Europe.
44. Spend a day exploring the art galleries in Laguna Beach.
45. Relax in the seaside town of Avila Beach.
46. Take a horseback ride through hidden trails in Griffith Park.
47. Immerse in the arts at a music festival or outdoor concert.
48. Indulge in a farm-to-table dining experience in the quaint town of Ojai.
49. Discover the hidden gem of the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve.
50. Experience a slice of Americana at the classic farmer’s market in Santa Monica.

I hope I helped you curate the best California bucket list ever. Safe and happy travels!

All photos were taken at the Oceana Hotel in Santa Monica.