Travel

The Ultimate Southern California Bucket List

Looking to finally fulfill your Southern California Bucket List? These are the top places in Southern California to visit, and the best to-do list.

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Southern California is a beautiful place to visit. It is known for its stunning beaches, warm and sunny weather, palm trees, shopping, the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway, and luxurious lifestyle.

Some well-known places that should be on your Southern California bucket list are Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Laguna Beach, Malibu, and so much more. Also, some hidden gems that should be on your Southern California to-do list are Disneyland in Anaheim, the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, and San Diego Zoo.

In this post, you will be able to see the ultimate Southern California bucket list, adventurous things to do in California, and unique things to do in Southern California.

This post is all about the best Southern California Bucket List.

The Ultimate Southern California Bucket List

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the most famous entertainment capital of the world. Being the largest city in California there is so much to see and do in this beautiful city like visit the movie studios like Universal Studios, beautiful beaches, sunset strip, museums, the Staples Center Arena, theme parks, wineries, great food, exciting nightlife, and so much more! Although Los Angeles is not a very budget-friendly place to stay it is definitely worth a visit.

A great place to stay in Los Angeles is Level Los Angeles – Downtown South Olive Hotel. Located in the center of Los Angeles this beautiful hotel has an outdoor pool, and basketball court, and is a close walk to the Staples Centre. Another great place to stay in Los Angeles is Sheraton Grand Los Angeles.

Santa Catalina Island

Santa Catalina Island is one of California’s Channel Islands and is located just off the coast of Los Angeles. It is a very small island and is known for its wildlife, Mount Orizaba which is the highest point, crystal-clear water, beautiful white sand, and one-of-a-kind boat marina. Santa Catalina Island is a must on your Southern California to-do list.

While visiting Santa Catalina Island stay at the Hotel Catalina. This Victorian-style hotel has a courtyard patio with a beautiful fountain and hot tub. Another great place to stay while on Santa Catalina Island is The Edgewater Hotel. This amazing hotel is located right along the beachfront and offers amazing views of the terrace and beach.

Malibu

Malibu is located just west of Los Angeles in California. This city is known for its beaches, hiking trails, surfing spots, stunning celebrity homes, cafes, and restaurants. While here be sure to check out El Matador State Beach which is a beach hidden under cliffs, and it has rock formations that make it a beautiful place for some amazing pictures. Also, visit the Point Dume State Beach and Preserve, which sits right by the Pacific Ocean and has amazing views of Santa Monica Bay. You can also walk up these cliffs that give you amazing 360-degree views of the ocean.

Stay at the Malibu Beach Inn while here. This resort is located right on a private beach right on the ocean. This first-class resort has oceanfront rooms and a luxury spa. Definitely one of my favorite places to stay while in Malibu.

Hollywood

Hollywood is a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California and it is home to the huge worldwide entertainment business. Hollywood gets many tourists each year that come to see the world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and much more. Visit Paramount Pictures which includes the Dolby Theatre, and Hollywood Bowl, and is also where the Oscars are held. You could also hike the Hollywood hills and see great views of downtown Los Angeles.

While here stay at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, located right on Hollywood Blvd near the Dolby Theatre. This wonderful hotel has a swimming pool, fitness center, an Italian and American Restaurant, and a bar.

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is one of the best beaches in Southern California and should definitely be on your Southern California bucket list. This amazing beach is also known as Surf City because it is a great spot for surfing. The International Surfing Museum is also located here and has displays of longboards and other memorabilia. Huntington Beach has a long beautiful pier that is located on the Pacific Ocean. This is the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Huntington Beach has many great places to stay like The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel. This hotel is a waterfront beach resort located right on the Pacific Coast Highway, it is a Mediterranaean-inspired resort with an outdoor pool, cabanas, and fire pits. Such a luxurious and relaxing place to stay. Another great place to stay is The Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort. This resort is located right on the beach and has a boutique, fitness center, restaurant, and bar on site. And many other shopping places and restaurants are just a short walk away from the hotel.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is more of a luxury place to visit in Southern California. It is known for its amazing hot springs, spas, golf courses, shopping, and luxurious resorts. This is the perfect place to come and relax and detox. This is a must for a Southern California bucket list for couples. There is also the Coachella Valley that surrounds Plam Springs where you can enjoy some hiking and biking trails and even horseback riding. This is also home to the Coachella Music And Arts Festival. This is one of the most renowned music festivals in the world.

There are many luxurious places to stay in Palm Springs. One of the best ones is The Weekend Palm Springs. Located right in the center of Palm Springs, it is close to shopping and dining places. Other great places to stay are Dive Palm Springs and The Palm Springs Hotel.

Anaheim

Anaheim, California is best known for being the home to Disneyland California and the Anaheim Convention Centre. Disneyland is an absolute must on everyone’s Southern California Bucket List. Disneyland California is one of the 5 Disney Resorts which have locations all over the world. Disneyland is the best theme park/amusement park in California. It has many resorts, restaurants, bars, and shops. Must visit!

When in Anaheim stay at Hyatt Regency Orange County. This hotel is one of my personal favorites. It has 2 swimming pools, tennis courts, and fun activities, and is located just a couple minute drive from Disneyland. You can buy your Disney tickets here and this hotel also offers shuttles to Disneyland. Another close hotel to Disneyland is The Hilton Anaheim. This is a great hotel that has a pool, play area, and spa.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is located in Orange County California and is famous for its higher clifftop setting, beautiful beaches, amazing homes, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, and art galleries. Also check out Heisler Park, Crystal Cove State Park, Victoria Beach, 1000 Steps Beach, and Cresent Bay Point Park.

Laguna Beach has many great resorts for you to stay at. One of them is Montage Laguna Beach. This luxurious resort offers world-class service while enjoying an ocean-facing pool, and beautiful terrace. Also enjoy the spa, pool cabanas, restaurants, and boutiques. Another great place to stay is the Laguna Beach Lodge which is located across from Treasure Island Beach.

Newport Beach

Newport Beach is home to a beautiful large boat-filled harbor. There are also 2 piers in the area: Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Pier. Newport Beach has a great recreational harbor where you can go fishing, surfing, swimming, and much more. This is a great place to unwind while enjoying some sunset cruises, wine tastings, and picturesque sunsets.

Some great places to stay in Newport Beach include VEA Newport Beach, a Marriott Resort & Spa, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Newport Club, It has 2 pools, a fitness center, and a spa. Balboa Bay Resort is recently named one of Newport Beach’s #1 Resorts. This Resort is located in Newport Beach’s premier waterfront area offering bay views and beautiful sunsets over Balboa Bay’s harbor.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is known for its adventurous pier that has a theme park called Pacific Park. It also has some of the best beaches, luxury beachfront hotels, sophisticated restaurants, and beautiful boutiques. Enjoy a walk along the historic Santa Monica Pier, check out the Pacific Park amusement park, and shop in the luxurious open-air Third Street Promenade.

Huntley Santa Monica Beach Hotel is a great place to stay while in Santa Monica. This hotel is a short walk from the Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica State Beach Path. It also has a rooftop view of the ocean and coast. How cool is that?

Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is located just south of Hollywood Hills and is home to many Hollywood stars, famous cafes, amazing restaurants, and high-end shopping. Rodeo Drive is one of the most famous high-end shopping districts which features designer labels and amazing fashion. The city is home to many celebrities over many years. It is also home to numerous resorts and hotels including The Beverly Hilton and The Beverly Hills Hotel.

Venice Beach

Venice Beach is known for its free-spirited boho vibe. It is also famous for having a bodybuilding and weightlifting outdoor gym, also known as Muscle Beach. While walking the Venice Boardwalk stop at the skatepark to see all the action and talent, then take a walk to Venice Beach for a relaxing afternoon enjoying the waves.

Stay at Hotel Erwin while in Venice. This amazing hotel overlooks Venice Beach and the Pacific Ocean and is very close to the Venice Boardwalk. Also has an open-air rooftop lounge with a restaurant on site as well.

San Diego

San Diego is known for its miles and miles of amazing beaches, warm climate, and lots of wonderful attractions like the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Safari, Balboa Park, SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California, and several US Marine, Navy, and Coast Guard Bases. The most popular thing to do in San Diego is visit the USS Midway Museum at Navy Pier. You will get to see some aircraft up close and personal and some of these are similar to the ones used in the Top Gun Movie. There are lots of adventurous things to do in California and a lot of them are located in San Diego.

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is a great hotel to stay at while visiting San Diego. This luxury hotel is located right in downtown San Diego and has amazing views of the city from the lounge located 40 stories above San Diego Bay. Also has 8 separate dining and bar options on site. Another great place to stay is Pacific Terrace Hotel. Located right on Pacific Beach Park it has a swimming pool, hot tub, and stunning ocean views.