10 Best Things To Do In Southern California

With both adventure and relaxation on the menu, Southern California and its always-perfect weather is the ultimate destination for vacationers year round. You’ll find amusement parks full of thrills and live performances, on-water excursions and even spots where leisure is the name of the game. Scroll through and build your SoCal itinerary today!

Disneyland Resort Carsland Guests with Mater

1. Disneyland® and Disney’s California Adventure® (Anaheim)

A major draw for visitors to Southern California is the opportunity to visit Disneyland® and Disney’s California Adventure®. The newly-opened Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will take you to a galaxy far, far away. Pose for pictures in front of the iconic Cinderella’s Castle, meet the residents of Radiator Springs in Cars Land, and feel the thrill of Indiana Jones’ Adventure. Cap your visit off with a prime spot at the nightly parade.

Knott's Berry Farm Snoopy with Peanuts Gang

2. Knott’s Berry Farm (Buena Park)

California’s first theme park originated from a berry farm and still celebrates its iconic boysenberry today with treats like the famous boysenberry fun bun and the boysenberry pulled pork sandwich. In addition to mouth-watering food around every corner, you can test your nerve on roller coasters like the brand-new dive coaster, HangTime, and favorites like GhostRider and Montezooma’s Revenge. Little ones can enjoy more low-key thrills and tons of character encounters when they visit Camp Snoopy.

South Coast Plaza Girl with shopping bags

3. South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa)

Shop ‘til you drop at this Orange County shopping mecca where you’ll find brands like Burberry, Christian Louboutin, and Emporio Armani all under one roof. Book your own private stylist for a personal shopping day that’s all about you. Then, fuel up at dining favorites like Din Tai Fung and Darya Fine Persian Cuisine.

Universal Studios Tour with Explosion Set Piece

4. Universal Studios hollywood (Universal City)

From The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the brand-new Jurassic World - The Ride, you’ll become part of your favorite movies at this amusement park that’s devoted to movie fans of all ages. Take a behind-the-scenes studio tour to see how the movies come together and then enjoy the many live-action performances like the apocalyptic WaterWorld.

5. San Diego Zoo (San Diego)

For more than a century, people have flocked to the San Diego Zoo to learn about animals that they’ve never seen before. A zoo visit includes a ride on the Skyfari Aerial Tram, guided bus tour, and many live-animal shows where you can find out about the creatures that make their home there. Upgrade your day with the addition of a small group, up-close experience with one of the park’s unique species.

Temecula Valley Wine Tasting at Europa Winery at Sunset

6. Temecula Wine Tasting (Temecula)

Temecula Valley is Southern California’s wine region and the perfect place to spend the day getting to know all the local varietals. Take a self-guided tour to make your way through the area at your leisure, or leave the planning to an expert and book a guided tour. With over three dozen spots to visit, you’ll find small shops as well as large-scale growers waiting to welcome you.

Knott's Soak City Waterpark Family on Slide

7. Knott's Soak City (Buena Park)

Use the SoCal sun to your advantage and head over to this massive waterpark located right across the street from Knott’s Berry Farm. Knott’s Soak City, open seasonally offers lazy river and wave pool fun with miles of water slides for the adrenaline junkies. Tots can splash around at the Beach House where the slides are just their size.

Hornblower Cruises at Sunset in Newport Beach

8. Hornblower Brunch Or Dinner cruise (Newport Beach)

Start off your day aboard a luxury yacht as you cruise along the gorgeous Newport Harbor coastline. The Hornblower Brunch Cruise offers relaxing music, a full buffet, and champagne. For Dinner, enjoy a multicourse meal, first-class service, and after-dinner dancing for an unforgettable night. See this area of Southern California like you never have before—from the water.

9. Dinner Shows (Buena Park)

Become a part of the action at the many dinner shows offered in Buena Park from the pirate-themed Pirates Dinner Adventure to everyone’s favorite jousting and swordplay performance at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Even adults can get in on the action at the 5-course meal with variety acts at Teatro Martini.

Whale next to boat with Newport Landing Whale Watching Tour

10. Newport Landing Whale Watching (Newport Beach)

Whether you visit during the grey whale migration of winter and spring or during the summer and fall when Giant Blue whales are common, you’ll enjoy your day on the water with Newport Landing Whale Watching. While a sighting is not guaranteed, there are many species of whales and dolphins that live off these picturesque shores.

Make Buena Park Your Home Base

If your SoCal travels bring you to Orange County, Buena Park is an ideal option for your home base with loads of hotels to choose from. Families will love the convenient location, shuttle, and Snoopy tuck-in service on select rooms offered at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel. For those looking to travel with a large crew, choose the Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield Inn or the Hampton & Suites—both offering large rooms and a direct route to the beach down Beach Boulevard. If budget is at the top of your list, the Good Nite Inn and Best Host Inn are prime choices. CLICK HERE to check out ‘suite’ hotel deals. To start planning your Southern California vacation, today order your FREE Buena Park Travel Guide HERE.