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)

Fun is always in season at California’s original theme park, Knott's Berry Farm. Explore 160 acres of world-class rides, shows, restaurants and attractions in four themed areas: Ghost Town, Fiesta Village, The Boardwalk and Camp Snoopy. Adrenaline junkies can test their limits on more than a dozen scream-inducing rides. Hop on Ghostrider – the longest, fastest and tallest wooden roller coaster on the West Coast. Drop down over 200 feet in three seconds flat on Supreme Scream, or go all out on Hangtime, California’s first dive coaster.

3. KNOTT'S SOAK CITY (BUENA PARK)

Just next door to Knott’s Berry Farm, cool off at Knott’s Soak City, a 15-acre water park with waterslides, a wave pool, a lazy river, shaded cabanas and delicious dining options. Orange County’s largest outdoor water park boasts 23 waterslides, a 750,000-gallon wave pool, and one of the world’s longest water park lazy rivers, Sunset River. The three-story Beach House features interactive fun in the form of 200 water guns, nozzles, sprayers and other surprises. Plus, younger kids can enjoy hands-on water play at Gremmie Lagoon.

4. 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.

5. HUNTINGTON BEACH, SURF CITY USA

Only 15 miles down Beach Boulevard to Huntington Beach and its famous pier. This white sandy beach has been long-touted as one of the best beaches in America. Sunbathe and watch surfers, check out the World's Largest Surfboard, ride bikes along the boardwalk or roast marshmallows over a bonfire.

6. 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.

7. 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.

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.

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 a dueling piano bar at Beach Boulevard Club, everyone’s favorite jousting and swordplay performance at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament.See this area of Southern California like you never have before—from the water.

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.

After a long day of excitement, choose from over a dozen comfortable and affordable hotels in Buena Park. Check out our ‘suite’ hotel and ticket deals. To start planning your SoCal vacation, order your FREE Buena Park Travel Guide.

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Riders on HangTime ride at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA