Glamping in Southern California

Southern California is a dream destination for couples, with endless sights and activities to enjoy alongside your other half. Take a walk through the stunning Balboa Park, which was founded in 1868 and is considered the “Central Park of the west coast.” The sprawling 1,400-acre grounds are home to 19 gardens, 17 museums, the largest pipe organ in the world, and an array of local flora and fauna. Couples won’t want to miss out on a visit to the Santa Monica Pier. The iconic pier is one of SoCal’s top attractions, with stunning beach and ocean views, an impressive food scene, and an amusement park.

The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles is one of the best free, family-friendly activities to do in the city. The center is home to several telescopes, where kids can observe and learn about the cosmos. There are also regular exhibits and live shows at the planetarium. While in the area, make sure to take a family hike up to the famed Hollywood sign!

San Diego is a wildly popular tourist destination and one of the state’s most interesting cities to visit. It is home to over 90 museums, 9 art districts, beautiful beaches, a historic quarter, and more. You can visit Disneyland, Disneyland Park, and Legoland, as well as the San Diego Zoo. Walk or bike around the Old Town District, or take a Segway or Trolley Tour. Be sure not to miss out on the 75-miles of sparkling coastline, where you can surf, swim, or laze around on the beach while soaking up the California sun.

After visiting Santa Barbara, you may not want to go home. This idyllic California city boasts year-round mild temps and sunny skies. Here you can visit post-card-worthy beaches, a variety of cultural attractions, world-class shopping, and fantastic restaurants. Be sure to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, the exotic gardens of Lotusland, and Shoreline Park.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss out on the chance to visit America’s hottest, driest, and lowest National Park. Despite the ominous sounding name, Death Valley National Park is filled with snow-capped mountains, sand dunes, canyons, oases, and a variety of wildlife. A visit to this unique park is a must for nature lovers!

Long Beach is a top pick for anyone seeking a quintessential Southern California experience. Just thirty minutes south of Los Angeles, this city boasts a thriving culture, palm-fringed beaches, museums, delicious cuisine, and an interesting history. Be sure to visit The Queen Mary, a historical landmark commemorating when Queen Mary made her trans-Atlantic journey on a lavish steamship in 1936. Whale watching is also a popular activity in Long Beach during the summer when the whales are migrating.

Located near Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is one of California’s most spectacular natural treasures. The park boasts an impressive variety of unique plants across a boulder-strewn desert landscape. Wander through the park and see the iconic Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees up close.

Many consider Santa Catalina Island one of California’s best kept secrets. It’s set on the Southern California coastline and boasts royal blue bays, a rich history, a diverse natural landscape, and spectacular beaches. It’s a one-hour ferry ride from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Newport Beach to Avalon in Catalina. There are very few cars on the island, so it’s best to get around on foot or by bicycle.

A visit to this park is a must! Known as the “Land of the Giants,” the park is home to mountains, deep canyons, colossal Sequoia trees, and a series of caverns. You can either hire a native guide for a guided tour of the park, or you can do a self-guided tour. It’s not every day that you get to see a 3,000-year-old tree!