5 Easy Weekend Road Trips for SoCal Locals

Sure, SoCal is great and it features some of the most incredible landmarks and tourist sights but you live there so the magic doesn’t feel the same. When the weekend arrives, do you find yourself thinking outside of Southern California but you don’t have the time to dedicate to a stay across state lines?

Let’s take a look at 5 easy weekend road trips that you can take outside of SoCal.

5. Fresno

In the San Joaquin Valley, you’ll find Fresno. This small town is home to the famous Forestiere Underground Gardens and Chaffee Zoo. The main attraction is, hands down, Yosemite National Park, which provides tourists with a look at impressive rock formations and waterfalls. A 3-day weekend is more than enough time to check out all of the local tourist attractions.

Sites to Check Out

• Yosemite National Park

• Forestiere Underground Gardens

• Chaffee Zoo

• Woodward Regional Park

• Shinzen Japanese Garden

4. Salinas

Salinas is a small town that has a slow-moving feel to it. The town is best known for being the home town of John Steinbeck, famous author and Nobel Prize winner. If you want a quiet weekend away from the city, Salinas is your destination.

Sites to Check Out

• National Steinbeck Center

• Toro Park

• Hilltown Ferry Historical Landmark

• Spreckels Memorial Park

• Closter Park

3. Monterey

Looking to escape SoCal but you want to stay close to the sea? Monterey might be your best bet. Nestled on the central coast, Monterey is another city made famous by novelist John Steinbeck. Just like Steinbeck’s novels, the town has maintained its coastal charm.

Sites to Check Out

• Monterey Bay Aquarium

• 17-mile Drive

• Monterey Bay

• Cannery Row

• Dali17 Museum

2. Big Sur

If you want to make the most of your weekend, why not start in Monterey and visit Big Sur on the way back to SoCal?

Located on California's Central Coast, Big Sur is satisfying to both mountain lover and beach bum. Big Sur allows you to enjoy the rugged coast of the state while admiring the seemingly endless mountains. Whether you go for the pictures, the surf, or the hike, Big Sur should be a definite stop on your list.

Sites to Check Out

• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

• Point Lobos

• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

• 17-mile Drive

• Bixby Creek Bridge

1. Lone Pine

Let’s be up front right away: There really isn’t much to do in Lone Pine in the way of shopping malls or nightlife. This is a destination for the SoCal resident who needs to get far away from tall buildings, traffic, and street performers. Lone Pine features plenty of amazing hikes and, most importantly, it’s the nearest city to Death Valley National Park.

Sites to Check Out

• Death Valley National Park

• Alabama Hills

• Museum of Western Film History

• Lone Pine Creek

• Mount Whitney Trail