If you reside in Southern California, what places do you go to when the weekend comes? San Diego and Los Angeles are among the most popular destinations to visit in Southern California, and perhaps you have visited those cities and explored all the attractions many times. The dramatic views of the Pacific coastline no longer impress you. Why don’t you do something different every week by visiting a new destination that is not in Southern California? If you have no idea where to go, you should continue reading this article to learn about the best weekend trips from Southern California. Start planning your itinerary for the next few weeks now.
1. Las Vegas, NV
Who has never heard of Las Vegas? Also known as Sin City, Las Vegas is one of the best places in the world with all kinds of entertainment. The best night clubs and casinos, among others, can be found in this city. Visit the Las Vegas Strip, where you can board the High Roller wheel to enjoy sweeping views of the city from high above, and also explore the massive casino hotels. But, other than being the hub of entertainment, you can also enjoy a nature retreat when you visit Red Rock Canyon National. Here, the beauty of red sandstones will take your breath away. It only takes four hours from Southern California.
2. Salt Lake City, Utah
Moving on from the state of Nevada, visit the State of Utah for one particular city - Salt Lake City. The capital of Utah is known for its various attractions, from museums and monuments to zoos and parks. Please your eyes with the lush landscape and colorful flowers at Red Butte Garden before entering the animal kingdom to see exotic animals from around the world at Hogle Zoo. Admire a stunning Mormon temple at Temple Square, which is nestled right in the heart of the city. It will be a long trip of 10 hours if you drive. Catch a flight for a shorter trip of approximately one hour.
3. Portland, OR
Oregon is worth visiting because of its largest city, Portland. Find your way to the Portland Japanese Garden, where you can take in the beautiful views of manicured plants along with a waterfall and a landscaped greenery. Have fun at Oregon Zoo, where you can observe the unique endangered animals. Washington Park is a must-visit destination if you are a fan of roses. The best way to travel to Portland from Southern California is by taking a two-hour flight.
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Dallas, TX
After Oregon, it is also interesting to visit Texas to explore Dallas. With a flight that lasts fewer than three hours, you will arrive at the center of commerce of the state. Indulge in some artsy time by visiting the Dallas Museum of Art, which features an impressive collection of artworks. Some of them are as old as 5,000 years old. Let the skyline of Dallas take your breath away when you get to see it from the observation deck at Reunion Tower.
California Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com
Tours by Stephanie
5. Colorado Springs
A trip to Colorado Springs may take a little bit longer as it takes about a four-hour flight to get there, but the city that sits at the foot of the Rocky Mountains is worth your time. Visit Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center to marvel at the gorgeous views of rock formations in different shapes and sizes. Feel heavenly when you see the waterfalls at The Broadmoor Seven Falls. Have the unique experience of visiting a zoo that is located at a high altitude: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
6. Albuquerque, NM
Visit New Mexico to explore its largest and most popular city Albuquerque. Sitting in a desert, the city is the hub of the American Indian culture. You will be able to see numerous shops that sell handicrafts made by Native Americans. To gain insights into the history of the tribe, visit The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. The Old Town is not something you would want to miss. Let the beauty of adobe buildings fill your heart and overwhelm your mind. When you set foot in the downtown area, you will be surprised to see how modern it is, as opposed to the Old Town area. Take a flight that lasts for not more than two hours to get to Albuquerque.
7. Phoenix, AZ
Just like Southern California, Arizona appeals to visitors for its warm and sunny temperature throughout the year. When visiting Arizona, the capital city of Phoenix is the place to stop and see. After taking an approximately one-hour flight, you will reach Phoenix to enjoy its attractions that are mostly related to nature. Papago Park is a paradise for hikers and animal lovers. You get the best of both worlds when you can enjoy a scenic hike and visit a zoo at the same time. If you are into deserts and cactus plants, visiting Desert Botanical Garden is a must.
8. Death Valley National Park
All national parks in the USA are stunning, including Death Valley National Park. After taking a one-hour flight, all the fatigue will melt when you are presented with colorful rocks, pine trees, sand dunes, and salt flats, among others. Badwater Basin and Titus Canyon are among the most popular features of the park.
9. Denver, CO
Welcome to the world of the Old West when you set foot in Denver, the capital city of Colorado. A two-hour flight is nothing compared to what you are going to see and enjoy in the city. Denver Art Museum’s stunning collection will blow your mind away. The 19th-century buildings that are scattered in Larimer Square are also worth admiring. See Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater to marvel at the red cliffs that surround an amphitheater.
10. Twin Falls, ID
Last but not least is Twin Falls in Idaho, which can be reached by taking a four-hour flight from Southern California. Indulge in unforgettable nature retreats when you visit Shoshone Falls Park to absorb the magnificent views of waterfalls and also enjoy boating. Snake River Canyon Rim Trail lets you admire the gorgeous canyon while walking or biking, and Perrine Memorial Bridge is where you can marvel at the Snake River.
Memorable weekend trips
So, as you can see after reading through the article, there are plenty of destinations that can be visited during the weekends if you are in Southern California. All the destinations are equally attractive and they will bring superb memories. Your weekends will now be colorful if you take the weekend trips from Southern California!
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
10 Best Meditation Retreats In California, USARyan Joshua -
-
-
-
-
-
Top 15 Weekend Trips From Buffalo, New York - Updated 2024Franchesca Judine -
-
Create an account to