Serendipitous Moments

For those who crave a mix of urban exploration, stunning natural landscapes, and a bit of relaxation, this 6-day road trip through Southern California offers the perfect balance. Whether you’re a wine lover, a desert explorer, or someone who enjoys charming small towns and scenic drives, this itinerary has something for everyone. From the vibrant streets of San Diego to the serene desert nights of Joshua Tree and the laid-back vibes of Palm Springs, this journey is all about soaking in the diverse beauty that Southern California has to offer.

Day 1: Arrival in San Diego

After landing in San Diego, we headed straight to the Gaslamp Quarter for a delicious meal, immediately getting a taste of the city’s vibrant atmosphere. From there, we took a short 30-minute drive north to Solana Beach for a hike through Annie’s Canyon. This unique slot canyon offered stunning views and just the right amount of adventure to start our trip. Later in the day, we visited La Jolla, where we were delighted to watch the playful sea lions basking on the rocks and explore the beautiful coastline. This combination of urban excitement, natural beauty, and wildlife was the perfect way to kick off our Southern California adventure.

Day 2: Temecula Wine Country

The next day, we took a scenic 1-hour drive to Temecula. We spent the morning exploring Old Town, filled with charming boutique shops, cafes, and historic buildings. In the afternoon, we treated ourselves to one of Temecula’s renowned wineries. The local wines and gourmet cuisine, enjoyed amidst the picturesque vineyards, made for an unforgettable day.

Day 3: Joshua Tree Bound

After a hearty breakfast at our hotel, we couldn’t resist visiting another winery in Temecula for a morning wine tasting. With our taste buds satisfied, we set out on a 1.5-hour drive to Joshua Tree. We had booked an Airbnb equipped with a BBQ and hot tub, which was perfect for a relaxing night under the stars. We did a short sunset hike with a coffee in hand and then immersed ourselves in the serenity of the desert was a welcome change of pace.

Day 4: Exploring Joshua Tree and Beyond

This day was dedicated to exploring Joshua Tree National Park. We drove along the park’s main road, stopping at various hikes and viewpoints, including the iconic Skull Rock. If we had more time and energy we would have driven about 1.5 hours southeast to the Salton Sea, an eerie but fascinating abandoned resort area. From there, we would have ventured to Borrego Springs to see the unique desert sculptures before driving another 1.5 hours to Palm Springs. However we moved slow and decided to skip the added stops and head straight to PS. We ended the day with a delicious dinner and a leisurely stroll through this stylish desert town, enjoying its laid-back vibe.

Day 5: Palm Springs Relaxation

We decided to take it easy on day five, starting with a relaxing morning by the pool. After brunch at one of Palm Springs’ charming eateries, we decided to skip a scenic hike through Tahquitz Canyon, where we had originally planned a picnic lunch surrounded by nature. Instead we took shopped around and then we drove 2 hours to Big Bear Lake, where we spent the night in preparation for the next day’s adventures.

Day 6: Big Bear Adventures

Big Bear Lake offered a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. We spent the morning paddleboarding on the calm waters before heading out for a hike on the Bradford Ridge to Deep Creek Hot Springs. Soaking in the natural hot springs, surrounded by the picturesque setting, was a highlight of the trip.

Day 7: Wrapping Up

On our final day, we started with a sunrise morning stroll at Boulder Bay, a picturesque spot perfect for soaking in the natural beauty of Big Bear. After breakfast we then headed out for the Alpine Slide for some added fun. Next we did a short hike through some fog, picking a bouquet as we went. And finally, we began the 2-hour drive back to Los Angeles, wrapping up our unforgettable Southern California adventure.

This trip was the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and enjoying some of Southern California’s finest food and wine. I highly recommend taking more time to further explore and enjoy some of the places we missed. As well going during the spring flower season for added beauty.