Hearst Castle (San Simeon, CA)
Hearst Castle is located on the northern part of Southern California. There are not a lot of main attractions near that area, but Hearst Castle itself is able to attract millions of visitors each year. It has various collections of arts and antiques that are open for public tours. If you think that Hearst Castle is like other normal museums, then think again. Their tours are amazing and it is unlike any other museums in the United States. Hearst Castle is so big that they section off the tours. So if you want to tour more of Hearst Castle, then you will probably need to pay more.
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Joshua Tree National Park
Do you love the outdoors and camping? If so, then Joshua Tree National Park is for you. There are two distinct desert ecosystems and if you think there is nothing in a desert, then you haven’t been to Joshua Tree. There are Ranger Programs you can attend to learn more about the park itself or go on guided tours. In addition, you can go hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, camping, wildflower viewing, birding, stargazing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and even do a geology motor tour. Once you are there, you can see millions of stars and amazing rock formations. The summer times can get really dry and hot so remember to stay hydrated.
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Potato Chip Rock (Ramona, CA)
To see this famous Potato Chip Rock, it will require some work. Grab a pair of comfortable shoes, lots of water bottles, and a dog (if you have one). This is one of the many Southern California attractions that will require you to do an 8-mile round-trip hike. Some parts of the trail can be very steep, narrow, and rocky, so be careful doing this hike. Once you make it up, you will have an incredible view of the surrounding valley. The only con about this attraction is that sometimes, depending on the time of day you arrive, there will be a long line to actually be on the Potato Chip Rock and take photos. If you get there extremely early, you might get the entire rock to yourself. This one hike can be challenging, but will be rewarding at the end.
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Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve (Huntington Beach, CA)
This 1,300-acre coastal estuary is wonderful for wildlife viewing, hiking, and tours. It is located in Huntington Beach and is perfect for bird watching. There are more than 200 avian species just located in this area. Also, perfect for photographers who want nature shots in a tranquil environment. If you are overwhelmed by the crazy city life, this place is worth the travel and explore, peacefully. Once you recouped, you can head over to the beach for recreation, shopping, and eating.
Stay tune for more Southern California attractions. We will add more to this list.