With social distancing and mask mandates still in place, it might be best to take day trips to satisfy your hunger for exploration! With so much to offer, Southern California is the perfect place for this! If you’ve got a car, you’ve got a ticket to some of the best food, parks, wilderness and wine country the state has to offer!
Best Day Trips from the Foothill Communities:
Redlands: Drive time: 1 hour.
Don’t miss the charm of old town or the Redlands Bowl! Click here for the best 15 things to do in Redlands.
Irvine: Drive time: 45 minutes.
Perfect for the whole family, you could visit the OC Great Park, ride the ferris wheel at the Spectrum, hang out at Pretend City, or visit some of the wildlife sanctuaries or Tanaka Farms. Pro tip: grab lunch at Houston’s or Lemonade just off the 405 at Michelson. Click here for the best activities in Irvine!
Ventura: Drive time: 1 hour.
This beach town is experiencing a renaissance of sorts. It’s laid back beach vibe goes well with the new breweries and restaurants popping up. It’s also the gateway to the Channel Islands National Park, and has its own mission and botanic garden. World class surfing and a gorgeous paved bike path to Ojai are other highlights. Click here for the Top 15 things to do in Ventura!
San Clemente: Drive time: 1 hour 15 minutes.
You might know it as the home to the Rainbow sandals factory and store which make it worth a trip alone! But San Clemente is also great beaches, the Surfing Heritage & Culture center, great outlet shopping, a gorgeous downtown, lots of coastal trails, and plenty of breweries and good food. It’s not quite OC and not quite SD… San Clemente is unique! Click here for the best things to do in San Clemente.
Temecula: Drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes.
We all know that Temecula’s wine region has grown exponentially in the last ten years, but did you know that the quality of the wine has improved too? If you can get off the beaten path you will be rewarded with vintages that rival the best of Paso Robles & Napa. In addition, old town boasts plenty of delicious restaurants, bars and clubs to keep you well fed and entertained. We highly recommend a trip! Click here for the best of Temecula.
If you have other recommendations for day trips from the foothill communities, please leave us a comment below and let us know your favorite destinations!
