Planning your Southern California summer calendar of fun is easy. From pristine sandy beaches to world-class cultural attractions and a unique ecosystem for hiking, biking and enjoying the great outdoors, you’ll never run short of new and exciting destinations to discover and explore.
Expand your horizons by visiting these seven area attractions before summer’s up and it’s time to hit the books again. In between adventures, check out our beautiful selection of ready-now Southern California homes. New homes inspired by you and fun summertime activities to help you love where you live!
So Cal Community in the Spotlight
With so many fantastic cities to choose from, it can be hard to narrow it down and make a final decision on where you’d like to buy. Consider taking a look at Irvine real estate. One visit to the Orange County Great Park and the process might just get a whole lot easier.
Houses for sale in Irvine, CA offer an exceptional lifestyle balance, especially at communities located in Great Park neighborhoods, such as Muse at Cadence Park. From the incredible sports complex to the farmers market, art facilities and forward-thinking farm + food lab, the Great Park pushes one of America’s most livable cities to new heights.
A Taste of the Old World in Southern California
The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades is an art museum like you’ve never experienced. More than just a collection of exhibition rooms and galleries, the Getty Villa itself is a major part of the attraction. Designed as a replica of the ancient Villa dei Papiri, the museum recreates the feel of an opulent Roman country home that dates to when it was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Herculaneum in 79 A.D. The complex includes ornate Roman gardens and an informative 40-minute tour will transport you back in time to the luxury of the Roman Empire.
Your visit to the two collections that span 7,000 years of history offers the unique chance to see these treasured antiquities in context. Exhibitions rotate to keep the experience fresh and the café serves Mediterranean-inspired fare with the option for outdoor seating to take advantage of the gorgeous summer weather. Be sure to stop by the Getty Villa store for books, jewelry and unique gifts.
The Getty Villa
- 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
- (310) 440-7300
Ride the Strand
Enjoy a fabulous all-day workout with spectacular ocean views as you tug the coastline on two wheels along the famed Santa Monica Beach Path. Also known as The Strand, this paved trail offers up to 40-mile round-trip excursions through Marina del Rey and King Harbor at Redondo Beach.
Pack a picnic or stop for a bite in Manhattan Beach while you watch the surfers ride the waves. Don’t own bikes? No problem, there’s a wide selection of bicycle rental shops in the Santa Monica area where you can rent one.
Shops and restaurants are available all along the path, but remember to bring sunscreen and water.
- Santa Monica Beach Path
- Torrance Beach to Will Rogers State Beach
Say Hello to Hollywood by Exploring Runyon Canyon
When people think of Hollywood, a beautiful day hike isn’t typically what comes to mind – but at Runyon Canyon, you can enjoy sweeping views from Catalina Island to the Santa Monica Mountains and maybe spot a celebrity along the way!
Choose from three different routes ranging from 1.6 to 3.5 miles. There’s a total incline of 500 feet so it’s not flat, but certainly doable for hikers of all skill levels. Note: Bathrooms are not available in the park and there are no permanent vendors. Be sure to plan accordingly and pack what you need for a safe day on the trail.
Runyon Canyon
- 2000 N Fuller Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046
- (818) 243-1145
Classic So Cal Summer Fun
It doesn’t get any more iconic than soaking up the excitement of the famed Santa Monica Pier. From rides to concerts, events, games, food and a beautiful aquarium, the pier has been an emblem of good times on the Southern California coast since 1909. Come for the thrills or bring your fishing pole to plunk a line in the Santa Monica Bay. Walk the pier with your feet above the waves or rent a bicycle to cycle down the beach.
Check the activities calendar online for outdoor movies and other free events.
Santa Monica Pier
- 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- (310) 458-8900
Escape to Nature
Find your natural oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of urban Southern California. Neatly tucked away between the San Gabriel River and the 605 Freeway, El Dorado Nature Center offers visitors the chance to unwind and explore 100+ acres of forested areas including two lakes and a stream.
Bring your walking shoes and enjoy a sanctuary of flora and fauna. A visitors center, gallery and gift shop are available onsite and the trails are open Tuesday through Sunday, 8am to 5pm.
El Dorado Nature Center
- 7550 East Spring Street, Long Beach, CA 90815
- (562) 570-1745
Find Your Wave at Surf City
Pack your beach bag and join thousands of other beachgoers on 3.5 miles of pristine shoreline at Huntington Beach. A perfect fit when you’re searching for a lively atmosphere, this popular oceanside destination offers lifeguards, camping, a special dog beach, beach volleyball and an annual calendar loaded with special events.
Huntington Beach
- Beach Headquarters, 103 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5183
- (714) 536-5281
Keep Reading: California Beaches Near Me
Support Conservation with a Visit to the San Diego Zoo
Take advantage of living within driving distance of one of the world’s premier zoos. Enjoy a laugh with all your favorite animals as you support the San Diego Zoo in their quest to end extinction. A portion of every dollar you spend at the zoo helps their conservation efforts. Ride the Skyfari Aerial Tram and take part in live shows or thrilling films at the 4-D theater. From shopping to dining and gorgeous botanical gardens, there’s something for everyone.
Looking for a unique way to get more out of your visit to the zoo? Try one of many upgraded experiences including up close animal encounters, early morning photo tours, special guided tours and more.
San Diego Zoo
- 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
- (619) 231-1515
Enjoy Your Summer
From all of us at Taylor Morrison, we wish you a safe and happy summer.
