Hi there!
Summer is just a few weeks away! If you’re still thinking through your travel plans, I put together a mini guide to six of my favorite summer vacation-worthy destinations in California. Hopefully it can inspire you to book a trip and get out and explore this summer!
Quick note: this email contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on the URL and make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
Cambria
Make your way to the Central Coast for a little getaway to Cambria. This charming, slow-paced town is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, and is the perfect destination for a relaxing coastal escape. You can also tack this on to a longer California Central Coast vacation – Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles are all less than an hour away!
Things to do in Cambria:
- Stroll down the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
- Enjoy a coastal hike at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
- Do a tour of Hearst Castle (in nearby San Simeon - be sure to book tickets in advance!)
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is one of those places I can go back to time and time again. The coastal city boasts gorgeous architecture, amazing eateries and bars (including an excellent wine scene!), and of course, beautiful beaches.
Speaking of wine…if you’re visiting for a few days, I highly recommend exploring the Santa Ynez Valley (Santa Barbara’s wine region) during your trip! Spend a day in Solvang, or book a guided vineyard tour (they can even pick you up at your accommodation in Santa Barbara!).
Things to do in Santa Barbara:
- Tour the historic courthouse
- Shop on State Street
- Visit local wine tasting rooms in The Funk Zone (Pali Wine Co. is a personal favorite!)
- Explore the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
- Have a beach day at Arroyo Burro Beach
- Get out on the water and enjoy a guided kayak tour
For the perfect short getaway, check out my Santa Barbara weekend itinerary!
Idyllwild
Let’s go inland for more of a mountain escape. Idyllwild is the ultimate destination for a peaceful getaway. Book a stay at a charming cabin, and spend your time hiking, soaking up the natural beauty, and exploring the cute town.
Things to do in Idyllwild:
- Hike the Idyllwild Park Trail, Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail, or the Deer Springs Trail to Suicide Rock (some trails require permits - I share more in my Idyllwild guide)
- Walk around Lake Fulmor
- Get a beer at Idyllwild Brewpub
Lake Tahoe
Famous for its stunning, electrifyingly blue water, Lake Tahoe is a must-visit for a summer lakeside vacation. It boasts incredible hiking trails, as well as endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Things to do in Lake Tahoe:
- Hike the Rubicon Trail at Emerald Bay State Park (this is a must-do!)
- Do a scenic cruise of Lake Tahoe
- Tour the Vikingsholm Castle
- Watch the sunset at Sand Harbor Beach
- Check out the picturesque Secret Cove & Chimney Beach
- Go kayaking
Malibu
The ultimate spot for a sun-soaked beach vacation! I recommend renting a vacation home, or checking into one of the luxe hotels in the area (The Surfrider and Calamigos Ranch are on my bucket list!). Beyond spending time at the beach, you can explore the local hikes and check out some iconic Malibu sites.
Things to do in Malibu:
- Have a beach day at El Matador Beach, Surfrider Beach, or Zuma Beach
- Hike at Point Dume or Charmlee Wilderness Park
- Dine at Malibu Farms on the Malibu Pier
- Tour the historic Adamson House
- Book private surf lessons
- Visit the Getty Villa (good news: it’s been closed since the Palisades Fire in January, but is set to reopen on June 27th!)
I just published a guide comparing Malibu and Santa Barbara. Check it out if you’re deciding which is best for your beach vacation!
Carmel-by-the Sea & Monterey
Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea are just a 15-minute drive away from each other, so you can easily book accommodations in one of these cities and explore both!
Despite being so close, these scenic coastal towns have completely different vibes. Carmel is an upscale town that feels like it was plucked out of a fairytale, while Monterey has a more laid-back feel.
One thing to note: you may run into some summer coastal fog during your visit! Typically, the fog will dissipate by the early afternoon, and then return in the evening.
Things to do in Carmel & Monterey:
Want to see Big Sur, Monterey, & Carmel-by-the-Sea all in one trip? I have a jam-packed 3-day itinerary that hits all of these spots!
Do you have any summer travel plans? Hit reply and let me know - I’d love to hear from you!
Safe travels & happy almost summer!
Kyra, Sea to Sequoia
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