Break Away from the Norm With These Top 10 SoCal Experiences
Southern California may be known for its great weather, beautiful beaches, and amazing surf, but when you want to experience more than the average tourist, you need to look a little deeper. From music festivals to touring the coast by helicopter, there’s something for everyone. Check out the top ten bucket list items that Southern California has to offer.
Supercars
When you have a taste for the finer things in life, nothing says extravagant like renting a supercar for the day. Or week. Or however long you’re in town. From Ferraris to Lamborghinis to McLarens and everything in between, cruise along the coast in style. With many locations throughout Orange County and Los Angeles, supercar rental dealers understand your needs to give you the best possible experience.
Race Tracks
While driving fast cars may be enough for some, it won’t be for everyone. Take it one step further and hit a local race track for a track day or performance school. With a handful of tracks in Southern California, from Willow Springs, Buttonwillow, Chuckwalla, and more, each has something unique to offer. Some tracks offer daily track time with open sessions for drivers to bring their own vehicles. Others may provide cars, and some offer classes to hone your skills and push the pedal to the metal.
Night Runs
Not everyone is cut out for a normal 5K or 10K marathon. Spice up the norm and participate in a night run! Happening in cities all across the country, and many in Southern California, these runs combine the untimed races with a party at the finish line. Dance to top DJs and party the night away with glow gear giveaways. The run itself takes place under the stars, bright area lights, and lasers, all the while music plays to keep runners motivated.
Music Festivals
If you do one thing in Southern California, attend one of the many local music festivals. From Coachella to Stagecoach, there’s a festival for fans of nearly any music genre. Most SoCal festivals span the course of a weekend, and have an immersive cultural experience. Pitch a tent, stay locally, and enjoy the amazing music, food, and everything else the various SoCal festivals have to offer.
Helicopter Tours
California is one of the most diverse states in the country, and driving through wine country or up and down the coast can’t give you the full perspective. The solution? Helicopter tours. Explore LA, Orange County, San Diego, and more from this unique perspective. Soar above the coast, take in the different city skylines, and more. Tour duration can vary by city, but step outside the box and see Southern California in a way many people have never.
Rock Climbing
The Southern California coast, along with the rock peaks scattered through out the region, are home to a healthy rock climbing culture. When you want to be more physical and try something new, rock climbing is a great experience. Whether you want to have a casual climb or more advanced climb, there’s opportunity for every level of climber.
Hiking
With beautiful weather year round, stunning scenery in almost every city, Southern California is home to some of the best hiking trails. Local trails give rise to both casual and serious hikers alike. Low-impact trails, difficult mountain treks, and dog-friendly paths offer a wide array of opportunities for those seeking to experience nature first hand and explore new areas away from the hustle of the city.
Wine Tasting
While Northern California is known for its wine, Southern California vineyards are coming into their own and offer plenty of activities for everyone. Stay for the weekend at most vineyards to enjoy a number of different tastings, dinners paired with various vintages, explore the land, and learn what goes into making a bottle of wine. When you want to get away from the city, or try something new, local vineyards provide a great opportunity.
Dinner Cruises
The California coast is littered with harbors and bays that invite opportunity with every yacht. Southern California is host to a number of liners that offer weekend dinner cruises. Whether you want to enjoy a fully immersive dinner or a cocktail hour, there’s something to fit everyone. Casual and black tie events are held on a weekly and monthly basis, catering to both locals and those visiting alike. When you’ve explored everything that land has to offer, it’s time to hit the sea.
Action Sport Trifecta
Perhaps the most unique adventure you can undertake in Southern California is the action sports trifecta: surf, snow, and sand. Start your day at the beach and catch some waves before heading to the mountains to catch some midday runs down the slopes. Pack up and head to the desert and enjoy all your motocross, atv, and dune buggy adventures. Because of Southern California’s unique and diverse landscape, it’s one of the only places in the U.S. where you can hit three different environments in one day.
