Summer Day Trip Ideas For Every Personality
8 Southern California day trip ideas complete with mini itineraries
Hi everyone! I’m back after a week hiatus (I moved East side back to West side, oop!)
Per usual, I am feeling so much love for Southern California and all it has to offer. Today, we’re talking about SoCal summer day trips. This newsletter was originally 4 ideas and grew to 8 as I kept writing. There are so, so many ways to spend your summer days in LA, I know, but here are a few ideas for when you want to change it up and get outside the city center for a day. Enjoy, and share your favorite day trips with me by commenting below or replying directly to this email!
Walk the “Gilmore Girls” college campus and catch a James Turrell art installation at sunset - Pomona
Pomona College is truly one of the most stunning college campuses I’ve ever visited. It’s a dream! And it’s filled with cool art. Start at the Benton Museum of Art and catch their current exhibit, grab lunch at a cute cafe in town just off campus (everything is very walkable), and then stick around for sunset to experience James Turrell’s Skyspace to its full effect. I can’t even put into words!! It’s !!
Experience peak surfer + beach culture with a fish taco treat at the end of your visit - Newport Beach
I went to college in OC and it’s gotten immensely cooler since I lived there. More on that HERE. For your day in Newport Beach, order a coffee at Daydream and browse their vintage + homewares while you wait. Then, head to Via Lido for some more shopping. If you’re feeling more active, you can rent paddleboards or a duffy boat (I usually go through Newport Fun Tours) and cruise through the canals. No matter what - cap off your day at Bear Flag for the best fish tacos.
Ride a cute lil ferry for $1.50 and treat yourself to a frozen banana - Balboa Island
Am I obligated to mention Arrested Development if I talk about Balboa Island? Consider that my mention. Ride the ferry for $1.50 and grab a couple cute pics while your hair blows majestically in the wind. Walk along Bay Front Drive and pick out your future beachfront property. End your day strolling the shops on Marine Ave and grabbing a frozen banana at Sugar n’ Spice.
Chow down on some fresh seafood and shop a three-floor vintage store in this picture-perfect coastal town - Santa Barbara
Get your caffeine fix at Dune Coffee and then head to Blue Door for some excellent vintage curation. It’s three floors of gems and a (mostly) decent price point too! Once you’re shopped out, head down to the water for some clam chowder at Brophy Bros. It’s truly the best.
Take yourself on a California Architecture & Nature Appreciation Tour - Pasadena
Start with brunch at Agnes - I recommend the pimento cheese omelet or the fried green tomato sandwich. Next, head to Gamble House (*advance reservation required) and geek out on this beautiful arts and crafts home. Make a stop at the gift shop on your way out, that is not only filled with cool California memorabilia, but also holds maps for a self guided architecture tour - right behind Gamble. There are so many architecturally stunning homes in the area, it’s 100% worth adding into the itinerary! ALT: If you’ve already followed my previous advice to visit Gamble (ahem), head to the Huntington Library & Gardens for an equally beautiful, California appreciation-filled day.
Break a sweat and reward yourself with a waterfall + greasy diner food - Angeles National Forest
Eaton Canyon is one of my favorite hiking trails in the greater LA area, and its just the tip of the Angeles National Forest. I’m easily pleased with a trail that has a waterfall treat at the end. After, head down the hill to Millie’s Cafe and grab a patio seat for some fun people watching. The menu rivals Cheesecake Factory in terms of enormity, so there’s truly something for everyone.
Get lost in a humongous antique mall inside this small town, complete with a charming park & roundabout in the center - Orange
Okay, I’m very partial to the city of Orange because it’s where I went to college. Alas! It’s a huge destination for antique aficionados across the country. Get lost among the booths and booths of antique wares, and treat yourself to a delicious meal after - I recommend beers & charcuterie snacks at Provisions, or $1 dip + a salad the size of your face at Rutabegorz (and you must grab one of their cookies for the ride home).
Give yourself a taste of a coastal road trip and soak in the beauty of Central Coast wine country - Los Olivos + Santa Ynez
Start with lunch at Industrial Eats - every time I try to describe this place to someone, I’m at a loss for words. How about… really good farm to table rustic gourmet American food?? It’s very good and there’s something for everyone. Just trust me on this. Next, depending on your energy levels - go horseback riding in Santa Ynez, or head to Los Olivos for some wine tasting! My personal favorite stop is the Stolpman Fresh Garage. Also road trip note - make sure to take the 154 San Marcos Pass Rd route past Cachuma Lake for the ultimate California road trip experience vs the freeway. So so beautiful!
*BONUS* Pretend you drove up to Northern California and soak in this lush cliffside town - Rancho Palos Verdes
I covered this one in depth in a previous newsletter, see HERE for the lowdown. But the highlights: brunch at Yellow Vase, tour Wayfarer’s Chapel, and admire the gorgeous ocean views at Palos Verdes Estates Cliffs. Dreamy!
Ticket to Sarahdise Event Digest - Week of 7/10
Every week, I’m sharing events you should be checking out in LA. Here’s this week’s download!
Ghisallo and Jyan Isaac come together to introduce: Tre Mani - Another soft open, could it be?! Head to Ghisallo this Saturday 7/15 to taste test Tre Mani’s menu
Madhappy x Courage Bagels Limited Collab - in celebration of Madhappy x Courage’s new collection, you can order a crunchy California almond butter + Sqirl strawberry rose geranium jam + hot sea salt sesame bagel. (read: fancy fancy PB&J bagel) through the remainder of July. Yum!
Travel Like a Local Yelper - This one is a little further out but caught my eye! Yelp LA East and SFV is hosting a fun little rooftop gathering at Beaudry on 7/20. Link above for more info and tix.
You know the drill! Be sure to follow me on TikTok for even more LA content every week! Thanks for reading :)
Love love love ❤️💞💕