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Ideas for a Southern California Near-cation ➡️
California, United States
Travel close-to-home with these great ideas for a near-cation in Southern California.
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1. Ventura, the Pacific coast gem
Ventura, California, United States
Drive time from Los Angeles: 1.25 hours / Drive time from San Diego: 3 hours Find inspiration and things to do in Ventura in the link above.
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Visit Surfer's Point, one of California's premier surfing spots.
Shoreline Dr
Ventura, CA
Surfer's Point is one of the many great beaches in Ventura, so visit as many as you can! Click the link for more information on Surfer's Point and Ventura's other great beaches.
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Go swimming, surfing, or fishing at the beautiful Emma Wood State Beach.
Pacific Coast Hwy
Ventura, CA
Emma Wood State Beach is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, fishing, and camping. Enjoy wildlife-watching and the view of the Channel Islands off the shore of the beach. Click the link for information on Emma Wood State Beach and its current camping availability.
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Enjoy a tasty treat at Coastal Cone & Parlor on the Ventura Harbor.
1583 Spinnaker Dr
Ventura, CA
Monday:
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday:
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday:
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Choose from over 40 ice cream flavors for the perfect cone or sundae, or enjoy a delicious burger from the Parlor. For the menu and more information on Coastal Cone & Parlor, click the website link.
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2. Mojave National Preserve
90942 Kelso Cima Rd
Kelso, CA
Monday:
Open 24 hours
Tuesday:
Open 24 hours
Wednesday:
Open 24 hours
Thursday:
Open 24 hours
Friday:
Open 24 hours
Saturday:
Open 24 hours
Sunday:
Open 24 hours
Drive time from Los Angeles: 3.25 hours / Drive time from San Diego: 3.75 hours Mojave National Preserve is a camper's paradise. It has no in-park lodging but has lots of great roadside camping areas and campsites. Click the website link for camping information and to plan your visit.
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Wander across one of the highest dunes in America.
San Bernardino County, CA
Kelso Dunes are America's third highest dune system. Capture stunning photos as the sand glows pink at dusk and dawn.
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Take the Rings Loop Trail out to Hole-in-the-Wall.
San Bernardino County, CA
Rings Loop Trail is one of the many trails to hike out to Hole-in-the-Wall. The iron rings embedded in the rock give hikers handholds and footholds to ascend Banshee Canyon's steep walls. Click the website link to plan your visit.
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Hike to the top of 5,775-foot Teutonia Peak.
Cima Rd
San Bernardino County, CA
Hike through one of the world's densest Joshua tree forests as you make your way to the top of Teutonia Peak. For more information on hiking to Teutonia Peak, click the website link.
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3. Temecula Valley, Southern California Wine Country
Temecula, CA
Drive time from Los Angeles: 1.75 hours / Drive time from San Diego: 1 hour This grape-rich region of Temecula lies north of San Diego. The valley boasts over 40 vineyards. For visitor information, click the website link.
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Take a hot air balloon ride over Temecula's beautiful wine country.
34567 Rancho California Rd
Temecula, CA
For tour times, tickets and more information, click the website link.
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Wake up in the vineyards at Carter Estate Winery & Resort.
34450 Rancho California Rd
Temecula, CA
Monday:
Open 24 hours
Tuesday:
Open 24 hours
Wednesday:
Open 24 hours
Thursday:
Open 24 hours
Friday:
Open 24 hours
Saturday:
Open 24 hours
Sunday:
Open 24 hours
Carter Estate Winery & Resort's rooms give guests direct access to vineyards from your patio. Click the website link to book your stay.
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Play a round of golf at Temecula Creek Inn's 27-hole championship course.
44501 Rainbow Canyon Rd
Temecula, CA
Play a round of golf in a scenic setting. Click the website link to explore Temecula Creek Inn's golf courses and book a tee time.