The Best Places To Visit in Southern California 2023

10. Dinny and Mr. Rex

It's hard not to notice 100ft tall dinosaurs on the side of the highway! At least that is what restaurant owner and artist Claude Bell was hoping when built a gigantic replica of a Brontosaurus (with a gift shop inside) called Dinny from left over materials from construction of the nearby I-10 freeway to attract diners to his Wheel Inn Restaurant in 1964. He would add a second dinosaur, a Tyrannosaurus Rex named Mr. Rex, in 1981. Originally Mr. Rex had a slide inside but because of safety concerns it was eventually removed and plastered over.

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9. Pioneertown

Though it’s always been a destination for those in the know, in recent years the town has been experiencing something of a renaissance—artists, entrepreneurs, and just regular folks looking to escape city stress are finding their way here. Longtime standby the Pioneertown Motel, a rustic, single-story 20-room inn, has been updated with fire pits, an outdoor bar, and hammocks; it and La Copine, an upscale eatery in nearby Flamingo Heights are contributing to the area’s newfound reputation as a hip getaway.

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8. Kern County Museum

The Kern County Museum is administered by the Kern County Museum Foundation, a 501c3 organization under an operating agreement with the County of Kern. The Aera Energy Gallery, housed in the historic Chamber of Commerce building, is home to the History of the Golden Empire Exhibit which provides a detailed outline of Kern County’s history and agricultural significance. The outdoor complex, Pioneer Village, contains more than 50 buildings, including historic structures that represent different aspects of the County’s history, and several facilities for administration, maintenance of the grounds, exhibits, and artifacts. The Museum supports the concept of lifelong learning, offering a variety of programs targeted to specific ages and interests, along with programs families can enjoy together.

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7. Calico Ghost Town

If you have ever traveled from Los Angeles to Las Vegas vi the I-15 freeway you nave probably noticed the name Calico formed out of white rocks atop a mountain just outside of Barstow. If you ever found yourself curious enough to forgo your Vegas activities for a hour or so and detoured off the highway to discover just what is up with those rocks you would discover an unearthly looking site that was once a silver mining town. The structures range from what anyone would recognize as traditional western dwellings to others built directly into the rocky hills that would look just as much at home on Mars as they do here in the California desert.

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6. Griffith Park Observatory

Griffith Observatory's unique architecture and setting, compelling programmatic offerings, and cinematic exposure have made it one of the most famous and visited landmarks in southern California. Tens of millions have come to walk the inside of the building, view the live planetarium shows, or simply gaze out towards the coast and the heavens. This cultural and scientific icon owes its existence to the dream of one man, Griffith Jenkins Griffith, and to the dedicated scientists and public servants who worked to fulfill his vision of making astronomy and observation accessible to all.

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5. Big Bear Lake

It is easy to forget that Los Angeles and the heavily populated Inland Empire are just a reasonable drive away from this location. That being said, local residents normally don't venture up to the lake in great numbers in the summertime surprisingly. You can honestly visit the area and be alone to experience nature in peace. It's a beautiful piece of unmolested natural beauty on the edge of the America's second largest city.

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4. Southern California Railway Museum

The Southern California Railway Museum covers over 100 acres. In 1956, This southwest Riverside County landmark relocated to Perris, California. The Museum is home to a vast collection of historical locomotives, railcars, trolleys, 3-foot gauge, model trains and so much more. The Museum hosts a number of events throughout the year. Train and Trolley operate every weekend; tickets are available in the Gift Store. The Museum Venue is available for Corporate and Private events.

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3. Old Town Orange

Repeatedly voted Orange County’s favorite downtown, the streets of Old Towne Orange are lined with antique and collectibles dealers, specialty shops, art galleries, and restaurants. With its central Plaza Park, it has been the gathering place for Orange residents and visitors for more than a century.

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2. Rose Bowl Flea Market

For over 50 years the Rose Bowl Flea Market has been the most well-attended and vendor-profitable flea market in the entire country. The market is known all over the world because of its uniqueness, the quality of vendors, and great shoppers of all ages. We can’t think of a better place to have a great outdoor experience than the Rose Bowl AMERICA’S STADIUM.

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 1. Crescent Bay Point/Crescent Bay Beach

Crescent Bay Beach and the Crescent Bay Point that overlooks it is one of my favorite places on Earth. The beach itself is a true hidden gem. While most SoCal beaches are filled with people during the summer Crescent Bay is seldom ever crowded due to the fact that it is hard to get to and frankly, aside from locals, no one even knows its there. You won't find this local in any travel magazine or tourist publication.The beach is quiet, the water is clean and there is cove on the southern end filled with sea shells. It's the the perfect place to sun bathe, swim or even boogie board. The location is clean and there are ample restroom facilities. It's the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon of fun or if you visit during the winter months it's a great place to unwind, meditate or just get away from people due to the fact it is mostly deserted.

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