Located just north of Los Angeles, Ventura is a casual coastal city that offers visitors a wide variety of activities. With a year-round average daytime temperature of 70o, there’s never a bad time to visit Ventura.

Things to do in Ventura:

• Hit the beach. If you want to play in the sand and surf, you’ll find lots of great beaches in Ventura.

• Go outside and play. From hiking and biking trails to water sports at nearby Ventura River and Lake Casitas, there are lots of outdoor activities available. 

• Explore downtown Ventura. Walking through historic downtown Ventura will take you by many charming shops, restaurants, art galleries and more. 

Where to stay in Ventura

Ventura features several affordable hotels and motels, many within walking distance to the beach. For more information, click here (https://visitventuraca.com/hotels/). If you like camping on or near the beach, Ventura has several campgrounds for both tent and RV camping. You’ll find more information on camping here.  

Originally settled by the Spanish in 1804, Solvang, located in the Santa Ynez Valley, was formally founded by a community of Danish Americans in 1911. 
Visitors to Solvang often feel like they’ve stepped into the middle of a fairytale. Known for its Danish-inspired architecture, delicious Danish bakeries and quaint shops, this charming, old-world village offers visitors a unique experience hard to find outside of northern Europe. 

Things to do in Solvang:

• Stroll the village. Walking through Solvang and sampling the delightful bakeries, boutique shops and delicious restaurants is probably the most popular activity among visitors. 

• Visit historic churches. Visitors who appreciate historic architecture will enjoy visiting Old Mission Santa Inés & Bethania Lutheran. 

• Explore local museums. Solvang is home to several museums, many of which highlight the intersection of Danish and American culture.

Where to stay in Solvang

You can choose from several small- and medium-sized motels and hotels in Solvang. For a complete guide to lodging options, click here.

Located approximately halfway between the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo (SLO) attracts visitors from both ends of the state. First-time and repeat visitors alike are struck by this historic city’s natural beauty, mild weather and cultural attractions.

Things to do in SLO

• Discover downtown. Exploring SLO’s vibrant downtown area is an easy way to get your daily steps in. You’ll find unique shops and restaurants, as well as several bars serving regional wines and craft beers.

• Visit the mission. Founded in 1772 by missionary Junipero Serra, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was the fifth California mission and remains an active parish to this day. 

• Sample local wineries. Many highly regarded wineries call SLO County home. Several of them offer tastings and tours for up to 50% less than those found in Napa and Sonoma.

Where to stay in SLO

There are many budget-friendly motels in the SLO area, including several located close to downtown and other popular attractions. For a list of affordable motels, click here. 

If you crave fresh mountain air and outdoor adventures, you’ll find it all about two hours from Los Angeles. Big Bear Lake, Southern California's largest recreational lake, is a four-season destination. It is most popular during the winter ski season and most affordable during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. 

Things to do at Big Bear Lake:

• Catch your limit. Fish for trout, bass and catfish. Trout are abundant in the spring.

• Take a hike. Or ride your bike. Big Bear Lake has over 20 hiking trails. Most are rated easy or moderate but you can challenge yourself, too. Bike enthusiasts will find a number of mountain biking trails geared for everyone from beginners to experts. 

• Get out on the water. You can rent kayaks and stand-up paddle boards for affordable hourly rates at Pleasure Point Marina. 

If you’re visiting with friends, pontoon boats are also available. 

Where to stay in Big Bear Lake

In addition to motels and hotels, you can choose from resort cabins, bed and breakfast inns, condominiums as well as private homes and cabins. Many are pet friendly. You’ll find more information here.