I don't feel the need to visit the same place year after year or even frequently, but California is an exception. Teresa's sister has lived there for 30+ years, initially in Santa Monica and most recently in Malibu. The combination of family, beautiful weather and lots to do has made it our go-to travel destination. Over the past 30 years, we have travelled to Southern California at least once, sometimes twice a year. When combined with frequent business trips while I was working, it is definitely our most travelled-to destination. If you have read my other travel posts you know that Southern California also meets an important criterion for vacations - mingling with tourists and locals. Of course, if you visit Disney in Anaheim there are crowds of tourists. But there are other sites, attractions and restaurants in the Greater Los Angeles area where you're just as likely to see residents as visitors.
We recently came home from a 5+ week vacation to Hawaii and Southern California. I am going to cover the Southern California portion of our trip here (there is a separate post for Hawaii). We decided to stop at a few different places this time. We visited Pacific Beach, San Diego, Temecula, Joshua Tree and Malibu (with a quick stop in Vegas). Definitely, the best part of the trip was visiting family in Malibu and celebrating Teresa's 65th birthday with her sister and our brother-in-law. However, since not everyone has family in California, here are our next 10 favourite things.
1. Sightseeing - Santa Monica Pier - https://www.santamonicapier.org. Definitely one of our go-to destinations each time we visit. You can combine this with walking or cycling along the beach and exploring downtown Santa Monica but make sure you take the time to walk the whole length of the pier. There are great photo opportunities looking north, south and west off the pier, including the sign indicating the end of Route 66 https://www.nps.gov/subjects/travelroute66/index.htm. At the entrance to the pier, there is a historic carousel that is worth a ride on even if you do not have children. It's also been in many movies and TV shows. Although most of the eating places on the pier are very touristy, the one exception is JapaDog - https://japadog.com/. A food cart that serves hotdogs with Japanese topping. A must-try if you are hungry.
Make sure you walk to the end of the pier to get the total experience
Beautiful views from the pier. This one looks north.
2. Sightseeing - Walking between the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach - This is one of my favourite walks anywhere. I have walked/run this route on my own, with Teresa, with our children and with my good friends Joe and Mike during a birthday trip. It takes about 35 minutes one way along the paved walkway, although will likely take longer if you stop for photos and people-watching. Close to the pier, there are people working out and performing various gymnastic exercises. While doing research for this post, I discovered that this area is called The Original Muscle Beach - Santa Monica - https://www.santamonica.com/things-to-do/original-muscle-beach-santa-monica/. Not to be confused with Muscle Beach Venice https://www.musclebeachvenice.com/ where Arnold Schwarzenegger started his bodybuilding career. Anyways, I recommend you visit both. As you get closer to Venice the area gets increasingly seedier but still safe. We have never shopped or eaten here, but if you are hungry make sure to try The Rose Venice https://www.therosevenice.la/. It's about a 10-minute walk from the beach where you can enjoy the backyard patio for breakfast or lunch.
3. Dining - The Rooftop by JG - https://waldorfastoriabeverlyhills.com/dining/the-rooftop-by-jg/. For Teresa's birthday, her sister and husband took us out for a very (read very very) special meal at The Rooftop by JG. First a tip. Given it was February we went for lunch. The rooftop views of the city were incredible. If we had gone for dinner it would have been dark, and although the city lights might have been nice, I don't think they would compare to the views we had at noon. The phrase "over the top" was invented for this restaurant. The food, service, ambiance, and scenery (and prices) are incredible - definitely "a special time out". Thank you, Maureen and Satoru for what was a birthday celebration we will not forget.
Definitely, a special time celebrating Teresa's birthday with family at The Rooftop by JG
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4. Destination - Temecula - https://www.visittemeculavalley.com/ - Temecula is a city of just over 100,000 people, an hour northeast of San Diego. I visited Temecula when I was working and thought it would be a great stop for Teresa and me. It is a beautiful wine region, with golf courses, hiking, hot air ballooning, cycling and a quaint old town. I would say if you are looking for a quick getaway break or a stop on a longer vacation in California, Temecula is the perfect place to visit. Great weather, lots to do and it's close to San Diego. Unlike Napa (which I have not visited for a long time), the wine area is small and easily accessible. I would guess most of the wineries were within a 15-30 minute drive from our Airbnb. We really enjoyed Temecula and I will provide a list of things we did at the end of this post.
5. Special Event - Las Vegas - Bruno Mars - Hell's Kitchen - Yes I know Vegas is not in Southern California. While planning our trip we checked to see if there was a hockey game in Vegas - we have always wanted to see the Vegas Knights. Unfortunately, it was the All-Star break so no hockey. However, we did discover that Bruno Mars was in concert. After a very (very very) long wait on the Ticketmaster site and a big hit to my credit card, we had tickets. It was totally worth the wait and the cost. The show was amazing and was an added bonus to our trip, aka Teresa's 65th birthday tour. For dinner, we went to Hell's Kitchen. I am not a Food Network groupie or a big Gordon Ramsay fan but the restaurant was entertaining. Touristy and loud the food was delicious, and the service was great. They have a red and blue kitchen just like the TV show. Definitely glad we went.
Lots of fun (and good food) at Hell's Kitchen in Vegas
6. Hiking - Joshua Tree National Park - Panorama Loop - https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/48088667?source_impression_id=p3_1678475846_SJA%2BzJnA0%2B7AVl%2BC. Joshua Tree National Park is a unique place where two desert ecosystems - the Mohave and Colorado - meet. The Panorama loop trail is the place to see Joshua trees and other desert vegetation. Rated moderate on AllTrails, the 10 km is a workout at just over 3 hours. It's more enjoyable walking clockwise but be sure to bring lots of water and layers of clothes. The temperature can go from cool, to hot, to very hot to cool again.
You get the full Joshua Tree, desert terrain on the Panorama Loop Trail
7. Hiking - Joshua Tree National Park - Split Rock Loop - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/split-rock-loop--4?u=m. The terrain on this hike is so different from the Panorama Loop that it is hard to imagine that you are in the same national park. Rather than the desert vegetation, you are surrounded by huge rock formations and boulders. It is spectacular. Rated as easy on AllTrails the 4 km takes about an hour - well worth the time.
The terrain could not be more different on Split Rock Loop
8. Hiking - Joshua Tree National Park - Ryan Mountain - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/ryan-mountain-trail?u=m. The sign at the beginning of this trail reads "Don't die today hiking". A little unsettling. Rated as moderate on AllTrails, the 4.7 km takes about 2 hours to complete. The trail is very steep and narrow at points with a sharp dropoff. A good workout and I never really felt in danger.
The sign at the beginning of the trail is a little disconcerting but the hike was great
9. Golfing - As in Hawaii, we included golf on our trip to Southern California. Like I said, when you are from southern Ontario, any golf in February is great golf. We enjoyed most of the courses. More details on the individual courses are at the end of the post
10. Groceries - Santa Monica Seafood Market and Cafe - https://smseafoodmarket.com/home/. This is the place to go if you are planning to cook dinner. There is a huge selection of fresh fish and seafood as well as some prepared dishes. Although not cheap, it is good quality and I think worth the price. There is a cute cafe inside if you're not in the mood to cook, but definitely a place to buy fresh seafood for dinner.
So that was our top 10 from our most recent visit to California. Here is a little more detail on some of the locations/activities and a few honourable mentions that didn't make the top 10.
More Detail - Temecula - As I mentioned above we loved Temecula. I think it would be a great location to visit with a group of friends. Here are some of our highlights.
Airbnb - Rob's place - https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/48088667?source_impression_id=p3_1678633620_n%2Fy1EGYv75oSjhDA - One of the most responsive and helpful hosts we have experienced at an Airbnb. Rob includes lots of information on Temecula to make your stay more enjoyable. He also has a home on the same property available for larger groups. Close to everything, it was perfect for our visit.
Lorimar Winery - https://www.lorimarwinery.com/. The reviews called this the "party" winery. On Friday and Saturday, it is 21+ after 5:00 pm. Because the winery closes at 9:00 pm those nights, the partying starts right at 6:00 pm with a live band. The outdoor dining area was packed the evening we were there, with people dancing as soon as the music started. The food was delicious and the wines we chose were fantastic. I would definitely visit again.
Lorimar is known as the "party winery". It also has great food and wine
Callaway Winery - Meritage Restaurant - https://www.callawaywinery.com/. We went for lunch on a Sunday as they were not open for dinner. Probably the best food we had in Temecula. All the courses and wines were delicious. In addition to the restaurant, the winery also has a big tasting room. Definitely add to your list.
Best meal we had in Temecula was at Meritage Restaurant at Callaway Winery (the brussel sprouts were delicious!)
Halter Ranch (formerly Hart) Winery - https://www.halterranch.com/temecula. The Airbnb host listed this as a favourite when it was Hart Winery and he messaged to say that it was still good once Halter took over. We went in the afternoon and listened to a solo saxophonist while tasting wine. The outdoor patio and music were pleasant, but we really did not enjoy many of the wines which was disappointing. With so many other choices I would leave this off your list
Spuntino Pizzeria Italia - https://www.spuntinopizzeria.com/. We went here on our first night in Temecula. Delicious pizza, caesar salad and hazy IPA craft beer. Perfect!
The Goat & Vine - http://www.thegoatandvine.com/. A cool and trendy restaurant in Old Town Temecula the food was delicious. Although they don't take reservations, they have a waiting list system through Yelp which shortened the wait time. Definitely a go-to spot.
Barons Market Temecula - https://baronsmarket.com/. If you need groceries this is the spot. Regular groceries, gourmet food and cheeses, wine and lots of prepared foods (better than Sprouts).
Temecula Olive Oil - https://www.temeculaoliveoil.com/ - In addition to being a great wine region, Temecula is also home to olive groves. We visited the retail store for Temecula Olive Oil in the Old Town and bought a few bottles to take home as gifts. They have a wide range of oils and bottles of vinegar for tasting. The staff is very knowledgeable and will help with your purchase.
Temecula Old Town - https://www.visittemeculavalley.com/things-to-do/old-town/ - Definitely should be on your list. You can easily spend a couple of hours walking around the old town. There is a nice variety of stores and many bars and restaurants.
More Details - Joshua Tree - This was our first visit to Joshua Tree National Park although not our last. The park is huge and totally amazing with the different terrain and vegetation from section to section. I would love to go back and spend more time hiking the trails. Here are some of our favourite things in Joshua Tree
Hiking - Clearly the number one activity. I listed our 3 favourite hikes above, but there are so many more to try.
Airbnb - https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/27495512?source_impression_id=p3_1678564813_L5cvrma%2Bgn%2F%2BIcBa - A beautiful 2-bedroom unit in a semi-detached home. Looks, feels and is decorated just how you would expect a home in the desert to be. It was perfect for us. Close to the town of Joshua Tree and within walking distance for shopping and dining.
Desert Dunes Golf Club - https://www.desertdunesgc.com/ - One of our favourites. Nice layout, great views and very playable.
The Kitchen in the Desert - https://www.kitd29.com/. Probably the most unique restaurant we went to. You dine outside in what appears to be the parking lot or courtyard of an old motel. Although it was cool the evening we went, they had lots of heaters and blankets to keep warm. The food was amazing and the service was great (the bartender was our server). The entertainment on the night we went was a guy who played synthesized covers of Radiohead music. Kind of weird but added to the uniqueness of the evening. Should be your first restaurant choice.
The Saloon - https://www.facebook.com/Joshuatreesaloon/ - We walked from our Airbnb to this busy local spot. We snagged two seats at the bar and had local craft beer on draft and affordable bar food. Fun!
Cross Roads Cafe - https://crossroadscafejtree.com/. We went here for lunch and dinner during our stay in Joshua Tree. The food is delicious. Great craft beer on draft. You could eat all your meals here.
Sky High Pizza - https://www.clover.com/online-ordering/sky-high-pie - A 10-minute walk from our Airbnb the pizza is delicious. Definitely should be on your list.
The DEZ fine food - https://www.instagram.com/dezfinefood/?hl=en - We got takeout here a number of times during our stay. Delicious sandwiches to take golfing, breakfast foods and yummy desserts. Sooooo good!
More Detail Golfing - It was fun including golf on our trip. It was the first time Teresa had golfed in California (I had golfed many times on business trips). We found some good ones:
Coronado Golf Course - https://www.golfcoronado.com/ - Twilight Rate - $26 (no cart) plus $18 booking fee. According to the starter, this is one of the busiest golf courses in all of the US. I believe it. We were lucky to get a twilight time at 1:00 pm paying the $18 per person advance booking fee. Every single tee time was full. Despite teeing off at 1:00 we only finished 16 holes before dark. The course is a great layout with fantastic views. Pro Tip: Visit Coronado Brewing Company - https://coronadobrewing.com/ after golf for great draft beer and good pub food.
Busy, slow but the layout and spectacular views make up for it at Coronado GC
Singing Hills - Golf Resort at Sycuan - https://www.singinghillsgolfresort.com/ - non-twilight rate $89 includes cart. As I was researching where to play golf in California a number of posts highlighted clubs attached to casinos as providing great golf at a good value. We chose Singing Hills golf resort - beautiful course, great views and definitely good value.
Morongo Golf Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon - https://tukwetcanyon.com/golf/rates/ - $65 non-twilight with cart (I think we got a seniors rate for $55). Another golf club attached to a casino this course has an amazing layout and previously held PGA and USGA events. Unfortunately, the course is not in tournament condition but still very enjoyable to play and a great value at $65/$55.
Rustic Canyon Golf Club - https://www.rusticcanyongolfcourse.com/ - Twilight Rate - $34 includes cart. It is not easy to find public golf courses in the LA area. A number of Google searches suggested Rustic Canyon was one of the better affordable public courses. About an hour's drive from Malibu, it was a great design and very playable. At $34 definitely a good deal.
Honourable Mention - Pacific Beach - I have been to San Diego a number of times both on business and vacation. I love the city and the area. For this visit, I found a place in Pacific Beach, a neighbourhood located between downtown San Diego and La Jolla. I purposely chose an Airbnb away from the beach as most of those properties seemed small, somewhat worn down and often had no parking. Our apartment was about a 25-minute walk to the beach and a 5-minute walk to Trader Joe's, our favourite grocery store. There were lots of restaurants in the area and a short drive to eateries by the beach or downtown. I would definitely suggest the Pacific Beach/Mission Beach area as a base if you are visiting the San Diego area.
The boardwalk on Pacific/Mission beach is amazing
Airbnb - https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/1696519?source_impression_id=p3_1678633271_HU89ZZdS2kGzOfsx - Molly's Rentals - https://pms.mollysrentals.com/vacation-rental-property-v2/37164/luxury-condo-w-king-bed%2C-ac-%26-parking%21?disc=null&checkIn=&checkOut=&guests=1&l= - This is probably the nicest property we stayed at in Californa located in Pacific Beach. I found the property on Airbnb but you can also book directly with the rental company through their site.
Miss B's Coconut Club - https://www.missbcoconutclub.com/ - Fun atmosphere and good food. Definitely worth checking out.
That's it! I think California is one of the best areas in the US for a great vacation. A huge variety of things to do and places to see. Let me know any questions or feedback at thethirdperiod.ca@gmail.com
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