5 California Summer 2021 Destinations
As a SoCal girl born and raised, you'd think I'd have explored all of California now. The truth is...I haven't, so I decided to curate a list of my favorite destinations and others I'd like to visit this summer. I know we're all itching to go on a mini vacation or spontaneous road trip. Enjoy some outdoor family-friendly excursions that will get you outside to enjoy the beautiful California weather and scenery. Whether you’re a desert kind of gal or a frequent beach go-er, there is somewhere on this list for you!
Joshua Tree
Pictures from my most recent trip
Joshua Tree is a go-to for California natives. Within the past few years, there has been a growth of trendy Airbnb's that you can rent out for an aesthetically-pleasing adventure, but the camping there is equally exciting. There are a multitude of campgrounds inside the park that connect to various hiking trails. I had the opportunity to go last summer and do a photoshoot at the place we rented. There are frequent outdoor concerts in Joshua Tree National Park that are supposed to be a lot of fun. I haven’t had a chance to attend one yet, but it is on my bucket list! There is also the Joshua Tree Night Market that happens in Downtown Joshua Tree where you can shop from local vendors and buy handmade creations. Enjoy a nice hike, go to the local vintage markets and experience the vibrant desert sunsets. You definitely won't regret it.
2. Carlsbad Flower Fields
Nothing says summer more than 50 acres of beautiful flower fields! This is a great location to go with friends and family. The flowers make a beautiful background for a photo. There are also many other activities they have at the fields, including berry picking, antique tractor rides, a garden, greenhouse, playground, sweet pea maze and poinsettia display. Make sure to buy tickets in advance because this is a popular spot from March to May! If you’re looking for a beautiful outdoor venue, they also have weddings, festivals, birthdays and other celebrations there. There are three different spaces to book as well.
3. Haight-Ashbury
Explore the cross streets known for being a hang out spot for hippies, rock ‘n’ roll revivalists and free spirited folks during the 1967 Summer of Love. It is one of the most famous historical spots from the 1960s and 1970s. Drive by the Grateful Dead house where all five founders lived on Haight-Ashbury and experience where some of their most popular songs were created. If you’re looking to dive deeper into other psychedelic rock legends, you can also visit Janis Joplin’s or Jimi Hendrix’s house. Every June, there is the Haight Street Fair where you can listen to live music from 3 different stages, eat at the food booths, and get acquainted with the San Francisco culture. See a free show at Amoeba Records and dig through the huge selection of vinyls they have in store. See the first official park in San Francisco — Buena Vista Park, which is known for being a well liked lookout spot.
4. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a definitely filled with entertainment. You can surf, skate or ride the roller coasters on the Santa Cruz boardwalk. There are free concerts on the beach every Friday, or ocean-view fire pits for rental that overlook the Monterey Bay that you can enjoy after taking the mile-long stroll down the boardwalk. The city is well-known for their drive-in movie events where you can watch flashback movies and theater snacks. Every Saturday, there is an open air market where you can shop local businesses and purchase anything from beauty products to pet supplies. If you’re an antique fan, check out Soquel Village, the center for vintage goods that is the home of 25 retailers and many unique restaurants. The town is 150 years-old and is known for having wonderful family-owned wineries.
5. Big Sur
If you’re looking for a scenic view, take the drive to Big Sur, a gorgeous spread of land known for its stunning Pacific Coast Highway views. There are State Parks or private campgrounds available for guests to stay at that offer amazing landscapes, such as blooming wildflowers and plenty of wildlife to see. If camping isn’t quite your thing, there are a plethora of cabins and hotels in the area as well. Garrapata State Park has it all and is easily accessible from Highway 1. There are many different coastal hiking trails inside the park and an entrance to Garrapata beach. One of the most well-known beaches is Pfeiffer Beach because of it’s waterfall hike and towering Redwood trees. What a radiant combination.
Make this summer memorable by visiting at least one of these five naturally beautiful locations. You deserve it!