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SoCal Local Gems With Fun Things To Do
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items Living in Southern California is a dreamy way of life! So much to do, are just steps away. Here are few nearby towns that I recommend, all along the coast!
Sections
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🏄♀️ Ventura County Fun: Surf, Snacks, and Unexpected Finds
🍷 Santa Barbara Style & Secrets I Keep Coming Back To
San Diego Favorite Stops
🏄♀️ Ventura County Fun: Surf, Snacks, and Unexpected Finds
Ventura County is full of surprises - from sandy surf spots and foodie favorites to quirky escape rooms and seasonal festivals. Whether you're planning a weekend or want to explore your own backyard, these local gems deliver laid-back adventure with ...
This is a great spot for longboards. My husband loves the easy rides. Surfline offers the forecast for the day.
C St. Surf Report, Surf Forecast and Surf Cams
We love doing escape rooms and this is one of the best in the area! Well designed and escapes range from easy to hard. So fun!
Two Trees Escape
This hidden gem is in sleepy shopping center but, it is the best Thai food in the whole area! So much full flavor in every bite! Absolutely delicious and the decor is wonderful! Great service too.
Sawasdee Thai Cuisine - Ventura, off Johnson Drive
A great night of laughs we have had!! Very well organized, and serves great drinks!
Oxnard Levity Live
The pizza is amazing here! Thin and light and full of flavor. They also offer gluten-free!
Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana
Beautiful garden area to take a nice stroll through and enjoy the care that has been put into it, along with amazing views of the ocean.
Ventura Botanical Gardens
Beautiful Mission located in downtown Ventura.
Mission Basilica San Buenaventura 1782
Local iconic store for over 47 years with extensive music selections!
Salzers Records
Love this cozy spot with unique drinks you have to try!
Caje Coffee Roasters
🍷 Santa Barbara Style & Secrets I Keep Coming Back To
Santa Barbara is more than a beach town—it’s a whole mood. From Spanish architecture to sun-soaked wineries and tucked-away treasures, these are the spots and design vibes that inspire my own home. If you love laid-back luxury with a coastal twist, t...
Found this gem off the beaten path. We love the wine at Carr, and the only ones to offer a Cab Franc membership! We've been members for years and are very happy visiting and enjoying wonderful wine.
Carr Winery
Gorgeous garden that is dog-friendly! We had so much fun exploring with our dog!
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
A little off the beaten path, but we love the food and service here and the margaritas and chips and salsa are the best! They have lovely patio area with a water fountain.
Carlitos Café y Cantina
Dog friendly beach! One of the best dog beaches around. All the dogs come here! The pup owners all walk along the beach with their pups and the pups play with each other and run through the water. It's so nice to let them run and be free on the beach...
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park
The Boathouse sits right next to Arroyo Burro. So after we let our dog run loose on the beach, we get some delicious lunch. Its dog friendly too!
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach
San Diego Favorite Stops
Resort style hotel with entertainment, great food and the Old Town Must-See.
Beautiful resort style grounds with tropical plants, ponds, pool with bar and includes concerts right by the bay.
Humphreys Half Moon Inn and Concerts by the Bay
Delicious Italian food just a couple blocks down from Humphreys. You'll need reservations but worth the wait.
Pomodoro Ristorante Italiano
We love the quaintness of the Old Downtown of San Diego. There are so many authentic small shops, great food and tons of liveliness here.
Old Town San Diego