Destinations & Landmarks

Summer in SoCal is the best time to go to the beach, which is why most are so crowded. But the fall is even better because the beaches are just as spectacular, but much less crowded. If you’re looking for a little piece of peace, be sure to visit these secluded pockets of heaven. Trestles beach, or just Trestles, is a mystery beach for sunbathers but a home to surfers. It’s divided into sections; Church, Middles, Lowers, Uppers and Cottons; depending on surfer skill level. Located in San Clemente, the beach is known for taking a while to get to but being one of the most gorgeous in the area. After parking, take a hike through brush and trees, under Interstate 5, over a small hill and a straight trail walk before reaching the beach. During the hike, you’re likely to run into beautiful views and some wildlife, so have your camera ready. Since Laguna is a hotspot for beachgoers, weekends are often overcrowded. With Wood’s Cove, skip the hordes of people all together. The rocks on the shore make the beach less popular because surfing is too dangerous, but the water is more turquoise and the beach is perfect…

Catalina —  a fabulous Southern California spot with land and water adventures that can be enjoyed on every budget. A less expensive, romantic and often overlooked way to explore the magical island with family or a significant other is at one of the five camping sites. The Two Harbors Campground offers both tent camping and cabins which sleep up to six people. This site features 42 individual sites and three group-camping areas. For campground facilities, rangers rent equipment. The Parsons’ Landing Campground is a bring-your-own supplies locale with eight campsites which can accommodate up to six people. It is accessible only via a hike or kayak trip. The Black Jack Campground offers select camping equipment rentals for their 11-site facility which is accessible only by hiking, taking the Airport Shuttle or by Safari Bus. Little Harbor Campground is on the backside of Catalina, right on the beach, accessible by Safari Bus, biking or a somewhat strenuous hike. Select equipment is available for rent. Hermit Gulch Campground is the only campground within Avalon’s city limits, so it is close to the many things town has offer such as groceries, shopping and nightlife. This locale offers a tent cabin rental that sleeps…

Pismo Beach – all things to all people — couples, families and even dogs — elegant and rustic, relaxing and adventurous, beaches and trails, romantic and just sheer fun.  Sun yourself or surf at the beach, bike or hike on the trails and bring your pup along as long as he’s on a leash, dinner for two or lots of kid-friendly things to do. It’s all there and just a three-hour car ride from Los Angeles. “What’s unique about Pismo is we’re a beach community with oceanfront hotels and affordable vacation rentals and one of our unique selling points is we have a wine region with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay just about 10 minutes away,” says resident John Sorgenfrei.  “With the gasoline prices, it’s just about a tank of gas to get up here from Southern California and once you’re here, you really don’t have to go very far to enjoy yourself,” Sorgenfrei continues. “There’s the wine region and there are tasting rooms within the town itself, and a variety of different kinds of dining.” There is also an assortment of places to stay that offer different price points including many oceanfront hotels like the magnificent Cliffs Hotel and Spa,…