July 4 Adventures: 7 Southern California Road Trips for Camping and Boating
It will be very hot in the Coachella Valley this holiday weekend, in case you haven’t heard before. Stress on the word “extremely.”
Due to dangerously high temperatures (between 110 and 119 degrees), the National Weather Service in San Diego issued an excessive heat warning for the Coachella Valley on Sunday and it will remain in effect through at least 8 p.m. on Friday.
If that’s not your cup of tea, here are seven last-minute Southern California getaway ideas that, for the majority of us, just require one tank of gas to get to.
The Laguna Beach area
With over 20 beaches and coves spread over a 7-mile span, Laguna Beach is a truly special area of the Southern California coast. For a very long time, people have been drawn to the area by the cliffs, tidal pools, and the water’s color and clarity.
Laguna is a hugely popular resort, drawing in over 6 million tourists annually, with lodging and activities to suit every budget. Bonus: If you, like me, are a millennial, you may fulfill your MTV fantasies by visiting all the beaches where Lauren Conrad and her friends used to party in the famous “Laguna Beach” TV show.
The Temecula
Well-known as the wine region of Southern California, Temecula offers a fantastic day excursion that includes historical sites, delectable cuisine, and, of course, wine tasting.
Located just a few kilometers from the downtown shops and stores, most of the wineries are situated along Rancho California Road and the adjacent hilly terrain.
For large groups, taking a guided tour is a worthwhile option as it eliminates the need for driving, especially with so many tasting rooms and wines to sample. Additionally, there are plenty of hot air balloon trips in this area, so pack some wine bottles to ease the tension if you just want to take in everything at once.
Big Bear
Even while Big Bear is most known for its ski resorts, it’s still a fantastic lakeside location that’s worth visiting outside of the ski season. Choose a lakeside hotel or vacation rental, then take advantage of the summertime sunshine and go boating, fishing, and other waterfront activities.
Make sure to visit the Grizzly Manor Cafe, a beloved local institution serving breakfast and lunch that is a throwback greasy spoon. In addition to larger-than-the-plate pancakes and a massive carved grizzly bear statue outside, they are well-known for their homemade biscuits and gravy. You can then proceed to the village, which serves as the town’s primary dining and retail destination.
Valyermo
Angeles Crest Creamery is located in the unincorporated town of Valyermo, which is part of the Angeles National Forest. Set on 70 stunning acres, the creamery is a real operating goat ranch complete with its lake. Several goats, a donkey, and a Great Pyrenees dog that guards the herd live on the property in the large red barn.
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The ranch provides camping choices on Hipcamp and farm stays in an Airstream or lakeside home through Airbnb. Visitors are welcome to relax, hike, canoe on the lake, and help out with ranch chores. They have open-to-all goat milking demonstrations and lakeside lunches a couple of times a month.
Korea City
You may not be aware, but there is a thriving Korean community in Los Angeles. K-town, also known as Koreatown, is a treasure trove of places to discover hidden gems. These include hundreds of barbecue joints, dessert and coffee shops, dive bars, speakeasies, stylish hotels, karaoke bars, Korean fried chicken restaurants, and food courts.
You may question, what is Korean barbecue? You must have the entire culinary experience to truly appreciate it, but it begins with banchan, which are little plates of side dishes including salads, kimchi, pickled vegetables, and soups. Every restaurant has a different assortment, so feel free to have as much as you like. Next, trays of meats are brought out to grill in the middle of your table.
The Santa Maria
Desire something different from barbecue? California’s central coast is ideal for touring, dining, and drinking; it’s just 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara. This region of California has its own distinct atmosphere because to the highway’s grassy mountains, livestock farms, and oak trees. There is also a distinct regional cuisine in Santa Maria, a historic cattle town.
Cooked over an open flame of native coastal oak, often known as “red oak,” Santa Maria barbecue is served on an adjustable iron grate over the fire, precisely like the rancheros of old. This method works well for any steak that is seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic salt; the meat used is typically tri-tip. Every location has its formula!
Nevada
I am aware of your thoughts. Although the Coachella Valley is often warmer than Vegas (both in terms of weather and attitude), Vegas is well-known for its inside (air-conditioned) activities. It’s not only gambling, either. There are plenty of entertainment alternatives in Sin City, whether your preference is to dine at acclaimed restaurants or see a well-known musician like Lady GaGa play live.
A journey to Techatticup Mine, where buildings and shacks owned by miners line both sides of the road, can be worthwhile if you’re willing to spend the afternoon outside. One of southern Nevada’s oldest gold mines is located in this quaint ghost town. The stunning Hoover Dam lies to the east, and Lake Mead is a fantastic place to go boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.