A trip to Santa Monica is all about the enjoyment of being outdoors. Stroll along the picturesque Santa Monica State Beach while taking in the fresh ocean air. Visit the iconic Santa Monica Pier which has restaurants, a rollercoaster, and a beautiful Ferris wheel that lights up gorgeously at night. If bike riding is your thing, rent a bicycle and ride along the magnificent Marvin Braude Bike Trail, a 22-mile paved bicycle path which runs mostly along the shoreline of Santa Monica Bay. You can also set up a picnic in Palisades Park or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the open-air Third Street Promenade, a perfect place to shop, eat, and people watch.

Stay at the Hotel Casa Del Mar and enjoy beachside bliss, a room with a view, and dream rooms that are the re-imagining of a classic beach estate. The hotel offers world class dining options, an eco-friendly spa, and fitness facilities that are quintessentially Californian - think surf lessons, yoga classes on the beach, and a pool that overlooks the sea.

Halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego on the Southern California coast, discover a tranquil year-round escape in dreamy Laguna Beach. This small coastal city has a relaxed atmosphere that encourages visitors to connect with beaches, nature, art, and wellness. While you are there be sure to visit Crystal Cove State Park, a beautiful area in Laguna Beach that include 3 miles of coastline and dozens of miles of hiking trails. Also be sure to stroll through Heisler Park which offers spectacular views of the Laguna Beach coastline. Additionally, the whale watching off Laguna Beach is exceptional with year round opportunities. 

If you are looking for a luxury beach holiday, stay at the Montage Laguna Beach. This upscale luxury resort is perched on the bluffs of Orange County, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Montage Resort is centrally located to provide easy access to the many activities that Laguna Beach has to offer.

This vibrant sunny town is famous for its beaches, natural hiking trails, and the many celebrities who have homes in its region. When in Malibu be sure to visit the Getty Villa, a unique world-class art museum built by J. Paul Getty, with a focus on ancient art. Be sure to enjoy the local Malibu made wines by booking a tour at Malibu Family Wines or by visiting the Rosenthal Wine Bar and Patio.

If you have always wanted to learn to surf, there is no more beautiful location to do so than in Malibu. There are plenty of experienced companies ready to help you surf like a local, such as Malibu Surf Coach. Malibu Surf Shack can also help with surfing as well as kayaking rentals and more. If you are looking for ways to explore the nature in Malibu beyond the beautiful beaches, hit some scenic trails including Mugu Peak Trail, Point Dume Cove Trail, and Paseo Miramar.

Stay at the Malibu Beach Inn, a snazzy boutique establishment with a prime beachfront location that is within an easy reach of the best shopping and dining in Malibu. 

Coronado is a California resort city located on a peninsula in the San Diego Bay. Coronado’s timeless charm inspires you to wander to bliss, experiencing cashmere-soft sands, lush parks, unique boutiques and atmospheric dining. It’s known to be home of the iconic Hotel del Coronado, a grand hotel with Victorian architecture that dates back to 1888 - and has been fully brought into the modern era. The Hotel del Coronado has a rich history and is famous for the role it played in the 1958 Marilyn Monroe film “Some Like It Hot”. 

There are tons of activities to do in Coronado. The water sports lineup includes renting a powerboat or a sailboat, stand-up paddle boarding, jet skiing or riding a WaveRunner. Coronado is also one of the most bike-friendly regions in the US, and biking versus driving is encouraged. Silver Strand State Beach offers a 10 mile long bike path that runs parallel to the beach offering lots of opportunities to explore.

You can also head to the Coronado Museum of History and Art to view permanent exhibits and changing displays. Then take a walking tour to learn more about the island’s architecture, gardens, and more through the Coronado Historical Association.