West Coast · Desert to Pacific · Statehood 1850
Southern California
Region
Field Guide
Joshua trees in a high desert, five islands you reach only by boat, and a coastal pine found almost nowhere else on earth. Southern California is more than beaches and freeways. These are three classics and one desert you can almost have to yourself.
Updated October 2026 · Written by artist Nick Scacco
Classic Experiences
01.
Mojave and Colorado Deserts · Joshua Tree National Park
Stargaze atJoshua TreeNational Park
Joshua Tree National Park covers about 800,000 acres where two deserts meet: the higher, cooler Mojave, home of the Joshua trees, and the low Colorado Desert. Boulder piles at Hidden Valley and Jumbo Rocks, palm oases and the Keys View overlook are popular stops. The park is an International Dark Sky Park, so evenings are for stars. Summers are dangerously hot and services are few, so bring water and fill up on gas before entering.
02.
Santa Barbara Channel · Channel Islands National Park
Sail to theChannel Islands
Channel Islands National Park protects five islands off the coast near Ventura and Santa Barbara: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara. Boats run from Ventura, and day trips to Anacapa and Santa Cruz are the most common. Sea caves, kelp forests and the island fox, which is found nowhere else, are the highlights. There are no stores on the islands, so bring food and water, and book boats in advance.
03.
San Diego · Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Walk AmongTorrey Pinesabove the Pacific
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve protects one of the rarest pines in the United States, the Torrey pine, which grows naturally only here and on Santa Rosa Island. The reserve covers roughly 2,000 acres on bluffs above the Pacific in San Diego, with trails that lead to sea cliffs and beach overlooks. The Guy Fleming Trail and Razor Point have some of the most photographed views. Parking is limited, so arrive early on weekends. Note: the reserve’s trails and upper parking lots are closed for a construction project from September 22, 2026 through February 2027, with full access expected by March 1, 2027, so check the park page before you plan a visit.
Little-Known Gem
Anza-Borrego: theLargest State Park in California
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park · San Diego County · Borrego Springs
Most visitors to Southern California skip the Colorado Desert east of San Diego. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California, at roughly 600,000 acres, with badlands, palm oases and slot canyons. Borrego Springs is an International Dark Sky Community, and wildflowers can cover the desert in late winter and early spring after wet winters. Summers are extremely hot.
Southern California Travel Questions
What are the best places to visit in Southern California outside Los Angeles?
Three classics are Joshua Tree National Park, Channel Islands National Park, and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego. A lesser-known stop is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego are both desert trips, while the Channel Islands need a boat day from Ventura.
When is the best time to visit Joshua Tree?
October through April has comfortable days and cool nights. Spring brings wildflowers, while summer temperatures can be dangerous, so plan hikes for early morning.
How do I get to the Channel Islands?
Boats leave from Ventura Harbor, with day trips to Anacapa and Santa Cruz the most common. Reserve ahead, especially in summer, and check weather before you travel.