Two days end of june

Question

Hi,

after a tour of the parks, at the end of June I can have another 2 full days to use to visit in relax in the areas between Palm Springs and LA.

Excluding LA, do you have any suggestions to propose? Pacific Coast, Orange County, other?

Thanks

Alessio

Answer

For two full days at the end of June in Southern California outside of LA, you have a great range of options between Palm Springs and the coast. Since you want to relax as well as explore, here’s a mix of desert escapes, coastal drives, and charming towns.

Day Trip or Overnight Options:

Joshua Tree National Park: Only about an hour from Palm Springs, perfect for short hikes, rock formations, and desert landscapes. Ideal for a morning or full-day excursion.
Palm Springs: If you haven’t fully explored, enjoy the aerial tramway up to Mount San Jacinto for panoramic views, or stroll through downtown Palm Springs for mid-century architecture and boutique shopping.
Orange County Beaches: Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, or Laguna Beach are all relaxing options. Laguna Beach is particularly scenic with tide pools, art galleries, and cliffside views.
San Juan Capistrano: Visit the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano and wander the quaint downtown area for a leisurely afternoon.
Temecula Wine Country: About an hour from Palm Springs, offering vineyards, tasting rooms, and scenic rolling hills. Great for a relaxed day sampling local wines.

Coastal Drive and Scenic Stops:

Consider a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from Dana Point or Laguna Beach north toward Malibu. Even if you don’t go all the way, the coastal views, cliffs, and beaches make for a scenic half-day or day trip.
Stop at Crystal Cove State Park for a beach walk or tide pooling, or enjoy a casual lunch at one of the coastal cafés along the way.
For a mix of nature and small-town charm, explore the coastal towns of San Clemente or Dana Point with harbor views and seaside strolls.

Tips for Planning:

Traffic can be heavy during weekends along the coast, so plan your departure times to avoid peak periods if possible.
Pack layers: mornings in the desert can be cool, while afternoons along the coast can be warmer and breezy.
Reserve any wineries or guided tours in advance, especially in Temecula, to avoid long waits.

In summary, for a mix of relaxation and sightseeing in two days, consider spending one day exploring the desert (Palm Springs/Joshua Tree) and another along the coast or in charming nearby towns such as Laguna Beach or San Juan Capistrano. This provides a balance of scenic views, outdoor activity, and leisure without the intensity of Los Angeles traffic.

Two days end of june

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