Summer Travel Plans In California To Make Now

Summer has rolled in and it’s heating up the state pretty quickly. Seriously, 2021 is rounding out to be the year for summer travel, and everyone seems to agree. People are out and about, enjoying life, and traveling near and far to make up for a year of homebound daydreaming. Jump on the bandwagon and make your summer vacations all about exploring the Golden State’s coolest spots. From hikes and bikes to getaways and road trips, these are the travel plans your itinerary will definitely benefit from.

Summer Getaways To Plan This Year

1. Go on a Solo Road Trip

Traveling alone is an experience everyone needs to try at least once. If you’re in California, you have no excuse not to go on a solo summer getaway right away. Beaches, mountains, valleys, and deserts are a road trip away from any point in the state, and if you’re not taking advantage of that, then what are you doing?

2. Rent a Cabin in Big Sur

Big Sur is an incredible place to travel to any time of year, but it’s especially beautiful during the summer months when you can swim during the day and enjoy the cool coastal breeze at night. Book a cabin at this Central Coast hotspot and enjoy trying new things every day of your summer trip. From scenic drives to breathtaking hikes, the things to do in Big Sur are endless.

3. Discover California’s Waterfalls

Waterfalls possess an unexplainable natural power you have to see to feel. Add a bunch of hikes to your travel plans and go chasing waterfalls (sorry TLC) on your summer getaway. From NorCal to SoCal and everywhere in between, California’s cascading falls won’t disappoint. You might even find a hidden swimming hole or two along one of your waterfall hikes!

4. Explore the Weirdest Cities in California

Feel like you’ve already seen it all? Nope. There’s a whole other side to California you have to discover. While they might not make the list for the best summer vacation spots, California’s weird cities are adventures you won’t want to miss. Whether it’s an unexplainable public art display or a wacky landmark with unique history, these bizarre attractions deserve a spot in your summer travel plans.

5. Take a Scenic Drive up North 

Remember all those times when you said you wanted to get in your car and just drive away aimlessly? Do it. There are so many beautiful places in NorCal you can discover from the comfort of your air-conditioned vehicle, and it’d be a crime to pass them up on your summer vacation. Think Napa, Sacramento, Bay Area, and beyond—the opportunities are plenty. And if you live further downs south, don’t worry, we have that covered too. 

6. Treat Yourself to a Michelin-Starred Dinner

The Golden State is filled with Michelin-starred restaurants crafting dishes from different cuisines. Pick a spot from the expansive list of options and treat yourself to a gourmet dining experience whether you’re in the Bay Area or L.A.

7. Fuel your Nostalgia at a California Theme Park

Is there anything more nostalgic than eating theme park food and screaming your lungs out on rides? Relive your childhood memories by visiting California’s best amusement parks on your summer vacation. Ride the Ferris wheel at Santa Monica, stroll along the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, and feel the magic at Disneyland—it’s never too late to live your fairytale dreams.

8. Escape to a Mountain Town

Sometimes, all you want to do is escape to a small mountain town and enjoy a weekend of solace and solitude; we get it. Take the road less traveled and book a cabin in the woods somewhere beautiful like Shasta—you’ll have days full of hikes to look forward to. After all, who said the best summer vacation spots are always by the coast?

9. Spend a Weekend Boating on a Lake

Like the idea of a mountain summer vacation but still feel like you could use a little splashing around? Rent a houseboat at one of California’s many beautiful lakes. You’ll enjoy all the perks that come along with heading up into the mountains for a summer vacation such as dense forests, crisp clean air, and hiking trails for days—all that is accompanied by the bonus of cooling off in blue lake waters.

10. Tour the State’s Coolest Art Towns

Whether you need to get in touch with your creative side, combat writer’s block, or get your innovative mojo back, California’s coolest art towns is where it’s at. Use your summer travel ticket to visit galleries and museums to take in all the inspo you need. You’ll return a thousand ideas fresh in your mind—you know you want to. 

11. Enjoy a Staycation at a Cool Coastal Resort

There’s no shame in going down a tried and trusted path and booking a coastal resort for your summer travels. After all, California has so many pristine sunny coasts it’d be a crime not to take advantage of them every so often. Are resorts a little too bougie for your taste? Coastal glamping is the next best alternative for a seaside summer getaway.

12. Test your Survival Skills on a Boondocking Trip

Now, if you’re someone who likes camping camping, you may as well go boondocking in California's remote areas. Go ahead with this summer trip if you already have a bit of camping experience under your belt—you’ll need your survival skills more than ever. Don’t forget to double-check your remote camping essentials list either; the last thing you want on a remote camping trip is noticing you forgot a necessary item. 

13. Cool off at California’s Hidden Beaches

With over 800 miles of coastline, the Golden State has its fair share of secret beaches you probably haven’t visited yet. These underrated stretches of sand make some of the best summer vacation spots as they give you a chance to bask in the sun, go for a surf or swim, and watch the sun go down without too many people in sight.

14. Try your Hand at an Extreme Sport

When it comes to extreme adventuring in the great outdoors, there’s no place better than California. Between the lush green forests, blue ocean waters, and wild majestic mountains, the Golden State is the best place to connect with your inner daredevil during your summer travels.

15. Spend a Night Under the Stars

Spend a night camping out in a dark spot and prepare to be mesmerized by the show put on by the twinkling stars. California has a plethora of locations with extra beautiful stargazing opportunities, and you’d miss out if you don’t visit at least one of them on a summer getaway.