~Tried and True~ Four Day Trips in Southern California
Skinny dipping in Ojai.
Travel is more complicated these days, with delayed flights, testing, close proximity, anxiety, and paperwork. Let’s travel from the comfort of our car! There are 4 places I have tried and tested and truly recommend for day or overnight adventure to get out of the house. Each of these places have an activity to do that will keep you moving and outside!
Newport Beach Back Bay
Family picnic with Kayaks and SUP in Newport Back Bay!
Rent a one or two person kayak, or a Stand Up Paddle board at Southwind. Pack a picnic, and paddle down a beautiful nature reserve full of herons, jumping fish, and take in peaceful nature as you glide past. Kayaking is not only fantastic for upper body strength and core, being on a kayak in the water is magical. Get there right when they open at 9 AM and come back before the winds pick up around 2:00 PM. I wouldn't swim in that location, but if you want to end your trip with a dip, head over the bridge to Balboa Island and park by the bayside. There are no waves and the water is refreshing and clean. Balboa Island is also known for their frozen chocolate bananas for another kind of dip! If you can go during the week, you will miss the weekend rush.
Ojai
Matilija hiking!
Ojai has a small town feel, quiet, birkenstock and flip flop casual, with a down to earth granola. The drive into upper Ojai is beautiful, but as you descend into lower Ojai, it will take your breath away. We were disappointed by the food offerings (maybe we didn’t pick the right places) but highly recommend The Farmer and The Cook for a yummy meal. For kids, the town has an amazing park.
For more movement, we love hiking the Matilija Falls trail. There is a small parking lot at the trailhead. This hike starts off innocent, but can get hard fast so go as far as you like. The deeper you go, the more boulder hiking you will encounter. To stay on the trail, follow the red spray paint markings, or stay close to the river (to the right) if it gets confusing. Ojai is hot so bring plenty of water. When you get too hot, there are refreshing swimming holes of running water to dip in, and lots of natural beauty.
Santa Ynez Valley
Grass Mountain trail!
Besides the rolling hills of sculptural oak trees, the spaciousness of this place will remind you of how big the sky is. There are plenty of outdoor wine tasting places in Los Olivos and Los Alamos if you enjoy learning about wine or enjoy walking around to window shop. For some Scandinavian inspiration, visit Solvang.
Besides wine tasting, you can enjoy this beautiful area with a hike on the magical Grass Mountain Trail . You can start at the Lover’s Loop for a beautiful, picturesque flat hike. If you feel adventurous, start heading up the steep mountain for unbelievable views.
Wine tasting at Fess Parker!
Point Dume
Boogie boarding with my 8 year old nephew!
A favorite beach of mine in Malibu is Point Dume. There is limited fee-based parking, which makes it harder to overcrowd. Get there around or before 10AM ensures your parking space and beach spot, and leave by 2PM for lighter traffic on your return. This beach is pristine and so peaceful. I went for my birthday this summer, watched loads of dolphins, and had the best time swimming and boogie boarding in the ocean with my nephew. You can take a shore walk to the point and look up at rock climbers scaling the vertical or look down to search for tide pools. NOTE: Unfortunately, as of August 22, the road leading to that parking lot got washed out by the tides so check to see if that is repaired before you go!