But sometimes, even us sun-soaked San Diegans need a getaway of our own. Fortunately, unforgettable experiences abound, around the world and in our own backyard.

This guide will help you pick the perfect summer escape. Want even more ideas? Check out the Central Coast’s tourism guide here.

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VENTURA HARBOR VILLAGE

Relax and unwind at Ventura’s seaside Ventura Harbor Village for waterfront treats, fresh seafood, patio dining, coastal shops, artisans, pampering, dive trips, live music, and fun rentals on the water! Walk from Ventura Harbor hotels to scenic beaches, Ventura Harbor Village, and Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center. SEA you SEAside! venturaharborvillage.com

Solvang

SOLVANG

Solvang’s walkable village is brimming with wine tasting rooms and bars, museums, galleries, independently owned shops, and restaurants helmed by Michelin-level chefs. Architecture reminiscent of Northern Europe frames Danish-pastry-filled itineraries. Spot the Little Mermaid, chase windmills, brush up on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales— then live one of your own. What’s your Solvang story? Solvangusa.com

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STAY COOL IN GILROY

The super-splashy Water Oasis in Gilroy Gardens is the coolest place to play in Gilroy—but there’s lots more to see and do in the Garlic Capital of the World. Enjoy wine tasting, outlet shopping, golfing, hiking, and more. Visitgilroy.com

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VENTURA

Ventura is your portal to life-changing adventure. The closest of the five islands of Channel Islands National Park are just a 70-minute boat ride from Ventura Harbor, and they offer the wild glory you’d expect from one of America’s least visited national parks. “The Galapagos of North America”? Better. visitventura.com

Paso Robles

PASO ROBLES

Escape to the majestic vineyards, oak-dotted hills, and small-town charm of Paso Robles. It’s where world-class food and wine meet small-town cowboy charm, and it boasts endless lodging options, from historic inns and luxury resorts to rustic vineyard escapes. Recently named a “must-visit region” by the New York Times. travelpaso.com

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PISMO BEACH

It’s all here waiting for you—a gentle climate, where sand, sun, sea, and sky converge to create the ideal getaway. California’s golden past is alive and well in Pismo Beach. Visit experiencepismobeach.com to book your stay. experiencepismobeach.com

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MONTEREY COUNTY

Escape to an inspiring place with striking coastline, secluded redwood forests, and a culinary scene as diverse as the landscape. Now is the moment to embrace the unexpected adventures and natural beauty of Monterey County. Why wait? Plan your trip and join us here. Seemonterey.com

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SANTA BARBARA

Discover a gentle crescent of California coast where the sea and mountains meet, the sun feels more golden, and the valleys overflow with a bounty of color. Santa Barbara offers exhilarating outdoor adventure, fascinating arts and culture, an incredible variety of local food and wine, and more. santabarbaraca.com

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BUELLTON

#SkipTheBigCities and head to Buellton, nestled in the Sta. Rita Hills wine region, where you’ll also enjoy feeding an ostrich, horseback riding, taking a stroll through the botanic garden, or enjoying the collection at Mendenhall’s Museum of Gasoline Pumps and Petroliana. You’ll find accommodations for all budgets, including “glamping.” discoverbuellton.com

The post 9 Destinations on the California Coast You Should Visit This Summer appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Big Bear Lake Mountains

Hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts flock to Big Bear each summer to tackle miles of forest trails ranging from easy wooded hikes to multi-day treks. The valley has become a hot spot for trail running events and bike races over the years with its high altitude and steep terrain making it the ultimate challenge for even the most seasoned athletes. Not an elite athlete, not to worry, Big Bear also boasts a wide array of easy walks and trails ideal for families and accessible to all ability levels. There’s an adventure for everyone!

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As John Muir once said, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” Big Bear trails are alive with thousands of plants and animal species. Kids will love spotting squirrel, chipmunks, and other small critters. Deer are also a common sighting, through more rare. Stop by the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center to pick up information on the trails and what to look for on your forest trek.

Big Bear Lake Views

Big Bear’s most popular summer recreation hub is its seven-mile alpine lake offering endless water sports and relaxation. Cruise the water on a classic pontoon or rip around on a high speed jetski. Paddle the shoreline on a kayak or paddleboard or learn a new skill and learn wakeboarding and waterskiing with a licensed instructor and driver. Big Bear’s numerous marinas offer equipment for every water adventure.

For a more relaxing lake experience, hop aboard any of Big Bear Lake’s tour boats for a narrated cruise. Learn about the history of the valley, see the beautiful mountain homes, and hear about celebrities that have made Big Bear their second home.

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Fishing at Big Bear Lake is considered some of Southern California’s best with rainbow trout fishing being the top game. Most of Big Bear’s marinas include a tackle shop to gear up on lures and bait and in-town fishing shops offer more than high end fishing rods, the employees are also seasoned anglers with a wealth of knowledge so don’t be afraid to ask for all the secrets.

Big Bear Lake Kayaking

While Big Bear is an incredible summer vacation spot, it’s known best as a four-season destination which means you get a new experience each time you visit. See the vibrant hues of colorful autumn leaves in October and November, the glittering snow – and festive holiday fun – in winter, wildflowers in full bloom in the spring and – of course – lake activities in summer. Annual events make Big Bear a place to build traditions, like the 4^th of July Fireworks Spectacular, the Fishin’ For $50K trout derby, the Memorial Weekend Grill & Chill, live music festivals, the New Year’s Torchlight Parade and much much more.

So, we formally invite you to enjoy beautiful sunny days, breathtaking views, outdoor recreation, and endless connections to nature here in Big Bear. Welcome to the mountains, we can’t wait to see you!

The post This Summer, Head Northeast for Clear Blue Skies and Crisp Mountain Air appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

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There’s something incredibly special about summer in Yuma. And it’s more than just the sunshine–308 days of rays annually, to be exact.

Whether you’re looking for a Zen moment on the Colorado River at sunrise, an adrenaline rush on a jet ski in the afternoon or gaining a new perspective under a starry sky, Yuma offers every opportunity for the summer getaway you’ve been waiting for.

How will you soak up every minute in Yuma?

Stay Cool and Make a Splash

Just a handful of Arizona towns can boast a location on one of the mightiest rivers in the U.S. The Colorado River provides year-round recreation from wild to mild.

On the river’s edge, make the most of your proximity to the Río Colorado. There’s no shortage of kayaking, tubing and tours in Yuma–because what summer is complete without a lazy river float? You bring the cooler; we’ll supply the good vibes.

Yuma’s waterways have several beach areas to build sandcastles, launch watercraft or pitch an umbrella. Gateway Park, Senator’s Wash, Playa Linda Beach and West Wetlands Park are all popular spots for beach lovers.

The Colorado River is an oasis in the heat, with water temperatures peaking in the mid 80s. In comparison, the Pacific Ocean in San Diego is about 68 degrees.

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Seek Out the Dunes

Yuma serves as the gateway to one of the nation’s largest mass of inland sand dunes, which extend more than 40 miles along the eastern edge of California’s Imperial Valley. Now a National Recreational Area, this natural sand box acts as a magnet for off-road enthusiasts and welcomes more than one million visitors every year. Just 20 miles west of Yuma, the Imperial Sand Dunes have served as a backdrop in popular films, including Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Bravo TV called it one of the “22 Essential Places to Take a Selfie.”

In the summer heat, only Yuma’s most daring can stand the dunes from an ATV–are you one of them? Memory-making and stories of adventure are all but guaranteed.

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Beat the Heat Indoors

Pay a visit to the Yuma Theater and Art Center for galleries, concerts and exhibits in a restored Vaudeville venue. Cool artwork and cold air provide a welcome respite. Uncover a brainteaser or two at Escape Room Yuma where you’ll find clues, solve mysteries and escape from captivity.

Savor Scroll-Stopping Sunrises and Sunsets

For generations, the colors of Yuma’s sky have inspired artists, photographers, writers and everyone in between. There’s no better way to kick off a day in Arizona than by getting up early to watch the sun rise over rocky formations, sandstone and desert cacti. Yuma’s restored wetlands of cottonwood, willow and mesquite trees are a great spot for both sunrise and sunset. In the morning, the sun crests the Gila Mountains. Come back in the evening to watch the sun set over the Yuma Territorial Prison State Park and Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge over the Colorado River.

Explore More At YumaSummer.com

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