Another great post by my husband Mike. A geologist by day, adventure writer by night.
Enjoy.
-Heather
Do you ever go on a trip or an adventure and afterward think “wow, I can’t wait to do that again” but then never do? Yeah, we do that at least once a month. When we moved back to California earlier this year we put together a list of places and things that we have done once and have been dying to experience it again.
Whether you have lived in California for years or are just visiting Southern California and are looking for a few untraditional things to do; this list is sure to please all types of adventurers.
Malibu Winery, Malibu, CA
For Heather’s 25th birthday we went with friends up to Malibu Wines, a winery and tasting room in the hills between Malibu and Thousand Oaks in Southern California. The wines are from the Saddle Rock Winery, just next to the tasting room at Malibu Wines. The views in and around the tasting room are excellent, the wine is also pretty great. They have some add-ons now including a wine safari that we really need to adventure back to enjoy.
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa, San Luis Obispo, CA
This resort sits on top of the Avila Hot Springs, in a quiet, hidden, woodsy area. Out the back of every room is a hot tub that is piped into the hot springs. You turn a valve and 100+ degree spring water flows directly to you. Luckily the Sycamore Resort is located conveniently to the Edna Valley, a low key wine region in Central California. The Edna is a cooler wine region and produces lovely Pinot Noirs and Syrahs. After a day of wine tasting, there is nothing better than unwinding with a bottle of wine, soaking up the ocean breeze, and hanging out in your own private hot tub.
Skiing/ snowboarding in the mountains and golfing in shorts the same weekend
California is one of the few places I know where you can legitimately accomplish this. for the overachievers, you can technically, do both in one day. I played golf on Friday in LA and snowboarded in Big Bear on Saturday. Pick your favorite summer and winter activity, come to southern California, and accomplish both in the same weekend! (Best to plan in January or February).
Take a random Las Vegas road trip
Mostly a rite of passage (at least in my opinion), Las Vegas is so close but yet so far from the cities in Southern California. Although we have been to Vegas dozens of times (literally dozens) this trip was one of my favorites. Heather and I planned the trip with another couple on a Friday night, left on a Saturday morning, and came home on a Sunday. Next time you got a free weekend, head to Vegas for a spontaneous weekend of fun.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park – Behind the Scenes Safari
Heather likes zoos, has a serious affinity for large, wild animals. This safari park has special excursions that take you right up to the animals and give you a much different experience than a traditional zoo. The Safari Park is experienced via tram so its a great activity for all ages and all abilities.
What are some adventures that we need to add to our Southern California list?
Happy Adventuring!
-Mike
Beer tasting in San Diego! But these all sound like fun, I still need to make it up to Big Bear.
Thats such a good one!! we love the stone brewery tap room!!
Amazing post… it’s so strange that I have not been to any of those places yet..although I have been to California many a times but… 🤔 great places you have mentioned and Malibu seems so exciting 😍😊
yes, its so beautiful!!!!