Beyond Disneyland: California Side Trips We Love
- paigelandrum
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
Contributed by Sara Dillon and Dayna Hall, AMAAB Travel Advisors
It’s true, Disneyland is our absolute favorite, but after spending a day (or three) at the parks, SoCal is the perfect addition to your west coast trip! Once you’ve had your fill of pixie dust, Sara recommends checking out everything that makes Southern California a world of magic all its own. All it takes is a tank of gas to see the sites. Here are a few spots she recommends adding to your next getaway:
Warner Brother’s Studio Tour
YOU CAN SIT ON THE FRIENDS COUCH. Ok, I’ll calm down. But seriously, if you’re a pop culture fan, then this is a must-do. Learn about how this working studio brings the world of film to life through a one hour guided tour of the studio backlots (including a stop inside a set). Then you get unlimited time to explore the sets and props of popular shows like Friends, Big Bang Theory, Harry Potter, and DC Super Heroes and Villains. Make sure to save time for a trip around their shop, with souvenirs you can’t find anywhere else.
Californian Beaches
I’ve never seen such a wide variety of beach types in less than 100 miles. From the cove beach at Dana Point, the rocky shores of Heisler Park, the skater-boy vibes of Venice beach, and the long white stretches of sand at Huntington Beach, it’s worth your time to take it all in! My personal favorites were Dana Point (quieter) and Huntington beach (classic California beach vibes).
Hollywood Sights and Sounds
The Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, the Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive… all the cliche Hollywood things are a must! My recommendation is for us to help you choose the right tour company that will stop at all these places in one day! Then you simply get to go along for the ride and all the details are taken care of. You will also be able to have a tour guide with knowledge and experience, which is always helpful.
National Parks
Rent a car and head out to explore one of many national parks, all within 2-5 hours from Los Angeles. Death Valley National Park is the furthest away at five hours, but worth the trip to see the Badwater Basin, the largest salt flat and lowest point in North America. Joshua Tree is the closest at just over two hours from Los Angeles. It features breathtaking views, rock formations, and landscaping. For a different kind of park, take a tour to the Channel Islands National Park, five islands that are preserving a wealth of natural resources.
Universal Studios Hollywood
The big screen comes to life at Universal Studios Hollywood featuring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Simpsons, The Secret Life of Pets, Jurassic World, Transformers, and Super Nintendo World! Plus take a behind the scenes look at how studios bring special effects to life with the Studio Tour (included with your park ticket). We can for sure get you information on this as we plan out your vacation.
Pro Tip: Book a VIP tour with included parking, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and VIP access to all the rides! If you only have a day... this is the way to do it!
We are leaving SoCal now and headed north!! Let's keep California magic going! Discover a whole new side of the Golden State—one that offers a completely different vibe from Southern California. Dayna is sharing some of her must-see stops since she was born and raised in Cali:
Monterey
Continue your journey along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), where stunning ocean views guide you into the charming coastal town of Monterey. Stroll down Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck, explore the beauty of Pebble Beach, and don’t miss my personal favorite: the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. I’ve visited many aquariums across the country, and this one is still the best I’ve ever experienced. You simply have to see it for yourself!
San Francisco
The Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, the famous San Francisco fog—this city is iconic for a reason. You can also drive over the bridge and start singing out the Full House theme song!
There’s no shortage of sights to see or things to do. You’ve probably heard of the Painted Ladies and Lombard Street, but if you’re a Disney fan, be sure to carve out time to visit the Walt Disney Family Museum in the Presidio. Founded by Walt’s daughter, Diane Disney Miller, the museum features a treasure trove of personal memorabilia, original artwork, and an incredibly detailed scale model of Disneyland. I’ve visited several times and always walk away learning something new about Walt and the legacy he left behind.
Fun fact: Walt dreamed up Disneyland while sitting on benches at Griffith Park as his daughters rode the carousel. Three original benches still exist today: one at Griffith Park, one inside the Disneyland Main Street Opera House, and one at the Walt Disney Family Museum (and you can sit on it while enjoying an amazing view of the Golden Gate Bridge!).
Napa Valley
Ah, home sweet home. Growing up, I never gave much thought to the natural beauty around me—though telling people my high school mascot was a cluster of grapes (go Crushers!) always gets a laugh. Now, as an adult, I truly appreciate just how stunning Napa Valley is. Known worldwide for its wineries, it’s the perfect place to stroll through vineyards and sip on your favorite wine. Beyond wine tasting, Napa offers hot air balloon rides, incredible dining, luxurious spas, and more.
Disney bonus: The Disney family founded and operated Silverado Vineyards for many years, and it’s still one of my favorite wineries to visit. Not only are the views breathtaking, but you’ll also find fun Disney touches throughout, like a Norman Rockwell print signed to Walt and a rare Ratatouille poster gifted by Pixar. Look at enough grape artwork and you might even spot a hidden Mickey! Silverado is just one of many wineries with rich stories to tell—each worth a stop on your visit.
Lake Tahoe
A few hours north of the Bay Area, Lake Tahoe awaits with its crystal-clear, deep blue water and jaw-dropping alpine views. As the largest alpine lake in North America, Tahoe is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Winter brings world-class skiing and snowboarding, while summer is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and boating. Hiking is a year-round favorite. I love breathing in the fresh pine air and taking the Heavenly gondola up the mountain for unforgettable views. Whatever the season, Lake Tahoe offers something for everyone.
Sara Dillon, AMAAB Travel Advisor
@vacationplanningbysara
Dayna Hall , AMAAB Travel Advisor
Whether you’re soaking up the sunshine in Southern California or exploring the natural beauty of Northern California, your A Mouse and A Beach travel advisor would love to help you plan a memorable Golden State getaway. Reach out today for a complimentary, custom itinerary!
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