Southern California Things to do North of Los Angeles

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The northern region of Southern California includes Ventura and Santa Barbara county's. Here you will find miles of pristine coastline, wine county, Spanish missions, and some of the most beautiful scenery Southern California has to offer. Santa Barbara is a year-round tourist destination renowned for its warm weather, downtown beaches, and Spanish architecture. A great way to enjoy this area of Southern California is to take Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner. The train hugs the coast from Oxnard all the way to Pismo Beach before turning inland. Many people choose to spend a long weekend at one of the areas many fine hotels. With so many places to explore you can spend many interesting days traveling Southern California's northern region.

Destination Guide Points North Southern California

Santa Barbara Zoo - Excellent zoo with a wide range of displays. Also a nice train ride for the kids. Medium size zoo very kid friendly. Great location near the beach.

Fillmore & Western Railway - Take a train ride through the Heritage Valley in Ventura County .Travel through miles of orchards and visit classic California towns.

Point Dume Nature Preserve - One of the most picturesque places along the Southern California coast. Hike to the summit or down to a secluded beach.

Mission Santa Barbara - Called the "Queen of the Missions" for its graceful beauty. Beautiful setting on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Ronald Reagan Library Houses the three-floor Air Force One Pavilion includes Marine One, the presidential helicopter. Educational for all Under age 11: Free. Located in Simi Valley, California

Solvang - The Danish capital of America. Voted one of Sunset Magazine's 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns. Two hours from Los Angeles. Have lunch, stock up on Danish pastries, and enjoy the drive.

Heritage Valley - Citrus Ranches, Historic small towns of Fillmore and Santa Paula. Take a trip back in time through this historic California valley. Ride a vintage train through this historic valley.

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve - The reserve is open year round but most people visit during the wild flower season. During good years the hills are covered with a carpet of orange California poppy flowers.

Mission San Buenaventura
Located in Ventura the mission welcomes visitors daily from sunrise until sunset. Museum and gift shop open every day.

Pismo Beach
Long white beaches for a pleasant stroll or for just enjoying the spectacular views. Drive your car or truck on the beach here.

Lake Cachuma
Some of the best fishing to be found in the region, boating, hiking, picnicking, and more. Day use and camping by the lake.

Stearns Wharf
Fishing boats, restaurants, fresh ocean breeze, and views of the mountains and the coastline. Parking is available on the pier.

Ventura Harbor Village
Restaurants, shopping and Channel Islands National Park Headquarters and Visitor Center. 33 acres village on the coast.

Ventura Pier
1958 feet long and is reputed to be the longest pier in California. The Ventura Pier is a landmark of Ventura popular for fishing.

Port Hueneme
Hueneme Beach 50-acre park contains picnic areas, barbecue pits, flag plaza, Flight 261 Memorial. 60 miles north of Los Angeles 50 miles south of Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara
Famous around the world for coastal location . Gateway to more than 60 area wineries, 4 star resorts and fine dining.

Ojai Valley
Surrounded by the majestic Los Padres National Forest and is conveniently located between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.

Buellton
Nestled in countryside of the Santa Ynez Valley great home base to explore area vineyards, Missions or to just relaxation.

Stage Coach Inn Museum
It has served as post office, tearoom, boys’ military school, restaurant, and exclusive gift shop. Take a trip back in time.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Exquisite exhibits of California native plants set in beautifully designed landscapes. Self-guided and docent-guided tours available.

Map of Points North

Traveling north of Los Angeles you can head up Highway 1 to Ventura. Once past Ventura the highway hugs the coast and you get fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean. The Amtrak trains follows the same route and if you happen to see one of the Amtrak trains give the passengers a wave you will be surprised as to how many of them wave back. Next stop is Santa Barbara which is a wonderful Southern California day trip. There are so many things to do in the Santa Barbara area you might want to consider a long week end or mini vacation. About 20 miles past Santa Barbara highway one turns inland at Gaviota State Beach. From there the road travels through oak covered hills and valleys which are rapidly being converted into miles of vineyards. Next stop is Santa Maria with it's world-famous Santa Maria Style barbecue, and fabulous California wines. Finally after a long day on the road is Pismo Beach . Pismo is a classic California town with a great pier and wide sandy beach. If you have four wheel drive you can actually drive on the beach and dunes. Wherever you go in this northern section of Southern California you will find no end to the interesting things to do and places to see. Next time your ready for a day trip head north along Highway one and explore Points North.