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Travel & Experiences

Road trips from Southern California: Los Angeles

Distance: 32 miles one-way. At this tucked-away cove beneath the cliffs of Palos Verdes, you won't find Zuma's crowds, even on a hot summer day, and that's probably because it takes a hike to get to it. It's ideal for tide pooling or lounging on the beach watching the gulls wheel overhead. No barbecues, fires or dogs are allowed. (310) 377-1222, www.palosverdes.com/rpv/recreationparks/AbaloneCoveShoreline/index.cfm.

At this tucked-away cove beneath the cliffs of Palos Verdes, you won’t find Zuma’s crowds, even on a hot summer day, and that’s probably because it takes a hike to get to it. It’s ideal for tide pooling or lounging on the beach watching the gulls wheel overhead.   (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

The Orange County town boasts a famous mission and the returning swallows (sometimes). It also has great restaurants, a heritage museum and more.

The Orange County town boasts a famous mission and the returning swallows (sometimes). It also has great restaurants, a heritage museum and more.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

I don't know that I've ever been on a bad beach in California. But I've never been on one with as many appealing qualities as Crystal Cove: tide pools, scenic bluffs and a family-friendly vibe.

I don’t know that I’ve ever been on a bad beach in California. But I’ve never been on one with as many appealing qualities as Crystal Cove: tide pools, scenic bluffs and a family-friendly vibe.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

It's no mystery why several outdoor groups have ranked the Buckhorn campground in the Angeles National Forest as one of the top campsites in Southern California.

It’s no mystery why several outdoor groups have ranked the Buckhorn campground in the Angeles National Forest as one of the top campsites in Southern California.  (Brian Vander Brug / For The Times)

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Despite the Laguna Beach address, it's hardly artsy, pretentious or self-absorbed. Instead, it's the sort of place the Cleavers would have visited. Why? There's parking. There are restrooms. It's bordered by a wildlife refuge. You can have a bonfire. And best of all, it's accessible.

Despite the Laguna Beach address, it’s hardly artsy, pretentious or self-absorbed. Instead, it’s the sort of place the Cleavers would have visited. Why? There’s parking. There are restrooms. It’s bordered by a wildlife refuge. You can have a bonfire. And best of all, it’s accessible.   (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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