From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, California is packed with destinations that beg to be added to the Oxford student’s camera roll. Fromlong, winding road trips to spontaneous meetups with friends, California offers enough experiences to fill any free weekend.
If Pinterest were a town, it would be Solvang. Tucked away in the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is a Danish-inspired village complete with windmills, colorful shops, and bakeries that smell better than any candle you’ve ever owned. You can wander into streets straight out of storybooks, munch on Danish pastries called abelskivers, and stock up on all the cottagecore content you could ever need. Don’t miss the quirky side streets with hidden courtyards and secret gardens. If you time your trip right, you might catch one of Solvang’s local festivals, like Danish Days, a fall celebration with parades and folk dancing.
San Luis Obispo represents the friend who balances straight A’s with limitless hangout energy. It’s laid back without being boring, and scenic everywhere you look. Cruise through downtown’s indie shops, grab a farmer’s market snack, and leave your own sticky masterpiece at Bubblegum Alley, the famous gum-covered wall. If you’re feeling outdoorsy, hiking Bishop Peak rewards you with a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city, and for bonus points, swing by Montana de Oro State Park for coastal cliffs that look straight from a movie.
Costa Mesa is Orange County’s ultimate hangout spot. Shop vintage finds at the LAB Anti-Mall, snack your way through pop-up food stands, or catch an art show in South Coast Plaza, the Western US’s largest shopping mall. For the foodies, Costa Mesa’s taco trucks and dessert spots like Sidecar Doughnuts are enough to spend the whole weekend here.
With SoFi Stadium’s massive concerts and the Kia Forum’s iconic shows, Inglewood is the best place to flex your best concert fits. But after the rave, Inglewood’s local scene is packed with soul food spots, murals, coffee shops, and music you’ll want to hear on your Spotify Wrapped. Hit up spots like Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen for a quick brunch or go mural hunting along Market Street for photos that will make your feed pop.
You don’t need to fly across the country to find your next adventure. California’s hidden gems are packed with flavor and photo ops to capture unforgettable moments. Grab your friends and hit the road, as your new favorite memory might just be a few exits away.
