If you find yourself yearning to explore parts of Southern California that you rarely get to see, then you’re going to love learning about these 10 spots in SoCal that are off the beaten path but totally worth the drive.
Just a few of the things you’ll discover include a quaint small town, a picturesque botanical garden, and even a quirky beef jerky shop that will make your mouth water. Take a look inside to see what other cool spots are waiting to be explored in Southern California.
- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
facebook/living desert zoo and gardens
facebook/the living desert Fun for the whole family, this incredible zoo and outdoor oasis is a great way to spend a day trip. Exploring the vast plant collection along the scenic trails and feeding the giraffes by hand are just a few examples of the adventures you’ll have at this SoCal outing. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is located at 47900 Portola Ave Palm Desert, California.
- Meat Up BBQ
erik salazar/googlemaps
meat up bbq/facebook When it comes to great BBQ, most of us don’t mind traveling off the beaten path to find it. Although Meat Up BBQ is tucked inside an average looking strip mall, you’ll quickly discover there’s nothing average about this hidden gem. From massive burgers and tasty ribs that are lip-smacking-delicious to side dishes that are loaded with flavor, this BBQ spot sure knows how to deliver a delicious meal. Meat Up BBQ is located at 1450 N Kraemer Blvd., Placentia, CA.
- Alien Fresh Jerky
good speed/google maps Love beef jerky AND aliens? Then you’re in luck as you’ll find both of those things at Alien Fresh Jerky. Located out in the middle of nowhere at 72242 Baker Blvd., Baker, CA 92309, Alien Fresh Jerky is a great place to stop when you find yourself heading down Hwy 15. Whether it’s the jerky you crave or the zany surroundings, this hidden gem will not disappoint.
- Myrtle Creek Botanical Gardens and Nursery
myrtle creek/facebook When you’re seeking a peaceful day out in nature, head out to Myrtle Creek Botanical Garden and Nursery to wander through a beautiful botanical garden that will completely refresh you. Located in the town of Fallbrook, Myrtle Creek may be a bit of a drive from most parts of SoCal but this destination is truly worth it. You can find Myrtle Creek Botanical Garden and Nursery at 2940 Reche Rd., Fallbrook, CA.
- Trabuco Canyon
flickr/flannery626 Sometimes you want to escape from it all and head out on the road to explore a new town. If you have a wandering spirit then you’ll enjoy a drive to Trabuco Canyon. Nestled in the Santa Ana Mountains, this charming destination in SoCal is a great spot out in the middle of nowhere where you can spend the day exploring, dining, and hiking along picturesque trails.
- Jay’s Southern Cafe
tripadvisor/norcrossmum Who doesn’t love a restaurant that whips up a mouthwatering meal that’s just as good (or even better!) than what Mom used to make? Although you’ll have to head out to the remote town of Jacumba Hot Springs to experience such a place, once you take your first bite of food at Jay’s Southern Cafe’ you’ll be glad you took the time to check this spot out. Jays’ Southern Cooking is located at 44461 Old 80 Hwy, Jacumba Hot Springs, CA 91934.
- Indian Wells Brewing Company
oscar zisman/googlemaps
darcy bowen/googlemaps Right on the border of Southern California you’ll find a tiny town called Inyorken. Head to this town way out in the boonies and you’ll discover a destination that will quench your thirst. Indian Wells Brewing company specializes in handcrafted sodas in every flavor imaginable. Whether you enjoy root beer, cola, or something on the wild side like sour green apple, you’ll find it at Indian Wells Brewing Company located at 2565 N Hwy 14, Inyokern, CA 93527.
- The Barn Vintage Marketplace
facebook/the barn vintage marketplace Love vintage treasures? Then you won’t mind taking a Sunday drive along Hwy 78 out to The Barn Vintage Marketplace located in the tiny town of Santa Ysabel. You’ll find all sorts of antiques and rare vintage finds including furniture, clothing, and quaint decor for your home. You can find The Barn Vintage Marketplace at 4559 Hwy. 78, Santa Ysabel, CA.
- Jeremy’s on the Hill
tripadvisor/leo and ben
jeremy’s on the hill You’d never guess you’d find a gourmet restaurant along this stretch of highway in the town of Julian. But get ready for a delicious surprise as that’s exactly what you’ll discover when you stumble upon Jeremy’s on the Hill. Located at 4354 Highway 78, Julian, CA, this locally owned restaurant serves farm to table cuisine in a quaint setting that is simply divine.
- China Ranch Date Farm
dan g/tripadvisor Looking for an unusual day trip that will take you to a new place you’ve never experienced before? Then hop in the car and take a leisurely drive to the China Ranch Date Farm located way out in the boonies at 8 China Ranch Rd., Tecopa, CA. You’ll find a working date farm and a bakery that makes the best date nut bread you’ve ever tasted. In addition to the outstanding baked goods, you’ll also get a chance to try their legendary date shakes. It’s the perfect thing to order on a hot SoCal day.
What do you think of these 10 places on this list? Have you had the chance to experience them for yourself?
facebook/living desert zoo and gardens
facebook/the living desert
Fun for the whole family, this incredible zoo and outdoor oasis is a great way to spend a day trip. Exploring the vast plant collection along the scenic trails and feeding the giraffes by hand are just a few examples of the adventures you’ll have at this SoCal outing. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is located at 47900 Portola Ave Palm Desert, California.
erik salazar/googlemaps
meat up bbq/facebook
When it comes to great BBQ, most of us don’t mind traveling off the beaten path to find it. Although Meat Up BBQ is tucked inside an average looking strip mall, you’ll quickly discover there’s nothing average about this hidden gem. From massive burgers and tasty ribs that are lip-smacking-delicious to side dishes that are loaded with flavor, this BBQ spot sure knows how to deliver a delicious meal. Meat Up BBQ is located at 1450 N Kraemer Blvd., Placentia, CA.
good speed/google maps
Love beef jerky AND aliens? Then you’re in luck as you’ll find both of those things at Alien Fresh Jerky. Located out in the middle of nowhere at 72242 Baker Blvd., Baker, CA 92309, Alien Fresh Jerky is a great place to stop when you find yourself heading down Hwy 15. Whether it’s the jerky you crave or the zany surroundings, this hidden gem will not disappoint.
myrtle creek/facebook
When you’re seeking a peaceful day out in nature, head out to Myrtle Creek Botanical Garden and Nursery to wander through a beautiful botanical garden that will completely refresh you. Located in the town of Fallbrook, Myrtle Creek may be a bit of a drive from most parts of SoCal but this destination is truly worth it. You can find Myrtle Creek Botanical Garden and Nursery at 2940 Reche Rd., Fallbrook, CA.
flickr/flannery626
Sometimes you want to escape from it all and head out on the road to explore a new town. If you have a wandering spirit then you’ll enjoy a drive to Trabuco Canyon. Nestled in the Santa Ana Mountains, this charming destination in SoCal is a great spot out in the middle of nowhere where you can spend the day exploring, dining, and hiking along picturesque trails.
tripadvisor/norcrossmum
Who doesn’t love a restaurant that whips up a mouthwatering meal that’s just as good (or even better!) than what Mom used to make? Although you’ll have to head out to the remote town of Jacumba Hot Springs to experience such a place, once you take your first bite of food at Jay’s Southern Cafe’ you’ll be glad you took the time to check this spot out. Jays’ Southern Cooking is located at 44461 Old 80 Hwy, Jacumba Hot Springs, CA 91934.
oscar zisman/googlemaps
darcy bowen/googlemaps
Right on the border of Southern California you’ll find a tiny town called Inyorken. Head to this town way out in the boonies and you’ll discover a destination that will quench your thirst. Indian Wells Brewing company specializes in handcrafted sodas in every flavor imaginable. Whether you enjoy root beer, cola, or something on the wild side like sour green apple, you’ll find it at Indian Wells Brewing Company located at 2565 N Hwy 14, Inyokern, CA 93527.
facebook/the barn vintage marketplace
Love vintage treasures? Then you won’t mind taking a Sunday drive along Hwy 78 out to The Barn Vintage Marketplace located in the tiny town of Santa Ysabel. You’ll find all sorts of antiques and rare vintage finds including furniture, clothing, and quaint decor for your home. You can find The Barn Vintage Marketplace at 4559 Hwy. 78, Santa Ysabel, CA.
tripadvisor/leo and ben
jeremy’s on the hill
You’d never guess you’d find a gourmet restaurant along this stretch of highway in the town of Julian. But get ready for a delicious surprise as that’s exactly what you’ll discover when you stumble upon Jeremy’s on the Hill. Located at 4354 Highway 78, Julian, CA, this locally owned restaurant serves farm to table cuisine in a quaint setting that is simply divine.
dan g/tripadvisor
Looking for an unusual day trip that will take you to a new place you’ve never experienced before? Then hop in the car and take a leisurely drive to the China Ranch Date Farm located way out in the boonies at 8 China Ranch Rd., Tecopa, CA. You’ll find a working date farm and a bakery that makes the best date nut bread you’ve ever tasted. In addition to the outstanding baked goods, you’ll also get a chance to try their legendary date shakes. It’s the perfect thing to order on a hot SoCal day.
If you enjoy long drives in the car then you may also want to check out these fun road trips in Southern California. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer weekend.
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