If you’re an explorer at heart, you know Southern California is the perfect place to be to discover hidden gems and local treasures. When you’re looking for some new adventures, hop in the car and head out for a leisurely drive to visit these unique destinations sprinkled throughout SoCal.
Please note, Frosty Chalet is temporarily closed.
- The Farm at Fairplex - 1101 W. McKinley Avenue Pomona, CA 91768
Sheraton Fairplex Located in the town of Pomona, you’ll find a five-acre farm tucked inside the property of the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel that is a worthwhile place to visit for a day trip. At the Farm at Fairplex you can enjoy urban farming classes, farm-to-table dinners with produce grown right on the farm, and a local farm stand that sells fresh produce during the spring and summer season.
- Jay’s Southern Cafe - 44461 Old 80 Hwy, Jacumba Hot Springs, CA 91934.
tripadvisor/norcrossmum Jay’s Southern Cafe is a local gem in the town of Jacumba Hot Springs that whips up old fashioned food just like Mom used to make. You’ll find lip-smacking delicous fried chicken, mouthwatering ribs, and heavenly desserts that are positively divine.
- Briar Rose Winery - 41720 Calle Cabrillo in Temecula, CA.
Briar Rose Winery Although the town of Temecula isn’t exactly way out in the boonies, you’ll feel as though you are out in the middle of nowhere from the moment you step foot on the property of this storybook winery. Tucked inside Temecula Valley wine country, Briar Rose Winery is a delightful destination to get away from it all.
- Hicksville Trailer Palace - 6394 Sunset Rd in Joshua Tree.
flickr/alex del solar With a name like Hicksville Trailer Palace, you can almost guarantee this destination out in the middle of nowhere is going to be one memorable getaway. Located in Joshua Tree, this artistic trailer park motel is filled with several themed trailers that provide an unforgettable overnight adventure.
- Santa Ysabel - San Diego County
facebook/santa ysabel store and backcountry visitor center The town of Santa Ysabel may be a bit of a drive out in the middle of nowhere, but once you arrive you’ll be delighted to discover the charm of this historic small town in San Diego County. From picturesque outdoorsy trails to local shops brimming with history, this is one place that is well worth the drive for an afternoon of laid back adventures and exploring.
- Indian Wells Brewing Company - 2565 State Highway 14, Inyokern, California.
Facebook/Indian Wells Brewing Company Right on the border of Southern California in the remote town of Inyorken with a population of less than 1500, you’ll find a brewing company that sells the most incredible selection of handcrafted sodas. At Indian Wells Brewing Company you can buy soda pops of every flavor that are locally made from artesian spring water and crafted with quality ingredients.
- Frosty Chalet - 532 N Main Street, Lone Pine, CA 93545.
tripadvisor/mini When you’re looking for a classic burger that hits the spot, there’s nothing quite like a leisurely drive to the Frosty Chalet in the remote town of Lone Pine. This burger joint in Inyo County will take you back to a simpler time with classic shakes, fries, and burgers that are grilled to perfection.
- Alien Fresh Jerky - 72242 Baker Blvd, Baker, CA 92309.
tripadvisor/kenmac1 When you’re traveling along Highway 15 way out in the boonies, you’ll want to make a point to stop at one of the most eclectic roadside destinations you’ll ever encounter - Alien Fresh Jerky. Located in the town of Baker, this unique pitstop is a great place to fuel up with road snacks as well as a few photo opportunities with the resident aliens.
- County Line Wood Fire Grill - 23446 Highway 79, Warner Springs, CA 92086-9234.
tripadvisor/wahzah Please note, County Line Wood Fire Grill is no longer in business. Since we’re on a bit of a restaurant kick here at Only In Southern California, we thought we’d add one more restaurant to this list - County Line Wood Fire Grill. The small-town vibe of this local grill in Warner Springs will remind you why it’s good for your spirit (and your appetite) to head out on the open road to find another slice of SoCal to discover.
- China Ranch Date Farm - 8 China Ranch Rd in Tecopa, CA.
tripadvisor/dan g. For a fun day trip that’s unlike your usual weekend afternoon, how about heading out to a date farm? Located in Tepoca, the China Ranch Date Farm is a quaint destination where you’ll find all sorts of goodies - a bakery, a farm, an eclectic gift shop, and even a date-flavored shake that is out of this world.
Did any of your favorite destinations in SoCal show up on this list? If not, let us know in the comments where you like to explore in SoCal to get away from the city.
Sheraton Fairplex
Located in the town of Pomona, you’ll find a five-acre farm tucked inside the property of the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel that is a worthwhile place to visit for a day trip. At the Farm at Fairplex you can enjoy urban farming classes, farm-to-table dinners with produce grown right on the farm, and a local farm stand that sells fresh produce during the spring and summer season.
tripadvisor/norcrossmum
Jay’s Southern Cafe is a local gem in the town of Jacumba Hot Springs that whips up old fashioned food just like Mom used to make. You’ll find lip-smacking delicous fried chicken, mouthwatering ribs, and heavenly desserts that are positively divine.
Briar Rose Winery
Although the town of Temecula isn’t exactly way out in the boonies, you’ll feel as though you are out in the middle of nowhere from the moment you step foot on the property of this storybook winery. Tucked inside Temecula Valley wine country, Briar Rose Winery is a delightful destination to get away from it all.
flickr/alex del solar
With a name like Hicksville Trailer Palace, you can almost guarantee this destination out in the middle of nowhere is going to be one memorable getaway. Located in Joshua Tree, this artistic trailer park motel is filled with several themed trailers that provide an unforgettable overnight adventure.
facebook/santa ysabel store and backcountry visitor center
The town of Santa Ysabel may be a bit of a drive out in the middle of nowhere, but once you arrive you’ll be delighted to discover the charm of this historic small town in San Diego County. From picturesque outdoorsy trails to local shops brimming with history, this is one place that is well worth the drive for an afternoon of laid back adventures and exploring.
Facebook/Indian Wells Brewing Company
Right on the border of Southern California in the remote town of Inyorken with a population of less than 1500, you’ll find a brewing company that sells the most incredible selection of handcrafted sodas. At Indian Wells Brewing Company you can buy soda pops of every flavor that are locally made from artesian spring water and crafted with quality ingredients.
tripadvisor/mini
When you’re looking for a classic burger that hits the spot, there’s nothing quite like a leisurely drive to the Frosty Chalet in the remote town of Lone Pine. This burger joint in Inyo County will take you back to a simpler time with classic shakes, fries, and burgers that are grilled to perfection.
tripadvisor/kenmac1
When you’re traveling along Highway 15 way out in the boonies, you’ll want to make a point to stop at one of the most eclectic roadside destinations you’ll ever encounter - Alien Fresh Jerky. Located in the town of Baker, this unique pitstop is a great place to fuel up with road snacks as well as a few photo opportunities with the resident aliens.
tripadvisor/wahzah
Please note, County Line Wood Fire Grill is no longer in business. Since we’re on a bit of a restaurant kick here at Only In Southern California, we thought we’d add one more restaurant to this list - County Line Wood Fire Grill. The small-town vibe of this local grill in Warner Springs will remind you why it’s good for your spirit (and your appetite) to head out on the open road to find another slice of SoCal to discover.
tripadvisor/dan g.
For a fun day trip that’s unlike your usual weekend afternoon, how about heading out to a date farm? Located in Tepoca, the China Ranch Date Farm is a quaint destination where you’ll find all sorts of goodies - a bakery, a farm, an eclectic gift shop, and even a date-flavored shake that is out of this world.
While you’re out exploring, if you’re wondering where to find some winter snow in SoCal then take a look at these 7 destinations that may turn into a winter wonderland this season.
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Address: 23446 Highway 79, Warner Springs, CA 92086Address: 72242 Baker Blvd, Baker, CA 92309Address: 532 N Main Street, Lone Pine, CA 93545Address: 44461 Old 80 Hwy, Jacumba Hot Springs, CA 91934Address: 1101 W. McKinley Avenue Pomona, CA 91768
