Fill Your Trip to California with Fun Memories

Get out to the Golden State with Breeze Airways™, now serving 5 cities in California. Enjoy moderate temperatures, beautiful beaches, a trove of historical sites, a melting pot of food and culture, and a healthy dose of the great outdoors in this spacious state. Use this guide as a starting point for selecting your destination and planning your next trip to California. 

Spend a Day in San Francisco 

San Francisco is a charming city nestled into a bay on the Pacific Ocean. With its iconic skyline, rolling hills, and salty breeze, every corner has a story and a view. From Alcatraz Island to the Golden Gate Bridge, this city is a must-see California landmark. 

Start your day with a jaunt through Crissy Field. Grab a coffee from a nearby cafe and stroll along the waterfront as sailboats drift by and locals walk their dogs. If you’re feeling ambitious, rent a bike and cruise across the bridge—it’s a bucket-list ride that’s surprisingly doable. 

Next, head over to Ghirardelli Square, a historic chocolate factory turned shopping and dining hub. Sample the tasty squares of chocolate, then browse the boutiques and galleries tucked into the old brick buildings. It’s a sweet way to ease into the day. 

From there, it’s a short walk to Pier 39, one of the city’s most famous spots. Watch sea lions lounge and bark on the docks, explore quirky shops, and grab a sourdough bread bowl filled with clam chowder. Check out the Aquarium of the Bay, packed with fun for the whole family, or hop on a bay cruise and look out over the skyline from the water. 

In the afternoon, hop on a historic cable car and ride it to stops like Nob Hill or Union Square. It’s a fun way to get around town in style and the views are worth every clatter and clang. Watching the turnarounds at either end of the tracks is a classic part of the San Francisco experience. 

As the sun starts to dip, make your way to Twin Peaks. It’s a bit of a climb, but the overlook above the city at golden hour is pure magic. See if you can spot landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. 

Wrap up your day in the Mission District, where murals meet mouthwatering eats. Grab dinner from a local taqueria, then blend into the crowds on Valencia Street as you nibble on dessert. Keep an eye out for some live music or a pop-up art show. 

Book your flight and view more fun ideas for San Francisco. 

Spend a Day in Los Angeles 

Los Angeles is a city of dreams, palm trees, and endless sunshine. It’s where movie magic meets beach culture, where you can go from hiking a rugged canyon to leisurely sipping a latte on Rodeo Drive—all before lunch. Get ready to experience luxury, relaxation, and fresh ocean air on your trip to the West Coast’s big city. 

Start your morning in the 4,200 acre Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. Hike up to the observatory for sweeping views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. It’s a great way to take it all in and get your steps for the day. If you’re not up for a hike, you can drive instead and still see the same jaw-dropping sights (we’re all about options).  

Next, head down to Los Feliz or Silver Lake for brunch. These neighborhoods are full of trendy spots where you can grab avocado toast or lavender tea, whatever strikes your fancy. 

From there, cruise down Sunset and make your way to Hollywood Boulevard. Snap a pic with your favorite star on the Walk of Fame, peek into the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, and maybe even spot a celebrity impersonator or two. 

By midday, it’s time to cool off by the coast. Head west to Santa Monica Pier, where you can ride the Ferris wheel, play arcade games, or stroll along the boardwalk with an ice cream cone in hand. From there, walk or bike down to Venice Beach to see the street performers, Muscle Beach, and the colorful canals. It’s LA at its most eclectic. 

As the sun starts to set, make your way to The Getty Center. Perched on a hilltop, this art museum offers world-class exhibits and one of the best sunset spots in the city. The tram makes for a picturesque way to get there. 

Wrap up your day with dinner in West Hollywood or Koreatown—two neighborhoods that know how to do food right. Whether you’re craving Korean BBQ, vegan tacos, or a rooftop cocktail, you’ll find something delicious to end your day on a high note. 

Book your flight and view more fun ideas for Los Angeles. 

Spend a Day in Orange County 

Orange County is known for the best beach vibes combined with endless opportunity for adventure. Whether you’re catching waves in Huntington Beach or exploring the artsy heart of Santa Ana, this SoCal gem has something for everyone. Plus, don’t forget about theme parks and magical excursions to mythical lands. 

Start your morning in Santa Ana, the cultural soul of the county. Grab a bite to eat from a local cafe, then head to the Bowers Museum. This underrated spot is packed with fascinating exhibits, from Pacific Islander art to ancient artifacts. It’s a peaceful way to ease into your day. 

Next, stroll along Main Street and Broadway, where colorful murals, indie galleries, and creative energy fill the streets. Look out for farmers markets and performing musicians that frequent the plaza. It’s a great place to pick up a handmade souvenir and enjoy the local flavor. 

By midday, it’s time to head west to the coast. In about 30 minutes, you’ll hit Huntington Beach, aka Surf City USA. Park near the pier and grab lunch at one of the oceanfront spots—think fish tacos, poke bowls, or a classic burger. After that, hit the sand. Whether you’re taking a surfing class, sunbathing, or just watching the pros ride the waves, this beach delivers on the classic California experience. 

If you’re up for exploring, rent a beach cruiser and ride the Huntington Beach Bike Trail, hugging the coast for miles. You could also head to Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve for a peaceful walk among wetlands via boardwalk trails. Look out for herons, egrets, and maybe even a few stingrays in the shallows. 

In the evening, grab a spot on the beach or the pier to catch a famous Pacific Coast sunset. The sky lights up in delightful shades of pink, orange, and purple. It’s the kind of view that makes you want to slow down and stay for a while. 

Wrap up your day with dinner and drinks at Pacific City, a modern shopping and dining complex just steps from the beach. You’re sure to find something delicious to cap off the perfect day, from sushi and seafood to authentic Mexican cuisine. 

Book your flight and view more fun ideas for Orange County.

Spend a Day in San Diego 

San Diego is a city as rich with culture and history as it is with breathtaking ocean vistas and balmy beach weather. Walk the rocky cliffs as waves crash and marine life thrives below. Relax on golden sand warmed by endless sun. Get the best authentic Mexican food in the states just miles from the country line. 

Start your morning in La Jolla, where the shore meet the sea in the most dramatic way. Head to the cove to watch sea lions sunbathe on the rocks and snorkelers drift through kelp forests. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a kayak and paddle through the sea caves. Otherwise, a walk along the coast with a coffee in hand is just as magical. 

Next, make your way to Balboa Park, San Diego’s crown jewel. This massive urban center is home to gardens, museums, and a world-famous zoo. If you’ve got time, you’ll love every minute of the wildlife encounters with exotic animals spanning the globe at the zoo—but even a stroll through the Spanish-style architecture and lush foliage is a treat. Grab lunch at one of the cafes or head to nearby North Park for a more local bite.

 

In the afternoon, cruise down to Coronado Island. You can drive over the iconic bridge or take the ferry for a breezy ride across the bay. Once there, explore the charming streets, visit the historic Hotel del Coronado, and chill on the wide, welcoming beach. It’s the kind of place that feels like a vacation within a vacation. 

Before night falls, head to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. The name says it all. This rugged stretch of coastline offers some of the best sunset views in California. Pull out your camera and snag a selfie, then enjoy the mirage of colors over the ocean. 

Finish things up in Old Town San Diego, the birthplace of California and the best spot for delicious Mexican dining. This storied neighborhood is packed with charm—think adobe buildings, mariachi music, and the smell of fresh tortillas in the air.  

Grab dinner at one of the many local favorites serving up handmade tamales, sizzling carne asada, or fish tacos that taste like they came straight from Baja. Don’t skip the house-made guac or a margarita on the rocks (with salt, of course). If you’re still hungry, stroll through the plaza and pick up a churro or two for dessert. 

Book your flight and view more fun ideas for San Diego. 

Spend a Day in San Bernardino 

San Bernardino has several claims to fame that set it apart as a hidden gem in the Los Angeles area. Its proximity to national forest, mountains, and Joshua Tree National Park makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It also has one of the closest airports to Coachella Valley, home of the famed music festival taking place each spring. Add a stop on Historic Route 66, plus the birthplace of fast-food chain McDonalds and you have a truly unique place to visit.  

Start your day by driving up to the alpine Big Bear Lake for some fun in the sun. The summer makes for a great time to rent a boat and cool off in the breezy air. Enjoy some laid-back wakeboarding and tubing or take a dip in the refreshing water. You can also sail, kayak, and paddleboard along the calm shoreline. If you visit in the winter, check out the two ski resorts primed for excellent snowfall.  

In the afternoon, take the long way back to town along Route 38, known as the Rim of the World Scenic Byway. Look for viewpoints overlooking snowy peaks and hiking through stunning pine forests. Sugarloaf and San Gorgonio Mountains boast hundreds of trails to overlooks and waterfalls and along rivers. When you start to get hungry, stop for a picnic at one of the many campgrounds along the road.  

As night falls, make your way back downtown and grab dinner at a local diner or an authentic Mexican restaurant. Catch a show at the elegant California Theatre of the Performing Arts, known for concerts, orchestral performances, and stage productions. You can also watch a baseball game at San Manuel Stadium, home of the Inland Empire 66ers minor league team.  

Book your flight and view more fun ideas for San Bernardino.