Four thrilling activities for a fun weekend in SoCal

Spend a day at Balboa Park in San Diego

This destination is located right outside of downtown San Diego, California. It is known for its cultural architecture, museums, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Entry and parking are free. There are some activities that require you to pay for the experience along with free activities to do within the park as well.

This destination makes visitors feel like they traveled abroad to Spain within minutes. The intrinsically detailed architecture, such as the tiling, detailed roofings and crown moldings, arched walkways, and statues make the experience come to life. 

Whether it is having a picnic in the grassy area, exploring the beautiful gardens, walking around the ponds, enjoying the live music, or visiting the historical museums and international cottages, there is always something to do in Balboa Park, allowing for unforgettable memories to be made. If you are looking for something to do at the last minute while on a budget, this would be perfect for you.

Balboa Park, San Diego. Anna Casper | Lariat

Go to an amusement park at night

The southern California amusement parks are Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm and Six Flags. They all have a storyline, offering a different experience to the park guests. The ticket costs vary. So it just depends on what you are willing to spend. Go at night when you can experience shorter lines and admire all of the glistening lights from the rides.

Going to an amusement park at night allows the guests to see the rollercoasters come to life. The lights throughout the park are on, as well as the lights on the rides, adding a more exciting, yet dramatic effect to the amusement park experience.  

Disneyland at night. Anna Casper | Lariat

Learn how to snowboard or ski

Snowboarding and skiing are popular hobbies this time of year. Southern California is a location that is near the mountains, desert, and well-known beaches, giving residents and tourists many opportunities to learn a new hobby. The Big Bear resort is the closest place to go snowboarding or skiing if you are from the Orange County area. Tickets and lessons can be purchased at the resort or online. 

The Big Bear resort is the closest place to Orange County which allows the community to snowboard or ski. Tickets and lessons can be purchased at the resort or online. 

If it is too intimidating or difficult to learn how to snowboard or ski and still want to get that mountain experience during the wintertime, there are areas nearby that offer tubing and sledding, along with restaurants in downtown Big Bear. 

Snowboarding crowds on Big Bear Mountain. Anna Casper | Lariat

Try a new coffee shop

Orange County has added many new coffee shops to the area that are worth trying. With the weather being on the colder side, a cozy morning at a coffee shop with a warm drink might just be the right activity for you. So try a new coffee shop that you haven’t been to yet and invite a friend to go with you!

Orange County has added many new coffee shops to the area that are worth giving a try. Here are some recommended locations to try and their menus. “Grounded Coffee House” in Newport Beach, “Sur Coffee” in San Clemente, “J C Beans Coffee House” in Dana Point and “Hidden House Coffee” in San Juan Capistrano. 

One coffee shop that has more than one location but still gives off the small coffee shop feel is “Bear Coast Coffee”. They have two locations in Dana Point and one location in San Clemente and were awarded “Best of 2022” at the San Clemente location. 

The weather has been on the colder side recently, so bundle up with a warm cup of coffee, find a new good read, listen to some peaceful music and enjoy the coffee shop atmosphere.

Bear Coast Coffee is located in Dana Point. Anna Casper | Lariat

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