Favorite Southern California Holiday Destinations

Southern California is likely not what you immediately think of when you’re considering a holiday outing, but there are actually some pretty amazing destinations to consider.

Let’s take a look.

The Hotel Del Coronado

One of San Diego’s most beautiful and historical hotels, the Hotel Del Coronado is nothing short of spectacular.

It’s set on an island just off the coast of California and includes so many holiday treasures. Ice skate next to the sea! Rent an igloo on the beach to toast marshmallows! It’s all fabulously arranged for you.

Here’s a link to the hotel. (This is now a Hilton property. My husband and I have stayed here with points!)

Recommendations for a perfect two day stay include breakfast at Clayton’s Diner and then hop on the Old Town Trolley to see the city. (Everything is walkable from the hotel.) Then back to The Del for dinner, drinks and holiday fun. We did exactly this in 2024 and loved it.

Take a look at a quick reel of our Christmas stay here.

And here are some photos:

Shopping and Santa

SoCal boasts excellent shopping options for this time of year including three of our favorites:

South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa

We don’t go here for the shopping, as it includes Tiffany’s and other stores I enter only a few times in my entire life. Instead, we go for the decor.

No one does elaborate holiday decorations like South Coast Plaza. Also? This is the only location in the world that you can buy an authentic Disneyland ballon (from a cast member!) outside of the Disneyland Resort.

Take a look at a reel showcasing this beauty here.

And check out these photos:

The Grove in Los Angeles

I love The Grove because it’s right next to The Original Farmers Market, so you get two stops in one. Plus, it’s in the middle of the city, so there’s fun from every angle.

(Check out this post for lots of SoCal day trip ideas with more info on The Grove and Farmers Market.)

Look for mostly high end stores at The Grove along with an enchanting Santa set up.

Here’s a peek at all the goodness.

And here are some photos:

Irvine Spectrum

Closest to Disneyland, this option is about 30 minutes away. Unlike bougie South Coast Plaza and The Grove, the Spectrum includes more realistic stores to shop at and they even have a Target!

And, there’s an ice rink during the holidays.

Here’s a quick reel of what you can expect at the Spectrum.

And here are a few photos:

Old Fashioned Candy Cane Making

As I shared all about the Disneyland Candy Cane tradition, several people (thanks Michelle!) recommended I drive out to Ontario for a similar candy cane without the craziness.

And this darling shop did not disappoint. Since 1933, Logan’s has been delighting guests with sugary goodness.

This post shares lots of photos with info on bending your own candy cane for only $6!

And here’s a reel sharing more.

Peek at a few photos, too:

SkyPark at Santa’s Village

Oh how I adore this park!

It opened 6 weeks before Disneyland and is packed with history and nostalgia. Set in the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains, it’s worth the drive.

This post shares everything you need to know.

More Holiday Info

Looking for info on Disneyland during the holidays? Check these out

• Disneyland at Christmas photo tour
• Ultimate Disneyland Holiday Season Guide
• Fantasyland Holiday Wreaths
• Mickey’s Toontown Decorated for Christmas
• Frontierland at Christmas

Additional Resources

Planning a trip? Start with this post. It shares all sorts of basic planning info that will help you get organized. And take a look at my crowd calendar here too. 

Need discounted tickets and hotels? Check out my travel partner, Get Away Today. In business since 1990, they’re the absolute best with both pricing and service. This link takes you to them. Or you can call 855.GET.AWAY toll free. 

***Use code DDaily for an additional $10 off when you book hotel and tickets 

Let me know how I can help you plan.