Summer is almost over, and most schools are back in session, but that doesn’t mean that you and your family can’t squeeze in one last hurrah this fall. In fact, with cooler temperatures arriving, a weekend road trip might be just what the doctor ordered to help ease the transition from summertime relaxation to the daily routine of school and work life. Here, we discuss four of our favorite road trips from Alhambra.
Joshua Tree
Located 145 miles from Alhambra, Joshua Tree is known for its desert landscape punctuated with giant boulders and Joshua trees. People have long gone there to camp and hike, but there are also plenty of odd and interesting attractions to take in during your visit. Start with a visit to Noah Purifoy’s Outdoor Museum, where you’ll see weird and wonderful sculptures created entirely out of junk materials. Next, visit Krblin Jihn Kabin, the fictional prison of a defeated heretic whose backstory is entirely made up by artist Eames Demetrios. There are many more oddities awaiting you in Joshua Tree.
Temecula
Just 85 miles away, Temecula offers a quick, relaxing getaway destination. Adults will appreciate the wine-country atmosphere without the long drive, and the whole family can enjoy hot-air-balloon tours over more than 40 vineyards. In historic Old Town, there are plenty of dining options, hotels, and shopping; and for any gamblers in your group, there is Pechanga Resort and Casino. Children will enjoy touring Temecula Children’s Museum’s Pennypickles Workshop, which offers kids a hands-on science experience. And finally, another great spot to visit is Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve where you can explore different hiking trails and observe local wildlife.
Solvang
Originally a Danish settlement, the town of Solvang still maintains its Old-World charm and appeal. Located about 128 miles from Alhambra, Santa Ynez Valley is a short trip that will leave you feeling as if you’ve traveled far away. Once there, your eyes will delight in sights like wooden windmills, rooftop storks, flower-lined streets, and a replica of the Round Tower of Copenhagen.
Visit Jule Hus for year-round Christmas shopping or tour one of the 120 wineries in the surrounding areas. Don’t forget to treat yourself to one of several authentic Danish bakeries, and more than 150 unique shops will allow you to do some serious boutique shopping.
Big Sur
At 340 miles — by far the longest drive — the trip to Big Sur offers a scenic route with breathtaking mountain vistas and ocean views. There’s plenty of camping and hiking available for outdoor adventurers, including trails that lead to gorgeous views of McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach.
When it’s time to head inside, visit Nepenthe for shopping, dining, and relaxing. You can enjoy the hot springs baths at Esalen Institute, which is open to the public at night. Finally, for a more secluded setting, drive up Nacimiento Road to Mission San Antonio de Padua and tour the grounds and museum.
Plenty of road trip adventures await you within a few hundred miles of Alhambra. Why not start planning one of your own today — before summer passes you by!
Image via Pixabay
Connect with us
