I’ve driven thousands of miles across my home state, and I can tell you that a solo retreat in California is a must. The state’s sheer variety is great, with something for every mood. Last year, California saw 279.1 million total visits, proving its appeal. This guide blends my stories with practical tips for your own solo travel in California. From rugged coastlines to sun-drenched beaches, we’ll check out the best solo travel in California spots. This is more than a trip; it’s a freeing and memorable journey.
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TOP 13 PLACES FOR SOLO TRAVEL IN CALIFORNIA
1. Topanga Canyon
This spot offers a peaceful mountain escape right outside Los Angeles, perfect for recharging. The
artsy, wild vibe makes it easy to feel at home when traveling alone. I loved the cozy cabins and the
sound of the stream nearby. It is a perfect solo travel in California for quiet reflection and creative energy.
- Special Feature: Artsy, bohemian community with a wild, natural vibe.
- Where to Stay: Topanga, CA 90290
- Hours: Topanga State Park is open 8 AM to sunset.
- Hidden Gem: The Topanga General Store for local goods.
Top 3 things to do:
- Hike the Topanga State Park trails
- Explore local art galleries and boutiques
- Visit the Topanga General Store for vintage groceries
Estimated daily cost: $ 50– 150
2. San Diego
San Diego is a fantastic city for solo travel in California, with perfect weather and a relaxed vibe. There are historic parks, beautiful beaches, and lively neighbourhoods of the city to explore. I like the classic Southern California feel, which is perfect for a weekend of solo travel. It’s easy to navigate alone, with plenty of sights.
- Special Feature: Historic Old Town and nice coastal scenery.
- Where to Stay: 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118
- Hours: San Diego Zoo is open 9 AM to 6 PM.
- Hidden Gem: Spruce Street Suspension Bridge for a thrilling walk.
3. Yosemite National Park
The enormous granite cliffs in Yosemite are a solo traveler’s escape spot for nature and self-reflection, and the iconic Mist Trail is such a pleasure and adventure, where you get right up to 2 huge waterfalls. While it can get crowded, starting early is key. This national park is an essential stop for any person who wants to solo travel in California.
- Best for: Moderate
- Distance: 6.4 miles
- Elevation: 2,208 feet
- Type of Route: Loop
- Length: 4.5–5 hours
Top 3 things to do:
- Glacier Point to Nevada Falls hike
- Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall are easy trails
- Attempt Half Dome (permit required)
Estimated daily cost:$ 70-250
4. Big Sur
Big Sur with its dramatic coastline, is a stunning location to meditate through road trip- getting to know yourself. The highlight is McWay Falls, a waterfall that the water falls right onto the beach. The walking trail is short and simple and has an unreal viewpoint! It’s one of those places that captures the wild beauty of the coast, making it a great solo travel in California.
- Distance from trailhead: 0.6 miles
- Best for: Beginner-friendly
- Waterfall height: 80 feet
- Swimming hole: No
- Rest Rooms: Yes
- Cost: $10 Entrance Fee + Free Parking
Top 3 things to do:
- Visit McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
- Walk Pfeiffer Beach’s purple sands
- Drive and stop along Pacific Coast Highway
Estimated daily cost:$ 80-300
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5. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree’s unreal desert landscape gives it a unique, meditative space. The Ryan Mountain trail, is a strenuous but rewarding experience with 360-degree views of the parks rock formations and famous trees. For the stargazer, Joshua Tree is simply fabulous, it is one of the best weekend getaways for solo women.
- Best for: Moderate
- Distance: 3.0 miles
- Elevation: 1,050 feet
- Type of Route: Out & Back
- Length: 1.5–3 hours
Top 3 things to do:
- Sunrise at Fonts Point (4WD required)
- Stargazing in the dark sky areas
- Explore unique rock formations and hiking trails
Estimated daily cost: $40-180
6. Santa Barbara
Known as the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara is a beautiful solo travel spot with palm trees and
seaside views. The Artsy Funk Zone has cool galleries and breweries perfect for seeing alone. The Gaviota Wind Caves are my favorite hiking destination. The peaceful architecture and Mediterranean climate provides a wonderful getaway.
- Special Feature: Artsy “Funk Zone” with galleries and breweries.
- Where to Stay: 36 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Hours: Stearns Wharf is open 7 AM to 10 PM.
- Hidden Gem: Hike to the Gaviota Wind Caves.
7. Redwood National and State Parks
The redwoods, the tallest trees on Earth, offer a humble yet peaceful experience. You have to check out the Fern Canyon trail with 50 foot walls completely covered in green ferns. It is like being transported to a different planet. This should be a must for anybody exploring, especially as a solo travel in Northern California, because you can walk for hours and feel alive again.
- Best for: Beginner-friendly
- Distance: 1.1 miles
- Elevation: 150 feet
- Type of Route: Loop
- Length: 45–60 minutes
Top 3 things to do:
- Walk among ancient redwoods
- Visit Fern Canyon
- Drive the scenic coastal routes
Estimated daily cost:$ 50-180
8. San Francisco
San Francisco – so much to explore solo because of the various neighborhoods and easy public transport. Alcatraz is an entirely unique historical experience, and offers a peek into the famous prison. While touristy, the audio tour is fantastic. The city’s energy is great for a solo trip, making it a classic solo travel in Northern California.
- Special feature: Historic Alcatraz prison tour with city views.
- Where to Stay: 950 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA, 94108
- Hours: Alcatraz ferries depart from 8:40 AM to 3:50 PM.
- Hidden Gem: Musée Mécanique for vintage arcade games.
Top 3 things to do:
- Walk the Golden Gate Bridge
- Explore Chinatown and North Beach
- Visit Alamo Square and Haight-Ashbury
Estimated daily cost: $70- 250
9. Mendocino Coast
Misty beaches, rocky coastlines and lovely B&B accommodations and food combine to make Mendocino an easy getaway trip. It’s less crowded and perfect for some quiet timers. I love seeing the unique Bowling Ball Beach at low tide to see the strange, round boulders. The sunsets here are some of the best, ideal for a solo relaxing getaway.
- Special Feature: Picturesque escape with redwoods and nice sunsets.
- Where to Stay: 45080 Main Street, Mendocino, CA 95460
- Hours: Mendocino Headlands State Park is open sunrise to sunset.
- Hidden Gem: Bowling Ball Beach at low tide.
Top 3 things to do:
- Whale watching from coastal bluffs
- Visit Glass Beach in Fort Bragg
- Explore Mendocino village shops and galleries
Estimated daily cost: $50-180
10. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
This sprawling desert park is a quieter option than Joshua Tree, with badlands and amazing stargazing opportunities. The Borrego Palm Canyon Trail leads you to a surprising and stunning native palm oasis in a rocky canyon. It is one of my very favorite solo day trips in Southern California for the vast solitude and desert beauty.
- Best for: Moderate
- Distance: 3.0 miles
- Elevation: 450 feet
- Type of Route: Loop
- Length: 1.5–2 hours
Top 3 things to do:
- Sunrise at Fonts Point (4WD needed)
- Explore desert wildflowers in spring
- Visit sculptures and desert art
Estimated daily cost: $40-150
11. Malibu
With its beaches and coastal hikes, Malibu offers a relaxed vibe with great ocean views. It also gives you a space to relax and reconnect with nature, without being too far outside of LA. The drive around the coastal routes is a memorable one. A quick solo day trip to Malibu is an easy and very beautiful trip.
- Special Feature: Famous beaches and beautiful coastal drives.
- Where to Stay: Verify on the official site.
- Hours: Beaches generally open from sunrise to sunset.
- Hidden Gem: A local car wash with ocean views.
Top 3 things to do:
- Hike Solstice Canyon
- Relax at Zuma Beach
- Visit Malibu Pier
Estimated daily cost: $60-220
Travel Basics & Tips
- Book park passes and permits well in advance.
- A car is essential for seeing most of California.
- Gas can be expensive; fill up in larger towns.
- Remember to download offline maps, as cell service is spotty.
- Traffic around LA/SF, YIKES! Avoid driving during peak hours.
- Plan solo day trips in Southern California from one base to save money.
Conclusion
California is so great, and its diversity gives endless opportunity for every type of traveler, from desert sunrises to misty redwood forests; it has a unique, magical charm. I hope this little guide to amazing California places helps you on your way to creating an unforgettable solo travel journey in California that offers you peace, space, and some awe. It’s a trip you will always remember once you return home.
