If you ever plan to visit Southern California or live in the area and are looking for local trips your journey should start here. Covering everything from tourist hot spots to destinations off the beaten path. Southern California Day trips is perfect place for planning fun outings and activities for the entire family.
Source: Trippen
On the Second Saturday of July in Laguna Niguel California a tradition of mooning the passing Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains is carried on each year. This years event is all day Saturday, July 12, 2008. Both north and south bound trains are full to capacity to view the moon show. Engineers slow down the usually fast moving trains for optimal viewing of the exposed rear ends. Mooners of every size, shape and age line up along the edge of the track to expose their naked behinds to the passing passenger trains. Mugs Away Saloon across the street from the moon show serves cold beverages and there are also assorted vendors selling food and souvenir event T-shirts. Mooning the trains started out in 1999 over a bet in Mugs Away Saloon in order to get a free drink. 
The tradition has continued over the years and today hundreds of people line up to moon the trains. Mugs Away Saloon is at 27324 Camino Capistrano, #102; Laguna Niguel, California 92677. Arrive early for best parking and mooning spots. Southern California is very hot in July so be sure to put on some sun screen on all exposed areas of your body. There is no admission charge for this event and after a few beers at Mugs chances are you will be mooning along with the rest of the crowd. More about Amtrak Pacific Surfliners
Source: Trippen
A Staycation is a vacation spent close to home. Southern California residents live in a vacation paradise and can avoid the high price of traveling by staying at home and taking short local trips. About 50 percent of American travelers are changing their summer travel plans because of soaring fuel prices and sticking closer to home, according to a recent survey by the travel Web site TripAdvisor. And if your one of those travelers and live in Southern California you are way ahead of the game. San Diego and the Los Angeles area both have major amusement parks right in their own backyards. Legoland, Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain. World class destinations all one tank trips from any place in Southern California. If your looking for even more savings on you Southern California staycation try packing up drinks and lunch and taking a local day trip. Head to the beach, park, or the local mountains and be back home in time to light up the barbecue in your own back yard. Travelers come from all over the world to visit Southern California and if your lucky enough to live here there is no need to travel far to enjoy you summer. Southern California locals are joining the ranks of the out of state tourists and loving it.
Source: Trippen
Calaveras Big Trees State Park is a favorite camping destination in California’s Gold Country. There are two groves of giant sequoias to hike through, North and South. The North grove is where most people end up and this is also the location of the old drive through tree. Cars are not allowed to drive through the tree these days but you can still hike through the tree. South grove is quieter and if your looking for a more relaxed visit this is the place for you. Calaveras Big Trees State Park is open year round and is easily accessible. It’s just off Highway 4 15 miles east of Murphys California.
Source: Trippen