From Desert to Sea: Soaking in Southern California - Itinerary

Trip Length: 14 Days / 13 Nights

Trip Type: Road Trip Fun — Adventure, Family, Creativity, Reconnection

Best For: All travelers (families, couples, creatives, slow adventurers)

Best Seasons: Any, with nuance — desert (skip peak summer), ocean swimming (skip mid-winter)

Getting Around: Road trip by car (convertible or camper is a vibe)

✨ Introduction – The Story Behind the Journey

We’re Southern California natives — raised by ocean light and warm canyon winds. We grew up in a beach town in LA and raised our children in San Diego. This Southern California itinerary is our love letter: boardwalk mornings, golden hour in Laguna, stargazing in Joshua Tree, laughter on roller coasters, sleepy sunsets over Mission Bay. Home, distilled into a two-week wander.

Trip Overview

Destinations: Santa Monica → Hollywood → Anaheim (Disneyland) → Laguna Beach → Palm Springs → Joshua Tree NP → San Diego (La Jolla / Torrey Pines / Del Mar / Mission Bay / Seaport Village)

Journey Pace: Balanced road-trip rhythm — play hard, rest well

Highlights: Santa Monica Promenade, Manhattan Beach strolls, Torrey Pines + Del Mar, Mission Bay sunsets, Seaport Village, Disneyland, LEGOLAND, Safari Park, Joshua Tree dark skies, desert hot springs

🗺️ Itinerary at a Glance - Southern California

Day	Destination / Title	Theme
1	Arrive LAX → Santa Monica	Touchdown & Ocean Air
2	Santa Monica & Manhattan Beach	Beach Roots
3	Hollywood & Griffith	City Magic & Views
4	Anaheim – Disneyland Day 1	Play & Wonder
5	Anaheim – Disneyland Day 2 (or CA Adventure)	Joy & Thrill
6	Laguna Beach	Creative Coastline
7	Laguna → Palm Springs	Mid-century Sun
8	Joshua Tree NP	Desert Stillness
9	Joshua Tree (sunrise) → San Diego	Transition & Flow
10	San Diego – La Jolla & Torrey Pines	Cliffs & Clarity
11	San Diego – Del Mar & Cardiff	Salt & Slow Time
12	San Diego – Mission Bay & Seaport Village	Playful Water
13	San Diego – Safari Park or LEGOLAND	Family Adventure
14	Gentle Return	Carry It Home

🌿 Local Wisdom & Connection

Hidden Gems (Harmony Moments): Sunrise at Torrey Pines, pier stroll in Manhattan Beach, stargazing in Joshua Tree.

Market & Makers: Santa Monica farmers markets (check days), Laguna art walks (seasonal).

Move with the Light: Plan big hikes for mornings; linger at coastlines for golden hour.

🏨 Stays & Lodging Style (choose your vibe)

Coastal Boutique Inns (Santa Monica, Laguna, La Jolla) – walkable, airy, creative.

Family-Friendly Suites (Anaheim, Mission Bay) – space for naps + pool breaks.

Palm Springs Mid-Century / Desert Casitas – pool + stars.

Glamping/Camper (JT area) – dark sky access.

(Swap in your specific favorites later; keep it values-aligned and cozy.)

🚗 Getting Around & Drive Times (approx.)

LAX → Santa Monica: 30–60 min

Santa Monica → Anaheim: 45–75 min

Anaheim → Laguna: 30–45 min

Laguna → Palm Springs: 1.5–2 hrs

Palm Springs → Joshua Tree: 45–60 min

Joshua Tree → San Diego: 3–4 hrs

Within SD (La Jolla / Del Mar / Mission Bay / Safari Park / LEGOLAND): 15–60 min

🎒 Packing with Intention

Essentials: Light layers (day/night swings), sandals + walking shoes, swimsuit, hat, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, daypack.

Nice-to-Haves: Beach blanket, compact umbrella (marine layer drizzle), portable phone battery, journal + pen.

Desert Notes: Extra water, sun shirt, closed-toe shoes for rocky trails; avoid mid-day heat.

🌅 Reflection & Closing

Southern California is sunshine you can wear on the inside. From salt-kissed mornings to warm desert nights, this route is simple joy in motion — expansive, playful, and deeply home.

Live Wild. Create With Intention. Tell Stories That Matter.

A pre-traveled, pre-curated journey by Harmony in the Wild — Greg & Jena Pomeroy.