A Taste of Southern California

From bustling Los Angeles to upscale seaside towns to inland wine country, taste your way through a quintessential southern California experience during California Restaurant Month.

Trip Length: 3 days
Total distance: 240mi/386km

DAY 1

Pasadena History blends seamlessly with the present in Old Town Pasadena, where you can walk and window shop for blocks and blocks. When you’re ready for a respite, stop for contemporary American fare and an impressive by-the-glass selection at Vertical Wine Bistro . For more information: San Gabriel Valley Regional Chamber .

Montrose (8.4mi/13km; 15 min). This hidden gem of a village lies within the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, only minutes from the charming Descanso Gardens. Check out Bashan , a classic neighborhood restaurant with a locavore focus. For more information: Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce .

Los Angeles (14mi/23km; 20 min). The burgeoning downtown L.A. scene is funky and festive, just like Border Grill . Try green corn tamales, Baja-style fish tacos, panuchos, and empanadas—and don't forget the margaritas. For more information: Los Angeles Convention & Visitor’s Bureau .

DAY 2
Irvine (41mi/66km; 50min). After hitting Orange County theme parks and beaches, settle in at 6ix Park Grill for wood-fired steaks and classic SoCal seafood dishes served around the fire pit in the outdoor lounge. For more information: Irvine Chamber of Commerce .

Newport Beach (9mi/15km; 20 min) This tony seaside city is filled with charming neighborhoods worth strolling. In Cannery Village, check out the classic fish house, Bluewater Grill . For a taste of the coast, try The Pelican Grill at Pelican Hill Resort. For more information: Visit Newport Beach Inc .

Costa Mesa (7mi/11km; 15 min). Toast all of your great shopping finds from massive South Coast Plaza at Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s . The wine list at the stylish bar is one of the best in “the O.C.” For more information: Costa Mesa Conference and Visitor Bureau .

DAY 3

Temecula (73mi/117km; 1 hr 25 min). Head inland to Southern California wine country, where you’ll find abundant wine-tasting opportunities along Rancho California Road. Have lunch with a view at the Pinnacle Restaurant , Falkner Winery’s hilltop dining room. For more information: Temecula Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau .

La Jolla (64mi/103km; 72 min) Back along the coast, hit the boutiques and galleries in this luxe seaside village. George’s at the Cove offers a little something for everyone: a contemporary dining room for farm-to-table cuisine, a chef-driven room for changing menus, and a casual bistro for classic American fare. For more information: San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau .

San Diego (14mi/23km; 22 min). Catch the nightlife buzz in the Gaslamp Quarter, then go for bold flavors and slick sushi at Nobu at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, or oysters, cocktails, and grilled local seafood at Blue Point Coastal Cuisine . For more information: San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau .

Coronado (10mi/15km; 22 min). Cross the San Diego Bay Bridge for boutiques, parks, and gorgeous long beaches. For a laid-back lunch, go tropical at Peohe’s . (Make sure to try the poke.) Mistral at the Loews Coronado Bay features locally sourced ingredients on the Mediterranean-inspired menus. For more information: San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau .