Between LA And San Diego Is A Suburban City With Scenic Parks, Hiking Trails, And Golf Courses

For most people, a relaxing vacation in Southern California often means taking advantage of the coastline by visiting places like the state's top-tier surf towns with beautiful beaches. But what if you're not a huge fan of the sand, yet you still want to enjoy the great outdoors and balmy SoCal weather? Well, for that, you can always head off the beaten path and try a city that wouldn't necessarily be at the top of must-visit lists, but is still worth checking out, all the same. One example is the suburban city of Mission Viejo, situated about an hour south of LA and an hour north of San Diego by car.  

This place is great for outdoor lovers for several reasons. First, it's full of picturesque parks with hiking trails and scenic greenery. One of the main highlights of this city is Lake Mission Viejo, which acts like something of an oasis in the middle of the city, complete with a sandy beach. That said, it's only open to residents or friends of residents, so it's not the most accessible feature. Or, if you prefer golfing, there are some incredible courses here that will make your game more memorable, even if you're not swinging at your best.

Beyond its parks and golf courses, Mission Viejo offers a diverse dining and shopping scene, with chic outdoor malls and delicious restaurants. So, if you're looking for a quieter, more laid-back Southern California vacation, it might be time to pay attention to Mission Viejo.

Beyond the lake, the city is home to 57 parks and green spaces, so there are many ways to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery. If you really want to get your blood pumping, you can take advantage of the various trails weaving through the area. For example, there's the Arroyo Trabuco Trail, which stretches for 15 miles and extends past Mission Viejo, revealing hilly vistas in the distance.

Another way to combine the best of both worlds is to play at one of the city's two public golf courses. There is a third — the Mission Viejo Country Club — but you must be a member to play. Otherwise, the first option is the Oso Creek Golf Course, which sits just south of Lake Mission Viejo and has been around since 1970. The second is the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, which offers diverse scenery and was designed by PGA professional Tom Lehman. So, if you're practicing for the big leagues, you may want to book a tee time here.

Since Mission Viejo is practically equidistant from LA and San Diego, you can take your pick of which travel hub to fly into. However, keep in mind that San Diego International is one of the most beautiful airports in the world, and the traffic heading north is often less intense than that heading through Los Angeles. Because this place isn't really touristy, there aren't many hotels to choose from, although you can stay in nearby cities like Aliso Viejo or Laguna Hills. Alternatively, you can stay in one of the many vacation rentals scattered throughout Mission Viejo. Also, considering Mission Viejo's location, you can add other cities to your excursion, such as Laguna Beach, one of the 12 beautiful stops along the Pacific Coast Highway for an epic road trip. It's less than a half-hour drive west, as are other points of interest like Newport Beach and Dana Point.

Outside of golfing or hiking, the other two main attractions of this city are shopping and dining. The Shops at Mission Viejo is a great place to start, as you can browse boutiques and chain retailers and then feast at trendy eateries afterward. You can find brands like Lululemon, Apple, Nordstrom, and Sephora, so no matter what you're looking to buy, you should be able to find it.

When it comes to food, Mission Viejo has a mix of cuisines from around the world. For waterfront dining and Italian favorites, check out Domenico's on the Lake, which is known for its pizza and daily happy-hour specials. If you prefer Asian flavors, Seven Folding Dumpling House features handmade dumplings and dim sum. Finally, travel to Paris at Little France Coffee & Bakery, where you can get decadent French pastries and breads, including fluffy croissants and tarts.