Are you dreaming of a relaxing and fun vacation for you and your friends? If so, we have the perfect location. Palm Desert, California, is a hub for nature lovers as well as travelers seeking to reconnect with themselves. In this blog, we’ll show you how to plan your trip with three simple yet exciting outdoor activities in Palm Desert. Read on, take notes, and get ready for some fun!
Want to know more about all the amazing things you can do in Southern California? Download our free San Diego Travel Guide! Inside, you’ll find our top recommendations for the best local restaurants, events, shops, museums, and outdoor activities. 

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You’ll Love These 3 Outdoor Activities in Palm Desert

Yoga

There’s no better way to start your trip to Palm Desert than with an outdoor yoga session. Stop in Palm Springs while driving down from San Diego and try Yoga in the Park! You can stretch out, let your muscles breathe, and find some inner peace while soaking up the scenery. After some time in the car, you’ll love feeling the fresh grass beneath your feet. We recommend bringing a mat and a reusable water bottle. 
Note: The class is free, but $10 donations are highly encouraged.

Hiking

San Diego is well-known for its beautiful hiking trails that you can explore during your vacation. Palm Desert has some excellent routes, too! Pack your hiking boots and head out to the Art Smith Trailhead. If you want to be dazzled by desert views, you won’t find a better spot. We recommend getting there in the morning before it gets too hot outside. Note that this trail is for more experienced hikers, as it is 8.3 miles long and has an elevation change of 1,465 feet. 

Picnicking 

Reward yourself after your challenging hike with a nice picnic! There’s nothing like spreading out a gingham blanket and eating delicious food surrounded by beautiful scenery. Stop in town to buy pre-made sandwiches, or go to the local farmers market and create your perfect picnic menu. We love grabbing artisan cheese, warm bread, cured meat, fresh fruit (maybe cherries or strawberries), and mouth-watering cookies for dessert!

Continue the Fun With Monarch Luxury Villas

Lux at La Jolla Shores deck and patio areaNow that you’ve planned the perfect day in Palm Desert, it’s time to find a place to stay! You deserve to treat yourself to a gorgeous home away from home. At Monarch Luxury Villas, we only offer the best properties in the San Diego area. Our vacation rental homes are the epitome of style and indulgence. Enjoy exceptional furnishing, superb amenities, and unparalleled vacation experience. This is the stress-free getaway you’ve been waiting for! Book your stay today.
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Are you planning a getaway to San Diego from Arizona? How about turning it into a fun road trip? There’s nothing like driving up the West Coast, blasting music, and admiring the scenery! In this blog, we’ll help you plan your adventure and make the most of the journey. So, read on, take notes, and start mapping out your road trip from Phoenix/Scottsdale to San Diego! Next, discover the best things to do once you reach San Diego in our free Travel Guide! This exclusive planning tool features our recommendations for local restaurants, events, shops, museums, outdoor activities, and more.

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3 Things You Need to Know Before Starting Your Road Trip from Phoenix/Scottsdale to San Diego

How Long is the Drive?

The drive from Phoenix/Scottsdale to San Diego is 357 miles long and takes about five and a half hours. It’s the ideal length for a road trip because you won’t spend the entire day in the car!

What to Pack

There are a few things to consider when packing for your vacation. First, pack the items you’ll need for your road trip. That includes water, snacks, phone chargers, etc. We also recommend creating a playlist that you can blast with the windows down! Be sure to load up your itinerary before you leave, too, as there might not be service along the way.
You also need to think about what to pack for San Diego. The weather in Southern California is sunny all-year-long, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared for all types of weather. Here are some items you might want to consider taking with you:

  • Shorts and jeans
  • Cotton T-shirts
  • Sandals and flip flops for the beach
  • Hiking boots if you decide to hit the trails
  • Bathing suits
  • A light jacket
  • Your camera!

Stops to Make Along the Way

The drive from Phoenix/Scottsdale to San Diego is stunning, to say the least. If you love nature and beautiful vistas, then you won’t be disappointed. Here are some of our favorite things to see along the way.

The Perfect Place to Rest After Your Road Trip

Rooftop view of La Jolla, CAThey say it’s not the destination that matters, but the journey. In this case, however, we can assure you that the destination will be the highlight of your trip! Monarch Luxury Villas offers a beautiful selection of properties in San Diego that will make your vacation unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for a romantic condo for two or a spacious home for your family and friends, Monarch Luxury Villas has you covered. 
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What do you see when you picture San Diego in your mind? Is it a sunny beach? Turquoise water? Maybe you imagine scenic hiking trails. San Diego is a picture-perfect summer destination, and the good news is, you don’t even need to visit during the summer to experience it. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the best of what our coastal city has to offer, visit San Diego in September! This time of year is ideal for a low-key, relaxing getaway. 
Learn more about the best things to do in San Diego in our exclusive, free Travel Guide. Inside this planning tool, you’ll find our top recommendations for local restaurants, high-end shops, fun events, outdoor adventures, and more. 

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Here’s All You Need to Know About Traveling to San Diego in September 

What’s the Weather Like in San Diego in September? 

One of the greatest things about San Diego is the temperate, year-round weather. Although winter can get cooler, there’s really no difference between spring, summer, and fall! Traveling to San Diego in September feels like extending your summer vacation with the warm breeze, glowing sun, and blue sky. Temperatures in September range from highs around 77 to lows around 66 degrees.

What Should You Pack? 

As we previously mentioned, San Diego in September is like summer. So, your suitcase should include the following items: 

  • Several pairs of shorts 
  • Sandals 
  • Flip-flops for your beach trips 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Sunglasses 
  • Hat or cap 
  • A pair of jeans in case it gets cooler at night 
  • A light jacket 
  • Bathing suits 
  • A pair of hiking boots if you decide to hit the trails 
  • Beach towels 

What Are the Top Seasonal Things to Do? 

In addition to all of the outdoor activities you can enjoy in San Diego, like soaking up the sun on the beach, hiking stunning canyon trails, and dining at ocean view restaurants, here are some other seasonal activities and events to indulge in when you visit in September. 

Are You Ready to Book Your Villa? 

Cypress Cabana ChateauNow that we’ve got you all excited about visiting San Diego in September, it’s time to make your trip a reality! Find the home of your dreams with Monarch Luxury Villas. We offer a wide selection of high-end villas ranging from superb condos to magnificent homes with stellar views. Treat your significant other or the entire family to the adventure of a lifetime and relax in beautiful San Diego, California!
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If spending time out in nature is on the itinerary for your La Jolla vacation, then you’ve landed on the right page! In this blog, we’ll tell you all about La Jolla Caves and the wonders they withhold. Gear up for a fun day of kayaking or snorkeling where you might even spot some adorable sea lions! Read on, take notes, and book your stay with Monarch Luxury Villas today.
Learn more about our favorite things to do in La Jolla and the San Diego area in our exclusive, free Travel Guide. Inside, you’ll find our top recommendations for local restaurants, events, shops, museums, outdoor activities, and more.

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Have a Unique Experience at La Jolla Caves!

La Jolla Caves Snorkeling

The Underwater Park at La Jolla Caves is one of the most stunning natural features in the area, and it’s an ideal spot for snorkeling. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the sport — there’s no better place to try it than here! La Jolla Kayak offers one of the best local snorkel tours and takes you around the caves so you can admire spectacular underwater formations. One thing is for sure: you’ll make memories for a lifetime. 

La Jolla Caves Kayaking

Snorkeling isn’t the only way to explore La Jolla Caves. If you’d rather not get in the water, you can go on a kayak tour! There’s nothing like paddling across the turquoise water, looking up to the dark, rocky cliffs, and channeling your inner explorer. Did you know that the caves used to be a smuggling spot for pirates in the 1800s? They even have unique names like White Lady, Little Sister, Shopping Cart, Sea Surprize, Arch Cave, Sunny Jim Cave, and Clam’s Cave!

La Jolla Caves Sea Lions

Another fun fact about the La Jolla Caves is that they’re home to adorable sea lions. These creatures are often seen swimming around the cliffs and sunning themselves on the rocks. We highly recommend bringing along a waterproof camera to capture their cuteness. The best time to see the sea lions is around sundown when they come out to feed!

It’s Time to Find Your La Jolla Home

La Jolla VillaNow that we’ve got you dreaming about La Jolla Caves and all the fun you will have there, it’s time to make your vacation a reality. Monarch Luxury Villas is here to help. Browse our selection of high-end villas and homes in La Jolla and the San Diego area and pick the one that will fit your needs. They’re ideal to unwind after a long day on the water, have easy access to local attractions, and are as gorgeous as they are cozy. Whether you are looking for a romantic couple’s oasis or a luxurious villa for you and your family, we have just what you need. 
Plan Your Stay

Are you planning a fun day trip around San Diego? If so, you’ve landed on the right page. In this blog, we’ll tell you about the top things to do in North County San Diego and why it’s worth a visit. Explore the world-famous San Diego Zoo, enjoy a delicious lunch at luxurious Del Mar Plaza, go on a scenic hike, or relax at the beach. Either way, you won’t have a minute to get bored! Read on and get ready for an adventure. 
Learn more about the wonderful things San Diego has to offer in our exclusive, free Travel Guide. Inside, you’ll find top recommendations for your vacation, including the best local restaurants, events, shops, museums, outdoor activities, and more.

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Here Are the Best Things to Do in North County San Diego

Visit the San Diego Zoo

We can’t talk about the best things attractions in the area without mentioning the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Not only is the zoo a fabulous outdoor experience, but it’s also a great activity if you are traveling with children. Spend a few hours marveling at the exotic species and attend one of the zoo’s renowned shows. 

Get Lunch at Del Mar Plaza

After a fun visit to the zoo, you’ll be ready for lunch! We know just the place to go. Del Mar is a lovely coastal town in North County San Diego, and the plaza is the place to go for high-end shopping and dining. Gaze at the ocean as you enjoy a luxurious lunch at Il Fornario or Pacifica Del Mar!

Go on a Waterfall Hike

Are you a nature enthusiast? Then you cannot miss the incredible hikes in North County, some of which offer fabulous waterfall views. Penasquitos Canyon Trail, for example, is only 20 minutes north of San Diego and features a stellar canyon backdrop as well as a unique rock formation where you can stop for a snack.

Rest on the Beach in La Jolla

No day trip itinerary is complete without some time at the beach. This is California, after all! La Jolla beaches are among the most beautiful on the coast and are truly the gems of North County. If you’re looking for a place to go with your little ones, then La Jolla Shores is ideal. If you prefer a more intimate and scenic option, we highly recommend Shell Beach. It even has tide pools!

Come Home to a Spectacular San Diego Villa

San Diego villaAfter enjoying the best of North County San Diego, take a short drive back to your home with Monarch Luxury Villas. We have so many incredible properties to choose from! Will you stay in an oceanfront home where you can admire the sunset over a glass of champagne? Or will you go for an inland villa with lots of privacy and luxury? Whether you are traveling with your significant other or with the entire family, we’ve got you covered.
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Choosing the right California vacation destination can be overwhelming. You’re looking for gorgeous beaches, a relaxing atmosphere, and, of course, a luxurious place to stay. Whether you choose La Jolla or Laguna, you’re more than likely to have a fabulous vacation. However, the two are vastly different from the other, and we’re here today to help you decide between them. So, which one is for you? Find out and start planning your trip today.
If you want to learn more about the best things to do in the San Diego area, download our free Travel Guide! Inside, we’ve compiled some of our favorite recommendations for local restaurants, events, shops, museums, outdoor activities, and more.

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Should You Pick La Jolla or Laguna? 

Stay in La Jolla

La Jolla is the perfect beach destination for travelers seeking relaxation and luxury. This coastal town has everything you need for a lavish vacation filled with fun. Here are some of our favorite things about La Jolla.
Glorious Beaches
La Jolla has some of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California. La Jolla Shores, for example, is perfect for families. With its mile-long stretch of sand, deep blue water, and rocky bluffs, La Jolla Shores is a picturesque spot for your vacation. If you’re looking for more intimacy, we recommend heading over to Shell Beach. It’s a bit more remote and even has tide pools. Shell Beach is a wonderful area for couples or travelers looking for a top-notch Instagrammable spot. 
Exciting Outdoor Activities
After spending the morning soaking up the sun at La Jolla’s beaches, enjoy a fun adventure in the water at the Underwater Park. This is one of the top outdoor attractions in the state and offers a unique diving experience. Here, you’ll have more than 6,000 acres of underwater world to explore, with many coves, canyons, and wildlife species.
Top-Notch Restaurants (With Views!)
Did we mention the incredible variety of gastronomic options in La Jolla? If you love food and are always looking to taste new flavors, then La Jolla’s restaurants are a dream come true. Duke’s La Jolla, for example, offers stellar ocean views and in the historic Marine Room, where waves come crashing against the window! 
If you’re not yet convinced that La Jolla is the ideal vacation spot, wait until you see the gorgeous selection of luxurious villas we have for you. They’re the cherry on top of a wonderful stay.
 

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Take a Day Trip to Laguna Beach

Don’t get us wrong ⁠—  Laguna Beach is a wonderful place to visit. It’s about an hour away from San Diego, but since this area doesn’t offer as much as La Jolla, we recommend it for a day trip.
Take a gorgeous ride along the Pacific Ocean and spend the day walking by the beach and enjoying delicious food. You can visit Heisler Park, too, and admire some stellar views of the ocean at Crescent Bay Beach. Then, when your stomach starts growling, head back downtown to The Loft at Montagne. The menu at this restaurant is filled with contemporary Southern California cuisine with a high-end feel. We don’t know what’s better: the view or the food!

Discover Our Luxurious La Jolla Villas

view on rue villaOur villas in La Jolla are an easy drive from Laguna! Experience the beauty of Southern California from the comfort of a luxurious home. All of our properties feature the highest quality amenities and beautiful views. You won’t be able to get enough of the outdoor areas where your party can enjoy delicious meals, flavorful cocktails, and ocean vistas. All you need to do is sit back and let the soothing, sunny La Jolla way of life wash away your stress.
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La Jolla Underwater Park makes for a great daytime activity if you want to get out on the water and spice up your beach routine. The park offers educational exhibits and a chance to experience the fabulous underwater world of the Pacific Ocean. From kayaking to snorkeling to admiring the wildlife, you won’t get bored at La Jolla Underwater Park. Read on to discover how to make the most of your day there and start planning your visit today.
Learn more about San Diego’s top attractions in our exclusive and free Travel Guide. This planning tool is filled with some of our favorite local recommendations for restaurants, events, museums, shops, outdoor adventures, and more.

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How to Plan the Best Day at La Jolla Underwater Park

What Is La Jolla Underwater Park?

La Jolla Underwater Park is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego. It’s a dream come true for divers and outdoor enthusiasts. If you spent your childhood days dreaming you were a mermaid or discovering the lost city of Atlantis, you’ll love visiting La Jolla Underwater Park and exploring this marvelous and mysterious underworld. With more than 6,000 acres to snorkel, you’ll have enough to keep you occupied for days!

What Can You Do at the Park?

One of the main activities in the park is snorkeling. There are so many beautiful coves and underwater vistas to discover, including a 500-foot canyon, kelp forests, and a wide variety of wildlife like dolphins, leopard sharks (don’t worry, they’re not dangerous), and even baby gray whales depending on the time of the year! If you’re not sure about snorkeling, you can still enjoy the park from above the water. Bike along the coastline with some binoculars, or even go kayaking

How to Get to La Jolla Underwater Park

Now that you know what to expect from your day at La Jolla Underwater Park, it’s time to find out how to get there. Luckily for you, La Jolla Cove isn’t a big area, which makes it easy to navigate. Plus, it’s close to a lot of our villas so you can either drive or even take a scooter! If you take your car, note that parking can be quite tricky, especially in the summer months, so we highly recommend parking in the nearby parking garages to avoid any tickets. 

Find Your Dream Villa in La Jolla

view on rue villaDid you know that Monarch Luxury Villas offers a variety of luxury villas right in La Jolla? Browse our selection today and find the one that matches your vacation plans. Whether you are planning to visit with friends or your family, you’re sure to find a villa that will accommodate your party. If it’s a couple’s trip you’re planning, Charming Prospect II is ideal. You’ll love the modern decor and high-end amenities of La Jolla Village. Are you traveling with a larger group? View on Rue is for you. The luxurious amenities and breathtaking ocean views speak for themselves. 
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