Southern California is one of the best places in the country for getting outdoors and having a memorable time in the summer.
Not sure where to go first? These attractions offer exclusive savings for AAA members.
1. Set sail for Catalina Island
Just 22 miles off the coast, Santa Catalina Island offers an oasis from the city: Cars are heavily restricted, so most transportation around the island is via bicycle or golf cart. Visitors can enjoy fine beaches, ziplining, hiking, camping, a golf course, and deep-sea and pier fishing. It’s also one of the few places in California you can see a bison herd.
Celebrating 40 years of service, Catalina Express offers daily trips to Catalina Island from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point, with most trips taking just an hour. AAA members save up to 10% on round-trip tickets pre-purchased online or in-branch.
Learn more and buy Catalina Express tickets online | Buy tickets at a AAA branch
2. Go wild in San Diego
America’s most-visited zoo is right in our backyard. From anacondas to zebras, the San Diego Zoo features remarkably diverse wildlife, including more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals. Farther north in Escondido, the 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers a unique opportunity to see animals in sprawling savanna habitats. At both parks, families can connect with wildlife, create lasting memories, experience conservation in action, and become wildlife allies.
AAA members save over 15% on 1-day and 2-visit passes.
Learn more and buy San Diego Zoo tickets online | Buy tickets at a AAA branch
3. Get to know your ocean (from land)
The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is welcoming guests back to its indoor spaces. Feed the colorful lorikeets, touch sea jellies and rays, say hi to penguins, and learn how we’re connected to a world that lives right beside land.
AAA members save up to 20% on tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Learn more and buy Aquarium of the Pacific tickets | Buy tickets online
4. Embark on a whale-watching or fishing expedition
Big animals make for big memories, and the blue whales that migrate through Southern California’s waters in the summer are Earth’s biggest. This is also a good season to see fin whales, big pods of dolphins, and potentially catch sight of a lucky rarity like an orca or hammerhead shark.
AAA members can save up to 30% on whale watching at Dana Wharf Whale Watching. Learn more and buy tickets to Dana Wharf's Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure Tour online or at a AAA branch.
If you're more interested in catching sea creatures than looking at them, head for one of SoCal's many charter fishing boats. Yellowtail amberjack, rockfish, halibut, and more await anglers of all experience levels.
AAA members also save up to 30% on Dana Wharf's half-day fishing and twilight fishing trips. Learn more and buy tickets online or at a AAA branch.
5. Climb aboard a real battleship
Speaking of big things, one of the largest battleships ever to sail is docked in San Pedro: The Battleship Iowa Museum is open daily for tours. Learn about the iconic ship’s service from 1943 to 1990, the sailors who served aboard, and how she came to be nicknamed “the Battleship of Presidents” while strolling her teak decks.
AAA members can get up to 25% off admission online or 10% off at the ticket window.
