DAY 3: Greet the dawn with a sunrise hike in historic Will Rogers State Park through Malibu Discovery Tours, then grab your sunscreen and shades and find a sunny spot in the sand. Perry’s Café and Beach Rentals is a must, offering “Beach Butler” service with a private beach area, as well as chairs, an umbrella, towels, and food and beverages delivered right to you. Once you’ve worked on your tan, find your artsy side at Bergamot Station, Southern California’s largest art gallery complex and cultural center with over 20 contemporary galleries, or head to Pico Blvd for a self-guide street art mural tour.

Looking to stay somewhere truly unique while in Santa Monica? Check out these these hotels which feature amazing architecture and design elements.

DAYS 4-7: GREATER PALM SPRINGS

DAY 4: It’s time to head to Greater Palm Springs for a little relaxation and rejuvenation. This storied resort oasis, home to nine distinct cities, serves as the gateway to Joshua Tree National Park and boasts hundreds of miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, as well as an incomparable collection of seductive luxury hotels, resorts and spas.

After the 2.5-hour drive, climb aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car, and ascend over 9,000 feet to the top of Mount San Jacinto. Need to stretch your legs? Set out on a desert hike or go rock climbing among colossal boulders at Joshua Tree National Park. Afterwards, be sure to visit Pioneertown, an Old West movie set, or stop by world-renowned saloon and restaurant Pappy & Harriet’s for a barbecue dinner and live music.

DAY 5: Rise and shine with an outdoor adventure that’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping. With Big Wheel Tours, you’ll get a guided bike tour as you join the signature “Earthquake Canyon Express” through the San Andreas Fault Zone. At America’s first carbon-neutral resort, Two Bunch Palms, treat yourself to a full range of spa-induced wellness treatments, including mud baths, chakra massages and reiki. And as the sun dips behind the mountains, embark on a San Andreas Fault Sunset and Stargazing Jeep Tour with Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours & Events.

DAY 6: Begin the day with another shot of adrenaline at the BMW Performance Center. Strap into a high-performance BMW and learn to negotiate one of three private road tracks under your instructor’s watchful eye. Before the 2.5-hour drive to San Diego, allow La Quinta Resort & Club to nourish the body with authentic Mexican cuisine at the resort’s signature restaurant, Adobe Grill.

DAYS 7-10: SAN DIEGO

DAY 7: After spending a couple days immersed in the desert’s awe-inspiring scenery and healing energy, pack up the car to explore the world-famous attractions and neighborhoods of San Diego. The region’s unique Cali-Baja culinary scene and craft brew industry has foodies flocking for fresh experiences, while a dynamic downtown is home to nightlife that’s as vibrant as the city itself.

Plus, it’s only 2.5 hours away! Spend the late morning exploring the Embarcadero, an epicenter of maritime history, where you can tour the USS Midway Museum, take a 1- or 2-hour harbor cruise or visit the floating Maritime Museum. Later, watch the sun set while sipping cocktails at one of Harbor Island’s trendy bay-side restaurants, then indulge in incredible cuisine prepared by top chefs in Little Italy, San Diego’s current restaurant “hot spot.”