• As a Southern California local, I know which tourist spots are worth visiting and which aren't.
• La Jolla Cove offers stunning views, and Temecula Wine Country is perfect for a peaceful getaway.
• Hollywood Boulevard feels too crowded, and I think the Santa Monica Pier is overpriced.

Picturesque shorelines, star-studded streets, and a mild climate draw tourists from around the world to Southern California.

As someone who grew up in Los Angeles and now lives in San Diego, I've explored everything from national parks to beach towns, and hit just about every major tourist attraction in between.

Although some of these places have really stood out to me, others left me wanting more.

Here are six tourist hot spots I think are worth visiting, and two you can skip on your next trip to Southern California.

Catalina Island is a dreamy and easily accessible seaside escape.

Every time I visit Catalina Island, I feel like I'm landing on a miniature version of the Amalfi Coast. Secluded from the busy city streets, it offers both an elevated seaside ambiance and opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Beachgoers can relax at the Descanso Beach Club and rent chaise lounges or private cabanas complete with beachside service.

For a dose of adrenaline, go zip-lining in the nearby canyons or embark on the bison expedition, a safari-style backcountry tour to observe the local wildlife.

Joshua Tree National Park gives visitors a look at California's unique desert environments.

Although Southern California is best known for its pristine beaches, the region offers a variety of landscapes.

In Joshua Tree National Park, where the stark beauty of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet, visitors will find massive boulders, quiet hiking trails, stunning desert sunsets, and one-of-a-kind Airbnbs.

It's the perfect place to turn off your phone and spend quality time in nature. I recommend visiting in the fall or spring to avoid the extreme desert temperatures — summer days often approach or exceed 100 degrees.

I think La Jolla Cove is one of the most beautiful coastal locations in San Diego.

Finding parking in La Jolla, an upscale seaside neighborhood in San Diego, can be a challenge. In my opinion, though, the cove is well worth it.

The small yet stunning spot is one of the most photographed beaches in Southern California, and it's easy to see why. Beachgoers can swim, snorkel, and kayak in the ecological reserve.

When you're not on the beach, the La Jolla Village offers tons of restaurants, shopping, and luxe accommodations. I recommend staying at the iconic La Valencia Hotel, a luxurious pink property with sweeping seaside views.

In my opinion, Coachella is actually worth the hype.

Known as the "influencer Olympics," the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is often hyped up on social media. In my opinion, it's an experience worth having at least once, especially for music lovers.

Between the sky-high art installations, festival fashion, and performances by big names and up-and-coming artists, it's a weekend you won't forget.

If you want to avoid the stampede of influencers snapping content, I recommend opting for weekend two. It features the same eclectic lineup, but in my experience, typically has a more laid-back vibe.

Temecula's wine country is an elevated and romantic getaway.

With picturesque vineyards, award-winning wineries, and a welcoming atmosphere, Temecula is ideal for both wine connoisseurs and those who just want a distraction-free weekend away.

Beyond wine tasting on rolling vineyards, tourists can enjoy dining in Old Town, place their bets at the Pechanga Casino, or even take a sunrise hot-air-balloon ride for a bird's-eye view of the scenic vineyard landscapes.

Malibu's coastal charm embodies the quintessential California dream.

Nestled along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, this famous seaside town offers immaculate beaches like Zuma and El Matador, which are perfect for sunbathing, surfing, or catching a golden sunset.

Visitors can also explore canyon hiking trails in the Santa Monica Mountains or grab a fresh lunch on the pier at the popular Malibu Farms restaurant.

With its mix of upscale dining, celebrity homes, and breathtaking ocean views, Malibu delivers quiet luxury at its finest.

To be honest, though, I think Hollywood Boulevard is overrated.

If you're a movie buff, it's worth seeing the Walk of Fame and spotting your favorite names beneath your feet. However, I wouldn't recommend spending more than 30 to 45 minutes there.

Hollywood Boulevard can be crowded and full of tourist traps. Trust me — I've done both the TMZ celebrity tour and the Madame Tussauds wax museum.

For a better experience, I recommend driving up to Griffith Observatory and admiring Hollywood Boulevard and the Hollywood Sign from above. In my opinion, it's much more glamorous from afar.

The Santa Monica Pier is fun, but pricey.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Santa Monica Pier and have many cherished memories there. However, if you want to go on the rides, be prepared to spend $17 on a few spins on the Ferris wheel.

Dining at restaurants on or near the pier is also going to be a bit more expensive than the typical, already costly, LA prices.

However, if you just want to hang out by the beach, walk to the end of the pier, and enjoy the view, then Santa Monica deserves a spot on your itinerary.

If you're able to visit on a weekday, you may be able to avoid some of the crowds and traffic, too.

• I've traveled to over 20 countries, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is one city that stole my heart.
• From pristine beaches to a busy downtown scene, there's so much to do in this lively Mexican city.
• I also love the mix of fine-dining and street-food options.

I've traveled to over 20 countries, but Mexico continues to be one of my favorite destinations to visit.

One Mexican city in particular has stolen my heart: Puerto Vallarta. Located on the country's west coast, Puerto Vallarta is more than just a classic resort town. It offers a unique blend of pristine beaches, a bustling downtown scene, and plenty of outdoor adventure.

I've visited Puerto Vallarta four times in the past two years — with friends, family, and for bachelorette parties — and every trip has offered something a little different.

Whether you're looking for nature, nightlife, relaxation, or mouthwatering dishes, there truly is something for every type of traveler. Here's why I love visiting this lively Mexican city.

The city offers a great mix of fine-dining and street-food options

One of the best parts of traveling is indulging in the local delicacies, and Puerto Vallarta has no shortage of incredible meals.

Those who want a fun and classic street-food-style experience should head to Pancho's Takos.

The restaurant's al pastor tacos are so good that you'll likely have to wait in a line that stretches around the block. Fortunately, it's located in the heart of downtown, so you can see street performers and people-watch while waiting.

Travelers looking for something a little more luxe will love the stretch of restaurants located along Playa Los Muertos (the main tourist beach).

I especially enjoy El Dorado, which has fresh-tasting seafood, craft cocktails, and attentive service. The best part is the option to dine with your toes in the sand.

I recommend going for dinner at sunset for a romantic and memorable dining experience — just be sure to make reservations ahead of time, as tables go fast.

I love going dancing in Zona Romántica

Puerto Vallarta's nightlife offers an inclusive and spirited ambiance, and is ideal for a late night on the town with friends.

The Zona Romántica, or Romantic Zone, is home to lots of bars and nightclubs. It's also a hub for the LGBTQ+ communities and reminds me of the Mexican version of West Hollywood.

Once the sun goes down, crowds spill (or dance) out of bass-pumping bars on every corner.

If a party is what you're looking for, you won't have to try very hard to find it in the Zona Romántica.

Puerto Vallarta has a wide variety of outdoor activities

Outdoorsy folks will love the plethora of scenic hiking trails, water sports, and natural wonders in or near Puerto Vallarta.

I recommend checking out the Palo Maria Waterfall trail, a moderate 1.4-mile trail that leads to a small waterfall and swimming hole. I loved jumping in the water to cool off from the heat and snap photos.

If whale watching sounds like something up your alley, make sure to visit between December and March, when humpback whales migrate to Puerto Vallarta's Banderas Bay to breed and give birth. It's an awe-inspiring sight to witness.

During one of my trips to the city, I even got to look under the sea's surface with a snorkeling tour to Los Arcos National Marine Park. You can get there by boat or kayak — I opted for a kayaking tour through the Garza Blanca Resort.