Things to do for Mothers Day 2023 in Southern California

If you’ve been searching for fun things to do for Mothers Day 2023 in Southern California, then look no further! Mothers Day quickly approaches so we’ve compiled a list of fun things to do with mom this year. Luckily here in California, there are unlimited options so we’ve picked some of our favorite activities and locations to visit. Whether you’re up for a road trip or a quick drive to the downtown area, we made sure to include a little something for everyone. Keep in mind, there is no particular order to this list, it’s to hard to pick just one thing, so we recommend you try a few… Or start a list of your own and cross them off slowly one by one! Whatever you decide, It’s all about showing mom how much you love and appreciate her.

Mother’s Day Brunch at Earl Burns Japanese Garden

LONG BEACH, CA (CSULB) | $55/person – Garden Members, $65/person – Non-Members
Show your appreciation to Mom with an enchanting brunch in the Garden. Stroll along the pathways and pause for a picture with the family at one of the waterfalls or the quaint Japanese teahouse. Indulge in the spectacular brunch feast, which includes a delicious egg scramble, bacon, sausage, scrumptious pastries and a build-your-own waffle station with all the fixings. RSVP here
Space is limited! RSVP by May 6th. Call (562) 985-2169 or email JGmembership@csulb.edu. Parking is complimentary.

Mother’s Day Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruises

NEWPORT BEACH, CA – $28
Newport Landing Whale Watching offers multiple whale & dolphin cruises on Mother’s Day. Each cruise is 2.5 hours and lots of amenities including indoor and outdoor seating, upper viewing deck with seating, large indoor salon with full service bar/beverage center, and captain and crew members to make the most of your cruise. Gray whales, finback whales, giant blue whales, several varieties of dolphin, sea lions and more make for great viewing opportunities. Tours depart from Newport Beach and the scenery is incredible.

Join a Painting Party (Paint & Sip)

Southern California – Starting at $35 | 21+ to attend
Paint and Sip with your favorite people at one of their colorful events! Let loose with fun music, a drink and some acrylic paint. The friendly instructor, will guide you step-by-step through the class to create your own masterpiece. They even encourage their customers to embrace their free-spirit artistic selves & paint whatever they want to! If you’re looking to have some fun by being creative, they are your art therapy outlet with multiple locations in So Cal. Who knows, you might just discover your inner Frida or Van Gogh in the process. Oh yeah, there’s also a Cannabis Friendly version, if Mom is into that kind of thing too. 😉

Take a Palm Springs Day Trip

PALM SPRINGS, CA
Palm Springs is just a short drive away and filled with endless options of fun activities to fill the day. Ride the Palm Springs Tramway, go shopping along Palm Canyon Drive, reserve a table at a trendy restaurant, go hiking in a palm canyon, or visit the Living Desert Zoo.

Take a ride aboard the world’s largest rotating gondolas. The 2.5-mile, 10-minute trip up the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon into Mt. San Jacinto State Park affords views of the Coachella Valley and the briny desert lake known as the Salton Sea. Once you arrive at Mountain Station (8,516 feet), there are restaurants, a museum, and more than 50 miles of hiking trails to explore. This tram ride truly offers a one-of-a-kind perspective of Palm Springs and the surrounding area.

Visit Catalina Island

AVALON, CA (Catalina Island)
Whether mom wants to be active or chill out, she’ll find a place to do it, and it’s only a few miles from Los Angeles. Catalina Island Ferries depart from Marina Del Rey, San Pedro, Newport and Long Beach. Combine a ferry excursion with an afternoon exploring Avalon, hiking, take a Jeep eco-tour, snorkel, or take a glass-bottom boat tour of Catalina Island.

Visit Temecula’s Wine Country

TEMECULA VALLEY, CA
Many Temecula wineries are featuring Mother’s Day events including brunches, live entertainment, wine tours, and wine tasting. With over 40 wineries in the region, it will be easy to find something mom will enjoy. Temecula Valley is located 90 miles southeast of Los Angeles, 60 miles north of San Diego.

Take a Gondola Ride

LONG BEACH, NEWPORT BEACH, MARINA DEL REY – Starting at $100
Cruising around the local waterways in a gondola makes any occasion seem special. Gondolas hold from four to 12 people depending on the boat and the company, so you can take the whole family, or your dad can sneak your mom away on her own for a romantic Mother’s Day interlude. There are gondola companies from Marina Del Rey to Long Beach and Newport Beach.