10 QUICK WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM LOS ANGELES
Looking for the perfect weekend escape from the bustling streets of Los Angeles? From serene beach towns to picturesque mountain retreats, Southern California offers an abundance of getaway options within a few hours drive of LA. We've curated a list of 10 must-visit destinations for your next California weekend adventure.
Ojai: Experience the tranquil beauty of Ojai, a charming bohemian town nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains. Whether you're rejuvenating with a spa treatment, exploring the local art galleries, or indulging in the town’s exceptional culinary delights, Ojai offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Treat yourself to a stay at the luxurious Ojai Valley Inn for a pampering retreat with stunning mountain views and world-class amenities. For recommendations on how to spend the perfect day, we’ve curated this perfect Ojai itinerary. Drive time: 90-minutes
Bart’s Books, Ojai
2. Santa Barbara: Indulge in the laid-back luxury of Santa Barbara, often referred to as the "American Riviera." With its stunning beaches, world-class wineries, and Spanish-inspired architecture, this coastal gem is popular for a reason. While State Street is famous for its shopping and dining, we recommend spending your time in the Funk Zone perusing wine tasting rooms and breweries, galleries and local artisan shops. For the ultimate retreat, book a stay at the iconic Belmond El Encanto, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and coastline from your own private bungalow. For those who prefer to be closer to the beach, consider The Riviera Beach House or the Rosewood Miramar Beach. We’ve taken the guesswork out of how to maximize your time in this seaside town with this one-day Santa Barbara itinerary. Drive time: 90-minutes
Santa Barbara, California
3. Solvang: Step into the storybook village of Solvang, where Danish-inspired architecture meets California wine country. Spend your days wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley at local vineyards or savoring authentic Danish pastries like aebleskivers, Denmark’s rendition of the donut hole, at quaint bakeries scattered around town. For a cozy retreat, book a room at the Hotel Ynez , a charming boutique motel offering a unique blend of Scandinavian-inspired design and California cool located just down the road from the village, or Alisal Ranch where the simple life is well enjoyed with horseback riding, cowboy breakfasts and Pendleton-adorned cabins. Discover the hidden gems in our Santa Ynez Valley and Solvang itineraries. Drive time: 2.5 hours
4. Cuyama Valley: Cuyama Valley, located in Santa Barbara County, offers a serene and off-the-beaten-path experience nestled between the San Rafael Mountains and the Sierra Madre Mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the region's natural beauty, wilderness and proximity to the Los Padres National Forest, which offer numerous outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, birdwatching, fishing and star gazing. The valley is also home to several ranches and farms, where you can learn about the area's agricultural history and enjoy fruit picking or horseback riding. Stay at the Cuyama Buckhorn, a historic roadside inn offering cozy rooms, a restaurant serving locally sourced cuisine, and a laid-back atmosphere that perfectly complements the valley's relaxed vibe. Drive time: 3 hours
5. Palm Springs: Escape to everyone’s favorite desert oasis, Palm Springs, for a weekend of relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether you're soaking up the sun by the pool or exploring nearby Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs offers endless opportunities to wind down and escape the distractions of daily life. Treat yourself to a stay at the dreamy Parker Palm Springs, known for its chic design, lush gardens, and world-class amenities, or one of our favorites, Korakia Pensione, a Mediterranean-inspired retreat consisting of bungalows, guesthouses, gardens and pools. Go vintage shopping at Market Market, discover your inner plant goddess at Moorten Botanical Garden or download our Joshua Tree itinerary, which offers an unexpected way to enjoy the high desert beyond the national park. Drive time: 2 hours
Palm Springs, California
6. Idyllwild: Retreat to the mountain town of Idyllwild for a peaceful weekend surrounded by pine forests and towering peaks. Situated in the San Jacinto Mountains, this charming, and charmed, village is renowned for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and vibrant arts scene. From hiking and cross-country skiing to art galleries, theaters and live music venues, Idyllwild offers adventures of all kinds. Stay at the Grand Idyllwild Lodge for cozy accommodations that offer rustic charm, pristine mountain views, and access to hiking trails. Or, do as we do and rent an a-frame cabin in the woods. Drive time: 2 hours
7. Big Bear Lake: Embrace the great outdoors with a California weekend getaway to Big Bear Lake, tucked away in the San Bernardino Mountains. Whether you're hitting the slopes in the winter or hiking through pine forests in the summer, Big Bear offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Stay at the Hotel Marina Rivera, a lakeside retreat housed in a thoughtfully renovated mid-century, Viking-inspired lodge. Drive time: 2 hours
8. Jacumba Springs: Immerse yourself in the forgotten desert hideaway of Jacumba Springs, a sanctuary for 1920s film stars that is once again experiencing a revival thanks to the arrival of the 20-key boutique Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel, and a tribe of young designers and creators. Bask in the healing waters of the town’s natural hot springs, discover the Impossible Railroad, a now defunct rail line that used to bring revelers and health seekers too town, or simply bask in the serenity of the desert. Drive time: 3 hours
9. Catalina Island: Escape to the idyllic Catalina Island, just off the coast of Long Beach, for a relaxing weekend of island charm and outdoor adventure. Wander through the charming town of Avalon, with its quaint shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks like the Catalina Casino. Later, soak up the sun at Descanso Beach Club, a popular spot for sunbathing and cocktailing. For the thrill-seekers, Catalina Island offers a range of outdoor adventure activities, including zip lining, off-road tours, kayaking, paddleboarding, parasailing, and more. Stay at the historic Hotel Atwater or Mt. Ada, the island’s only 4-star hotel.
Catalina Island, California
10. Carlsbad/Encinitas: Relax in the laid-back surfer towns of Carlsbad and Encinitas in northern San Diego County. The obvious things to do here are relax on the stunning Carlsbad State and Moonlight Beaches and saunter through the charming towns. But for something lesser-known, we suggest a visit to the Self-Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens, catch live music at the legendary Belly Up Tavern, and indulge in San Diego’s burgeoning craft beer scene. Book a stay at Encinitas’ Twelve Senses Retreat a modern bohemian B&B focused on sustainability, mindfulness, and natural luxury. We have curated a perfect day in this seaside haven in our one-day Carlsbad/Encinitas itinerary. Download it today! Drive time: 2 hours
As California travel specialists, we can help you plan your weekend escape. Our Travel Planning Services range for hotel reservations (which are free, and many come with perks), to a one-hour consultation call where you can ask anything you want about your trip, to custom itineraries. So, before you waste your precious time doing all the research, let’s chat!