You’re in luck if you’re sick of driving in traffic on the 405 or need a holiday from your Zoom calls in the City of Angels. Los Angeles is conveniently located near a number of popular tourist destinations that are ideal for a weekend getaway. The alternatives can include vibrant Las Vegas, serene desert landscapes, charming seaside cities, and Weekend Getaways picturesque mountain getaways. It’s time to escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and embark on a brand-new journey with your closest friends, your significant other, or your whole family, no matter what you decide to do for your weekend getaway.
Catalina Island, California
How about boarding a boat instead of driving from Los Angeles? Slightly farther out than the Southern California coast, Catalina Island may be reached by Catalina Express boat from Long Beach or the LA district of San Pedro. Adventure, romance, leisure, and sightseeing abound on the island, both on land and in the sea. When you get to the main city of Avalon, you may visit old El Rancho Escondido, hire a golf cart and cruise about, or experience the exhilaration of a zip line ecotour. You can also take a walking tour at the famous Catalina Casino. Visitors may also enjoy themselves at Descanso Beach Club by going to the beach.
Reserve a room at the opulent Mt Ada for a weekend that will not be forgotten. With sweeping views of the ocean, the wraparound balcony of this charming bed and breakfast is a highlight. In addition to receiving free breakfast, lunch, and snacks, guests can use their own golf cart. Private villas overlooking the Catalina shoreline may be found at Hamilton Cove, just outside of Avalon. Alternatively, campers can be found at the island’s campgrounds if they choose to rough it outside.
Laguna Beach, California
California Riviera, or gorgeous Laguna Beach, is located about 50 miles south of Los Angeles. This elegant seaside town in Orange County has luxury shops, five-star hotels, fine dining, and an abundance of art galleries. If you schedule your weekend getaway during the summer, you might be able to attend one of Laguna Beach’s renowned art events, like the Sawdust Art Festival. At any time of year, art enthusiasts can also embark on a self-guided walking tour called Laguna Beach Walks, which highlights the public art in the city.
Community activities and documentaries inspired by art and nature are screened in the recently renovated Rivian Theater, which dates back to the 1930s. There are lots of options for outdoor adventure seekers, such as kayaking over the kelp forest, exploring Heisler Park’s tidal pools, or hiking and mountain biking in the 7,000-acre Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
Santa Barbara, California
About 95 miles west of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara offers tranquil coastal moods and stunning seaside vistas. It’s a terrific getaway spot in Southern California, especially for pet lovers, since it’s one of the best dog-friendly beach locations in the country. It is understandable why Santa Barbara attracts millions of tourists every year with its pleasant Mediterranean climate, cultural attractions, star-studded beaches, and thriving food scene. Oenophiles will have the opportunity to tour more than 20 local wineries along the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail — some, like Pali Wine Company, allow dogs.
You may prioritize your well-being by taking a sound bath in a salt cave or on a sailboat, strolling along the beach at dusk, taking a kayak out on the sea, or exploring the rich gardens of Lotusland in neighboring Montecito.
Big Bear Lake, California
A cold-weather escape to Big Bear Lake is roughly 120 miles east of LA and is a favorite winter destination for skiers and snowboards. Big Bear Lake is a popular destination for bicycling, hiking, and boating during the warmer months, making this little town in the San Bernardino National Forest a year-round destination. Enjoy the lake by renting a pontoon boat, paddleboard, kayak, and more. If you’re looking for an off-road experience, the Big Bear Jeep Experience and the Mineshaft Coaster are popular choices. Enjoy a hearty meal at 572 Social Kitchen & Lounge, savor delectable Italian fare at Sweet Basil Bistro, or unwind with a handcrafted beer at Big Bear Lake Brewing Company.
Palm Springs, California
Go to the Palm Springs region if you’re itching for a desert getaway. Here, unwind by the pool with a beverage in hand while staying in a chic hotel or residence from the mid-century modern era. To experience more of what Palm Springs has to offer, take a hike through the mountains and desert, visit the magnificent Agua Caliente Cultural Museum or Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, shop along Palm Canyon Drive, or ride the picturesque Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for an unmatched view atop Mount San Jacinto (where snow is found in the winter). With its cutting-edge wave pool, the Palm Springs Surf Club is one of this resort city’s most talked-about new attractions.
San Diego
From vast beaches in Coronado and little coves in La Jolla to Old Town and the Gaslamp Quarter’s shopping and cuisine, San Diego has it all. Visit a museum, go surfing, or take in the symphony at Jacobs Music Center, which will reopen in September following a $125 million makeover. Experience something for everyone in America’s Finest City: go whale watching, ride a roller coaster at Belmont Park, tour an aircraft carrier, or go on a street art tour with San Diego Street Tours. Belmont Park is over 100 years old.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
About 130 miles east of Los Angeles, in Joshua Tree National Park (not too far from Palm Springs), discover the Zen of the desert and the beauties of nature. Engage in activities like as hiking, bicycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, camping, and photography to discover the 800,000 acres of desert wilderness.
Visit the Joshua Tree Visitor & Cultural Center at Twentynine Palms, California, before you leave for a look at the changing exhibitions honoring Indigenous culture. You can also get park information, maps, and safety advice there. Make sure to stop and see views of Skull Rock, Black Rock Canyon, Cottonwood Spring, and Covington Flats as you go through Joshua Tree.
San Luis Obispo, California
With about 287 days of sunshine, San Luis Obispo (nicknamed SLO) is the perfect year-round weekend getaway – and one of the greatest locations to visit in California – with stunning beaches, a booming farm-to-table food scene, rolling vineyards and lots of small-town charm. Start your holiday weekend by visiting the downtown farmers market, which is located on Thursday nights along Higuera Street and is pedestrian-friendly. Other things to do in SLO are to take a surfing lesson, go thrift shopping at JunkGirls, or see a movie at the vintage Sunset Drive-In.
Paso Robles, California
Visit the quaint town of Paso Robles, which is situated along coastal U.S. Route 101 around 230 miles northwest of Los Angeles, as you venture into the wine country of central California. Paso Robles is home to inventors, surfers, and cowboys. Visitors may take advantage of the region’s exceptional cuisine and wine, as well as its fascinating artwork and holistic health offerings. Along with a variety of artisan breweries, cideries, and distilleries in Paso Robles, the region is home to over 200 wineries. A self-guided walk through the freshly upgraded immersive Sensorio lights show is a must-do evening activity.
Las Vegas, Nevada
If you’re planning a weekend getaway for adults alone, consider Las Vegas, a vibrant, walkable city that is always changing. Approximately 270 miles to the north of Los Angeles, Las Vegas has everything you might want for an amazing getaway. You may play the slots at resorts like Encore and Wynn, see one of the top Las Vegas shows like the amazing Awakening at Wynn or one of the numerous Cirque Du Soleil shows, or attend in-residency concerts with well-known acts like Garth Brooks/Plus One or the Eagles.