The 15 Best Weekend Getaways From Los Angeles
There are many options for best weekend getaways from Los Angeles, each offering a unique experience. From beach towns and mountain retreats to desert oases and wine country, there's something for everyone.
May 23, 202334 Shares528 Views
Los Angeles, California is a bustling and exciting city, but sometimes a weekend escape is necessary to recharge and explore the surrounding areas.
Luckily, there are many options for best weekend getaways from Los Angeles, each offering a unique experience. From beach towns and mountain retreats to desert oases and wine country, there's something for everyone.
Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, these destinations are sure to provide a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
10 Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles
Santa Barbara
Located about 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is a perfect weekend getaway for those who want to relax and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery.
Known as the "American Riviera," Santa Barbara offers visitors a variety of activities, including wine tasting, hiking, and surfing.
Visitors can explore the city's historic landmarks, such as the Santa Barbara Mission and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, or stroll along the Santa Barbara Harbor and enjoy fresh seafood.
Joshua Tree National Park
For those who love the great outdoors, Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit destination.
Located about 140 miles east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree offers visitors a unique desert experience with stunning rock formations and abundant wildlife.
Visitors can hike or bike through the park's many trails, rock climb, or simply enjoy the beautiful views.
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is a popular weekend getaway destination for Los Angeles residents, located about 100 miles northeast of the city.
This mountain resort town offers visitors a range of outdoor activities, including skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking, fishing, and boating in the summer.
Visitors can also explore the charming town of Big Bear Lake, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
Palm Springs
Located about 110 miles east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs is a desert oasis known for its warm weather, beautiful golf courses, and luxury resorts.
Visitors can take a dip in the area's natural hot springs, explore the many hiking trails in the nearby mountains, or enjoy a round of golf on one of the city's many courses.
Palm Springs also features a vibrant arts and culture scene, with a variety of museums, galleries, and performance venues.
Santa Catalina Island
Located about 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, Santa Catalina Island is a beautiful and unique weekend getaway destination.
Visitors can take a ferry from the mainland to the island, where they can explore the charming town of Avalon, go snorkeling or scuba diving, or hike through the island's rugged interior.
Catalina Island also offers a variety of tours and activities, including glass-bottom boat tours, zip line adventures, and kayaking excursions.
Solvang
Located in Santa Barbara County, Solvang is a quaint Danish village known for its unique architecture, wine tasting rooms, and charming boutiques. It is an ideal weekend getaway from Los Angeles, just a 2-hour drive away.
Solvang's main attraction is its Danish-style windmills and traditional Scandinavian buildings. Visitors can explore the village by foot or by bike, sampling Danish pastries, and browsing through boutique shops.
In addition, Solvang is surrounded by vineyards and wineries, making it a great place to sample local wines and indulge in a wine tasting tour.
Ojai
Ojai is a small, peaceful town located about an hour and a half drive from Los Angeles. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, spas, and wellness retreats.
Ojai offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as art galleries, boutique shops, and a vibrant local food scene.
Visitors can explore the town's famous farmer's market or take part in a cooking class at the Ojai Culinary School.
San Diego
San Diego is a vibrant and bustling city, located just 2 hours south of Los Angeles. It offers a diverse range of activities for visitors, from exploring the famous San Diego Zoo to surfing at the local beaches.
The city's Gaslamp Quarter is known for its nightlife and entertainment, while Balboa Park is home to a variety of museums and cultural attractions.
San Diego's beautiful weather makes it an ideal destination for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and water sports.
Temecula
Located in Riverside County, Temecula is known for its picturesque vineyards and wineries, making it a popular weekend getaway for wine enthusiasts.
Visitors can sample local wines and take part in wine tasting tours, as well as explore the town's historic old town, with its boutique shops and restaurants.
Temecula is also known for its hot air balloon rides, providing a unique perspective of the surrounding vineyards and countryside.
Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead is a picturesque mountain resort town, located just a 2-hour drive from Los Angeles. It offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing, as well as boutique shops, art galleries, and local restaurants.
The town's famous Lake Arrowhead Village offers shopping, dining, and entertainment, as well as a variety of water sports such as boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Visitors can also take part in a scenic boat tour of the lake or explore the area's stunning natural beauty on a nature walk.
San Luis Obispo
Located on the central coast of California, San Luis Obispo offers visitors a perfect weekend getaway destination with beautiful scenery, a charming downtown, and numerous outdoor activities.
Hike the trails in nearby Montana de Oro State Park, stroll through the historic downtown district, and visit the famous Bubblegum Alley.
Other attractions include the iconic Madonna Inn and the beautiful Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.
Idyllwild
Nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild is a charming mountain town that is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
Visitors can enjoy hiking in the beautiful surroundings, rock climbing, and mountain biking. There are also many galleries, shops, and restaurants in the quaint downtown area to explore.
Ventura
Located just an hour north of Los Angeles, Ventura is a beautiful coastal city that offers visitors a variety of activities for a weekend getaway.
Visitors can spend the day exploring the city's vibrant arts and culture scene, taking a leisurely stroll along the beachfront promenade, or exploring the Channel Islands National Park.
Other attractions include the Ventura Pier, the San Buenaventura Mission, and the historic downtown district.
Malibu
Malibu is a picturesque beach town located along the stunning coastline of Southern California. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful beaches, explore the tide pools, and take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Other popular activities include hiking in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains, visiting the Malibu Pier, and shopping and dining in the charming downtown area.
Sequoia National Park
Located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains, Sequoia National Park is a stunning natural wonder that makes for a perfect weekend getaway destination from Los Angeles.
Visitors can marvel at the towering sequoia trees, hike through the beautiful wilderness, and enjoy panoramic views of the stunning landscape.
Other popular attractions include the Crystal Cave, Moro Rock, and the General Sherman Tree - the largest tree in the world by volume.
People Also Ask
What Are Some Affordable Weekend Getaways From Los Angeles?
Some affordable weekend getaways from Los Angeles include Ojai, Joshua Tree National Park, and Santa Barbara.
What Are Some Romantic Weekend Getaways From Los Angeles?
Some romantic weekend getaways from Los Angeles include Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez Valley, and Big Sur.
What Are Some Outdoor Weekend Getaways From Los Angeles?
Some outdoor weekend getaways from Los Angeles include Lake Arrowhead, Mammoth Lakes, and Idyllwild.
What Are Some Family-friendly Weekend Getaways From Los Angeles?
Some family-friendly weekend getaways from Los Angeles include Disneyland, Legoland, and Palm Springs.
What Are Some Beach Weekend Getaways From Los Angeles?
Some beach weekend getaways from Los Angeles include Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach.
Final Thoughts
Los Angeles is surrounded by beautiful destinations that make for fantastic weekend getaways. From the stunning beaches of Santa Barbara to the scenic views of Joshua Tree National Park, there are plenty of options to suit every interest and budget.
Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or culture, the diverse range of destinations within a short drive from Los Angeles has something to offer.
So pack your bags and hit the road to explore some of the best weekend getaways from Los Angeles!
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