Best Weekend Getaways Near Los Angeles for a Quick Escape

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Sarah McDonagh
Destinations, Travel

Los Angeles is an excellent launching point for many weekend getaways, thanks to its central location and diverse range of nearby destinations. Whether you’re out there seeking picturesque beaches, scenic mountains, charming towns, or desert adventures, Los Angeles provides proximity to all these options.

It’s also a group-friendly location, providing plenty of different opportunities for a quick weekend getaway for families or larger groups. Here are some of my favorite destinations for a weekend escape or day trip adventure!

Santa Barbara

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Known for some of the top beaches in California, wine tasting, and Spanish architecture, this is a great place for a relaxing weekend getaway. It is close enough to Los Angeles that you could easily make a day trip out of it. My favorite thing to do is rent bicycles and cruise along the beach path from Stearns Wharf up to the Boathouse and Hendry’s Beach.

The beach is stunning and offers fantastic seafood right on the water. At night, head to the Funk Zone for some cool thrift shops, art pop-ups, and urban wine tastings. If you like live music, check out Figueroa Brewery, as they often book bands at night. 

Palm Springs

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A desert oasis famous for its resorts, golf courses, and outdoor activities, Palm Springs is a great weekend getaway from Los Angeles. While it’s only about 2 hours away, the traffic getting out can sometimes be horrendous. While you can do Palm Springs in a day, I recommend turning this one into a weekend trip.

While there are many things to do in the area, my favorite way to spend a weekend in Palm Springs is to rent an Airbnb or book a stay at a hotel with a pool and just relax and enjoy the sunshine! October is my favorite month to go as it’s less crowded, and the heat is not as intense as the summer months but still plenty warm for a pool day.

Joshua Tree National Park

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For a more adventurous getaway, explore the unique desert landscapes and rock formations of Joshua Tree National Park. If you like camping, I recommend trying to actually spend a night inside of the park as the stars at night are truly unbeatable anywhere else in the area.

If you prefer some amenities, there are also some great Airbnbs or unique glamping stays in the area that will still allow you to access the park easily during the day. Make sure you check out Keys View for sunset at least one night for an unbelievable view of the sun setting over the valley. 

San Diego

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Only two hours from Los Angeles, San Diego is a fun weekend escape if you want to experience a new city. With a laid-back vibe and tons of great waterfront dining, you can easily spend a weekend just soaking up the sun at the beach and enjoying a sunset taco by the water.

One of my favorite spots is the historic Hotel Del Coronado, where you can walk through the famous resort and enjoy a meal or just park and sit at the free public beach nearby. Coronado Island is also extremely quaint, so if you have time, you can rent a bike and ride around the neighborhoods and along the beachfront path.

Big Bear Lake

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This mountain escape is perfect for a nearby ski weekend in the winter, or you can visit in the warmer months and take advantage of the beautiful lake for boating or grilling.

If you’re the adventurous type, you can even try to complete the sea-to-sky and surf in Malibu in the morning, then drive out to the mountain for a few runs on Big Bear Mountain. The town is very charming, making it a great escape for non-skiers too. 

Catalina Island

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Take a ferry to this charming island for a weekend of water activities and oceanfront dining. The best way to see the island is to rent a golf cart and tour around the cliffside town of Avalon.

If you’re into camping, you can also camp on the Island at a few different campgrounds or do the adventurous 38.5-mile Trans-Catalina backpack across the entire Island. If you plan a trip on your birthday, the ferry is completely free! 

Ojai

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A serene town known for its art galleries, spiritual retreats, and natural beauty, Ojai is a great option for a more relaxing weekend getaway. There are lots of wineries and hiking in the area, or you can opt to just explore the charming town and local shops.

Only about 90 minutes from Los Angeles, this is manageable on a day trip, although I find it worthwhile to stay over to really soak in the magic of this region.

Solvang

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Transport yourself to a Danish village in the heart of California’s wine country by visiting the quaint town of Solvang. Nestled just outside Santa Barbara, you’ll find European-style architecture and authentic Danish pastries and fudge.

The town itself is quite big, with tons of dining options and beer gardens, and local events are often held there. If you want to make a weekend trip out of it, you can also take a trip out to one of the local wineries in the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley nearby. 

Temecula

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Most people think of Napa Valley or Sonoma when envisioning California’s wine country, but just south of Los Angeles is the booming wine country of Temecula Valley. With over 40 wineries offering tastings and beautiful dining spaces, it’s a great weekend getaway.

Old Town Temecula is also full of historic charm, or if you’re looking for a more thrilling adventure, you can book a Balloon ride that takes you over the vineyards. 

Pismo Beach

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Located in the San Luis Obispo region, Pismo Beach is a laid-back coastal town with a fun pier and main promenade for shopping and eating. One of the area’s most exciting adventures is renting ATVs and taking them around the area’s sand dunes.

If you time it right, you may also catch the annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival, which celebrates the city’s clamming heritage with food, live music, and family-friendly activities.

Ana-Borrego Desert State Park

A photograph depicting a wooden stele with the inscription 'Anza-Borrego Desert State Park' affixed to stonework. The image is situated against the backdrop of a mountain. The stele serves as a marker, providing information about the location and denoting the boundary of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is California’s largest state park, encompassing over 600,000 acres of pristine desert landscapes and rugged mountains just east of San Diego.

The best time to visit is during the spring super bloom, when you’ll find a vast expanse of stunning wildflowers. 

Disneyland

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Located just outside of Los Angeles in Anaheim, Disneyland is a fun day trip for anyone looking to relive their childhood magic or enjoy some thrilling rides. It can be a bit pricey for a park pass, so if you want to get a feel for the ambiance, you can still visit Downtown Disney without paying admission, which has tons of great shops and restaurants.

If you go at night, you can also sit at the main square by the entrance and see the nightly fireworks from outside the park. 

Idyllwild

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Idyllwild is a charming mountain town located in the San Jacinto Mountains above Palm Springs. Known for its natural beauty, artsy atmosphere, and outdoor recreation, it’s a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The summer and fall months are the best times to visit, as the town sits at a relatively high altitude, so it remains cool throughout the summer. You could spend a whole day exploring the charming town shops or enjoy being outside on one of the area’s many hikes. Before you leave, try to say hello to the town’s official mayor, who just happens to be a dog! 

Laguna Beach

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Just under an hour from Los Angeles, a day trip to Laguna Beach promises a delightful mix of stunning coastal scenery and artistic vibes. With some of the most beautiful beaches in the area, you can spend an entire day just exploring the different lagoons and coastal caves.

1,000 Steps Beach is one of my favorite beaches at sunset — just note that the name is true! You will, in fact, have to walk up 1,000 steps to return to your car. The main downtown village of Laguna Beach is also extremely quaint, with lots of dining options and fantastic art galleries. 

Balboa Island

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Just off Newport Harbor is the charming Balboa Island, a picturesque destination for a day trip or weekend escape. The laid-back culture, paired with endless waterfront activities, makes this an excellent spot for families.

There is also a booming arts scene, with many local galleries and an annual art walk. While you can get here by car, taking the ferry truly makes this experience. If you like old-fashioned candy, stop by the Balboa Candies for some of the best retro sweets. 

Big Sur

The photograph depicts Bixby Bridge, an old wooden bridge with an arch, located in the Big Sur area. The image showcases the bridge's architectural features, emphasizing its arch design and wooden construction.
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Nestled along the rugged coastline of California’s Highway 1 lies Big Sur, a region that remains one of my absolute favorite regions of California. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, pristine beaches, and lush forests, and they do not disappoint.

There is a special energy to Big Sur, and you’ll feel it as you cross over the majestic Bixby Bridge and wind along the dramatic cliffs. I personally prefer to camp when visiting this area, but there are also many luxurious resorts and glamping experiences. It’s a bit ambitious for a day trip, and there’s so much to see here that you’re going to want to spend at least one night here to enjoy the sights and allow yourself time to experience the starry sky.

If you don’t have time for a longer stay, it’s a great scenic route to pass through between Northern and Southern California – just be sure to check the road closures as Highway 1 has frequent closures. 

Monterey

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Just North of Big Sur is the cute coastal town of Monterey (made famous by the HBO show Big Little Lies). Although a bit far from Los Angeles, it’s perfect for a romantic long weekend getaway.

The charming downtown has dozens of quaint shops and restaurants with delicious food. There are tons of things to see and do here, but you could just as easily embrace the slower pace of this region and enjoy some fresh seafood with a stunning view. 

Ventura

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Less than 90 minutes from Los Angeles, Ventura is a really great day trip if you want to explore a new coastal town that isn’t as crowded as some of the southern cities. The pier here is stunning, and there is a coastal trail that you can take from the downtown area up the coast.

The main street is also very charming, and there are several great thrift stores in the area to check out. If you come on a Saturday, there is also a farmer’s market right in the main square with lots of local fresh produce. 

Hermosa

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Just south of Los Angeles is Hermosa Beach, a charming coastal city that is perfect for a day trip from the city. Unlike the more rustic Malibu, this beach town is great if you want to spend a day by the beach but also want access to a bustling pier with bars, restaurants, and shops.

The beach is also lined by the Strand, a pathway you can walk or bike down to Redondo Beach or up to Manhattan Beach. If you’re feeling up for a longer trip, you can actually bike all the way from Santa Monica down to this area as well. 

Oak Glen

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For an escape from the warmer weather, I recommend taking a trip up to the mountain town of Oak Glen. This picturesque town is the perfect fall getaway as it boasts some of the best Apple Orchards in the area. You can get the full New England experience just under two hours from the city! 

Lake Arrowhead

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Another charming mountain town, Lake Arrowhead, is another fantastic destination for a Fall weekend getaway. You can experience some stunning fall foliage in the area, along with a quaint village that feels like you’re in Germany.

The area is also gorgeous during the summer months, just be aware that the lake is exclusively private so you’ll need to head to Big Bear Lake if you want to be out on the water. 

Mammoth Lakes

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About five hours north of Los Angeles and tucked into the Sierra Nevadas, you’ll need a weekend or longer to really explore this area, but it’s well worth the drive. In the summer months, you can find dozens of campgrounds situated right on the area’s many lakes, with activities like biking, boating, or hiking at your disposal.

In the winter months, visit Mammoth Mountain Resort for a ski weekend with friends or stay in my favorite lodge, the Tamarack Lodge, for a cozier weekend away in the mountains. If you aren’t a downhill skier or snowboarder, you can still find tons of activities, from cross-country skiing to soaking up the area’s many natural hot springs. The town of Mammoth also has tons of great restaurants, shopping, and nightlife to explore year-round.