Los Angeles having a lot of variations provides vast opportunities for weekend escapes. This includes beautiful beaches, picturesque towns, deserts, and wonderful mountains. Regardless of whether you are planning for an adventurous trip or just for a relaxing holiday or you may be looking forward to seeing historically significant places, here are the top 12 weekend getaways from Los Angeles.
Best Weekend Getaways From Los Angeles
1. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, is located just a two-hour drive north of Los Angeles, and is often dubbed the ‘American Riviera.’ This town contains gorgeous Mediterranean-influenced architecture, gorgeous beaches, and a picturesque downtown. Your weekend can also be spent walking around the Santa Barbara Mission visiting the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden or perhaps, savoring the wines, Santa Barbara has to offer in the neighboring Santa Ynez Valley.
2. Palm Springs
Lying about two hours east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs is a desert resort city famous for mid-century architecture, hot springs, and rich artistic culture. Sunbathe by the pool in one of the most luxurious resorts, go hiking in the nearby Joshua Tree National Park, or visit the Palm Springs Art Museum. This Tramway gives splendid views of the Coachella Valley and is a tourist delight.
3. Big Bear Lake
Located in the southwest of Big Bear Lake, it is just a 2-hour drive northeast of Los Angeles, making it a year-round mountain terminus. In winter it changes into a beauty of white unused for snowboarding and skiing. During summer other activities that tourists can explore include fishing and boating, hiking, and mountain bike riding. San Bernardino National Forest surrounding the casino offers sizzling options for outdoor activities.
4. San Diego
Approximately two and a half hours’ drive south of Los Angeles is San Diego which has both sandy beaches and points of cultural interest, as well as fun for the entire family. Go for a ride along the SeaWorld, take a walk along the Zoo in San Diego, or simply sit and stroll around the Gaslamp Quarter, or relax at one of the most beautiful beaches of La Jolla Cove. Situated in the middle of museums, gardens, and theatres Balboa Park has everything that is not going to let a traveller stay indifferent. Rich culinary offer, active nightlife, and beautiful sea view make this city perfect for both, gourmet weekends and Eastern Sundays.
5. Ojai
Ojai is a small peaceful valley located about half an hour’s drive north of Ventura and a little over an hour and a half from Los Angeles. This is a perfect place for art lovers, spiritual seekers, and nature lovers. See the trails of Los Padres National Forest and enjoy your weekends going through the art galleries or even relaxing in a spa.
Read More: Weekend Getaways in California
6. Catalina Island
Just a one-hour ferry ride away from Long Beach, Catalina Island has the feel of being in a completely different world from Los Angeles. The chief town of the island is Avalon; here, one can find nice shops and restaurants besides a beautiful harbor. These are the main activities; snorkeling, kayaking, ziplining, and hiking. In this area of the island, visitors may explore under guided tours and you can experience fantastic views and also exotic animals. The picturesque landscape of the coastline and beautifully landscaped gardens as well as an easygoing theme makes it an excellent destination for weekend getaways.
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7. Santa Ynez Valley
South of San Francisco and roughly two hours drive from Los Angeles lies the wine country of Santa Ynez Valley. The countryside gives way to gently rolling hills set against the backdrop of vineyards and wineries where the public is welcome to taste wines and get a tour through the vineyard. Visit Solvang, a town famous for its Danish-style buildings, and Los Olivos, which is famous for its wine tasting and art. Most tourists get food at fine restaurants, and clothes from fashion stores, and engage in exercises like horseback riding as well as cycling around the beautiful countryside.
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8. Lake Arrowhead
Located approximately two hours east of Los Angeles, Lake Arrowhead is one of Southern California’s most beautiful mountain communities nestled within the San Bernardino National Forest. This lake is natural, and I think that the water is very clean, and around there are trees, so people can go in for boating, fishing, walking, and rest. This is therefore an excellent place to go to for a weekend and be willing to be overwhelmed by the peace that complements the natural beauty of the environment.
9. Malibu
Situated less than an hour outside of LA, people associate this area with picturesque shorelines, impressive cliffs, and lavish houses of movie stars. From that, you can go to Zuma Beach where you can spend your weekend enjoying the warmth of the sun, go to Leo Carrillo State Park to have some tide pools, or just go to the splendid trails of the Santa Monica Mountains. The opportunities for cultural and historical sightseeing include the Malibu Pier and the Getty Villa; the wine tasting and southern California gourmet restaurants are also a feature of the nearby local wineries and farm-to-table style eateries.
10. Joshua Tree National Park
Located two and a half hours drive from Los Angeles, east of the city, is the Joshua Tree National Park, a desert park where the Joshua trees, after which the park is named grow. It has many hiking trails, a cliff region for climbers, and the best view of the night sky. The park and its surrounding atmosphere are eerily beautiful and provide an interesting experience for those willing to visit for the weekend.
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11. Laguna Beach
About an hour south of Los Angeles is the coastal city of Laguna Beach which boasts fine sandy beaches along with art museums galleries and festivals. Visit Heisler Park to see the fascinating tide pools go for a pleasant walk up the coast and climb over some cliffs or go to the Laguna Art Museum.
Read More: Things to Do in Saugatuck
12. Paso Robles
About three and a half hours drive north of Los Angeles, Paso Robles is an emerging wine country with more than 200 wineries. The gently rolling lands with the vineyards make the location attractive for wine tasting, dining, or simply sightseeing. The nearby attractions that include hot springs, olive oil tasting, and craft breweries top up the region’s appeal.
Summing Up
Los Angeles ranges from the sandy beaches of Malibu to the captivating nature of Joshua Tree. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, a culture vulture, or looking for a quiet gateway, then these top 12 weekend getaways fit the bill and are perfect to get away from the busy city life. Grab your things and go out to the discoveries of stunning and romantic locations just on the outskirts of California’s largest city.
