Five Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles

A three-day weekend presents the perfect opportunity to escape from reality for a bit and explore somewhere new

The perfect long-weekend getaway requires a few things: Plenty to see and do, comfortable accommodations, and, arguably most importantly, minimal travel effort. Luckily, you don’t always need to journey great distances to uncover remarkable destinations. For Angelenos, these cities provide an effortless escape that will turn your next three-day weekend into unforgettable memories – and they’re only a drive away.

In Laguna Beach, just 50 miles south of Los Angeles, Southern California’s famed surf culture converges with the eclectic, bohemian energy reminiscent of the 20th-century art colony that once dominated the city. The rocky coastline is punctuated by craggy coves and secluded bays, each with their own distinct personality, hemmed in by dramatic bluffs and striking cliffsides. Its main thoroughfare, Pacific Coast Highway, is flanked by quaint storefronts ranging from crystal shops and local art studios to vintage boutiques and coastal-chic design stores. Laguna Beach is also praised for its excellent dining scene, so food-oriented travelers will certainly appreciate the vast selection of cuisines and atmospheric restaurant settings.

For easy access to some of Laguna’s best sights, Surf & Sand, Laguna Beach and Montage Laguna Beach both sit right on the coast and exude seaside luxury. Lounge at Montage’s stunning tiled pool or relax on the beach right outside of Surf & Sand. Both resorts boast lavish spas, and an indulgent treatment is the perfect way to follow up a day of sightseeing, aquatic activities, or a hike to Top of the World, aptly named for its sprawling panoramic views of the city. The Ranch at Laguna Beach is tucked away in the adjacent Aliso Canyon and offers a more intimate escape ensconced by nature and steeped in holistic wellness.

A bit farther south of Laguna, the sun-soaked city of San Diego lays the perfect groundwork for a quintessential Southern California weekend. Both first-time and returning guests will delight in staying at Pendry San Diego, nestled in the animated Gaslamp Quarter of the city’s downtown. Showcasing San Diego’s more metropolitan side, this dynamic district is full of delicious eateries, music venues, and museums. From here, the historic Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo are also at your fingertips. Most beaches are a drive (or ferry) away, but still convenient enough for an afternoon by the water. Choose between the white sands of Coronado, the lively boardwalk of Pacific Beach, and the surfer-packed waves of Ocean Beach.

More beach-oriented visitors may prefer a stay at La Valencia Hotel, La Jolla’s iconic pink edifice located steps away from the coast. Whereas Downtown San Diego is a diverse hub of bustling neighborhoods and maritime charm, La Jolla is a picture of laid-back, coastal allure with a touch of luxury. The scenic community is home to plenty of trendy cafes and restaurants, shopping spots, and ruggedly beautiful coves where you can find an abundance of sea life. Spend your weekend soaking in the outdoors with coastal trail walks, beach-hopping, snorkeling, or kayaking. Of course, the two spots aren’t mutually exclusive; if you choose La Jolla as your homebase, be sure to venture downtown and vice versa. 

An easy 90-minute drive from Los Angeles, Ojai is the perfect destination for those seeking an effortless escape from reality. Ojai Valley Inn’s expansive 220-acre property has everything one needs for a relaxing long-weekend getaway. With eight different restaurants dishing up everything from locally harvested, award-winning cuisine to upscale pub-style grub, a Forbes Five-Star spa, and outdoor activities varying from cooking classes and beekeeping to bike rides and pickleball – because it wouldn’t be a California weekend without hitting the courts – there is something special for every type of guest.

Golf aficionados will love the 18-hole course, while wellness lovers can indulge in an uplifting yoga class, a rejuvenating spa treatment, or even some energy healing with a spiritual guide. Visionaries and creatives will find a home at the Artist Cottage and Apothecary, where you can paint, make your own soaps and candles, design a succulent terrarium, and more. Be sure to experience Ojai Valley’s flourishing wine industry while you’re there with a visit to some of the region's favored local vineyards and intimate tasting rooms. 

Santa Barbara is yet another one of California’s favorite beach towns, but while it shares in San Diego and Laguna Beach’s surf-centric community and active coastal lifestyle, it possesses its own Central Californian edge thanks to the adjacent Santa Ynez Mountains and nearby wine country. The Spanish-style architecture evident throughout Santa Barbara adds a unique sort of cultural mystique, providing weekend visitors with a captivating change of scenery that feels as if it’s much farther away. At Hotel Californian, guests can book a room and enjoy this Mediterranean influence firsthand.

Aside from the hotel’s historic façade and Moroccan-inspired interior design, its dazzling rooftop pool, luxurious spa, and delicious on-site restaurants make for a perfect homebase during your visit, not to mention its prime location. The neighboring Funk Zone, for instance, offers a look into Santa Barbara’s artsy side, with small-scale wineries and beer gardens buzzing with activity and street art decorating the buildings. The more upscale State Street, on the other hand, is teeming with popular storefronts and a wide array of al fresco restaurants. With several pedestrian-only areas, it’s a lively area to explore on a balmy weekend evening.

For those looking for a weekend getaway that feels less like the California coast and more like the Wild West, make your way up north to Solvang and book a room at Alisal Ranch, where rustic charm and upscale luxury collide on 10,000 acres of pristine nature. Picture it: horseback rides across the undulating terrain, fishing on serene lakes, scenic hikes, and sunset barbecues. On summer evenings, guests can even attend authentic rodeos followed by live music and line dancing. This ranch-style retreat sets the perfect scene for families, friends, or couples looking for an immersive adventure.

Alisal Ranch provides more than enough entertainment for a long weekend, but visitors can explore the town of Solvang if they’re craving a change in scenery. A stark contrast from Alisal Ranch’s Western allure, but equally intriguing, Solvang’s distinct architecture of timbered buildings, windmills, and clocktowers induce a delightfully European feel.