There’s something special about packing a bag, loading the car, and heading just far enough to feel changed. That’s what these weekend getaways gave us—space to breathe, new views out the window, and small towns that asked nothing of us but our attention. From the vineyards of Paso Robles to the pine-scented stillness of Idyllwild, each stop surprised me in its own way. Some were planned, others found us by accident. All of them reminded me that in California, you don’t have to go far to go somewhere completely new.
Best California Weekend Getaways:
Stillness Between the Vines in San Martin
San Martin wasn’t on my original list—it was something softer, something in-between. A turn off the main road, a stretch of hills, and then a gate opening onto stillness. I came for The Spa at CordeValle, tucked into the folds of vineyard-covered land, where everything from the scent of the eucalyptus to the hush of the lobby made me slow down. I stepped inside and thought, “This is where the noise finally stops.”
What I Loved Most: The quiet. The kind you don’t realize you need until you’re in it. No music, no phones, no conversations—just water, breeze, and a robe that fit like an exhale.
My highlights? I booked a signature massage and arrived early enough to stretch the day. The treatment room opened onto a private patio, and the air smelled like lavender and sun-warmed cedar. My therapist moved with intention—gentle but grounding—and afterward, I sat with a cup of citrus water and watched light flicker through olive trees. I didn’t speak for over an hour, and it felt like I’d done something kind for myself just by being still.
Plan your California Weekend Getaway:
- Drive Time from San Francisco: ~1.5 hours south
- Vibe: Serene, restorative, tucked-away
- Highlights: The Spa at CordeValle, vineyard views, private lounges, eucalyptus steam room
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for golden hills and soft breezes
- Cost: Spa treatments from ~$195; day spa access with appointment only
- Hours: Daily, 9am–6pm; reservations required
Slow Mornings at Hotel Cheval & Wine Trails in Paso Robles
“I didn’t expect to feel so at home so fast.” That’s what I was thinking as we walked into Hotel Cheval in Paso Robles—warm lighting, worn leather chairs, and a gentle scent of wood smoke and lavender greeting us like old friends. My husband and I had come for a weekend of wine and rest, and from the moment we dropped our bags, we both exhaled. This place knew what it was doing.
Our room at Hotel Cheval felt like a retreat—stone fireplace, soft throws, and a patio where you could sip coffee in the morning air. There were horse-themed touches everywhere, but subtly so. It smelled like fresh linen and cedar. That first night, we curled up under a quilt and listened to the town quiet down outside our window. I thought, “I could stay right here and call it a perfect trip.”
The next morning, we joined a small group tour with The Wine Wrangler, climbing into a clean, comfortable van and heading out into the hills. Our guide was relaxed and knowledgeable, and the pace was slow by design—just a few wineries with plenty of time to wander, taste, and talk. I felt like we were being introduced, not just to the wine, but to the land itself.
What I Loved Most: Letting someone else handle the details while we watched golden vineyards roll by—windows down, hearts wide open.
My highlights? Our stop at Eberle Winery was the most memorable. The tasting room overlooked vines in every direction, but it was the underground caves that left an impression—cool, dim, and earthy. We sampled a cabernet sauvignon that was bold and velvety, with notes of blackberry and toasted oak. The air smelled of stone and wine barrel wood, and as I took a sip, I thought, “This is what slow living tastes like.”
Carmel Weekend Getaway - L'Auberge Carmel, Carmel-by-the-Sea
I arrived in Carmel just as twilight began to soften the village streets. After checking into L’Auberge Carmel, I paused in the courtyard and thought, “This place feels like stepping into a story worth savoring.”
Built in 1929, L’Auberge Carmel blends European-style elegance with California coastal charm. With just twenty individually designed rooms furnished with antiques, empire-patterned fabrics, and radiant-heat marble baths, it felt intimate and quietly luxurious.
My favorite moment? After strolling Ocean Avenue and exploring local galleries, I returned for a courtyard breakfast with fresh fruit, eggs, and aromatic coffee. Later, at their intimate nine-table restaurant Aubergine, I savored an expertly paired tasting menu—each course offered textures and flavors that felt both local and refined. Between dishes, service paused just long enough for me to notice the play of morning light between native cypress and courtyard walls.
The inn’s touches—a thoughtful turndown with milk and cookies, free valet parking, and optional in-room spa services—deepened the sense that every detail was tuned to comfort.
Plan your Carmel romantic retreat:
- Drive Time from San Francisco: ~2 hours south along the Pacific Coast or via US-101 to Monterey
- Vibe: Boutique European luxury meets artistic coastal charm
- Don’t Miss: Morning stroll to Carmel Beach, gallery window-shopping on Ocean Avenue, yoga on the beach, dinner at Aubergine in soft candlelight
- Cost: Mid-$500s to $700+/night for rooms; Aubergine tasting menu available à la carte or with lodging packages
With its old-world architecture, courtyard hush, and walk-everywhere location, L’Auberge Carmel isn’t just a stay—it’s a setting for connection. For couples from San Francisco seeking a romantic pause by the sea, this inn is a whispered promise come true.
Unexpected Comfort in Bakersfield
Bakersfield wasn’t flashy—and that’s what made it feel so easy. It gave us wide streets, warm skies, and a kind of grounded calm we didn’t realize we needed after a few days on the road. We pulled into town mid-morning, dust still on the bumper, and I thought, “Let’s see what this place has to say when we actually listen.”
What We Loved Most: The sense of local pride. Museums, murals, and food all told the story of a place that doesn’t try to impress—it just offers what it has, honestly and fully.
Our highlights? A few hours at the Kern County Museum, where our son explored Pioneer Village like it was built just for him—old schoolhouses, oil derricks, a jail he couldn’t stop talking about. We wandered through it all slowly, stopping to read plaques, push buttons, and let him imagine. Later, we headed downtown for lunch at Dewar’s Candy Shop, a Bakersfield institution. I had a grilled turkey and avocado sandwich—simple, warm, buttery on the edges—and a vanilla milkshake that came thick and cold, with the kind of old-school flavor that brought us all back to life. My son got a scoop of Dewar’s famous peanut butter chip ice cream, and we shared a pack of their signature taffy for the drive.
Plan your family visit:
- Drive Time from San Simeon or Paso Robles: ~2–2.5 hours east
- Vibe: Honest, relaxed, unexpectedly rich in local flavor
- Highlights: Kern County Museum, Dewar’s Candy Shop, Bakersfield Sound music history, Hart Park picnic spots
- Best Time to Visit: Fall or early spring to avoid the summer heat
- Cost: Museum ~$10 adults, ~$5 children; lunch ~$10–20 per person; ice cream ~$5–7
- Hours: Most attractions and restaurants open 10am–5pm; Dewar’s open later
Pines, Pie and a Breath of Mountain Quiet in Idyllwild
Idyllwild felt like stepping out of the car and into a slower heartbeat. The air smelled like pine and woodsmoke, the streets wound gently through the trees, and everything around us seemed built for wandering. No big attractions, no theme park thrills—just tall trees, cozy shops, and enough room for all of us to stretch out and breathe. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of trip that doesn’t need a checklist.”
What We Loved Most: The balance of adventure and calm. A forest trail one hour, a slice of homemade pie the next. It gave our son space to explore and gave us space to sit still for a while.
Our highlights? A family hike on the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail, where tall pines shaded the path and boulders became pretend forts along the way. We brought water, snacks, and no expectations, and it turned into one of the most peaceful parts of the trip. Afterward, we stopped at Idyllwild Bake Shop & Brew for lunch and shared a warm chicken pot pie with a golden, flaky crust and a soft cinnamon roll the size of a plate. The smell of baked goods filled the air, and we sat outside on the wooden deck, watching the wind move through the trees like the afternoon had nowhere else to be.
Plan your family getaway:
- Drive Time from San Diego or Los Angeles: ~2–2.5 hours
- Vibe: Woodsy, artistic, unplugged
- Highlights: Ernie Maxwell Trail, Idyllwild Nature Center, local art galleries, Idyllwild Bake Shop & Brew, toy and book shops
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for crisp leaves and fewer crowds; winter for snow-dusted charm; spring for trails and wildflowers
- Cost: Trails free with parking pass (~$5); lunch ~$10–20 per person
- Hours: Shops and restaurants 10am–5pm; trails open sunrise to sunset
Gold Rush Streets in Murphys
Murphys felt like a town with a deep breath built into it. Brick storefronts, wooden signs, the sound of leaves rustling above Main Street—it all felt like it had been waiting quietly for us to arrive. We came in the afternoon, just as the shadows were starting to stretch across the sidewalk, and I thought, “This is the kind of place that doesn’t need to change to be good.”
What We Loved Most: The walkability. Once we parked, we barely touched the car again. Everything we needed—shops, trails, snacks, and quiet—was right there, tucked into this cozy pocket of the Sierra foothills.
Our highlights? Strolling down Main Street with no real plan. We browsed old bookstores, tasted olive oil in a family-run shop, and let our son pick out a rock from the gem store that he swore was magic. For lunch, we stopped at Alchemy Café, where I had a roasted beet and goat cheese salad with warm hazelnuts and citrus vinaigrette—bright, earthy, and full of texture. My husband went for a tri-tip sandwich, smoky and tender, and our son cleaned his plate of mac and cheese with a focus usually reserved for dessert. Speaking of which—we ended with handmade ice cream cones from a corner shop that smelled like fresh waffle cones the moment we walked in.
Plan your family getaway:
- Drive Time from San Francisco: ~2.5–3 hours east
- Vibe: Historic, tucked-away, friendly and walkable
- Highlights: Main Street shops, Mercer Caverns, Ironstone Vineyards grounds, Alchemy Café, gem and candy stores
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather; December for small-town holiday charm
- Cost: Most attractions and tastings free or under ~$10; meals ~$12–25 per person
- Hours: Shops and cafés open 10am–6pm; some restaurants open later for dinner
The Roads Between
By the time we circled back home, I realized it wasn’t just the destinations that stayed with me—it was the space in between. The winding drive into Murphys, the sea mist over San Simeon, the still morning light outside Hotel Cheval, the eucalyptus-scented silence in San Martin. Even Bakersfield, with its quiet museums and candy-shop charm, offered something unexpected. Each of these places gave us more than just a place to stay—they gave us a reason to stop, to look up, to linger. That’s the beauty of a California weekend: it doesn't demand much, but it gives back more than you expect.
Fog, Castles & Ocean Air in San Simeon & Cambria
The drive along Highway 1 felt like the start of something—the kind of road that asks you to roll the windows down and leave the clock behind. San Simeon was first, with cliffs and elephant seals and sea mist that clung to the windshield. Cambria followed just a few bends later, its wooden boardwalks and wind-blown pines tucked gently between hills. We didn’t try to pack the day. We just explored. And that was more than enough.
What We Loved Most: The sense of contrast. One moment we were staring up at Hearst Castle’s hilltop grandeur, the next we were walking a quiet coastal trail with nothing but the sound of waves and our son’s laughter chasing butterflies through the wild grass.
Our highlights? A visit to Hearst Castle—ornate, fascinating, and surprisingly fun for kids, especially the Neptune Pool, which made our son gasp loud enough to turn heads. Afterward, we drove south to Moonstone Beach, where we strolled along the boardwalk, searching for polished stones in the sand and watching pelicans glide just above the surf. We had lunch in Cambria’s East Village at a small café that smelled like cinnamon and grilled cheese. I ordered the roasted vegetable sandwich with pesto and mozzarella—warm, messy, and perfect. My husband had a bowl of tomato basil soup that he insisted was the best he’d had in years. Our son? A grilled cheese and a cookie the size of his face. Happiness all around.
Plan your family getaway:
- Drive Time from Paso Robles: ~1 hour west via Highway 46
- Vibe: Coastal, peaceful, full of small wonders
- Highlights: Hearst Castle, Moonstone Beach boardwalk, elephant seals at Piedras Blancas, Cambria’s East and West Villages
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for wildflowers and fewer crowds; fall for foggy mornings and golden light
- Cost: Hearst Castle tours ~$30 adults, ~$15 children; beaches and trails free; meals ~$10–25 per person
- Hours: Castle tours run daily; beach and boardwalk access sunrise to sunset
Morro Bay Calm & Coastal Curiosity
“It felt like the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard.” That thought hit me as I watched the fog lift slowly off Morro Rock, revealing its full shape like a secret. The whole town moved at that same gentle pace. My husband and I arrived for a weekend escape, and within hours, we both felt lighter—like someone had turned down the volume on everything.
We stayed at the 456 Embarcadero Inn & Suites, tucked right along the waterfront. From our balcony, we could see the masts in the harbor swaying gently and hear sea lions in the distance. The room smelled faintly of salt air and fresh linens. I sank into the armchair by the window, pulled the blanket across my legs, and thought, “I needed this.”
We started with a walk along the Embarcadero. Sea otters floated lazily in the harbor, and gulls drifted overhead like they had nowhere else to be. The rhythm of the waves tapping the boats was almost meditative. I felt still, and that felt rare.
What I Loved Most: Breathing in the salty air as we watched the sun break through coastal fog, lighting up the water like something sacred.
My highlights? Dinner at Dorn’s Original Breakers Café stood out. I ordered the clam chowder and a grilled Pacific halibut. The chowder was creamy with a hint of brine, as if the ocean itself had kissed it, and the fish was buttery and flaky, grilled simply with lemon and herbs. It smelled like garlic and sea salt, and the view from our table—harbor, hills, and slow clouds—made every bite linger longer.
Plan your Morro Bay weekend getaway:
- Drive Time from Los Angeles: ~4 hours northwest
- Where We Stayed: 456 Embarcadero Inn & Suites —mid-range, harbor-view rooms with balconies and fireplaces
- Vibe: Unhurried, coastal, quietly wild
- Highlights: Morro Rock, Embarcadero, Morro Strand State Beach, Museum of Natural History, kayaking in the estuary
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall—milder temps, fewer tourists, more wildlife activity
- Cost: Lodging from ~$160–$220/night; dinners ~$25–$40 per person
- Hours: Shops 10am–6pm; beach and parks open sunrise to sunset
Jump to a Spot...
- • Stillness Between the Vines in San Martin
- • Slow Mornings at Hotel Cheval & Wine Trails in Paso Robles
- • Carmel Weekend Getaway - L'Auberge Carmel, Carmel-by-the-Sea
- • Unexpected Comfort in Bakersfield
- • Pines, Pie and a Breath of Mountain Quiet in Idyllwild
- • Gold Rush Streets in Murphys
- • Fog, Castles & Ocean Air in San Simeon & Cambria
- • Morro Bay Calm & Coastal Curiosity
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