Best Weekend Getaways from San Diego    

 

   

If you are looking for a secluded weekend getaway with luxury service and beautiful guest accommodations, spend your weekend at the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, Southern California. For those celebrating a honeymoon or a special occasion, you can't go wrong with this historic hideaway where John and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned after they tied the knot in 1953.

Book the hand-carved stone cottage named after the Kennedy family which features two master suites with fireplaces, two luxurious bathrooms and a cozy living room with a third fireplace. Classic French doors lead to a spacious deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The upper deck has a large raised hot tub where you can relax with a view. The resort has just 41 cottages set on 500 acres of land which means plenty of privacy for their guests. Take romantic walks through the manicured gardens or go hiking in the vast area surrounding the hotel. Each cottage is individually decorated and features a hot tub, deck and outdoor rain shower. Spend your weekend taking romantic walks, enjoying great views and sampling mouthwatering cuisine. Nightly rates start at $785 (website).

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The Oaks at Ojai is a destination health spa, offering a holistic approach to wellness. The resort offers an all inclusive program of fitness activities and spa cuisine. Guests may participate in as many activities as they wish, many of which are suitable for all fitness levels. Delicious cuisine is prepared for guests, including three meals, snacks and beverages that incorporate natural foods, fish and poultry. Many meals feature freshly-grown herbs from the resort gardens.

The scenic Ojai valley is home to a community of artists. It's a beautiful area for exploring the outdoors and spending your weekend surrounded by nature. The property often offers special events, such as yoga & meditation retreats, mother-daughter events and music festivals. Packages at the Oaks at Ojai start at $240 per person per night with a 2-night minimum stay. The rate includes meals, fitness classes, evening seminars, wifi, parking and tax and service.

 

An innovative hideaway that merges contemporary design with classic mid-century style, Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills offers guests a stylish home-away-from-home experience that embraces Southern California's relaxed lifestyle. If you are looking for a weekend getaway that combines shopping, style and relaxation by the pool, check into the Avalon.

The focal point of the hotel is a stylish pool terrace with private cabanas. There are several different room types, including Classic Rooms, Premium King Rooms, Studio Penthouses, One-Bedroom Suites, and Canon Villa Residences. Rooms feature custom-designed furnishings including pieces by such notable designers as George Nelson, Isamu Noguchi, and Charles Eames. Guestrooms feature high-speed Internet access, Italian designer linens and in-room spa treatments. Enjoy outdoor dining or order 24-hour room service. Located at the crossroads of Beverly Hills' shopping district and an intimate residential neighborhood, the property is also near many Southern California attractions. The Sunset Strip, Santa Monica beaches, and Los Angeles International Airport are a short drive away (310-277-5221, website).

 

Every couple needs to get away once in a while for a romantic weekend of relaxation and bonding. The Parker Palm Springs is a stylish getaway in Southern California, offering spacious suites, patio rooms and estate rooms. For a touch of history, book the Gene Autry Residence who used to live there. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence has a private enclosed patio, a large living area, dining space, terrace and kitchen. You'll also be just steps away from the resort pool.

The property has a spa where you can book a couples massage and relax in a calm setting. The spa offers a selection of body treatments, facials, scrubs, wraps and packages. Work out at the Psyc fitness center which has a yoga studio offering complementary group weekend classes and private lessons. Rates start at $159 per night (760-770-5000 , website). Click here for more ideas from Los Angeles.

 

Plan a relaxing spa vacation to the Fairmont Newport Beach. The hotel's day spa has been selected as one of Southern California's best Day Spas by Allure and LA Times. The spa will welcome you with plush robes, slippers and soothing ambiance. Amadeus Spa and Salon has 8,000 square feet of space, 8 treatment rooms, and offers an array of relaxing treatments. Before and after your treatment, relax next to the hotel's outdoor pool which offers yellow-colored cabanas providing shade. There are 440 renovated luxury guest rooms and suites, many with scenic ocean views. There is a diverse selection of suites, including One Bedroom, Executive, Junior Suite to Vice Presidential and Presidential. Rooms at the Fairmont Newport start at $220. VacationIdea.com Tip: Remember to check for packages.

 

If you are looking for unique trips from San Diego, Estancia La Jolla is a stylish hotel with a full-service spa, heated outdoor pool and landscaped gardens just 20 minutes from the city. The Spa will leave you pampered and refreshed. Choose from treatments such as massages, facials, Vichy and Swiss Showers, body treatments, aromatherapy and reflexology. For ultimate indulgence, book your massage in one of the private outdoor garden suites. After the treatment, relax by the pool. It's easy to stay active, surrounded by miles of hiking and biking trails in the area. You can also join one of the daily fitness classes at the hotel, such as sunrise yoga, guided hikes and circuit training.

The property offers organized activities for kids, teens and families year-round. Camp and Craft programs, movie nights, surfing and trail adventures can be enjoyed by the whole family. Visit nearby beaches, play golf on championship courses in the area, visit a museum, and go shopping. There are 210 guest rooms and suites furnished with a reading chair, leather ottoman and a work desk with internet access. Guest amenities include Italian linens and comforters, robes and slippers, and 24-hour room service. Restaurants and bars serve Southern California cuisine that incorporates fresh local produce. Spa packages start at $329 per night for two, depending on the season (877-4-ESTANCIA, website).

 

If you are looking for a quick getaway with a sandy beach and family-friendly facilities, visit the Hilton San Diego. The hotel is located just six miles from the airport on Mission Bay. Enjoy newly renovated guest rooms and a 18-acre park with beautiful gardens, lawns and sandy beaches. Each guest room has a large balcony or patio and a 42 inch television with in-room movies.

There is a sandy beach, outdoor swimming pool and activities for kids. You can also go biking, play basketball and work out at the resort gym. Spa Brezza offers a menu of international healing treatments and services, incorporating cross-cultural rituals from Indonesia, Thailand and India. The 7,500 square foot facility features 9 treatment rooms, boutique, full hair and nail salon, private men's and women's locker rooms with steam and shower, an indoor/outdoor meditation relaxation lounge and a private outdoor sundeck on the roof. In addition to relaxing at the spa, vacationers can play tennis, wakeboard, sail, swim in the pool and taking a bike ride along the boardwalk of Mission Bay. Room rates start at $220 per night (619-276-4010, website).

[Wilson Creek Winery]

Visit the Southern California Wine Country to enjoy wine tasting, delicious food and friendly service. Temecula Valley is a 60-minute drive north of San Diego. Wilson Creek Winery has a large tasting room where you can sample the famous Almond Sparkling Wine and the Decadencia Chocolate Dessert Wine which is served in an edible glass. The family-run estate has beautiful grounds, perfect for a romantic picnic. Stop at the Gift Shop to purchase your favorite wine and gourmet food. The tasting room is open daily, but wine tasting tours are only offered on weekends. The tasting fee is $20 per person on weekends (951-699-9463, website). On Sundays, Creekside Grille serves a delicious brunch buffet, complete with omelet and waffle stations, seafood, carving & dessert stations (from $31.95 per person).

 

It's not an easy task to get a AAA Five Diamond Award (just 125 hotels in the world hold this honor), but to keep it for 10 years is an even bigger challenge. The Lodge at Torrey Pines in San Diego, California has been awarded this honor for the 10th year in a row. The hotel is located in the elegant La Jolla neighborhood and overlooks the Torrey Pines Golf Course (the lodge is located along the 18th fairway). It offers 170 luxury guest rooms and suites with Pacific Ocean views. The spa is a popular weekend getaway on the West Coast, offering an extensive menu of treatments and products from the European lines of Phytomer.

The famous golf course has hosted the PGA Tour championship since 1968, with rounds split between its North Course and South Course (the South Course always hosts the final round). Room rates start at $400 per night (858-453-4420, website).

 

Whether you are looking for a quick trip, an idea for a proposal, or a family reunion, The Grand Del Mar in San Diego is a unique place to visit. The resort offers championship golf, a luxury spa and four swimming pools, ideal for lounging in the sun and relaxing Southern California-style. The spa has a pool with a jacuzzi and outdoor dining. Choose from an extensive menu of treatments that incorporate a custom organic product line. Try a rejuvenating facial, detoxing mineral mud wrap or a soothing stone massage.

Spa guests receive many complimentary amenities, including free fitness classes, adults-only Relaxation Pool, saunas, snacks & teas and plush lounges with fireplaces. Guest rooms measure at least 550 feet in size, giving you plenty of space for lounging and in-room dining. For the ultimate indulgence, book one of the luxury suites or a villa. Rooms at start at $395/night (858-314-2000, website).

 

Hotel Maya - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Long Beach, California, is a vibrant getaway with a waterfront restaurant. Guest accommodations feature balconies and patios with bay or skyline views. You will get a chocolate-chip cookie at check-in. The design of the building draws its inspiration from ancient Mayan pyramids. Relax next to the heated outdoor pool and whirlpool. Rent one of the oceanview cabanas for extra relaxation. Each guest room has a view of the bay or the gardens. Ask for a room with a private balcony to enjoy the outdoors. Accommodations are equipped with a 37-inch HD TV, free internet access, and soothing aromatherapy products in the bathrooms. The property is located next to the Queen Mary and Carnival Cruise Line terminal and within minutes of downtown, the Convention Center, and the Aquarium of the Pacific. The hotel is located on the complimentary shuttle line to downtown Long Beach, giving you easy access to many things to see and do in the area.

Fuego is a waterfront restaurant and bar where guests can dine with a view of the ocean. The property offers waterfront event space for almost any size meeting, wedding or special event. Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific which houses over 500 different species of animals, including pet sharks and stingrays at Shark Lagoon. There are also seals, sea lions, otters, an earth-friendly garden and several permanent exhibits which are fun to visit with kids. The retired ocean liner Queen Mary is a major attraction in the harbor. You can go whale watching or visit the Disneyland Park, a short drive away. If you are planning a business meeting, the hotel has six flexible meeting spaces with ocean views. Facilities include high-quality AV equipment, onsite tech-support staff and a complimentary Business Center. The hotel is pet-friendly. Room rates start at $159 per night (562-435-7676, website).