Best Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles
Los Angeles is full of excitement, but the best way to recharge is with a 48 hour weekend escape. From romantic getaways and family adventures to solo trips and and outdoor escapes, weekends from Los Angeles offer something for every kind of traveler. Here are the ones I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Irvine - Just 45 minutes from Los Angeles
Only about an hour from Los Angeles, I found Irvine to be a refreshing change of pace, surrounded by rolling hills, sprawling parks, and a vibrant food scene. What makes Irvine one of the best weekend getaways from LA? First off, the city felt polished yet welcoming, with a mix of outdoor adventure and urban comforts that made it perfect for a short escape. We checked into AAA 4-Diamond award winner Hyatt Regency Irvine for two days which provided a comfortable base for exploring.
We started our morning exploring the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, a fantastic natural place where easy trails wound around ponds alive with bird song. It felt like a quiet retreat right in the middle of Orange County, and I couldn’t believe how quickly I’d left the bustle of LA behind.
Later, I wandered through the Irvine Spectrum Center, filled with shops and entertainment. The giant Ferris wheel gave us a fun, panoramic view of the city...it was a joyful highlight I didn’t expect.
Food was another reason this trip stood out for me. Each meal was a new discovery, and it added so much flavor to my time. Check out Postino Park Place and Warehouse 72 - Irvine.
One of the most unusual but delightful stops was the Great Park Balloon which lets you soar 400 feet above the surrounding landscape. I loved how affordable it is, just $10 for adults and free for kids.
For me, Irvine worked as both a relaxing and exciting weekend escape...easy to reach from LA, full of unique experiences, and packed with enough charm to make me want to return again soon.
2. San Diego - 2 hours from LA by car
San Diego has always been one of my favorite places to escape from Los Angeles, and every time I go I find something new to love. Why? The mix of sun, ocean calm, and great restaurants makes it feel like a complete vacation without needing to hop on a plane.
I took my son to the New Children’s Museum downtown, and I thought it was such a creative, joyful space. The interactive art installations brought out my inner kid, and I loved watching everyone get hands-on with the exhibits.
Another highlight for me was exploring the USS Midway Museum. Walking through the historic aircraft carrier was an exciting experience. Why? First off, I got to see fighter jets up close and hear stories from veterans. It gave me a deeper appreciation of naval history, and I thought it was one of the coolest attractions in the city.
Food is always part of my travels, and I couldn’t resist Pacific Beach Fish Shop. The casual vibe, fresh seafood, and the option to build your own fish plate made it feel fun... and delicious. I sat outside under the twinkling lights, savoring fish tacos that were easily some of the best I’ve ever had.
To finish the day, I joined a Brew Hop tour that introduced me to San Diego’s legendary craft beer scene. Sampling local breweries while meeting fellow travelers made for an underrated, social way to wrap up the weekend.
- Map & Directions
- Check prices and availability at The US Grant Hotel.
For me, San Diego always delivers with its cool blend of culture, history, food, and coastal charm that makes every trip memorable.
3. Golden Hills in Paso Robles at Hotel Cheval - 3 hours from LA
Driving up from Los Angeles, I found Paso Robles to be the perfect mix of small-town charm and wine country elegance. The rolling vineyards, golden hills, and welcoming community made it feel like a refreshing escape where I could slow down and truly unwind for 48 hours.
Staying at Hotel Cheval turned my recent trip into something extra special. Tucked right in the heart of downtown Paso, this boutique hotel struck me with its intimate vibe. I fell for this cozy hideaway designed for relaxation and comfort.
My favorite part was how thoughtfully everything was done, from the inviting library lounge with roaring fireplaces to the cheerful courtyard perfect for sipping a glass of local wine in the evening. The atmosphere made it feel romantic and relaxed, a brilliant idea for both couples and friends.
In the morning, I loved grabbing breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore nearby wineries. With hundreds of vineyards just minutes away, it was easy to spend the day tasting bold reds and crisp whites while soaking in the peaceful scenery.
Back at Hotel Cheval, the service felt personal and genuine, and I was even treated to s’mores by the fire pit in the evening, such a joyful touch that made the stay unforgettable. It was a detail that really captured the welcoming spirit of Paso Robles.
- Map & Directions
- Check prices and availability at Hotel Cheval
For me, Paso Robles paired with Hotel Cheval offered an absolute best weekend getaway, blending wine, comfort, and unique charm all in one memorable trip.
4. Long Beach, CA - 30 minute from LA
I thought that Long Beach was one of the best weekend getaways from Los Angeles. Why? First off, it immediately charmed me with its mix of vintage coastal architecture and palm-lined boulevards. I also love how close it is from LA, so you don't need to do a lot of driving to reach a great spot to relax for the weekend. You can easily make it a quick, affordable day trip from LA as well.
I admired the way the downtown core blends old and new, where restored Art Deco buildings sit beside sleek modern hotels, while the ocean is always in the background, inviting you to slow down and let your hair down.
We spent the afternoon walking past the boutiques and ocean-view cafés at Shoreline Village. I thought that the historic Queen Mary docked here was truly the coolest thing you can see on your LA getaway. We then saw the sun dip below the Pacific from Bluff Park.
Dinner at The Attic, a local favorite serving Southern-inspired comfort food with a twist, was the perfect end to the day. I stayed at the boutique 4-star Hotel Maya for two days. I found it so cool how every balcony opens to sweeping harbor views. Although a little pricier than expected, the atmosphere was worth every penny.
My personal highlight was catching a laid-back beach sunset from Bluff Park, where locals gather for yoga and picnics.
5. Los Olivos, CA - 2 hours 15 minutes from LA
Right in the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Olivos quickly became one of my favorite little towns for a short California getaway. Just a couple of hours from Los Angeles, this charming spot is surrounded by vineyards and ranches that make your drive into town feel absolutely beautiful.
As soon as I arrived, I was struck by how walkable and inviting the village was. Tasting rooms, art galleries, and boutiques line the streets, and I loved wandering from one to the next at a relaxed pace. It felt like a unique mix of sophistication and small-town warmth.
Wine (of course!) is the heart of Los Olivos. I spent my afternoons sipping world-class pinot noir and chardonnay at cozy tasting rooms, each one offering a different twist on local winemaking. The casual atmosphere made the experience even more enjoyable, and it was easy to see why this town is such a gem in the valley.
One of the most joyful surprises for me was the food scene. From farm-to-table restaurants like Nella Kitchen & Bar to rustic bakeries like The Bakery Farmstand, every meal tasted fresh and full of flavor. Sitting outside under the oak trees with a glass of wine in hand felt like pure California magic.
The scenery alone made the trip exciting, but pairing it with the relaxed pace of Los Olivos turned the whole weekend into something special.
- Map & Directions
- Check prices and availability at Fess Parker Wine Country Inn.
For me, Los Olivos is an underrated destination that combines charm, wine, and a welcoming spirit in the most memorable way.
6. Arcadia - just 25 minutes from LA
Arcadia, tucked at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, surprised me with how much there is to enjoy so close to Los Angeles. Just a quick drive east, this city felt like a refreshing getaway where nature, culture, and community all come together in a unique way. You can easily day trip here from LA if you don't want to spend a lot of money, but we checked into 4-star Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia for two days.
My first stop had to be the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Walking through acres of lush landscapes, waterfalls, and peacocks roaming freely was such a joyful experience. I loved the variety of plants and the peaceful atmosphere—it felt like stepping into a living postcard.
Afterward, I headed to Santa Anita Park, one of the coolest places in Arcadia if you’re into history and excitement. Watching the horses race with the mountains as a backdrop was an unforgettable sight. Even if you’re not a racing fan, the architecture and energy of the venue made it a special stop.
For food, I explored some of the local Asian eateries, and Arcadia delivered in a big way. From hand-pulled noodles to dim sum, every meal felt authentic and flavorful. It’s one of those underrated culinary hubs that makes you want to come back just to eat.
I also enjoyed hiking nearby in Angeles National Forest. The trails offered spectacular views and gave me a chance to reset in nature without traveling far from the city. It was the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
- Map & Directions
- Check prices and availability at Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia
For me, Arcadia worked as a cool little escape—a place where gardens, culture, and mountain scenery combine to create a memorable weekend retreat.
7. Barstow, CA - 1 hour 45 minutes from LA
Barstow was such a cool desert stop that turned into a surprisingly memorable getaway. About halfway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, we had driven through before on one of our road trips, but last month was our first two day stay in Barstow at 3-star Holiday Inn & Suites Barstow.
We loved that this small city has its own mix of history, roadside uniqueness, and wide-open desert views.
My first adventure was at the Route 66 Mother Road Museum where we stopped for about 90 minutes. Wandering through vintage signs, classic cars, and retro memorabilia made me feel like I’d stepped back into another era like an old movie. It was an exciting reminder of the iconic highway that helped shape American travel.
Another highlight was the hour we spent at Mojave River Valley Museum. My son loved learning about the geology, Native American history, and desert wildlife of the region. It felt like an underrated spot where I could really connect with the story of the high desert.
For a unique outdoor experience, we drove out to Rainbow Basin Natural Area. The colorful rock formations and quiet desert landscape were spectacular, and I couldn’t help but stop every few minutes to take in the views. Hiking there was both peaceful and adventurous.
Back in town, I grabbed a casual bite at one of the classic diners before checking out the Desert Discovery Center for 2 hours, home to the “Old Woman Meteorite.” I'm an rock enthusiast so standing next to one of the largest meteorites ever found in the U.S. was such a gem of a find for me.
Barstow may not be the first place people think of for a weekend from Los Angeles, but for exacly this reason I'm mentioning it as one of my favorite weekend getaways from LA... It offered an unusual and joyful escape filled with history, nature, and desert magic that Chris, my son and I really enjoyed.
8. Lake Forest, CA - 1 hour from LA
Just south of Los Angeles in Orange County, is Lake Forest, a wondeful peaceful city that blended suburban charm with plenty of outdoor adventures. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, enjoy nature, and still have easy access to great food and shopping nearby.
I recommend starting at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, where you can see canyons and sandstone formations. It was one of those hidden outdoor gems I couldn’t believe was so close to the city.
Later, we spent two hours at Lake Forest Sports Park, a huge community space filled with open fields, playgrounds, and walking paths. I loved the joyful atmosphere—families playing soccer, kids laughing, and people just enjoying the California sunshine.
It was easy to enjoy great food in Lake Forest which was another highlight. I discovered flavorful Middle Eastern plates, fresh sushi and lots in between. Each meal felt like a unique little adventure in itself.
For me, Lake Forest turned out to be an underrated weekend getaway...close enough to LA for convenience, but far enough to feel like a refreshing change of scenery, with nature and community spirit at its heart.
9. Lompoc, CA - 3 hours from LA
Just north of Santa Barbara (3 hours if you are starting from Los Angeles), I found Lompoc to be a peaceful California escape, a bit too far for a day trip from LA but just the right distance for a relaxing 48 hours away. Check prices at Embassy Suites by Hilton Lompoc, a nice idea for a two day stay. Surrounded by hills, endless skies, and vineyards the city had a lot to offer.
My first stop was Old Town Lompoc Market on a Friday afternoon. From there, I loved strolling through the streets, ducking into antique shops, and chatting with friendly locals to jumpstart my weekend.
I couldn’t miss the flower fields, because when they’re in bloom from April through September, they’re absolutely spectacular. Walking along rows of vibrant colors felt like stepping into a living painting, and it quickly became one of my favorite memories from the area.
For wine lovers, Lompoc is a dream. Plan to spend three hours at the Wine Ghetto, a collection of boutique tasting rooms. The atmosphere was casual, approachable, and a brilliant idea if you want to explore without driving out to multiple vineyards.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the trails nearby. I hiked to La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, where history meets nature in a unique way. The mission grounds, combined with the surrounding hills, offered both reflection and adventure.
Lompoc was an underrated getaway. Why? It was relaxed, welcoming, and filled with little gems that made the journey worthwhile.
10. La Jolla - 3 hours from LA
I saved La Jolla for last because it's a 3-hour drive from LA but it's my absolute favorite weekend getaway in SoCal. Why? First off, the cliffs, coves, and ocean views made me feel like I had stepped into a completely different world without the stress of a flight.
Walking through the village, I loved how everything felt both relaxed and chic at the same time. Boutique shops, oceanfront cafés, and local galleries gave me plenty to do in between beach strolls and long sunsets.
My stay at the La Valencia Hotel made the trip unforgettable. Known as the “Pink Lady,” this historic hotel sits right in the heart of La Jolla with stunning views of the Pacific. I couldn’t get enough of the Mediterranean-style architecture, lush gardens, and the sparkling pool that overlooked the ocean.
I enjoyed slow mornings with coffee on the balcony, followed by afternoons wandering down to La Jolla Cove where I watched sea lions play along the rocks. It felt like the coolest balance of nature and luxury in one spot.
One evening, I dined at the hotel’s terrace while the sun dipped below the horizon—it was one of my favorite travel moments to date. The combination of coastal location and timeless elegance made the experience truly memorable.
- Map & Directions
- Check prices at La Valencia Hotel.
La Jolla isn’t just about the scenery; it’s about how the place makes you feel. For me, this was an exciting weekend getaway that reminded me just how close absolute beauty can be to Los Angeles.
Conclusion
After exploring all of these destinations, I realized how many different kinds of escapes are just a short drive from Los Angeles. Each place offered its own personality and unique highlights that made the trips unforgettable.
In the end, these spots reminded me that a weekend can feel like a true vacation when you know where to go. And honestly, I can’t wait to plan the next one from LA.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
