11 Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles
Los Angeles is full of excitement, but for me personally the best way to recharge is with a 48 hour weekend escape. From the fabulous beach escapes in the Golden State and beyond, weekend getaways from Los Angeles, for me, are never boring.
- Best Weekend Getaways 1 Hour or Less from Los Angeles
- - Irvine - Arcadia - Long Beach - Lake Forest - Ventura
- Best Weekend Getaways 1 to 2 Hours from Los Angeles
- - San Diego - Barstow - Glen Ivy Hot Springs
- Best Weekend Getaways 2 to 3 Hours from Los Angeles
- - Lompoc - Los Olivos - Paso Robles and Hotel Cheval
Weekend Getaways 1 Hour or Less from Los Angeles
When I'm in the mood for a lot of driving, these are the destination that I've enjoyed most.
Irvine - Just 45 minutes from Los Angeles
In the mood for a weekend getaway inland from LA with some unusualy cool adventures? Head to Irvine, a real standout in Orange County.
Now, first things first, we started our morning exploring the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. It's a fantastic natural place with free parking and free admission.
Later, I wandered through the Irvine Spectrum Center. The giant Ferris wheel gave us a panoramic view of the city.
One of the most unusual stops was the Great Park Balloon. Here you get to soar 400 feet above the surrounding landscape. I loved how affordable it is, just $10 for adults and free for kids.
What I loved best:
Food was the top reason this road trip stood out for me. In fact, each meal was a new discovery that added so much flavor to our vacation in Irvine Two that really stood out were Postino Park Place and Warehouse 72 - Irvine.
We checked into AAA 4-Diamond award winner Hyatt Regency Irvine ($259/night) for two days so that we had a comfortable base for exploring.
Arcadia - just 25 minutes from LA
Ready for a nature-filled escape without the long road trip? Just a quick drive east, we spent a weekend in Arcadia.
As a garden lover, my first stop had to be the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. In addition to flowers, you can enjoy waterfalls, and even peacocks walking around.
Afterward, I head to Santa Anita Park. Even if you’re not a horse racing fan, the architecture and energy of the venue made it a special stop.
What I loved best:
Hiking nearby in Angeles National Forest was my personal highlight. Why? The trails offered spectacular views and gave me a chance to reset in nature without traveling far from the city.
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 care-free days.
Long Beach - 30 minutes from LA
My first visit to Long Beach was decades ago to admire the historic Queen Mary. I still think it's the coolest stop and it works well as a day trip from LA too.
We also enjoy Long Beach for its diverse food offerings. Dinner at The Attic is perfect for a special celebration like a birthday. You can enjoy Southern-inspired comfort food with a Californian twist.
Book a weekend stay at the boutique 4-star Hotel Maya for two days. I found it so cool how every balcony opens to harbor views. I have to warn you that Long Beach is a little pricier than expected.
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was catching a laid-back beach sunset from Bluff Park.
Lake Forest - 1 hour from LA
This is such a cool weekend getaway from LA for a change of scenery! I recommend starting at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, where you can see canyons and sandstone formations.
If you have kids, Lake Forest Sports Park is must-visit. It's a huge space with open fields, playgrounds, and walking paths.
Things to Do in Ventura - 1 hour from LA
As a garden lover, I fist came to Ventura to visit the Ventura Botanical Gardens decades ago. You get to enjoy heaps of flowers and scenic views. Best of all, I love that it's still very affordable to visit today, with just a $7 admission for the general public. In addition, if you like to travel with your furry friend, leashed dogs are welcome on Wednesdays, Fridays and on monthly free days.
The drive from LA isn't long exactly, but I like to stay for a 3-day or even a 4-day weekend to see everything and relax on the beach. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is another great option for stress-free weekend travel to Ventura. Train tickets typically start around $30 USD one way, and the ride is scenic and stress-free. Once you’re in Ventura, the downtown area is very walkable, and bikes or rideshares make it easy to get around without a car.
Beyond the gardens, head into Downtown Ventura, and enjoy walking along the Ventura Pier and nearby promenade.
After a short walk from the Ventura Pier and Promenade, I arrived at Mission Basilica San Buenaventura. For me, this is such a cool historic attraction. It was founded in 1782. In addition, there is a hidden garden filled with roses (see my photo), a small museum, and the basilica itself.
For me, Ventura is one of the best weekend getaways from Los Angeles because it has so much to see!
Best Weekend Getaways 1 to 2 Hours from Los Angeles
Within 1 to 2 hours of Los Angeles, you can trade traffic for coastal views, rolling vineyards, desert serenity, or charming small towns.
San Diego - 2 hours from LA by car
Pages and pages could be written about vacationing in San Diego which Chris and I both absolutely and have been many times. In fact, I think that this city is one of the main reasons why living and traveling in California is so great.
I'm covering the most important points here to show you the possibilities. You'll definitely want to stretch out your weekend into a 3- or 4-day road trip. Why? Nicknamed "America's Finest City" for its ideal weather and sandy beaches, there are heaps of amazing things to do in San Diego!
Now, first things first, to get around San Diego, I suggest using the San Diego Trolley or rideshare services, especially if you’re staying downtown. A one-way trolley ride costs about $2.50 USD, and a day pass is only $6 USD. The trolley connects downtown with popular areas like Old Town and Little Italy. I have to warn you that parking can be limited and traffic can slow things down. I recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, packing sunscreen, and starting your day early to take your time enjoying San Diego. Now lets dive in.
First, I took my son to the New Children’s Museum downtown. The interactive art installations kept us busy for a while.
Food is always part of our travels, and I couldn’t resist driving about 15 minutes to Pacific Beach Fish Shop next. The casual vibe, fresh seafood, and the option to build your own fish plate made it feel fun... and delicious. we sat outside savoring fish tacos that were easily some of the best we’ve ever had. Afterwards, we relaxed on Pacific Beach nearby for a while.
Also located just around the corner from Pacific Beach, we checked into Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa (around $213) for two days, a AAA Four Diamond winner so you can trust that they offer a quality stay.
To finish the day, Chris and I joined a Brew Hop tour that introduced me to San Diego’s craft beer scene and let me chat with other travelers (while my son spent quality time with grandma).
Next day we were in the mood for burgers and no one takes burgers and bacon more seriously than Slater’s 50/50 in San Diego. Their “Original 50/50 Patty” (which stands for 50% ground bacon and 50% ground beef) has won numerous awards. It is famously made from hormone- and antibiotic-free Holstein beef from a local farm.
Another favorite burger stop was Woody's Breakfast And Burgers with open views of the beach (“Benji Breakfast Burrito” was delicious!)
Other must-see stops in San Diego? Definitely the USS Midway Museum for its historic aircraft carrier and seeing fighter jets up close. In addition, our half-day San Diego city tour with a local guide was perfect for covering a lot of ground in a short amount of time. We visited Balboa Park, Old Town, and several coastal viewpoints.
Local tip: There are actually different ways to enjoy the road trip from LA to San Diego which I've written about before.
Barstow - 1 hour 45 minutes from LA
In the mood for great desert scenery and affordable prices? Head inland from Los Angeles on your weekend getaway and check out Barstow this month. With 25,000 residents, the city offers a slower pace but also own mix of history and attractions that are 100% unique.
First, there is the Route 66 Mother Road Museum where you can see classic cars, vintage signs and other retro memorabilia.
Another highlight was the Mojave River Valley Museum. My son loved learning about the geology, Native American history, and desert wildlife of the region.
Grab a casual bite at one of the classic diners before checking out the Desert Discovery Center. I'm a rock enthusiast so standing next to one of the largest meteorites ever found in the U.S. (the "Old Woman Meteorite") was such a gem of a find for me.
Next morning, we drove out to Rainbow Basin Natural Area (free to visit). The colorful rock formations and quiet desert landscape were spectacular.
Need a place to stay? 3-star Holiday Inn & Suites Barstow is comfortable with affordable rates.
Glen Ivy Hot Springs - 1 hour from LA
Love the idea of an inland weekend getaway but want something closer? I have just the place: Glen Ivy Hot Springs. It's actually a real hot spring with mineral-rich waters.
Glen Ivy offers day spa packages starting at $85 Monday through Friday, $115 Saturday, and $95 Sunday.
I spent the day in the mineral hot pools, soaking in the geothermal waters, and cooling off in the lap pool. The highlight was plunging into the famous Club Mud. You get to coat yourself in red clay before basking in the sun to let it dry. Finally, you rinse it off in the warm pools.
In addition, you can enjoy herbal tea on a shaded patio, join a wellness class, or book a relaxing massage.
What I loved best:
I loved wandering around the manicured gardens, my personal highlight.
Best Weekend Getaways 2 to 3 Hours from Los Angeles
When you’re ready to go a little farther, the rewards get even better. Within 2 to 3 hours of Los Angeles, you can reach dramatic coastlines, peaceful wine regions, mountain escapes, and desert hideaways.
Lompoc - 3 hours from LA
This town is one of my favorite long 3-day weekend getaways from Los Angeles when I'm in the mood for a wine country getaway.
our first stop was Old Town Lompoc Market to pick up snacks. From there, I loved strolling through the streets, visiting antique shops, and chatting with friendly locals to get insider tips. I learned that Lompoc is nicknamed the "Flower Seed Capital of the World." because the climate here (along with rich soil) produces such high-quality flower seeds.
In fact, I couldn't miss the flower fields. In bloom from April through September, they’re absolutely spectacular. /p>
For wine lovers, Lompoc is a dream. My personal favorite was Ampelos Vineyard but there are many options here.
Check prices at Embassy Suites by Hilton Lompoc where we had a relaxing two day stay.
What I loved best:
Hiking to La Purisima Mission State Historic Park in the morning.
Los Olivos - 2 hours 15 minutes from LA
For me, the Santa Ynez Valley has always been one of the best weekend getaways from Los Angeles. I love all the vineyards and ranches that make driving through the valley so relaxing.
Los Olivos is a village of approximately 1,200 people. It's very walkable, with great tasting rooms, art galleries, and boutiques. Wine (of course!) is the heart of Los Olivos. Chris and I find it perfect for an anniversary getaway from LA.
- For a romantic weekend getaway from LA, check prices and availability at Fess Parker Wine Country Inn.
What I loved best:
Dining is great here too. Two places that really stand out are The Bakery Farmstand for breakfast and Nella Kitchen & Bar for dinner.
Paso Robles and Hotel Cheval - 3 hours from LA
Love the idea of a wine country weekend getaway from LA but want a bigger town. For me, Paso Robles (population around 40,000) is a standout! Why? I felt like I could slow down and truly unwind for 48 hours in Paso Robles.
Staying at Hotel Cheval turned our trip this month into something extra special. You'll find it in the heart of downtown Paso. Our room for two days was comfortable and stylish. The hotel also has a lovely courtyard, and library lounge.
- Check prices and availability at Hotel Cheval
What I loved best:
For me, Paso Robles is one of the best weekend getaways from Los Angeles.
At Hotel Cheval, s'mores by the fire pit in the evening where a great touch.
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, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
