• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

2. Allegretto Vineyard Resort, Paso Robles ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Allegretto Vineyard Resort

3. Langham Huntington Hotel - 20 minutes from LA

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Langham Huntington Hotel

4. California Weekend at THE US GRANT

5. MacCallum House Inn

© MacCallum House Inn

6. Hotel Cheval

Category: Unique Accommodations

7. Pismo Beach - Inn at the Pier

Category: Unique Accommodations

8. Venice Beach - Hotel Erwin

Category: Unique Accommodations

9. Solvang - The Landsby

10. Casa Del Mar - 20 minutes from Los Angeles

11. The Spa at CordeValle - 1 hour from San Francisco

© The Spa at CordeValle

12. Del Mar - L'Auberge Del Mar- 2 hours from Los Angeles

© Dave Newman/stock.adobe.com

13. Sonoma Coast Villa

© Sonoma Coast Villa

14. Wine Valley Inn in Solvang for Couples

Category: Unique Accommodations

15. Vintners Inn, Santa Rosa Weekend Trip for Couples

16. Hotel Pacific in Monterey

Category: Unique Accommodations

17. Ledson Hotel in Sonoma

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Ledson Hotel

18. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa - 1 hour 10 minutes from San Francisco

Category: Unique Accommodations
© hkt83000/stock.adobe.com

19. Pampering and Rejuvenation in Beverly Hills

© SLS Beverly Hills hotel

20. Hotel del Coronado, a California Weekend Getaway

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Hotel del Coronado

21. Laguna Beach - Surf and Sand Resort

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Surf and Sand Resort

22. Encinitas

© David Levin/stock.adobe.com

23. El Dorado Hotel & Kitchen in Sonoma - 1 hour from San Francisco

Category: Unique Accommodations

24. Senza Hotel in Napa - 1 hour 10 minutes from San Francisco

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Photo Credit: Justine Di Fede

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

Regardless of where you live in California, there is a diverse choice of amazing vacation spots just a short drive away. You will find amazing beaches, city escapes, romantic coastal trips, honeymoon ideas, family trips and relaxing spa getaways. Southern California favorites include San Diego, Palm Springs and Santa Barbara. Popular Northern California vacation spots include Carmel, Paso Robles and Napa Valley.

From Los Angeles, CA To Driving Time
San Diego, CA2 hours
Del Mar Village, CA2 hours
Pasadena, CA20 minutes
Santa Monica20 minutes
Ojai, CA1 hour 25 minutes
Laguna Beach1 hour

San Francisco To Driving Time
Lake Tahoe3 hours 30 minutes
Napa1 hour 10 minutes
Sonoma Valley1 hour 10 minutes
San Martin1 hour 5 minutes

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