• 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: Accommodations
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
© Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

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

Category: Accommodations
Allegretto Vineyard Resort, Paso Robles
© Allegretto Vineyard Resort

3. Langham Huntington Hotel - 20 minutes from LA

Category: Accommodations
Langham Huntington Hotel - 20 minutes from LA
© Langham Huntington Hotel

4. California Weekend at THE US GRANT

California Weekend at THE US GRANT
© THE US GRANT

5. MacCallum House Inn

MacCallum House Inn
© MacCallum House Inn

6. Hotel Cheval

Category: Accommodations
Hotel Cheval
© Hotel Cheval

7. Pismo Beach - Inn at the Pier

Category: Accommodations
Pismo Beach - Inn at the Pier
© Inn at the Pier

8. Venice Beach - Hotel Erwin

Category: Accommodations
Venice Beach - Hotel Erwin
© Hotel Erwin

9. Solvang - The Landsby

Solvang - The Landsby
© The Landsby

10. Casa Del Mar - 20 minutes from Los Angeles

Casa Del Mar - 20 minutes from Los Angeles
© Casa Del Mar

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

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

Del Mar -  L'Auberge Del Mar- 2 hours from Los Angeles
© Dave Newman/stock.adobe.com

13. Sonoma Coast Villa

Sonoma Coast Villa
© Sonoma Coast Villa

14. Wine Valley Inn in Solvang for Couples

Category: Accommodations
Wine Valley Inn in Solvang for Couples
© Wine Valley Inn

15. Vintners Inn, Santa Rosa Weekend Trip for Couples

Vintners Inn, Santa Rosa Weekend Trip for Couples
© Vintners Inn

16. Hotel Pacific in Monterey

Category: Accommodations
Hotel Pacific in Monterey
© Hotel Pacific

17. Ledson Hotel in Sonoma

Category: Accommodations
Ledson Hotel in Sonoma
© Ledson Hotel

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

Category: Accommodations
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa - 1 hour 10 minutes from San Francisco
© hkt83000/stock.adobe.com

19. Pampering and Rejuvenation in Beverly Hills

Pampering and Rejuvenation in Beverly Hills
© SLS Beverly Hills hotel

20. Hotel del Coronado, a California Weekend Getaway

Category: Accommodations
Hotel del Coronado, a California Weekend Getaway
© Hotel del Coronado

21. Laguna Beach - Surf and Sand Resort

Category: Accommodations
Laguna Beach -  Surf and Sand Resort
© Surf and Sand Resort

22. Encinitas

Encinitas
© David Levin/stock.adobe.com

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

Category: Accommodations
El Dorado Hotel & Kitchen in Sonoma - 1 hour from San Francisco
© El Dorado Hotel

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

Category: Accommodations
Senza Hotel in Napa - 1 hour 10 minutes from San Francisco
© 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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