Los Angeles is an incredible city, but let’s be real, it can be overwhelming. If you live there you will find never-ending traffic, packed beaches, and the hustle of city life. Sometimes you just need a break.
That’s where weekend getaways Los Angeles come in! You crave a relaxing retreat by the ocean, a rugged mountain adventure, or a cultural escape, you don’t have to travel far to find the perfect spot.
You will discover charming coastal towns to serene desert landscapes. Here are the best places to visit near Los Angeles this weekend for every type of traveler!
Top 10 Places to Go Near Los Angeles for the Weekend
1. Santa Barbara – Wine Tasting, Beaches & Scenic Drives
Why It’s a Great Weekend Getaway
Take your car and drive for 2 hours, You will reach Santa Barbara. It is the perfect blend of coastal beauty and sophisticated charm. The best time to visit is spring and fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Top Things to Do
Here are few things you can do in Santa Barbara.
- Stroll along State Street
- Enjoy in the Santa Ynez Valley
- Visit the historic Old Mission, Santa Barbara
- Relax on Butterfly Beach
Budget Travel Tips
- Skip the pricey hotels and opt for a charming Airbnb or a budget-friendly hostel.
- Take advantage of free activities like hiking in the nearby mountains and visiting public beaches.
2. Palm Springs – Desert Retreats, Spas & Mid-Century Charm
Why It’s a Great Weekend Getaway
It is also just 2 hours from LA. Palm Springs is a desert oasis perfect for relaxation and adventure. I visit in winter or spring for cooler temperatures.
Top Things to Do
- Relax in world-class spas
- Explore the mid-century modern architecture
- Hike in the Indian Canyons
- Take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Budget Travel Tips
- Look for deals on boutique hotels.
- Dine at local diners instead of resort restaurants.
- Enjoy free activities like the Palm Springs Art Museum
3. San Diego – Surfing, Nightlife & Family-Friendly Attractions
Why It’s a Great Weekend Getaway
A 2.5-hour drive brings you to San Diego. It possesses stunning coastline and vibrant nightlife. It has the great weather all around the year so you can visit any time.
Top Things to Do
- Explore Balboa Park
- Hit the beaches of La Jolla
- Visit the San Diego Zoo
- Enjoy the Gaslamp Quarter nightlife.
Budget Travel Tips
- Use public transportation
- Take advantage of happy hour deals
- Visit free attractions like Sunset Cliffs and Old Town San Diego.
4. Big Bear Lake – Snow Sports in Winter, Hiking in Summer
Why It’s a Great Weekend Getaway
Free yourself on Fridays and take off on Saturday mornings. Within 2 hours you will reach to Big Bear. It is perfect for year-round outdoor adventures.
Top Things to Do
- Ski and snowboard in winter
- Hike Castle Rock Trail in summer
- Enjoy water activities on the lake.
Budget Travel Tips
- Rent a cabin with friends to split costs
- Bring your own food
- Look for discount lift tickets online
5. Ojai – Wellness Retreats & Spiritual Escapes
Why It’s a Great Weekend Getaway
Only 90 minutes from LA, Ojai is a peaceful retreat known for its wellness-focused atmosphere.
Top Things to Do
- Visit meditation centers
- Shop at the farmers’ market
- Explore the hiking trails
- Enjoy Ojai’s famous “pink moment” sunset.
Budget Travel Tips
- Stay at a cozy inn or campground
- Visit free art galleries
- Enjoy the scenic beauty without spending much.
6. Joshua Tree – Best weekend trips from LA
Why It’s a Great Weekend Getaway
Joshua Tree are 2.5 hours away from LA. You will find surreal desert landscapes and adventure activities.
Top Things to Do
- Hike Hidden Valley
- Explore Skull Rock
- Rock climb in the national park
- Experience breathtaking stargazing.
Budget Travel Tips
- Camp inside the park
- Bring your own food and water
- Visit in the off-season for fewer crowds and lower costs.
7. Solvang – Danish Village Experience & Wine Country
Why It’s a Great Weekend Getaway
It is located in the Santa Ynez Valley. You will feel like a European escape in Solvang. So if you are a Europe lover, then plan your trip here this weekend.
Top Things to Do
- Try authentic Danish pastries
- Visit local wineries
- Ride bikes through scenic countryside
- Explore the charming downtown.
Budget Travel Tips
- Stay in nearby Buellton for cheaper accommodations,
- Enjoy free tastings at select wineries
- Walk around the town for free entertainment.
8. Catalina Island – Island Escape, Snorkeling & Beach Vibes
Why It’s a Great Weekend Getaway
A one-hour ferry ride from Long Beach takes you to Catalina Island. Read our article, how to get to Catalina Island, and you will find your answers. It is a convenient yet unique getaway.
Top Things to Do
- Snorkel in Lover’s Cove
- Take a zip-lining adventure
- Explore Avalon’s charming streets
- Go on a glass-bottom boat tour.
Budget Travel Tips
- Camp at Two Harbors instead of staying in hotels
- Pack your own food
- Look for ferry discounts online.
9. Laguna Beach – Best short trips from LA
Why It’s a Great Weekend Getaway
The shortest distance of an hour from LA takes you to Laguna Beach. It is a stunning seaside town known for its artistic culture.
Top Things to Do
- Visit the Sawdust Art Festival
- Explore tide pools
- Hike in Crystal Cove State Park
- Relax on pristine beaches.
Budget Travel Tips
- Park for free in residential areas
- Visit galleries on “First Thursdays,”
- Bring your own snacks for a beach picnic.
10. San Luis Obispo – Hidden Coastal Paradise
Why It’s a Great Weekend Getaway
The long route of 3.5-hour drive from LA takes you to San Luis Obispo (SLO). It is an underrated coastal gem.
Top Things to Do
- Stroll through Downtown SLO
- Soak in Sycamore Mineral Springs
- Explore Montaña de Oro State Park
- Visit nearby Pismo Beach.
Budget Travel Tips
- Stay in budget-friendly motels or hostels
- Hike instead of paying for attractions
- Take advantage of free wine tastings.
The Departure- Weekend Getaways Los Angeles
As a LA inhabitant, if you’re looking for an adventurous retreat, a romantic getaway, or a budget-friendly escape, there’s a perfect destination just a short drive from LA. You have found out the coastal charm of Santa Barbara and the rugged beauty of Joshua Tree. These weekend trips offer something for every traveler.
Which getaway is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
FAQs
What cities are 3 hours away from LA?
There are some cities names that are about 3 hours away from LA. San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Palm Springs.
Where do people from Los Angeles go on vacation?
Angelenos travel internationally to Mexico and Hawaii. They often visit nearby destinations like Palm Springs, San Diego, Big Bear Lake, and Catalina Island for quick getaways.
How long is it from Santa Monica to Los Angeles?
Santa Monica is about 15-30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles by car, depending on traffic.
I chronicle personal experiences and tips in such a way as to encourage even the most frugal travelers to conquer the different niches around the world.
Healthy tourism, as I might call it, restores the body, and I weave each of these destinations into a story loaded with usefulness, imagination, and a passion for exploration.
Let’s go together as I travel away from crowded places and strive to comprehend cultures and areas that are not on the map!
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