best weekend trips to california

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15 top weekend getaways in california.

Escape to the Golden State without breaking the bank.

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From small beach towns to wine country hot spots, California offers a diverse array of destinations to visit for a quick trip.

Joshua Tree National Park

Pismo Beach

Big Bear Lake

Palm Springs

Yosemite National Park

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Weekend Getaways in California: 34 Trips You Can Take

If you want to take a weekend trip in California, this guide includes more than three dozen places you can go for a quick getaway, from beautiful beaches and stunning forests to film locations and wine tastings.

If you're interested in finding things to do or planning a weekend getaway that might be closer to your home, you can skip on over to browse weekend getaways in Northern California or find out what the best things to do are in Southern California.

Beverly Hills

Who isn't familiar with Beverly Hills after the iconic drama 90210? Popular with art lovers and shoppers, this city is for anyone looking to enjoy a day of luxury or enjoy the most elite nightlife. Roam around and check out the million-dollar mansions, top designer showrooms, or art and film museums in the area.

California's Big Sur coast is the place most people think of when they say "California coast highway," a landscape of mountains diving into the sea, with a ribbon of road clinging to the cliffs. In Big Sur, the stars are brighter, and there's plenty of undeveloped landscape and some fantastic beaches.

Big Sur is popular for romantic getaways, outdoor recreation, driving tours, and hiking. It has some extraordinary beaches, too.

The northernmost town in Napa Valley is beautiful enough to take your breath away. Calistoga is the spa capital of Napa Valley, a charming small town with less pretense than some of its southern neighbors. You'll find some interesting things in the area besides its visitor-friendly wineries, making it an excellent place to enjoy a "wine country" scenery but with different things to do while you look at it. It's great for family outings, romantic getaways, and wine tasting.

Cambria is a longtime favorite of visitors to California's central coast, and with good reason. It's far enough from the ocean to be sunny even when the beach is shrouded in summer fog and a cute little downtown to stroll and browse through. The lodgings along Moonstone Beach below town represent possibly the greatest concentration of nice places to stay in the state, and the area is filled with a lot of nice bed and breakfast inns. Cambria is a good place to base a visit to Morro Bay or Hearst Castle as well.

Catalina Island

Catalina Island is only 26 miles from bustling Los Angeles but a world apart. Preserved in a conservancy, the island has only one town of any size, where residents often drive golf carts instead of automobiles. It's a place of extraordinary natural beauty and one of the best places to de-stress in the state.

Catalina is popular for romantic getaways, active weekends (especially diving), and family fun. It's a good place to get away from it all, rest and relax, or enjoy a romantic interlude.

Crescent City

Crescent City is on the northern California coast, just off U.S. Highway 101 and only 20 miles from the California-Oregon state line. It's the home of a port for a commercial fishing fleet and offers a variety of things to see in do for both locals and visitors. It's famous for the nearby redwood forests and whale watching, and finding agate rocks on the beach has become a touristy thing to do as well.

Death Valley National Park

TripSavvy / Amanda Capritto

In Death Valley, the earth sheds its mantle of green and gives way to fantastic geologic formations with fanciful names like Devil's Golf Course and Badwater Basin. It's the lowest (and hottest) place in the United States, yet its historic National Park lodge, the Inn at Death Valley (formerly the Furnace Creek Inn), offers pamper-me luxury and finer service than you might expect in the middle of the desert.

Death Valley is perfect for outdoor recreation and driving tours. Many visitors also enjoy the nearby ghost towns, and it's a photographers' favorite.

 Kevin Nguyen-Tu / Flickr / CC BY ​2.0

There's enough to do at Disneyland and California Adventure to keep people busy for days, but you can have a fabulous visit in just a couple of days if you use a few of our secrets. Ride the rides, try all of the delicious foods, and create those magical memories that'll last a lifetime.

Eureka is a good base location if you're interested in exploring Humboldt County and the redwood forests of Northern California. Or maybe you'd rather go looking for Bigfoot — the mythical creature has supposedly been sighted more here than in almost any part of California.

It's a great destination for hiking and outdoor recreation, or for just enjoying the beautiful Victorian architecture.

Hearst Castle

othree / CC BY 2.0 / Flickr

Built by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, the Hearst Castle is a fascinating look into the lifestyle of one of early 20th-century America's richest men. It sits atop a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with the bigger-than-life main house surrounded by guest quarters bigger than most visitors' homes. The castle is especially fun during an evening tour (summer only) or when it's decorated for the holidays.

Hearst Castle is perfect for family outings. Architecture-lovers may be interested in its designer Julia Morgan, and history buffs may enjoy the summer night tours, which showcase the Castle as it was in Hearst's day.

Hearst Castle is within 200 miles of Bakersfield, Fresno, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose.

It's been decades since Hollywood gained its reputation as the center of American filmmaking, and today's Hollywood sometimes fails to live up to visitors' ideas of it. Nevertheless, it's fun to visit for the people who enjoy more touristy attractions, such as the Walk of Fame. It's also the home of the Hollywood Bowl, the Dolby Theatre where the Academy Awards are held, and more.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is perhaps Orange County's least-overdeveloped beach town and one of its prettiest. Created as an artist's getaway, Laguna Beach still feels artsy, with excellent art galleries and some fun summer arts festivals.

Head to Laguna Beach for beach play, shopping, art galleries, and festivals — its seaside location also creates the perfect mood for romance.

Lake County

Lake County lies north of Napa Valley, its southernmost town just up the hill from Calistoga. It's home to the largest natural freshwater lake named Clear Lake. It's completely within California's borders and about 100 miles in circumference. It's one of California's nicest hidden gems and is a must-visit for those interested in fishing, boating, and small wineries.

A clear lake in a natural bowl formed by the granite mountains around it, Lake Tahoe is a favorite of Northern Californians year-round. Although it's famous for winter skiing, it's even busier in summer when there are more things to do and a perfect place to escape the summer heat.

Lake Tahoe is great for family outings, outdoor recreation, skiing, driving tours, hiking, fishing, boating, and doing nothing. If you're interested in gambling, you can stay on the Nevada side of the lake.

Lassen National Park

TripSavvy / Ana Alarcon

In 1915, decades before Mt. St. Helens blew its top, Mount Lassen erupted, raining volcanic ash for 200 miles. The blast created an other-worldly landscape of boiling mud pots, steaming ground, roaring fumaroles, and escaping sulfurous gasses, giving rise to place names like Bumpass Hell and Fart Gulch. Lassen National Park offers great experiences for family outings and outdoor recreation, and it has some beautiful driving tours. The thermal features draw photographers who try to capture their beauty. This lightly-visited national park deserves a lot more attention than it gets, so go now before everyone else discovers it.

Often overlooked as a tourist destination, Long Beach offers a central location for exploring other parts of the Los Angeles area, close to major freeways and with some fun attractions of its own, such as a gondola ride or an art walk in the East Village Art District.

Long Beach is great for family getaways and with night owls who enjoy music and dancing. It's also one of the country's most dog-friendly cities.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the biggest and most famous city in California, and there are more than just a few things to do and see.

Lining the Santa Monica Bay north of the Los Angeles Airport, the towns of Venice Beach and Marina Del Rey offer a wide variety of things to do and a range of environments from funky Venice Beach to the high-end hotels lining the marina. These beach towns offer beach play, shopping, water sports, and amusement rides.

The three main beach towns south of LAX—Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and Hermosa Beach provide some of the best places for a visitor to get a look at the real California beach life. You'll find places for long walks beside the ocean, volleyball games on the sand, surfers, and scenic piers where you can watch them.

If you're interested in the cultural and artistic side of L.A., you can explore more than 200 professional theaters and 300 museums, more than any other U.S. city. As long as you enjoy the arts, you'll find something in Los Angeles that fits your particular taste, whether it's cutting-edge or ultra-traditional.

It's hard to talk about Los Angeles without including movies and films. Many big films premiere in L.A., and the downtown area is full of beautiful, old movie palaces. It's the perfect destination for film buffs of all kinds, from those who enjoy classic silent films to cutting-edge indies.

The Malibu coast on the north edge of Los Angeles has a reputation bigger than its geographic area. If you're planning a trip to California and are looking forward to a beach day, Malibu is probably one of the first locations you'll think of, and for good reason. There are almost two dozen beaches in Malibu, and they all have their own unique characteristics. Outside of the beaches, you'll find some excellent wineries in the mountains just inland.

Mendocino Coast

California's Mendocino coast boasts some of its wildest and most spectacular coastal scenery. The area seems almost littered with cute little bed and breakfast inns, and few can resist the sight of the town of Mendocino and its New England-style architecture. The forests are filled with blooming rhododendrons in spring, and the Mendocino Botanical Garden always has something in bloom. It's a good place to settle into comfortable lodgings and do nothing at all.

Mono County

The area east of the Sierras is little visited, but one of California's most fascinating places. Its high desert landscape features dormant volcanoes, unique rock formations, a lake so salty that little can live in it, steaming geothermal features, and some of the country's best snow skiing.

If you're looking for a location great for family outings, outdoor recreation, driving tours, hiking fishing, and photography, Mono County is the destination for you. It's also affordable, with moderate hotel prices and many free attractions.

 Taylor McIntyre / © TripSavvy

Of the three towns on the Monterey Peninsula (the others are Pacific Grove and Carmel), Monterey is the most traditional, staying close to its roots as a cannery town. Today, carefully tended sea creatures find a home at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (a former sardine cannery) and Fisherman's Wharf is home to more whale-watching boats than fishing trawlers, but Monterey is still a favorite place for many visitors. Maybe it's those gorgeous ocean views.

Napa Valley

The long, narrow valley anchored by the town of Napa on the south and Calistoga on the north makes a perfect place for a weekend escape. Besides the obvious wine and food-related activities, you can have fun getting muddy during a spa day at the area's famous mud baths.

Newport Beach

Many Southern California residents don't even know about the charming part of Newport Beach, Balboa Peninsula, and the islands that cuddle inside the marina. This part of Orange County seems like it came from a different era and it's sure to charm you. Take a leisurely stroll on the pier, take a harbor cruise, or rent a Duffy boat.

Perhaps best known for its annual New Year's Day parade and as the home of Cal Tech University, Pasadena carries an air of early 20th-century elegance and is home to some of the best Arts and Crafts-style architecture you'll find anywhere. Check out the many fun museums the city has to offer, like the Kidspace Children's Museum .

Pasadena is good for architecture, art, and public gardens.

Palm Springs

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

In the 1950s, Palm Springs was Hollywood's playground, the site of many big-name movie stars' second homes. After a period of decline, the city is once again glamorous, with many of its "mid-century modern" (designer-speak for the 1950s) properties being restored to their former glory. Tour companies can take you to visit Indian Canyons, through the desert in a Hummer, for a drive along the San Andreas Fault, or to see the electricity-generating windmills up close.

Palm Springs is great for driving tours, shopping, casinos, golf, and simply laying around a swimming pool.

Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach is a collection of luxury hotels and challenging golf links, strung along the legendary 17-Mile Drive south of Carmel. Its natural beauty is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're soaking up the sun or hitting the green of the many golf courses.

Pebble Beach is popular for golfing, outdoor recreation, excellent lodging, and dining—and its luscious scenery and top-notch restaurants make it ideal for romantic escapes.

Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach calls itself "classic California," and with good reason. A five-minute drive from busy Highway 101 takes you to the quintessential California beach town, with a bustling fishing pier, surfers in the water, amazing saltwater taffy, and clam chowder for sale nearby. Just around the edge of the bay, you'll find Oceano Dunes, a large sand dune park where you can play all day.

Head to Pismo Beach for family outings, outdoor recreation, driving off-road vehicles on the sand dunes, beach camping, fishing, and beach play.

Russian River

The Russian River runs southward from northern California, turning west through Sonoma County toward the sea. The small towns on and near the Russian River are some of the cutest in this part of California—and each has a distinct personality. Swimming, kayaking, and canoeing are all welcome on the beautiful water, or if you prefer to stay on land, you can walk around the redwoods instead.

San Diego is California's sunniest coastal city and offers lots of water-oriented activities. It's also home to animal-based attractions and a fun theme park based on LEGO toys. San Diego's tourist scene changes slowly, but if you've never been or haven't been there in a long time, give it a try.

San Diego also boasts historic sights that include the state's first Spanish mission (1769), Old Town (and the new Gaslamp Quarter that replaced it), and a monument to the first European to explore the California coastline.

San Francisco

This tasty mix of tourist attractions and the real city behind the tourist facade will have you planning a return trip lickety-split.

Known for the Golden Gate Bridge, the iconic cable car, and the home of everyone's favorite family, the Tanner's (from the television show Full House), San Francisco is a diverse enough city that it has a little something for everyone.

If movies are your thing, San Francisco is an oft-repeated backdrop for films of all kinds. Francis Ford Coppola's American Zoetrope Studios are here (in the oddly-shaped building at Kearny and Columbus), as is Lucasfilm (in the Presidio). The city is also known for its multitude of film festivals.

Santa Cruz sits at the north end of the Monterey Bay and is home to the largest surviving oceanfront amusement park in California. It's a cozy town with a lively music scene, extraordinary natural beauty, and a laid-back ambiance that makes it easy to relax. On summer weekends, Highway 17 going toward Santa Cruz is choked with cars heading for the beach, but the rest of the year, it's less crowded and more fun.

Santa Cruz is popular for family outings, outdoor recreation, surfing, boating, and shopping. In the winter, monarch butterflies congregate on the trees near Natural Bridge.

Santa Monica

It's technically a part of Los Angeles, but as L.A.'s most famous beach area it's worthy as a destination of its own. With a beautiful stretch of sand, a lavish oceanfront path, and a seaside amusement pier, it's easy to see why this is one of L.A.'s best attractions. If you're looking for a spot for a beach day or a place to spend all your money in shops, Santa Monica is a great choice.

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park and adjacent Kings Canyon are a great alternative to Yosemite. It's less visited, has bigger trees (it's home to General Sherman, the largest living thing on Earth), and features a glacier-carved granite valley that's beautiful. While the two are separate national parks, admission to one gets you admission to them. both.

Sequoia National Park is perfect for family outings, outdoor recreation, driving tours, and hiking. It's also a good place to get away from it all.

Yosemite is one of the country's oldest national parks and one of the most popular. Unfortunately, the park's beauty threatens to be its downfall, with the valley overcrowded in summer and the campgrounds so packed that you may feel like you're in the middle of a freeway at rush hour. Go to the valley off-season or head for locales outside the valley any time, and you'll have a lot more room.

Yosemite is iconic for its outdoor recreation, driving tours, hiking, fishing, wine, and cuisine. Off-season, it's a good place to get away from it all.

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Weekend Trips in California – Best Places to Visit in 48 Hours

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When it comes to the best area of the United States to experience a myriad of epic 48 hour getaways, there are not many better spots than to enjoy a collection of weekend trips in California. Recognized as the “Golden State”, California is the third largest state in the US after Alaska and Texas and is full of amazing weekend getaway destinations. Whether you choose to hop on a short flight or you are fortunate to be able to drive to one of these amazing locations, California is home to both rural and urban spots that will capture your imagination.

We have been fortunate to visit California on multiple occasions, ranging from trips to Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego, while also spending time in Yosemite National Park and Redwood State Park. The beauty of California is that there are endless opportunities to explore, so if you are like us and want to find amazing weekend trip locations, this is definitely the place to be.

As California is home to so many distinctive locations, we are sharing not only some of our favorite spots for a weekend break but also we have asked some of the most knowledgeable travel bloggers to share their highlight destinations across the Golden State. While this is only a small selection of destinations, we are convinced that you will be inspired to check these out while also exploring some other gems that we haven’t covered.

Let’s take a look at some of the best weekend trip destinations in California.

Death Valley National Park

One of the best national parks to visit in California is Death Valley National Park. Death Valley is one of the hottest places on Earth. It holds the world record for the hottest temperature in the world; 134 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though it is blistering hot, it is a great place to explore especially if you stay at The Inn At Death Valley.

This national park is filled with phenomenal views and hikes. One of the most popular areas is Zabriskie Point. This a great place to experience the sunrise. The sun’s rays slowly creep up, and you can spot the colors and formations of Zabriskie Point. It is a magical time. Just note that you won’t be the only one there!

A hike near Zabriskie Point is Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch, and Badlands Loop Hike. It is one of the most popular hikes in the park, and for a good reason. The trail is filled with many spiderweb-like formations and colorful mountains with specs of blue, yellow, and pink. The views are astonishing. Just remember to bring some water with you.

Another great spot is the Badwater Basin. It is the lowest point in North America and stands at 282 feet below sea level. The basin is filled with salt, so all you see surrounding you is a vast white land with stunning mountains in the distance. It is an excellent spot for photography.

Death Valley is filled with so many unusual formations. It is one of the most impressive and unique national parks in California.

By Michelle Stelly from The Wandering Queen. Check out our post highlighting an epic day trip from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park .

Joshua Tree National Park

While California is home to a variety of amazing cities that deservedly attract visitors from all across the globe, our love of USA national parks makes it easy for us to recommend one of California’s nine areas that have such a designation. While Yosemite is perhaps the most famous, we would argue that Joshua Tree National Park is equally spectacular and deserves to be on everyone’s radar.

Located in the heart of Southern California, Joshua Tree is a short two-hour drive from downtown Los Angeles and the perfect national park to experience for a weekend getaway. A scenic drive throughout Joshua Tree will allow you to capture a glimpse of the inherent beauty of this park, but perhaps the best way to truly appreciate the amazing landscapes is to experience a collection of the best hikes in Joshua Tree .

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park may not get as much attention as the state’s other national parks, but its history of eruptions and hydrothermal activity that reminds visitors of the best of Yellowstone make it an exciting pick on any California trip.

Kick off your first day with a hike to the best viewpoint in the park: Lassen Peak. You’ll climb 2,000 feet of elevation over 5 miles roundtrip on this one, but the vistas are worth it. Pack a picnic lunch and good hiking shoes with some traction. If you’re not spent, head to Bumpass Hell, the scene of the park’s hydrothermal activity. Three miles of much easier hiking will get you to the boardwalks and that tell-tale sulphur smell.

Spend the morning of your second day hiking to Terrace, Shadow and Cliff Lakes on a 3.5-mile trek that you’ll have mostly to yourself. If you’re short on time, the second lake of the three, Shadow Lake, is the largest and most impressive. Follow that up with a drive to the park’s best scenic stops: Kings Creek Meadow, the Devastated Area, Lake Helen, Hat Creek and Manzanita Lake.

For your overnight stay, the only options in the park are the Drakesbad Guest Ranch and the park’s campgrounds. There are more options in the nearby towns of Shingletown (the closest), Chester or Burney. Local grocery shops will offer the best chance for meals, as the scenery is definitely the highlight here!

By Agnes Groonwald from Travel on the Reg

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the best places to take a weekend trip in California. There are a ton of free and cheap things to do in Los Angeles . Visitors should opt to stay in the Downtown area as it is in the center of all the activities.

There are so many things visitors can do during a weekend in Los Angeles. On the first day, opt to explore Downtown Los Angeles. Visit the Broad, a free modern art museum. Then, check out the creative stacks in the Last Bookstore. Grab some lunch at one of the many Mexican restaurants on Olvera Street and a snack in Little Tokyo.

Spend the afternoon in Hollywood. Walk along the Walk of Fame and check out the Dolby Theater where the Academy Awards are held. Then, head to Griffith Park to catch some view of the Hollywood sign and watch the sunset at the Griffith Observatory. For dinner, head to Mama Shelter which offers a gorgeous view of the Hollywood sign.

During day 2 of a weekend getaway in Los Angeles, start the morning by attending a TV show taping. 1iota and TV Tickets are two sites to get free tickets and see what shows are available. Then, spend the afternoon exploring the Getty Museum, one of the most popular museums in Los Angeles. Finally spend your evening at the Santa Monica Pier to catch another gorgeous sunset.

By Francesca from Homeroom Travel. Check out our post on the best things to do in Hollywood if you need more inspiration on visiting Los Angeles.

Mammoth Lakes

If you love playing outside, you can make the most of a weekend getaway in Mammoth Lakes. Winter in Mammoth provides epic skiing and snowboarding, while summer is the ideal time to explore a range of outdoor activities in Mammoth , from hiking to mountain biking to climbing. In fact, this mountain town located in the Eastern Sierras has so much to offer, you might want to extend your stay!

But if you only have 48 hours in Mammoth Lakes, the hike to the unique rock formation of Devils Postpile has to be on the top of your to-do list, and it can be combined with the trail to Rainbow Falls. If you prefer a pedal-powered excursion, check out the bike park at Mammoth Mountain. For a vertical adventure, climb Crystal Crag, a fun multi-pitch alpine climbing route.

After all your adventures, soak your sore muscles in one of the many hot springs in Mammoth Lakes, including Pulkey’s Pool and Wild Willie’s. Finally, treat your tastebuds with a visit to the iconic Schat’s Bakery for hearty sandwiches and delicious baked goods.

By Allison from She Dreams of Alpine

Monterey Peninsula

The Monterey Peninsula is one of the most popular weekend getaways in California, and with good reason. It features spectacular scenery, picturesque coastal towns, and lots to see and do, for kids and adults alike.

One of the best things to do in Monterey is to go on a whale watching tour. Monterey Bay is one of the richest marine habitats on the planet, and it provides food for whales, which can be seen here year round. The Monterey Bay aquarium is a great place to get acquainted with the various ecosystems and creatures that live here.

Experience the scenic 17-Mile Drive that starts in Pacific Grove and winds past a series of beautiful viewpoints (and oceanfront mansions!) in Pebble Beach. Wind down with a stroll along Cannery Row in downtown Monterey, the setting for Steinbeck’s novel on the sardine canning industry.

On day two, start by visiting the historic (and beautiful!) Spanish mission in Carmel. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and the museum holds many artifacts. Next, head to the charming village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, where you can stroll the streets to browse the many shops and galleries. In the afternoon, take a drive into bucolic Carmel Valley to tour vineyards and sip some local wines. Finish up your day with a stroll along the pristine beach in Carmel.

Pacific Grove has many historic inns that make a great base from which to explore the peninsula. And you will find quality eateries in all the towns here, many featuring farm-to-table cuisine or fresh-caught seafood.

By Dhara from Roadtripping California

San Diego makes the perfect weekend trip and in 48 hours you can do and see a lot of the city and cool things around town. San Diego is only a two hour drive from LA and short and easy flight from San Francisco and Sacramento, the largest cities in the state. Start off your weekend getaway with visiting the historic parts of the city to include Old Town San Diego and then a visit to the Balboa park neighborhood.

The Old town is actually a designated state park with actual buildings fronting a grand square and redone like a living museum which is fun to explore. Next Balboa park is fun to explore for the famous zoo, many outstanding museums, botanical gardens and gorgeous outdoor places to explore right in the middle of town. You can spend the rest of your day exploring some of the cool neighborhoods maybe for a nice dinner like Little Italy and the Gaslamp district.

Day two is fun beach day exploration with the historic Coronado hotel, town and beach area, followed up with Belmont park amusements and boardwalk for a colorful visit to this area. If you’re into more historic parks and monuments, check out the Cabrillo Monument, lighthouse and beautiful outdoor hiking trails and overlook sights to drive through or hike depending on your interest.

End of day would be to see sunset in La Jolla, enjoy the promenade and coves lined with California wildflowers and wild marine life hanging on the rocks. Cap off the day with a delicious meal at an outdoor dining venue, brew pub or even a fine dining restaurant that is typical in this high end district.

Check out this post on the top things to do in San Diego here for more inspiration, unique places to visit and other fun adventure activities around this exciting city to explore.

By Noel Morata from Travel Photo Discovery . Check out our post on experiencing an epic 48 hours in San Diego if you need any more convincing that this is the perfect weekend getaway destination in California.

San Francisco

The clanging of the cable cars’ bells, the barking sea lions down at Fisherman’s Wharf , and the quick blast of the ferry horn as its pulls in to take you to Alcatraz Island are just a couple of the sounds that you will experience on your fantastic weekend in San Francisco. It’s is one of the most iconic cities in the U.S, and has tons of history, great architecture, world class museums, Chinatown, the Golden Gate bridge, and so many things to fill your perfect weekend in the city.

While you are there, don’t miss some fantastic tastes such as those at Dungeness crab, San Francisco sourdough bread, Chinese dim sum, and some spicy Mexican food. If you have a sweet tooth, top it all off with a whirl through Ghirardelli Chocolate. They’re hot chocolate chip cookies are delectable. No matter where you eat, or what you do, you will enjoy a perfect weekend in San Francisco.

By Corinne Vail from Roving Vails

Although the home of Silicon Valley, San Jose offers a fantastic weekend getaway. Ideal for those who enjoy shopping, dining, and sightseeing with a touch of class.

Check into the stunning Hotel Valencia along the tres chic Santana Row. Make dinner reservations at the exquisite Left Bank Brasserie (just steps away from the hotel) and don’t leave town without perusing the San Pedro Square Market. A great spot to get in some local color and mouth-watering eats.

San Jose has you covered if museums are on the itinerary. Start your day at the Tech Museum of Innovation. Three stories to explore everything science and technology await you. While over at the beautiful San Jose Museum of Art, nearly 2,500 modern and contemporary works of art are on display. If you love quilts, check out the unique Museum of Quilts and Textiles.

Don’t miss the Winchester Mystery House. One of the world’s most unusual homes, you have to see it to believe it. Don’t forget to ask about the Door to Nowhere! After an afternoon of museum and shop hopping, visit some San Jose wineries, or if a few cold beers sound enticing, plan some brewery stops.

Where will San Jose take you?

By Mary Farah from Along Comes Mary

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is the perfect town for a quick California trip. It is conveniently located about 2 hours from Los Angeles. You can even grab the train from LA for one of the US’ prettiest train rides. This historic mission town lies nestled between mountains and coastline.

It has a happening downtown with excellent shopping and restaurants.. You can go wine tasting in the Funk Zone or by going right outside of town to wineries. Don’t miss the food at Zaytoon or ice cream at Mission Street Ice Cream.

If you like to be active there are a plethora of hikes including one through Monarch-filled Eucalyptus groves in Goleta or a hot springs in the wild in Gaviota. You can also rent a kayak and paddle around Stearns Wharf.

Santa Barbara also has many beaches to relax on or surf from. Be sure to visit the mission and the botanical garden Although there are many places to stay, the most convenient places are right on the water downtown, such as The Beachside Inn or The West Beach Inn. So head to this jewel by the ocean and spend 2 days in Santa Barbara .

By Jamie from The Daily Adventures of Me

Santa Monica

You’ve probably seen the iconic pictures of the Ferris Wheel on Santa Monica Pier and read about the relaxed atmosphere of one of the most trendy beach spots in California and are wondering how you can get involved.

There are so many exciting things to do in Santa Monica that your 48 hours will fly by. These include relaxing or admiring the sunset on Santa Monica Beach and watching the athletes at Muscle Beach. Also, ensure you walk down the lively Santa Monica Pier, especially at night when the lights shine and then experience the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market, which occurs on Sundays. You can also hire bikes and cycle to the nearby Venice Beach to check out the Venice Beach Boardwalk, the Skate Park and the Venice Canals.

To fit in with the trendy locals, you should eat at Urth Caffe, or if you fancy a burger, you can try Big Dean’s Ocean Front Café or Pono Burger. Alternatively, there is a range of restaurants in Downtown Santa Monica and Third Street Promenade. For accommodation, if you’re on a budget, stay at HI Santa Monica, or you can treat yourself at Oceana Beach Club or Viceroy Santa Monica.

By Rachel from Average Lives

Temecula is the perfect California weekend getaway, especially for wine lovers. This Southern California wine region feels like a trip to Tuscany. You will find rolling vineyards, tall cedar trees lined on the ridges, and a fabulous selection of wineries in Temecula .

Wine tasting is definitely a must, when you visit Temecula. You can either explore on your own, or join an organized tour to take you from winery to winery. The latter is great, because you don’t have to worry about driving and you get to check out some great places. They even have a wine tour where you are driven around in a vintage motorcycle sidecar.

Another great experience is a sunrise hot air ballon ride with champagne. It is magical to see the sunrise over the vineyards, enjoying the view over the never-ending rows of grapevines while toasting with a glass of local sparkling wine.

Old Town Temecula is also a fun place to visit. You will find cute shops and great restaurants, parks and art galleries. It is the perfect spot to explore, relax and enjoy yourselves. Definitely add Temecula to your shortlist for a fun California getaway!

By Maria Haase from San Diego Explorer

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is one of the most iconic National Parks in the USA , and it is packed with endless adventures. Whether you’re a hardcore adrenaline junkie looking for an epic time in the backcountry or you’re simply looking for a beautiful place to relax and unwind for a weekend getaway, you’re sure to find plenty of things to fill your time.

For iconic views, head to Tunnel View near the westside entrance where you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view over the Yosemite Valley. Glacier Point is another spectacular viewpoint that begs you to take lots of photos, as it is almost too beautiful to be real. Getting onto the trails and doing a hike or two is a great way to explore the park even further.

Taft Point and Bridalveil Falls are quick and easy trails that fit easily into a short visit. However, if you are looking to get off the beaten path and avoid the big crowds, you may consider a longer hike, like West Valley Loop Trail, or a strenuous but incredibly rewarding trek to Cloud’s Rest.

The best way to truly experience Yosemite is to camp inside the park, however, be sure to make your reservation well in advance as the campgrounds fill up quickly. If you’re not into camping, there are lodges as well. Be sure to pack lots of snacks and some food that you can easily cook while camping, as the restaurants and stores inside the park tend to be overpriced and of low quality.

By Katie Diederichs from Go Wander Wild

While this collaboration barely touches the surface of awesome weekend getaway destinations in California, we hope that this gives a glimpse of the amazing beauty that can be experienced in as short as 48 hours throughout the Golden State. We would like to reiterate our appreciation to those that contributed to this post and encourage you all to share your favorite California getaway spots that perhaps we didn’t cover in this post.

Whether you are intrigued by the prospect of visiting one of the major cities and indulging in eclectic cuisine, or perhaps you prefer the great outdoors and want a little adventure by exploring one (or more) of the breathtaking national parks, California is home to a plethora of amazing attractions.

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San Francisco was a great weekend great away. After reading your blog, Santa Barbara sounds amazing. Zaytoon and the wineries sound like a must.

What truly amazes us about California is that you can go from surfing to skiing…in the same day! There is just so much variety, and so many fantastic state and national parks, it’s truly a weekend adventurer’s paradise!

Beautiful Indeed. I love every part of this publish. And the images are simply out of this world. Thanks for sharing such an extremely good blog.

good to know about California beautiful destinations. Thanks

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17 Best Weekend Getaways in California

California has beautiful landscapes, mild year-round temperatures, and impressive natural landmarks. The state is home to some of the most picturesque places in the country and is a popular destination for travelers that want to explore nature. That said, it’s no secret that getting out of the city can be challenging. Fortunately, there are plenty of incredible places within driving distance where you can unplug, relax, and explore Mother Nature at its finest. This state has everything from lush rain forests to romantic vineyards and sandy beaches. You can choose from these unique options if you want the best weekend getaway in California.

Table of Contents

1. Santa Barbara

This magnificent town is also known as the American Riviera. Santa Barbara is a beautiful coastal town located about 70 miles West of Los Angeles. It is the home of Santa Barbara City College, but the city is best known for its wineries and beautiful beaches. Santa Barbara is found in the Santa Ynez Valley, which borders Los Angeles County to the South. The area has a mild Mediterranean climate, making it ideal for year-round enjoyment. The town boasts many activities and attractions, including cultural events, art galleries, historical sites, fine dining establishments, wineries, and golf courses.

The wineries in the area are a great way to spend your weekend getaway in California if you are interested in enjoying one of California’s most popular drinks with your family members. There are several top wine country vineyards here where you can try out vintages by some of California’s best vineyard owners. These wineries offer tastings and artisan ales crafted from local sources – often organic- that mirror the wines they produce. A great example is the Santa Barbara winery. You could also explore the Funk Zone, a popular music venue in Santa Barbara. The Shop Kitchen is the place to go for a delicious lunch or dinner for culinary pleasure.

2. San Diego

San Diego also offers one of the best weekend getaways in California. The city orchestrates some of the most elegant and luxurious hotels and resorts, along with top-notch dining options. Visit some romantic and relaxing hotels, such as the Hotel del Coronado. The hotel offers various services, including two restaurant options, bars, and swimming pools. You may also want to check out the Gardens Casinos, popular attractions just a short distance from San Diego.

This rural landscape county is found just one hour north of San Francisco. If you are looking for the best weekend getaway in California, visit Sonoma for gourmet dining. There are lots of outdoor activities to enjoy here with family and friends. These may include mountain biking, hiking, and hot-air balloons. If you fancy gourmet cuisine, this is the place to explore during the weekend.

Some of the perfect spots for the local cuisine are the girl & the fig and LaSalette. The local cuisine here is based on seasonal ingredients. You could also go for a romantic walk between the vineyards at the Sonoma Mountain Winery, which has free wine tasting every weekend. Sonoma also offers other attractions, such as Calistoga Hot Springs, Bodega Bay, the Alexander Valley, and Sonoma State Historic Park. Check out Healdsburg while in Sonoma. It is a lively area with many gourmet restaurants like the renowned Valette, which specializes in California cuisine. Do not leave without visiting the charming Italian restaurant – Campo Fina. The restaurant offers visitors and guests a bocce ball court and an outdoor patio.

4. Catalina Island

Catalina Island is an ideal destination for a relaxing vacation. It is a secluded island in the Los Angeles Harbor with a lot of natural beauty, diverse terrain, and incredibly fabulous beaches. One great thing about this isolated island is that it has many outlying regions that allow you to be on the boardwalk, lying on the sand all day, wandering through lush green areas, and enjoying the natural beauty. Catalina Island has many restaurants and hotels, including Baja’s Mexican Restaurant, Bluewater Grill, the Avalon Grille, and Marlin Club.

Del Mar also provides the best weekend getaway in California. The main attraction is Riviera Beach, a great place to play in the surf. It also has an excellent pier area for relaxing and enjoying the view. You will surely enjoy the site if you plan to go on some sightseeing tours of this area. It provides hotels like Winners Circle resort. This place has many elegant and executive services for its guests, such as a 24-hour hospital and 24-hour convenience store.

6. Mendocino County

If you are looking for a relaxing weekend as you bond with nature and all its ambiance, visit Mendocino county. Tourists that love tasting great food, enjoying impressive drinks, and sensational destinations will experience memorable moments in this county. Explore the iconic Victorian architecture in the Village of Mendocino. The village is located in an ideal location, offering striking views of the Pacific Ocean. You could also walk through the pygmy forests and redwoods near the parks or canoe on the Big River.

Mendocino county also boasts of a Glass Beach found in Fort Bragg. Here, the ocean returns treasure to the beach for trash thrown at it. Take the vintage railroad, also known as the Skunk Train, into the woods to discover more coastal trails and state parks. You could also visit Anderson Valley, where you will explore several wineries. Enjoy outstanding wine varieties here as you soak in the panoramic ocean views over the horizon. There are various trails in Mendocino county for hikers who love to hit the road and work out on tracks. The county offers various top-notch accommodations, such as Noyo Harbor Inn, where you will receive elegant services.

7. San Francisco

Visit San Francisco to experience the best weekend getaway in California. The city has several gardens to discover and museums to learn the town’s history. You will also find various top-notch eateries in San Francisco. Nature lovers can explore the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which offers numerous exciting observation points. Here you will marvel at the pristine beaches and also take on hikes.

One of the famous places of interest to tourists in San Francisco is the Muir Woods National Monument. Ensure you also pay a visit to Alcatraz prison, a famous prison in San Francisco. Favorite movies were shot at this historic and remarkable prison. Garden lovers will have an easy time at the Conservatory of Flowers. You could also explore the Japanese Tea Garden for an incredible bond with nature. Do not forget to tour the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Make sure you also stroll Japantown and Chinatown to admire these areas’ beautiful decorations and art. If you love photography, San Francisco could be your dream destination since it offers various Instagram-worthy spots.

8. Monterey Peninsula

The peninsula is a local area in San Francisco Bay, and it is known for its picturesque views. Take a walk along Tiburon Ridge Preserve to experience the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Many historical monuments and houses date back to the 19th century. You could also hire a bicycle and tour the city from all corners. Go on an adventure by hiking at Stinson Beach, and perhaps hike to Mount Tamalpais to experience breathtaking views. Art lovers can circle the Jasper Johns Art Center to appreciate artworks. Some top attractions are the Boudin Bakery, Mitsuwa Marketplace, and the CalTrain terminal.

Monterey is also a popular whale-watching site. Visitors here can enjoy panoramic views of the graceful sea mammals as they dive into the deep ocean. There is also a world-class aquarium where you will see various marine life and learn more about their lifestyle and adaptations. Tourists can enjoy other fun and exciting activities in Monterey, such as kayaking, swimming, surfing, and hiking. Explore the Monterey State Historical Park and enjoy what it offers. Traverse the Asilomar Coastal trail to catch breathtaking turquoise waters and pristine beaches. Visit Carmel-by-the-sea, a gorgeous sandy beach to play with the sand.

Big Sur is another destination for the best weekend getaway in California. It is one of California’s most beautiful places for recreation and adventure. This place is home to several iconic attractions, such as the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean, the rocky coast, and the redwood forests. It is also a perfect destination for hiking and scenic views. Hiking through this beautiful place will give you a complete sense of accomplishment. The famous Point Lobos State Marine Reserve is also here. This park boasts over 2000 acres of undeveloped coastline surrounded by towering mountains and a stunning coastline.

The famous Big Sur Lookout provides breathtaking views to tourists heading toward Highway 1 and the Carmel-by-the-Sea area. You can also see Big Sur from this lookout or from different viewpoints along Highway 1 between Carmel-by-the Sea and Hearst San Simeon State Park, where you can see miles-long ocean coastline and hillsides covered with redwood trees for miles ahead of you all. Enjoy beautiful photography in Big Sur around prominent areas such as Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls.

Malibu is the other astounding destination to visit in California this weekend. If you are a fan of surfing, then Malibu offers spectacular beaches where you can surf and play volleyball. Also, fantastic hiking trails take you to stunning ocean views. Outdoor adventure lovers may choose to trek through the wilderness of Malibu, home to many wilderness campsites, such as Hidden Springs.

Enjoy good food at Malibu-famed restaurants and eateries, such as Duke’s Malibu, Moonshadows, and Malibu Farm Pier Cafe. There are several great wineries located throughout the Malibu area. Some include Malibu Wines, Hahn Estates, and Strange Family Vineyards. Malibu is home to diverse beach types. Whether you want the perfect beach with impressive backgrounds for photography or looking for rocks and sea caves along the coast, there is everything here. If you wish to swim, sunbathe, or watch whales, visit Zuma beach, but if you fancy surfing, tour Surfrider Beach.

11. Hollywood

Are you looking for the best weekend getaway in California? Visit Hollywood for unforgettable experiences. Start the adventure at the famous Hollywood sign, which stands 145 feet high. Travel along footpaths made of winding sidewalks and paved wooden bridges, where more than a million visitors annually climb stairs to reach the peak of this Hollywood landmark.

12. Yosemite National Park

The majestic park, located in central California, is one of the country’s premier national parks and includes a diverse range of habitats. These include high alpine wetlands, towering redwood forests, and sweeping meadows and volcanic canyons. More than 700 species of birds inhabit the park, including 125 bird species listed as threatened. Its diverse terrain and unique flora make Yosemite National Park one of the most attractive places to explore during the weekend. Visitors should not miss hiking the park’s famous High Sierra trails around Sequoia and Kings Canyon, which are nearby parks to Yosemite Park. Staged in several locations across the country, these hikes involve hiking through breathtaking landscapes surrounded by mountain peaks and beautiful lakes.

13. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe also offers the best weekend getaway in California. Lake Tahoe is undoubtedly a remarkable haven for adventure seekers and romantic getaways with a moderate climate, beautiful surroundings, and numerous activities. Lake Tahoe is a perfect destination for individuals that enjoy hiking and camping. The lake has about 70 miles of hiking trails around it and a variety of high mountain peaks in the area. Hiking enthusiasts can visit Glen Creek Falls, Nevada Falls, or Carson Falls to find some of the most incredible waterfalls in the state. Lake Tahoe’s lodges, hotels, and motels offer countless lodging options.

14. Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz offers visitors and tourists a variety of relaxation, entertainment, and thrills. The area has abundant activities to engage visitors from all walks of life. From the cultural attractions to the natural wonders and beautiful beaches, there is something for everyone in Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Wharf offers visitors various entertainment restaurants, bars, and nightclubs that offer live music, dance performances, and other forms of entertainment. Santa Cruz is also home to numerous kayaking adventures around Pyramid Cove, Rincon Beach, and Monterey Bay.

15. Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth lakes offer visitors the best weekend getaway in California, especially if you love the irreplaceable bond with nature. The area provides a mix of white sand beaches, high-altitude mountain vistas, and rich wildlife. The best time to visit is from January to March when the temperature remains excellent, and snow can be found at higher elevations.

16. San Luis Obispo

The city on the Central Coast has something for every unique traveler. Visit the charming downtown and stroll via the magnificent galleries and shops. It has excellent eateries where you can enjoy cider tastings, beer, spirits, and wine at your convenience. You could also tour the Spanish mission found downtown.

17. Napa Valley

Napa Valley is famous for its vast number of wineries. However, even if you do not fancy wine tasting, there are many other exciting and fun things to do in this valley. The town has top-notch eateries where you can taste different cuisines. Some impressive dining spots include Gott’s Roadside, Saint Helena, and the C Casa. Make sure you also visit the Bouchon Bakery.

Planning for the best weekend getaway in California may not be easy. That is because California is full of impressive destinations that you may not know where to start. Visit any of these places to have an unforgettable weekend.

Where can I visit with my lover in California?

The state offers lots of romantic getaways for couples. Some of the best places include San Francisco, Catalina Island, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.

What are the best weekend getaways in Southern California?

Southern California offers tourists pristine and impressive destinations. Big Bear, Palm Springs, Anaheim, and Santa Barbara are the top places to explore.

What are the inexpensive getaways in South California?

If you are low on budget, here are the inexpensive places you can visit in Southern California. Big Bear Lake, Dana Point, Death Valley, Mojave National Preserve, and La Jolla, among others.

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