Best Weekend Getaways in California

The Golden State is the most visited state in the U.S., which is no wonder, since it has perfect weather, stunning beaches, picturesque sceneries, scenic drives, and vibrant cities to choose from. Find your dream staycation in California — let’s look through the most exciting options!

Malibu

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A beach town of Malibu (or simply Bu, as locals call it) stretches over 27 miles of gorgeous coast featuring a great number of oceanside houses. One of Malibu’s highlights is its 1900s pier in the town centre; it offers a variety of restaurants and bars to entertain travellers and town dwellers.

As for beaches, the most renowned one is Surfrider Beach, the first World Surfing Reserve. The nearby Zuma Beach has three miles of golden sand and Point Dume, the hill, offering spectacular ocean views and a fine spot for viewing dolphins.

Los Angeles

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Indeed, the most famous city in the U.S., Los Angeles, needs no introduction. This sprawling city filled with different nationalities is a fantastic melting pot where even discerning travellers find something that makes them wow. Walk around the City of Angels’ eclectic neighbourhoods to find gems hidden within. Multiple museums, dining options galore, and all the imaginable fun options await.

Laguna Beach

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The coastal town of Laguna Beach has a reputation for an artsy beachside community. It features both historic buildings and luxurious modern hotels. Annually, Laguna Beach hosts the Festival of Arts Pageant of the Masters (a performance in an outdoor amphitheatre recreating classic and contemporary pieces of art) and the Sawdust Festival (an exhibition of local artists showcasing their paintings, clothing, wood and metal sculptures, scrimshaw, ceramics, etc.).

Next to Laguna Beach, a 20-minute ride along the coast, there is a small town of San Juan Capistrano where 18th-century adobe buildings are preserved. The highlight of the town is the El Adobe restaurant, which has been named a California State Historical Landmark. For a more party-like and down-to-earth atmosphere, head to the Swallows Inn across the street.

Napa Valley

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Wine lovers, we present the weekend getaway just for you — 50 miles from San Francisco. Napa Valley is proud of its locally grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and other grape sorts. Over 375 wineries with 90 tasting rooms await to offer you the best of their products. The town of Yountville is worth visiting as home to three-Michelin-star restaurant The French Laundry, to say nothing of other gourmet hotspots. From there, you can have the time of your life riding in a hot air balloon over the sprawling vineyards at sunrise. If you crave a more active vacation, visit the nearby Mayacamas Mountains for a hike.

Ojai Valley

90 minutes’ ride northwest of Los Angeles, the charming town of Ojai is found. It is the centre of all things isoteric on the west coast. In the middle of the XX century, it was a hub of the Boho (Bohemian) movement, which was characterised by unconventionality, spirituality, and connection with nature. Today, Ojai still has this Bohemian vibe, hosting various arts festivals (Ojai Valley Music Festival and Film Festival).

The microclimate present here resembles that of the Mediterranean, which makes the valley perfect for olive and wine growing. In the countryside, spend some time on an amazing Ojai Valley Bike Trail leading to the soaring Topa Mountain Range. Another great opportunity to explore Ojai’s outdoors is going to the Los Padres National Park, offering a variety of 24 hiking trails scattered throughout two million acres of pristine land. If you decide to give a chance to some complex hiking, be aware that altitudes may range from sea level to nearly 9,000 feet.

Visiting the town of Ojai, you are in for a pleasant surprise: it has great places for walks, delicious eateries, expansive golf and tennis resorts, and more. Alternatively, become familiar with spiritual practices, self-improvement, and wellness.

Palm Springs

This staycation, having become fashionable in the 1950-60s, is the best choice if you want a getaway with a retro feel. In the 1980-90s, Palm Springs was a popular destination due to its golf clubs. Today, the town’s experiencing a revival in popularity because of well-preserved mid-century architecture and the proximity to the site of the Coachella music festival. Shopping addicts come in flocks for El Paseo, a street with an unrivaled assortment of upscale shops.

Outside the town, have a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway that takes you beyond the cliffs of Chino Canyon to Mt. San Jacinto State Park in 10 minutes. You will have a splendid opportunity to observe this scenery from the height of 8,516 feet from the world’s largest rotating tramcar. At the Mountain Station, have a walk, hike along 54 miles of trails, dine at one of two restaurants, or visit a natural history museum.

Catalina Island

A speck of land off Southern California’s coast is accessible via a ferry that takes an hour to deliver the passengers from the mainland. Embarkation is possible either from San Pedro, Long Beach, or Dana Point, and debarkation from Avalon, Two Harbors, or Santa Catalina Island.

Avalon is the island’s main community, where plenty of luxurious options can be found. The western side of Catalina Island has a breathtaking hike starting at Two Harbors. Other active recreation types available are snorkelling and ziplining.

Santa Monica and Venice

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These two neighbouring beach towns have become iconic images of SoCal way of life. However, these staycations offer more than just beautiful beaches. The Santa Monica Pier is the place where the famous Route 66 ends, meeting the Pacific Ocean. Next to it, an amusement park is located, featuring a plethora of entertainment options both for kids and grown-ups.

Santa Monica bike path is an amazing site to jog, cycle, skate, or simply walk, taking in the incredible ocean views. The mile-long Venice Boardwalk will feast your eyes on all kinds of performers, like mimes, break-dancers, contortionists, glass walkers, intermingling with ubiquitous street vendors.

Moving further along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) you come to the fabled Sunset Boulevard. Find one of its hidden getaways, a 10-acre park with free entrance — Self-Realisation Fellowship Lake Shrine.

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Feel transported to Italy by walking along Venice’s canals and make your way to the Marina Peninsula drenched with nautical ancestry and featuring a great sandy beach.

Abbott Kinney Boulevard is a nice spot for getting acquainted with the town’s gastronomy, with options aplenty for vegetarians and carnivores alike.

Summing It Up

Are you ready for your weekend in a California staycation? The Golden State is full of stunning destinations, whether you head north or south, enjoy the oceanside, hike in the mountains or explore the deserts. Whatever kind of traveller you are, a luxury lover or a backpacker, you won’t be disappointed, having come to California at least once in a lifetime. On the contrary, chances are, you will be craving another weekend in this magnificent state — it offers such a variety of things to see and do!