LA is one of the most buzzing, busy, and boredom-free cities in the world – but sometimes you want to escape the urban hustle and bustle and stretch your legs on a calm, sunny beach, or drive along traffic-free coastal roads with the wind in your hair. If you’re planning a trip to the LA area and are looking for a sunny spot to relax and unwind, or if you’re an Angelino who could do with a break from the city, here are some suggestions for weekend getaways within easy driving distance of LA.
Finding a ride
Before we launch into the destinations, a quick word about getting around. Public transport in this part of California isn’t great, so, if you don’t have a car and rely on Ubers and Lyfts to get around the city, it’s a good idea to find your own ride for some of these destinations. Places like Santa Catalina Island don’t have Uber services, and can be hard to reach without your own car. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to get a rental car around LA without breaking the bank. For example, car rental prices at LAX tend to be very reasonable, and car sharing services abound in the city itself.
Now, with that bit of housekeeping out of the way, let’s dive into our sun-soaked weekend destinations:
Palm Springs
Palm Springs, legendary home of Coachella, is a popular destination for Angelinos seeking some desert solitude or oasis serenity. Outside of festival season, Palm Springs offers unparalleled tranquility and a diverse range of beautiful, natural vistas. Visitors can take the Aerial Tramway up into the mountains, hike the Taqhuitz Canyon (complete with rock art and a stunning waterfall), or simply explore the charming mid-century architecture of the town. For the adventurous desert-lover, Joshua Tree National Park isn’t far from Palm Springs, with plenty of hiking trails and a starkly unique landscape all of its own.
Catalina Island
Getting to Catalina Island is an adventure in itself. You can take the car ferry from Long Beach, or the high-speed ferry from the Catalina Island Sea And Air Terminal. Once you’re there, you’ll be struck by how different the pace of life on the island is to LA. Catalina Island is a relaxed, laid back kind of place. Many of the locals don’t even drive – they use golf carts to meander from place to place (feel free to join them – there are plenty of golf cart rentals around!).
Catalina Island is the perfect destination for sea-lovers. You can swim or kayak in the Pacific, snorkel through the rare kelp forest habitats, and spot rare marine life. Alternatively, if you’re not the snorkeling type, enjoy relaxing strolls along the beaches, hike among wild bison in the island’s interior, or chill with a Buffalo Milk cocktail in one of the many laid-back island bars.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara blends beaches, culture and great food. The drive up the coast is stunning, and sets the tone for a leisurely weekend. Once you arrive, you will find Spanish style architecture, palm lined streets and a laid back coastal elegance. The waterfront offers long stretches of soft sand and calm water, perfect for a swim or paddleboard session. Stearns Wharf is a popular spot for a stroll and features small shops and casual dining with ocean views. Away from the water, the Funk Zone offers wine tasting rooms, galleries and boutiques. For anyone interested in history, the Old Mission Santa Barbara provides peaceful gardens and a fascinating look into the area’s past. If you have a bit more time, driving into the nearby Santa Ynez Valley for a wine tasting tour makes for an unforgettable afternoon.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is ideal for travelers who want a mix of sunshine and sightseeing. The town is known for its creative energy and has a long heritage of local art festivals and galleries. The beaches here are exceptionally photogenic, with hidden coves, tide pools and dramatic rock formations. Main Beach is the most accessible, while Victoria Beach rewards you with its signature stone tower that looks like something from a storybook. Outdoorsy types can hike the Top of the World trail, which offers panoramic views of the ocean and cliffs. The town center, meanwhile, is compact and walkable, so it’s easy to spend the afternoon browsing shops or enjoying a long lunch with views of the water.
Ojai
Ojai is one of the most peaceful weekend getaway destinations within easy reach of LA, perfect for anyone craving a gentle, restorative break. The town has a unique atmosphere that blends wellness culture with outdoor activities and small town friendliness. Many people choose Ojai when browsing weekend getaway destinations because of its famous spa retreats, yoga studios and meditation gardens.
The surrounding hills and mountains offer a wide range of hiking routes suitable for most fitness levels. The Pratt Trail and Shelf Road Trail are two favorites, rewarding you with panoramic views of the valley. If you time your stay well, you may even witness the famous “pink moment,” when the sunset reflects on the mountains and bathes the valley in a soft rosy glow.
San Diego
If you do not mind a slightly longer drive, San Diego is another excellent option among Southern California’s top weekend getaway destinations. The city offers wide sandy beaches, great food, cultural attractions and a friendly atmosphere that feels refreshingly different from Los Angeles. Even though San Diego is a major city, it feels calm and spacious, which is why so many people pick it when searching for relaxing weekend getaway destinations.
La Jolla Cove is a highlight, with crystal-clear water, sea lions and mellow surf ideal for swimming or kayaking. The Gaslamp Quarter provides lively dining and entertainment once the sun goes down. Families will appreciate the gentle waves of Coronado Beach or the museums and gardens inside Balboa Park.
Get Out of the City and Soak Up the Sunshine
There is much more to Southern California than just Los Angeles, and many of the region’s best weekend getaway destinations are only a short drive away. Within a couple of hours behind the wheel, you can trade traffic for quiet trails, sandy beaches or charming coastal streets, and enjoy a slower, sun-soaked weekend outside the city.