15 Unbelievable Weekend Getaways in California

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Are you wondering about the best weekend getaways in California? You’re in the right place!

California is the host to many of the most eclectic cities and natural environments in the country, so why not take a weekend off of the couch and take a getaway within a two-hour driving distance from your home?

Or, if you are visiting from another state or country, it is very easy to get from each of these getaway destinations by train or bus. I live nearby in Las Vegas and have taken quite a few California weekend getaways.

Some weekend getaways are more geared towards families, while some are aimed at cozying up next to your partner. Nonetheless, vacationing in California is the ultimate West Coast experience!

Keep reading to learn all about the best weekend getaways in California!

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Best Weekend Getaways in California

Santa Barbara

Let’s start with sunny Santa Barbara on the coast of California! This gorgeous weekend getaway destination holds a variety of activities for families on vacation in CA.

The top family activity is the Santa Barbara Zoo. California, specifically Southern California, has a great amount of zoos for you and your family to visit.

Along with the amazing Zoo, Santa Barbara is more of a beach city than anything, so it might be a good idea to leave the kids home for this weekend getaway.

There are gorgeous beaches throughout that make this weekend getaway worth it! Especially the County parks and beaches with crystal clear waters and clean sandy beaches. Santa Barbara is one of the best weekend getaways in California for couples.

San Diego

San Diego is one of the best weekend getaways in California for families, couples, or solo travelers alike!

This city has a lot to it, from the trendy Ocean Beach to the hip Gaslamp District downtown, which is a destination for cocktails or a nice dinner. San Diego is located on the coast of California, so you can imagine how beautiful it is.

There is the famous Balboa Park in downtown San Diego, the San Diego Zoo, Legoland, and many different beaches, each with its own vibe, from hippy to dog beaches.

The great thing about San Diego’s getaway is that everything is within 15-20 minutes away from each other!

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a city in the desert of California. This weekend vacation and getaway spot is perfect for couples, so leave the kids at home for this one. It is very well known for its spas, fancy hotels, and golf courses.

This great getaway also offers a plethora of outdoor activities, such as hiking and horseback riding. Travelers beware: Palm Springs is very hot in the summer, while the winters are cooler.

It is a fun place to visit during the off-season when it is not too crowded with tourists. My most recent trip was during the month of September and it was like a ghost town!

Carmel

Carmel, also known as Carmel-by-the-Sea, is a small coastal town that makes for a short weekend getaway! It is known to have more of a suburban feel and does not attract many tourists because of its small population.

There are also a ton of museums and an old city feel in the small downtown area. It is great for scuba diving, sea animal watching, and just living the beach life.

San Francisco

Settled in Northern California lies San Francisco, one of the largest and most famous parts of California. If you happen to be in CA, it makes a perfect weekend getaway or vacation destination for the family or couples, as there is so much to do.

The Golden Gate Bridge is what most people think of when they think of San Francisco, CA, as well as the rolling hills, eclectic buildings, and laid-back culture.

The Cable Cars and trolleys are great to get around in, and visiting the famous Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is a must!

Another must is dining throughout the city. The dining options are endless, and San Francisco is well-known for its dining scene.

As for the weather, it can be tricky. It can be 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and then drop down to 50 in the evening, so pack appropriately!

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is located on the South Coast of California and is great for a weekend beach getaway. It is filled with expensive homes and is a very desirable place to live because of the amazing beaches it is home to.

Places like Crystal Cove State Park are designated underwater parks. The main beach features are tide pools, great waves for surfing, and a mild year-round climate. It is a highly recommended destination for a weekend getaway in CA because of that!

Malibu

Malibu, California, is very close to Los Angeles and is known to host many celebrities in mansions.

Zuma Beach is a must when visiting Malibu, CA, on your weekend getaway for its huge beach and pristine sand. There are also plenty of hiking trails, waterfalls, canyons, and grasslands.

Big Sur

Big Sur, California, is a rugged mountainous area close to Carmel that is known for its dramatic scenery. It has an amazing coastline filled with cliffs and mountains to drive through and plenty of hikes to adventure on.

It is mostly isolated and only has a few year-round residents but plenty of tourists. This national treasure has only a few visitor services throughout, such as restrooms and shops, so make sure to have everything with you before you go!

There are campgrounds if you choose to stay for the weekend. Big Sur is definitely worth the trip for a weekend getaway in CA.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe, California, is a resort city in the mountains and very well known for its beaches in the summer and skiing in the winter.

Although it is not on the ocean, it has a beautiful natural lake with a high percentage of clean water that is almost pure enough for drinking! It is also the second-largest lake in the entire United States.

Whatever the season is, it’s a great time to go on a weekend getaway with the family or as a couple to enjoy the pristine lake or the enormous amount of snow for skiing or snowboarding!

This is one of the best weekend getaways in California, especially if you’re located nearby in Nevada.

Yosemite National Park

Many people believe that they need to leave the country to see natural beauty, but it exists right in the backyard of inland California!

Yosemite National Park is a weekend getaway in CA that is perfect for the entire family with its rich nature that includes cliff faces, waterfalls, clear streams, and giant sequoias, just to name a few.

May through September are the best months to visit Yosemite National Park as those months correlate with lodging and shuttles to get everyone around the Park.

In the winter months, it is covered in snow, which makes it look magical but very difficult to navigate, and some of the roads are also closed.

Take those summer months and take a weekend getaway to Yosemite National Park in CA; you won’t regret it. Just wake up early to avoid the crowds as much as possible.

Big Bear

Big Bear, California, is inland and about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles. The winding roads that get you there show off amazing mountains that are just a preview of what is to come when you actually arrive in Big Bear.

Big Bear is a great weekend getaway for the family because there is so much to do during every season of the year!

It is better known for its winter activities of snow tubing, skiing or snowboarding the amazing huge mountains, and holiday shopping downtown.

During the summer, Big Bear Lake is open for water activities such as kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding, the beautiful weather, and hiking.

Solvang

When you arrive for your weekend getaway to Solvang, California, you may think that you have been transported to a different country. Solvang has taken to Danish culture through and through.

Located in Southern California, the Danish-style buildings and city delve into Danish culture and heritage. One thing that Solvang is not lacking is motorcycle museums. If you are a biker, Solvang, CA, is the weekend getaway in CA for you.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is located in Southeastern California. This is definitely a weekend getaway in CA for the nature lovers out there.

The desert environment makes it warm during the day and cool in the evenings. Joshua Tree is named after the actual Joshua Trees, which are native to their surrounding environment.

Despite the weather conditions, many plants and animal species have adapted to the environment and thrive there, including coyotes, rabbits, and other small mammals.

Hiking trails over thousands of miles of barren land make for a perfect getaway for someone with a passion for nature and adventures!

Napa Valley

Napa Valley, California, is definitely a weekend vacation for adults. Napa Valley is north of Los Angeles and absolutely stunning. Wineries are what Napa Valley is known for, and it is nearly impossible to miss one.

Napa Valley is a great place for a romantic getaway or a weekend getaway with some friends. They offer plenty of wine tours throughout the area, and it’s almost guaranteed that you will have a great time in Napa Valley, CA.

Catalina Island

Catalina Island, California, is a quick ferry ride away from the Los Angeles area. This weekend getaway spot is one of California’s Channel Islands.

There are two areas of Catalina Island. One of the areas is the resort town, while the other half is known for scuba diving and wildlife.

There is a smaller part of town that is called Catalina Casino, which is made up of museums and a movie theater. Catalina Island, CA, can be busy year-round because of the great weather, so plan accordingly!

This is a great weekend getaway for the family and is one of the top weekend getaways in CA.

Final Thoughts: California Weekend Getaways

This diverse list of weekend vacations in California should be enough for you or your family to choose a destination of your liking!

California is amazing and stunningly beautiful with everything it has to offer, from major cities to National Parks. California weekend getaways are a must. So get out there, explore, and have some fun!

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