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.
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.
The San Diego Natural History Museum is another excellent place to spend your blissful weekend in San Diego. This museum pays homage to more than 20 million specimens found in North America’s southern region by explorers, early Americans, and hominids– human ancestors dating back almost 7 million years ago.
The museum houses several fossils, including hominid skulls, birds’ eggs, snakes, lizards, and other reptiles, petrified wood, and remains from prehistoric times. San Diego also boasts of pristine and picturesque beaches. Make sure you enjoy the breathtaking scenery on its shores.
3. Sonoma
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.
If you are looking for accommodation options on Catalina Island, check out the Aurora Hotel or Hotel Catalina. These hotels offer outstanding and elegant services to guests. Visit the Descanso Beach Club, a great place to have a relaxing day off from beach activities. You will have a chance to enjoy the beach, sunbathing and swimming, fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Marvel at the Catalina Island golf carts and hit the links; you will be in awe of Catalina Island’s lush greenery and spectacular beaches.
5. Del Mar
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.
There are also several fine restaurants in this part of California, such as The Del Mar Restaurant, where you can have mouth-watering cuisine at the five-star restaurant. Del Mar’s top attractions include the Del Mar Racetrack. You can visit the racetrack as it has a unique facility where you will have an opportunity to check out horse racing.
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.
Venture further north and come across the lush Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. These gardens orchestrate a bright and colorful display of flowers all year long. The park also has great ocean view trails for the best weekend getaway in California.
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.
9. Big Sur
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.
10. Malibu
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.
Moreover, attend nightlife, watch a performance at the Malibu Pier Amphitheater, or watch a breathtaking sunset at Malibu Lagoon State Beach. Malibu is also famous for good eateries and wine-tasting tours.
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.
Be sure to stop for photos at the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. There are numerous stars here, and every star has a story about how it became a part of Hollywood’s history.
Walk to Melrose Avenue for vintage shops, beautiful boutiques, jewelry stores, cafés, and movie posters tacked on grocery stores offering local art museum exhibits. Explore street performers performing skits around a campfire providing entertainment for passersby.
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.
Many visitors spend a few days at Yosemite National Park for unrivaled experiences. Tour the Yosemite Falls on horseback, learn about the park’s history, have a picnic in the wilderness, or spend an afternoon at the historic Mariposa Grove.
Yosemite National Park is also famous for camping and hiking. Visitors can choose from campgrounds around the park, from backpackers’ campsites to popular tourist sites.
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.
Visitors can choose from personal cabins, RV parks with full amenities, or campsite facilities to spend nights under the stars with their friends or family. You may opt to cruise the lake and make memories with friends. Fun activities around Lake Tahoe include canoeing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
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.
Santa Cruz is one of the finest places for adventure lovers to enjoy nature’s beauty and unique features like hiking trails, swimming in clear water, or enjoying the fantastic sunset on the beach. Santa Cruz also orchestrates sensational restaurants and hotels where visitors can enjoy quality time. One of the scenic hotels where you can check in is the Hotel Paradox.
Santa Cruz is also known for its beauty and attractions, such as Rancho Salsipuedes and Lighthouse point, for panoramic views.
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.
Mammoth Lakes is located at the base of an alpine lake in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. The area offers a variety of activities for all ages, like hiking, biking, horseback riding, or fishing with various species of trout. The scenic town is surrounded by towering peaks offering panoramic views of the backdrop. As you propose to visit Mammoth Lakes town, ensure you check in at the Devil’s Postpile National Monument.
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.
For travelers who love scenic views, you could visit Edna Valley and catch striking views of the vineyards. For the hikers, try to conquer the Bishop Peak Climb. You could also tour the sensational beach towns, such as Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, and Morro Bay.
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.
Outdoor lovers can tour the Bothe-Napa Valley State Park or try the Mount Saint Helena Trail. You can check in at the Archer Hotel Napa if you want to stay around.
Conclusion
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.
FAQs
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.
