15 Hidden SoCal Weekend Getaways Only Locals Know About (2025)

SoCal has amazing weekend getaways that you won’t see flooding your Instagram feed.  Looking to escape the tourist crowds? Just drive out of Los Angeles and you’ll find a wealth of hidden spots waiting for you.

These Southern California escapes offer something special for everyone who loves to travel.  Laguna Beach boasts 30 stunning coves and beaches, while Joshua Tree National Park’s otherworldly landscape sits just 3 hours from LA.  Both places stay surprisingly quiet throughout the year.  Wine lovers can head to Los Alamos, a charming one-street town in Santa Barbara wine country only 2.5 hours away.  Paso Robles makes another great choice with its 200+ wineries that feel nowhere near as stuffy as Napa Valley.  Nature enthusiasts will love Death Valley National Park, where Badwater Basin marks North America’s lowest point at 282 feet below sea level.

This piece highlights 15 hidden spots that locals treasure but rarely talk about.  You’ll find peaceful havens like Ojai, just over an hour northwest of LA and lively destinations like Palm Springs, one of America’s most LGBTQ-friendly cities.

Wrightwood

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Wrightwood sits peacefully in the San Gabriel Mountains, just 90 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles.  This charming village gives visitors a refreshing alternative to a Southern California weekend getaway.  The experience here is nowhere near as crowded as neighboring Big Bear.

Wrightwood Highlights

This cozy mountain town rests on San Bernardino County’s border near Angeles National Forest, offering something special in every season.  The town’s genuine mountain charm sets it apart from more commercialized destinations. Mountain High Resort, LA’s closest ski destination, welcomes winter sports enthusiasts with pristine powder.  The summer months transform the area into a perfect urban escape with its lush hiking trails and cool mountain air.

Wrightwood Where to Stay

The mountain haven’s lodging options range from simple to luxurious.  Grand Pine Cabins leads the pack as the #1 rated choice, with its cozy rooms and modern bathrooms close to local shops and restaurants.  Rhinestone Rose BnB’s themed suites are a treat, complete with free sauna and massage services.  The Applewood Inn’s recent renovation created six bright, spacious rooms that work well for both individual stays and group gatherings.  Cedar Lodge Motel keeps things simple yet charming with six distinct rooms, each equipped with refrigerators, coffee makers and free WiFi.

Wrightwood What Not to Miss

The Blue Ridge Trail is a chance to challenge yourself on a scenic hike next to the famous Pacific Crest Trail.  Food lovers should definitely try The Grizzly Cafe’s hearty American dishes or head to Mexico Lindo to enjoy authentic Mexican food and their exceptional margaritas.  Zipline @ Pacific Crest adds extra excitement to winter visits.  Mountain High’s affordable ski lessons and dedicated snow tube park let families and non-skiers enjoy winter activities safely.  The Friday farmers market shows off the best of local mountain culture.

Idyllwild

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Idyllwild sits 5,600 feet up in the San Jacinto Mountains.  This artistic mountain town brings a unique SoCal weekend experience with its quirky character.  The non-incorporated town stands out in Southern California’s landscape—and it’s the only place you’ll find a dog serving as mayor!

What Makes Idyllwild Special

This mountain haven rises above Palm Springs and provides a peaceful escape from urban life without the typical mountain town crowds.  The forested alpine setting reminds visitors of a “mini-Yosemite“.  Local artists create their work surrounded by towering pines and stunning granite formations.  The downtown area stays true to its roots with independent shops, restaurants, and galleries in rustic cabin-style buildings instead of chain stores.

Places to Stay

Idyllwild’s lodging options match every traveler’s needs:

The Grand Idyllwild Lodge spreads across two acres at 5,600 feet elevation.  This upscale retreat comes with mountain views and extras like free breakfast, a spa, gym, and 9-hole putting green.

Strawberry Creek Inn welcomes guests to its cozy nine-room bed and breakfast.  The experience includes evening fireside treats and amazing breakfast spreads prepared by culinary school graduates.

The historic Idyllwild Inn sits in the heart of town.  Guests can choose between century-old rustic cabins and modern suites, all within walking distance to local dining and shopping.

Must-See Attractions

The hiking trails here are spectacular. Tahquitz Peak via Devil’s Slide Trail leads to breathtaking views and a fire lookout.  The easier Suicide Rock trail shows off excellent views of Lily Rock.  Lake Fulmor offers peaceful fishing spots and an easy walk around its edge, complete with an accessible pier and picnic areas.

Food lovers should try Café Aroma, a local favorite that serves Italian dishes in a cozy library setting.  Idyllwild blends outdoor adventure, artistic spirit and small-town charm to create the perfect weekend escape from Southern California’s cities.

Los Alamos

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Los Alamos, a funky western town just a 2-hour drive north of Los Angeles, gives visitors an amazing break from the usual southern California scene.  This authentic old western town has grown into quite a destination that keeps its historic charm and original storefronts.

Los Alamos Highlights

The entry to Santa Ynez Valley welcomes you to Los Alamos, a small town of just 7 blocks with a population of around 2,000.  Two ranchers founded the town in 1876 after the stagecoach line changed its route to the area.  The town’s historic character still shines through today.  Travel & Leisure puts it perfectly: “it doesn’t need a ton of bells and whistles to be cool. It just is“.  The food scene here has reshaped the scene completely.  You’ll find everything from casual spots to award-winning restaurants serving Italian, French, and even Dim Sum.

Los Alamos Where to Stay

Skyview Los Alamos leads the pack as a modern boutique hotel.  This transformed 1950s motel sits on a hill you can spot right from the freeway.  The hotel has gotten a fresh update with top-quality mattresses and bedding.  Guests love the heated pool and Norman, its highly-rated restaurant.  Right in town, The Alamo Motel gives you rooms with clawfoot tubs or kitchenettes, plus a communal fire pit that brings everyone together.  History buffs will love the 1880 Union Hotel, built in 1880 and rebuilt in 1915 after a fire.  This special event venue once hosted Johnny Cash and Hollywood’s biggest names.

Los Alamos What Not to Miss

Wine lovers should stop by Casa Dumetz, where owner Sonja Magdevski serves up Rhone varietals and GSM blends in her vibrant tasting room.  Bodega creates the perfect spot with its stunning design, decor, bocce ball court, fire pit and greenhouse – just right for sipping wine and relaxing.  Sisters Gift and Home draws antique hunters with its vintage glassware and books, while the Depot Antique Mall seems endless with its fascinating historical treasures.  Bob’s Well Bread and Full of Life Flatbread are great spots to grab a bite after exploring all day.

Laugh at these California puns.

Ojai

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Ojai welcomes wellness seekers and spiritual wanderers as a refreshing SoCal weekend getaway.  This peaceful valley sits 90 minutes northwest of Los Angeles.  The town’s charm comes from its ban on corporate chains, which creates an authentic experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Ojai Highlights

The stunning Topatopa Mountains embrace Ojai, which has earned its reputation as Southern California’s “nouveau hippie utopia”.  Local businesses thrive here, with independent shops selling jewelry, pottery, gardening supplies and unique gifts.  The town’s peaceful rhythm slows visitors down naturally and lets them unwind amid beautiful surroundings.  Nature puts on a special show here with the famous “pink moment” just after sunset.  The valley’s mountain walls glow with a distinctive reddish-pink hue that exists nowhere else.

Ojai Where to Stay

Ojai Valley Inn spreads across 220 acres and caters to luxury travelers.  The property features multiple pools, yoga classes, tennis courts and bikes you can borrow to explore the area.  Room rates begin at USD 500 per night.  Ojai Rancho Inn gives guests a cozier feel with rustic-chic rooms that feature cabin-like designs, front porches and a relaxed bar.  The Capri Hotel completed renovations in 2020 and now offers minimalist rooms perfect for families and couples.  Guests enjoy pool access and garden areas.  The Lavender Inn stands downtown as a charming bed and breakfast option with its own spa and fresh homemade breakfast daily.

Ojai What Not to Miss

Nature lovers should check out the Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company’s guided horseback rides through Ventura River Valley.  The Mob Shop rents bikes for the 15-mile Ojai Valley Bike Trail.  Food enthusiasts can’t skip Ojai Olive Oil Company’s tastings at their picnic tables—bring your own bread or snacks to enhance the experience.  Meditation Mount offers spiritual renewal through sunset sound meditations with sweeping valley views.  Art lovers will appreciate the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts’ exhibitions that celebrate the famed ceramicist known as the “mama of Dada”.  Bart’s Books stands as the world’s largest outdoor bookstore and promises “everything under the sun”.

Encinitas

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Encinitas, a classic surfer town, sits along the Pacific coastline just 25 miles north of San Diego.  This charming seaside community gives visitors a relaxed vibe and plenty of adventure opportunities.  You won’t find the crowds here that pack other popular SoCal weekend destinations.

Encinitas Highlights

The town delivers everything you’d expect from a Southern California beach experience.  Dramatic coastlines, palm trees, and stunning sunsets paint the perfect picture.  Surf culture runs deep here, especially at Swami’s Beach—a world-class surf spot with a long right-hand point break that earned its place in the Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ USA”.  Downtown Encinitas fascinates visitors with its mix of old-world charm and modern energy.  The iconic 1928 La Paloma Theater adds vintage character to streets filled with boutique shops, art galleries and cozy cafes.

Encinitas Where to Stay

Alila Marea Beach Resort perches dramatically on a clifftop above South Ponto Beach.  The resort’s ocean-view rooms come with patios—some featuring fire pits—and guests can enjoy an ocean-view pool.  The Inn at Moonlight Beach got a complete makeover in 2019 and stands out as the first WELL-certified hotel in the world.  The property focuses on wellness through its biodynamic gardens and healthy breakfast baskets.  Budget travelers will find comfort at the Moonlight Beach Motel, a family-run spot since 1976 that’s just four minutes from the sand.  The Surfhouse celebrates local surf culture by providing surf equipment rentals and lessons alongside stylish rooms.

Encinitas What Not to Miss

The Self-Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens offers a must-see experience.  These peaceful gardens sit atop cliffs overlooking Swami’s Beach, filled with lush greenery, koi ponds and spectacular ocean views.  Plant lovers should head over to the San Diego Botanic Garden.  This 37-acre oasis features themed gardens that transport visitors from desert landscapes to tropical rainforests.  Moonlight State Beach makes the perfect family spot with volleyball courts, picnic areas, fire pits and a seasonal concession stand.  The town’s diverse food scene ranges from fresh catches at Fish 101 to organic dishes at GOODONYA Organic Eatery.

Weekend getaways in Northern California.

Temecula

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Temecula Valley stands out as Southern California’s premier wine region.  This charming destination between Los Angeles and San Diego makes a perfect SoCal weekend getaway for wine lovers and adventure seekers.  The inland gem combines rustic charm with sophisticated leisure options, yet remains more approachable than its famous wine country counterparts.

Temecula Highlights

The vibrant Temecula Wine Country features nearly 50 wineries, 8 breweries, 2 meaderies and 1 distillery with stunning tasting rooms.  Wine Enthusiast magazine recognized this thriving region as a “Top 10 Wine Travel Destination” worldwide in 2019.  TripAdvisor followed suit by naming it a “Must-See U.S. Destination in 2020”.  Old Town Temecula serves as the valley’s historical heart.  Visitors can walk wooden boardwalks past rustic buildings filled with charming shops, restaurants, beer and wine tasting rooms, museums and secret speakeasies.  The region’s mild climate creates perfect conditions for sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, merlot and Mediterranean varietals.

Temecula Where to Stay

The valley brims with luxurious places to stay.  Ponte Vineyard Inn’s private balconies, spectacular views, and on-site dining have earned it an impressive 4.7/5 rating on TripAdvisor.  Carter Estate Winery and Resort’s bungalows sit right in the vineyards, immersing guests in wine country life.  South Coast Winery Resort & Spa has won California State Fair’s “Winery of the Year” five times.  Spring visitors can enjoy its wisteria-draped walkways.  Guests looking for distinctive accommodations will love Europa Village’s Spanish-inspired casitas or The Inn at Europa Village’s Old World charm and panoramic views.

Temecula What Not to Miss

Hot air balloon rides at sunrise reveal stunning views of rolling hills, vineyards and citrus groves.  Thompson & Twain Prospecting Co. adds mystery to Old Town as a speakeasy hidden behind Crush & Brew’s swinging doors.  Green Acres Ranch welcomes outdoor enthusiasts with horseback tours across their 50-acre working horse ranch.  Beyond wine, Temecula’s attractions range from Temecula Olive Oil Company’s artisanal products to Rose Haven Heritage Garden’s 1,600 roses and SoCal Ax’s throwing lanes.  Pechanga Resort and Casino, California’s largest casino, spans 188,000 square feet of gaming space with 5,000+ slot machines and 158 table games.

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake sits at almost 7,000 feet elevation and serves as a perfect mountain escape in Southern California.  This beautiful spot in the San Bernardino Mountains blends natural beauty with outdoor activities all year round.

Big Bear Lake Highlights

The national forest surrounds Big Bear and engages visitors with its 23 miles of shoreline.  You’ll find everything from pontoon boating and paddle boarding to sailing and kayaking.  The area comes alive in every season.  Winter brings great skiing across 800 skiable acres at Big Bear Mountain Resort.  Summer alters the map into a playground for hikers and mountain bikers.  Downtown Big Bear Village acts as the heart of activity with over 120 local shops that create a genuine mountain town feel.  The views are spectacular with mountain backdrops and waters that glitter “like waves of sapphires reflecting the sun and sky”.

Big Bear Lake Where to Stay

You’ll find places to stay that match any style or budget.  Noble+Proper gives guests luxury cabins with vibrant wallpaper, upscale furniture and complete kitchens.  Big Bear Lake Front Lodge has waterfront rooms with full kitchens that work well for families or groups.  Holloway’s Marina & RV Park at 398 Edgemoor Road makes a great choice for budget travelers.  The area also has condos, townhouses, and bed & breakfasts.  Many come with fireplaces, hot tubs, and quick access to ski slopes.

Big Bear Lake What Not to Miss

The Pine Knot Trail ranks as the area’s top hiking path and rewards you with amazing 360-degree views.  The Big Bear Pirate Ship should be on every first-timer’s list.  This 16th-century Spanish galleon replica starred in “Time Bandits” before becoming a tourist spot in 1998.  Kids love the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain where a chairlift takes you up before you sled down a tracked course.  Beyond outdoor fun, you might spot unique local treasures like the famous Shoe Tree on Highway 18.  The special Pebble Plain Ecological Reserve stands out as the world’s only home to certain protected plants.

Things to do in San Pedro La Laguna.

Lake Arrowhead

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Lake Arrowhead, nicknamed the “Alps of Southern California,” is a pristine mountain retreat with its exclusive private lake nestled at 5,174 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains.  This hidden gem makes a refreshing SoCal weekend getaway just 90 minutes from Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego.

Lake Arrowhead Highlights

The San Bernardino National Forest surrounds Lake Arrowhead, giving it year-round appeal with stunning alpine scenery.  The lake’s private status sets it apart from typical tourist spots, making it extra special.  Guests who stay at select resorts can access these crystal-clear waters.  The village, which dates back to the 1920s, serves as the community’s heart with over 50 specialty shops, restaurants and entertainment spots.  The high altitude location lets visitors enjoy amazing stargazing under exceptionally clear night skies.

Lake Arrowhead Where to Stay

You’ll find everything from luxury resorts to relaxed cabins:

• Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa – A lakefront property with private beach access, multiple pools, spa services and spacious suites with fireplaces and wet bars
• Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins – Family-friendly lodging that keeps its rustic charm and welcomes pets
• The North Shore Inn and Saddleback Inn – Comfortable spots that couples and families love for romantic getaways
• Grand Welcome Vacation Rentals – Great for groups who want privacy in fully-equipped homes

Lake Arrowhead What Not to Miss

The Lake Arrowhead Queen Boat Tour gives you a great point of view of the area’s history and beautiful lakefront homes.  Tours run about every 1.5 hours and cost between USD 20-25 per person.  The Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company, the area’s first and only brewery, serves award-winning craft beers in a dog-friendly space with lake views.  Nature lovers should check out the Pacific Crest Trail that runs through town or head to Lake Gregory – a public lake just 10 minutes away where you can rent Duffy boats, paddle boats and try the inflatable obstacle course.  Families can enjoy free s’mores by the fire (USD 30 for kits) at resort fire pits as night falls.  The Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout offers amazing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Solvang

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Solvang brings a slice of Scandinavia to your SoCal weekend getaway.  This charming town earned its nickname “Little Denmark” thanks to Danish provincial style buildings, authentic bakeries and windmills.  The stunning Santa Ynez Valley hosts this European-inspired village just 40 minutes from Santa Barbara and two hours from Los Angeles.

Solvang Highlights

Danish immigrants established Solvang as a farming community in 1911.  The town transformed into a tourist hotspot after a 1947 Saturday Evening Post article described it as “a spotless Danish village that blooms like a rose”.  Visitors now walk through streets lined with half-timbered buildings and four distinctive Danish-style windmills.  The Little Mermaid Fountain stands as a tribute to Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, while more than 150 boutique shops sell everything from Scandinavian imports to unique souvenirs.  Southern California’s most distinctive European village gives travelers a cultural immersion without crossing oceans.

Solvang Where to Stay

The town’s accommodations range from boutique hotels to cozy inns.  The Landsby features chic Scandinavian-inspired rooms with monochrome palettes and light woods, plus an excellent restaurant called Mad & Vin.  Mirabelle Inn welcomes guests to 13 charming rooms in traditional half-timbered Danish architecture and houses the highly recommended First & Oak restaurant.  Wine Valley Inn & Cottages suits budget-conscious travelers with its unique rooms, lofts, and cottages.  Solvang’s Midweek Membership Club rewards first-time visitors with $100 toward wine tastings, meals and shopping for stays between January and April 2025.

Solvang What Not to Miss

Casa Cassara, Solvang’s 2020 winery of the year, leads the town’s many tasting rooms.  The Elverhoj Museum of History & Art showcases Danish culture in its beautifully hand-painted building.  Danish author fans will love the Hans Christian Andersen Museum located above The Book Loft.  Horse-drawn trolley tours leave every 35 minutes and show off the village’s main attractions.  The town’s five Danish bakeries serve authentic pastries and æbleskiver – delicious pancake balls topped with raspberry syrup.

Catalina Island

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Catalina Island sits just 22 miles from Los Angeles across the Pacific.  This Mediterranean-style paradise lets you enjoy a SoCal weekend getaway without flying overseas.  The island’s crystal-clear aquamarine waters and dramatic landscapes make you feel far away from Southern California’s mainland.

Catalina Island Highlights

You can reach the island by ferry in about an hour or helicopter in 15 minutes from several mainland ports.  The charming town of Avalon serves as the heart of Catalina, with its walkable downtown area.  The island’s rich history spans thousands of years.  The iconic Catalina Casino stands as the island’s most recognizable landmark, though it never actually hosted gambling.  This Art Deco masterpiece was built in 1929 to celebrate William Wrigley Jr.’s 10-year ownership of the island.  The island has another fascinating feature – a herd of American bison, descendants of animals brought here for a 1924 movie filming.

Catalina Island Where to Stay

The island has accommodations that suit every taste, from luxurious hotels to cozy vacation rentals.  Hotel Atwater, built by the Wrigley family in 1920, blends Art Deco style with modern comforts.  The Bellanca Hotel rewards guests with oceanfront rooms and extras like complimentary bicycles, beach chairs, and a rooftop lounge.  Hamilton Cove feels like a slice of Greece or Italy with its Mediterranean-style condos and golf cart access.  New visitors should consider staying in downtown Avalon.  Most hotels and rentals here put you close to restaurants and activities.

Catalina Island What Not to Miss

The Catalina Island Casino takes visitors back to the Big Band era and Old Hollywood through two different tours.  Wildlife fans will love the Catalina Island Conservancy Eco Tour where they can spot the famous bison herd.  The crystal-clear waters beckon kayakers to explore hidden beaches that boats can only reach.  The Catalina Museum for Art & History tells the island’s fascinating story.  The Descanso Beach Club lets you enjoy cocktails right on the sand – a rare treat since it’s one of the few California beaches where drinking is legal.

More weekend California getaways.

Death Valley

Death Valley National Park stands out as a perfect SoCal weekend getaway destination.  The park amazes visitors as the hottest place on earth and the lowest point in North America.  This vast wilderness spans 3.4 million acres, making it the largest national park in the lower 48 states.  The park offers an otherworldly escape from typical Southern California destinations.

Death Valley Highlights

The Timbisha tribe called this land home for at least a thousand years.  They thrived in this stark yet stunning landscape despite its intimidating name.  The park’s natural environment shows its rich geological history.  The oldest rocks date back at least 1.7 billion years and have undergone extensive metamorphosis.  Visitors can explore dramatic landscapes from sand dunes and salt flats to colorful canyons.  The winter months bring comfortable temperatures between 65-82 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for exploration.

Death Valley Where to Stay

A USD 200 million renaissance has given The Oasis at Death Valley two unique experiences.  The historic Four-Diamond Inn at Death Valley serves as an elegant hideaway with spring-fed pools and classic California-desert style.  The Ranch at Death Valley buzzes with activity and welcomes families with rooms starting at USD 169 per night.  Budget travelers might like Stovepipe Wells Village, which offers rooms from USD 250 per night.  The nearby towns of Beatty (45 minutes from Furnace Creek) and Pahrump (1.5 hours away) provide more affordable options outside the park.

Death Valley What Not to Miss

Badwater Basin amazes visitors at 282 feet below sea level.  This lowest point in North America showcases spectacular salt flats with remarkable geometric patterns.  Artist’s Drive leads through a 9-mile scenic loop where oxidized metals paint colorful hills in a kaleidoscope of hues.  Zabriskie Point rewards early risers with one of the park’s most spectacular sunrise views.  The park’s Gold Tier Rating as an International Dark Sky Park makes it one of America’s darkest places, perfect for stargazing.  Death Valley creates a Southern California weekend getaway that you won’t find anywhere else.

San Luis Obispo

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San Luis Obispo (SLO) sits right in the middle of California’s Central Coast.  This charming spot blends outdoor adventures, rich culture and amazing food scenes.  Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco along the historic Pacific Coast Highway 1, SLO combines mountain views and ocean access for a perfect weekend escape.

San Luis Obispo Highlights

Locals know this vibrant hub of California’s Central Coast as “SLO CAL”.  The region shows off its diverse landscapes beautifully.  Visitors can walk along beaches and explore seaside towns on Highway 1 or hit the scenic trails at Montaña de Oro.  The heart of downtown SLO beats around Higuera Street, where 120 local vendors create a genuine small-town feel.  The famous Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market comes alive every Thursday at 6 PM.  Five blocks turn into a festive celebration with fresh produce, legendary BBQ and live shows.

San Luis Obispo Where to Stay

The city welcomes visitors with stays ranging from luxury hotels to unique inns.  Hotel San Luis Obispo brings modern urban resort living with a full spa, steakhouse, and art bar.  The hotel gives guests downtown access while keeping that Central Coast calm.  Hotel Cerro features modern rooms with eco-friendly touches and fiber-optic internet.  Madonna Inn stands out with 110 themed rooms and extras like horseback riding, hiking trails and tennis courts.  Travelers watching their budget should check out La Quinta Inn & Suites, which includes comfortable rooms and breakfast at no extra cost.

San Luis Obispo What Not to Miss

History buffs will love Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, built in 1772.  Many call it California’s most beautiful mission.  Adventure seekers can climb Bishop Peak, the tallest of the Morros mountains.  The summit rewards hikers with amazing views after a one to two-hour trek.  The Bob Jones Trail gives an easier option with its 2.5-mile path from SLO to Avila Beach.  Food enthusiasts should head to the SLO Public Market for everything from burgers to bao buns.  The city holds secret spots like Linnea’s Garden Patio, a peaceful retreat behind a downtown coffee shop and the historic Octagon Barn that catches eyes from Highway 101.

Laguna Beach

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Laguna Beach epitomizes the perfect SoCal weekend getaway for art enthusiasts and beach lovers with its dramatic coastal cliffs and 30 distinct coves.  This coastal jewel sits between San Diego and Los Angeles, combining artistic heritage with waters as pristine as Hawaii’s.

Laguna Beach Highlights

The 80-year-old art colony of Laguna Beach keeps its creative spirit alive through galleries, public art installations and annual festivals.  The Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters ranks among the top three festivals in the U.S. and has been a summer tradition for over 80 years.  The downtown area engages visitors with its eclectic mix of boutique shops, art galleries and quaint cafes.  Visitors often encounter the famous “Greeter” statues that commemorate Eiler Larsen, who became the town’s official greeter in the 1940s.

Laguna Beach Where to Stay

Montage Laguna Beach delivers a luxurious oceanfront experience from its stunning bluff location with direct beach access and ocean views.  Hotel Joaquin welcomes design enthusiasts with an intimate adults-only retreat featuring bohemian-inspired decor across 22 rooms.  Laguna Beach House delivers excellent value with its surf-inspired esthetic and central location.  Laguna Beach has more beachfront hotels than any other California city.

Laguna Beach What Not to Miss

Heisler Park’s half-mile paved path provides spectacular coastal views and perfect spots for picnics or barbecues on the grass.  The Laguna Art Museum stands as California’s oldest museum, just 300 feet from the ocean.  Splashes Restaurant at Surf & Sand Resort revealed its new look with sleek marble tables and elegant ocean-view furnishings.  Thousand Steps Beach rewards visitors with dramatic coastlines and Instagram-worthy views, despite having fewer steps than its name suggests.

Discover the best beaches in California.

Paso Robles

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Paso Robles has transformed over the last century into a distinctive SoCal weekend getaway that perfectly blends ranching heritage with world-class viticulture.  This wine-making heart of San Luis Obispo County started as a hot springs retreat and cattle ranchers’ town.  Now it’s become a paradise for creative winemakers with more than 200 wineries and tasting rooms.

Paso Robles Highlights

Paso Robles combines rising ambition with Southern California charm.  The area has more than just impressive vineyards.  Sensorio, an artist’s light installation, features 100,000 solar-powered fiber-optic spheres spread across 15 acres.  The historic City Park downtown sparkles at night with hundreds of lights decorating 21 tall trees.  You’ll still find the town’s ranching roots alive at the California Mid-State Fair’s livestock sales and Boot Barn’s extensive collection of hats and boots.

Paso Robles Where to Stay

The town offers accommodations that range from historic landmarks to modern retreats.  The iconic Paso Robles Inn remains the heart of town life with weekday rates from $215 to weekend rates of $430.  Geneseo Inn creates a special stay in shipping container rooms overlooking vineyards, with nightly rates between $325-$500.  The newly renovated River Lodge welcomes guests as a retro-chic boutique hotel featuring an adults-only pool area for guests 21 and older.  The lodging options will grow when the 151-room AVA Hotel opens downtown in summer 2025.

Paso Robles What Not to Miss

Wine lovers should check out these special experiences:

• Tin City – A modern industrial complex home to Field Recordings Winery, BarrelHouse Brewing Co. and the Michelin star-winning Six Test Kitchen serving a 12-course tasting menu ($235 per person)
• Etto Pastificio – This triple threat combines a pasta factory, wine tasting and Italian dishes made with local ingredients
• Paso Market Walk – The city’s first food hall features 16 food-and-drink-focused shops, including the creative Blending Lab

Make sure to get tickets for Sensorio (adult admission $45-$65) to see Bruce Munro’s extraordinary light installations.  A new large-scale work will debut in February 2025.

Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park sits at the meeting point of two desert ecosystems.  This 774,000-acre preserve makes a perfect SoCal weekend getaway with its dramatic landscapes and star-filled skies.  The park shows nature’s artistry where the Colorado and Mojave Deserts collide, each bringing its own ecosystem and unique territory.

Joshua Tree Explains

The park gets its alien-like look from its namesake Joshua trees.  These distinctive plants grow only in the Mojave Desert, making this park their exclusive home on earth.  White flower clusters might appear on these trees between February and April if winter rainfall is sufficient.  The park holds nearly 300 abandoned gold and silver mines and five water oases with surprising palm trees.  California’s most spectacular sunset skies paint the horizon here.  The stars shine with brilliantly defined colors and crystal-clear visibility, making it one of Southern California’s best stargazing spots.

Joshua Tree Where to Stay

The park’s surrounding area offers accommodations from basic to luxury.  Hicksville Trailer Palace creates a fun mini-community with its uniquely themed Airstream trailers.  AutoCamp Joshua Tree brings upscale glamping with its mid-century modern Quonset Hut Clubhouse, general store and seasonally heated pool. Built in 1950, the historic Joshua Tree Inn stands just six miles from the park entrance.  The inn’s room 8 holds special significance as musician Gram Parsons’s final resting place.  The village area works best for first-time visitors because of its central location and easy park access.

Joshua Tree What Not to Miss

Ryan Mountain stands as the park’s second tallest peak.  A moderate 1.5-mile hike leads to breathtaking panoramic desert views.  The Hidden Valley Trail loops through a mile-long valley that once supposedly sheltered cattle rustlers’ herds.  The Cholla Cactus Garden displays unique cacti with almost see-through needles that light up beautifully during golden hour.  Adventurous visitors should check out Fortynine Palms Oasis.  This 3-mile round-trip leads to a secluded palm-filled oasis, though visitors should verify its current opening status.

Comparison Table

Enjoy SoCal Weekend Getaways

Southern California’s hidden getaways offer a rich source of weekend escapes from city life.  These 15 destinations showcase remarkable diversity, from Wrightwood and Idyllwild’s pine-scented mountain retreats to Catalina Island’s Mediterranean charm.  Each spot brings something unique – Ojai shines with wellness activities, Solvang celebrates its Danish roots, and Joshua Tree amazes with its desert landscape.

The best part? Most destinations sit just two hours away from Southern California’s major cities.  Visitors spend less time driving and more time enjoying these special places.  Many spots on this list match their famous counterparts perfectly.  Paso Robles delivers wine country charm without Napa Valley’s crowds. Laguna Beach’s waters shine as brightly as Hawaii’s.

Accommodation choices span from the luxurious Montage Laguna Beach to unique spots like Hicksville Trailer Palace in Joshua Tree.  Smart travelers can find great deals, especially during shoulder seasons or midweek stays.

Popular tourist spots deserve attention, but these hidden gems create authentic experiences.  Death Valley captivates with stark beauty.  Temecula enchants with hot air balloon rides over vineyards.  Lake Arrowhead’s private waters create unforgettable moments away from tourist crowds.  Next time weekend adventure calls, skip the obvious choices.  These Southern California treasures have delighted locals quietly for years.

FAQs

Q1. What are some unique weekend getaways in Southern California?
Some unique weekend getaways in Southern California include the Danish-inspired town of Solvang, the artistic mountain retreat of Idyllwild, the Mediterranean-style Catalina Island, the otherworldly landscape of Joshua Tree National Park and the wine country charm of Paso Robles.

Q2. Which Southern California destinations offer the best outdoor activities?
For outdoor enthusiasts, destinations like Big Bear Lake, Joshua Tree National Park, and Death Valley National Park offer excellent hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing opportunities.  Coastal areas like Encinitas and Laguna Beach are perfect for surfing and beach activities.

Q3. Are there any lesser-known wine regions in Southern California?
Yes, Temecula Valley and Paso Robles are emerging wine regions in Southern California.  Temecula boasts nearly 50 wineries, while Paso Robles has over 200 wineries and tasting rooms, offering a less crowded alternative to more famous wine destinations.

Q4. What’s a good weekend getaway for art and culture enthusiasts?
Laguna Beach, with its numerous art galleries and annual Festival of Arts, is an excellent choice for art lovers.  Ojai also offers a vibrant arts scene, while Solvang provides a unique cultural experience with its Danish heritage and architecture.

Q5. Which Southern California destinations are best for a relaxing spa weekend?
Ojai is renowned for its wellness focus and spa resorts.  The Ojai Valley Inn offers luxury spa treatments.  Other options include the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa in the mountains or coastal retreats like the Montage Laguna Beach for oceanfront relaxation.