Top 10 Weekend Trips From Los Angeles

Los Angeles is just buzzing (even more than usual!) during the holiday season. And don’t get me wrong – I love all the festive spirit and holiday cheer all around. But if you’ve ever lived in LA or any other busy city, you’ll understand when I say that I’m itching for a quick weekend getaway trip.

And if you’re looking to maximize your vacation days without sacrificing that precious PTO, then this list of epic weekend trips is especially for you! Best part is that all of these top picks are less than 4.5 hours drive from Los Angeles!

1. TEMECULA

ESTIMATED DRIVE TIME FROM LA: 1h 30m
THINGS TO SEE OR DO: Leoness Cellars | Miramonte Winery | The Alpaca Hacienda (highly recommend!) | California Dreamin’ Balloon Adventures (I have a huge fear of heights but this was SO enjoyable and relaxing!)
WHAT TO EAT: Swing Inn Cafe (‘Breaking Bad’ actor Dean Norris is the new owner!) | Mo’s Egg House | The Goat and Vine
WHERE TO STAY: Signature Temecula | Sommer Hus | Churon Inn Winery

Come for its famous wineries (there are so many great ones to choose from) and stay for the magical hot air balloon ride and fun alpaca feeding adventures. Here you can soak in the gorgeous views and sweeping landscapes with your favorite wine in hand. Great for a romantic weekend getaway, or even a fun winery tour with your best friends.

*Sweeping views from our hot air balloon ride*

2. SOLVANG

ESTIMATED DRIVE TIME FROM LA: 2h 45m
THINGS TO SEE OR DO: Seein’ Spots Farm (highly recommend! I fell in love with the most adorable pig here) | Ostrichland USA | Hans Christian Andersen Museum | Old Mission Santa Ines | Visit nearby Santa Barbara
WHAT TO EAT: Paula’s Pancake House | Ellen’s Danish Pancake House | Solvang Brewing Company
WHERE TO STAY: Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn | New Haven Inn | Royal Copenhagen Inn

Solvang is a great option if you’re looking for a short and sweet getaway. Spend the weekend in this lovely little Danish-style town and admire the old-world European architecture (you can’t miss the iconic windmill!). You can also indulge in some authentic Danish pastries and check out the historic horse-drawn streetcar for a cool family experience. It’s also only a 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara if you’d like to fill the weekend up even more.

*Feeding hungry emus at Ostrichland USA*

3. SANTA BARBARA

It might seem odd that visiting a courthouse is the top-rated attraction here, but once you’re at Santa Barbara’s iconic Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse, you’ll understand why. The city itself also has a unique charm to it – it feels likes a quaint city in Europe mixed with the relaxed pace of a seaside town. It’s also only a 45-minute drive from Solvang so you can stop by to visit on the way back to LA.

*Gorgeous exterior of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse*

4. OJAI

Escape to the heart of scenic Ojai Valley for a little olive oil tasting, shopping at the farmer’s market, and outdoor adventures like horseback riding, hiking, biking, and more! If you’re looking for more of a nature retreat, Los Padres National Forest boasts one of the most ruggedly beautiful landscapes in California.

*Picture courtesy of Ojai Olive Oil Tasting Company*

5. SAN DIEGO

ESTIMATED DRIVE TIME FROM LA: 2h 15m
THINGS TO SEE OR DO: Balboa Park | San Diego Zoo (highly recommend!) | San Diego Safari Park (highly recommend!) | SeaWorld | La Jolla Cove
WHAT TO EAT: Bare Back Grill (our favorite burger spot here) | Bronx Pizza (the best Whitestone NY style pizza!) | Phil’s BBQ (very popular with locals and visitors so be prepared for a wait)
WHERE TO STAY: Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle | Best Western Yacht Harbor Hotel | Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

There’s always something to do in San Diego – whether for couples, friend groups, or families. Our favorite thing to do here is visit either the world famous San Diego Zoo or Safari Park – I honestly really enjoy them both. You could also consider getting the 2-visit pass that allows one visit to the Zoo and one visit to the Safari Park. The food here is also amazing! Every time we visit SD, our families always request that we bring back a whole pie from Bronx Pizza.

*Delicious burgers at our fave Bare Back Grill*

6. PALM SPRINGS

Palm Springs itself is a little more relaxed and slow-paced since it’s a popular retirement location, but it can still be a fun getaway if you’re looking for some desert adventures. You can also enjoy the panoramic views of the Sonoran desert from the rotating tramcar of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Palm Springs is also only about an hour drive from Joshua Tree so you can stack the two destinations together for a full weekend of activities.

*Picture courtesy of Covered Wagon Tours*

7. JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Joshua Tree is a very popular choice for a weekend getaway from LA because there’s just so much to do out here. Whether you enjoy camping, hiking, rock climbing, stargazing, or some offroad adventures, Joshua Tree National Park’s got it all. And if that’s still not enough, you can also make the one-hour drive to visit Palm Springs.

8. MALIBU

ESTIMATED DRIVE TIME FROM LA: 1h 15m
THINGS TO SEE OR DO: The Getty Villa Museum (highly recommend!) | El Matador State Beach | Point Dume State Beach and Preserve | Zuma Beach | Malibu Pier
WHAT TO EAT: Moonshadows | Malibu Farm Restaurant | Paradise Cove Beach Cafe
WHERE TO STAY: Courtyard by Marriott Thousand Oaks Agoura Hills | Cambria Hotel Calabasas | The Surfrider Malibu

Gorgeous Malibu is such a nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of LA. Other than its beautiful beaches, you can also visit The Getty Villa Museum (not to be confused with The Getty Center in Brentwood) that features ancient Greek and Roman art in a gorgeous recreated Roman house.

*Picture courtesy of The Getty Villa Museum*

9. BIG BEAR

Anyone in LA will tell you that if you want snow in Southern California, then Big Bear is the easiest and safest bet! Other than snow sports, you can also stroll along the Bavarian-style Big Bear Village and visit the unique specialty shops, bakeries, and candy stores. I also recommend visiting the Big Bear Alpine Zoo if you get a chance. Whenever we visit Big Bear, we also have to stop by one of our favorite restaurants – Peppercorn Grille (the Maui crab cakes are to die for!!).

*The snowy streets along our cozy cabin*

10. SAN SIMEON

ESTIMATED DRIVE TIME FROM LA: 4h 15m
THINGS TO SEE OR DO: Hearst Castle (highly recommend!) | Piedras Blancas & Light Station | Elephant Seal Vista Point | Hearst Ranch Winery | Drive along Big Sur PCH
WHAT TO EAT: Madeline’s Restaurant & Wine Cellar | Robin’s Restaurant | Sea Chest Oyster Bar
WHERE TO STAY: Cavalier Oceanfront Resort | Quality Inn near Hearst Castle | Coast Riders Inn

When we visited Hearst Castle, we were stunned by the jaw-dropping beauty of both its interior and exterior. The intricate styling and architecture were just mind-blowing to take in, on top of its prime location that allows for breathtaking views of Big Sur. In my opinion, it’s well worth the ~4h drive. Plus the drive along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) also makes for such an enjoyable and fun road trip.