15 Best Weekend Getaways in California: Top Spots and Where to Stay
Searching for the ultimate weekend getaways in California? As seasoned locals who've explored every corner of the Golden State, our expert guide delivers insider tips on 15 must-visit destinations—complete with trusted hotel recommendations for every budget.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a lifelong Californian, choosing the perfect spot can be challenging. Skip long vacations or international flights; elevate your weekend with these handpicked escapes, drawing from our years of firsthand experience.
Santa Barbara
It's easy to see why Santa Barbara captivates visitors, from gourmet enthusiasts to celebrities seeking a relaxed retreat. This coastal gem offers a laid-back vibe with upscale appeal.
Stroll State Street, visit the stunning rose garden at Mission Santa Barbara, explore the vibrant Funk Zone—filled with cafes, boutiques, wine tastings, and galleries—then head to Stearns Wharf. Blend in like a local: rent a bike and cruise the waterfront.
Where to Stay in Santa Barbara
For budget-friendly stays, Coast Village Inn on Coast Village Road is ideal—a 6-minute walk to the beach, with a heated pool and complimentary beach cruiser bikes.
Mid-range travelers love Marina Beach Motel, just 5 minutes from the sand and offering free bikes for guests.
Luxury seekers should book Simpson House Inn, a historic 1874 Victorian B&B with unique rooms, lush gardens, gourmet breakfast, and evening wine tastings.
Read more: Weekend Guide to Santa Barbara
Catalina Island
Catalina Island tempts with beach cabanas for ultimate relaxation, but adventure awaits: tour the iconic Catalina Casino (not a gambling spot), hike the Trans-Catalina Trail, and shop Crescent Avenue. Despite a touch of LA glamour, it's also prime for camping.
Where to Stay on Catalina Island
Budget pick: Hotel Catalina, 20 minutes from the beach with a courtyard patio, hot tub, and fountain.
Mid-range gem: Aurora Hotel, an 8-minute walk to the Casino, featuring free continental breakfast, Friday wine-and-cheese hours, and weekend mimosa bars.
Luxury option: Pavilion Hotel, beachside with landscaped gardens, European-style breakfast, and a spa.
Ventura
Nestled between Santa Barbara and Malibu, Ventura is surfers' paradise with welcoming locals, live music, top bars, and epic burritos. Embrace the outdoor spirit: surf the waves or catch sunsets at Serra Cross Park. Bonus: Day-trip to Channel Islands National Park offshore. See our Ultimate Guide to California’s Channel Islands.
Where to Stay in Ventura
Budget: Viking Motel, 12-minute beach walk, near galleries and shops, locally owned.
Mid-range: Wyndham Garden The Pierpont Inn, 5-minute beach stroll, seasonal outdoor pool.
Luxury: Su Nido Inn, with bespoke suites near Soule Park Golf Course and Ojai Valley Country Club.
Solvang
Dubbed America's Danish Capital, this charming village at the Santa Ynez Mountains' base replicates Denmark with authentic bakeries and eateries—a passport-free international escape.
Where to Stay in Solvang
Budget: Solvang Gardens Lodge, 5-minute walk to Presidio Winery, Alisal River Golf Course, and Solvang Village Square.
Mid-range: Hotel Corque, near Old Mission Santa Ines, with restaurant, outdoor pool, and hot tub.
Luxury: Victorian Mansion At Los Alamos, featuring themed rooms (pirate, Egyptian), daily room-delivered gourmet breakfast.
Napa Valley
Napa's fame for world-class wine is unmatched, but our visits reveal culinary gems like CIA at Copia and Oxbow Public Market, plus indulgent spas for total relaxation.
Where to Stay in Napa Valley
Budget: 3 Palms Napa Valley Hotel & Suites, 5-minute walk to Napa Valley Opera House, outdoor pool, hot tub.
Mid-range: Vino Bello Resort, suites with patios/balconies, kitchenettes, underground cave spa.
Luxury: Adults-only Candlelight Inn Napa Valley, 1929 English Tudor with three-course gourmet breakfast, pool, patio.
Read more: How to Visit Napa on a Budget
San Francisco
San Francisco's unique culture buzzes year-round with festivals, concerts, and icons like the Golden Gate Bridge, Painted Ladies, Lombard Street, and Ghirardelli Square—timeless draws from our local explorations.
Where to Stay in San Francisco
Budget: Inn on Folsom, with bar/lounge, free continental breakfast, modern decor, shared baths.
Mid-range: Hotel Bijou, 8-minute walk to Union Square, ideal for shopping, city vibes, dining.
Luxury: Taj Campton Place, steps from Union Square, in-room spa, 2-Michelin-star restaurant, 24-hour rooftop gym.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide to San Francisco in a Weekend
San Diego
San Diego delivers surf, sand, and endless sun—essential for any California getaway list. Ditch tourist traps; locals head to microbreweries and beaches. Nearby, 45 minutes north: stunning Laguna Beach for a road trip extension.
Where to Stay in San Diego
Budget: Inn by the Sea at La Jolla, 4-minute beach walk, outdoor pool, patios.
Mid-range: Hotel Indigo San Diego – Gaslamp Quarter, overlooking Petco Park, restaurant, city views.
Luxury: Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego, rooftop pool/bar, 7 minutes to Gaslamp, complimentary evening wine hour.
Read more: 15 Best Things To Do in San Diego
Big Sur
Big Sur offers solitude amid redwoods, dramatic coastlines, and mountains—a haven for outdoor lovers, perfect for immersive two-day adventures.
Where to Stay in Big Sur
Mid-range: Contenta Inn, with hot tub, heated outdoor pool, private parking.
Luxury: Ventana Big Sur, adults-only hilltop resort overlooking the coast, two heated pools, private balconies/patios (some with hot tubs).
Read more: The Best Places to Camp in Big Sur (And Must-Know Travel Tips!)
Santa Cruz
Beyond the Beach Boardwalk and Mystery Spot, explore downtown, tide pools at Natural Bridges State Beach. Santa Cruz blends beach, music, food, and fun seamlessly.
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz
Budget: Seaway Inn, 1-minute beach walk, ocean views, fireplaces.
Mid-range: Beach Street Inn and Suites, 2 minutes to beach, bike rentals, courtyard, outdoor pool.
Luxury: Casablanca Inn on the Beach, steps from sand and Boardwalk.
Big Bear
A Southern California favorite, Big Bear swaps city smog for lake boating in summer and winter skiing/snowboarding wonderlands.
Where to Stay in Big Bear
Budget: Robinhood Resort, 5 minutes to lake, tavern with live entertainment.
Mid-range: Noon Lodge at Mallard Bay, cottages with seasonal pool, BBQs, gas fire pits.
Carmel
Carmel's sleepy seaside charm south of Monterey features Pebble Beach golf, white sands, and sea life. Foggy summers and sunny winters make it seasonless perfection.
Where to Stay in Carmel
Mid-range: Candle Light Inn, downtown with in-room breakfast, daily fresh-baked cookies.
Luxury: L’Auberge Carmel, Relais & Chateaux, 5-minute beach walk, historic elegance.
Read more: Rediscovering California’s Central Coast
Malibu
Malibu ditches LA's flash for relaxed beaches and trails—spot a celebrity maybe, but the scenery steals the show.
Where to Stay in Malibu
Mid-range: La Quinta Inn & Suites, pool, free continental breakfast.
Luxury: The Anza, a Calabasas Hotel (35 miles to beach), outdoor heated pool.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide to California’s Pacific Coast Hwy
Palm Springs
Beyond golf and spas, Palm Springs shines with Moorten Botanical Garden, Living Desert Zoo (safari vibes), and the sleek Palm Springs Art Museum—a desert oasis of surprises.
Where to Stay in Palm Springs
Budget: Delos Reyes Palm Springs, outdoor pool, hot tub.
Mid-range: Caliente Tropics, 1960s Tiki-style with cabanas, vast pool/lawn, modern rooms, mountain views, on-site spa.
Luxury: L’Horizon Resort & Spa, adults-only with spa, hot tub, restaurant, pool bar.
Paso Robles
30 minutes from San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach, Paso Robles rivals Napa for wine while delighting beer fans and families. Tour Firestone Walker Brewing, Hearst Castle (spot wild zebras!), JUSTIN Vineyards, Eberle Winery, Castoro Cellars disc golf, and Vina Robles live music.
Where to Stay in Paso Robles
Budget: The Inn on Spring, 4-minute walk to Robles Intermodal Station, nearby wine tours and museum.
Mid-range: Farmhouse Motel, 10-minute downtown walk, 2014 Beautification Award winner.
Luxury: Inn Paradiso, outdoor pool, fruit tree garden, mid-century rooms with luxury linens.
South Lake Tahoe
White sands hug Lake Tahoe's deep blue waters under Sierra Nevada peaks. Winter skiing shines, but summer's mild temps and activities make it year-round magic.
Where to Stay in South Lake Tahoe
Budget: The Alder Inn, seasonal pool, year-round hot tub, free bikes.
Mid-range: Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel, 2-minute walk to Heavenly Gondola and village shops, free breakfast buffet, indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center.
Luxury: The Landing Resort and Spa, beachfront with full spa/salon, rooftop terrace, fitness, sauna, steam room, pool.
Read more: Travel Guide to South Lake Tahoe in the Summer
Plan Your Trip to California
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Accommodation:
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Travel Insurance:
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