5 Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles 

Prachi Gupta

Updated on:

Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles

Located in the USA, the city of Los Angeles has many things to offer but giving a breather to yourself during the weekend can help you recharge your batteries. So, during your time off from work or studies treat yourself by exploring some of the amazing getaways from Los Angeles. The good news is that there are many luxe accommodations, swanky restaurants and breathtaking landscapes located in the close proximity of Los Angeles. 

To help you pick a weekend getaway from Los Angeles we have curated this blog where we have covered some of the amazing places you can explore during your time off. Keep reading further to know more! 

Places Address 
Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, California, USA
Palm Springs Palm Springs, California, USA
San Diego San Diego, California, USA
Joshua Tree National Park, CaliforniaJoshua Tree National Park, California, USA
Big Bear Lake, California Big Bear Lake, California, USA

1. Santa Barbara 

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Santa Barbara is a really nice place for a weekend trip. It’s not the place for exciting city adventures, but here you can enjoy its history, fancy restaurants, old-fashioned look, and beautiful beaches. Santa Barbara is surrounded by tall green mountains and the deep blue ocean, making it a desirable location for a long time. The main street is called State Street, and it’s lined with shops, pretty good (and getting better) restaurants, and classy bars. You can also find some hidden, not-so-fancy bars around here. If you go further up the downtown area, you’ll reach the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, a nice place to see old and new art. On the other side of State Street, there are places where you can taste wine in an area called the Funk Zone, and the street ends at Stearns Wharf by the Pacific Ocean. This is where fishing boats bring in their catches of the day.

Distance from Places of Interest 

Place ETA 
Benchmark Eatery (Restaurant)4 minutes drive 
The Presidio (Hotel)5 minutes drive 
Elsies Tavern (bar)3 minutes drive 

How to Reach 

Also Read: 5 Weekend Getaways From Salford You Must Know 

2. Palm Springs 

Palm Springs is a great place for people from Los Angeles to go for a short trip. It’s good for all kinds of occasions. If you’re looking for a road trip destination, you can visit the area to see cool midcentury houses and the desert landscape, even if you’re not staying overnight. In the summer, there are fewer people around, but it can get very hot, often reaching temperatures above 100 degrees. It’s manageable if you cool off in a pool with a drink in your hand.

Distance from Places of Interest 

Place ETA 
Thai Smile Palm Springs (Restaurant)3 minutes drive 
Hyatt Palm Springs (Hotel)2 minutes drive 
Palm Canyon Roadhouse (Bar)5 minutes drive 

How to Reach 

3. San Diego 

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When you head south from Los Angeles, you’ll reach Orange County, which has lovely beach cities like Laguna and Newport. They are incredibly beautiful, but they can feel a bit like a different version of L.A. If you really want to get away from the big city feel, you should go even further south into San Diego.

Even though it’s just a two to three-hour car or train ride away, it’s a good idea to set aside a full weekend to enjoy your trip at a more relaxed pace. You can take leisurely walks along the stunning shores at Torrey Pines State Beach and enjoy the coastal beauty of La Jolla. You can also relax on the sandy beaches of Coronado, which is a great place to make your home base for the weekend, and explore its charming town.

Don’t forget to visit Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, have a meal in Little Italy, and experience the lively atmosphere of the Gaslamp Quarter at night. It’s a great way to make the most of your trip.

Distance from Places of Interest 

Place ETA 
Doner Mediterranean Grill (Restaurant)3 minutes drive 
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, an IHG Hotel (Hotel)4 minutes drive 
The Tipsy Crow (Bar)3 minutes drive 

How to Reach

Also Read:  5 Existing Places to Visit During Weekend Getaways from Manchester 

4. Joshua Tree National Park, California

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You can find peace in the desert and explore the amazing natural beauty of Joshua Tree National Park. It’s about 130 miles to the east of Los Angeles and not too far from Palm Springs. You can discover the 800,000 acres of desert wilderness by hiking, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, backpacking, or taking pictures.

Before you visit here, visit the Joshua Tree Cultural Center in Twentynine Palms, California. There, you can get maps, information about the park, and tips for staying safe. This museum also has exhibits that share stories about Indigenous people and more.

While you’re in Joshua Tree, make sure to see attractions like Skull Rock, Black Rock Canyon, Cottonwood Spring, and Covington Flats. The park has over 500 campsites, and most of them can be reserved in advance. Camping is one of the most convenient ways to stay overnight. If you want something fancier, you can try AutoCamp Joshua Tree, where you sleep in modern Airstream trailers for a glamorous camping experience. And if you have a big budget, you might consider renting one of the most exclusive houses in the world: the Kellogg Doolittle House.

Distance from Places of Interest 

Place ETA 
Chiriaco Summit Restaurant (Restaurant)9 minutes drive 
Coachella Bar (Bar)31 minutes drive 
Quality Inn & Suites Indio I – 10 (Hotel)26 minutes drive 

How to Reach 

5. Big Bear Lake, California 

If you want to escape the cold weather and have some fun, Big Bear Lake is a great place to go. It’s not too far from LA, just under 100 miles to the east. In the winter, it’s perfect for skiers and snowboarders who come to the Big Bear Mountain Resort. When it’s warmer, the lake becomes a centre for boating, hiking, and biking. So, it’s a good spot to visit all year round.

You can rent boats, paddleboards, and kayaks to enjoy the lake, or if you’re up for an off-road adventure, try the Big Bear Jeep Experience; it’s a popular activity. When you’re hungry, you can grab a delicious poke bowl at Tropicali, enjoy Nepalese and Indian food at the Himalayan Restaurant, or try craft beers at Big Bear Lake Brewing Company.

Many people visit Big Bear for a day, but you might want to think about staying longer. You can stay at the Marina Riviera, which has a cool atmosphere like an old ski lodge. It has fire pits, views of the lake, and a heated pool. If you’re on a budget, you can check out the Best Western Big Bear Chateau or look for cabins and cottages to rent on Airbnb.

Distance from Places of Interest 

Place ETA 
Country Kitchen Restaurant (Restaurant)3 minutes drive 
Whiskey Dave’s (Bar)3 minutes drive 
Robinhood Resort (Hotel)1-minute drive 

How to Reach

Also Read: Top 5 Must-Visit Weekend Getaways from Glasgow

FAQs

What European city is most like Los Angeles?

Barcelona is known for being like Los Angeles as this city has beaches like L.A. 

What part of L.A. is famous?

Hollywood in Los Angeles is quite popular all over the globe as this place is home to many world-renowned celebrities. Apart from this, there are many exciting things to do in Hollywood therefore, visiting this place should be on a priority list when visiting L.A. 

What food is LA famous for?

Some of the delectable local food items that you will absolutely love in L.A. are: 
– California Roll
– Tacos 
– Cheeseburgers and Fries 
– Chilli Cheese Hot Dog 
– French Dip Sandwich 

We hope you liked this blog where we covered some of the popular places to visit in Chicago. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118. 

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5 Weekend Getaways From Brighton 
5 Weekend Getaways From Sydney 

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About Prachi Gupta

Prachi has 1.5 yrs of experience in Content & Copywriting. Her skills entail SEO, researching, brainstorming marketing campaigns, suggesting content ideas, graphic designing, Keyword research, understanding user intent etc. She thrives on a work culture that helps her unlearn redundant ways of thinking. Besides this, she always has her binoculars on looking for good books and music recommendations, cocktails and world history.

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