California is a massive state with something for every type of visitor. From the hilly coastal charm of San Francisco to the sprawling cityscape of Los Angeles, there’s an abundance of cultural and historical activities throughout California. The state is also home to a number of breathtaking landscapes from rainforests to deserts, white sand beaches, rugged coastlines and much more.
While many visitors stay in California’s most well-known cities, there are many weekend getaways outside the major cities that are worth exploring to see the state in all its natural beauty. With alpine lakes in Tahoe, idyllic coastal communities, plus attractions throughout the northern forests and southern deserts, this guide will help you discover the 7 best spots for a weekend getaway from California.
1. Lake Tahoe
• Distance: Roughly 3 hours from San Francisco (traffic may vary greatly during weekends, holidays and during winter.)
• Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort (AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond)
• Suggested Activities:
Lake Tahoe is one of the deepest lakes in the US and its incredibly fresh water makes for amazing visual clarity in any season. With alpine mountains surrounding the deep blue lake, you can have a stunning experience here whether in the warm summer months or snow-capped winter.
The lake spans both California and Nevada and you’ll find endless activities throughout the region including:
• Sailing, boating, kayaking
• Skiing, snowboarding and snow sports at numerous resorts
• Olympic history and activities at Palisades (formerly Squaw Valley Olympic Resort)
• Numerous small towns with boutique shops and restaurants, including King’s Beach, Tahoe City and more
Drive around the lake for unforgettable views and visit vantage points such as Emerald Bay and Rose Mountain for breathtaking scenery. The location offers accommodations for any budget, from the Ritz-Carlton to hostels and private cabins with cozy fireplaces.
As a precaution: while the winters here are gorgeous and worth exploring, make sure your car has appropriate tires and ideally all-wheel drive to safely cross the mountain pass. During heavy snowfall, chain control may be set up around the lake and at higher elevations.
2. Napa Valley
• Distance: 1.5 hours from San Francisco
• Where to stay: Silverado Resort and Spa (AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond)
• Suggested Activities:
- Private guided wine tours
- Hot air balloon flight over the vineyards
- Castello di Amorosa
Napa is a scenic area with a thriving downtown along with world-class vineyards and tasting rooms scattered along the rolling green hills.
If you love wine and farm-to-table food, you’ll likely enjoy touring the various vineyards which are often ranked among the world’s best. However, you don’t have to like wine to love Napa. Enjoy driving along the hills and vineyards for incredible views of California’s vast countryside and head into downtown for a walk along the historical river walk. There, you’ll find an assortment of breweries, restaurants, art galleries, plus boutique shops that you could spend the whole day exploring.
3. Yosemite National Park
• Distance: Roughly 4 hours from San Francisco
• Where to stay: The Ahwanhnee Hotel (AAA Diamond Designation: Three Diamond)
• Suggested Activities:
Yosemite Valley is one of America’s grandest National Parks and it’s full of breathtaking granite cliffs complete with waterfalls, towering sequoias and views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.
Within the park, you can choose to relax and drive around the loop to effortlessly take in the views or you can get more active along the hiking trails and bike paths (with rentals available.) Some roads may close during the winter and although the drive may be tricky if the snowfall is especially heavy. This is one of the best places in California to experience true autumn colors as well, although the season is generally short-lived.
The spring and summer months are warmer as well as greener and will have a higher chance of waterfalls. However, make sure to book early in warmer months due to the increased traffic.
4. Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea
• Distance: 2 hours from San Francisco
• Where to stay: Tickle Pink Inn (AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond)
• Suggested Activities:
Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea are adjacent towns that are perfect for a dream California weekend getaway. Situated along the Central Californian Coast, both towns have a selection of art galleries, world-class restaurants, plus quaint shops and cafés. In Monterey, drive along the scenic route to see some amazing coastline and scattered Victorian homes. The nearby Monterey Bay Aquarium is highly renowned and makes for a great excursion.
To travel between Monterey and Carmel, you’re encouraged to take the incredible 17-Mile Drive, which is a private road directly along the coast. While you can reach both towns more quickly on the public highway, this $12 toll road is well worth the cost and slower speeds. Stop at one of the many beaches and parking spots along the way to enjoy white sand and amazing turquoise water. You may even get lucky and see whales, dolphins or local otters lounging near the shore.
In Carmel, you can walk along the quaint and historical downtown, complete with renowned European architecture and English “Hobbit” cottages complete with mossy roofs and fairy-tale trimmings.
5. Ojai
• Distance: 1.5 hours from LA
• Where to stay: Ojai Valley Inn (AAA Diamond Designation: Five Diamond)
• Suggested Activities:
- Lake Casitas
- Topatopa Mountains
- Los Padres National Forest
Just outside the bustling city of Los Angeles is the quaint town of Ojai, which is one of the top California weekend getaway spots for outdoor lovers and those into New Age healing and spa treatments. With rolling mountains, numerous bike paths and trails, plus a number of wellness retreats for all styles of relaxation, Ojai combines rich luxury alongside natural beauty in any season.
6. Paso Robles
• Distance: 3.5 hours from both San Francisco and Los Angeles
• Where to stay: Allegretto Vineyard Resort (AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond)
• Suggested Activities:
- In-depth wine-tasting tour of Paso Robles
- DAOU Vineyards tour
With a near equal location between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Paso Robles is one of the best California weekend trip ideas that combines unforgettable views with world-class dining, wine and natural beauty. The area is famous both for its natural hot springs and sprawling vineyards and you can enjoy anything from wine tastings to culinary excursions, plus rejuvenation at the many spas and hot springs around town. Paso Robles is also great for hiking, mountain biking and other outdoor activities throughout the year.
7. Catalina Island
• Distance: 1-hour ferry ride from Los Angeles (Long Beach, Dana Point, San Pedro, Newport Beach)
• Where to stay: Hotel Vista Del Mar (AAA Diamond Designation: Three Diamond)
• Suggested Activities:
Catalina Island can make for a California weekend getaway that feels like entering a whole new world. The town of Avalon is stunning in its natural beauty and colorful architecture and it's a great place to relax for a day or the entire weekend. Throughout the island, you have endless excursions to choose from, including hiking, sailing and sightseeing to world-class wineries, restaurants and much more.
Indulge in spa offerings and unique sightseeing tours or simply wander around and find an activity that fits the moment. With equal parts adventure and leisure, Catalina is a great destination to enjoy when visiting California.
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