Are you looking for fun weekend getaways near Los Angeles? We can help.
Do not get us wrong. We love Los Angeles. Los Angeles has a lot to offer, from family-friendly attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, and Knott’s Berry Farm, to beautiful beaches such as Manhattan Beach, or the gritty downtown of LA.
LA can, however, be a little… overwhelming. The traffic is unbearable, there are many people and you need to take a break. We’ve mastered the art of weekend escapes from the chaos that is Los Angeles.
Our top weekend getaways in Los Angeles are perfect for singles, couples and families.
WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM LOS ANGELES
If you do not already own a vehicle, we recommend renting a car for your weekend getaway in Los Angeles. There are Amtrak and bus routes that go to these locations, but it’s not as convenient. You’ll need Uber or taxis to get to your hotel or to the local hotspots.
Check out our packing list for summer road trips to help you get ready for our best picks of road trips in Los Angeles.
PALM SPRINGS
Palm Springs can be reached easily by weekend from LA. It should take about two hours to get from downtown LA, assuming there is no traffic. There are also some cool wind turbine farms and Cabazon Dinosaur Statues along the way.
You can also visit Joshua Tree National Park, another of our top picks, in just an hour if you want to.
Palm Springs still retains a great deal of its 1920s Hollywood glamour, which first made it a tourist destination. You’ll find plenty of resorts to choose from, as well as great shopping and Instagram-friendly spots. Book some time at your hotel pool to enjoy a cocktail and the Palm Springs experience.
DESERT HEAT SPRINGS
Desert Hot Springs, a small town located between Palm Springs National Park and Joshua Tree National Park, is the perfect place to spend a day. We decided to stay in Desert Hot Springs on our last daytrip from LA because it is known as having some of best hot springs resorts nearby.
I’m so glad we did! The four members of our family spent a few relaxing days in the Miracle Hot Springs Resort. We enjoyed the eight mineral hot pools, all at different temperatures. Heaven!
We paid a lot for our hotel room during Spring Break. But you can find a similar room at a fraction of the cost in low season.
We ate at Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant, just 10 minutes walk from our hotel, after a day of soaking. Tacos are always a hit with our family when we visit a hot springs hotel.
You love hot springs? Visit Harrison Hot Springs Resort located in Harrison, British Columbia or Hotel Termas de Papallacta just outside Quito, Ecuador.
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARKS
Joshua Tree National Park offers some of the most beautiful scenery you’ve ever seen. The park is only two and a quarter hours away from Los Angeles, so it’s a great weekend getaway.
There are many hiking options in Joshua Tree. Prepare yourself for a dry, hot desert climate. It can get cooler at night.
Joshua Tree, with its low light pollution, is one of the best places to see the stars at night.
Joshua Tree has a wide variety of wildlife. There are over 250 bird species and 57 mammal types.
Travelocity has a list of tours and activities around Joshua Tree. You can take a hummer tour to Jushua Tree. There are also Jeep tours, a beginner’s rock climbing tour, and a San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour.
LAS VEGAS
Vegas is not often listed as a weekend getaway from Los Angeles. It’s only four hours from downtown LA but you can easily rent your own car in Los Angeles and cruise up Interstate 15 to reach the Las Vegas Strip just a few short hours later.
Be sure to get plenty of sleep before you go on a weekend trip. We always leave Las Vegas more tired after our visits because it’s so busy and there is more to do.
You can enjoy a weekend in Vegas with your family, friends, or solo. This trip will likely include a walk down the Strip, a stop at an all-you-can-eat buffet, and a show by Cirque du Soleil.
We visited Las Vegas with our entire family last time, and we were sure to take in all of the free family attractions like the Bellagio Fountains at The Mirage, the Circus Circus Free Shows, and the Volcano. Some things we thought were free have become paid-only, such as the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay or Stratosphere Tower Observatory Deck.
The Coca-Cola Store in the Strip had a fun tray with 16 different flavors of Coca-Cola products from around the world. The tray contains 16 different Coca-Cola flavors from around the globe for only $8! There are a variety of flavors, including Inca Kola (from Peru) and Beverly (from Italy).
Also, we got the 8 sample float tray. We were a little overwhelmed, but we managed to drink most of it. Ask for extra cups if you are with a group or family so that everyone can try a bit of everything.
CATALINA ISLAND
Catalina Island, located just 25 miles south of California’s southern tip, is a completely different world. Accessible by helicopter, boat or ferry, Catalina Island is a world apart. The majority of people travel by passenger ferry to the island from mainland ports such as San Pedro, Long Beach Newport Beach or Dana Point. The Catalina Express ticket costs about $37 USD for a round-trip.
Catalina Island, located near Los Angeles, has a completely different vibe. It is a great place to spend a romantic weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This little island in southern California has a surprising number of things to do. Zip lines are a great way to experience outdoor adventure. Animal lovers can enjoy a Falconry Experience where a hawk will land on their gloved hand. If you prefer the indoors, you can try your luck at the island’s casino.
Renting a golf car, using a hotel shuttle or the Garibaldi bus is a great way to get around. You can also choose from a variety of accommodations, including bed and breakfasts, tenting or 4-star country inns.
VENTURA
Ventura is just under two hours drive from downtown LA. Its coastline displays the true beauty and power of the ocean. The city is known for its beautiful beaches but also for its arts, culture, music, and food.
Even during peak times, the beaches are not crowded. You can also visit uninhabited islands off the coast via boat.
SOLVANG
Solvang California, if you are interested in Norse Culture and willing to drive for two and a quarter hours, is the place for you.
Solvang, a small town north of Santa Barbara, is known for its Danish-style architecture and numerous wineries and museums. The Elverhoj Museum is a great cultural experience. While the Hans Christian Andersen Museum takes you to a magical land, it’s also a good place for those looking for something more traditional.
TEMECULA VALLEY
Temecula Valley, located in southern California, is the closest area to LA. It’s only about an hour and half away from downtown LA if traffic is good (which in LA can be rare). Temecula Valley is a beautiful area that offers a lot to do and see. It’s a hidden gem amongst lush green hills.
You can choose from a variety of hot-air-balloon flights that depart from Temecula. There are over 30 wineries in the valley, and many restaurants serving delicious food. After admiring the beauty from above, treat your taste buds to the local cuisine.
LAGUNA BEACH
After an hour’s drive from LA, you will arrive at a city that is situated on a rugged coastline with rocky outcrops and lush vegetation.
Laguna Beach has it all. Whether you are looking for a peaceful beach to sunbathe on, a place to shop and enjoy gelato downtown, or a place to hike along some stunning mountain trails, this is the perfect destination for you.
There are plenty of attractions in southern California and Nevada that you can enjoy within a short drive of Los Angeles.
