12 Stress-Free Southern California Towns For A Weekend Retreat
With its labyrinth of freeways, concrete jungles of office complexes, and vast array of valleys, Southern California can be a stressful place. Yet with its glorious abundance of wine country villages, snow-covered mountains, sun-drenched deserts, and balmy beaches, Southern California can also be the ideal place to de-stress. Is there anything more de-stressing than a magical morning surf session? Perhaps a fully pampering spa weekend?
With everything from luxurious resorts and championship golf courses to tranquil wilderness and secluded beaches, there’s something for just about everyone to enjoy in these 12 stress-free Southern California towns for a weekend retreat.
Los Alamos
Los Alamos, located about 46 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, has been dubbed “Little LA” due to its numerous tasty foodie finds. There’s Bob’s Well Bread for fine artisan breads and all-day breakfast, Pico (at Los Alamos General Store) for true farm-to-table cuisine with many ingredients sourced from Santa Barbara County farms, and Bell’s for French-inspired and Michelin-starred seasonal fine dining.
For anyone hoping to try some local wines, Los Alamos’ “downtown” also has multiple tasting rooms for local wineries, including Bedford Winery for amazing locally crafted Tempranillos and Chardonnays. And for the perfect place to stay in town, visitors can reach for some higher ground and heavenly hospitality at Skyview Los Alamos.
Carpinteria
Located around 12 miles east of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria is a truly laid-back beach town that makes it easy to slow down and enjoy the good life. Speaking of the beach, Carpinteria State Beach boasts a mile of picturesque white sand that’s ideal for surfing, tidepooling, surf fishing, and camping. Just to the south of the state park lies the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve, a beautiful bluff-top nature preserve featuring lovely wildflower fields and a protected harbor seal rookery on the Southern California coast.
Heading inland, Carpinteria also offers plenty to do in town, including cool craft beers at Island Brewing Company, and a cute collection of boutiques and eateries at Linden Square. A short stroll away from all of these is Carpinteria Beach Cottages, a small array of spacious cottages that work great for families, and really for anyone else looking for a little more room to roam in a scenic setting.
Ojai
Ojai, located around 25 miles inland from Oxnard, may seem like a faraway farm town, yet it boasts otherworldly, delicious delicacies that make it feel like a world away. For a taste of something special, visitors can visit the Ojai Olive Oil farm and browse their selection of artisanal olive oils and olive oil-based personal care products. In addition, one can stop at The Ojai Vineyard tasting room and check out their selection of over 24 local and regional wines. And whenever anyone craves a full meal, Farmer and the Cook is great for down-home yet dressed-up, organic (and vegan-friendly!) fare, while The Dutchess offers a fresh and very SoCal take on classic Burmese cuisine.
While Ojai has several nice places to stay, there’s nowhere quite like the Ojai Valley Inn. Not only does this luxury resort have the area’s poshest selection of guest rooms and suites, but it also has the award-winning, 31,000 square-foot Spa Ojai, the similarly award-winning 18-hole Ojai Country Club, and multiple delectable chef-driven restaurants on site.
Westlake Village
At first glance, Westlake Village appears to be “just another sleepy suburb.” Yet once one takes a closer look at this town, that is about 40 miles west of Downtown Los Angeles, one finds a special gem that should not be slept upon. For one, this town sits at the foot of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, a great expanse of California Mediterranean wilderness with some 500 miles of trails. It’s also a short and scenic drive south to Leo Carrillo State Park, home to some one and a half miles of pristine beaches for surfing, swimming, windsurfing, surf fishing, and simple beachcombing.
Closer to town, Triunfo Creek Park offers another 600 acres of beautiful, deep oak woodlands and native grasslands, making for a lovely hike. There’s also Westlake Golf Club, a leafy, tree-lined golf course that’s easy to reach and to play. Finally, visitors can cap off the day and complete the ideal Westlake weekend with a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, a cozy yet elegant hotel offering a family-friendly atmosphere and a range of soothing wellness-centered amenities.
West Hollywood
Some might look at the urban village of West Hollywood (WeHo), around 10 miles northwest of Downtown Los Angeles, and wonder what makes this an ideal destination for a weekend retreat. Yet once one begins to hike the gorgeous hillside trails at Runyon Canyon, it all starts to make perfect sense. Even better, WeHo is also within easy reach of Franklin Canyon Park, a charming 605-acre oasis with oak woodlands, a three-acre lake, a duck pond, and some five miles of trails.
But, of course, should visitors seek a more lively way to unwind and de-stress, West Hollywood is a true wonderland full of exciting nightlife. More specifically, WeHo’s stretch of Sunset Boulevard (known locally as the “Sunset Strip”) has some of LA’s most legendary live music venues, such as The Roxy Theatre. Over at Santa Monica Boulevard, visitors will find many of LA’s most famous LGBTQ-inclusive clubs, including The Abbey. And for the ultimate A-List Hollywood experience, one can splurge on a snazzy suite at the fashion-forward Andaz West Hollywood.
Rancho Palos Verdes
Rancho Palos Verdes might only be about 15 miles west of Long Beach, yet this beach town feels surprisingly secluded and removed from the rest of the world with its lovely beaches and country-style vibes. Point Vicente Interpretive Center is a great spot to begin one’s journey, with its on-site museum providing a comprehensive view of the local marine ecosystem, along with the nearby Point Vicente Lighthouse that’s been lighting up the coast since 1926. On the other side of the lighthouse is Pelican Cove Park, a beautiful park with a bluff-top coastal view and a path that leads down to a rugged and rocky beach. And for a surprisingly breathtaking beach, Rancho Palos Verdes Beach has amazing tidepools that are worth the hike down.
When visitors feel like teeing off, they’re in luck, as Rancho Palos Verdes has the picturesque Los Verdes Golf Course with some of the best Pacific Ocean views one can find at any golf course in the area. From there, it’s a quick yet scenic jaunt to Terranea, the Palos Verdes Peninsula’s only oceanfront luxury resort with easy beach access, wonderful ocean view rooms and suites, a number of guided activities on land and at sea, and a full-service spa on site.
Big Bear Lake
It might seem odd to think of a sporty ski town in the Inland Empire, but all it takes is one glimpse of the San Bernardino Mountains to remember that Big Bear Lake is only about 25 miles northeast of the city of San Bernardino. Once travelers make it up the mountain, they will discover the wintry wonders of Big Bear Mountain Resort, a four-season hub for outdoor adventure with three areas (Snow Valley, Snow Summit, and Bear Mountain) that open up for wintertime skiing and snowboarding. Even for those uninterested in hopping on a board or onto skis, Big Bear Snow Play offers daytime and nighttime snow tubing sessions on its slopes.
In town, there’s plenty more to discover, including Big Bear Alpine Zoo, which simultaneously provides a safe and healing environment for injured and orphaned animals, and provides visitors a safe place to spot local wildlife like bald eagles, grizzly bears, and mountain lions. For more (human) creature comforts, it’s an easy drive to The Village at Big Bear Lake, where visitors will find a central and walkable collection of restaurants, boutiques, and additional amenities. And right by the lake is where one will find Lagonita Lodge, a cozy and comfy homestyle resort with condo-style accommodations.
Rancho Mirage
Situated in the dry and sunny Coachella Valley of Southern California, Rancho Mirage is the ideal place to escape the winter cold. Just to the south of town, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument extends for some 280,000 acres, offers multiple hiking trails suitable for explorers at all levels, and provides great opportunities to spot local wildlife like bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and boa snakes. Or, for an easier day out, there’s the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Country Club with 6,400 yards of gently rolling terrain to golf and panoramic mountain views.
To see a different side of Rancho Mirage, visitors can make their way to Sunnylands to tour the former home of Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg, which has hosted U.S. presidents, including Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama, as well as world leaders such as Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu and Chinese President Xi Jinping. There’s also the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory, which regularly offers daytime tours and nighttime astronomy events. No matter what visitors aim to do in and around town, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, makes quite the luxurious “basecamp” with newly renovated guest rooms and suites, tasty gourmet dining on site, and their full-service spa.
Idyllwild
About 50 miles west of Palm Springs is the mountain town of Idyllwild, a town that soars high above the desert floor and makes a surprising oasis of alpine scenery and eclectic artistry. Mount San Jacinto State Park is a solid pick to experience much of this alpine scenery with its 50 miles of hiking trails. And for some more experiences in nature, Idyllwild Nature Center is a unique museum and community park that shows more of the natural history and indigenous culture of the San Jacinto Mountains.
For years, Idyllwild has evolved into a vibrant and creative artists’ village, and Mountain Pottery is a great gallery to start exploring the local arts scene with interactive pottery classes and an extensive collection of locally made ceramics. And then, there’s Idyllwild Bunkhouse, a “boutique motel” that offers a special twist on local hospitality with family-friendly (including pet-friendly) camp-style rooms, continental breakfast baskets on weekends featuring homemade scones, and eco-friendly aloe vera-based bath products.
Laguna Beach
Nestled on a ruggedly beautiful corner of the Orange County coast, roughly halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, is the idyllic town of Laguna Beach. Travelers can easily find inspiration while strolling the coastal trail and exploring the intimate cove beaches at Heisler Park. Just steps inland is the Laguna Art Museum, with regularly rotating seasonal exhibitions and a robust collection of over 3,600 works (many of which are by California artists). And at Laguna’s historic downtown, visitors can also indulge in some delectable culinary arts at snazzy restaurants like the New York City-inspired Broadway by Amar Santana and the French bistro-style Moulin.
Situated right in the heart of Laguna is Surf & Sand Laguna Beach, a historic oceanfront hotel that’s undergone a recent renovation and now sports a sleek array of rooms and suites (many of which have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Pacific Ocean), the full-service Aquaterra Spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Valley Center
Seemingly hidden in the backcountry of San Diego’s North County, around 30 miles east of Oceanside, is the bucolic outpost of Valley Center. Here, it’s easy to find farm-fresh goodness at Bates Nut Farm for a wide variety of nutty, fruity, and chocolatey treats, and at Hill Top Winery for an astounding array of red and white wines made from estate-grown grapes. It’s also possible to stretch out in wide-open spaces like the oddly named Hellhole Canyon County Preserve, a beautiful wilderness area with ample equestrian and hiking trails. Even better, Valley Center is a short drive from Palomar Mountain State Park, home to panoramic views at Boucher Hill Summit, great trout fishing at Doane Pond, and the Palomar Observatory.
Back down the mountain, Valley Center has gradually grown into one of San Diego County’s leading hubs for casino gaming, yet Valley View Casino & Hotel remains a local favorite. Not only does Valley View feature a full casino floor with slots and table games, but it is also a comfortable and contemporary hotel offering up-to-date guest rooms and a show-stopping infinity pool.
Coronado
Just across San Diego Bay from Downtown San Diego is Coronado, a coastal town that’s so close to all the big city amenities while maintaining a uniquely small-town atmosphere. There may be no better example of this than Coronado Golf Course, a nationally acclaimed par 72 course with spectacular views of the harbor, the Coronado Bridge, and the downtown skyline. Nearby is Coronado Tidelands Park, a family-friendly green space with a trailhead for the scenic bike path and a calm sandy beach. And at Coronado’s main village, one will find a multitude of inviting bistros and cafes, including Little Frenchie for a fun SoCal take on classic French fare.
No trip to Coronado feels complete without some quality time at Coronado Beach, a long stretch of Pacific Ocean shoreline that’s great for swimming, surfing, tidepooling, and easy strolls on the sand. And for even more time at the beach, it’s worth a stay at the Hotel del Coronado, the legendary 1888 historic landmark that’s since become a refined Hilton LXR resort with five distinct “neighborhoods” of lodging options, several intriguing restaurants (including a Nobu!), and a refreshing full-service salon and spa.
There’s No Need To Stress Over A Trip To These Southern California Towns
Yes, Southern California may be home to bustling cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, but it’s also a larger region full of smaller towns that are picture-perfect for a de-stressing weekend trip. For those who prefer to stay close to urban amenities, West Hollywood is a vibrant and fun-loving town tucked between Hollywood and LA’s Westside. Meanwhile, for those who truly want to escape, Los Alamos is a lovely wine country town with a remarkable restaurant row, and Idyllwild is a beautiful mountain town with a wonderfully creative spirit. And when it comes to beaches, SoCal really reigns supreme with laid-back beach towns like Carpinteria, as well as more elegant coastal hamlets like Laguna Beach and Coronado.
