7 Best California Towns For A Weekend Trip
A long weekend in California has the potential to feel like a true getaway, especially for those who swap the city for a small-town escape. Fort Bragg offers a rugged setting on the Mendocino Coast with a glass-strewn beach. Sebastopol sits among the orchards and vineyards of Sonoma County, where wine tasting is all but mandatory. Solvang's streets and landmarks are shaped by its Danish-American history, giving it an almost international feel. Farther south, Idyllwild offers a mountain setting beneath San Jacinto Peak, while Carmel-by-the-Sea and Avalon bring the Pacific into play in very different ways. Each of these seven destinations guarantees a break from the norm for a few sweet days.
Avalon
Perhaps no place in California is as apt to be a resort town as Avalon. The town sits on Santa Catalina Island and offers visitors an island setting and rich art and culture scenes. The Catalina Island Inn offers a convenient downtown location for exploring Avalon on foot. The main cultural hub in town is the Catalina Museum for Art & History. The museum has served the island since 1953 and tells its history, dating back to the first settlement over 6,000 years ago. It also features artwork from locals inspired by the island. You'll find a peaceful afternoon at the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, just outside of town. The garden highlights native plants that give Santa Catalina Island its unmistakable charm. And many golfers make a weekend trip to Avalon to tee off at the Catalina Island Golf Course. The public course offers a challenge for all golfers and a great view of town and the island.
Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg is home to some of California's most unique sights, drawing many weekend visitors. The most famous attraction is Glass Beach, covered in smoothed-over glass and truly breathtaking. Though it doesn't have as much glass as it once did, visitors come from all over California to take pictures and see it for themselves. The Beach House Inn is right by Glass Beach and also provides access to the more traditional beaches.
But outside of the beaches, there's still plenty to love about Fort Bragg. The Skunk Train offers historic train rides through the scenic California countryside, along with special weekend trips and seasonal excursions in the fall and winter. And for more winter fun, there's the Festival of Lights. During the festival, the town puts on a dazzling light display to celebrate the Christmas season.
Sebastopol
Sebastopol brings in many visitors throughout the year thanks to its lively arts scene and friendly community. The cultural scene centers around the Sebastopol Center for the Arts. The gallery displays work by local artists and often hosts weekend events that serve as workshops or chances to hear about what's displayed from an artist's perspective. Many of these local artists also sell their work at the Barlow that is also a great spot for retail therapy in the region. The Barlow is home to many trendy stores with handmade products, artisanal food, and wine tastings.
Sebastopol sees one of its biggest influxes of visitors in the spring for the annual Apple Blossom Parade & Festival. The weekend features a huge parade on Main Street and a festival celebrating the town's apple-growing heritage. It's a can't-miss weekend, and it's easy to get to the festival by staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott.
Sonoma
Racing fans descend on Sonoma for several weekends of the year to enjoy some of the best motorsports action California has to offer. The beautiful town in the heart of wine country is home to Sonoma Raceway. The track hosts a major NASCAR event every summer, and many other weekends feature endurance racing, drag racing challenges, and GT car challenges. The Casia Inn just south of town offers a quiet place to stay that's close to the track to enjoy a race weekend without having to worry about transportation.
But Sonoma always invites visitors to its walkable downtown, whether a race is happening or not. The Sonoma TrainTown Railroad is a cute little park that's popular with children. The miniature train takes kids around a tiny town and petting zoo for a fun day out. And for some adult fun, the Buena Vista Winery offers high-quality wines and special weekend events.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea has long been a favorite vacation spot for many thanks to its abundant outdoor activities. Of course, sitting on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, there are plenty of beaches to enjoy. The most easily accessible of these is Carmel Beach, right in the heart of town. The beach has long been popular with wind surfers and anyone who needs a break from life's doldrums with some time by the water. Visitors often stay at Carmel Beach Hotel, just one block away from the beach for a weekend full of relaxation.
For a more active time outside, Carmel-by-the-Sea delivers as well. The town is close to the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links. It is the number 1 public golf course in America based on aggregate ratings and offers an excellent golf experience. If you're not a golfer but still want to spend an active day outdoors, try Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, with trails that take you along the coast to spot wildlife and enjoy the scenic views.
Solvang
A weekend trip to Denmark from California isn't really feasible, but a weekend journey to Solvang is much more manageable. Danish Americans founded the town in 1911 and started incorporating Danish-style architecture in the later years. It is now the "Danish Capital of America" and offers a slice of Scandinavian life on America's West Coast.
The Vinland Hotel and Lounge offers an authentic Danish-style experience to help you acclimate to Solvang's unique character. After a night in the hotel, head to the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art to learn more about Danish culture and how Solvang embraces it. For more Danish culture, there's the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. The museum celebrates Denmark's most famous author with artifacts from his life. And no visit to Solvang is complete without getting food at Olsen's Danish Village Bakery. They have fresh-baked European pastries that harken back to the old world.
Idyllwild
Idyllwild is a dream destination for nature lovers. It sits in the San Jacinto Mountains and offers a gateway to a weekend of hiking at Mount San Jacinto State Park. The park offers some gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape, but much of it is not for the faint of heart. Many of the trails are notoriously difficult, with some hikes featuring more than 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Be prepared and know your limits before tackling the more strenuous trails.
After a day full of hiking, consider spending some time in town to enjoy its relaxing charms. The Grand Idyllwild Lodge offers comfortable rooms and great views of the mountains. Spend some time at the Idyllwild Area Historical Society to learn more about how a community comes to form in the mountains and how the geography affects local culture. And finish the day with dinner and drinks at the Idyllwild Brewpub. They serve up delicious American classics like burgers with delicious craft beers and live music.
Towns That Embody The Best Of California
From north to south, inland to coastal, California has a fascinating array of towns that make for an excellent retreat. The unforgettable Glass Beach of Fort Bragg, the Danish-inspired architecture of Solvang, and the island charm of Avalon showcase just why these are the seven best California towns for a weekend trip.
