8 Best Southern California Towns For A Weekend Trip

There are many ways to enjoy a quick weekend trip to recharge your batteries from a stressful work week. Some like to relax at the beach and listen to the waves crashing into the shore, while others prefer more exciting activities like zip-lining or hiking. The beauty of Southern California is that it's a rare geographical region that has every outdoor activity you can imagine, along with memorable amenities. But you don't need to go to the large cities like Los Angeles or San Diego to find these treasures. No, these weekend getaway options are dotted throughout southern California in smaller towns and communities with so much to offer.

Needles

Needles may not be the quintessential California coastal town overlooking the Pacific Ocean, but it's still surrounded by national beauty for a great weekend trip. Located on the border next to Nevada, Needles is a small, quiet desert town just under 5,000 people surrounded by mountain views and the Colorado River wrapped around the eastern edge of town.

A weekend trip to Needles is a great respite during cold winter months for snowbirds compared to the scorching summer when it's one of the hottest places in the country. Take advantage of the famous Route 66 road, known as a popular road trip route, running along Broadway, with lunch at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant and great American comfort food. After lunch, feel free to soak in the rays or cool off at Dead Man's Float, a popular beach along the Colorado River. Next, check out Needles Labyrinth, a historical landmark out in the desert. Finally, rest up at the Palms River Resort on the north side of town.

Buellton

Scenic Santa Barbara county is a great option for a weekend trip and Buellton is the perfect small town getaway. Home to a ltitle over 5,000 residents as of the 2020 census, Buellton sits 40 miles northwest of Santa Barbara along the 101 highway.

Resting in the Santa Ynez Valley, this charming river town has a blend of craft beer, vintage cars, and outdoor adventures perfect for a memorable weekend. Start your trip with a unique adventure by visiting Ostrichland USA, a ranch for ostriches where visitors can appreciate their beauty, feed them firsthand, or buy fun souvenirs at the gift shop. Next, get an adrenaline rush at Highline Adventures off Hwy 246, where you can zipline over the valley, balance on a rope course, or take a relaxing walking tour.

After a day of activities, stop at the Firestone Walker Brewing Company, a microbrewery with house brews and great pub eats. Not a craft beer fan? Head to Brick Barn Wine Estate to sample some of the regions highest quality wines and stroll around the vineyard taking in amazing views.

Duarte

The next town on the list is Duarte, a town of around 21,000 according to the 2020 census, located in Los Angeles County just northeast of Los Angeles. Duarte, just like Needles, also has the famous Route 66 running through it, making it a tourist attraction for road trippers and a car culture calling to car aficionados.

Cars and famous roads notwithstanding, you can take in memorable scenery just north of town by hiking Twin Springs. Also, don't forget about Lookout Point on the Van Tassel Trailhead, which gives you breathtaking views of the mountains during sunset. If you come during the fall, Duarte has an annual popular classic car show to explore the beauty of car styles from the past.

Coronado

When you think of a Southern California town perfect for a weekend trip, beaches and sun probably come to mind. Perhaps no place represents Southern California better than the breathtaking town of Coronado. Located on the western side of San Diego Bay is this resort town surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, San Diego Bay, and packed beaches.

Whether it's Silver Strand State Beach, Coronado Beach, or Hotel Del Coronado Beach, you can soak in the sun or catch some waves during a fun-filled weekend. If you're staying at one of the resorts, you can relax with a spa trip to the Sea Spa at Loews Coronado Bay Resort or The Spa at Coronado Island Marriott, where you can get a massage or take a Bikram Yoga session.

Hidden Meadows

If you head north out of San Diego to the central part of southern California, you'll find Hidden Meadows, a charming town of around 4,500 people according to the 2024 census. The town is perfect for a weekend getaway, offering lush scenery and rolling hills surrounding the area.

You can take advantage of the Mountain Meadow County Preserve to enjoy nature or hike on the Cougar Pass Trailhead for memorable desert views. After your hike, you can unwind at the Belle Marie Winery to taste some of the region's best wines. Finally, to close out your night, you can try your luck at the Valley View Casino Hotel east of town.

Ojai

Set in the valley of the Topatopa Mountains is Ojai, a scenic small town just east of Santa Barbara. While it may seem like an off-the-beaten path town, there are plenty of htings to do in Ojai for your weekend getaway, but an absolute must is hiking Valley View Preserve-Fox Canyon Trailhead for amazing views of the surrounding area. You can also check out the Taft Gardens and Nature Preserve, but be aware it's appointment only.

Are you looking for a more unique experience? Check out the Ojai Raptor Center, where you can see the largest aviary for raptors in rehabilitation. Nearby is Casitas Lake just southwest of town, where you can park your car right next to the lake and take in the serene view or kayak around the area.

Julian

Head east from San Diego for a quiet mountain retreat for the weekend when you arrive at Julian, a charming small town of around 1,800 squeezed between mountain and desert life. The Volcan Mountain County Preserve is just north of town, where you can visit the Volcan Mountain Trailhead for an unforgettable hike. Because of its history as a gold mining town, you can get a tour of an original 1870s gold mine with Eagle Mining Co.

You can learn about the rich history of the area by touring the Julian Pioneer Museum where you can view artifacts and documents from the area. Finally, take a walk on the wild side at the California Wolf Center and get a guided tour of this conservation center for the California wolf population.

Avalon

Avalon is one of the most unique destinations in the country. Located on beautiful Catalina Island, about 30 miles southwest of Long Beach, California, this 75-square-mile island provides throwback island life while still being in Los Angeles County, making it perfect for a weekend getaway.

Take a land tour of the island, including a Bison Expedition, where you can see these beautiful animals roaming the island. If you're looking for something with more adrenaline, try the Catalina Zipline Eco Tour, 600 feet above Descanso Beach Club. Snorkeling is also a popular activity on Avalon, as you can get the Two Harbors Dive & Recreation Center to teach you how to snorkel in the Pacific Ocean. Finally, summer nights can rekindle your youth with Summer Nights in the Wrigley Ballroom, where you can eat pizza, listen to throwback hits, and roller skate around the ballroom.

As you can see, these Southern California towns are can't-miss options when you need a weekend getaway that isn't filled with traffic jams, never-ending crowds, and overpriced activities. From the excluded and unique island where you'll find Avalon to the quiet border town of Needles, these locales have scenic overlooks, historical museums, and classic car shows that will make your quick weekend trip seem like a never-ending adventure.