9 Perfect Destinations For A Long Weekend In Southern California

Thanks to its idyllic Mediterranean climate and unique topography, Southern California often looks and feels like a place of its own, living in a sort of permanent vacation. For those wanting balmy beaches, Malibu delivers the coastal glamour made famous by Hollywood lore, while Laguna Beach offers an artists’ village with scenery that rarely disappoints. Meanwhile, for anyone seeking something different, this region also offers a mile-high mountain town with its own clear-blue lake, a wine country village with “Old West” flair, and a desert resort town that has welcomed presidents and international diplomats. With so much to experience across the region, it can be hard to choose just one place for a weekend away. To help narrow the list, here are our picks for nine perfect long weekend destinations in Southern California.

Santa Ynez

Around 155 miles southwest of Bakersfield is Santa Ynez, a fabulously flavorful village anchoring the Santa Ynez Valley wine country region. It’s always a good idea to visit some local wineries to try the fanciful fruits of their labors, with key highlights including the sustainability-focused Sunstone Winery, the award-winning Andrew Murray Vineyards, and the family-run Gainey Estate Vineyards. But, in case anyone can use a little change of scenery, it’s a short drive over to Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, a lovely year-round hub for boating, fishing, and even land-based activities like hiking and disc golf.

After a long day touring the wineries (or sailing around the lake), one can return to town and retreat to the cozy yet refined confines of The Genevieve. This luxury boutique hotel features elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, a full-service Splendour Spa, and on-site, incredibly delectable dining options.

Montecito

Directly east of Santa Barbara is Montecito, a posh beach town that excels in serving a very SoCal brand of laid-back “barefoot luxury.” Up in the hills, visitors can escape to a fairy tale-like, lush oasis (by reserving in advance) at Ganna Walska Lotusland, a spectacular botanical garden with a treasure trove of rare and exotic cacti, cycads, ferns, dragon trees, and other colorful plants. A little farther north, folks can experience the wild side of Montecito at Hot Springs Canyon, a 462-acre preserve in the Santa Ynez Mountain foothills with a trail that leads to an actual set of natural hot springs. Or, for another kind of enlightening experience, the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art (on the Westmont College campus) has a permanent collection of over 2,500 works alongside seasonal exhibitions showcasing California artists.

Heading down to the coast, Butterfly Beach serves as Montecito’s window to the Pacific Ocean and a very welcoming spot for swimming, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. And for plenty more quality time at the beach, it might be worth the splurge to stay at the Rosewood Miramar Beach, a true five-star luxury resort offering private surf sessions via their own Miramar Surf Club, the sumptuous Sense spa, multiple top-tier restaurants, and a stunning selection of rooms and suites.

Ojai

Ojai may be around 23 miles north of Oxnard, yet this town feels a world away from the troubles of the outside world with its home-grown, farm-fresh goodness. Right in town, folks can begin to experience the special magic of this place at local businesses like Bart’s Books, an actual open-air independent bookstore, and The Ojai Vineyard’s tasting room, a perfect spot to try some local award-winning wines. In addition, it’s a short and scenic drive out to Ojai Olive Oil, where folks can see the farm and pop into their tasting room to check out their olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and olive oil-based skincare products. And at Los Padres National Forest, the Pratt, Foothill, and Fox Canyon Trails Loop is a gorgeous place for hiking, running, and taking in the amazing valley views from above.

To make one’s Ojai getaway a little extra special and a whole lot more luxurious, the Ojai Valley Inn is the picture-perfect resort. Not only does this resort have wonderful Mediterranean-style grounds and spacious rooms and suites, but it’s also the place to go for exceptional dining and the world-class Ojai Spa.

Malibu

Only about 35 miles west of Downtown Los Angeles lies a legendary beach town showcased in countless movies and TV shows, a town so famous that its mere name evokes a certain image of sun-kissed coastal glamour. Of course, this California beach town is the one-and-only Malibu. Malibu Lagoon State Beach is where to go to walk the famed Malibu Pier, catch some waves at Surfrider Beach, and do some birdwatching at the lagoon. A little farther west, Point Dume State Beach is great for swimming, surfing, scuba diving year-round, along with whale watching (especially California gray whales) during spring migration. And for even more natural thrills, Point Mugu State Park has five miles of pristine Pacific Ocean shoreline and ample opportunities to go hiking, biking, and horseback riding on the inland trails.

After all that exploring at all those beaches and parks, it’s easy to build up an appetite, and Broad Street Oyster Co. is a great spot for fresh California seafood and tasty treats like warm lobster rolls and “spiny spaghetti.” And for the perfect place to complete the ultimate Malibu weekend, it’s worth a stay at the Malibu Beach Inn for a warm and inviting boutique hotel with a prime oceanfront location near the pier.

San Marino

Not only is it a nice 13-mile drive up the Arroyo Seco Historic Parkway from Downtown Los Angeles to reach San Marino, but this drive leads to a surprisingly quaint, charming, and cultured town in the sunny San Gabriel Valley. Perhaps the crown jewel of this town is The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, a majestic and expansive historic estate featuring a permanent collection of over 50,000 works spanning over 2,000 years across three continents at the art museum, a working research library on campus, and a 130-acre botanical garden with plenty of roses, succulents, orchids, cycads, and other rare plants. Staying in the neighborhood, visitors can also check out The Old Mill - El Molino Viejo, a grist mill built to serve Mission San Gabriel in 1816 that’s since grown into Southern California’s oldest surviving commercial building and a wonderful garden showcasing native trees and flowers.

Since San Marino remains a very close-knit community, travelers will not find the kinds of massive strip malls and food halls that have become commonplace elsewhere in the region, but that certainly does not mean they will be left hungry. In fact, Colonial Kitchen continues to serve classic Americana food and vibes after 93 years in operation, while Masamitsu Japanese Cuisine serves up delicious sushi, sashimi, tempura, soups, and other Japanese delights. And only a few blocks away, The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, is a historic hotel (originally opened as the Hotel Wentworth in 1907) that continues to pay homage to its heritage while also providing 21st-century hospitality with stately rooms and suites, a fully-equipped fitness studio and spa, and a mouthwatering array of on-site restaurants.

Lake Arrowhead

Perched high in the San Bernardino Mountains of SoCal’s Inland Empire is Lake Arrowhead, a unique four-season mountain resort community that offers so much to see and do on land and on water. At the lake, visitors can book a sail on the historic Lake Arrowhead Queen and get around the lake in epic style. Or, folks can drive down to the nearby Lake Gregory for year-round boating, paddling, and fishing, as well as a seasonal swimming beach. Meanwhile, on land, Snow Valley (part of Big Bear Mountain Resort) is the region’s oldest continually operating ski area with 32 trails across 240 acres. And for a less groomed and more wild experience, the Arrowhead Pinnacles Trail provides a challenging yet rewarding path to panoramic mountain and Mojave Desert views at the top.

Whether one’s looking for a comfortable “base camp” for exploring the San Bernardino Mountains or a luxurious alpine retreat, Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa is the perfect place to stay in town. The property is located right next to the Lake Arrowhead Village retail and entertainment district and within easy reach of the region’s ski resorts and hiking trails, yet it’s also a full-service resort with the Spa of the Pines and Bin 189 restaurant right on site.

Rancho Mirage

It’s merely a 12-mile drive from Downtown Palm Springs to Rancho Mirage, yet this drive leads to a quieter and serenely refined side of the Coachella Valley. A major highlight in town is Sunnylands, the historic Annenberg family estate that U.S. presidents like George H.W. Bush and Barack Obama used to host official diplomatic events, and which now invites guests to explore its landscaped grounds and storied art galleries. Then, for a more ethereal kind of exploration, Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory hosts regular stargazing sessions and other special astronomy-centered events. Directly south of town, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument spreads across some 280,000 acres of Colorado Desert wilderness, rising from lush palm oases at the desert floor to mountain peaks topping 10,000 feet above sea level. And for a more easygoing day out, Mission Hills North is an acclaimed Gary Player-designed par 72 golf course with spectacular mountain and desert views.

While there’s a lot going for Rancho Mirage, here’s another great reason to play and stay at this town: Sensei Porcupine Creek. This ultra-luxury boutique resort is a 230-acre property dedicated to wellness and tranquility with its own private golf course, on-site tennis courts, a full menu of spa services, and plenty of wholesome fine dining.

Laguna Beach

Roughly halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego is the Orange County beach town of Laguna Beach, a longtime artists’ village with stunning natural beauty that serves as constant inspiration. Downtown, Laguna Art Museum hosts a variety of fascinating exhibitions along with a permanent collection featuring some 3,500 works by California artists. A few blocks south, The Old Pottery Place took a vintage 1936 pottery shop and reimagined it into a central hub for locally-owned boutiques, including the independent Laguna Beach Books store and The Chocolate Soldier sweet shop. Or, heading north, folks can discover some three miles of unspoiled beaches and 2,400 acres of coastal wilderness open to hiking and biking at Crystal Cove State Park.

While Laguna abounds in illustriously beautiful beaches, another special treasure is the aptly named Treasure Island Beach, a phenomenal spot for swimming, snorkeling, skimboarding, tidepooling, and simple strolls by the shore. And for some extra quality time at this storied shore, visitors can book a stay at Montage Laguna Beach, Orange County’s premier luxury resort offering supremely sumptuous rooms and suites, an all-star lineup of restaurants, the perfectly soothing Spa Montage, and a concierge staff ready to help put together all kinds of great experiences at the resort and around town.

Solana Beach

Solana Beach may be 23 miles north of the hustle and bustle of Downtown San Diego, yet this laid-back beach town has plenty of its own special attractions and amenities that keep locals and visitors wanting more. For one, the Cedros Avenue Design District in the heart of town features over 85 merchants offering everything from original art to creative home design and lively dining and entertainment. Meanwhile, for a quieter side of town, San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve spreads across 979 acres of tranquil coastal wetlands perfect for hiking, equestrian riding, and birdwatching. Where the lagoon meets the Pacific Ocean, Cardiff State Beach features gently sloping sand that opens up to warm and inviting ocean water for surfing, swimming, and surf fishing. And back at the center of town, Fletcher Cove is a pleasant spot for swimming, bodyboarding, and fishing.

Whatever one decides to do in and around Solana Beach, it’s easy to stay close to the action while enjoying the ideal country-style retreat at the nearby Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. This longtime favorite resort has recently undergone a full renovation, and guests can now expect rooms and suites that exude California-style luxury, as well as transformative wellness experiences at the Mila Moursi Spa and multiple enticing dining options on site.

These Idyllic Towns Are Made For Long Weekend Escapes

Across Southern California, travelers have all sorts of incredible options for long weekend retreats. In Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez is the wine country town combining “Old West” character with new and exciting flavors. Hopping over to Ventura County, Ojai always offers wholesome experiences to satisfy all the senses. Shifting to Los Angeles County, Malibu is the world-famous beach town that might actually look better in person than it does on the silver screen. In Orange County, Laguna Beach is the artsy beach town that’s as creative as it is scenic. And down in San Diego County, Solana Beach is the place to go for picture-perfect beaches and one-of-a-kind finds on Cedros Avenue. No matter what folks are looking for, there’s always a good chance they will find that and so much more at these wonderful SoCal destinations.