9 Stress-Free California Towns For A Weekend Retreat
California, aka "the Golden State," has charm, history, mountains, deserts, immaculate forests, and endless beaches from north to south. The state is also filled with wonderful communities to escape larger cities for a stress-free weekend, whether they are in the southern part of the state, Northern California, or close to the Inland Empire. Each of these communities has its unique history and quirks that make it special, and they are a must-visit after a hard week of work for a long weekend or for an escape from reality until it is back to the office on Monday.
South Lake Tahoe
Right on Lake Tahoe is South Lake Tahoe, a city known for its blend of natural beauty, exciting entertainment, outdoor recreation, with the lake and mountains all around, and vibrant nightlife. Lakeside Beach, a beach on the southern end of Lake Tahoe, is a wonderful place to visit and is open to the public all year round. Visitors to the beach are treated to tranquil views of Lake Tahoe, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the endless green forests. There is an entrance fee of $30 for adults 18 and older.
A wonderful place to spend a weekend in town to refresh and recharge is the Heavenly Valley Lodge, a local lodge-style bed and breakfast, a few blocks away from the beach and lake. Heavenly Valley has a wonderful outdoor area for guests surrounded by evergreen pine trees. Guests can enjoy a nice, warm breakfast and dinner around a fire pit. The rooms are large and spacious, featuring gas fireplaces and a retro feel.
Just at the southern end of town, not far from the lodge, and on the state line with Nevada, is the Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort. The mountain boasts approximately 4,800 acres of skiable terrain, features 28 lifts, 97 trails, and offers its visitors immaculate views of Lake Tahoe, making it the highest resort in the region at over 10,067 feet. Heavenly Mountain can also be enjoyed during the summer months, as people can go zip-lining, go climbing on Granite Peak's climbing wall, go summer tubing, gemstone panning, and much more, making the resort a memorable experience.
Solvang
Just near Santa Barbara is Solvang, a city known for its Danish village atmosphere, traditional European-style architecture, old windmills in the city, and unique attractions. An incredible place to stay in town is the Svendsgaard's Danish Lodge, a hotel near downtown with a three-story interior and Danish architecture throughout. Svendsgaard's is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown and features a pool for everyone to enjoy during the warm months.
Downtown has the feeling of stepping into an actual European village, thanks to the architecture all around. Copenhagen Drive has an endless number of local restaurants and shops to explore. The Copenhagen Sausage Garden, (can you say Bratwurst), serves incredible Danish and German-style meals, and the Solvang Amber Museum is just next door, showcasing the history of amber and is inspired by the Copenhagen Amber Museum.
Just on the northern part of town is the Buttonwood Farm and Vineyard, a 107-acre property featuring a 42-acre vineyard, perfect for those who want to enjoy freshly made wine. Buttonwood hosts wine tasting, weddings, and other private events, has a wine club for people to join, and hosts live music. Visitors to the winery can also enjoy picnics in the gardens, attend cooking classes, and go horseback riding.
Cambria
Right on California Route One is Cambria, a seaside village renowned for its immaculate coastline beauty, being a hub for the arts scene, and its lovely Victorian architecture, with local shops and restaurants to explore. Being a seaside community, Moonstone Beach is an amazing spot to unwind, as it is known for its colorful stones, scenic boardwalk giving visitors amazing ocean views, and wildlife viewing. The beach is considered one of the best in the central portion of the state, as visitors can explore the tide pools.
A wonderful place to spend a weekend, with views of the Pacific Ocean, is the Cambria Shores Inn, a hotel just minutes away from Moonstone Beach, and a perfect place for a recharge. Cambria Shores Inn is dog-friendly, with dog baskets ready upon arrival, plenty of amenities for guests, and immaculate views of the ocean. Cambria Shores Inn is also conveniently located near various amenities outside the hotel, including nearby parks and restaurants.
On the southern end of town is the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Bluff Trail, a peaceful nature reserve perfect for birdwatching, enjoying views of the Pacific Ocean, observing wildlife in the region, and experiencing the alluring natural surroundings of the reserve. Visitors to Fiscalini Ranch are treated to seeing the occasional dolphin, whale, and otter in the water, and the luscious ocean landscapes.
Malibu
West of Santa Monica and Los Angeles lies Malibu, a beach city renowned for its iconic beaches, numerous celebrity homes, and its luxurious, laid-back lifestyle. An iconic beach to visit in town is Zuma Beach, a 1.8-mile-long beach known for its width, clean, clear water, and being an excellent spot for surfing. There is plenty of parking, volleyball can be played on the beach, and the Sunset, a popular yet hidden restaurant, is nearby and within walking distance from Zuma.
Just near Zuma Beach is Point Dume State Beach, a beach, hiking ground, and nature preserve giving its visitors stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Bay. Visitors can go rock climbing, explore Pirate's Cove Beach, go hiking on trails, and witness gray whale migration between December and April. Visitors can also spot dolphins and seals from Point Dune.
A staple to visit in town is the Malibu Pier, which has been around since 1938 and is renowned for its festive seaside atmosphere, a relaxing place to unwind, and has plenty of local restaurants to explore nearby. The Malibu Farm Restaurant at the Pier is at the beginning of the pier and is easily accessible on California Route One. Just a short walk away from the Pier is the Malibu Beach Inn, where its guests are treated to a luxurious stay and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, and have fine dining options available.
Mendocino
Just 155 miles north of San Francisco is Mendocino, a coastal community known for its dramatic coastal scenery, Victorian architecture, and artistic scenery. A park worth visiting in the community is the Mendocino Headlands State Park, which offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, miles of trails to explore along the cliffs, secluded beaches, and is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown.
In the heart of downtown is the Headlands Inn Bed and Breakfast, which is an amazing place to unwind for the weekend. Headlands Inn is a Victorian-style bed and breakfast with modern amenities, a short walk to shops and galleries, and serves a unique and different gourmet breakfast each day. Headlands also has a lovely English garden with plants and benches for guests to enjoy a relaxing, sunny day, no matter the season.
Within walking distance of Headlands is the Lansing Street Gallery, a wonderful contemporary arts gallery showcasing breathtaking art in the Bay Area. Lansing displays fine art, ceramics, sculptures, photography, jewelry, and woodworks from local and Bay Area artists. Lansing also allows visitors to purchase art for sale online.
Laguna Beach
Just near the southern end of Orange County is Laguna Beach, a coastal beach city known for its immaculate beaches and coves, vibrant arts scene, and natural beauty. The most iconic beach to visit in town is the Main Beach, in the heart of downtown, and has been featured in TV shows like The O.C., Laguna Beach on MTV, and Dead To Me on Netflix. Main Beach is known as the "Window of the Sea" due to its wide sandy shoreline, boardwalk connecting it to Heisler Park, and numerous activities available on the beach.
Besides the beaches and natural wonders in the community, visitors can also explore the Las Laguna Art Gallery. Las Laguna is a local art gallery showcasing a diverse collection of art from talented artists representing the community. The gallery opened in 2013 and hosts themed exhibitions, allowing artists to submit their work for consideration to be displayed for public viewing.
An incredible hotel to unwind for the weekend on the southern end of town is the Capri Laguna Hotel. The hotel sits directly on the beach, offering its guests breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, and boasts an extensive array of amenities for a perfect, stress-free weekend, including a heated outdoor pool.
Paso Robles
On the Central Coast of the state is Paso Robles, a city known for its award-winning wineries, a more relaxed atmosphere than Napa County, natural beauty, and natural hot springs. One of the best wineries to visit in the community is DAOU Vineyards, a family-owned winery serving world-class wine for all to enjoy. Visitors are treated to wine tastings, a lavish food menu from the vineyard, and member-exclusive wine tastings once a month, adding to the luxurious hospitality.
A wonderful place to visit when seeking to reduce stress is the local hot springs. The River Oaks Hot Springs and the Franklin Hot Springs are both excellent places to visit when regrouping for the weekend. Both have natural mineral water tubs to enjoy. However, Franklin Hot Springs is more family-oriented, while River Oaks is focused on luxury and high-class amenities. Visitors to Franklin Springs can also go fishing and boating, while River Oaks has immaculate spas to enjoy.
A true gem to relax for the weekend in town is the Allegretto Vineyard Resort, an AAA four-star diamond resort with endless luxurious amenities for everyone. The resort features 171 rooms, some of which have private balconies offering stunning views of the region. It also boasts pools, spas, saltwater hot tubs, a fitness center, and pet-friendly rooms. Allegretto also has the Cello Ristorante and the Allegretto Wines at the resort, giving its guests plenty of options to try.
Avalon
At the southernmost point in Los Angeles County, on Catalina Island, is Avalon, a city renowned for its natural beauty, a tourist hub, seaside atmosphere, and iconic landmarks. A relaxing activity to enjoy in town is taking a glass-bottom boat tour, showcasing the beauty and mystery of the ocean and all the aquatic wildlife that lives in the sea. Tickets for adults are $29.95 on weekdays and weekends, and prices for military veterans and seniors cost $24.95 on weekdays and $26.95 on weekends.
A wonderful place to soak up the sun and enjoy a wonderful meal is the Descanso Beach Club, the only beachside restaurant, and one of the last private beaches open to the public. Descanso is just north of the historic Catalina Casino, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the surrounding landscape, and live music during the summer months when beach parties are held.
A great place to unwind after a long week in town is Mt. Ada, a lovely bed and breakfast just 400 feet above the main community, which was the former home of William Wrigley Jr. and his wife, Ada. Visitors wake up to stunning views of Avalon Bay and the Pacific Ocean, along with well-furnished rooms. However, there are no elevators in the establishment, as it was formerly Wrigley Jr.'s home, but guests can enjoy the wrap-around terrace and watch the sunrise and sunsets in style.
Pacific Grove
Just north of Big Sur is Pacific Grove, a city renowned for its natural beauty, Victorian architecture, being called "Butterfly Town USA," and historic charm. A fantastic place to visit in town is the Monarch Grove Sanctuary, a nature reserve preserving migrating monarch butterflies. The butterflies arrive in October and stay until March, and admission is free for all to enjoy. However, visitors are not allowed to touch the butterflies, as it results in a $1,000 fine.
At the tip of town is the Point Pinos Lighthouse Reservation, the oldest active lighthouse on the West Coast, on a reservation giving people incredible views of Monterey Bay and the landscape. The lighthouse is open from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets cost approximately $7 to enter. The structure looks like buildings found on Cape Cod and features lovely gardens all around.
Further inland is the Charles Pacific Grove, an inclusive hotel built in 1904, featuring a mix of old-world Victorian charm and modern amenities. Guests are treated to free parking and a complimentary breakfast when staying at the historic hotel during their stress-free escape from work.
Each of these wonderful communities is a perfect escape from the day-to-day, offering a change of scenery from major cities and introducing people to the local charms throughout the state that are only found in these breathtaking communities. These towns offer unique amenities to help alleviate stress and recharge individuals for the weeks ahead, and once experienced, are worth taking multiple trips throughout the year, regardless of the season. Whether people are visiting from in-state, out of state, or abroad, these amazing towns have something for everyone to enjoy.
