5 Southern California Weekend Getaway Locations
Summertime in San Diego is the best time of the year. It also happens to be the busiest time of the year. With a consistent flow of out-of-towners, we find our favorite local spots are regularly overcrowded, and the parking irritation commences. Since we live where the rest of the country vacations, Summer has quickly become my favorite time of the year for weekend getaways, so I’ve rounded up a list of places that you can conveniently drive off to and enjoy some R&R. Pack your weekender, grab your road snacks, and hop in.
1. Valle de Guadalupe
I needed to kick this list off with one of my favorite wine destinations! There aren’t many words to describe Valle de Guadalupe. If you’ve been to this magical wine region, you know what I mean when I say that it’s more of a feeling that overcomes you. Brimming with lust-worthy wineries, divine restaurants, and chic accommodation options, Valle de Guadalupe is at the top of the list. It is shy of 2 hours from Downtown San Diego if you choose to drive, or you can walk across the border and hire a car service. To kick off your winery tour, make sure to visit the incredible and my personal favorite, Lechuza Wines. Next, visit Bruma Wine Garden for wine and lunch - I highly recommend the Kale Pizza. La Justina is your spot if you’re looking to end the night with craft cocktails and a live DJ. If you’re leaning more toward a culinary experience, you’ll want to make your way to Animalón.
Best Wineries & Restaurants in Valle de Guadalupe (in my opinion):
Lechuza
Bruma Wine Garden
Fauna at Bruman
Animalon
2. Palm Springs
The biggest allure of a Palm Springs getaway is being able to lounge in a floatie in a pool with a cocktail in hand. “Nowhere to go, nowhere to be” kind of escape. You have two incredible options of types of places to stay while in Palm Springs: an Airbnb with a pool or a hotel with a killer pool. The pool is the main attraction here if you haven’t caught on. If you’re looking for a chic hotel experience, then the Parker Palm Springs is it. This boutique hotel is home to the iconic ‘DRUGS’ sign selfie and an old Hollywood pool vibe. It’s a delicious experience from start to finish.
3. Los Alamos & Santa Ynez
Another wine country favorite is two areas near one another and an escape that’s well worth the 4.5-hour drive for a long weekend. The Santa Ynez Valley is about 40 minutes northeast of Santa Barbara. You could easily spend an entire weekend exploring all the towns in the valley, but the stars of the show are Los Olivos and Solvang. Spend a day in Los Olivos, hopping from one tasting room to another. I highly suggest grabbing sandwiches at Panino Sandwich Shop and taking them over to Stolpman’s Fresh Garage to taste their refreshing varietals and sitting in their adorable outdoor seating area. Finish your tasting tour with something sweet at Saarloos & Sons for their wine tasting and cupcake pairing. Make your way back to Solvang, Santa Ynez’s famous danish town, and stay at the charming and chic Landsby Hotel and enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant Mad & Vin or take the short trip into the village of Santa Ynez and have dinner at SY Kitchen. Before making your departure to Los Alamos the next morning, have breakfast at Paula’s Kitchen (just walking distance from The Landsby) and enjoy their famous ebelskievers. Make sure to get there early because this place definitely gets packed with a line down the street!
Once you’re ready to head out of beautiful Santa Ynez, take the quick trip up north to Los Alamos (only about 15 minutes away). I highly recommend making the Skyview Motel Los Alamos home for your stay in the charming, old western town. It’s the epitome of a chic, trendy motel littered with endless instagramable moments. Once settled, make your way to Bodega where you can sip wine (or beer) in their open-air garden. I highly suggest making reservations (well in advance) for Bell’s Restaurant for dinner. This family-run, French-inspired bistro will leave your mouth watering even with a full belly. Finish your trip by exploring antique treasures at Sisters Gift & Home and grabbing breakfast at Bob’s Well & Bread.
Other places to check out in Santa Ynez Valley:
Maverick Saloon - oldest and, at one time, the only bar in Santa Ynez
The Gathering Table at The Ballard Inn
Other places to check out in Los Alamos:
4. Catalina Island
Catalina Island is the Southern Californian’s easy escape from reality and the closest thing to island life. A short ferry ride from Dana Point or Long Beach, Catalina, can be the relaxing getaway you’ve been craving. It still delivers the charm of a small, quaint island but still with options of activities. Rent a golf cart and explore the island, then grab ice cream at Scoops or an oyster shooter at Bluewater Grill on the waterfront. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, check out the night zip line eco-tour, go parasailing or book a bison expedition! Descanso Beach Club is a must for those who want a mix of relaxing on the beach with a cocktail. Make sure to visit Maggie’s Blue Rose Mexican and order the Watermelon and Spiced Grilled Shrimp Salad.
5. Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is probably one of the most popular local getaway destinations in Southern California. It’s a beach town that’s vibrant and versatile, depending on what you’re looking for. It can easily be a relaxing, beach-fueled experience, an art lover’s paradise, or a chic rendezvous. Your hotel accommodations can range from luxe (Montage Resort), Historical yet suave (The Inn at Laguna Beach), a private beach oasis (Hotel Joaquin), or even an all-in-one resort (The Ranch at Laguna Beach). Given its size, you’ll be surprised at the endless options of things to do in this quaint Orange County coastal town. Make your way down to Aliso Beach, Victoria, or Thalia Street for a day in the sun and a dip in the ocean but make sure to grab some lunch at La Sirena or Gina’s Pizza. Enjoy sunset cocktails at Rooftop Lounge before making your way to dinner. If you want dinner in downtown Laguna, then Nick’s Laguna Beach is the place to go. Make sure to get the asparagus fries and butter cake! Other options include Broadway by Amar Santana, Dizz’s As Is, and The Drake. Lastly, if you’re looking to do some retail therapy, you’ll be impressed by the number of local boutiques that line Forest Avenue and all along PCH.