The Best Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles, Whether You’re Craving Snow, Sun, or Sea

Los Angeles is perfectly positioned for weekend getaways. Its location puts an extraordinary range of landscapes and destinations within easy reach, from snowy mountains and vast deserts to verdant vineyards, sun-drenched islands, and charming coastal towns.Of course, Los Angeles itself has almost everything: world-class dining, vibrant and distinct neighborhoods, Hollywood history, and incredible art and architecture. But after living in the area for five years, I would argue that exploring everything beyond the city is just as much a part of the LA experience as enjoying what’s inside it. Plus, growing up in the Midwest made me acutely aware of how unusual it is to have this much nature within such easy reach, and I still feel compelled to take advantage of all that's at my fingertips here.I've tried my hand at many quick trips from the City of Angels over the years, and I'm rounding up 13 of the greatest below that are under a four-hour drive. Whether you’re after snow, sun, sea, or seclusion, here are 13 of the best weekend getaways from Los Angeles, with tips on what to do and where to stay when you get there.The Las Vegas skyline GettyLas Vegas, NevadaAbout 4 hours from LA by carFor everything Los Angeles has going for it, nightlife is one area where it can fall a little short. There are great bars on the Eastside and plenty of clubs in WeHo and Hollywood, but for a true party scene, it’s hard to beat Las Vegas. Sin City is famous for a reason: There are clubs and bars at every turn, sprawling resorts, a world-class food scene, and some of the best shows in the country. If you’re a concertgoer, book a show at The Sphere for an immersive experience you won’t soon forget. Spend the day at a pool party, walk the Strip at night, catch the Fountains of Bellagio, and duck into one of the city’s legendary casino-hotels before gearing up for a late night of dancing. And when you need a break from the neon, there’s plenty of nature beyond the Strip, from hiking and kayaking to a visit to the Hoover Dam. For a weekend that feels completely removed from your usual routine, Vegas delivers.Where to stay in Vegas:Best for a five-star stay: Four Seasons Las VegasBest for a themed property: The Venetian ResortBest for families: A modern villa with a pool and game roomThe coast in Santa Barbara GettySanta Barbara, California2 hours from LA by car or trainThere’s a reason Hollywood A-listers flock to this beach town. Just two hours north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is the pinnacle of laid-back luxury. Known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara is nestled between mountains that tumble into the blue Pacific, and coming from LA, it feels like the geographical equivalent of a breath of fresh air. It’s cleaner, quieter, and slower—but there’s still plenty to do. Beyond its numerous gorgeous beaches, Santa Barbara has a burgeoning food scene, dog-friendly culture, high-end shopping opps, and miles of hiking trails. First-timers should start at the famous courthouse, climbing the stairs to the top for a panoramic view of the city and an easy lay of the land, then spend the rest of the weekend walking around the Funk Zone, with wineries, breweries, restaurants, galleries, and live music. Don’t miss the farmers market downtown on Saturday mornings to taste local flavors. And if celebrity spotting is on your agenda, head to Montecito for a drink at Honor Bar or a steak at Lucky’s. Come sunset, make your way to Butterfly Beach—or take your furry friend to Hendry’s Beach and watch the sun sink into the sea.Where to stay in Santa Barbara:Best for walkability: The Hotel CalifornianBest for scenic views: El EncantoFor design enthusiasts: The Whale HouseA breathtaking beach at Channel Islands GettyChannel Islands, California1.5 hours from LA by car, followed by 1 hour by boatWant to go off the grid? Channel Islands is the weekend getaway for you. Known as the “Galapagos of North America,” this remote national park is one of California’s least-visited, largely because you can't drive there. From Los Angeles, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to Ventura, followed by an hour by boat (though the journey varies depending on which island you visit). There are no hotels here, and camping is the only way to stay overnight, so you’ll need to come prepared: There’s no food, limited potable water, and no cell service—and that’s exactly the appeal. With more than 150 endemic species, vibrant marine life, and an almost startling sense of isolation, Channel Islands is the kind of place where you can actually disconnect. If you’ve been craving some time off your phone and a chance to touch grass, this is it. But, again, plan ahead—the restricted camping, limited ferry schedule, and lack of on-site resources mean you’ll want to have everything sorted well in advance. Trust me, the effort is more than worth it. The photos I took on my most recent trip are framed and hanging on my wall, displaying the area’s breathtaking beauty.Where to stay near the Channel Islands:Best for easy ferry access: Renovated Airstream in CarpinteriaBest for exploring nearby: Rosewood Miramar BeachBest for Channel Islands views: Beach cottage for sixThe view from above at Catalina Island GettyCatalina Island, California1 hour from LA by boatDespite the hot weather and beachy feel of Los Angeles, it’s still a bustling, active city—which means it never quite feels like a tropical vacation, no matter how much hard kombucha you bring to the beach. Catalina Island, just an hour away by boat and one of our best places to go in 2026, is a different story. The Mediterranean-esque escape feels worlds away from the city, with colorful hillside villas, crystal-clear blue water, and a charming car-free culture where visitors get around by foot, bike, or golf cart. Avalon is the island’s main hub, with seaside restaurants, boutique shops, and beach clubs, while Two Harbors offers a quieter, more secluded escape with hiking trails and campsites accessible by kayak. As with any other coastal destination in California, there’s no shortage of nature: You can explore Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, take a bison tour, and hike the famed Trans-Catalina Trail. The area is also perfect for people who love water activities: Kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, boating, and swimming are all available on the island. Keep in mind that Catalina has a bit of an old-school feel, so bring cash if you haven’t prebooked your activities.Where to stay on Catalina Island:Best for a historic stay: Hotel AtwaterBest for ocean views: Villa with Santorini vibesBest for old-school charm: Inn on Mt. AdaThe coast in San Luis Obispo GettySan Luis Obispo, California3 hours from LA by carJust north of Santa Barbara lies a sleepy, ultra-scenic Central Coast escape: San Luis Obispo County. It offers much of the same range of amenities and activities as Santa Barbara, without nearly as much hype or foot traffic—a major perk if you’re willing to drive a little farther. Known for its slower pace (affectionately referred to as “the SLO life”), the area has gorgeous beaches, some of the best wine in the country, a charming downtown, an impressive food scene, and plenty of farms and open space. Stop by Avila Valley Barn for local produce and a chance to meet the resident farm animals; head to Morro Bay for a dramatic coastline, thrifting, and art shops; make your way to Cambria for gorgeous beaches, great food, and a visit to Hearst Castle; or continue to Paso Robles for world-class bold reds, Rhône varietals, and hot springs. Don’t miss the sandwiches at High Street Deli, but be prepared to wait in line. If the energy of Los Angeles is wearing you down, SLO is the perfect place to recharge. It’s smaller and slower-paced than Santa Barbara, but there’s more than enough to do to keep you exploring all weekend—and you’ll probably wish you had another day.Where to stay in San Luis Obispo:Best for seaside design: White Water LodgeBest for a convenient location: Hotel San Luis ObispoBest for a solo trip: Industrial studio with a viewThe towering trees at Sequoia National Park GettySequoia National Park3.5 hours from LA by carWhile Los Angeles has its own impressive share of natural beauty, one of the perks of living in this glorious city is how easy it is to get out into the wild. As a Midwestern transplant, it’s something I never take for granted—I feel lucky to be so well-placed to explore some of the country’s most incredible landscapes, just a couple of hours away by car. Case in point: Sequoia National Park. The second-oldest national park in the country, it’s home to some of the largest trees on Earth, as well as Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. If you need some inspiration—or simply want to go somewhere that makes your problems feel small—this is the place to do it. Stand beneath the General Sherman Tree, the largest living single-stem tree on Earth by volume, and take in the towering sequoias, rushing waterfalls, and mountain vistas. Some of these trees have been standing for thousands of years, stretching impossibly high above you. Wake up early for a sunrise hike at Moro Rock, drive through Tunnel Log, and if you’re visiting General Sherman, arrive early to beat the crowds and avoid waiting for a photo.Where to stay near Sequoia National Park:Best for glamping: AutoCamp Sequoia National ParkBest for design lovers: Paradise Ranch InnBest for large groups: Riverfront adobe-style villaThe Santa Ynez Valley GettySanta Ynez Valley, California2 hours from LA by carYou don’t have to go to Napa to find great wine. Some of California’s best bottles come from the Santa Ynez Valley, a hidden gem tucked inland from the Central Coast. It’s wonderfully unpretentious, defined by rugged ranch culture and wide-open, sun-drenched pastures. Its unusual east-west orientation funnels ocean fog and winds into the valley, creating the ideal conditions for growing a remarkably wide range of grapes. This is where you can live out your California cowgirl fantasies: riding horses, roaming the open fields, and tasting wine. Start with Alma Rosa in Buellton, Roblar Winery in Santa Ynez, and Fess Parker in Los Olivos, then spend an afternoon tasting your way through downtown Los Olivos. When you need a break from the vino, settle in for farm-to-table fare at Santa Ynez Kitchen or spend an afternoon exploring the Danish-inspired streets of Solvang (stop at Peasants Feast for its fried chicken sandwich). For a little indulgence, book a treatment at the Lavender Barn at Mattei’s Tavern, then make your way to Los Alamos, the tiny town that has become one of the valley’s best food and wine stops. Pick up bottles from local producers like Lo-Fi and Casa Dumetz, grab pastries at Bob’s Well Bread, and make a reservation at Bell’s, the Michelin-starred restaurant that has helped put this formerly sleepy stretch of Highway 101 on the culinary map.Where to stay in the Santa Ynez Valley:Best for a luxurious stay: The Inn at Mattei’s TavernBest for a western vibe: Alisal Guest RanchBest for families: Hotel YnezA sunset over Valle de Guadalupe GettyValle de Guadalupe, Mexico4 hours from LA by carLiving in Southern California means a weekend getaway can easily become an international trip. Just an hour-and-a-half drive from San Diego, near the port city of Ensenada, lies Valle de Guadalupe, a destination that’s become wildly popular with culinary travelers hungry for Baja Med cuisine and thoughtful wine pairings. Outfitters like Club Tengo Hambre and Salt & Wind offer culinary tours of the area, including through up-and-coming wineries like Las Nubes, Finca la Carrodilla, and Lomita, which is home to the fantastic female-led restaurants Tras Lomita and Lunario. Wine tasting is the main event here, with an abundance of design-forward spots serving terroir-driven, low-intervention, biodynamic blends. Despite all there is to do during the day, there’s also a vibrant nightlife scene (think: margaritas and DJs) and stargazing if you still have energy after it all.Where to stay in Valle de Guadalupe:Best for scenery and stargazing: Encuentro GuadalupeBest for vineyard views: La Villa del ValleBest for a winery stay: Bruma Wine ResortMountains in Palm Springs GettyPalm Springs, California2 hours from LA by carPalm Springs has been a historic hideaway for Angelenos since the Rat Pack days, and it’s easy to see why. This boho-chic desert escape is less than two hours from downtown LA, but feels worlds away from the city. It’s bursting with color and creativity, with midcentury-modern architecture, world-class art, and a particular brand of quirkiness that perfectly balances its Hollywood glamour and country-club culture. The food scene is booming: Eat at Frank Sinatra’s favorite table at Melvyn’s, grab a drink at Bar Cecil, or join the queue at Rooster and the Pig (100% worth it, in my opinion). There’s also shopping, court sports, hot springs, and hotels galore. As a hotel lover, Palm Springs is one of my favorite destinations because of the sheer range of places to stay. You’ll find everything from large, luxe resorts to charming boutiques, including properties with impressive wellness programs, gorgeous working gardens, and secret speakeasies. And while there are plenty of hiking trails nearby, Palm Springs is really about slowing down; settle in by the pool, order something cold, and embrace the desert heat.Where to stay in Palm Springs:Best for luxury: Parker Palm SpringsBest for a romantic getaway: Korakia PensioneBest for architecture fans: Glamorous apartment in Ocotillo LodgeA view of the mountains and water in Ojai GettyOjai, California1.5 hours from LA by carOjai is a little hippie hideaway that’s no longer much of a secret, but is still worth visiting for its citrus groves, artsy vibe, and spectacular mountain setting. A longtime haven for creatives—and anyone drawn to the area’s famous energy vortex—Ojai has a disarming small-town feel that’s the antithesis of Los Angeles. The Topatopa Mountains rise around the valley, while pixie tangerine and orange groves fill the landscape below. The darling destination is an arts and culture hub, with galleries, independent shops, and plenty of wonderfully woo-woo places to indulge your inner Angeleno. Start the morning with breakfast at The Dutchess and then browse the shelves at Bart’s Books, the world’s largest outdoor bookstore. Stop by Magic Hour Tea Salon if you’re a believer in energy and crystals, or head to Ojai Olive Oil Tasting Company for a flight of local olive oils and vinegars. Ojai Roots is another great stop: part farm shop, part wine shop, and part café, with a lovely outdoor space. The food is a big part of Ojai’s appeal, with a mix of shops, cafés, and restaurants that source from the surrounding land. Grab a matcha affogato at Rory’s Other Place, and then browse the Ojai farmers market on a Sunday morning. If you want to go beyond downtown, hike through the surrounding forests and foothills, or make the climb up to Meditation Mount for sweeping views of the valley. For a more immersive experience, head to Matilija Creek, where hiking trails wind past canyon views, rock formations, and waterfalls.Where to stay in Ojai:Best for luxury: Ojai Valley Inn and SpaBest for a historic stay: Hotel El RoblarBest for glamping: Caravan OutpostA road through Joshua Tree, dotted with namesake trees GettyJoshua Tree, California2 hours from LA by carJoshua Tree can definitely be done as a day trip, but a weekend gives you time to experience all this desert gem has to offer. The area has an otherworldly, almost supernatural energy, accentuated by the spiky namesake trees, sprawling desert floor, and clear, star-filled skies. Joshua Tree’s remote beauty makes it easy to disconnect—plus, spotty cell service and an old-school anything-goes vibe practically demand it. A hot spot for creatives tired of the pace of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree is bursting with personality and talent. La Copine and Kitchen in the Desert are culinary highlights, while Pappy & Harriet’s is the place to go for barbecue. Nightlife is limited out here, but Pioneertown—a charming former movie set-turned-desert outpost—has line dancing and bingo at The Red Dog Saloon, plus live music at Pappy & Harriet’s. Stop by Mas o Menos for coffee or cocktails, browse the farmers market on Saturday morning, and wander downtown for shopping, art galleries, and restaurants. Then get outside and explore the landscape on foot. My favorite is the Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail, which leads to a stunning grove of palm trees. But perhaps the best way to experience Joshua Tree is to resist the urge to over-plan it. Wander around and talk to the locals—they’re some of the most welcoming people around and genuinely want to share the beauty of the desert with visitors.Where to stay in Joshua Tree:Best for glamping: AutoCamp Joshua TreeBest for design enthusiasts: The Bungalows at Retreat by Homestead ModernBest for nature lovers: The Invisible HouseThe lakeshore in Big Bear UnsplashBig Bear, California2 hours from LA by carBig Bear may lack the grandeur of Mammoth Lake’s towering peaks (about six hours north), but it more than makes up for it in character and scenery. Only two hours from Los Angeles, it’s an ecological marvel known as a “sky island,” where a mountainous ecosystem sits above desert lowlands, creating one of the most biodiverse areas in the entire country. Despite being so close to Los Angeles, it feels completely removed. You won’t find the typical influencer crowd here: It practically oozes small-town charm, with a rustic downtown filled with clothing boutiques, sweet shops, and cozy restaurants. You won’t find anything fancy, but that’s part of the appeal. Enjoy lakeside pizza at De La Nonna, stop by Big Bear Lake Brewing Company to pick up a growler of local craft beer, and head to Tropicali for an excellent poke bowl. Ski the slopes in the winter, or take in all the gorgeous scenery outside of ski season; hiking, kayaking, boating, and biking are all options for anyone looking for a nature-filled escape not too far from the city.Where to stay in Big Bear:Best for pretty, private cabins: N+P Boutique LodgeBest for lake views: Hotel Marina RivieraBest for families and friend groups: Luxury lakehouse with a private dockDesert Hot Springs, in the foothills of the Palm Springs Mountains GettyDesert Hot Springs, California2 hours from LA by carWellness culture is a big deal in Los Angeles, but sometimes you need a change of scenery to fully decompress. Just two hours away, Desert Hot Springs lets you do just that. An aquifer beneath the city supplies some of the area’s purest natural hot and cold mineral springs, drawing in everyone from Hollywood celebrities to average Joes over the years, while somehow retaining an under-the-radar feel. The best thing to do here is also the simplest: soak in the mineral-rich waters. If you’re craving a little more action, there’s still plenty to explore in this desert oasis. Go off-roading, hike through the surrounding landscape, or visit the Cabot’s Pueblo Museum. When you need to refuel, grab a coffee at Espresso Self, tacos at Delicias Mexican Cuisine, or a casual dinner at Dillon’s Burgers & Beers. But really, the whole point of Desert Hot Springs is to slow down and soak up the natural beauty.Where to stay in Desert Hot Springs:Best for a private hot spring: Two Bunch PalmsBest for nature lovers: Dome casita on five acresBest for wellness enthusiasts: Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa OasisThis article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Krista Simmons.