By Ana Pelayo Connery
The City of Angels may get the star treatment, but several other places in southern California make great escapes and cost far less. From sunny San Diego to the spiritual vibes found in the valleys and desert, these options make for great weekend getaways in southern California.
FUEL YOUR SPIRIT IN OJAI
Just 45 minutes east of Santa Barbara lies an oasis known for its romantic vibe, nature pursuits, and delectable wine. Begin your visit in the charming, walkable downtown, where boutiques like Summer Camp and Kariella sit alongside tasting rooms from surrounding vineyards such as Casa Barranca, home of natural, organic wines. Stroll through Bart’s Books, where a maze of bookshelves fills an outdoor courtyard. Open since 1964, the bookstore operates on the honor system when they’re closed — just grab a book, drop your money in the slot by the front entrance, and go. Enjoy lunch on the patio at Agave Maria’s Restaurant & Cantina, where the people-watching and the food are consistently good.
Just outside town, you can get your cardio on with a walk or bike ride on the Ojai Valley Trail, where the views of the valley and forests around you compete for attention. Follow that up with a soak in the steamy springs at Ojai Hot Springs along the Matilija River in Los Padres Forest, or indulge in a massage at Spa Ojai inside the Ojai Valley Inn, where a spa cafe and several mineral pools enhance your visit.
Wine tastings get a lot of attention in this California region, but don’t miss tasting the varietals at the lush Ojai Olive Oil Company, where the grounds are perfect for a free self-guided tour and a picnic lunch. Wrap up weekend trips in southern California with the sunset views at Topa Mountain Winery, where locals chase the “pink moment” when the fading sun creates a brilliant shade of pink for several minutes atop the Topa Topa bluffs, 6,000 feet above sea level.
Where To Stay: Harbortown Point Marina Resort — Ventura, California (15 miles from Ojai)
CHASE THE SUN IN SAN DIEGO
San Diego is one of the most popular vacation destinations along the southern California coast, with its marine climate and abundance of sunny days. Balboa Park is considered one of its main attractions, but the urban cultural park that’s home to the famous San Diego Zoo is also where you’ll find several hidden gems that many people overlook. A case in point is an abandoned piece of highway Route 163 that was once considered one of the country’s most beautiful drives. To reach it, head down the park’s Juniper Staircase, where a view of the Cabrillo Bridge and its majestic arches awaits. While visitors flock to the park’s Japanese Friendship Garden, escape the crowds with a stroll to the beautiful Palm Canyon and the Trees for Health Garden, where you’ll learn about the medicinal uses of various plants.
Outside the park, celebrate a special occasion for free at the 25th Street Pedestrian Bridge, which locals refer to as the Musical Bridge (or Crab Carillon Bridge) because the rails include chimes. Just grab a stick on your way over so you can mark your moment by striking the chimes.
Just outside San Diego on the nearby La Jolla Shores, checking out the sea lions in La Jolla Cove is a must-do on most people’s itineraries. But not to be missed is the Sunny Jim Cave that lies just to the north of it, one of the only La Jolla sea caves to be accessible by land. Nearby in La Jolla Village, Brockton Villa is the perfect patio spot for a casual lunch or dinner. Perched on a cliff, it has incredible views of the Pacific Ocean (reservations recommended). For a romantic stroll with more ocean views, the Mar Scenic Trail in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is an often-missed part of San Diego’s beloved state park.
Spend your evenings in the downtown Gaslamp Quarter, a historic district that’s full of restaurants, wine bars, and nightclubs. Saltwater is perfect for special occasions — think oysters, filets, and fine wines from one of San Diego’s most popular restaurant groups. Tacos el Cabron is more laid-back. Try the surf and turf taco with carne asada, shrimp, and portobello mushrooms. Wherever you dine, end the evening with cocktails made with locally sourced spirits at the Nolen, a rooftop bar with beautiful skyline views.
Where To Stay: Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina, Capri by the Sea at San Diego, Carte Hotel San Diego, Club Wyndham Harbour Lights, Club Wyndham Inn at the Park, Gaslamp Plaza Suites, Humpreys Half Moon Inn, Porto Vista Hotel, See the Sea at San Diego, Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, The Dana on Mission Bay, The Monsaraz San Diego, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Town & Country Resort & Convention Center, WorldMark San Diego - Mission Valley, WorldMark San Diego Balboa Park, WorldMark San Diego - Inn at the Park
GO STARGAZING IN JOSHUA TREE
Joshua Tree National Park is a Mojave Desert gem that’s not to be missed, but that’s not the only reason to visit the town that shares its name. The town itself is full of charming shops and cafes, perfect for a laid-back morning or afternoon. Start your day with a hearty breakfast from the Natural Sisters Cafe, then check out the work of emerging artists at the gallery known as Hey There Projects and the quirky spot known as The Station, a former service station selling vintage gifts.
Once you have the lay of the (desert) land, it’s time to explore the area's crown jewel. Famed for its incredible rock formations and the yucca tree that distinguishes it, Joshua Tree National Park has several must-see sites, including Arch Rock, the Cholla Cactus Garden, and Skull Rock. Considered dark sky territory, an evening inside the park is a must. Limited light pollution and clear, high-altitude skies make stargazing top-notch here. If you’re visiting on a weekend, check out the Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center close to the Twentynine Palms park entrance, where free public star-gazing parties include telescopes brought by area volunteers who are happy to tell you exactly what you’re looking at.
Just 20 minutes northwest of town, Pioneertown is an old TV and movie set that still stands today. Stroll past old western storefronts and catch live music at local favorite Pappy + Harriet's, a saloon that’s been treating guests to burgers and tunes since 1982. If you’ve never indulged in a sound bath, Joshua Tree is the spot to do it. The 60-minute experience at the nearby Integratron is the perfect spot. This one-of-a-kind wood dome has a quirky history (the original owners built it for time travel). Built on an intersection of powerful geomagnetic forces that, when paired with the unique geometry of the building, amplify the earth’s magnetic field, it provides an incredible backdrop to slip into deep relaxation as you listen to 20 quartz-crystal singing bowls played live during one of the sonic healing sessions.
Where To Stay: Club Trinidad, Desert Isle of Palm Springs, WorldMark Palm Springs — Palm Springs, California (33 miles from Joshua Tree)
OTHER SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA OPTIONS
The drive south from Los Angeles to San Diego along the Pacific coastline is a great way to experience the beauty of southern California. To learn more about the coastal California drive, read this handy article. Scenic views along the coast are perfect for weekend trips in southern California.
There are many additional family-friendly things to see and do on weekend getaways in southern California. For more family-friendly activities and options, read this informative article.
NOTE: Information may have changed since publication. Please confirm key details before planning your trip.