It's certainly been a long year and you most definitely deserve a vacation! While traveling out of state may not be in the cards for most this year, Southern California offers some of the most ideal travel locations within just a short drive. We love LA as the next person, but a change of scenery is just what the doctor ordered. Angelenos like to point out how easy it is to get out of the city and into a totally different environment. “You can be on the beach in the morning and skiing in the mountains that afternoon,” which is... true.
Join is as we explore the best of Southern California!
Looking to wind down, listen to the waves crash, and take in the sea air?
Visit one of thse incredible Beach locations, 2 hours or less from Los Angeles.
Laguna Beach
Just an hour south of Los Angeles, Laguna Beach is truly a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Laguna is a stunning beach town that can be enjoyed both casually or with some upscale flair. A long main street of stores, art galleries, and famed restaurants draws locals and out of towners alike. Crystal Cove State Park, one of California’s largest remaining open spaces and natural coastlines is wildly popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Stay over at beachfront oasis The Montage Laguna Beach perched on a coastal bluff high above the Pacific providing the finest amenities.
Santa Barbara
Located on California’s central coast, about 2 hours north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is a popular travel destination, boasting a variety of outdoor adventures, fascinating arts and culture, and incredible local food and wine. With several hotel options, an impressive coastline, and endless shopping on the famous State Street, you will never want to leave this beautiful coastal town! Take in a visit at the Santa Barbara Mission, a popular destination for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Enjoy a stay at the famed Bacara Resort, a Spanish-style luxury resort offering the very best in service, and amenities.
Palos Verdes
Within Los Angeles county, you will find the peaceful and secluded Palos Verdes Peninsula. The area boasts gorgeous homes and superb lookout sights. Enjoy a stay at the Terranea Resort, a luxury resort with outdoor dining, award-winning golf, swimming pools and shopping. Plan a visit to the breathtaking Wayfarers Chapel -a wildly popular shooting location for film & tv shows. Take in the main hiking trails and lookout spots from above the rugged shoreline. The Pointe Vicente Lighthouse, built in 1926 is surrounded by a park and walking trails and perhaps one of the area's most prized jewels.
Enjoy that crisp and clean Mountain area that'll make you feel like you've traveled far beyond the couple hour drive.
Big Bear & Lake Arrowhead
These popular getaways are merely 15 miles from each other and share many similarities. They both surround a beautiful large lake and have an abundance of lodging options from classic A-frame homes to cozy log cabins. Enjoy each town's downtown center, filled with tasty restaurants and shopping. With winter activities a plenty, families can enjoy everything from skiing, sledding and even a bobsled ride at The Alpine Slide. Located right in downtown Lake Arrowhead, The Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa offers luxury amenities with rooms that take in the stunning view of the lake.
Idyllwild
Nestled in the San Jacinto mountains, set among tall pines and sweet smelling cedars, Idyllwild has kept its "small town" charm where you will only find locally owned shops and restaurants in town. Those who love the outdoors will enjoy the town's more than 50 trails to take by foot or bike. for those with a more adventurous side, rock climbers can scale the Tahquitz Rock. With no large hotel chains in the area, visitors can enjoy the cozy cabins and AirBnb rentals which maintain the charm of this small and idyllic mountain town.
Ojai
While Ojai Valley never sees any snowfall, it sits in the Topatopa Mountains, high above Ventura County, about 1.5 hours outside Los Angeles. With a village full of art galleries, delicious restaurants, wine tasting rooms and quirky new age shops, there is plenty to enjoy on the downtown strip. But the charm of Ojai is found in the many beautiful hiking and biking trails in the area, and unique olive oil tasting rooms. After a full day of adventure, enjoy a relaxing stay at the famed Ojai Valley Spa and Inn a favorite spot to unwind, take in a some rounds of golf at their award winning course or get a relaxing massage at the luxurious spa.
The California Deserts are a world unto their own and offer visitors some of the most beathtaking views, and activities for all.
Palm Springs
Perhaps one of the most popular So Cal getaways, Palm Springs is known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses and spas. But one of the biggest draws to the area is the many fine examples of mid- century modern architecture. Known as the "playground to the stars" Palm Springs is the perfect blend of sophistication and fun. Take a stroll down through the downtown area, and enjoy endless shopping, world class restaurants and art galleries. Take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway or take a Mid Century Home Tour to see some of the most famous homes in the area up close!
Joshua Tree
Named for the region’s twisted, bristled Joshua trees, the park straddles the cactus-dotted Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree National Park has some of the finest hiking in the California desert. The Indian Canyons feature more than 100 miles of hiking and horse trails, ancient palm groves, panoramic vistas and a huge, 60-foot seasonal waterfall, making it a feast for the eyes at every turn. Take a visit to the historical Keys Ranch, visit the popular Skull Rock. While there are plenty of quirky and charming AirBnb rentals in the area, you wont find any large sized hotels. But just a short drive away, the 29 Palms Inn offers an eclectic mix of accommodations, with no two rooms alike.
Death Valley
Don't be fooled by the name of this desert town. Sure, it is one of the hottest places on Earth, along with deserts in the Middle East and the Sahara, with temps it exceeding 130 degrees, but the beauty and terrain is truly unmatched. Enjoy a sunrise at the Panamint Range across the valley, illuminating gorgeous pinks and purples. Visit the salt flats and pools at Badwater, North America’s lowest elevation. Late afternoon is the time to experience Artist’s Drive, a nine-mile, one-way road that leads through some of Death Valley’s most vibrantly hued sedimentary and volcanic formations. Be sure to look out for the many rare wildflowers in the area and if you're lucky enough to catch a Superbloom!
Whether you want a lavish experience or a chill vibe, there’s a Wine Country town for you!
Solvang
Just north of Santa Barbara, known as "A little slice of Denmark in Southern California" the charming town of Solvang is known for its Danish-style architecture, wineries and authentic Danish pastries at world famous bakeries. Food and wine lovers will find more than 120 wineries nearby, with plenty of farm to table dining options to please every palette. Be sure to take a stroll through the village and admire the old-world European architecture and shop at the many charming boutiques. Stay at one of the many unique hotels or bed and breakfasts in the area for a full expeirence in Solvang charm.
Los Olivos
Located in the santa Ynez valley, just a short drive from Santa Barbara, this "picture perfect country town" offers visitors an escape into old world charm. Named for a nearby ranch made up of 5,000 olive trees, this charming town boasts over 40 wine tasting rooms, most within just 4 very walkable blocks. Vineyards, lavender farms, orchards, ranches and horse, trails surround the stunning town. This is a charming place to visit for a one-stop wine country experience. Enjoy a historical walking tour through Los Olivos, view the charming Victorian homes and buildings in downtown that dae over 100 years.
Temecula
Taste and tour through our hidden-gem wine region boasting nearly 50 wineries, stroll the boardwalks of historic Old Town, shop at the Promenade Temecula or the local farmers' markets, and see a show, play a round of golf or test your luck at Pechanga Resort Casino. Hot Air ballooning is one of the most fascinating and unique attractions in Temecula. Enjoy a peaceful hot air balloon flight over the rolling hills and lush vineyards of the Temecula Valley. Not a fan of heights? Catch the beautiful sights via horseback, or venture up to Vail Lake for breathtaking views of the valley.
