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Southern California is a playground for weekend adventurers, offering a tantalizing mix of sun-drenched beaches, vibrant cities, and breathtaking natural wonders. From the iconic coastlines of Los Angeles and San Diego to the idyllic vineyards of Temecula and the awe-inspiring deserts of Palm Springs, this region promises a wealth of experiences for every kind of traveler.
Whether you're seeking a serene escape or an action-packed thrill, Socal's diverse landscapes and attractions have something to delight and inspire. Imagine strolling along the Venice Beach boardwalk, savoring the laid-back vibe and eclectic street performers. We're suggesting a few gems that may not be as popular but are definitely here to leave their mark on you.
Thel West Coast’s official answer to the Hamptons and the quintessential summer getaway - not to mention summer home destination — for Angelenos of all kinds. No one could possibly turn their nose up at the stunning Spanish-revival architecture or those rugged coastal sunsets.
How you’ll get there: It's typically a 90-minute drive — without counting traffic — up the 101 North, or you can take the longer, scenic route up PCH. If you’re a tourist (ahem) or simply not a driver, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner or Coast Starlight trains both take a little over 2 hours from Union Station downtown to Santa Barbara.
Where you can stay: Palihouse Santa Barbara (of the effortlessly cool Palihotel Group) is having a moment for its chic, low-key elegance and Mediterranean charm. The classic and colonial Rosewood Miramar Beach (as frequently spotted on Deuxmoi) is considered a Santa Barbara establishment, while Belmond El Encanto offers a more personal, Craftsman-style luxury. If you’re looking for a more affordable stay, the Montecito Inn (founded by Charlie Chaplin) offers cozy, spacious suites and provincial decor.
Activities: Walk through the Paseo Nuevo downtown and shop like the locals do (Lulu Lemon, Urban Free Market, 805 Boba, etc.) and grab ice cream at the legendary McConnell’s. Grab beer and burgers at The Nook (be sure to check out their happy hour specials) before walking it off at Stearns Wharf, aka Santa Barbara's Pier, where sailboats (and occasional fireworks) abound as the radiant, pink sunset descends on the horizon. Also infamous are the rental bike rides along the coast at any hour, with Butterfly and Henry's Beach being local favorites. Walks and hikes with views of the Channel Islands are typically done around Inspiration Park and Lizard's Mouth in Goleta, with more relaxing trails at the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens.
Some say it’s where you stop if you’re too tired to fight the Santa Barbarian traffic — though I believe it’s a breathtaking, charming little town in its own right, famous for all-natural spas and serene mountains.
How you’ll get there: You can take the 101 North and head inland at Ventura, where you'll hit a pretty mission-style village, replete with jacaranda trees. The Metrolink train also services Ojai from a number of stations — including Union Station and Van Nuys — but beware of delays.
Where you can stay: The 220-acre Ojai Valley Inn reigns supreme as a destination of its own, with its hacienda-style villas and suites overlooking rolling meadows and a lavish golf course. Amenities include a spa and an artist-maker space. The Capri Hotel provides a retro, 70s California feel, while the OJai Rancho Inn offers proper “rustic-chic” rooms.
Activities: Again, the Ojai Valley Inn is a must — even just for a dinner at The Oak or a day at the pool. Bike rentals are once again the staple of any Californian summer, with easy trails to and from downtown Ojai. Stop by Bonnie and Lu’s for classic diner fare — burgers, milkshakes, and apple pie — or Bart’s Books, a quaint, classic tourist landmark and the only store in the country where you can buy products by dropping coins in an unsupervised box during closing hours. No trip to Ojai is complete without horseback riding, with Ojai Valley Riding Company offering trail rides alongside the serene Ventura River. Don't forget to stop by The Ojai Vineyard for a live demonstration of how grapes are grown before indulging in wine tasting.
A little way past Disneyland, this Orange County beach town is known for its eccentric art galleries and tumbling coastal bluffs.
How you’ll get there: The 405 South typically takes about an hour, while PCH might take longer, but again, offers a seaside view. Meanwhile, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner route drops you in San Juan Capistrano, about 20 minutes away from Laguna Beach proper.
Where you can stay: The Casa Loma Beach Hotel feels beautifully luxurious while keeping that low-maintenance, breezy feel that Laguna Beach is known for. Hotel Joaquin is famous for its eclectic, stylized decor and hip poolside lounge. The Ritz-Carlton in Laguna-Niguel is a little remote from downtown but offers a truly secluded, palatial experience.
Activities: Grab coffee and pastries at Urth Caffe before heading over to the Laguna Art Museum, an authentic primer for the town’s notorious population of California creatives. Step out of the doors quite literally onto Main Beach, a favorite for its playgrounds, volleyball courts, and stunning sunsets. Walk up Broadway Street to view a slew of beloved boutiques and independent galleries before having dinner at the Lumberyard Restaurant, an upscale spot that serves classic American fare and shows the college basketball games of whatever alma maters belonging to the locals in residence that night.
The smallest and most secluded of all our spots, Los Olivos is a gem when you truly want to get away from it all, tucked away in the winemaking hills of the Santa Ynez Valley.
How you’ll get there: The only realistic option is by car, with about a 2-hour trek up the 101 North.
Where you can stay: The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern is a Los Olivos landmark, with rustic and refined architecture befitting a farmhouse getaway. The Fess Parker Wine Country Inn offers a more sophisticated experience for true wine lovers, while the Ballard Inn provides a more relaxed, pastoral escape with excellent dining.
Activities: When in Rome, do as the Romans do — which in Los Olivos, means (of course) wine tasting. Stoplman Vineyards is famous for its sumptuous tasting rooms and sustainable farming techniques, while the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail provides a more laid-back, wooden porch experience — and jeans-friendly to boot. Goop-approved dining favorites include Bell's, Priedite Barbecue, and Bar Le Côte, with Bob’s Well Bread making freshly baked pastries every morning.
In this sun-kissed corner of the Golden State, the possibilities for memorable weekend getaways are truly endless. So pack your bags, grab your sunglasses, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant tapestry of Southern California's many charms.
