12 Weekend Trips From Los Angeles, California, USA - Updated 2024

1. Los Alamos (from USD 185)

Los Alamos is a beautiful town in Santa Barbara County, California, known for its quaint small-town charm, gorgeous natural sceneries, historic hotels and inns, and a burgeoning food and wine scene. Some of the beautiful views to enjoy here include farms, ranches, and vineyards.

This amazing weekend getaway from Los Angeles is just two and a half hours north of LA. Getting to this place is an adventure in itself as you’ll have to go through one of the most scenic routes in the state. For a nice place to stay here, check out Skyview Los Alamos.

2. Solvang (from USD 175)

For some of the best weekend trips from Los Angeles, consider going to Solvang. The city that celebrates Danish culture and history is located in the Santa Ynez Valley of Central California and is known to be one of the state’s hidden gems. It may technically be a city but it still has its small-town charm thanks to its laid-back ambiance and quaint restaurants, shops, wineries, bars, bakeries, and museums. You can also go ride horses through the hills to fully experience its natural beauty.

Getting to this beautiful city from Los Angeles would only take you more or less three hours through scenic roads north of LA. Consider Mirabell Inn & Restaurant as your accommodation once you reach Solvang.

3. Palm Desert (from USD 229)

Driving from Los Angeles to Palm Desert will take you about 1 hour and 49 minutes (122.9 miles or 197 km). Palm Desert promises fun-filled weekends with plenty of things to see and do. Visit McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts for one of their top-notch performances, plays, concerts etc. Spend some time outdoors with hiking activities or visit world-class golf spots. Visit the Palm Desert Aquatic Center for relaxation by the pool, and of course, don’t forget to explore the vast number of cozy eateries and fancy restaurants. It’s the weekend and you’re out of town, you have to spoil yourself! Need a suggestion for your Los Angeles vacation stay? Shadow Mountain Resort & Club is an excellent choice.

4. Desert Hot Springs (from USD 130)

Named after its many natural hot springs, Desert Hot Springs will satisfy a wide range of travelers. The must-do activities include a visit at the Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, featuring Native American arts, and hiking and wildlife watching at the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. Deserts Hot Springs is located 108 miles (173 km) away from Los Angeles. That means you will need around 1 hour and 36 minutes to reach your destination. Recommended accommodation, is the beautiful Aqua Soleil Hotel and Mineral Water Spa.

5. Ventura (from USD 245)

Ventura is a beautiful coastal city, only 1 hour away from Los Angeles (68 miles or 109 km). Once in Ventura, you’ll discover the laid-back spirit of the city, that will help you to get in the mood. Make a stop at the Museum of Ventura County for cultural facts about the city, treat yourself with a visit at the Ventura Harbor Village, where you can sip on local wines and taste freshly cooked seafood dishes. And of course, don’t forget (how could you anyway) to visit one of the safe and clean beaches of Ventura, and why not grab your surfing board and catch some waves. Waypoint Ventura and its retro, refurbished trailers, is the ideal hotel for a comfy night sleep.

6. La Jolla (from USD 58)

Set atop sea cliffs, La Jolla is a wonderful seaside place, only 1 hour and 44 minutes away from the crowded Los Angeles (112.5 miles or 181 km). With more than 250 sunny days every year, La Jolla is absolutely charming. Visit the Cuvier or Kellogg Park for a fun family day, get closer to nature at the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, go for hiking, or take a dip at the beautiful and secluded Black’s Beach. La Jolla Cottage is the perfect hotel for your stay once in La Jolla.

7. Carlsbad (from USD 135)

The 1 hour and 19 minutes (87 miles or 140 km), you have to drive to reach Carlsbad, is definitely worth your time. Weekend trips from Los Angeles are more exciting with destinations like Carlsbad. Visit the sandy South Carlsbad State Beach, where surfing is an option, visit the LEGOLAND for all-day water fun with your family and a roller coaster, or maybe go flower watching at The Flower Fields. Carlsbad by the Sea Resort will be your base camp to explore the city.

8. Palm Springs (from USD 399)

Palm Springs of Southern California is just a short distance away from Los Angeles by car, which equals for 106.6 miles (151.7 km). Known for its hot springs, the relaxing spas, and the golf courses, Palm Springs offers a plethora of fun things to do and see upon your visit. First, shelter at the impeccably beautiful Ace Hotel and Swim Club Palm Springs, and let the fun begin! Get active with horseback rides or with the hiking trails at the Indian Canyons, discover native species and animals at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, operating from 1970, pay a visit to the Coachella Valley, and enjoy the view of a waterfall at the Tahquitz Canyon.

9. Avalon (from USD 430)

Located at Catalina Island, Avalon is approximately 49 miles (79 km) from Los Angeles, and you can reach there by boat within an hour or take a helicopter ride for around 15 minutes. Once you arrive, settle at the gorgeous Avalon Hotel, and let the adventure begin. Relax with a day at the spa, go for water activities, join Los Angeles tours, play your heart out in Catalina’s escape rooms, or visit the Avalon Theatre.

10. Rancho Santa Fe (from USD 429)

The list with fun weekend trips from places to visit in Los Angeles goes on with the Rancho Santa Fe. Located 104 miles (167 km) from Los Angeles, you will need approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes to reach there. Get on a surfing board for some water fun, and explore its numerous restaurants and shopping malls. As for your stay, the luxurious The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe is the best choice.

11. Big Bear Lake (from USD 62)

Big Bear Lake is an excellent choice for a short weekend trip from Los Angeles. At a distance of 97 miles (156 km) which means about 1 hour and 48 minutes by car, Big Bear Lake offers numerous fun activities. During the winter you can go for ski or snowboarding, while summer and spring days are filled with water activities, off-road experiences, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and many more. Big Bear Lakefront Lodge will serve as the perfect base camp for your adventures.

12. Santa Barbara (from USD 595)

Weekend trips from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara can be really fun. If you’re visiting any time from January to February, then make sure to attend the Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. If not, then don’t miss the chance to chill at the beach, go for wine tastings, or to visit the Channel Islands National Park. Driving from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara will take you about 1 hour and 26 minutes (95 miles or 152 km). Looking for the perfect accommodation as well? Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara will do the work!

Best weekend getaways from Los Angeles

Put all the essentials in a bag, find the perfect companion, fill the gas tank and you’re off for some great adventures! You just need to choose one of our fun weekend trips from Los Angeles.