If you are looking for a list of the best weekend trips from Los Angeles and San Francisco, you’ve come to the right place! If your base is from one of these main metropolitan cities, this list is the perfect one-stop shop for California weekend getaways. California is known for its great weather, exciting cities and beautiful landscapes. It’s the perfect state to plan your next vacation. Whether it’s a California road trip to hit multiple stops, or just a long weekend getaway at one awesome location, this list is ideal for both couples and families to spend some time away from the big cities and enjoy a bit of fun, sun and nature therapy! I have been to many of the locations myself, so I have listed some of my favorite spots below in alphabetical order.
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is one of our favorite Weekend Trips from the Los Angeles area. It’s quick, easy to get to and the weather is always cooler. The Big Bear Lake is beautiful and a great place to go on a peaceful boat ride. During the Winter months, it’s a perfect stop for Winter activities such as skiing and snow boarding. It’s a great getaway for hiking, picnics, and nature therapy.
Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway
The California coastline is infamous for it’s incredible landscape, beaches and scenic views. Big Sur is a beautiful stretch of coast line located slightly South of San Francisco and it is known as the top scenic viewing location in the entire state. It’s an ideal destination to add to your California Road Trip itinerary.
Bodie Ghost Town
If you are looking for a very unique destination to explore a part of American history, the Bodie Historic State Park is it. It houses one of the most perfectly preserved Ghost Towns of the California Gold Rush history. Check out my extensive blog about this beautiful spot and a list of amazing things to do there.
Cambria
Located in the San Luis Obispo County in Central California, Cambria is a quaint little town that is perfect for a couple’s weekend getaway from Los Angeles. It’s got beautiful beaches that aren’t crowded with tourists. And a cute little town with adorable shops, restaurants and sight seeing. Our favorite spots to check out in Cambria is the local Piedras Blancas Light House and the viewing of wild elephant seals that bask along the shoreline.
Also, close by, is the incredible Hearst Castle, known as one of the most beautiful castles of the Americas.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is the official name of this quaint little coastal town in Northern California. Isn’t that the cutest thing? The town is located in Monterey County and is just slightly under two-hours South of San Francisco. Established in 1902, the adorable little town serves as a haven for artists, retirees and vacationers. The entire city has a fairy tale vibe, especially in the architecture used to build many homes, shops, hotels and other properties. People from all over the country flock to this little town to enjoy the wonderful food, art galleries, the beach, and the storybook cottages, which is my personal favorite. I’ve put together a perfect little guide on things to do if you were to spend two days in Carmel by the Sea.
Death Valley
The Death Valley National Park has got to be my favorite place ever. It’s just so unique and other-worldly. I couldn’t believe it was so close to me and it took me so long to visit it. This is a destination worth visiting with the entire family and would make for an awesome weekend trips from Los Angeles. I have written several guides about this beautiful national park. Check them out and see for yourself!
Hearst Castle – San Simeon
We have visited Hearst Castle a handful of times and it’s a really interesting look into the history of the early 1900s in the US. It’s a immense mansion designed and built by a female architect and funded by a big media tycoon. With its European inspiration and many of its construction pieces imported directly from there, it’s a little piece of Europe right in California. I highly recommend the night tour that they have with volunteers that dress up in costume from that time period, and you can interact with them during the tour. It’s a blast!
La Jolla Weekend Trips from Los Angeles
La Jolla is a quiet little coastal town in the San Diego County. It has a great art scene with a new age vibe. It’s a perfect little weekend getaway for couples. It’s got high end restaurants to casual dining, plus lots of unique little shops on their main strip. And the outdoor activities with perfect beach views definitely makes for a romantic weekend getaway in Southern California.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe was originally on our bucket list for this year but due to the bazaar circumstances of 2020, we have postponed all our travels for now. But it’s still on our list and we’re going to make it out there no matter what! It’s a nature’s paradise with a glorious crystal blue lake. And so many things to do there, that I have lost count. I found a photography tour that looks mighty interesting too, so I am definitely adding that to my own list to check out.
Las Vegas
Okay, everyone knows about Las Vegas so there’s really not much more I can say about it right? It’s technically not in California but it deserves to be mentioned because it’s a close drive and very easy to get to. And it’s full of bang for your boom. I’ve picked out a few trendy tours that may come in handy during your visit though. Check them out!
Valley of Fire State Park
Mammoth Lakes
Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay is a stunning stretch of coastline located less than an hour south of San Francisco. With stunning ocean views, hiking trails and one of my favorite attractions. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is an incredible nonprofit public aquarium focusing on education, habitat conservation and marine life.
Don’t miss out on the tours below in the Monterey Bay area.
Plus a special Skip-the-Line ticket to the incredible Aquarium of the Bay!
Napa Valley Wine Country
I’ve mentioned it before in a previous Paso Robles blog post that I’m not a wine drinker. But I sure can pretend! I don’t know anything about wine but I love visiting wineries and vineyards. They have the most stunning properties and estates that are mostly all open to the public for wine tasting tours. Our Top 3 favorite wineries in Napa Valley are Castillo Di Amorosa, Chateau Montalena Winery and V. Sattui Winery.
Paso Robles Vineyards
Paso Robles, California is a lovely little town in Central California. Whether you are from Northern or Southern California. It is part of the San Luis Obispo County. It is situated right in the middle of Los Angeles and San Francisco off the 101 Highway.
Paso Robles is a popular destination for wine enthusiasts, but it’s quieter and less expensive than the popular locations such as Napa Valley, Sonoma or Santa Barbara. It is a great stop during a road trip along the California coastline. Check out my Paso Robles Guide on all the lovely things to do there for a romantic couples weekend getaway.
Palm Springs Weekend Trips from Los Angeles
Pismo Beach
Looking for an exciting outdoor activity for the whole family to enjoy. Dune Buggy or ATV riding on sand dunes in Pismo Beach is what I would highly recommend. The Oceano Sand Dunes is used for recreational purposes. It is also open for camping and beach activities. Check out my post about renting a Dune Buggy and going for a ride of your life!
Redwoods National & State Park
San Diego
Santa Barbara Beach & Vineyards
Sequoia National Forest
Yosemite National Park
A couple of years ago, we planned a quick 4-day weekend trip to replace a 10-day Scotland trip that we had to cancel. We decided to stick to somewhere close and we chose Yosemite National Park completely on a whim. I was completely taken aback with the park. It was not what I had expected. I was amazed by the beautiful landscape and couldn’t get over that it was so close to us this whole time and we didn’t even realize! Make sure to visit my Yosemite Guide to find the best scenic views and hiking trails!
Ooo, I’m an hour out from SF so these are definitely gonna come in handy! I haven’t lived in CA for a while so there’s a lotttt I need to explore! *-*
California is “gold mine” of awesome places to visit!
I really envy those lucky enough to live -or spend a big chunk of time- in the coast of California! The amount of amazing things to do around is so great! I’ve been waiting to go only because I‘ve never felt I had enough time to do all I want around. Anyhow, for when that day comes, I’m saving this post 😊
Wow super through and beautiful post! I’ve been to LA and SF but most of these I’ve missed unfortunately!
There are some truly beautiful spots on this list that we’ve been lucky enough to visit. I haven’t heard of Big Bear Lake before though and would love to get out there on our next California road trip.
This is a great post! I have done Big Sur and Yosemite which were incredible. Now I want to come back and visit all of these beautiful places. Thank you for sharing.
This is such a fun post for me, as I live in San Diego! One of the spots I’ve missed is Death Valley. And also Bodie. I’ve driven by the turnoff so many times and haven’t taken the time to visit. I’m ready for a road trip!!
There are so many places I still haven’t been to on this list! I never got to San Diego, or to the Sequoias, and Santa Barbara! So much more of California to see – thanks for the inspiration!
Such an informative post, so many places to add to my list! I’ve always wanted to visit California/LA (being from the UK), and never knew these were nearby. Definitely keeping this for future reference!
Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway looks so dreamy! I see it all over IG yet I have never had the opportunity to go. California is one of my favorite states and I can’t wait to get back to it!
Yesss growing up in LA, these spots are iconic!!! I’ve never been to Bodie tho!
I live in Sacramento and grew up in the Bay Area, so I’ve been to most of these places. I especially love Lake Tahoe, San Diego and Monterey!
Aww love this! I spent 3 days in LA last year and I absolutely loved this city! I would love to stay longer and explore more of California *w* All of those places look amazing!
Great list! We live in the SF Bay Area and are also in LA quite often. We will definitely need to check out the Bodie Ghost town. Love your photos and details. Thanks for sharing!