Weekend getaways from Los Angeles
12 places within about 4 hours of Los Angeles, closest first. Locals go to get out of town, and visitors can add one to a city trip. Get there by car or by ferry.
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12 getaways, closest first
- 1 hrby car Laguna Beach Coves, tide pools and art galleries on a cliffside stretch of Orange County coast.
- 1 hrby ferry Catalina Island Leave the car at the dock. A ferry takes you to a harbor town with golf carts, clear water and zip lines.
- 1 hr 30 minby car Ojai A small valley town built for slowing down: spa days, orchard walks and the pink glow on the Topatopa Mountains at sunset.
- 1 hr 30 minby car Temecula Rolling vineyards, sunrise balloon rides over the vines and an Old West main street.
- 1 hr 40 minby car Lake Arrowhead A private-feeling alpine lake ringed by pines and cabins.
- 1 hr 40 minby car Santa Barbara Beach mornings, tasting rooms within walking distance and red-tile streets.
- 2 hrby car San Diego Beaches, the Gaslamp Quarter, La Jolla sea lions and a famous zoo.
- 2 hrby car Palm Springs Mid-century hotels, a pool you never leave and a tram from desert to pine forest.
- 2 hr 15 minby car Solvang A Danish-style village with windmills and bakeries, ten minutes from Los Olivos tasting rooms.
- 2 hr 30 minby car Big Bear Lake A cabin with a fireplace, snow or lake depending on the month.
- 2 hr 30 minby car Joshua Tree Boulders, twisted trees and some of the darkest skies near LA.
- 4 hrby car Las Vegas Shows, food and nightlife, a Friday afternoon drive away.
Nothing matches both filters. Try a longer trip or a different kind of weekend.