On the San Diego end, you can opt to get off in Old Town, steps from the states first European settlement, ormore likelyat Santa Fe Depot, situated right along theEmbarcadero. Hike for miles and miles in the Los Padres National Forest (check to see if you need an Adventure Pass), kayak on Lake Casitas, embark on a rock climbing adventure or go horseback riding along the Ventura River valley. With so many incredible views and sights to see on this Pacific Surfliner trip, you may want to add more nights! Stop by the California Welcome Center to get some brochures and ideas on what to do next. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. 610 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672, Phone: 949-492-1234. Escape the LA hustle with a weekend retreat to nearby shores. But what are the options if youre looking to leave cars out of the equation and travel by train to your favorite SoCal destination? Take a stroll through the picturesque Harbor Village,take in the California Surf Museum, rent a bike right on the beach, or do a little whale watching. If your weekend trips typically include racing around to see all the top tourist attractions, maybe you'll enjoy a change of pace in beautiful Ojai, where visitors can slow down and embrace nature. The Pirate rooms were designed to resemble a cabin on a pirate ship. Stay at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver for bountiful amenities and impeccable service; there's a spa, access to a casino and plenty of dining choices. Solana Beach 2 hrs by car, or 2 hrs by train If you want to spend a day in San Diego, you can A beautifully manicured garden and pool area offer ample space to relax and soak up the view with sleek sun loungers, outdoor sofas, tables, and chairs. For your littledinolovers, a trip to theCabazon Dinosaur Museumwill surely make you their favorite parent for a while. If you're looking for a quirky desert experience, stay overnight in the Pyramid, a one-bedroom glass pyramid bookable on Airbnb, or pick from the seasonal campgrounds, inns and motels in the park. You are reading "25 Best Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles " Back to Top. For an overnight stay, The Kinney San Luis Obispo, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, offers a casual college town atmosphere with board games and draft beers. Quick weekend getaways from LA include Catalina Island, Palm Springs, Ojai, Laguna Beach, Encinitas, Solvang, Mammoth Lakes, Carlsbad, Malibu, Santa Barbara, La Jolla, Newport Beach, Oxnard, Paso Robles and other unique towns in California. Best day trips from L.A. Things to Do Nearby: Best Beaches in San Diego, Best Beaches in California, Where to go near me: Things to Do in Plano, July, Things to Do in Del Mar, Art Museums, Southwest family vacation ideas, Newberg, Sherwood. Nearby attractions include the Del Mar race track, shopping, galleries, restaurants and several beaches. Take a walk along the beach, look for seals and enjoy the colorful sunsets. Explore the spectacular Canadian Rockies by rail with these chart-topping vacations. Two of the most popular Newport Beach communities to explore are Balboa Island be sure to try the famed frozen banana dessert and Balboa Peninsula, ideal for surfing or leisurely biking. With 315 days of sunshine, San Luis Obispo (nicknamed SLO) is the perfect year-round weekend destination and one of the best places to visit in California with picturesque beaches, a burgeoning farm-to-table culinary scene, rolling vineyards and plenty of small-town charm. Plus, enjoy all the famous sights of Santa Barbara with your included Trolley Tour, which visits the famous Stearns Wharf, the Harbor, the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, and more! Rooms start at $289 per night. Los Alamos, California not to be confused with a New Mexico town of the same name is a laid-back destination with an authentic Old West heritage; the town was created in 1876 by two ranchers donating part of their land. 633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, 805-966-9222. There are 204 guest rooms and specialty suites to choose from. So the routes weve selected below, all viaAmtrak,feature pretty stunning coastal scenery, as well as worthwhilecities waiting for you at the end. Tried-and-true splendor can also be found at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, which boasts stunning views overlooking Coachella Valley. Orizaba, at 2,097 feet, is highest point on the island. Enjoy scenic vistas from the train en route to Americas greatest national treasures. Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner If you're willing to take to the skies, you can leave California and the U.S. altogether for a quick weekend trip to Mexico. 25 Best Romantic Things to Do in Los Angeles, 15 Romantic Napa & Sonoma Wine Country Vacations, Carlsbad - Cape Rey Resort and Spa - 1 hour 50 minutes, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe - 1 hour and 45 minutes, Paso Robles - Hotel Cheval - 3 hours from LA, Santa Barbara - El Encanto - 1 hour and 30 minutes, Desert Hot Springs - The Spring Resort and Spa - 2 hours from LA, Weekend trips from Los Angeles: Newport Beach - Whale watching - 50 minutes, Big Bear - Outdoor Weekend Getaway - 2 hours, Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort and Spa, Palm Springs - 2 hours from LA, Spa & Golf Desert Getaway in Scottsdale - 5 hours and 30 minutes, Luxury Weekend at the Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage - 1 hour and 50 minutes, Fine Wine and Food in Carmel Valley - 5 hours, Family Weekend Getaway in Carlsbad - 1 hour and 30 minutes, Redondo Beach - Hotel Portofino - 30 minutes from LA, Weekend getaways in Southern California: Avalon Hotel Palm Springs - 1 hour and 45 minutes, San Clemente - Casa Tropicana Boutique Hotel - 1 hour 30 minutes, 21 Best Romantic Restaurants in Newport Beach, California, Cover Photo: Courtesy of Armin Hering - Fotolia.com. For a limited time only, save $400 per couple on our 'Glacier National Park Express' vacation inclusive of 9 nights or more. From San Francisco and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the High Sierras and Yosemite National Park with its mountain peaks and rushing waterfalls to the central coast with jagged sea cliffs and wineries to Los Angeles County home to Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and many celebrities! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! By Nadine Jolie Courtney and Grant Rindner Jul 9, 2020 Save Article Take a leisurely stroll to the beach and enjoy the indigo waters of the Atlantic Ocean or choose to relax and soak up the sun on the hotels beautiful pool deck. Visit in the winder months to enjoy warm sunny days. Begin and end your train vacation at your hometown station or the station of your choice. They are sure to bring you relaxation, joy, and memories to last a lifetime. Save up to $500 on your next rail vacation before March 3rd! About 85 miles southeast from the City of Angels, the wineries of Temecula Valley produce more than 50 varietals of wine; this year-round vacation destination pours plenty of craft beers and spirits too. Learn about your dining choices, onboard dining reservations, and the different types of dining cars. If you're tired of sitting in traffic on the 405 or need a break from your Zoom calls in the City of Angels, you're in luck: Los Angeles sits close to a wide variety of vacation spots that are perfect for a weekend away. Amtrak Pacific Accommodations range from boutique hotel rooms and two-bedroomed villas, nine of which have lovely courtyard and pool views. Take the Train to Cherry Blossom Season in Washington, DC! Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. The primary lodging options in this town include the retro motel Skyview Los Alamos, the Western-themed Alamo Motel and the opulent Victorian Mansion B&B. Must-do activities in the area include a thrilling boat ride with Vancouver Water Adventures, a foodie tour at Granville Island Public Market and an outdoor adventure at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where you'll experience a 450-foot-long suspension bridge, the Cliffwalk and a treetops excursion. But road trips arent your only option: If youre willing to put in a little bit of extra time and planning, there are a few train trips from Los Angeles that are even more spectacular than their car-based counterparts. You'll be able to prepare your own meals using the full kitchen in the cottage. For upscale shopping and dining, the trendy Lido Marina Village is the place to be seen. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. Travel Time: 2 1/2 hours each way, Get out and hike the beautiful Indian Canyons in Palm Springs. Combine the best of land and sea with these vacations exploring the breath-taking beauty of Alaska. CA 92210, 760-776-1234, What to do near my location, inexpensive getaways: Florida Keys, IN, Healdsburg CA, Madison, Water parks in Texas, New Braunfels, Long Island, NY, NC, OK, OR, Day Trips in Southern California, Cocoa Beach, CA, Harpers Ferry, Durham. A stylish boutique hotel option is the one-of-a-kind Madonna Inn: Each of the more than 100 guest rooms has a different theme, such as the Caveman, Love Nest, Pioneer America and Golfer's Room. As with standout automobile excursions, we think the journey is just as key as the destination when it comes to train trips. If youre looking to take the scenic route then this selection offers some of the very best views in North America. Looking for the perfect Pacific Surfliner trip? All aboard these scenic train trips up and down the coast from L.A. Find things to do and romantic places to stay. Live it up like a high roller with a Sky Suite atop ARIA Resort & Casino, the Sake Suite at the Nobu Hotel inside Caesars Palace or ultra-exclusive The Mansion at MGM Grand. Not bad for a days work. When you are planning a trip to Las Vegas, there is always a hot new hotel to check out, a new restaurant or a hit show. 25 Best Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles. Train: Amtrak Other SLO activity options include shopping for one-of-a-kind items at the JunkGirls shop, taking a surfing lesson or catching a movie at the nostalgic Sunset Drive-In. From the Merced River and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range to the tall redwoods and rushing waterfalls, Yosemite is truly a sight to behold. The park spans nearly 800,000 acres with two deserts: the Colorado Desert (part of the Sonoran Desert), occupying the eastern half of the park, and the wetter Mojave Desert which is home to the Joshua tree. Oceanside is a relaxed, typical Southern California seaside town with six miles of fine sandy beaches, perfect weather and plenty of opportunities for fun under the sun. Other popular lake activities include fishing, paddleboarding and boating. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Well-appointed guest rooms and suites feature all the facilities and amenities needed for a relaxing holiday, including king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms, spacious living areas and furnished patios with views while a private 3-bedroom house is ideal for larger groups. On-site amenities include a legendary golf course, a fabulous full-service spa, four sparkling swimming pools and no fewer than 7 restaurants and bars. Those aretwo days much better spentin Chicago. Room rates start at $265 per night. Palm Springsalso doesnt quite make sense by train. Yes, itll take you about an hour and a half longer than driving, but that comes with a pretty remarkable perk: an ocean-hugging ride along the Gaviota Coast, a 76-mile-long undeveloped stretch of rugged shores just past Santa Barbara thats otherwise largely inaccessible by car. Travel Time: 3 hours each way, Hitting up Palms Springs for the day is a bit of acommitment, but if you dig desert livingit's worth the effort. Whatever you choose for your weekend trip, it's time to take a break from the bustle of Los Angeles and head out for a new adventure with your best friends, significant other or entire family. Contemporary and modern, this luxurious seaside hotel offers a comfortable getaway for the whole family. Similarly, theGrand Canyon would earn a spot on our list if not for the timing. Enjoy sushi seaside at Hotel Laguna's Fin restaurant, listen to live jazz at The Drake or sip Champagne while watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean at the Surf & Sand Resort bar. Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48 states. Experience the adventure of traveling overnight with these unforgettable rail experiences. Our Rail Vacation Consultants or a local Travel Advisor will assist you in making any adjustments to fit your travel style. The hotel offers 159 hip guestrooms and suites, fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi and other luxury amenities. Travelers seeking outdoor adventure will have plenty of opportunities, whether you opt to scuba dive in a kelp forest, peruse tide pools in Heisler Park, or head to 7,000-acre Laguna Coast Wilderness Park for hiking and mountain biking. Things to Do in Long Beach. For a bit of California history, wander through the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Your Amtrak Vacation journey can start from any of the over 500 Amtrak stations across North America. We have you covered - if the train goes there, so do we. San Luis Obispo (aka SLO) is a smallish, charming college town about 200 miles up the coast from Los Angelesan approximate 5 to 5 1/2 hour journey from There is a poolside bar and caf and the Agave Sunset Bar and Lounge serves delectable cocktails and California cuisine. Choose from 114 luxury guest accommodations, including suites and Ocean Villas decorated in old-world style. Weve put together 5 great options to enjoy the California Coast from onboard the train! Round-trip Amtrak fare from $62; alternative departures available from Glendale, Burbank, Van Nuys and Northridge. WebOf course, there are also luxury train lines that cover vast expanses of land, such as the Golden Eagle Trans Siberian Express, which makes a 6,000-mile journey across eight You can purchase single tickets each time you ride or buy a reusable TAP card and refill it as you need. Then board the Pacific Surfliner and head to San Diego to spend your final day of your California vacation exploring on your harbor cruise. You'll find more than 200 wineries in the region, complemented by a variety of craft breweries, cideries and distilleries in Paso Robles. The Lodge at Big Bear Lake offers 147 guest rooms and suites with gas-burning fireplaces, spa-style bathtubs and wet bars. WebJourney up the west coast in style on an Amtrak Coast Starlight train, as you travel from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara for a day of exploration. Once you arrive in Avalon, the main city, you can take a walking tour at the historic Catalina Casino, rent a golf cart to cruise around or experience the thrill of an ecotour by zip line. To help you pick the right destination for your much-needed escape, U.S. News evaluated expert and traveler opinion to find the best weekend getaways from LA. If youre looking for something different, book a sustainable wine tour, or even charter your own yacht. Slip back in time with a visit to this historic town and its The Huntley is a perfect relaxing weekend escape and you will find a lot of stuff to do nearby, including free activities. If an adults-only weekend trip is what you have in mind, head out to Las Vegas, a vivacious and walkable city. While in the area, non-Disney options includeskateboardingat Vans skatepark, taking flight at a SwingIt Trapeze lesson, andwandering through the reopened Bowers Museum. The cottage has a wood-burning fireplace, private entrance, balcony, two bedrooms and a two-person whirlpool tub, perfect for a romantic getaway. The 1-square-mile, European-style village of Carmel seamlessly blends history, arts and culture, and stunning ocean views for a relaxing and unique travel experience. Elegant island-inspired suites feature clean dcor, spacious en-suite bathrooms, and modern amenities, including king size beds, percale linen, air-conditioning and heating, tea and coffee making facilities, and cable TV. Book your escape today! With an unending supply of beaches, mountains, deserts, and historic highways just a short distance away from the city, theres always an excuse for a day trip. Fill your time in this California city (only about 25 miles south of Los Angeles) with shopping, dining, art and roaming the coastline: Junipero Beach is one of the top LA-area beaches. Delicious homemade breakfast is served in the morning, featuring organic, fair-trade-certified coffee, tea and a main dish made from fresh organic ingredients and local produce. Summer weekends are very popular, so it's a good idea to book early, particularly during the holidays. Stroll along its 1,000 foot long boardwalk, have a cup of coffee at the end, throw a line into the water or watch the sunset. You can start your trip on Fourth Street, also called Retro Row, to explore offerings such as the famous vintage shop Meow. Discover our newest vacations created just for you. Exciting escapes to a breath-taking national park or spectacular city destination. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Also, there are a number of nearby citiesreachable by Metrolink(Ventura, Oxnard, Claremont, Orange, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Solana Beach) that we consider commutes more than proper trips; while they may offer an afternoon diversion and a change of pace, you havent really left theL.A. megalopolis. In the nearby community of Lake Arrowhead, guests of the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa have access to a private beach and personalized boat tours. Enjoy a feast for the eyes and mouth with innovative eateries all over the city Las Vegas' dining scene boasts a variety of culinary choices and the ability to cater to whatever your budget may be. Scroll down to check out our list of scenic train rides in California, USA. For a unique experience, opt for a farm stay such as in an RV on an alpaca ranch or spend a night sleeping in a revamped shipping container at Geneseo Inn. You don't have to go all the way to Napa Valley for award-winning wineries. After enjoying lunch at Malibu Farm Lido or picking up some couture pieces at the elysewalker store, plan for a sleepover at the Lido House to soak in the hotel's Cape Cod-inspired aesthetic.