9 of the Best Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles

Around a 2-hour drive from LA—traffic permitting, of course—San Diego is the ideal spot if you’re seeking a nearby destination from Los Angeles for a weekend away. The San Diego Zoo alone justifies a family-friendly weekend trip from Los Angeles, but the city offers much more. Highlights include the San Diego Museum of Man (SDMM), one of the world’s foremost anthropology museums, as well as the historic Old Town, the first European settlement in the state. San Diego also has fantastic seaside areas, from Pacific Beach to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.

Palm Springs has long been one of the top places to visit near Los Angeles, and for good reason. This beautiful desert community boasts sunny weather, easy access to incredible hiking trails, golfing galore, and plenty of vintage charm. The dining here is fantastic, as is the nightlife scene, which is particularly geared toward LGBTQ+ travelers. Palm Springs is also an exceptional base for getting out into nature—the beautiful landscapes of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Indian Canyons are within easy reach.

Not far from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park feels like something out of Alice in Wonderland—if Alice in Wonderland was set in a very hot desert. This expanse within the Mojave and California Desert defies stereotypes of what deserts are supposed to look like: While there certainly is plenty of sand, its most striking features are massive boulders (perfect for rock climbing excursions) and the funky yucca brevifolia trees—also known as Joshua Trees—that give the park its name.

Las Vegas is around a 4-hour drive from LA, making it a popular destination for Angelinos and visitors alike. With a full weekend in the city, you’ll have enough time to check out the casinos and do some partying before resting up for the road trip back. Even if clubbing and gambling aren’t your scene, you’re sure to find plenty of fun ways to spend your time: take a gondola ride at the Venetian, soar over the Las Vegas Strip on a helicopter tour, or even visit the Grand Canyon’s West Rim.

The town of Solvang in the Santa Ynez Valley has been attracting visitors for the last century or so with its Danish-inspired design complete with thatched-roofed homes and cute windmills. It was established in 1911 to promote Danish culture, and today it is a popular spot for a weekend of wandering around, taking photos, sampling Danish baked goods, and shopping.

Did you know?: While the Danish ambience brings many visitors to Solvang, it’s also known for its excellent wineries.

Movie stars, well-heeled tourists, and surfers looking for that perfect wave converge in Santa Barbara, which offers fantastic restaurants, plenty of arts and culture, and great beaches—all in one seaside city. These are all the ingredients for a perfect romantic getaway from Los Angeles; you’ll find plenty of lovely inns perfect for a couple’s getaway. Don’t leave town before visiting the Old Mission Santa Barbara, a striking Spanish mission established in the 18th century.

Just inland from California's Central Coast, Paso Robles has long been used as a base for oenophiles looking to explore the wine country. While you shouldn’t miss the chance to take a wine tour of area vineyards, such as DAOU Vineyards and Sculpterra Winery, there’s much more to the city than just vino. While you're in the area, don’t pass up the chance to wander through the illuminated fields of Sensorio, an immersive light installation, and include a little time in your schedule for a tour of the opulent Hearst Castle.

You'll find the polar opposite of Los Angeles in Big Bear, a forested wonderland in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest that’s just a 2-hour drive away. It sits on the massive Big Bear Lake, a popular place for respite from the summertime heat, while winter sports lovers flock here in the colder months to take advantage of snowfall. Head to the Big Bear Discovery Center to get your bearings, learn more about the area, and discover the many outdoor pursuits available.

Editor's note: Starting May 16, 2025, and running through summer 2026, the resort will honor its 70th anniversary with limited-time entertainment, colorful decor, themed food and beverages, collectible merchandise, and more.

Less than 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of downtown Los Angeles, Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, California offers more than just two iconic theme parks to enjoy during a weekend getaway. The resort also includes three Disney®-owned hotels and Downtown Disney®, a free to enter, pedestrian-only zone, where you’ll find world-class dining, shops, and access to live entertainment—even if you’re not enjoying the attractions (aka rides). Make a reservation at the always popular Taiwanese restaurant Din Tai Fung, or hit up the stylish Mexican restaurant Paseo. If you time it right, you can view Disneyland®’s fireworks, from the second floor, without stepping inside the park.

Insider tip: For the full Disney®-style resort treatment, spend the weekend at the Disney® Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Pixar Place Hotel, or the Disneyland® Hotel. Each has its own distinct style, but whichever you choose, you’ll feel like you flew to Hawaii or Cancun—without the hours-long flight.

Although most people don’t consider going to Mexico for a Los Angeles weekend escape, Tijuana is a fairly convenient place to get away for a few days. While many visitors to the border city focus on strolling along Avenida Revolución—known for its restaurants, hotels, and abundance of nightlife—it's also worth visiting cultural attractions such as the Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT), which showcases artistic and cultural traditions from the Baja Peninsula and beyond.

Insider tip: It’s safer to leave your car in the US and walk across the border. Fortunately, there are plenty of parking lots in San Ysidro where you can leave your car for the weekend.