The state of California is, shall we say, massive: 800 miles north to south, 400 miles wide, from craggy coast to redwood forest. It alone could have inspired the lyrics to “America the Beautiful,” while the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is among the most iconic drives in the country. Locals are spoiled for easy weekend getaways, so this editor-approved list is a mix of classic and quirky, depending on your mood.
Read on for 11 of the best weekend getaways in California.
1. Big Sur
- Distance: three hours south of San Francisco
- Best for: dramatic coastlines, waterfalls plunging into the ocean, redwood forests
Big Sur is one of the most magnificent stretches of California coastline, says Afar director of podcasts Aislyn Greene, who wrote about the area, calling it a “cultural icon, marvel of nature, and ancestral home of the Esselen Tribe.” It calls for multiple visits, whether a weekend or week at a time. (Be sure to check road conditions before heading to Big Sur, as road slides are common.)
She added that “Nature is one of the region’s biggest draws, but there’s plenty of exploration to do beyond the trees.” Places like Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Hearst Castle, a California condor tour with Ventana Wildlife Society, and a tour of the Point Sur light station are among the local attractions. Make time to go shopping for local art at Hawthorne Gallery too.
Where to stay in Big Sur
- Book now: Ventana Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn
Accommodation options in Big Sur range from basic campsites, like those at Pfeiffer State Park, to five-star luxury. Some of our favorite Big Sur hotels include the spectacular, all-inclusive Ventana Big Sur resort, which gives guests the option to choose between staying in one of its suites or getting in touch with nature in its safari-style tents, as well as the creative rooms at Post Ranch Inn—weekend retreat in a tree house, perhaps?
Mendocino Grove is a peaceful glamping retreat on the Northern California coast.
Photo by Simone Anne
2. Mendocino coast
- Distance: three hours north of San Francisco
- Best for: a remote drive along Highway 1
The Mendocino coast is no secret weekend getaway spot. But while most visitors will focus on exploring the coastal town of Mendocino and its surrounds, there’s much to be discovered along the 90-plus miles of Mendocino County’s coastline. That said, if it’s your first time in the area, base yourself in the small town of Mendocino: Beaten path or not, its proximity to trails, beaches, restaurants, and small shops make it a must on any California getaway list. Or explore a new stretch of the coast, like the small town of Elk and nearby Salt Point State Park to the south of Mendocino.
You could easily fill your weekend exploring tide pools on the beach and hiking trails with dramatic ocean views, but part of the Mendocino coast’s charms are in the small towns near the highway. Save plenty of time for pit stops from Guala to Fort Bragg; shop the variety store Matson Mercantile in Elk; enjoy vegetarian fare and wine at the hip and colorful Fog Eater Cafe in Mendocino; or sample fresh local seafood at Wild Fish.
Where to stay on the Mendocino coast
- Book now: JD House, Mendocino Grove
In the heart of downtown Mendocino is JD House, a six-room bed-and-breakfast with ocean views and decor that lands somewhere between ship captain’s home and modern hygge. Or immerse yourself in nature at Mendocino Grove, where you can stay in safari tents complete with comfy beds, rugs, and firepits.
In the northern end of Sonoma wine country, the historic town of Healdsburg is the center of many exciting new openings.
Courtesy of Bread & Butter PR Agency
3. Healdsburg and Sonoma wine country
- Distance: 90 minutes north of San Francisco
- Best for: a low-key wine and food getaway
It’s hard to see all of Sonoma wine county in a single weekend—it’s larger and more spread out than neighboring Napa Valley. Instead, make the northern town of Healdsburg your home base for the weekend. In the past few years, a long list of exciting new hotels, restaurants, and tasting rooms have joined the area—giving the historic town a burst of new energy.
Yes, you could spend an entire day tasting wine (it is Sonoma County, after all), but you’ll also want to explore the area’s natural beauty. To do so, join a cycling tour at Russian River Adventures to see the sights on two wheels with a knowledgeable guide.
Healdsburg’s food scene is also a big reason to visit: It’s home to three-Michelin-starred restaurant SingleThread (plus a Michelin Green Star), and the team’s vegan café, bar, and restaurant, Little Saint. For a more casual lunch or dinner, enjoy a pizza on the rooftop at the Matheson, or settle down for cocktails and fried chicken at Lo+Behold.
Where to stay in Healdsburg
- Book now: Montage Healdsburg, Madrona
For a truly luxurious retreat, book a stay at the Montage Healdsburg, a 258-acre property that became the first major resort property in the Healdsburg area when it opened in 2020. Or head over to the Madrona, a historic property originally built in 1881 as a private residence that is now a beautiful, maximalist boutique hotel designed by Jay Jeffers.
Napa Valley offers world-class wine — but that’s not the only activity for weekend getaways.
Photo by Brandon Bourdages/Shutterstock.com
4. Napa Valley
- Distance: one hour to 90 minutes northeast of San Francisco
- Best for: wine, of course, but also much more
Napa Valley may feel like an obvious choice for a Bay Area getaway (it is undeniably easy), but that doesn’t mean your itinerary has to be predictable. With an exciting array of lesser-known tours, activities, and tastings (and we don’t just mean wine), it’s easy to go beyond the most well-known attractions. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you could even turn your Napa getaway into a mini road trip from Napa Valley to Mendocino along the scenic Highway 128.
To see a different side, spend the day cycling its back roads with Napa Valley Bike Tours. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Empress M, the vision of entrepreneur Margaret Wong that features gourmet Chinese dishes like shrimp dumplings, Sichuan calamari, and roast duck; Lucy Restaurant at Bardessono, a tranquil restaurant with seasonally inspired dishes like asparagus en cocotte; or North Block, whose menu by Momofuku alum chef Nick Tamburo revolves around a wood-fired oven.
Where to stay in Napa Valley
- Book now: The George
The George in downtown Napa is a nine-room inn in a restored 19th-century home; guests are treated to plush towels, comfortable beds, and fresh English muffins from nearby Model Bakery.
Who couldn’t relax with such Carmel Valley views?
Courtesy of Carmel Valley Ranch
5. Carmel Valley
- Distance: two hours, 30 minutes from San Francisco
- Best for: a wine country escape to the south
Napa Valley and Sonoma County aren’t the only places to go for a weekend of wine tasting and sunshine. Carmel Valley (not to be confused with nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea) is an equally fantastic, but often overlooked, destination for wine and food adventures.
Plan your weekend around tastings at the area’s vineyards, like western-style Cowgirl Winery or Joyce, which specializes in wine from sustainability-minded vineyards. Then decompress with an afternoon of hot and cool outdoor pools and a massage at Refuge Spa or a stroll through the shops at Carmel Valley Village.
Where to stay in Carmel Valley
- Book now: Carmel Valley Ranch, Bernardus Lodge & Spa
Relax with a room at family-friendly Carmel Valley Ranch. Or for a more Tuscan-esque experience, stay at Bernardus Lodge & Spa, a wine country escape with rooms that overlook its 28-acre vineyard.
A weekend in Tomales Bay means coastal hikes and lots of oysters.
Shutterstock
6. Tomales Bay
- Distance: 90 minutes north of San Francisco
- Best for: oysters, cheese, and kayaking in the bay
If a weekend of eating fresh seafood, sampling locally made cheese, and kayaking in a tranquil bay sounds like your kind of getaway, then head to Tomales Bay. This area, just north of the Point Reyes National Seashore, refers to the 15-mile stretch of watery inlet separating Point Reyes Peninsula from mainland Marin County. It also happens to be home to many dairy and oyster farms, as well as scenic parks and natural vistas.
Start off your weekend in Tomales Bay with an outdoor activity or two, like watching elk in the Tule Elk Preserve, hiking to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, or kayaking in Tomales Bay with Blue Waters Kayaking.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, eat your way through the area’s specialties, oysters and cheese, with a stop at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company just north of Point Reyes Station, oysters at Hog Island or Tony’s Seafood in Marshall, and a locavore dinner at Saltwater Oyster Depot in Inverness. Locals know: For oysters to go, no-frills Tomales Bay Oyster Co. is the best in the bay.
Where to stay in Tomales Bay
- Book now: Nick’s Cove Tomales Bay
Try cozying up waterside at Nick’s Cove Tomales Bay, on the east side of the bay. Its 12 cottages have nautical touches in one-of-a-kind interiors.
Several miles of boardwalk line Moonstone Beach in Cambria.
Photo by randy andy / Shutterstock
7. Cambria
- Distance: Four hours’ drive from San Francisco or Los Angeles
- Best for: strolling miles of boardwalk, gawking at Hearst Castle
Known locally as “where the pines meet the sea,” central Cambria has stretches of Monterey pine forest and untamed shoreline, both worth exploring. Part of Cambria’s charm is how laid-back it is. Some of the best ways to spend a day include meandering along Moonstone Beach inspecting driftwood structures and shucking at the no-reservation, cash-only Sea Chest Oyster Bar. Or maybe a hike along the bluffs spotting birds, whales, and otters at Fiscalini Ranch is in the cards. Browse the singular boutiques along Main Street before a bite to eat and a glass of something local.
If it’s your first time, Hearst Castle, William Randolph Hearst’s sprawling, 165-room mansion packed full of European art, is a must. It’s also a pit stop to see the elephant seals sunning themselves at Piedras Blancas.
Where to stay in Cambria
- Book now: Oceanpoint Ranch, Cambria Pines Lodge
Set across nine acres at the far north end of Moonstone Beach, Oceanpoint Ranch is perfectly positioned for strolls along the boardwalk, explorations of rocky tidepools, and bracing hikes on deserted stretches of sand. Meanwhile, high in the woods above the main town, Cambria Pines Lodge is the kind of archetypal forest retreat the name suggests. The Fireside Lounge is a fine place for a glass of local pinot.
Hop a ferry and spend the weekend on Catalina Island.
Courtesy of Catalina Express
8. Catalina Island
- Distance: one-hour ferry ride from L.A. on the Catalina Express
- Best for: an accessible, unpretentious, car-free getaway
Warm and sunny, with a small town built into the hills around a palm tree–lined seafront that overlooks a sleepy harbor, Catalina Island evokes any number of spots on the Italian—or French—Riviera.
The 22-mile-long island has provided shelter for smugglers, served as a training ground for the Wrigley-owned Chicago Cubs, and long been a respite from mainland life. To wit: Most people get around on foot or by golf cart.
An ideal weekend on Catalina Island would probably be split 50/50 between land and sea. You won’t want to miss snorkeling or scuba diving among the almost aggressively bright orange garibaldi fish by the casino—the water here is clear and dense with scaly creatures. On dry land, there’s the usual gamut of vacation activities: hiking, boutique shopping, bombing around via golf cart. Descanso Beach Club presents a rare opportunity in California: the chance to drink alcohol with your feet in the sand.
Where to stay on Catalina Island
- Book now: Hotel Atwater
We love Hotel Atwater, a century-old, centrally located slice of Avalon history named after Helen Atwater Wrigley, wife of Philip Knight Wrigley (William’s son). Guests linger in reception playing board games and watching island life come and go past the large windows.
The Santa Barbara Mission is a cultural and historic landmark.
Photo by Jenny Miller
9. Santa Barbara
- Distance: less than two hours drive from L.A. (if the traffic gods are smiling)
- Best for: culture, shopping, surfing . . . you name it
Sunny, palm tree–bedecked Santa Barbara deserves the nickname “the American Riviera.” It has sweeping coastline framed by dramatic Santa Ynez mountains, wine tasting rooms, sandy beaches, and a relaxed city vibe.
There are many ways you could spend your weekend here. You could surf, swim, or rent a paddleboard. You could stroll round the harbor, taking in the Maritime Museum, cycle along the seafront, or kayak round the Channel Islands with Santa Barbara Adventure Company. You could eat clam chowder on the pier. Go whale-watching. Learn to sail. Or browse the city’s seemingly endless supply of boutiques. Explore the Old Mission or Lotusland botanic gardens.
Where to stay in Santa Barbara
- Book now: Drift
Check into the 45-room Drift hotel for a modern coastal vibe. Then sip a spicy mezcal cocktail and snack on small plates, such as the avocado tostada, at the hotel’s Dusk cocktail bar.
Oceanside’s public spaces are splashed with colorful art.
Courtesy of Visit Oceanside
10. Oceanside
- Distance: 30 minutes north of San Diego; two hours south of L.A.
- Best for: a beach town with soul
South of L.A., north of San Diego, and on the Amtrak line—Oceanside is perfectly positioned for a weekend getaway on the coast.
Why else choose it? To start: It’s got soul. Character with a capital C. You will get into a conversation with someone on the pier. You’ll also find unusual independent businesses amid the usual third-wave coffee shops and upscale dining.
One downtown street is home to tasting room Coomber Craft Wine; a surfing academy; and a self-defense school. Around the center is also a surf museum and a tattoo museum. Oceanside has undergone a huge transformation in recent years, with newer hotels, craft breweries, and artists’ spaces popping up—often in preserved historic buildings.
Where to stay in Oceanside
- Book now: Mission Pacific, Seabird
Mission Pacific is 161 rooms of laid-back yet luxurious seaside comfort—think L’Auberge del Mar or Shutters with some more modern touches—that encompasses a rooftop pool and bar, delicious breakfast spot (High/Low), and access to the beach.
Next door, Seabird has 226 rooms, many with balconies overlooking the ocean, a similar beachy decor, a big pool, and more local art.
You can stay right on the sand at Carlsbad—but be sure to bring your kids when you come.
Courtesy of Visit Carlsbad
11. Carlsbad
- Distance: 30 minutes north of San Diego; two hours south of L.A.
- Best for: family-friendly fun (and flowers)
Just below Oceanside, Carlsbad is known for family-friendly fun—for most people, that means Legoland. The playgrounds and building zones of the 128-acre park are perfect for toddlers with a wild imagination, while older children will likely prefer the exciting rides and its water park.
But there’s more to Carlsbad outside of toy-themed activities; it’s an ocean-side city, after all. There are some spots to surf along its seven miles of coastline, one of the most notable being South Carlsbad State Beach. Calmer fun is available at Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The body of water (three interconnected lagoons that flow into the Pacific Ocean) is ideal for water-skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and the like (go to California Watersports for rentals).
Arguably the best time to come to the city is during the spring, when the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch draw more than 300,000 people. When the fields are open (from March through May), 55 acres of Giant Tecolote ranunculus flowers bloom in neatly coordinated, colorful rows.
Where to stay in Carlsbad
The Cassara Carlsbad is the prime option for flower enthusiasts. The 119-room property, which is a part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, has fantastic views of the fields from its balconies. Amenities also include two heated pools and a spa, plus a private entrance to Legoland.
Travelers can enjoy Carlsbad’s plentiful ocean vistas at the Beach Terrace Inn. The oceanfront hotel is walking distance from both the Pacific Ocean and Carlsbad village downtown. Further inland, the 600-room Omni La Costa Resort & Spa feels like a complete getaway from the humdrum of everyday life. The property features eight pools—including one for adults only and some with waterslides for all-around family relaxation—36 holes of golf, and weekly activities (fireside s’mores, anyone?).
This article was originally published in July 2023; it was updated on July 2025, to include current information.
