The areas around and outside of Los Angeles are full of breathtaking natural must-see sites that boast dramatic landscapes ranging from mountains and lakes to deserts and wild ocean. While many people dream of visiting the LA area, the surrounding areas are also definitely worth a visit!
So whether you find yourself visiting Los Angeles with some extra time on your hands, or living in the city and in search of some awesome weekend getaway destinations …
Here are 7 destinations perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway from Los Angeles:
1. Long Beach
Long Beach, while technically located within the Los Angeles metropolitan area, is still a well-known LA getaway. While there are lots of beaches to choose from in southern California, the new Long Beach bridge has improved mobility and makes it much easier to access from other areas as well as get around while you are here.
Things to do in Long Beach include: visit the Aquarium of the Pacific, go to the First Fridays street fair at the East Village Arts District, go for a Naples Gondola Ride along the canals, check out downtown, and of course spend some time at the beach!
2. Ojai
Ojai is a charming town located just an hour and a half from Los Angeles. It is a center for environmental consciousness, culture, and spirituality with a Bohemian vibe and a community feel.
If you are looking for a relaxing or romantic getaway, spend your time in Ojai while you enjoy the oak trees, mountains, orange groves, and ‘pink moment’ sunset. The beach is only 15 miles away, too!
3. Idyllwild
“Mile-high Idyllwild” is set in the San Jacinto Mountains at about one mile in altitude- hence the name. It’s a popular southern California mountain resort destination, where you can go to enjoy some peace and quiet for your weekend getaway.
This area is surrounded by several rock formations, with walking trails, spots to go rock climbing, and charming small towns along the way where you can stop to shop or grab some grub.
4. Paso Robles
Wine lover? Well, Paso Robles is the perfect place to spend a weekend away sipping wine at local wineries and taking in the scenes from surrounding vineyards. If you want to go for a little day trip from here, you can head over to Solvang, a city that will make you feel like you are in Europe with its Danish architecture and charm.
5. Joshua Tree
The Joshua Tree area of California is home to the infamous Joshua Tree National Park. Just an hour away from Palm Springs, it is a destination that is filled with unique flora and fauna only found within the park.
Joshua Tree is a popular spot with so many things to do including, but not limited to, camping, hiking, bird watching, star gazing, bike riding, rock climbing and horseback riding!
6. Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is a town in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and is the perfect place to head for the weekend if you want to get away and enjoy some quality time with nature. It is a popular spot for adventure seekers, with skiing in the winter and is equally popular in the warm weather months for hiking, outdoor adventures, camping, and more.
You’ll find endless opportunities for adventure near Mammoth Lakes with crystal clear natural lakes and expansive majestic valleys at your doorstep.
7. Catalina Island
Located less than 30 miles off the Los Angeles coast is Catalina Island, an island that draws many visitors every year. There are so many island activities to do here, such as sea kayaking, diving, spending time at the breathtaking beaches, eating delicious fresh seafood, enjoying a meal or coffee at a beachfront eatery, ziplining, and more!
You can catch the ferry off the coast from Long Beach right over to Catalina Island.
These are just 7 of the many incredible places to visit in California! California, being the third-largest state by land area in the USA, is full of enticing vacation destinations. If you know of any more, be sure to drop them in the comments below!
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