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Top Destinations for a Weekend Getaway in California

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City Breaks in California: Top Destinations

Enjoy Quality Time On a California Weekend Getaways

California is a huge, diverse state offering an array of weekend getaway possibilities. Whether you're in the mood for a culture-centric city break, a tour through Napa Valley wine country, or fun in the Southern California sun, you'll be able to plan exactly the sort of getaway you seek. The state's natural attractions are equally varied. Depending on the season, consider hiking or skiing in California's ample mountains, while at any time of year, you can easily hit the beach simply by heading far enough south along the Pacific coast.

City Breaks in California: Top Accommodations

House Loma Linda
Nov 4 - Nov 11
$44 per night
House ∙ 2 guests ∙ 4 bedrooms
Entire Vacation Home in Loma Linda with Free Parking
4.4
Very good (6 ratings)
Loma Linda, San Bernardino County, California
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Apartment Imperial Beach
Nov 4 - Nov 11
$141 per night
Apartment ∙ 7 guests ∙ 2 bedrooms
Apartment in Imperial Beach with Spacious Garden + Beach Nearby
4.4
Very good (73 ratings)
Imperial Beach, San Diego County, California
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House Auburn
Nov 11 - Nov 18
$94 per night
House ∙ 2 guests ∙ 1 bedroom
Vacation Home in Auburn
4.5
Excellent (4 ratings)
Auburn, Placer County, California
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The Best Weekend Getaway Destinations in California

The Best Weekend Getaway Destinations in California

California is an iconic destination, whether you're on a romantic break, traveling with family, or hitting the road solo. From wine country idylls to amazing towns, scenic beaches, deserts, and mountains, there is much to discover here.

  • 1. Lake Tahoe

    Located at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is beloved for its dazzling water, mountains, and crisp, fresh air. Depending on the season, enjoy opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, or during the summer, biking, hiking, boating, fishing, and camping.

  • 2. Santa Catalina Island

    From picturesque seaside villages and secluded beaches to dreamy island scenery, Santa Catalina is the most popular of the Channel Islands off the coast of Los Angeles. The largest town, Avalon, is known for its mix of culture and seaside—stop by Descanso Beach for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Across the island, enjoy quality time at Two Harbors, a village that offers dining, fishing spots, a general store, small boutique hotels, and pristine beaches. All around the island, you can also hike and camp.

  • 3. Palm Springs

    This town is a perennial favorite, located in the Sonoran Desert. Visit the Design District for its home goods stores, boutiques, and antique shops. Explore the beautiful Tahquitz Canyon from horseback. Play a round of golf, relax in hot springs, or really unwind at one of the many local spas.

  • 4. Point Reyes National Seashore

    Here you can see over 1500 species of flora and fauna while enjoying your weekend getaway in California. Watch elephant seals, try your hand at mountain biking, or go hiking and horseback riding through the 150mi. of trails along or near the seashore. Or simply relax and take in impressive views of the ocean as it crashes against the rocky headlands.

  • 5. Malibu

    Malibu is one of the most attractive locales in Southern California. The nearby Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers magical hiking opportunities. Spot sea creatures at Point Dume or visit the Malibu Wine Safari to taste wine as you check out wild animals, including giraffes and zebras. Or simply hit the beach, and look out for celebrities.

Best Places to Stay for City Breaks in California

Apartment Albany
Jan 13 - Jan 20
$117 per night
Apartment ∙ 2 guests ∙ 1 bedroom
Rental Apartment in Albany with Yard
4.9
Outstanding (89 ratings)
Albany, Alameda County, California, United States
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House West Alameda
Jul 13 - Jul 20
$180 per night
House ∙ 4 guests ∙ 2 bedrooms
Vacation Home in West Alameda with Yard & Grill
5.0
Outstanding (23 ratings)
West Alameda, Alameda, California, United States
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Apartment Alameda
Feb 3 - Feb 10
$122 per night
Apartment ∙ 4 guests ∙ 1 bedroom
Apartment in Alameda with Yard + Fabulous Views
5.0
Outstanding (91 ratings)
Alameda, Alameda County, California, United States
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Things to Do During Your Weekend Getaway in California

Things to Do During Your Weekend Getaway in California

The list of activities to enjoy on your weekend break is nearly endless, but here are few to get you started.

  • 1. Ski

    You'll find ample opportunities to hit the slopes. Check out ski resorts near Mammoth Lakes, Lake Tahoe, and Big Bear Lake, and east of Los Angeles, on Mt. Baldy. Other options include the mountains in Yosemite, Sugar Bowl, and Snow Summit.

  • 2. Visit Museums

    Headed to San Francisco? Don't miss the de Young, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and iconic to the city, the Cable Car Museum. In LA, culture buffs will love the Broad, the Getty, and Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

  • 3. Tour National Parks

    From the redwoods of Sequoia to the joshua trees of, well, Joshua Tree, don't miss the state's gorgeous national parks.

  • 4. Taste Wine

    Stop by a couple wineries in Napa Valley, or book a full-on tour.

Recommended Accommodations for City Breaks in California

House Tahoe City
Nov 25 - Dec 2
-63%
$2,700
$1,000 per night
House ∙ 22 guests ∙ 10 bedrooms
Vacation Home in Tahoe City with Yard & Grill + Lake View
4.5
Excellent (111 ratings)
Tahoe City, Placer County, California, United States
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House Dollar Point
May 11 - May 18
$419 per night
House ∙ 19 guests ∙ 8 bedrooms
Vacation Home in Dollar Point with Grill
5.0
Outstanding (117 ratings)
Dollar Point, Placer County, California, United States
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House Carnelian Bay
Mar 2 - Mar 9
-23%
$395
$303 per night
House ∙ 8 guests ∙ 3 bedrooms
Vacation Home in Carnelian Bay with Grill
4.9
Outstanding (55 ratings)
Carnelian Bay, Placer County, California, United States
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What to Pack for Your Weekend Getaway in California

What to Pack for Your Weekend Getaway in California

The state's weather is as diverse as its attractions. Depending where you're headed, you might need beach gear, ski equipment, hiking boots, or a mix of all three.

  • 1. Warm-Weather Clothing

    For city trips to destinations like Los Angeles and San Diego, be ready to step out in outfits made for sunshine. And even if the Pacific is chilly (as it often is), you'll probably still want to hit the beach, so don't forget your bathing suit.

  • 2. Light Jacket

    Areas of California that are consistently temperate by day, like San Francisco and the Inland Empire, often cool down at night. The variety of weather you might experience in a 24-hour period calls for layers!

  • 3. Ski Equipment

    Whether you're headed to Lake Tahoe or Mount Baldy, pack your gear if you're not planning to rent on-site.

  • 4. Hiking and Camping Gear

    If you're planning to visit national or state parks and spend the night, you'll want to be prepared with hiking boots, tents, sleeping bags, water, camping lights, and all the other accoutrements that make for a great outdoors overnight getaway.

Top Offers for City Breaks in California

House South Lake Tahoe
Nov 3 - Nov 10
-71%
$510
$150 per night
House ∙ 7 guests ∙ 3 bedrooms
Beautiful Vacation Home in South Lake Tahoe with Grill & Yard
South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County, California
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Cottage Murphys
Jan 20 - Jan 27
$204 per night
Cottage ∙ 6 guests ∙ 2 bedrooms
Cottage in Murphys with Yard
5.0
Outstanding (36 ratings)
Murphys, Calaveras County, California
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House Los Olivos
Dec 29 - Jan 5
$454 per night
House ∙ 8 guests ∙ 3 bedrooms
Nice House in Los Olivos with Grill & Yard
4.9
Outstanding (60 ratings)
Los Olivos, Santa Barbara County, California
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Information about Weekend Getaway in California

📏 Average home size 186 m²
💳 Highest rates in December
🛏️ Popular home types Apartment rental and House rental
🌡️ Hottest months July and August
❄️ Coldest months 34 °F in January and December
🌧️ Rainiest months March and December

Frequently Asked Questions

How many vacation homes are available to rent for a weekend in California?

You can find more than 198,558 accommodations to rent in California with nightly prices starting from $45 per night.

What kinds of vacation rentals can i book for Weekend Getaway in California?

There are many House rental and Apartment rental that are great for Weekend Getaway in California.

Weekend Getaway in California: What is the vacation rental cost in California?

The average rate for a vacation home in California is usually between $378 and $583 per night.

Can I find a vacation rental for a group of guests for Weekend Getaway in California?

Usually the size of a House rental is 186 m² and can fit 8 guests on average which is ideal for large groups.

How much does it cost to take a weekend getaway in California?

The price of a rental in California for the weekend can range from $45 and can go up to $583 per night.

Do many apartments in California come with a pool?

Absolutely, more than 48% accommodations in California offer a pool.

The Weather in California

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Average Nightly Rental Prices in California

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Vacation Rental Price Information in California

Vacation Rental Availability in California

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Weekend Getaway in California Inspiration

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