Top Destinations for a Weekend Getaway in California

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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

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.