Best Weekend Getaways

from Los Angeles

One of the greatest parts of living in LA is getting out of LA. If you’re thinking of getting out of town and need ideas for the best weekend getaways from Los Angeles, you’re in the right place. There are so many amazing places to experience  – just head in any direction! East to the swinging, relaxing vibes of Palm Springs! North to the rustic, vintage elegance of Santa Barbara! South to the beachy, nostalgic flavors of Laguna Beach! West to… Hawaii? Yes, of course, but how about a little closer: Catalina. Without further ado, here are the best weekend getaways from Los Angeles!

Palm Springs

Sleep – Eat – Play

If you yearn to live it up Dean Martin / Sinatra style – which means epic, luxurious and completely carefree – then head immediately to The Parker Hotel. This place is wild! Like Ann-Margaret wild! It is “hippie chic” and an Instagrammer’s wet dream. It’s literally something out of a Rat Pack movie – quintessential Palm Springs. Comfortable and gorgeous in every way and right in the heart of The Springs. It’s a must.

Now, where to find the best chow? Hands down: Sandfish by Engin Onural. Yes, I know, fish + desert = Huh? But, trust me. This guy is a genius. And now, you can go home with crafted, hand-stamped boxes of his super-fresh nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls, internationally-influenced dishes from the kitchen, and Japanese whiskey Old Fashioned kits. And you can even take home his Omakase! Yahoo!

           

Now, play: Be. The. Ball. Yes, yes, I know PS is all about golf BUT let’s get a little more wild, shall we? Right as you exit the 10, you will run smack into the rough and tumble world of Off Road ATV Rentals.  This dirty, dusty jaunt lets you fly through the sandy dunes of the desert mountains until your heart’s content. And, you want to chill out and get high after? Head over to the Palm Springs Aerial Tram.  Weeeee!

Santa Barbara

Sleep – Eat – Play

Okay, this one almost too easy because it’s all in one place… Ritz Carlton’s Bacara. If you don’t know about this epic establishment, let me try to define it for you in three words: luxury, luxury, luxury. It takes pampering to the next level. Just plan to pull in and not leave for 2 days. This place is gorgeous, comfortable, has spectacular views and is just plain old perfect for a romantic weekend. The food here is amazing too and the spa is an amusement park of relaxation.

Laguna

Sleep – Eat – Play

The epitome of elegance and class in the south is the iconic Montage Laguna Beach.  Majestic views, romantic rooms and an enormous pool, this place is an oasis on the coast. Yes, ’tis pricey, but very worth it. It is a special occasion type of place. Come on, you deserve it.

Then for a sexy night out on the town, hit up Broadway By Amar Santana. This local favorite’s vibe is Socal meets NYC, and the food is progressive American with a French flair. But, seriously, just sit down and say, “Octopus, pork belly and bone marrow. Thank you!” 

The charming town of Laguna is filled with quaint boutiques and eclectic art galleries – just spend the day exploring, have a cocktail overlooking the ocean and, if you can, end your night at the truly iconic Laguna Playhouse – see anything there, it will be great.

Catalina

Sleep – Eat – Play

Catalina Island is a charming, tiny tropical paradise that’s a hop, skip and a swim away from LA. Just jump on a high speed ferry, relax for 45 minutes and you’re instantly transported to a land of simpler times and spectacular landscapes. As soon as you disembark, you will be faced with a perfect row of oceanfront restaurant choices. My favorite one is Bluewater Grill – right on the water and the fish basically hopping on to your plate. it’s got all your perfect seafood favorites, you can’t go wrong.

The key is to stay right in the heart of town where all the action is. And THE spot for that is Hotel Metropole, an absolutely stunning, luxury hotel with a small village feel right out of the Capri playbook.

Lastly, I absolutely LOVE playing mini golf on the island at Golf Gardens Mini Golf – so much fun! But what you MUST do is rent a golf cart and explore the island – it’s the only way to see the epic views, stunning mountainside and buffalo. That’s right, buffalo – there are wild buffalo roaming the island. Super random and totally awesome.

 

I hope you love my recommendations on the best weekend getaways from Los Angeles! If you have any others you would recommend, let me know in the comments below. 

Now, of course, if you work your way through these and you’re ready for more, there’s always… Vegas. And if you even flinch at how fantastic Vegas is, just check out my guide to the best in Vegas. Because you haven’t done Vegas right, until you’ve followed my lead.

xoxo,