Condé Nast TravelerAug 14, 2026
The Best Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles, Whether You’re Craving Snow, Sun, or Sea
When you've had enough of driving in the city, drive out of it.
25 things in this story
- courthouseSightclimb to the top for panoramic city views
- Funk ZoneNeighborhoodwalk around with wineries, breweries, restaurants, galleries
- Honor BarPubget a drink in Montecito
- Lucky’sRestaurantget a steak in Montecito
- Butterfly BeachSightwatch the sun sink into the sea
- Hendry's BeachSighttake your furry friend to watch the sunset
- The Hotel CalifornianHotelbest for walkability
- El EncantoHotelbest for scenic views
- The Whale HouseHotelfor design enthusiasts
- Elsewhere
- Trans-Catalina TrailTrailAvalon, United Stateshike the famed trail
- The SphereTheatreLas Vegas, United Statesimmersive experience you won’t soon forget
- Fountains of BellagioSightLas Vegas, United Statescatch them at night
- Four Seasons Las VegasHotelLas Vegas, United Statesbest for a five-star stay
- The Venetian ResortTheatreLas Vegas, United Statesbest for a themed property
- Channel Islands National ParkNature reserveVentura, United Statesremote national park, one of California’s least-visited
- Renovated Airstream in CarpinteriaHotelCarpinteria, United Statesbest for easy ferry access
- Rosewood Miramar BeachHotelMontecito, United Statesbest for exploring nearby
- Beach cottage for sixHotelVentura, United Statesbest for Channel Islands views
- Catalina IslandSightAvalon, United StatesMediterranean-esque escape feels worlds away
- Wrigley Memorial & Botanic GardenSightAvalon, United Statesexplore the island's nature
- Hotel AtwaterHotelAvalon, United Statesbest for a historic stay
- Villa with Santorini vibesHotelAvalon, United Statesbest for ocean views
- Inn on Mt. AdaHotelAvalon, United Statesbest for old-school charm
- Avila Valley BarnMarketSan Luis Obispo, United Statesstop by for local produce and farm animals
- Morro BayNeighborhoodSan Luis Obispo, United Statesvisit for dramatic coastline, thrifting, art shops