14 Weekend Getaways From Los Angeles Without a Plane Ticket

Sometimes the best escapes are just a drive away. Whether you’re craving desert quiet, coastal charm, or forest air, these 14 weekend getaways from LA skip the airport entirely. They’re ideal for a spontaneous road trip, a reset after a hectic week, or a short romantic escape. Gas up, grab snacks, and hit the road—relaxation is closer than you think. Each spot has its own rhythm, waiting for you to match it.

Santa Barbara

Just 2 hours north, Santa Barbara mixes beach town ease with Spanish-style elegance. Walk State Street, sip wine in the Funk Zone, or stretch out on Butterfly Beach. You’ll get ocean views, palm trees, and mountain backdrops all at once. It’s upscale but laid-back, perfect for a weekend recharge. Grab fish tacos, watch the sun dip low, and let the salty air reset your pace.

Ojai

Ojai’s artsy, spiritual vibe draws Angelenos looking to unplug. Browse small galleries, bike to organic farms, or book a massage under oak trees. The sunsets glow pink in this valley town, and the pace is slow by design. Pack a journal and let the calm do its work. Shop local, sip lavender lemonade, and listen to the silence—this place whispers instead of shouts.

Joshua Tree

Weird, wild, and wonderful—Joshua Tree blends art, rock, and raw desert beauty. Hike among boulders, stargaze, or explore the local music scene. Airbnb cabins and outdoor tubs are part of the vibe. It’s rustic, but unforgettable. The stars alone make the trip worth it. When night falls, the sky unravels like velvet scattered with fire.

Palm Springs

Retro charm, stylish pools, and mountain views—Palm Springs is your mid-century modern oasis. Whether you’re lounging, golfing, or vintage shopping, everything is set to slow. Stay cool with cocktails by the pool or ride the tramway for desert views. It’s the desert with polish. Take in the breeze from a shaded lounger and just let the sun do the talking.

Big Bear Lake

Just over 2 hours away, Big Bear offers pine forests, crisp air, and lake views year-round. In summer, it’s perfect for boating and hiking; in winter, it’s LA’s go-to for skiing and snow play. Cabin rentals are cozy and the mountain quiet is refreshing. Whether you’re snowshoeing or sipping cocoa, Big Bear slows the clock in the best way.

Solvang

A Danish-style village in wine country? Yes, and it’s only a few hours north. Solvang charms with windmills, pastry shops, and rolling vineyards nearby. Rent bikes, taste local reds, and lean into the quirky Euro-countryside feel. It’s kitschy and delightful in the best way. Stop for æbleskiver and soak in the odd charm of this sunny fairytale town.

Laguna Beach

This seaside art town offers tide pools, galleries, and golden-hour walks along the bluff. Just over an hour south, it’s an easy escape with serious scenery. Stop for brunch, browse boutiques, or nap on the sand. Every angle feels camera-ready and calm. When the light hits the water just right, it’s pure quiet luxury with your toes in the sand.

Temecula

Wine country with SoCal sunshine—Temecula delivers on both. Tour vineyards, take a hot air balloon ride, or explore the old town’s boardwalks. It’s laid-back and slightly under the radar, perfect for a chill weekend. You’ll want to linger over every glass. The mornings are slow, the views roll on, and the quiet keeps you from checking your phone.

Idyllwild

In the San Jacinto mountains, Idyllwild is a forested hideaway that trades freeways for winding roads and Wi-Fi for pine air. Hike, read, and unplug in a woodsy cabin. There’s a strong arts scene and plenty of quiet corners. It’s a creative retreat wrapped in forest stillness. Nights are made for stargazing, and mornings smell like coffee and cedar.

Malibu

Malibu offers more than just surf. Wind along the coast to find hidden coves, cliffside hikes, and seafood shacks. El Matador Beach feels like a movie set. Whether you’re driving the PCH or posting up for sunset, Malibu makes the ordinary feel cinematic. You don’t need to go far to feel far away—just follow the waves and breathe deep.

Camarillo

Just south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria is a sleepy beach town with an old-school feel. Walk the bluffs, grab tacos, and nap in the sand. It’s ideal for when you want the beach without the crowd. There’s a slowness here that’s easy to fall into. Even time seems to pause when you’re watching the tide roll in. Rent a cruiser bike and explore the quiet streets, or sit under a palm tree with a book. You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into California’s quieter past.

Lake Arrowhead

Smaller and more upscale than Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead is ringed by forested trails and peaceful waters. Rent a cabin, stroll the village, or read by the fire. It’s close, quiet, and feels far from the city. Misty mornings make it feel almost alpine. Take a boat ride across the lake or sip wine on a cedar-decked patio. Whether you’re watching the fog roll in or hiking to a lookout, the calm here settles into your bones.

Carpinteria

Outlet shopping, quiet hills, and strawberry fields make Camarillo a mellow stop. Less crowded than other towns, it’s a quick retreat with charm. It’s great for an easygoing weekend with just enough to do. Even a stroll through town feels like a reset. Grab coffee near Old Town and explore the tree-lined streets. If you’re craving simplicity with a dash of fresh air, Camarillo is the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard—and that’s the point.

Wrightwood

Tucked in the Angeles National Forest, Wrightwood is LA’s alpine escape that often flies under the radar. It’s good for hiking, ziplining, or curling up in a lodge. In winter, there’s snow. In summer, shade. And year-round, it’s wrapped in stillness. The quiet here has depth, and the air tastes like mountain mornings. Take a trail to the ridgeline or sip coffee as blue jays flutter by. It’s a small town, but it makes space for you to slow down and breathe deep.