These are the best weekend getaways from Los Angeles, all within a few hours by car or train. Southern California offers deserts, beaches and mountains within a short drive.
Quick comparison
| Destination | Drive time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Barbara | 1.5–2 hours | couples |
| Palm Springs | 2 hours | pool lovers |
| Joshua Tree | 2.5 hours | hikers and stargazers |
| San Diego | 2 hours | families |
| Big Bear Lake | 2–2.5 hours | mountain lovers |
| Ojai | 1.5–2 hours | wellness seekers |
| Las Vegas | 4–5 hours | groups |
The getaways
Santa Barbara
Spanish Revival architecture, beaches and the Funk Zone’s tasting rooms.
Palm Springs
Mid-century modern architecture, resorts and the aerial tramway.
Joshua Tree
Boulders, Joshua trees and dark skies. See our Joshua Tree guide.
San Diego
Beaches, the zoo and great tacos. See our San Diego guide.
Big Bear Lake
Skiing in winter and lake activities in summer.
Ojai
Spas, citrus groves and the “pink moment” at sunset.
Las Vegas
Shows and nightlife. See our Las Vegas guide.
Hit the road prepared
- Dash cams worth buying VerdictFox
Record scenic drives and protect yourself if something happens on the highway. - Best budget 12V portable fridges VerdictFox
Keep drinks and picnic food cold on long road trips without buying ice every day. - Best portable power stations VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups.
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Tips for weekend trips
- Leave Friday afternoon or early Saturday to beat traffic.
- Book Saturday nights early, especially in summer and fall.
- Pack light: a weekender or small backpack is enough.
A sample weekend
- Friday evening: leave after work, check in and have a relaxed dinner close to your hotel.
- Saturday morning: tackle the headline sight or hike early, before day-trippers arrive.
- Saturday afternoon: slow down with a long lunch, a winery or brewery visit, a spa or a beach.
- Saturday evening: book one special dinner in advance.
- Sunday: a short walk, market or scenic drive, and head home early afternoon to beat the return traffic.
What to pack
- Layers and a light rain jacket
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- A reusable water bottle and snacks for the drive
- Chargers and a power bank
- Swimsuit for pools, lakes or hot springs
Keep it to one bag; a good weekender makes two-night trips effortless.
Weekend budget
For two people, a mid-range weekend typically costs $360–$700 for two nights of accommodation, $250–$450 for food and drink, plus fuel, parking and any entry fees. Travel outside peak summer and holiday weekends, and you can often save a third on rooms.
More Southwest escapes
Sedona
Sedona is surrounded by red-rock buttes, canyons and trails, known for hiking, jeep tours, spas and spiritual retreats. Read our Sedona travel guide.
- Best time: March to May and September to November
- Getting there: About 2 hours to the Grand Canyon South Rim
- Don’t miss: Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge and Bell Rock
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is a mile-deep, 277-mile-long gorge carved by the Colorado River, one of the most awe-inspiring sights on Earth. Read our Grand Canyon National Park travel guide.
- Best time: March to May and September to November
- Getting there: About 1.5 hours from Flagstaff; 4.5 hours from Las Vegas; 3.5–4 hours from Phoenix
- Don’t miss: South Rim viewpoints, Bright Angel Trail and Desert View Watchtower
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Zion National Park
Zion is a canyon of soaring sandstone walls in southern Utah, famous for Angels Landing, The Narrows and its shuttle-only scenic drive. Read our Zion National Park travel guide.
- Best time: March to May and September to November
- Getting there: About 2.5 hours from Las Vegas; 1.5 hours to Bryce Canyon
- Don’t miss: Angels Landing, The Narrows and Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Our luxury travel edit
- Luxury jewellery for special occasions Opulique
Mark an anniversary or honeymoon with something lasting. - Luxury weekender bags for short getaways Opulique
A refined weekender is perfect for two-night escapes. - Luxury gift ideas Opulique
Gifts for the traveller in your life.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the closest getaway?
The first entries on our list are under two hours away.
Do I need a car?
For most, yes, though some are reachable by train or bus.
When is the best time?
Spring and fall have the best weather and fewer crowds.
Are these good for couples?
Yes, several are classic romantic escapes.
How much does a weekend cost?
Plan roughly $400–$800 per person for two nights mid-range.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Most Romantic Getaways in the USA
- Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA
- How to Plan a Budget Vacation in the USA: 25 Money-Saving Tips