With over 800 miles of sun-drenched coastline and beautiful mountains, deserts and hillsides, California offers superb weekend getaway options for all tastes. Whether it's wineries, golf, spas or hiking you enjoy, there’s a place you’ll want to explore. A few hours in your car is all you need to make your escape.
Temecula’s rich Indian history and rolling hills make it an intriguing place to visit. Temecula means "where the sun breaks through the mist," according to city history. Located just an hour from San Diego and Orange County and an hour and a half from Los Angeles, Temecula is an easy drive to a different world. Its historic Old Town is home to shopping, restaurants, antique stores, and Western Days. Wine tours and hot air ballooning are some romantic options for fun, and Temecula has seven championship golf courses. If you like to gamble, hit the Pechanga Resort & Casino. Several standard hotel chains are nearby, or try the gorgeous Inn at Churon Winery or the Temecula Creek Inn.
Incredible weather, art and golf are just a few reasons to visit Palm Desert. The city boasts that the sun shines here 350 days a year, and you can be here in two hours from Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County. Stay at the Marriott Desert Springs or Club Intrawest resorts, or you can rent a private mid-century modern house. Enjoy one of Palm Desert’s many phenomenal golf courses – the Desert Willow Golf Resort was named one of Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play.” Shopping, art galleries and unique restaurants abound, and of course, there’s always the poolside bar.
Santa Barbara’s wine country is a beautiful vacation gem located two and a half hours from Los Angeles, three hours from Orange County, and five hours from San Diego and San Francisco. This area is known for its beautiful rolling hills, picture-perfect weather and the movie "Sideways." Enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding and golf, as well as wine tours at Firestone Vineyard, Fess Parker Winery and Foley Estates Vineyard. Eclectic eating choices will bring a smile, from Paula’s Pancake House in Solvang to the Los Olivos Wine Merchant Café. For accommodations, try Fess Parker's Wine Country Inn & Spa in Los Olivos or the Mirabelle Inn and Restaurant in Solvang.
This tiny seaside community two hours from San Francisco and six hours from Los Angeles is a destination for people all over the world. Walk its quaint streets and you’ll hear many different languages. Carmel has a laid-back feel of a beach town combined with elegant restaurants, shopping, and art galleries. The stunning Pebble Beach golf links on the 17-mile drive is a must-see whether you golf or not. Choose from unique and beautiful inns such as the Forest Lodge, or rent a private home next to the water.
