Don't stay home and suffer after a difficult week of work. Instead, pack a bag for the weekend and leave town. As most of us work long weeks throughout the year, it's often difficult to take a full vacation. Weekend getaways are the solution and can keep you sane whether traveling close by or far away.
Escape the Los Angeles area and visit the city of Ventura for the weekend. Though you can reach Ventura by heading north on the 101 freeway, do yourself a favor and leave late Saturday morning driving north on scenic Pacific Coast Highway. Stop off for an early lunch at Neptune's Net, a roadside seafood restaurant in Malibu, before reaching Ventura.
Book a room at the old world, Italian style Bella Maggiore Inn. With just 24 rooms, you are almost guaranteed a quiet stay. Almost because apparently a ghost named Sylvia haunts the place. If you're not into ghosts, camping is available just north of the city. Take the 101 north to the State Beaches exit and watch for the Emma Wood State Beach sign. Sunsets here are of typical California brilliance. Also worth seeing in Ventura is Padre Junipero Serra's San Buenaventura Mission, the city pier and Harbor Village. Stop at the Alamo Bar & Grill for margaritas famous countywide and Mexican entrees.
Hop on the Long Island Railroad departing New York City for the hamlet of Amagansett. Located on eastern Long Island, just west of Montauk, Amagansett makes for a relaxing weekend. Occupied by both English and Dutch farmers since the late 1600s, the area today retains much of its pastoral qualities, unlike the nearby village of East Hampton. Cottages at the tranquil Gansett Green Manor will ensure a deep sleep.
Bring your bicycle and pedal between bay and sea. The south fork of Long Island is narrow here and that means you can spend the morning playing in the surf and then ride your bike for 15 minutes down Fresh Pond Road for some fishing at Devon Beach in Napeague Bay. At sunset, head to the Fish Farm for delicious fish and chips and beer. Lastly, The Stephen Talkhouse is an intimate club where you can hear national touring acts.
Get away from it all by taking the next flight to Tulum, Mexico. Tulum is a small seaside town on the Yucatan Peninsula located south of Cancun. Tulum is ideal for short weekend trips as there are many things to do within a small area. Stay at the eco-friendly Ocho Tulum Resort right on the water and you can shower in the sea at sunrise.
Book some time in the resort's spa before exploring the area sights. Impressive Mayan ruins can be found right on the shore in Tulum. Cenotes, underwater caves, surround Tulum and make for an exotic place to swim, snorkel or scuba dive. Also, a trip to Punta Laguna Nature Reserve makes for a good place to hike and spot spider monkeys.
