Top 7 Weekend Getaways in California To Unwind and Relax

Do you need a break from the daily chaos of your busy life? California is a popular travel destination for both domestic and international travelers.You can discover everything here: world-class cuisine, exquisite resorts, abundant vineyards, charming coastal villages, and unparalleled natural beauty. Everyone can find something of interest. The hardest thing is deciding on a destination.

Choose from a variety of stunning weekend gateways in California for your next unforgettable family vacation, romantic retreat, solo trip, or friend's weekend. They are easy to get to, and you can arrange a trip that fits your budget well.

Weekend Gateways in California to Spend your Weekend

Here's our selection of California's top weekend escapes.

Paso Robles

Paso Robles is probably going to be your first stop on a Central Coast tour. Pronounced "PASS-oh ROH-buulz" or simply "Paso" to locals. Paso Robles is home to some of California's most spectacular vineyards and renowned wineries. 

Unofficially known as the “Napa Wine Country” of Southern California, this charming town has much to offer wine lovers of all tastes and budgets. Imagine the beauty of Healdsburg with the relaxed atmosphere that only SLO County can provide.

Catalina Island

Charming Catalina Island is located about 22 miles off the southern coast of California.There are plenty of thrilling things to do after arriving by ferry, such as ziplining, helicopter tours of the island, and scuba diving.Of course, other great activities include strolling through the city's vibrant districts, visiting botanical gardens, and relaxing on the beach.

Catalina has some of the best camping in California, though the island offers amazing lodging options.As such, your trip is sure to be a memorable weekend, regardless of whether you're here to relax or embrace your inner explorer!

San Francisco

San Francisco is another planet on this earth. It's home to several well-known events, attractions and a distinct subculture you won't forget easily.Top attractions including Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge should be on your weekend itinerary.

After all that walking, treat yourself to a 5-star dinner and explore the exciting nightlife, or take the cable car to see the historic sites and see the giants.

Sonoma Valley

Experience the perfect spring escape in California's famous Vine County. Sonoma is a wonderful destination year-round, but for those who enjoy the great outdoors, visit in the spring. There are several places where you can ride or trek while watching the wildflowers in bloom. 

Take a hot air balloon flight to get a bird's-eye view of Sonoma's splendor, visit a famous Sonoma vineyard to sample fresh wine, or visit Bodega Bay. You can also go ziplining through the redwoods at Armstrong Redwoods Nature Preserve.

Mendocino County

For a relaxing weekend filled with tons of natural beauty, delicious food and interesting places to explore, look no further than Mendocino County in Northern California.Perched on headlands near the Pacific Ocean, the village of Mendocino boasts stunning Victorian architecture. 

Visit neighboring state parks to hike through redwoods and pygmy forests, or go canoeing on the Big River in a redwood outrigger canoe.You can find the amazing Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens just a short drive north. For most of the year, it has picturesque trails with coastal views and vibrant flower displays.

Lassen National Park

Decades before Mount St. Helens erupted, in 1915, Mount Lawson erupted, sending volcanic ash 200 miles in all directions. Places like Bumpass Hill and Fort Gulch got their names from the otherworldly landscape created by the explosion, complete with seething pottery, scorched earth, rumbling fumaroles, and spewing sulfur fumes. 

Lassen National Park features some great driving tours and is a great place for outdoor recreation and family activities. Photographers are drawn to thermal features and strive to capture their beauty. Leave immediately before everyone discovers this little-known national park. It deserves much more attention than it's already getting.

Big Sur

Not everyone finds crowded places enjoyable. Some people would rather relax and take in the scenery in solitude and silence. Big Sur is able to provide that confrontation.

For any outdoor enthusiast, the picturesque coastlines, unspoiled mountain views, and massive redwood trees make for the ideal escape. The Contenta Inn is a great place to relax after sightseeing, with heated pool and hot tub options.

If you're looking for a luxury vacation, Ventana Big Sur might be the perfect fit. An adults-only resort sits atop a hill overlooking the beach. Just like Contenta Inn, it has luxury hot tubs and heated pools for families to enjoy in winter.

Wrap Up

California offers more weekend getaways than you can list. No matter where you decide to go in the Golden State—the desert, the redwood forest, the mountains, or the coast—there are plenty of exciting things to do.

But, this roundup includes recommendations for the best places to stay and activities if you want to visit those amazing weekend getawaysin California. Have a happy short vacation ahead.