Los Angeles can be a very stressful place. Between the work week, traffic, and general busyness, there are times when it’s hard to breathe — literally and figuratively. Taking a weekend away to recharge the batteries can do wonders for someone’s mentality. As such, here are a few locations you can visit with the convenience of having a car. It’s time to leave LA and venture out!
Joshua Tree National Park
Those who have a fondness for social media — particularly TikTok and Instagram — will love this location. Joshua Tree National Park sits roughly two hours southeast of Los Angeles. This desert area is truly beautiful. There’s a tranquility and calmness which differs considerably from the hustle and bustle of the city. In town, you’ve got plenty of mom-and-pop places — including some terrific brunch spots and fun crystal shops. The park itself includes hiking trails and also paths for your vehicles. If you want to get out and explore on foot, you’re in for a treat. You can even enjoy the park and its surroundings without stepping foot out of your car. At night, the entire sky lights up without any light pollution — showcasing a black blanket dotted with twinkling stars. Tourism here is a big part of the local economy. As such, there’s no shortage of Airbnb properties around the area (with most featuring pools and/or a jacuzzi).
Santa Barbara
Compared to LA, Santa Barbara seems like a different universe completely despite being roughly two hours north. Taking a trip up the 101 with the breeze in your hair and the ocean to your left will result in stress melting away instantly. Driving along this stretch of the coast is a world-class experience. Once getting to Santa Barbara, things get even better. The downtown SB area along State Street is packed with fun stores and restaurants. You can get some excellent seafood here, coupled with picture-perfect weather. The green hills of Santa Barbara pop against the sun in a way that sparkles akin to Ireland in the summertime. Whether beaching it or enjoying the general area, you can’t go wrong with Santa Barbara.
Greater San Luis Obispo
Heading further north from Santa Barbara is the Central Coast of California — a true hidden gem within the United States as a whole. The weather here along the coast is tremendous. San Luis Obispo is a college town — full of bars and good food spots. The smaller Arroyo Grande sits adjacent to Pismo Beach. Both have downtown areas, breweries, and very quaint hotels.
Further south from all of these spots sit Solvang — the Danish tourist town with excellent pastries. The Madonna Inn is one of the most unique hotels you will see. It’s worth a trip inside even if just to use the bathroom or have a quick drink. Lastly, Paso Robles presents you with a plethora of excellent wineries and vineyards. Remember the movie Sideways? All of the locations mentioned above are featured in this picturesque region.
San Clemente
Sitting down in Orange County is the beach community of San Clemente. Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Dana Point may garner more of the press clippings. San Clemente is a smaller beach town — though it’s just as beautiful. A long pier enables you to sit and enjoy the seaside views. The town itself is chock-full of delicious restaurants and bars. The best part? It’s roughly an hour away from LA (depending on traffic). You could even do a day trip to San Clemente if you wanted!
