Los Angeles has so much to offer, and yet there are moments when you just wanna get away from the big city life.  Depending on time and finances, there are multiple ways of exploring the surrounding areas to get out of town anywhere from an afternoon adventure to an extensive three day weekend!  Take a gander at my quick little list of places to traverse and delight in that travel escapade!

Just Exploring…but not too far.

Montrose, CA – @montrose_chamber

If you’re looking to get out of central LA, and don’t wanna drop a ton of cash on travel, look no further than Montrose.  Start off by visiting Lost Books, which has free parking right behind it.  In Montrose you’ll find quaint tree-lined small town streets, lots of sweet cafes to pop into for wine or a snack, and one of my favorite antique shops Pattye’s Closet Vintage.  Montrose is anywhere from a 15 to 30 minute drive from Los Angeles making it an absolute dream of an afternoon! 

Whittier, CA – @mywhittier

Whitter is VASTLY underrated.   Your first stop should be King Richard’s Antique Center, where you can pack a lunch and spend the day galavanting around shopping. With four floors to explore, you’re sure to find whatever you’re searching for and so much more!  For a more casual vibe, head on over to Poet Gardens, an open air food hall that will make everyone happy!  Tacos, fries, beer flights and a wine library, this surprising space also hosts various dinners and tastings on a monthly basis.  Host an event or just gather with your friends after a long day of shopping and taste the delights of a well earned day off.  

Joshua Tree, CA – @joshuatreenps

Joshua Tree National Park is a staggeringly beautiful place where two vastly different ecosystems and deserts, the Mojave and the Colorado, meet.  With dark starry night skies and a rich cultural history, Joshua Tree is an affordable way to get out of the city and enjoy nature.  Didn’t pack all of your cooking camping gear for the afternoon?  Then head on over to the Joshua Tree Saloon & Grill to satisfy all your hunger needs.  With plenty of beer to choose from and a simple but quality menu that would make any cowboy happy, this authentic old west watering hole is your oasis amongst the Joshua Trees before the journey home.  

Sleepover Status; far enough away to feel like you’ve escaped the city!

Ojai, CA – @officialcityofojai 

Ojai is just as amazing as everyone says it is.  With so much to explore, Ojai gives the quiet life culture, while still having loads to offer on a daily basis.  Your first stop has to be Bart’s Books, an outdoor bookstore where the entire perimeter is all free!  Head on over to Farmer and the Cook for breakfast or lunch, where your tastebuds will be serenaded by the homemade delights that are served there.  Offering juices and smoothies galore, with various breakfast burritos and granola bowls, this is the perfect pitstop. After brunch, wander around downtown Ojai and shop for jewelry and various knick-knacks until it’s time to come back to Los Angeles. 

Palm Springs, CA – @visitpalmsprings

Palm Springs is the perfect getaway when you need to get outside, enjoy the sweltering heat, and party!  If you haven’t checked out my blog on The Perfect 3 Day Palm Springs Itinerary, I cannot recommend it enough!  I’ve written about Quadz before and I’ll shout it from the rooftop again. This is THE hot spot after you get your burgers and martinis at The Heyday! Palm Springs is always a safe bet for a good time!

Santa Barbera,  CA – @visitsantabarbara

Santa Barbara is the perfect SoCal mini-destination home away from home.  With loads of beautiful vineyards for wine tasting, a historic downtown ideal for window shopping, and various beaches all make Santa Barbara an enjoyable two day getaway.  While almost all of the wineries are majestic, Foley Estates and Lafond Winery & Vineyards are true standouts.  For dinner in the city center, Shoreline Beach Cafe and Loquita have divine menus that have options for all dietary restrictions!    

 Weekend Getaway; because you work hard and deserve it.

Solvang, CA  – @solvangusa

Everyone going to Europe and you only have a three day weekend?  Never fear, Solvang is HERE!  Inspired by the beautiful Dutch countryside with six windmills to grab that instagram shot, Solvang is a lovely place to spend a weekend. Start out strong with Birkholm’s Bakery, which has tasty delights just as pretty as the exterior of the building!  Check out the Copenhagen Sausage Garden for afternoon snacks, wine, and beer, and for the best pizza and pasta try Cecco Ristorante for dinner.  You’ll find various fudge shops and small businesses in the city center where you can while away the hours before heading back to your fantastic lodgings (Where to Stay Solvang), all of which are truly outstanding!

Napa, CA  –  @visitnapavalley 

Napa, so many wineries, so little time.  After your check in to your chosen Napa Hotel  or AirBnB, my personal favorite jumping off point for wine tasting is V. Sattui Winery.  One of the only wineries that has been grandfathered into serving sandwiches, pasta salads, cheese and more.  Their wine is solid, but fill that belly to the brim on their 2 & ½ acres of shaded picnic area.  After you have enjoyed your lunch in the sun, take the Napa Valley Wine Train to enjoy the sensational views of the valley.  Various train cars with various price points make it easy depending on your travel style. If you’re looking to curate your own experience, be sure to check out HALL Wines, G.H.Mumm Champagne House, and Gundlach Bundschu Winery, which has a stunning view of a lake while you sip and relax!