Getaway

By Sara Hall

Visitors flock to Southern California all year long for beach vacations, desert escapes, and Hollywood glamour. During the right time of year, someone can travel from sand to snow within a few hours. But what about SoCal residents? When you live in a destination location, you might dream of taking a holiday elsewhere. But if high gas costs, inflation, and COVID-19 are keeping you from traveling too far, you can enjoy a classic California vacation and still feel like you’re getting away from it all. We’ve rounded up the best staycations near Los Angeles and Orange County. There’s something for everyone: families, romantic couples, and even solo travelers. If you’re looking for a private stretch of sand, mountain hiking trails, some poolside lounging, or a place to sip wine and shop, there’s no need to travel far for a fun getaway.

Southern California has no shortage of coastal cities, each excelling in its own specific way. Head to Laguna Beach for an artists’ colony, check out San Diego if you want wild animals and big city benefits, or drive to the start of Route 66 in Santa Monica for classic carnival fun on the pier.

But these destinations also have something in common: They’re packed with tourists. It’s for good reason, as they offer visitor-focused services, beautiful beaches, and a variety of activities. It can also be a positive advantage for the city, with tourismdriven dollars stimulating the local economy. But for Southern California residents who want their own seaside vacation, Ventura is the beach town for locals. It offers similar benefits, but the crowds are noticeably absent. And there’s lots of free parking. That’s not to say there aren’t lines or that parking is always plentiful, particularly on hot summer weekends or busy holidays, said Ken McAlpine, communications coordinator for Visit Ventura and a 40-year resident. But compared to most other SoCal beach towns, Ventura feels secluded. “I think we’re a lot quieter than a lot of Southern California beach towns,” Ken says. “In a world that is often a lot of noise and rush, we’re sort of an antidote. We specialize in quiet moments; those are the moments that matter. Life is short and there can never be enough of those special moments.” Ken suggests Mother’s Beach, also known as Harbor Cove, as a great spot to swim or bring the kids to play in the water. It’s tucked into the Ventura Harbor and offers a safe beach experience. Across the street is the Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center, which features a touch tank, aquatic life displays, and exhibits. Visitors can watch a 25-minute film, “A Treasure in the Sea,” that covers the cultural, historical, and natural wonders of the islands and will inspire viewers to explore the secluded national park just off the mainland.

“Even without the boat trip, you can learn a lot about the islands,” Ken says. For adventurers who want to take the ferry ride, the Channel Islands have a lot to offer: a wide range of hiking trails with breathtaking seascapes, remote or more established camping opportunities, and interesting geological formations. You can explore the coastline and sea caves in a kayak, snorkel, or scuba dive. Each island has a unique draw. Wildlife and nature viewing are also spectacular. On the way over, visitors might spot a pod of dolphins or some migrating whales (depending on the season). The Channel Islands are also the only place on earth where the adorable island fox lives, and one of the very few places to see the endangered Torrey pine, one of the rarest trees in the world. It’s also where an ancient, fossilized caliche forest is found.

“It’s an outdoor person’s dream,” Ken says. Back on the mainland, beer lovers will be happy to know that Ventura has become somewhat of a craft beer epicenter with more than a dozen craft breweries. Many are young, innovative brewers — and some have won awards. Visitors can get their hops in the walkable downtown area or from other breweries dotted along Highway 101. There’s even a brewery by the historic wooden Ventura Pier. The beach town also has a small, working commercial harbor. Diners at oceanfront restaurants can taste fresh-off-the-boat fish that come off the boat, onto the dock, and then to a restaurant 50 yards away, Ken says. He recommends Andria's Seafood or the Brophy Bros. for a good dinner with a view of the harbor.

If you’re a local returning to Ventura, you’ll learn that a change in ownership has opened the 2,123-acre Harmon Canyon Preserve to the public. Located up in the foothills northeast of Ventura, the space is the city’s first large-scale nature preserve. For more information, go to visitventuraca.com.

For locals looking for a Southern California staycation, Big Bear is the best choice for a mountain weekend getaway. This mountain resort has year-round fun. Bundle up in the winter to visit the popular ski resorts or take advantage of moderate weather during the summer to explore miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking adventurers of all experience levels.

“As a longtime Big Bear resident, summer is by far my favorite season here,” said Visit Big Bear CEO Michael Perry. “From the scenic mountain beauty, cool alpine temperatures, and endless activities, the Big Bear area is the perfect destination for Southern California residents looking to escape and enjoy the outdoors.”

In addition to the outdoor fun, Big Bear has a small downtown area and a variety of boutique shops and dining spots. There are also numerous music venues and summer, as well as activities at Big Bear Mountain Resort’s base camp. Michael highlights the town’s new free Sunset Concert Series at the lake as a fun new event visitors should check out on Friday nights. Veteran’s Park will be the venue for three shows (June 17, June 24, and July 1), which include some of the music industry’s brightest stars, including X Ambassadors, Debbie Gibson, and Drake White. Also, signature summer events such as the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular and Fishin’ for $50K are back.

“It's going to be a memorable summer here in Big Bear,” Michael says. There are also some new retail and dining options, including farm-to-table cuisine at Stella Luna and a combo of healthy salads, wraps, and gyros alongside deep-fried desserts, fair favorites, and street snacks at Wrap It Up | Stick ’Em Up. To try a local favorite, Michael suggests enjoying a glass of wine alfresco and soaking up the fresh alpine air at Barrel 33 Wine Shoppe. There are a lot of new adventures awaiting SoCal residents returning to Big Bear Lake. Hikers searching for new trails should check out the freshly created Maple Hills Trails Complex. Route options in the San Bernardino Mountains include three short and easy trails and one more coming this fall. The trail system was designed and built through a partnership with Big Bear Trails, part of the Southern California Mountains Foundation.

Although not a new trail, a locally loved route is the fully paved Alpine Pedal Path, which extends 2.5 miles one way on the north shore from Stanfield Cutoff to the Solar Observatory (or vice versa). This route is a popular spot for dog walkers, cyclists, and picnickers, as it offers some of Big Bear’s most scenic views of the lake and ski resorts.

For more information, visit bigbear.com.

Locals looking for a SoCal staycation that feels like a European holiday, look no further than Solvang. Southern California residents may know this Denmark- and Scandinavian-themed town, but it’s not what it’s used to be, notes Anna Ferguson-Sparks, a spokesperson for Solvang USA.

“It’s definitely worth a re-visit,” she says While it still has Scandinavian shops, food (five Danish bakeries), and architecture (four windmills), the town has revamped itself with several new offerings and recent updates. “In the past handful of years, Solvang has evolved into a SoCal getaway spot which truly offers something for everyone,” Anna says. “Solvang still retains its ‘quaint’ charm due mainly to its Danish-settled roots and history, but now also features restaurant kitchens with Michelin-level chefs; unique shopping opportunities; five museums — and a California mission — with living history, art, and culture on display; and proximity to open air, outdoor activities, and experiences.” There are a few new choices for accommodations in town, including The Winston, ideal for guests who want luxury and privacy with the hotel’s invisible service and hands-off approach, and Vinland Hotel & Lounge, a centrally located option that’s budgetfriendly, yet refined. Returning visitors will also want to check out several new dining options including the family-owned peasants FEAST and the peasants DELI & MARKET just across the lane, and Coast Range and Vaquero Bar from a well-known SoCal chef/sommelier/ winemaker team.

A new “downtown” retail re-development project, PARc Place, opened in 2021. It’s home to some new winery tasting rooms, boutique shops, and other unique stores all surrounding an outdoor courtyard with lots of seating and fire pits.

“Solvang’s little museums are also often-overlooked activities,” Anna says. The Copenhagen House features ancient Viking artifacts and information on Viking culture and, earlier this year, its space dedicated to ancient amber relics was revamped and the newest Nordic exhibition was unveiled. To get some good background information on the town before exploring, visit Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, a quiet gem in the heart of Solvang. Another hidden treasure in town is the Hans Christian Andersen Museum above the Book Loft. It’s a great place to learn more about the author’s life and fairy tales.

For visitors wanting some authentic architecture, it’s a little-known fact, but most of Solvang’s “thatched” roofs are “faux,” Anna explains. However, one of the only actually thatched roofs in town is located at the northwest corner of Copenhagen Drive and First Street, above the storefronts for Lions Peak Vineyards and the Dowdle Gallery. For a favorite experience among locals, grab a pastry and wander over to the Old Mission Santa Inés grounds. It’s peaceful on the property and the unique view looks out over vineyards and farmland, and towards the Santa Ynez Mountains.

For more information, visit solvangusa.com.

For SoCal residents looking for a desert oasis staycation idea, head to Palm Springs. The city can be enjoyed year-round as a weekend getaway destination and there are number of things to do to stay cool in summer and make the most out of your desert adventure. The desert resort town has long been a favored retreat by movie stars and Hollywood legends, presidents and political leaders, hikers and adventurers, wellness seekers, and sun-worshippers alike, notes Visit Palm Springs senior marketing manager Randy Garner.

“Because of this, Palm Springs is unique and like no place else,” Randy says. Since it regularly reaches over 100 degrees in the summer, save the hiking and other strenuous outdoor activities for the winter or shoulder seasons. The cooler months are the best time to see the nearby Joshua Tree National Park, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California’s largest state park. In summer, cool down with a day trip to dip your toes in the water at the nearby Whitewater Preserve. Or, relax at a luxurious spa in town. If it’s a family vacation, take the kids for a splash at a local water park. For a day of shopping, head to Palm Canyon Drive to browse vintage boutiques, interior design shops, and unique apparel. It is also lined with locally owned restaurants, many with beautiful outdoor dining patios. The city also has a large collection of clothingoptional gay resorts and about a dozen gay-owned businesses along Arenas Road, the hub of LGBTQ+ unity in Palm Springs. “Here, you can let your hair down and be yourself under the desert sun,” Randy says. “It’s a hip oasis for the LGBTQ traveler.” Offering a shady oasis for residents and visitors, the new and beautiful Palm Springs Downtown Park is a 1.5-acre public open space in the heart of downtown. Located at the intersection of Belardo Road and Museum Way, it’s adjacent to the 26-foot-tall “Forever Marilyn” statue. This fall, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians will introduce the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, which will sit on 5.8 acres downtown. It will include: a new 48,000-square-foot Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, education center and garden; a luxurious 45,000-square-foot spa, The Spa at Séc-he fed by the ancient healing waters of the hot mineral springs that are estimated to be 12,000 years old.; and an interpretive gathering plaza and oasis trail connecting the two.

“Palm Springs is excited to be expanding our education and experiences celebrating our cultural heritage through the Agua Caliente [Band] of Cahuilla Indians,” Randy says. The Indian Canyons are also a favorite recreational spot for nature lovers. When the weather allows, explore trails in Andreas Canyon, Murray Canyon, and the popular Palm Canyon. Head out early to avoid the afternoon heat and don’t forget to bring water. “A great way to both explore and learn about the region is through a guided tour,” Randy says. “What better way to do this through on an open-air Jeep tour?”

Capture the true essence of a desert experience in a Red Jeep Tour, he suggests. Unique ride-along options include several tours featuring the San Andreas Fault zone, Indian Canyons, or Joshua Tree National Park.

Locals who have driven along I-10 can’t miss the huge wind turbines that dot the landscape near Palm Springs. Visitors on a SoCal staycation can book an excursion with Palm Springs Windmill Tours and learn more about the giant energy-creating devices. The company also now has new guided golf cart tours. For more information, go to visitpalmsprings.com.

Just 26 miles off the coast, reachable by ferry, private boat, or even a helicopter, Catalina Island offers locals the perfect tropical getaway without a passport.

Formerly a private island, Catalina is now home to boutique hotels and charming bed-and-breakfasts, art galleries, shops, and restaurants. There’s also a variety of activities like scuba diving and snorkeling in lush kelp forests, bison tours, and charter boat fishing. It’s no wonder locals love this island as one of the best staycations in SoCal. Hikers and backpackers can have fun on the TransCatalina Trail, which offers one of the best places to camp in California at Little Harbor. The 38.5-mile thru-hike traverses the rugged coastline of the island, starting at the trailhead in Avalon and winding through Parsons Landing on the west end, before looping back to Two Harbors. Since camping isn’t for everyone, Catalina Island also has a variety of accommodations. Catalina Island Co.’s marketing and social media coordinator, Corey Schuchardt, recommends the majestic Mt. Ada Bed and Breakfast. Perched on a bluff overlooking the bay, Mt. Ada is a one-of-akind experience that makes guests feels as though they’re staying in someone’s home, Corey explains. An overnight stay includes breakfast and lunch on the patio with iconic Avalon Bay, Catalina Casino, and Pacific Ocean views.

“It’s fairly intimate, as there are only six rooms, and the views are magnificent,” Corey says. “Service is impeccable, and the staff treats you like royalty.” For visitors who truly want to feel like they’re on a weekend getaway to an island destination, check out Descanso Beach Club. Rent a beach cabana or chaise lounges to soak up the sun while being served delicious cocktails and beach bites that can delivered directly to your chair. Island-style music plays, while a great mix of people enjoy the vibes and scenery. According to Corey, it’s an absolute must-do while on Catalina Island.

Something you likely won’t find on any other island vacation: bison. Book a bison expedition for a unique two-hour journey in an open-air Hummer along the interior of the island. This fun-for-all-ages activity will be your best chance at spotting some of the members of the large bison herd that lives on Catalina. While guests watch for the approximately 150 bison, the tour guide will share interesting facts about Catalina's history, flora, and fauna. “I don’t think a lot of local visitors know about it or think to do the tour,” Corey says. “When you get outside of Avalon, the interior landscape is so pretty (especially this time of year, after we’ve had some rain) and majestic. When you get up high, along some of the roads, the ocean views are breathtaking.” For more information, go to visitcatalinaisland.com.