California Travel Guide: Beautiful Cities to Explore That Aren’t LA
During the eight years I lived in California, what stayed with me most was not just the sunshine or the palm trees but how easy it was to take a short drive and be somewhere completely different. One weekend it might be the coast, the next the desert, or wine country with its rolling hills and slower pace. Each trip felt like uncovering another side of the state.
If you are planning a California trip and want to explore beyond Los Angeles, these are the places I always recommend. They make for some of the best weekend getaways and day trips in California, and each one shows a different side of the state that made me love living there.
Catalina Island
Distance from LA: About 1 hour by ferry (from Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, or Newport Beach).
Ideal Trip Length: A day gives you the highlights, but an overnight stay gives you more time to explore at a slower pace.
Catalina feels like a Mediterranean escape just off the California coast. Avalon’s colorful houses, turquoise water, and relaxed vibe make it the perfect change of scenery.
Things To Do:
– Rent a golf cart to explore the island at your own pace
– Go snorkeling or kayaking at Lover’s Cove
– Book an underwater submarine experience (I did this, and it was really cool)
– Spend an afternoon at Descanso Beach Club with poke bowls and cocktails by the ocean
– Do one of the island’s scenic hikes
– Book a helicopter tour (really nice way to see the island from atop)
Where to Stay:
– Central, modern, and just steps from the harbor. Staying overnight means you get Avalon to yourself once the ferries leave.
Read my full Catalina Island 2-day itinerary here
Santa Barbara
Distance from LA: 1.5–2 hours by car.
Ideal Trip Length: Weekend trip
Santa Barbara is often called the “American Riviera,” and it really does feel like it. Between the Spanish-style architecture, palm-lined beaches, and wine country energy, it is one of the easiest and most rewarding escapes from LA.
Things To Do:
– Stroll along State Street for boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
– Spend the day at East Beach or Butterfly Beach.
– Go wine tasting in the Funk Zone or at local favorites like Jamie Slone and Paradise Springs Winery.
– Rent bikes (many hotels offer them) and explore the town.
– For a dose of culture, visit the Santa Barbara Mission or the colorful Chromatic Gate.
– Take a coastal boat cruise for ocean views and maybe dolphins if you’re lucky.
Where to Stay:
– Beachfront, recently renovated, and a short walk to the water. Perfect for ocean views.
Spanish Garden Inn (now Palihouse)
– Boutique, peaceful, and tucked just off downtown. Great for couples or a relaxing stay.
Watch my full Santa Barbara YouTube Guide here
Paso Robles & San Luis Obispo
Distance from LA: 3–3.5 hours by car.
Ideal Trip Length: Long weekend.
Paso Robles is all about rolling vineyards, oak trees, and laid-back wine country charm. Just south, San Luis Obispo (SLO) brings a walkable downtown, great restaurants, and that easygoing college-town vibe.
Things To Do:
– Wine tasting at DAOU Vineyards or JUSTIN Winery.
– Visit the quirky Madonna Inn in SLO
– Relax in natural hot springs
– Stroll through downtown SLO and its farmers’ market
Where to Stay:
1. Allegretto Vineyard Resort (Paso Robles) – Tuscan-style, vineyard views, and a relaxing pool.
2. Hotel San Luis Obispo – Modern, central, and steps from downtown dining and shops.
Napa Valley & Sonoma
Distance from LA: 6–7 hours by car, or fly to San Francisco then drive about 1.5 hours
Ideal Trip Length: Long weekend or more
Two neighboring wine regions with different personalities. Napa brings polished tasting rooms, scenic vineyard drives, and destination dining. Sonoma feels a bit more relaxed, with countryside roads, charming town squares, and plenty of outdoor experiences.
Things To Do:
– Ride the Napa Valley Wine Train for a scenic meal through the valley.
– Tour wineries such as Castello di Amorosa (a Tuscan-style castle in Calistoga) and other tasting rooms featured in my Napa guide.
– Browse and snack at Oxbow Public Market in Napa.
– Explore Sonoma Plaza for tasting rooms, boutiques, and cafés.
– Unwind at standout spas like Spa Terra (inside an estate cave at The Meritage).
Where to Stay:
– large resort with vineyard views, pool, and Spa Terra.
2. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
– cozy, classic Sonoma stay with mineral pools and a full-service spa.
Read my Ultimate Napa Valley Itinerary and Sonoma in Two Days for full guides.
Palm Springs & Joshua Tree
Distance from LA: 2–2.5 hours by car
Ideal Trip Length: Weekend
The desert has a way of slowing you down. Palm Springs is all about stylish hotels, mid-century charm, and poolside afternoons, while Joshua Tree feels like another world with its rugged landscapes and endless starry skies. Together they make one of the best quick escapes from LA.
Things To Do:
– In Palm Springs, lounge by the pool, explore vintage shops, and take the aerial tramway for mountain views.
– In Joshua Tree, hike trails like Hidden Valley and Skull Rock or simply wander among the iconic Joshua trees. At night, the stargazing here is some of the best in California.
Where to Stay:
1. Casa Cody
– A luxury boutique stay with spacious suites, charming courtyards, and pools perfect for a serene desert retreat.
2. The Twist
– Bright, colorful, and apartment-style, ideal if you want a “home away from home” with kitchen space and mountain views.
Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea
Distance from LA: 5–6 hours by car, or fly into San Jose
Ideal Trip Length: Weekend or long weekend
Driving up California’s central coast is one of the most scenic experiences in the state. Monterey and Carmel sit side by side, yet each has its own personality: Monterey is lively and ocean-focused, while Carmel feels like a storybook village with European charm.
Things To Do:
– Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
– Drive the 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach.
– Wander Carmel’s downtown boutiques, tasting rooms, and galleries.
– Take a scenic drive along Big Sur for breathtaking views.
Where to Stay:
1. Hofsas House
A Bavarian-inspired boutique hotel that’s warm, family-run, and walking distance to downtown.
For more on Carmel, you can read my Carmel-by-the-Sea guide here
Yosemite National Park
Distance from LA: 5–6 hours by car
Ideal Trip Length: 3–4 days
Yosemite is one of California’s crown jewels, a place where granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and giant sequoias make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. It’s busy in peak season, but the views are always worth it.
Things To Do:
– Hike to Vernal Fall or take the easy walk to Mirror Lake.
– Drive up to Glacier Point for some of the best panoramas in the park.
– Wander Yosemite Valley and see icons like El Capitan and Half Dome up close.
Where to Stay:
Yosemite Valley Lodge is a classic spot with views of Yosemite Falls, while towns just outside the park like Mariposa or El Portal offer cozy alternatives.
Solvang
Distance from LA: 2.5 hours by car
Ideal Trip Length: Day trip or overnight
Solvang is a small town in the Santa Ynez Valley that has built its charm around Danish heritage. You will see windmills, colorful storefronts, and lots of bakeries, but what makes it worth the trip is how easy it is to wander, eat, and sip your way through the day.
Things To Do:
– Order aebleskiver (round Danish pancakes) from one of the bakeries
– Stop by Old Mission Santa Inés for history and views
– Check out the local wine tasting rooms or head to nearby vineyards in Santa Ynez
Where to Stay:
The Landsby is a stylish boutique stay with Scandinavian-inspired design, right in the heart of town.
——-
What I love most about California is the variety. Within just a few hours of Los Angeles, you can be on an island, in the desert, up in the mountains, or wine tasting in rolling hills. Each of these spots offers something unique, whether you are planning a quick day trip or a longer getaway. I always book my rental cars via Discover Cars, has a lot of great options and good deals!
If you are visiting California and want to see more than LA, I hope this guide gives you some inspiration to hit the road and explore.
