Looking for a weekend getaway? Plan a relaxing vacation for you and your family. You don’t have to travel far for a good time.
CATALINA ISLAND
Just a ferry ride away is your local island paradise. Whether it be a relaxing day on the beach, water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving or fishing, or the new Zip line, Catalina offers a wide variety of activities. On the Waterfront Walk, you may see the California State Fish, the orange garibaldi swimming in the kelp beds and an impressive array of boats anchored in the harbor. While in Avalon be sure to enjoy palm tree-lined Descanso Beach and the circular, art deco Catalina Casino.
SANTA BARBARA
You’re heading for one of California’s oldest, most historic and most beautiful towns in Santa Barbara. Families can enjoy walking or biking along the waterfront, going to the beach and visiting the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. For those who like to shop, State Street is one of the state’s great shopping streets, with lots of local boutiques and the Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center.
PALM SPRINGS
A nouveau–Rat Pack oasis on the desert floor of California’s Coachella Valley, Palm Springs draws both the country-club set and the design-obsessed. But this resort town famed for its superlative vintage shops and classic architecture is also pleasantly rough around the edges: rocky landscapes, cactus forests, and alpine villages are all there to explore—if you can tear yourself away from that poolside chaise.
LAGUNA BEACH
This California town is built for quiet, romantic getaways. It is a place blessedly stocked with eateries where a guy can get noteworthy huevos rancheros while his beloved browses chic shops along Ocean and Forest Avenues. Be sure to visit Victoria Beach, a beautiful pocket beach near Casa Laguna Inn & Spa. The annual Pageant of the Masters, part of the Laguna Beach Arts Festival is a unique cultural event and a must-see.
BIG BEAR
Thrill-seekers and beach bums find common ground at this Southern California hot spot. When summer scorches, the lake calls. Swim, fish, eat, drink, hike, bike, and talk like a pirate at Big Bear Lake, California. If you’re looking for a place to stay at Big Bear Lake, book a cute cabin at Pine Knot Guest Ranch (from $119; 2-night weekend minimum). Kids will love the llamas and bunnies; parents will love the in-room Jacuzzis.
MAMMOTH
Playing, staying and living in California’s Eastern Sierra is different than any other experience in the world. Go on up and do what you love! Guests and residents alike share a responsibility for making Mammoth a great place to visit tie and time again – for you, your children and generations to come. From snow skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities at the world-class ski resort to fishing, canoeing and a different festival almost every weekend during the summer, Mammoth is truly a year-round destination. New this summer is the Mammoth
Mountain zip line.
From snow skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities at the world-class ski resort to fishing, canoeing and the many activities available in the spring and summer months, Mammoth Mountain has become an all-season destination.
This fall, Mammoth Mountain, CA will introduce a mega 2,100 vertical-foot zip line, the steepest in North America. Mammoth Mega Zip will run from the summit of the mountain down to Main Lodge (check out this video). Riders will travel over a mile on the line and may hit speeds of up to 60 mph!
These are just a few local vacation ideas to spark your imagination. Enjoy yourself & safe travels!