California Dreaming: 9 Beautiful Locations You Shouldn’t Miss

Have YOU Been California Dreaming?

The Golden State is one of the most popular vacation destinations in America, drawing visitors from all over the world. With vibrant towns, beaches, amusement parks, and natural beauty found nowhere else on earth. This state is a charming land of possibilities.

If you’re planning a trip, a family vacation, or just want to do some sightseeing, this massive state is so diverse that it’s impossible NOT to find something you can see and do!

From small beach towns to wine country hot spots, California offers a diverse array of destinations to visit for a weekend getaway. But with this state being so large, it’ll be hard to narrow down your itinerary.

Plus, many of the state’s vacation hot spots like Napa, LA, and San Francisco can be pretty expensive. Which is why we’ve specifically chosen a few budget-friendly options for you to escape into the wilderness, stretch out on some sand, or get lost in a small town.

These places are great for a quick, affordable getaway in California. So whether you’re looking for a beach, local wine, or to get off the beaten path, here are 9 weekend getaways to experience in California!

Solvang

Solvang is a town with a unique theme that’s quaint and inviting. If you’ve been itching for a European trip but don’t have the time or the budget, take a quick trip to this California town instead!

Less than 34 miles away from Santa Barbara, this Danish village will make you forget you’re in the US.

You can find low-cost rates at charming, Danish-style inns like the Atterdag Inn that put you within walking distance of authentic Danish bakeries, windmills, historic churches, and over 150 boutique shops.

Solvang is also a premier wine destination in the Sana Ynez Valley, so there are many tasting and tour opportunities in town and nearby vineyards.

If you visit in October, you can even join the Solvang Stomp to stomp on grapes and enjoy food, wine, and music. This is the type of location in California to spend the weekend with your loved ones while traveling to a new era and atmosphere.

San Francisco

Even though the Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars are well-known in this Californian city, we also recommend a visit to Golden Gate Park. Its 1000 acres can easily be explored in a day if you’re on a weekend getaway.

The park even provides a free shuttle service, and you can also rent a segway and explore on your own or with tours. The park has everything, including its own aquarium.

You can even choose to take a ride on a carousel, visit the conservatory, marvel at the California Academy of Sciences wonders, and see the De Young Museum of Art. But if you’re simply looking to unwind, we recommend a picnic by one of the lakes.

During your stay in San Francisco, you can also take a tour of the Alcatraz Prison. This historic federal prison on Alcatraz Island housed the most brutal convicts in the country. It was closed down in the 1970s and is now a national monument open to the public.

Big Bear Lake

Hidden high in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake is the ultimate year-round getaway for outdoor fanatics. Even though the area is mostly well known for skiing and snowboarding, its spring, summer, and fall activities can be much more budget-friendly.

Grab your swimsuit and hit the lake for some swimming and water sports like boating and water skiing. Then, try casting your line to see what you can catch in one of Southern California’s premiere fishing destinations.

You can also explore the surrounding forest for hiking and biking. In the summertime, free guided nature walks depart from the Big Bear Discovery Center each Saturday and Sunday.

Point Reyes National Seashore

If you want to get in touch with mother nature for a weekend trip, you should plan a trip to California’s Point Reyes National Seashore.

Here you’ll find over 1,500 species of animals and plants that call the region home, along with some unforgettable ocean views crashing against the rocky headlands.

There are elephant seals to observe, salmon spawning season with the winter rains, and about 150 miles of trails that can be explored for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. You can stay with Hostelling International.

Even though they have dorm-style accommodations, they also have four private rooms, or you can camp in the backcountry for your weekend stay.

Shasta County

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of a big city, Shasta County will gladly welcome you. The majestic blue waters of Shasta Lake, which has roughly 370 miles of shoreline, are easily one of the most stunning counties and one of California’s top places to visit.

You’ll find countless smaller lakes, rivers, creeks, and streams in this region. Popular activities include hiking, water skiing, sailing, boating, camping, windsurfing, and horseback riding.

This spot is also recognized for its fishing opportunities, including salmon, sturgeon, trout, and bass. There’s also rock climbing, white water rafting, kayaking, and hang gliding for the most daring adventurers.

Seven national forests in the Shasta-Cascade region are just waiting to be explored. One of this county’s main draws is the glorious snow-capped Mount Shasta. It’s a motivating destination for people seeking a spiritual encounter with mother nature.

Ojai

And speaking of the “spiritual,” Ojai is an incredible location to visit if you want to “get away from it all” for a few days.

A real-life Shangri-La of sorts, the town served as the setting for the 1937 movie “Lost Horizon” this California town is a haven for peace and regeneration and is only about 80 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

Spend a weekend here exploring the outdoors along scenic trails or checking out the art galleries and shops around town. Tip: Bart’s Books, the country’s largest independent outdoor bookstore, tends to be a visitor favorite.

Unfortunately, the resorts and hotels can be a little pricey in this area. But you might consider renting an Airbnb instead. Many of them charge less than $150 a night.

Mendocino Coast

Many of this area’s early residents were from Maine, so the town’s architecture is suggestive of a New England village, complete with charming Saltbox cottages and big Victorian mansions.

The Point Arena Lighthouse, which stands 115ft tall and features a spiral stairway that leads to panoramic views of the surrounding area, is open to visitors for tours.

The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens are a must-see and are considered California’s most beautiful botanical gardens. The mild year-round climate on the coast allows for the flourishing of delicate plants that would otherwise perish in extremes of heat and cold.

There are also two magnificent California state parks close by. Mendocino Headlands State Park, which surrounds the picturesque Mendocino community on three sides, is a beautifully beautiful blend of rugged coastline, romantic hidden beaches, and history.

The Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historical Park is situated on a magnificent peninsula that stretches out into the Pacific Ocean. You can even take a ride on the Skunk Train!

It departs from Fort Bragg, a short distance up the coast from Mendocino, and travels down the Pudding Creek among redwood trees. Don’t forget to stop at Glass Beach in Fort Bragg to admire the sea-sharpened colorful shards of glass.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is an excellent vacation spot in California for outdoor fanatics with its breathtaking scenery and world-famous waterfalls.

While Yosemite Valley is where you’ll find some of the world’s most famous views, it can get pretty crowded during the summertime, so we recommend spring or fall.

Highlights in this area include Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Falls, and a drive to Tunnel View and Glacier Point, which are two popular viewing locations.

For a better look, take the short hike to Bridalveil Falls. Choose the 2-mile trail to Mirror Lake for a straightforward hike. Or you can make it longer by walking the complete 5-mile loop.

Hikers seeking a more challenging hike may find many options in Yosemite, including the Half-Dome hike. Yosemite Falls can be seen from the valley level or hiked to the mountain.

Anza Borrego State Park

We recommend visiting this California spot for a different kind of experience. The spectacular desert scenery, incredible slot canyons, and rich animals of Anza-Borrego State Park are world-famous!

There are nearly 100 miles of trails you can explore in Anza-Borrego State Park, providing you with many hiking options. The park’s most sought-after hike is the Palm Canyon Trail, beginning near Borrego Springs.

You’ll learn about local plants at the Visitor Center by strolling through the desert garden. The 4ft tall sculpture of the Aiolornis incredibilis, an extinct bird unearthed here, is a can’t miss!

There are scenic driving routes and cycling trails throughout the park, some of which are on dirt roads. If you have the time, massive metal sculptures of ancient animals by Ricardo Breceda are also worth seeing.

Have you packed your bags for your next great adventure in California yet? Please be sure to let us know if you know of any other amazing spots, so we can add them to our list!

Meanwhile, we also recommend: America’s National Parks: 10 Beautiful Adventures You Can’t Miss