You’re in luck if you’re searching for a Memorial Day weekend escape from Los Angeles, as you have a wealth of options available within reasonable driving distance. From the area’s breathtaking beaches and swimming spots to desert landscapes and city fun, we’ve scoped out some of the best destinations for Los Angeles residents to enjoy, with something for just about every taste. Now all you need to do is make your reservations and start packing.
Big Bear, California
Big Bear Lake is only about 80 miles from L.A., and it’s like a completely different world, surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, this may be a great pick. Along with the usual water sports like boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and jet-skiing, on land, you can enjoy great mountain biking at Snow Summit, zip-line rides, horseback riding, and hiking, an alpine water slide, scenic helicopter tours, off-roading, parasailing and more. Or, you could always relax and unwind while breathing the fresh mountain air, gazing at the brilliant blue waters of the lake and sipping a cold brew or some fine wine.
Las Vegas, Nevada
If you’re looking for “wild” of another kind, a Las Vegas getaway may be just what you’re looking for. Just a four-hour drive from L.A., this is when the Vegas pool parties kick off, thanks to the rising temperatures. You can expect to find all kinds of fun on the water, with alcohol flowing freely and live music blasting through the speakers. Of course, there’s the usual gambling and a wide variety of shows, including everything from the Blue Man Group to Cirque du Soleil. You can also look forward to heart-pounding thrill rides or even a Venice-style gondola ride at the Venetian.
Catalina Island, California
Just 20 miles from L.A., you can be snorkeling in waters that have been compared to the Caribbean. Catalina Island is one of just a few places in the entire country that offers the chance to experience such a breathtaking underwater world, and it’s just an hour by ferry from Long Beach. Lover’s Cove is renowned for the heaviest concentrations of fish found anywhere off the west coast and has even ranked among the top spots on the planet for snorkeling. Sea stars, eels, anemones, octopi, and Garibaldi fish are just a few of the creatures you’re likely to see – dolphins and sea lions are commonly seen as well. The island’s many other options include hiking the Avalon Canyon, boat excursions, and entertainment at the Catalina Casino.
Ojai, California
This Central California destination has been dubbed the “Shangri-La of California,” so if you’re looking for a place where your stress and worries will melt away, Ojai may be your top choice. Just 90 minutes from L.A., you’ll be far from the chaos of city life. In this area that enjoys a Mediterranean micro-climate, everything grows here, which means you can expect lots of fabulously delicious, fresh local cuisine as well, from olives and grapes to all sorts of citrus. Of course, with so many grapes, there are lots of locally made wines to enjoy with it, along with multiple tasting rooms. Just north of town, the Los Padres National Forest is ideal for tranquil hikes.
Solvang and Santa Ynez Wine Country
If you’ve always wanted to visit Denmark and stroll through those charming Danish villages but haven’t managed to make it there yet, take a trip to Solvang instead. Founded by a group of Danish teachers a little over a century ago, it’s located in the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley and also makes an ideal spot for wine enthusiasts to base their stay to explore Santa Ynez Wine Country. But right here in town, you can enjoy strolling the streets with Danish-style buildings that house a variety of shops and eateries. You’ll find lots of Danish and European imports as well as high-end arts and crafts that will make you feel as if you really did make that trip to Denmark.
Malibu, California
Malibu is one of Southern California’s most famous beach towns and home to many celebrities, upscale eateries and all sorts of fun shopping opportunities. Stay in an oceanfront hotel and live your dream, if only for a few nights, of living at the beach. Go celebrity-spotting and shopping at Malibu Country Mark, and visit Lagoon State Beach to enjoy a refreshingly cool dip in the Pacific. If you’re looking to do something a bit offbeat, try a Malibu Wine Safari for the chance to sip wine while taking an animal safari, which includes views of giraffes, zebras, water buffalo, and camels.
Coronado Island, San Diego
San Diego is famous for its miles and miles of spectacular stretches of sand to take advantage of the abundant sunshine it enjoys all year, and Coronado Island offers some of the best of the best. In fact, Coronado Beach has often ranked the finest in the entire nation, thanks to its powdery, soft sands that glisten in the sun due to its high mineral content. Memorial Day weekend is a great time to get out and enjoy the water, and here you can launch your board straight into the bay and paddle around the island and the huge bridge while taking in breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Joshua Tree National Park
While you may immediately be crossing the desert off your list of choices, you might want to give it another look. While it’s likely to be quite warm in Joshua Tree National Park by Memorial Day weekend, the highest temperatures of summer haven’t arrived yet, while the big tourist crowds of spring have faded away. In fact, some days, you might have the park practically all to yourself. The nights are especially pleasant and ideal for stargazing. After dark, this area is considered one of the best spots on the planet for gazing up at those fascinating celestial objects.
Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Valle de Guadalupe, or Guadalupe Valley, is just a short drive south of the border, offering lots of natural beauty and the chance to enjoy a wine-tasting weekend. You can sample a wide selection up and down the Ruta del Vino, including Las Nubes. Set atop a hill, it offers some spectacular valley views to enjoy while sipping outstanding wine.