California is the most beautiful and versatile state for a girls getaway trip. I’m biased, of course, because I’m based in San Francisco, and therefore been on endless girls trips in California. It’s just too easy!
You don’t have to worry about long travel days, and focus more on spending time with your girls. With every type of terrain from mountain and beach towns to desert escapes and thriving cities, you can find the perfect place for your gals to getaway!
No matter the season, there are plenty of fun activities! Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie who loves water sports or an amateur sommelier who wants to taste different varietals of Napa Valley wine, this guide is going to inspire you to take an epic girls trips in California!
We’re going to cover all the bases: cool places to stay in California, the most beautiful road trip destinations, the best girls trip ideas from San Francisco, and most importantly, how to have the best road trip with your girls.
19 Best Places For A California Girls Getaways
The beautiful thing about the best California destinations is you can visit one place and get a little bit of everything (especially for girls getaways), but they’ve still got their standouts so we organized our guide to help you decide what’s best for your group!
Best Destinations For Wine Tasting
Starting with a personal fave: wine tasting 🍷A wine tasting weekend with the girls is good for the soul, and here are my fave places to go! PS don’t forget to pack tons of cute wine tasting outfits for your girls trip!
1. Healdsburg
There are so many wine countries in NorCal, but Healdsburg is the to visit if you’re looking for Gilmore Girl vibes, but with California luxury. Healdsburg is a small town located in Sonoma wine country known for their wineries and small town ambiance.
It’s only one and a half hours away from San Francisco, which is super convenient if you’re looking to spend some time partying it up in a big city, but ending the trip in a cozy town.
There are so many wineries to choose from, such as Roth Estate Winery, Banshee Wines, Chalk Hill Estate Winery, and Siduri. These are all amazing places to choose from and you really can’t go wrong with any of them, it really depends on your budget and what wines you’re looking to try!
But I especially love the California Pinot Noirs out of this region.
You also have to check out one of the many bars and restaurants that Healdsburg has to offer. They have been luxury eats and budget-friendly restaurants, so you don’t have to worry about splurging too much. Whether you decide to try the amazing pinots at Russian River, or check out the adorable stores downtown.
The Madrona is an adult-only hotel that looks like an old money manor. The interior is so unique and there is complimentary breakfast every morning. H2Hotel is located near Healdsburg Plaza and the rooms have private balconies and complimentary breakfast.
If you’re looking for something more casual, Hotel Healdsburg is woodsy and green with a large outdoor lounging area.
2. Paso Robles
Sticking along the themes of wineries, Paso Robles is another major wine country that is seriously underrated. Paso Robles specializes in Zinfandels, a type of red wine that really isn’t on the wine tasting radar, but absolutely should be. A great place to try Zinfandels is at Adelaida Vineyards – out of this world wine!
When you hear the name Paso Robles, you probably think of the iconic Sensorio Light Display, and honestly, it is pretty spectacular. If you haven’t heard of this dazzling experience, the Sensorio Light Display is a field of lights created by artist Bruce Munro. The lights are made of small spheres with long stems that sway in the night air, creating the dreamiest effect.
Paso Robles also has so many wineries and you can actually book a stay at a winery hotel like the JustInn Winery, which is a cute inn on the Justin winery property. If you’re looking for a standard hotel, the Allegretto is a great option and is very reminiscent of Tuscany, Italy.
A really unique winery to visit is The Tooth and Nail Winery, which looks like a castle – I mean, how cool is that!!
There is also a great downtown with amazing cocktail bars and restaurants to pick from. Head to the Tetto Rooftop Bar for a cocktail at sunset, dinner at The Hatch (or Les Petites Canailles if you’re feeling fancy!) and a nightcap at Eleven Twenty-Two Speakeasy & Cocktail Lounge.
There is also hiking at Carrizo Plain National Monument for California wildflowers, boutique shopping downtown, hot springs, and horseback riding. So you can get in some fun during the day and finish the night off with a nice dinner and a delicious glass of wine.
3. Calistoga (Napa Valley)
Napa Valley is world famous for its grapevines and wine tasting, which inevitably means that some of its activities and hotels are a bit pricier, but Calistoga is a great exception. Located in the northern region of Napa Valley, Calistoga is a budget-friendly option if you still want to experience all the luxuries of Napa Valley for a fraction of the price.
Napa Valley is, of course, most well known for their world-renowned wine tasting at local wineries, but there are so many other unique sights and activities to do. Visit the Old Faithful Geyser, hike around beautiful state parks, ride the Napa wine train – or if you’re feeling adventurous – ride a hot air balloon.
Calistoga is also well-known for its mud baths, but you can just take a spa day if being covered in mud isn’t your thing. The point is, there is truly something for everyone to do!
For hotels, check out the Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa for a retro-style hotel with amazing amenities like geothermal pools and spas. If you and the girls are feeling a little more bougie, check out the Solage Resort, located on the Silverado Trail.
At this pet-friendly hotel, guests have access to mineral pools, cruiser bikes, and spas. There’s nothing like chilling in a pool with a glass of wine in a beautiful wine country.
4. Fairmont Sonoma
Tucked up outside the city of Sonoma is the famous Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa with beautiful flowers and trees all over the property. It’s a fantastic home base for a wine-tasting weekend, especially if your group of girls are into wellness treatments while traveling.
The Fairmont spa offers facials, massages, heated mineral pools, a sauna, a steam room and wellness classes like yoga, sound baths and aura readings. If you are feeling extra bougie, you can even rent out their entire spa at night with your friends for their Spa Under The Stars experience.
Best Destinations To Get Outside in Nature
California is SO BEAUTIFUL. I’ll never stop saying it. Getting outside is an absolute must no matter what time of year. Whether you’re hitting the slopes in the winter or hitting the trails in the spring, you can relax in nature.
1. South Lake Tahoe
To date, South Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. The sunsets are otherworldly and the calm waters and lush forests just add such a sense of peace and serenity, which is perfect for those relaxing girls weekend getaways.
South Lake Tahoe is great to visit year-around and each season brings its own unique activities to do and views to see. In the summer in Tahoe, the colors are so bright and vibrant with a crisp summer breeze that brings in the smells of pine trees and campfires. I rented out a canoe and got in a (fun) workout paddling in the lake.
For those of you that are daredevils, you can also go paragliding over the lake, which I can imagine has an amazing view from up there.
In the Fall, the trees in South Lake Tahoe begin changing color (best time is mid-late October). It can be a bit tricky getting the timing right since many of the trees are evergreens, but if you follow some California fall color guides and foliage predictors, the reward will be quite worth it.
The winter time in Tahoe is great for skiing and snowboarding, but if you aren’t great on the slopes, you can also go brewery hopping, hiking to Vikingsholm Castle on Emerald Bay, or ice skating!
If you’re staying in South Lake Tahoe, check out the Coachman Hotel, which is a boutique hotel with live music and exudes dark rustic charm. Basecamp is a fun spot with private balconies, a rooftop terrace, and is located next to Casino at Harveys Lake Tahoe.
2. Arnold
Arnold and Calaveras County is near and dear to our hearts because this is where the Whimsy Homes cabin is located! Located in Calaveras County, Arnold is great to visit year round with warm summers and snowy winters for skiing.
Big Trees State Park is only a few minutes away from Arnold and is home to Giant Sequoias. It’s also open year-round and doesn’t attract too many tourists, so you won’t be fighting massive crowds.
There are over 30 wine tasting rooms in Calaveras County and specializes in California and Spanish varieties.
The largest single cave chamber in California – Moaning Caverns Adventure Park – is also here in Arnold and is one of the many cave systems to explore and is honestly such a cool and interesting tour to take.
If you’re claustrophobic, but still want some adventure, go swimming in Alpine Lakes. It is close to the Whimsy Homes cabin and is the perfect place to cool off, go paddleboarding, and enjoy a nice afternoon.
3. Mendocino / Fort Bragg
Mendocino and Fort Bragg are old logging towns right in the heart of redwoods and the rugged NorCal coastline. A bit of a hidden gem, the natural beauty of Mendocino and Fort Bragg will take your breath away.
A fun way to start your morning is to ride the Skunk Train. A ride is about an hour long and makes its way through the Redwoods. There’s even snacks and drinks you can buy while feeling the wind blow through your hair.
Fort Bragg is probably best known for its glass beach, which is a natural phenomenon from dumped garbage on the coast that was naturally worn down into glass pebbles.
The downtown area is so cute with a variety of local stores from art studios, clothing, woodworking, and a bookstore. You have to try the Candy Cap mushroom ice cream at either Frankie’s (in Mendocino) or Cowlick’s (in Fort Bragg) – there is nothing quite like it!
Point Cabrillo Lighthouse is a fave and gives access to a perfect view of the coastline. The area is so romantic with wildflowers and even an aquarium to explore.
The Pacific Star Winery overlooks the Mendocino coast and specializes in Red Blends.
The Mendocino Grove is what I’d like to refer to as “Mendocino Glamping.” If you’ve never been camping, or camping just isn’t your cup of tea, the Mendocino Grove is the perfect blend of staying connected to nature while still feeling comfy and luxurious.
The Inn at Newport Ranch is just outside of Fort Bragg, close to Mendocino. This hotel will make you feel right at home with its rustic rooms and incredibly kind staff. There’s even free happy hour at the ranch and the chef here has got to be the best in Mendocino.
You can take an ATV ride and drive along the coast – truly the best digital detox there is to do.
Little River Inn is situated on the southside of Mendocino County with its very own golf course. You’re right on the coast, so you have an amazing view of the sunrise and sunsets that you can watch from a private patio.
4. Sonoma Coast
Take a drive down Highway 1 to view the stunning Sonoma Coast.
Bodega Bay is the largest town on the Sonoma Coast and it gives small town vibes. It’s all local businesses so you can eat some amazing seafood at Spud Point Crab Company, grab a cup of coffee at The Roadhouse Cafe, or try some candy at Patrick’s Salt Water Taffy. The Bodega Bay also has some unique coastal dunes and even has a campground for camping.
The Point Arena lighthouse really adds to that coastal charm and is actually the tallest lighthouse you can climb in the Pacific Coast. You can take a tour where the guides will teach you all about the history of the lighthouse and you’ll get to see the highway and coast up top.
Timber Cove Resort in a mountain hotel located in Jenner. This hotel is lodge style and when you enter, you’re immediately greeted by a luxurious lobby. There’s a restaurant, bar, and lounge – overall, such a beautiful property to spend your time in while admiring the Sonoma shore.
5. Joshua Tree
Spending a night in Joshua Tree is like stepping into a different world. Joshua Tree is most iconically known for its clear view of the Milky Way. Taking the Skull Rock Trail at night will make for an easier hike since it’s laid out clearly. Just be aware of wildlife and plan out your trip in case there isn’t a signal.
Speaking of Skull Rock Trail, Skull Rock literally looks like some creepily deformed skull that stares right into your soul (it’s really cool). Sunset is a good time to visit if you’re looking to take some cinematic shots.
There are also fun daytime activities to do if you’re looking to spend more than a night at Joshua Tree. Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum is an outdoor art museum and has some of the funkiest art installations. It’s free to enter (yay!) and has such a cool story behind it. The creator, Noah Purifoy, created this museum to reflect the different stages of his life – taking 15 years to create (that’s insane!).
Pioneertown is an Old West town near Joshua tree that looks like it could be in a Western movie, which makes sense since it was used as a film set in the 1950s. Grab lunch here, watch a wild west show, or take a hike in the Pioneertown Mountain Preserves. You can also stay at the Pioneertown Motel if you want the full cowgirl experience.
Downtown has some cool vintage shops like The Station, Crochet museum, and Ricochet Joshua Tree.
We recommend staying at the Airbnbs here over the hotels just to add to the magical atmosphere that is Joshua Tree National Park.
6. Anza Borrego Springs
Anza Borrego Springs is only 2 hours away from San Diego and is the perfect place to see the California desert wildflowers.
Visit during spring to see the flowerfield in full bloom. The fields are sprawling with so many different colored flowers and it looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. Please remember to be respectful of the flowers and stay on the trails to not damage the natural beauty.
There are other activities to do here like hiking to an oasis on the Palm Canyon Trail. You can also hike through Slot Canyon, which is a super narrow trail made from natural formation. For beautiful views in Anza Borrego State Park, head to Font’s Point. Be aware that some destinations like Font’s Point need an off road vehicle to access.
Camping is a popular option when staying in Anza Borrego, but if that’s not your thing, Hacienda Del Sol is an affordable retro motel to stay in.
7. Big Bear
Visiting Big Bear never gets old, even as someone who’s lived in California forever. It’s the perfect place to go to escape into a winter wonderland, but Big Bear is also beautiful year-round and has different activities depending on the season.
Big Bear is busiest during the winter season since so many skiers and snowboarders travel up to the mountains to shred some slopes. Snow Summit is one of the ski resorts and is always so lively with visitors filling the eating area and ski lift. If you’re an absolute amateur at skiing or snowboarding – like me – you can book lessons with a teacher, which is super fun when you’re learning (and falling) with your friends.
Bear Mountain is another ski resort and is less traditional than Snow Summit in that it’s more favorable for snowboarders and seasoned athletes.
During the holiday season, the Village – which is like downtown – looks like it’s straight out of a movie with a huge lit up Christmas tree, decorations, cute souvenirs, and great food.
Big Bear is seriously underrated during the summertime, even though it’s the perfect time to go hiking, biking, and boating. Ride the Pirate Ship Cruise, Miss Liberty Paddlewheel, hike at Crestline, and enjoy a picnic at Boulder Bay.
Whenever I visit Big Bear with family or friends, we prefer to rent a vacation rental like a cabin over a hotel since they’re so convenient and truly feels like you’re out living in the woods.
This Ivvy Bear Lodge is so cozy and enough room for a group of friends to stay while being close to the Village. You can also stay closer to the ski slopes at cabins like the Moonridge Retreat, which houses five people and is walking distance to both ski resorts.
8. Catalina Island
Catalina Island is Southern California’s hidden gem and only an hour away from the coast. If you’re taking a girls weekend near Los Angeles, I highly recommend taking a day or two to explore this quaint island.
You can take a ferry from ports in San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point – it’s best to arrive early before the boat departs to get good seats.
There are so many water activities to choose from like snorkeling, paddle boarding, and scuba diving. If you’re not a fan of water sports, you can rent a golf cart and drive up and down the streets, which is what I did, and was so much fun. The golf cart is more expensive, so if that’s out of your budget, you can also rent a bike for $15 per hour.
You can also go ziplining at Eco Zipline tour and take a falconry class – yup, you read right – you get to learn about and hold a falcon.
If you decide to spend a night, you can stay at one of the many hotels or an airbnb. Hotel Atwater is a city-center hotel by Avalon Pier. The hotel and rooms are quaint, but clean – when you step out of the lobby, you’re right by the strip!
If you’re traveling with a big group or want something more intimate, there are so many Airbnbs like this one, that offer awesome views of the ocean and are conveniently located.
9. Point Reyes National Seashore
If you’re looking to have a more serene and scenic girl’s trip away from a bustling city, Point Reyes National Seashore is the place to go. Only an hour away from San Francisco, everything about Point Reyes screams idyllic magical getaway.
With amazing seafood, unique scenic spots, and the coziness of small town vibes, Point Reyes is literally the Ireland of the U.S.
When I visited a couple years ago, I stayed at Olema House, a locally owned hotel in the small town of Olema. Little tip, if you stay on the first floor, the back doors open up to a patio, which leads to a lovely open garden where you can mingle with the other guests, sit by the campfire, and smell the beautiful flowers.
The room itself was so cozy with complimentary wine, I honestly could have stayed in the room the entire trip if there weren’t so many other fun activities I wanted to do!
As for sightseeing, you can relax by the shore, go on a hike where you can spot wild elk, or take photos at The Cypress Tree Tunnel. The Cypress Tree Tunnel features towering cypress trees that naturally sweep toward each other creating the “tree tunnel” and is an iconic spot to checkout for amazing photo ops.
Be warned, there isn’t always a signal on the road, so make sure to have a physical map or ask a local before heading out.
For some local history, head to Inverness where there’s a mysterious shipwreck, known as Tomales Bay Shipwreck. This abandoned boat, located behind the Inverness store, was once in danger of being removed, but the attention from local photographers saved it and there are some beautiful photos that prove that this decision was totally the right one.
Of course, you can’t leave Point Reyes without trying at least one of the restaurant’s fresh seafood, namely their famous oysters.
Stay in town or head over to Marshall where you’ll find some of the best seafood at Hog Island Oyster. They have the most amazing fresh and baked oysters, as well as fish tacos that make me salivate just thinking about them.
Best Destinations To Shop, Eat and Explore
Honestly, these destinations offer a little bit of everything. But if you’re looking for great places to shop and eat or museums to wander around, these are your best bet!
1. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is what I’d consider a “cool California” destination with its beautiful Spanish missions and shoreline. Another amazing perk? It’s only thirty minutes away from LA – perfect for a girls weekend near Los Angeles.
It’s a pretty large beach town, so it’s got all the relaxing and fun activities you can imagine when it comes to classic Californian towns. Santa Barbara has so many amazing views like from the Superior Courthouse Gardens and clockhouse and so many delicious eats to try.
You have to check out the Funk Zone – a must-do when checking out restaurants and wine. This is the perfect place to have a drink with the gals before dinner and even go antique shopping. And make sure to take pictures in front of the Chromatic Gate – a super cool rainbow art installation.
There are also cool hotels to pick from during your stay in Santa Barbara from smaller cozier hotels to more luxurious options – it all depends on your budget and what area you’re looking to be closer to.
The Kimpton Canary Hotel is near the Paseo Nuevo Mall and features luxurious Spanish-style rooms. The rooftop also has an incredible view of the city with access to an outdoor pool.
Palihouse is a super cute hotel in the Presidio neighborhood featuring rooms with private balconies. The pinks and rustic colors of this hotel make it soo cozy, not to mention the terrace and patio area for guests to relax in is such a nice touch.
Drift is near the Santa Barbara Harbor and is definitely the most modern-feeling hotel of these three options. The hotel has a coffee bar during the mornings, which transforms into an actual bar and lounge at night. This hotel is so moody and dreamy – perfect for relaxing and partying with the girls.
2. Palm Springs
For being in the desert, Palm Springs is one of the coolest and most colorful places you’ll visit. Palm Springs is the home of the famous Joshua Tree (we’ll get into more of that later in this guide), as well as being the venue for Coachella, so you can bet that there is a lot to see here.
Palm Springs is also the host for Desert X, a free art festival that has art pieces scattered across the desert for you to find. This would be a really fun group activity for you and the girls to try and find.
To cool off, try pool hopping. Some hotels have nicer pools than others, so if yours isn’t living up to your expectations, start exploring Palm Springs through all the pools it has to offer!
Palm Springs is also known for its many amazing colorful doors. There’s the iconic Pink Door, but there’s also so many other ones to find – it’d make for a great bike trip and a fun way to explore the city.
If you’re looking to take some Instagram photos or just looking to explore, Indian Canyons is the place to be. It’s filled with so many palm trees, canyons, rivers, and waterfalls – honestly such a unique and beautiful place. If you’re a plant-lover like me, the Moorten Botanical Garden has every kind of cacti you can imagine and is only $5 to enter!
There are so many cool and delicious restaurants to choose from like Chef Tanya’s Kitchen, which is all vegan. Mr. Lyon’s Steak House has THE best steak in Palm Springs. The Barn Kitchen uses local fresh produce. The list goes on and on!
Trixie Motel is straight out of the Barbie movie with pink everything! With themed rooms, this hotel is every croquet girl’s dream stay. Ace Hotel and Swim Club is the perfect place to stay in to avoid the weather when it’s over 100 degrees.
For someplace more lux, Parker is a mountain resort for the bougie girlies. Make sure to book early because they’re super popular and for good reason. This hotel has 2 on-site restaurants, a spa, massage and treatment rooms, and yoga/pilates classes – perfect if you and the girls just want to unwind after a long day of exploring.
3. San Francisco
What can I say about San Francisco, except there is truly no other city quite like it. San Francisco may get a bad rep for having high-cost of living, but don’t let this deter you from visiting one of the most beautiful cities in the Bay Area. No matter what your budget is, there is def something for everyone to do.
For some free fun, have a picnic in Dolores Park where you’ll have a view of the city from a distance. If you just want to be a typical tourist (which can be so fun), take a ride on the SF Love Tour bus, which takes you down Lombard street and various neighborhoods.
There’s amazing food everywhere in San Francisco, but if you’re looking for something reliable, check out the Ferry Building marketplace, which has everything from coffees, desserts, Mexican food, seafood, and so much more.
You can’t leave San Francisco without viewing at least one sunset and there are so many beautiful places to view it. One of the most unique ways is to take a one and a half hour boat ride on Sunset Sail, which will take you by the Golden Gate Bridge – super romantic and there’s a bar onboard too.
There are so many incredible and unique hotels to stay at in San Francisco, but there are a couple that I find myself returning to again and again.
The Fairmont Hotel is a great luxury option that is located between Nob Hill and Chinatown. The views are amazing and there are so many amenities like full-treatment spa, sauna, and free bicycle rental. 1 Hotel is another luxury hotel by the Ferry Building with an on-site spa. This hotel has a clean and high-end aesthetic with stunning views of the water.
If you’re not looking to spend so much, the Hotel G is a more affordable option near the Moscone Convention Center. Don’t be fooled by the lower price tag, the rooms are still comfy and chic and worth the visit.
4. San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, aka SLO, is located on the central coast of California and is a small charming town. Despite being fairly small, SLO has so many good restaurants, boutiques, and quirky spots that make for fun photoshoots and a great time.
Every Thursday, there is a farmer’s market that sells fresh produce and other goods. While the weekday may not be as busy as the weekend, this market always brings in a lively crowd and should be on your stop if you’re in town that day!
For the longest time I thought Seattle had the only bubblegum wall, but turns out there is one so much closer to California locals. The bubblegum alley, which is quite literally what it sounds like, is a long alley that is plastered with gum spanning back decades (pretty cool and gross). It has an interesting history and makes for a sick photoshoot background.
SLO has some exceptional wine tasting and restaurants that serve fresh produce straight from their farms, after all, the town is surrounded by farmland. You have to stop by Avila Valley Barn, on the way to Avila Beach, for fresh produce and the bakery.
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is located in the heart of downtown and exhibits some beautiful architecture. Make sure to take a tour and learn about the full history of the Native Americans who once lived there.
Check out the Cal Poly State Architecture graveyard, which is a field filled with art installations left by students and would make for a cool exploration and photos.
If you’re interested in viewing the stunning coastline, I recommend hiking Bishop Peak. It’s about 3.5 miles round-trip and will have a panoramic view of the coast.
There are some unique hotels like the Madonna Inn, which is a super cool place to stay at because every room is uniquely decorated. The high-in-demand rooms may be hard to book, but you can still grab brunch here and take some fun retro photos.
Hotel Cerro is a cute hotel located downtown with an amazing rooftop pool. I could honestly just chill on the rooftop and take in the stunning mountain view, but you also have to try out the restaurant downstairs. Brasserie SLO is one of the best restaurants in town and you’d seriously be missing out.
Best Beach Towns For A Girls Getaway
Last, but not least, we have our beach towns! Again, you can get a good mix of activities, but these are best if you’re looking for mostly beach.
1. Santa Monica + Venice Beach
Santa Monica and Venice Beach are the perfect destinations if you’re looking to have a beach trip to escape the busyness of Los Angeles.
Start your day off with brunch at Blueys Market, then go shopping at 3rd Street Promenade or walk down Montana Avenue. Make sure to stop by Sidecar Doughnuts, which has some of the most popular doughnuts in SoCal!
Santa Monica is probably most well-known for Santa Monica Pier, which has a ferris wheel, games, and other attractions. You can head there early to avoid the crowds, but it is also so magical at night when it is all lit up.
Venice Beach is right by Santa Monica, so it’s only a quick hop over. You can choose to get brunch here instead of Santa Monica – a good option is by the boardwalk at Great White.
Afterwards, head to the boardwalk where they have live music, a skatepark, and street performers. For drinks, check out High Rooftop Lounge located in Hotel Erwin for amazing views of Venice Beach.
If you’re looking to stay the weekend, Shutters on the Beach is right on the water and you can even rent private chairs to use. The Proper is another stunning option with a beautifully designed interior.
2. La Jolla
La Jolla is a must-visit area whenever I’m in San Diego. It seems to always be sunny in La Jolla/ San Diego and is one of the best girls weekend trips you can take. My favorite thing to do as soon as I get there is to get some gelato at Bobboi and head over to the beach to lay out in the sun.
It wouldn’t be a trip to La Jolla without visiting the La Jolla Shores. The waters are pretty calm and if you visit later in the year, you might get to swim with leopard sharks. Snorkeling at La Jolla Cove is so cool and you’ll be up close with fish, the reef, and even the local sea lions (remember to never interact with the wildlife, only observe!).
The Cave Store has a 145 step tunnel that leads to Sunny Jim Sea Cave and really makes you like a heroine embarking on an adventure. If you don’t want to travel down, the cave also offers souvenirs and ice cream to enjoy.
Visiting Sunset Cliffs is always a must-do for me whenever I’m in the area and I love visiting right before golden hour to catch those heavenly clouds. There’s always a lot of people, so arrive early for parking and enjoy a nice walk along the cliffs.
The Birch Aquarium at Scripps is both educational and fascinating and has all kinds of fish, a resident sea turtle with paralyzed back legs (we love her), penguins, and sharks. They also have interactive tanks outside where you can touch seafish and other living creatures.
You really can’t go wrong with hotels in La Jolla since most of them are right by the beach and offer an awesome view of the ocean. La Jolla Shores Hotel is located near the Birch Aquarium and has a private beach, so you can wake up every morning ready to jump into the water.
La Valencia is a historical hotel and makes it feel like you’ve teleported to the past with its original artworks and mosaics. It’s super cute and has the name the “Pink Lady” for its pink exterior. La Jolla Cove Suites is modern and reminiscent of a beach house and offers views of the ocean.
3. Oceanside & Carlsbad
Oceanside and Carlsbad combine the best of life in California: beach towns and flower fields. Spring or early Summer (May-March) is the best time to visit these two cities.
The weather won’t be too hot and best of all, the Carlsbad flower fields will be open. You’ll take some of the most Instagram-worthy photos (head there early to avoid crowds) and it’s only an hour away from San Diego.
There are also outdoor activities like surfing, kayaking the lagoon, fishing, or renting an electric biking if you’re looking to get some physical activity in. Of course, taking it easy and walking on the Oceanside pier is an amazing way to admire the beautiful beach houses and do some window shopping.
There are also cool hotels, motels, and airbnbs to stay at during your trip – depending on what your mood and budget is. The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa is an upscale hotel with four restaurants (perfect if you’re too tired to go out) and conveniently located near Legoland.
4. Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a beautiful beachtown with art studios, delicious eats, and some of the most stunning views. I’ve taken pictures of some of the most surreal sunsets here and it never ceases to take my breath away.
Treasure Island Cove has some of the most insane sunsets – a popular destination for photographers. This tiny hidden beach is accessible by walking down some pretty steep steps, so be prepared with the right shoes. It truly is so stunning and right next to the Montage Laguna Beach, a high-end hotel that is def on the pricier side but is so beautiful. The entire property is so serene with flowers, benches, and walkways that overlook the shoreline from above.
Don’t believe me? On one of my visits, I witnessed a surprise marriage proposal happen right at Treasure Island Cove. If it’s beautiful enough for such a special occasion on a gloomy day, you can imagine what it’s like when the sun is out.
I also like Aliso Beach because the beach is smaller and feels more intimate. It’s also more accessible (no walking up and down steps), but parking can be filled quickly so head there early before sunset/ golden hour to see the sunset.
One of my favorite yearly things to do at Laguna Beach is attend the annual Sawdust Art Festival. This takes place from June to September and features booths by local artists selling their handmade art.
I’ve found so many incredible artworks, jewelry, and fairy crowns here and it is always a highlight during the summer season. Just make sure to buy tickets before going in case it sells out.
Another hotel to check out that is slightly more affordable, is La Casa Del Camino, a historic hotel with themed rooms. This hotel has a rooftop lounge to watch those sunsets I’ve been raving about.
5. Malibu
Malibu always reminded me of Miley Cyrus’s song Malibu, and not just for the title. The days really are warm and sunny, the ocean a turquoise blue, and the wind carries the saltiness of the sea.
Start the day with lunch on Malibu Pier at the iconic Malibu Farm or Broad Street Oyster Co if you love seafood. After, take a tour of the stunning Getty Villa Museum to learn about the history of the museum and its art pieces and appreciate the beautiful architecture.
It wouldn’t be a Malibu trip without visiting a Malibu beach. Head to El Matador beach for some tanning in the sun and really understand the California beach magicalness that Miley was singing about.
I think one day is enough time to spend in Malibu, but if you’re looking to spend a night and head out in the morning, stay in a hotel nearby. Hotel June is clean and comfortable, with wooden accents and palm trees that make you feel like you’re somewhere tropical.
For the girlies that are looking to splurge, stay at The Surfrider Malibu, an upscale hotel near Pepperdine University. Staying at this hotel is just like staying in a beach house – coastal chic and looks like it’s straight out of Pinterest. There is also a rooftop that serves amazing food and has a lounge area to enjoy the views.
From Orange County in Southern California all the way to wine country in Northern California, this state has so many incredible sights, activities, and food to choose from.
There really is no wrong destination to pick when you’re traveling in a state as beautiful as California. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a cheap girls weekend or plan on splurging it out with your girls, the possibilities are endless!
1 comment
Big Fan! I love California!