Looking for the best weekend getaways in Southern California? Luckily, Southern California is packed with them!
Southern California is one of the best places anywhere for a short family getaway. Within just a few hours’ drive, you can spend the weekend exploring a mountain town, having fun at a world-famous theme park, or chilling on a beautiful beach.
As a Southern California local, one of my favorite things about living here is the incredible variety of family-friendly destinations nearby. In fact, the reason I started a travel website focused on Southern California is simply because there is so much to do here, and I love exploring all these local spots!
Whether you’re looking for a quick escape from San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, or the Inland Empire, there are plenty of amazing places to see without ever hopping on a plane.
Best Weekend Getaways in Southern California for Families
From laid-back beach towns to desert resorts, here are the best weekend getaways in Southern California for families to enjoy together.
1. Coronado Island
With its wide sandy beach, charming downtown area, and family-friendly atmosphere, Coronado feels like a true island escape despite being connected to downtown San Diego by the iconic Coronado Bridge. It’s one of my favorite weekend destinations in Southern California and the place I always recommend to people looking for an idyllic getaway.
The best stretch of sand is located in front of the Hotel del Coronado, and you don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the beach. While this iconic hotel provides an amazing backdrop, it’s a public beach for everyone to enjoy.
There are also plenty of spots to rent beach chairs, boogie boards, and other amenities for a perfect day on Coronado beach. You can also rent bikes, explore the waterfront, enjoy ice cream downtown while wandering along Orange Avenue, or simply relax and enjoy the island’s slower pace.
In addition to the gorgeous downtown area, you’ll also want to check out Coronado Ferry Landing, a charming village on the waterfront filled with shops and restaurants. Coronado Ferry Landing is located on the opposite side of the island, overlooking San Diego Bay instead of the Pacific Ocean. You’ll get stunning panoramic views of the downtown San Diego.
► I’ve written a few guides about visiting Coronado if you’d like more information:
- 17 Fun Things to Do on Coronado
- Where to Stay on Coronado Island
- A Coastal Christmas at Hotel del Coronado: Holiday Guide for Families
2. Carlsbad
Located along the North County San Diego coastline, Carlsbad is one of the best family-friendly beach towns in Southern California. The city combines beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, family attractions, and a charming downtown area, making it an easy choice for a weekend getaway.
Carlsbad is home to plenty of family-friendly resorts and vacation rentals, including some of the best San Diego beach resorts, making it easy to plan a relaxing weekend escape.
Of course, the biggest draw for many families (especially if you have younger kids) is LEGOLAND California Resort, which can easily fill an entire day or more. Beyond the theme park though, we love spending time at Tamarack Beach, exploring the tide pools, and spending time in Carlsbad Village and even the Carlsbad Premium Outlets.
If you are visiting San Diego in spring, be sure to include the Carlsbad Flower Fields on your itinerary!
Open for just a few months each year (March through early May), nearly 50 acres burst into vibrant color with rows of ranunculus flowers. You can walk through rows and rows of blooming flowers, take guided wagon tours, and capture incredible photos of this seasonal wonder. There are lots of activities for kids, too, like the butterfly garden and sweet pea maze.
3. Laguna Beach
Known for its stunning coastline and thriving arts scene, Laguna Beach is one of Orange County’s most picturesque destinations. The town is filled with beautiful coves, scenic overlooks, art galleries, and charming cafes, making it an ideal place for a family weekend getaway.
Spend your days exploring tide pools, relaxing on Main Beach, walking through Heisler Park, or discovering hidden coves along the coastline. There are also many lovely shops, restaurants, and boutique hotels, all within walking distance of the beach.
Laguna Beach is also famous for its tide pools. Check what time low tide will be while you’re there and plan to arrive 30-60 minutes before for a great chance of seeing marine life. In spring and summer it will usually be in the morning, while late fall and winter provide afternoon minus tides for tide pooling.
► Check out these 15 Fun Things to Do in Laguna Beach to help plan your visit!
4. Temecula
While Temecula is often known for its wine country, it’s also an excellent family-friendly weekend getaway packed with outdoor adventures, seasonal events, and small-town charm. Located inland, between San Diego and Los Angeles, it’s an easy drive for families throughout Southern California.
The region is renowned for its picturesque vineyards, rolling hills, and over 40 wineries offering wine tasting rooms and tours. Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Temecula’s wine country, indulge in gourmet dining at a winery restaurant, or take a hot air balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful landscape. Many of these vineyards are kid-friendly! You can even stay at one of the many Temecula winery hotels! 
For a change of pace, visit Old Town Temecula, where historic buildings, antique shops, and local boutiques add charm to this great small town. Pennypickle’s Workshop is a fun kids museum you should definitely visit if traveling with little ones.
5. Newport Beach
Newport Beach delivers the classic Southern California beach experience. Between its beautiful shoreline, bustling harbor, family attractions, and waterfront dining, it’s easy to fill an entire weekend here.
One of my favorite things about Newport Beach is its long boardwalk and pier. It’s a vibrant atmosphere filled with people walking, rollerblading, and checking out all the cool and colorful vacation rentals lining the sand. The area around Balboa Peninsula is especially popular with families. The waves are generally moderate, making it a good choice for older children and teens. Newport Beach also happens to be one of the closest beaches to Disneyland, so you can squeeze a lot into your Southern California weekend getaway by staying in this area.
The big bonus for visiting Newport Beach is the Balboa Fun Zone, which is one of the oldest coastal amusement parks in California. Located on the waterfront, you can check out the rides, play games at the arcade, rent water sports equipment, catch a harbor cruise, or just enjoy great food and drinks.
You can also rent a Duffy boat to cruise around the picturesque harbor or try out other water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding.
Top Tip: Ride the Balboa Ferry for a fun and inexpensive family activity. It is only $2 per adult and $1 for kids. You can even bring your car onboard for just $3.
6. Catalina Island
Located just 22 miles off the Southern California coast, this beautiful island offers crystal-clear water, outdoor adventures, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to forget you’re still in California.
I used to work on Catalina Island; I spent more than six years as Director of Communications for the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, so you can trust I know a thing or two about Catalina! A weekend on Catalina Island feels like a completely different world, but it’s just a short boat ride away. You can catch the boat to Catalina Island from Long Beach, San Pedro, Newport Beach, or Dana Point. Long Beach will get you there the quickest, at just under an hour.
After arriving to by ferry, families can spend their days exploring the charming town of Avalon, snorkeling, kayaking, taking an undersea boat tour, or spotting wildlife in the island’s rugged interior. Older kids may enjoy Catalina Island Zip Line Eco Tour, while younger will love playing on the beach and watching boats come and go in Avalon Harbor. If you want to take an island tour (which I highly recommend as a great way to get your bearings and learn about Catalina), we love the Catalina Island City and Scenic Mt Ada Tour.
Of course, you don’t have to buy a tour at all to have a great time! Catalina’s relaxed pace, great waterfront restaurants, museums, gardens, and beautiful scenery make it an unforgettable island escape.
7. Santa Barbara
Located on California’s Central Coast just a few hours north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is still considered part of Southern California and offers a perfect blend of beach activities, kid-friendly attractions, and outdoor adventures perfect for a weekend getaway.
Families can spend time at East Beach, explore Stearns Wharf, or enjoy hands-on exhibits at MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation. The city’s walkable waterfront and relaxed atmosphere make it easy to enjoy at your own pace.
► Travel Insight
Visit the Santa Barbara Public Market, a gourmet food hall where families can sample a variety of local cuisines or pick up tasty meals for a beach picnic.
For a dose of history and culture, visit the Santa Barbara Mission, founded in 1786. You should also plan on spending some time on Santa Barbara’s famous Stearns Wharf, home of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, as well as many great shops and restaurants.
The Santa Barbara Zoo, home to over 500 animals in a beautiful 30-acre setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is another great attraction in Santa Barbara.
8. Palm Springs
If your family loves sunshine and swimming pools, Palm Springs is hard to beat. This desert destination is known for its family-friendly resorts, beautiful scenery, and year-round warm weather.
When you plan a weekend getaway to Palm Springs or the surrounding desert communities, where you stay makes a huge difference! These Palm Springs resorts with water slides are always going to be my top recommendation if you are visiting with kids.
Popular activities include visiting The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, taking a day trip to Joshua Tree, hiking, and exploring downtown. Downtown Palm Springs has many great restaurants and museums to check out, as well.
But my #1 recommendation if you are visiting Palm Springs with kids is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. This scenic ride up the mountain will treat you to incredible views of the surrounding desert and mountains, and once you’re there you can hike or even play in the snow if it’s wintertime.
► Here are just a few of my travel guides about visiting the greater Palm Springs area:
- Family-Friendly Things to Do in Palm Springs
- Palm Springs Resorts with Lazy Rivers for an Epic Getaway
- Visiting Joshua Tree National Park with Kids
- Palm Springs Family Resorts with Waterslides
- Guide to Pioneertown Near Joshua Tree
9. Big Bear & Lake Arrowhead
For a completely different Southern California experience, head to Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains. This mountain destination offers outdoor adventure throughout the year.
During summer, families can enjoy hiking, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, and lake activities. In winter, the area transforms into one of Southern California’s most popular destinations for skiing, snowboarding, and snow play.
Another mountain town you can visit that is very close to Big Bear is Lake Arrowhead. You’ll pass it on the way up the mountain, so it is easy to combine the two towns on a weekend getaway.
Lake Arrowhead is a serene mountain town is not quite as high as Big Bear elevation-wise, so it does not get as cold or quite as much snow in the wintertime. You can explore the charming Lake Arrowhead Village with its unique shops and restaurants, take a boat ride on the lake, or take a scenic hike through the surrounding forest trails.
Spending a weekend in Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead feels like a true mountain getaway, but they are within driving distance from anywhere in Southern California.
10. Dana Point
Dana Point is one of Orange County’s most underrated family destinations. Its picturesque harbor, beautiful beaches, and incredible whale-watching opportunities make it an excellent choice for a relaxing weekend getaway.
Dana Point Harbor is a cute waterfront area with a marina, restaurants, and shops. It is also a hub for dolphin and whale-watching cruises, if that is something your family is interested in experiencing! Spend your time exploring Dana Point Harbor, going on a boat tour, visiting Doheny State Beach, or enjoying waterfront dining. The slower pace and family-friendly atmosphere of Dana Point make it particularly appealing for families with younger children.
I love Dana Point because it offers coastal beauty and outdoor adventures without the crowds found in some larger beach destinations!
11. Anaheim
While Disneyland is the main attraction, Anaheim can easily fill an entire family weekend. Beyond the theme parks, you’ll find shopping, dining, sports, entertainment, and easy access to nearby Orange County beaches.
If you are spending the weekend (or longer!) in Anaheim, you can combine a Disneyland visit with time at Disney California Adventure, Anaheim Garden Walk, Downtown Disney, Knott’s Berry Farm, Adventure City, Discovery Cube, or other nearby destinations. Anaheim is very central to all the very cool things to do in Orange County.
► Here are just a few of the many guides and articles I’ve written about Anaheim, Buena Park, and the Disneyland Resort:
- Disneyland Resort Vacation Planning Guide
- Disney California Adventure Rides
- Where to Find Breakfast at Downtown Disney
- 10 Hotels Near Knott’s Berry Farm to Fit Every Budget
- Orange County Beaches Near Disneyland
12. La Jolla
La Jolla offers stunning coastline views, an array of outdoor activities, and the chance to spot seals and sea lions at La Jolla Cove. It is located just a short drive away from downtown San Diego.
La Jolla Shores is widely considered one of the best beaches in San Diego for families with young kids. The beach is long and gently sloping, with some of the calmest surf in the area, making it ideal for beginner swimmers and surfers. Guided kayak tours are offered from around La Jolla Shores for an up-close and personal experience with marine life and a view of the caves and rugged coastline. My husband and son tried this La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour and absolutely loved it!
You can also explore the famous La Jolla Sea Caves by kayak or snorkel in the protected waters of the Underwater Park, or just spend time enjoying one of the area’s many beaches.
La Jolla Village is highly walkable and filled with restaurants, shops, and ocean views. There are plenty of places to stay in La Jolla, from quaint little beach inns to more traditional chain hotels.
Map of Best Southern California Weekend Getaway Destinations
To help you visualize where these cities are located, here is an interactive Google map!
Final Thoughts: Best Weekend Getaways in Southern California
One of the best things about Southern California is the incredible variety of family-friendly destinations located within just a few hours of one another. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach vacation, mountain adventure, island escape, or resort retreat, there’s a weekend getaway to match every family’s travel style.
The hardest part may be deciding which destination to visit first.
Save This Guide for Later!
Planning a Southern California weekend getaway? Pin the image below for future reference.
Leave a Reply