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5 Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles that Are All Under 4 Hours Away

SoCal is in the middle of some of the most beautiful and interesting landscapes in America, but do you see enough of it? Truth: Probably not. So consider taking one of these five weekend getaways from Los Angeles that are all under 4 hours away, not dependent on a pricey resort to enjoy and each offers some Cali vista we love: beach, mountains, desert, forest or quaint small town. So make plans today…because those roses aren’t going to stop to smell themselves.

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joshua tree los angeles road trips
Frank McKenna/Unsplash

1. Joshua Tree (2 Hours, 20 Minutes)

Take the 10 east and you’re golden. Because starting tomorrow, you’ll get to enjoy isolated desert vistas at the same time as Desert X, a two-months-long series of groovy site-specific installations by artists including Doug Aitken and Rob Pruitt.

Where to stay: Sleep under the desert sky in this enchanting modern-bohemian dome that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. Despite being secluded on multiple acres, it’s still just a short drive to Joshua Tree town center.

carpinteria los angeles road trips
Ron Kroetz/Flickr

2. Carpinteria (1 Hour, 30 Minutes)

Just ten minutes south of Santa Barbara, this small surf town has nicer beaches and a more relaxed, less status-y vibe than its chichi neighbor. Which means for less than $150 a night, you can rent your own surf shack and finally learn to stand up on the board.

Where to stay: Check yourself into this picturesque cottage on the beach. With a front porch sitting on the sand and a back deck for outdoor grilling, this is seaside living at its finest.

solvang los angeles roda trips
Prayitno/Flickr

3. Solvang (2 Hours)

You know that whole hygge thing that’s happening? This is that trend transposed onto a whole village, since everything built by its Danish-American founders is all authentic-looking. And in mid-March, there’s a major culinary fest with local growers, vintners and the foodies who love them.

Where to stay: Picture yourself sipping a glass of Malbec on the patio of this hilltop home complete with sweeping views and two fireplaces. To head into town, it’s just a short walk, bike ride or Uber.

oxnard los angeles road trips
Wendell/Flickr

4. Oxnard (90 Minutes)

Wait, you’re thinking…Oxnard? That beach in Ventura County to the north of Malibu? And we say, yes, exactly. It’s got arguably better beaches (softer sand) than its glitzy neighbor, less traffic and a crazy 94 acres of that rarity on SoCal beaches: Instagram-ready, pristine sand dunes. Leave your AirBnB rental windows open and fall asleep tickled by ocean breezes.

Where to stay: Located in the quiet Mandalay Shores neighborhood, this magical sun-drenched hideaway is just a short stroll to the beach.

sequoia national forest los angeles road trips
zrimshots/Flickr

5. Sequoia National Forest (3 Hours, 40 Minutes)

Your knotty pine A-frame cabin is a short drive to these trees, which are as tall as a 26-story building and can be thousands of years old. However, recent heavy rains have threatened them (RIP, “Tunnel Tree”) so go see these majestic natural wonders before it’s too late.

Where to stay: Book the Sierra River House on the Main Fork of the Kaweah River for a blissful place to unwind after a day of hiking. The home is only about two miles from the entrance of the park and a few minutes to the downtown neighborhood of Three Rivers.

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dana dickey

Senior Editor

Dana Dickey is a PureWow Senior Editor, and during more than a decade in digital media, she has scoped out and tested top products and services across the lifestyle space...