Traveling to Los Angeles for the World Cup 2026? Turn your trip into a once-in-a-lifetime luxury California vacation by extending your stay beyond the city. Southern California offers a wide variety of experiences perfect for active travelers: oceanfront five-star resorts with beach access, serene wine country retreats where you can hike and bike ride, boutique desert spa sanctuaries, and scenic coastal towns. From surfing in Encinitas to wine tasting in Los Olivos, or golf and wellness in Ojai, these luxury weekend getaways near Los Angeles combine the best of relaxation, adventure, and five-star amenities. These ten-plus destinations make perfect add-ons to any LA sports itinerary.
1. Ojai
Why Go
Ojai is a haven for artists, writers, and adventurers seeking inspiration and relaxation. After the buzz of international sporting events, this tranquil enclave offers space to reset while still enjoying an elevated five-star resort experience. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a refined spa retreat combined with outdoor adventure. Ojai is only a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles.
Highlights & Things to Do
Hike the Shelf Road Trail for sweeping Topatopa Mountain views, cycle the Ojai Valley Trail through citrus groves, and visit Meditation Mount for unforgettable sunset panoramas. Explore work by locals at art galleries, eat in organic cafés, and visit the famous Bart’s Books. Golfers, tennis, and pickleball enthusiasts will also find plenty of ways to stay active.
Stay: Ojai Valley Inn
Ojai Valley Inn is known for being a top five-star resort near Los Angeles, set across 220 acres of manicured grounds framed by mountain backdrops. The award-winning spa focuses on holistic healing, offering sound baths, customized treatments, and immersive wellness experiences. The spa features rituals, such as sage cleansing, meditative drumming, and Native American-inspired treatments with resident healer Nancy Furst.
At Ojai Valley Inn, guests can enjoy championship golf, tennis courts, kid-friendly programming, guided hikes, and curated cycling routes directly from the property. Multiple pools and farm-to-table dining elevate the experience, making it a premier choice for a luxury active travel escape in California. Travel from March through May to experience the Pixie Season (Pixie Tangerine bloom).
We did several of these activities over a long weekend, and to cap off a relaxing weekend, we indulged in a spa treatment while staying at Ojai Valley Inn!
2. Encinitas
Why Go
Encinitas delivers a stylish yet relaxed coastal vibe that blends surf culture with upscale hospitality. This North County San Diego gem is perfect for travelers searching for a luxury beach getaway near Los Angeles with wellness experiences and oceanfront scenery. Encinitas is about a 90-minute drive south of Los Angeles.
Highlights & Things to Do
Book a private surf lesson at Swami’s Beach, walk the scenic bluffs above Moonlight Beach, or explore the lush trails at the San Diego Botanic Garden. Enjoy sunrise yoga overlooking the Pacific. I did! To round out the experience, head to the main street in Encinitas (S. Coast Highway 101 – it’s a cute street, not a freeway) for casual to upscale dining and boutique shopping.
Stay: Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
Perched dramatically above the Pacific, Alila Marea offers panoramic ocean views and a serene adults-oriented atmosphere. The resort combines sleek design with curated surf experiences and marine-inspired spa treatments. I loved relaxing in the infinity-edge pool at sunset before enjoying local coastal cuisine. Gary loved the short walk to a consistent surf break. A stay at Alliea Marea is an exceptional choice for a five-star coastal retreat, especially for those who love to surf.
3. Montecito
Why Go
If you’re searching for a luxury weekend getaway from Los Angeles, Montecito offers beachfront elegance, mountain adventure, and wine country access just 90 minutes from LA. This upscale enclave near Santa Barbara blends coastal beauty with refined charm, making it one of the best quick trips from Los Angeles for travelers who want both activity and indulgence.
Highlights & Things to Do
Start the day hiking Inspiration Point for panoramic Pacific views, bike along Cabrillo Boulevard, or paddleboard off Butterfly Beach. In the afternoon, explore the tasting rooms of the Funk Zone or venture into the Santa Ynez Valley for vineyard tours and horseback riding. At the end of the day, catch the sunset over Montecito’s shoreline. For a different experience, don’t miss charming Solvang for Danish architecture, boutique wine tasting, and a European-style afternoon stroll.
Stay: Rosewood Miramar Beach or San Ysidro Ranch
Rosewood Miramar Beach is one of the most iconic oceanfront luxury resorts in Montecito, and the only true five-star resort directly on the sand. Designed as a modern beachfront estate, it blends East Coast sophistication with relaxed California style, offering airy rooms and suites with sweeping ocean views. While the coastal train line passes through the property — a classic part of California’s seaside charm — the atmosphere remains serene and exclusive. Dining is a destination in itself, from elevated oceanfront cuisine at Caruso’s to one of the most sought-after Sunday brunch experiences in Montecito, all set against panoramic Pacific views. I am a big fan of the Sunday brunch buffet!
Stay: San Ydidro Ranch
San Ysidro Ranch delivers an experience that feels both historic and intensely private. Set across 550 acres in the Montecito foothills, this legendary retreat has hosted Hollywood icons for over a century — yet it remains discreet and understated.
The property features just 38 standalone cottages, each designed for total seclusion. Expect wood-burning fireplaces, oversized soaking tubs, heated stone floors, private patios, and many with outdoor rain showers or hot tubs tucked into garden settings. The layout feels residential rather than resort-like, which is precisely why guests return: you’re not staying in a hotel room — you’re retreating to your own private estate.
At San Ysidro Ranch, you’ll find a luxurious setting combined with deeply personalized service and a level of privacy that’s increasingly hard to find. For those planning a luxury weekend getaway from Los Angeles, it offers something truly special — tranquility, heritage, and the kind of intimate atmosphere that turns a short trip into a memorable escape.
4. San Diego
Why Go
San Diego is a perfect getaway from Los Angeles, offering year-round sunshine, a spectacular coastline, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. From sailing across San Diego Bay to hiking the dramatic coastal cliffs of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, the city blends laid-back beach culture with refined dining and world-class resorts. Visitors can kayak alongside sea life in La Jolla Cove, explore the historic gardens and museums of Balboa Park, or spend the afternoon relaxing at stylish coastal enclaves like Del Mar, Corando, and La Jolla. With its perfect climate, oceanfront scenery, and exceptional luxury resorts, San Diego delivers an ideal mix of relaxation, adventure, and Southern California sophistication.
Highlights & Things to Do
Start your morning with private tennis instruction on championship courts, join an elite pickleball clinic, or hike scenic canyon trails right outside the resort. Spend the afternoon cycling through Rancho Santa Fe’s rolling hills or head to nearby Del Mar for beach walks and ocean views. This is active luxury at its most refined.
Stay: Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa or Hotel Del Coronado
If you’re looking for the most luxurious resort in San Diego County, this is it. Tucked behind exclusive gates, Rancho Valencia is a celebrity-favorite and a retreat that feels worlds away. This ultimate luxury weekend getaway can be reached in just under two hours from Los Angeles and caters to the discerning traveler looking for privacy, sunshine, and an elevated Southern California escape.
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa isn’t just a resort, it’s a private Mediterranean estate spread across 45 acres of lush gardens and olive groves. The Relais & Châteaux property offers detached casitas with vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, soaking tubs, and expansive patios that create true indoor-outdoor California living.
The Forbes 5-star rated Spa is one of the best in Southern California, where guests can work out in the state-of-the-art fitness center (including yoga and Pilates programs), or be pampered in the luxurious salon with hair, manicure, and pedicure services, or experience a variety of massage, facial, and body treatments after enjoying a hydrotherapy session. The adults-only pool scene feels discreet and exclusive. Dining showcases fresh, seasonal California cuisine in an intimate setting that attracts discerning travelers in the know. You might love your stay so much that you choose to purchase one of the residences at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa.
Stay: Hotel Del Coronado
Originally opened in 1888, Hotel del Coronado is one of the most famous historic beachfront resorts in California, known for its distinctive red-roofed Victorian architecture and sweeping Pacific views. The resort has undergone a multi-year renovation that has introduced beautifully updated guest rooms, modern amenities, and elevated dining while preserving its historic charm. Guests can relax at oceanfront pools, indulge in spa treatments inspired by the sea, or enjoy beachfront dining with panoramic sunset views. With its wide sandy beach, rich history, and classic Southern California atmosphere, Hotel del Coronado offers a uniquely memorable luxury San Diego coastal escape.
5. La Jolla
Why Go
La Jolla is an upscale coastal enclave known for marine life, dramatic cliffs, and refined seaside charm. For those looking for a chill beach getaway, La Jolla is a perfect luxury beach extension from Los Angeles that you can reach in under two and a half hours.
Highlights & Things to Do
Kayak through sea caves, surf the well-known breaks like La Jolla Shores or Black’s Beach, snorkel in the Ecological Reserve, walk the Coast Walk Trail, and check out the permanent colony of sea lions as they sunbathe, and dine oceanfront in La Jolla Village. If you prefer to be indoors, visit the Birch Aquarium for a deeper look at the region’s marine ecosystem.
Stay: La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club offers private beach access on a beautiful stretch of sand in Southern California. Championship tennis courts and calm waters for paddleboarding create a refined yet active environment. It’s a classic choice for travelers seeking a laid-back beachfront hotel with a private beach, family-friendly activities, and easy access to shops and restaurants. While staying at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, opt for the beach barbecue. It’s one of my favorite things to do in La Jolla. Whether you grill yourself or hire a chef, it’s a fun experience that I highly recommend.
6. Mammoth Mountain
Why Go
For those willing to drive a little further, Mammoth Lakes offers alpine adventure and crisp mountain air. About a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Los Angeles, Mammoth Mountain is my favorite mountain destination in California and is one of the best options for a mountain getaway from Los Angeles. For those looking for a closer mountain getaway, opt for Big Bear or Arrowhead.
Highlights & Things to Do
For outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure, Mammoth Mountain delivers year-round alpine action. In winter, ski or snowboard at one of the top ski resorts in North America, known for its long season and legendary snowfall. There are plenty of winter activities, even if you don’t hit the slopes.
In warmer months in Mammoth, hike to Rainbow Falls and explore the striking volcanic formations at Devils Postpile National Monument, paddleboard or kayak across Lake Mary in the stunning Mammoth Lakes Basin, or ride the scenic gondola for panoramic Sierra Nevada views.
Adventure seekers can mountain bike using lift-access for downhill trails or cross-country forest routes, then wind down by stargazing under some of California’s clearest high-altitude night skies. I love taking the trolley up to Horseshoe Lake and then taking the scenic downhill bikeride, past lakes and over bridges, back to the Village. While in Mammoth Lakes, take a day trip to Yosemite National Park or June Lake. Mammoth offers the perfect blend of mountain luxury, outdoor recreation, and four-season adventure just a scenic drive from Los Angeles.
Stay: The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth, the Limelight, or Tamarack Lodge
The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth
The Westin Monache provides alpine accommodations just steps from Mammoth Village. Suites include fireplaces and kitchenettes, ideal for extended stays.
The Limelight
Limelight Hotel Mammoth is one of the newest additions to Mammoth’s hospitality scene. The lively lobby lounge and outdoor pool area create a social, après-adventure vibe while still delivering a mountain vibe.
Tamarack Lodge
For those looking to stay outside the Village area, opt for Tamarack Lodge, where you will find a mix of rustic charm and pure wilderness. Tamarack Lodge offers private cabins, access to world-class activities like hiking, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and mountain lakes. Tamarack Lodge also has an on-site restaurant with a small fine dining menu.
VRBO
Staying at a VRBO home is also a terrific option, especially if you are traveling with friends or family.
7. Los Olivos
Why Go
Los Olivos offers small-town charm paired with world-class wine, making it one of the most refined boutique getaways in the Santa Ynez Valley. Located about two and a half hours from Los Angeles, and a stone’s throw from Santa Barbara, you will feel worlds away in this premier Southern California wine country destination.
Highlights & Things to Do
Walk between dozens of tasting rooms, book a private vineyard horseback ride, visit lavender farms, and dine at Michelin-recognized restaurants. Art galleries and artisan boutiques line the charming downtown streets. For those looking for an added adventure, try a hot air balloon ride, I did!
Stay: The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern
Mattei’s Tavern, part of Auberge Resorts Collection, reimagines a historic property with modern farmhouse elegance. Cottage-style accommodations surround a serene courtyard, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Guests can arrange private wine tastings and curated cycling tours through rolling countryside. It’s understated luxury in the heart of Southern California wine country.
8. Laguna Beach
Why Go
Laguna Beach is one of the most scenic coastal towns in Southern California, known for art galleries, cliffside views, and hidden coves. It’s a premier luxury beach destination just an hour and a half south of Los Angeles.
Highlights & Things to Do
Snorkel in protected coves, walk the coastal paths of Heisler Park, hike Crystal Cove State Park, and explore downtown art galleries. Paddleboarding at Aliso Beach is a favorite for active visitors. When in Laguna, I often stop at Las Brisas, where I can enjoy an ocean view with a cocktail and guacamole.
Stay: Montage Laguna Beach
Montage Laguna Beach sits atop dramatic oceanfront cliffs with panoramic Pacific views, but also provides direct beach access. Craftsman-inspired design and impeccable service define the guest experience. The ocean-view 20,000 square foot spa offers Eucalyptus steam rooms, dry redwood saunas, ocean air whirlpools, fireplace lounges, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a movement studio, and a lap pool with views of the Pacific Ocean.
9. Santa Barbara
Why Go
Santa Barbara is one of the most elegant luxury weekend getaways from Los Angeles, offering Mediterranean-style architecture, palm-lined beaches, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle just 90 minutes up the Pacific Coast Highway. Often called the American Riviera, the city blends oceanfront beauty with upscale dining, wine tasting, and endless outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Highlights & Things to Do
Bike along the scenic waterfront path on Cabrillo Boulevard or paddleboard or kayak near Stearns Wharf. Art lovers can browse galleries and wine tasting rooms in the lively Funk Zone, while beachgoers can relax at the beach. For a deeper cultural experience, wander through the historic adobe buildings and gardens of Old Mission Santa Barbara, one of California’s most beautiful missions. Santa Barbara offers an effortless mix of outdoor adventure and refined coastal charm.
Stay: El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel
Perched in the hills above the city, El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, offers one of the most exclusive luxury stays in Santa Barbara. The charming bungalow-style hotel is surrounded by lush gardens and sweeping ocean views. Rooms feature spacious terraces, fireplaces, and classic California elegance that reflects the region’s relaxed sophistication. Guests can unwind at the infinity-edge pool overlooking the coastline, enjoy spa treatments inspired by local botanicals, or dine on the terrace while watching the sunset over the Pacific. For looking for adventure off-property, you can set sail along the beautiful Santa Barbara coast aboard a private yacht.
With its intimate atmosphere, impeccable service, and breathtaking setting, El Encanto provides a refined escape that perfectly captures the timeless beauty of Santa Barbara.
10. Palm Springs
Why Go
Palm Springs blends desert glamour, championship golf, and mid-century architecture into one of the best luxury desert escapes in California. The warm climate and dramatic landscapes create a striking contrast to coastal destinations.
Highlights & Things to Do
Palm Springs is home to numerous outdoor activities. For instance, ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for mountain views and hiking. Explore the local hiking trails that give you a bird’s eye view of Palm Springs, where, if you are lucky, you might see wildlife like the Big Horn Sheep we saw on a recent visit. You might also enjoy exploring Joshua Tree National Park, touring iconic mid-century modern homes. If you are looking for a more low-key experience, play a round of championship golf or indulge in a spa experience. At night, head to downtown Palm Springs for a terrific meal, more dessert options than you can try in a weekend, or visit Pappy & Harriet’s near Joshua Tree for live music.
Stay: Parker Palm Springs
If you want something glamorous, buzzy, and unmistakably Palm Springs, the Parker delivers. Designed by Jonathan Adler, it’s playful yet refined, with lush grounds, a standout spa (Palm Springs Yacht Club), tennis courts, and a see-and-be-seen vibe that draws celebrities and design lovers alike. It’s not ultra-minimal quiet luxury — it’s personality-driven, stylish, and experiential.
11. Carlsbad
Why Go
Carlsbad offers an upscale coastal experience that feels refined yet relaxed, making it one of the best luxury coastal escapes near Los Angeles. Located in North County San Diego, it combines ocean access, championship golf, wellness experiences, and a charming seaside village atmosphere. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a beach vacation with elevated amenities and fewer crowds.
Highlights & Things to Do
Walk or bike along the Carlsbad Sea Wall, surf at Tamarack Beach, explore the scenic Batiquitos Lagoon trail, and shop in Carlsbad Village. Seasonal visits to The Flower Fields add vibrant color to spring itineraries. The location also allows easy day trips to La Jolla and Encinitas.
Stay: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa is one of the premier five-star resorts in Southern California, set on 200 acres overlooking the lagoon and Pacific Ocean. Recently reimagined with a coastal-modern aesthetic, the property blends refined design with relaxed California elegance. The Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course draws enthusiasts from around the world, while the expansive spa provides holistic wellness treatments ideal for post-travel recovery. Multiple pools, including an adults-only terrace, create a versatile atmosphere for both social and tranquil stays. Spacious rooms with private balconies make it a standout for a luxury beach and golf getaway near Los Angeles.
12. Newport Beach
Why Go
Newport Beach, about an hour’s drive from Los Angeles, offers a quick and easy LA getaway.
Highlight & Things to Do
One of my favorite things to do in Newport is to go for a walk around Balboa Island and stop for a chocolate-covered strawberry or a Balboa Bar along the way. Another Newport Beach favorite activity of mine is to have a picnic on a Duffy boat and explore the bay, where you see the gorgeous homes along the water. Biking along the beach and hiking at Crystal Cove are also fun activities. If you are traveling with kids, you might also like the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina on the Back Bay, where you can be a kid again at the inflatable waterpark or take out some of the water toys – kayaks, standup paddleboards, and peddle boats.
Stay: The Resort at Pelican Hill
The Resort at Pelican Hill is a true five-star luxury resort in Newport Beach, known for its dramatic cliff-top setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean and its expansive Mediterranean-style estate design. The resort spans more than 500 acres of coastal hills and features spacious bungalows and multi-bedroom villas with private terraces, fireplaces, and sweeping ocean views.
What sets Pelican Hill apart is the resort-level scale and amenities rarely found elsewhere in Newport Beach. Guests enjoy two Tom Fazio–designed championship golf courses, a Forbes-level spa, and the iconic Coliseum Pool, a circular Roman-inspired pool lined with private cabanas and over a million hand-cut glass tiles. I love the comfort and elegance of Pelican Hill.
For luxury travelers, the villas elevate the experience even further with 24-hour butler service and exclusive clubhouse access, making the property feel more like a private coastal estate than a traditional hotel.
13. Malibu
Why Go
While technically still in Los Angeles County, Malibu is a local coastal escape near Los Angeles. Visitors don’t have to go far to feel as if they’ve been transported from the busy streets of Los Angeles to a calm, relaxed environment with ocean views, hiking, wine tasting, and exclusive spa experiences.
Highlights & Things to Do
Hike the Malibu Creek State Park trails in the Santa Monica Mountains, relax on the beach, surf a point break in Malibu, go wine tasting at Malibu Wines, or dine at local oceanfront restaurants, like Nobu or Malibu Farm.
Stay: Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club or Four Seasons Westlake Village
Calamigos Ranch Resort & Spa combines rustic charm with elevated luxury. Private villas and suites are surrounded by mountains, while the on-site spa and wellness programming rejuvenate guests after outdoor adventures. The property includes a private beach club, access to hiking trails, a wellness and fitness center, and curated events. Walking around the extensive grounds lets you feel worlds away. If you are traveling with kids, they might like the on-site carousel. It’s a perfect blend of active outdoor escape and luxury California retreat for those looking to stay close to Los Angeles.
Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village
If you’re looking for a luxury hotel near Los Angeles that delivers relaxation without the long drive, Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village is an easy weekend getaway from LA. Although the hotel looks like a business hotel from the outside, once inside, guests immediately feel they have entered a refined, relaxed space. The hotel is located near a residential neighborhood and is a 45-minute walk from the city. This five-star hotel blends resort-style amenities with a renowned wellness focus, making it ideal for a staycation, romantic escape, or restorative spa weekend.
Guests enjoy the Center for Health and Wellbeing, which includes a world-class spa, CURE – individualized premium medical and health experiences, indoor and outdoor pools, and cooking classes. There is also easy access to Malibu beaches and scenic hiking trails in the Santa Monica Mountains. With impeccable service, spacious rooms, and a peaceful setting removed from the urban rush, the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village offers convenience and Southern California luxury.
14. Paso Robles, California
Why Go
Paso Robles has emerged as one of the top luxury wine country destinations in California, offering dramatic vineyard landscapes and boutique tasting experiences without Napa-level crowds.
Highlights & Things to Do
Arrange private tastings at acclaimed wineries, visit the immersive Sensorio Field of Light installation, cycle scenic backroads, and soak in nearby hot springs. The farm-to-table dining scene showcases local produce and estate-grown wines.
Stay: Allegretto Vineyard Resort
Allegretto Vineyard Resort blends Tuscan-inspired design with Central Coast elegance. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the resort features curated wine experiences, art-filled gardens, and a tranquil pool setting. Spacious guest rooms reflect warm European influences while maintaining California comfort. It provides a value-based experience for those looking for a romantic wine country getaway near Los Angeles.
15. Temecula
Why Go
Temecula is another option for a weekend getaway from Los Angeles that combines vineyard landscapes, outdoor adventure, and wine country experiences. Just a short drive from LA and San Diego, this scenic region is known for its rolling hills, award-winning wineries, and relaxed countryside atmosphere.
Highlights & Things to Do
Adventure seekers can soar above the vineyards on a sunrise hot air balloon ride, one of Temecula’s most iconic experiences. Spend the afternoon wine tasting at hillside estates throughout Temecula Valley Wine Country, cycle scenic back roads through vineyard-lined valleys, or explore the region on horseback. In the evening, stroll the historic streets of Old Town Temecula for boutique shopping, craft cocktails, and live music.
Stay: Carter Estate Winery and Resort
Carter Estate Winery and Resort offers one of the more refined stays in Temecula Valley Wine Country. The property is surrounded by vineyards, giving it the feel of a private wine estate rather than a traditional hotel. Guests can enjoy estate-grown sparkling wines, upscale dining, and peaceful vineyard views throughout the property. With its combination of wine country views, outdoor adventure, and tranquil scenery, Carter Estate offers a convenient home base for a Temecula getaway.
FAQ Section
Q1: What are the best luxury weekend getaways near Los Angeles for World Cup travelers?
A: The top destinations include Ojai, Encinitas, Santa Barbara, San Diego, La Jolla, Paso Robles, Los Olivos, Laguna Beach, Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage, and Carlsbad. Each location offers five-star resorts, luxury wellness options, and active outdoor adventures.
Q2: Which California destinations are best for luxury beach getaways near Los Angeles?
A: Encinitas, La Jolla, Laguna Beach, and Carlsbad offer stunning Pacific Ocean views, luxury beachfront resorts, water sports, and wellness-focused stays.
Q3: Where can I combine wine tasting and luxury accommodations near LA?
A: Paso Robles, Los Olivos, and Santa Barbara are ideal for luxury wine country escapes with boutique vineyards, curated tastings, and five-star resorts.
Q4: Are there luxury desert or spa retreats near Los Angeles?
A: Yes, Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage offer world-class spas, golf courses, mid-century architecture tours, and five-star desert resorts like The Ritz-Carlton.
Q5: How far are these luxury getaways from Los Angeles?
A: All ten destinations are within 1.5–5 hours of Los Angeles by car, making them perfect for weekend escapes or add-on stays for World Cup visitors.
Tips and Takeaways
Planning a weekend getaway from Los Angeles is all about balancing relaxation with adventure. Start early to maximize your time and avoid traffic. Whether you are exploring coastal towns like Santa Barbara or Encinitas, hiking in the mountains in Malibu, or indulging in wine country experiences in Paso Robles, Los Olivos, or Temecula, you will want to get out of town early to make the most of your getaway.
I suggest that you pack layers, as coastal mornings and mountain evenings can differ dramatically in temperature. Consider booking accommodations and experiences in advance, given the crowds expected during the World Cup. Keep a flexible itinerary to allow for spontaneous adventures, like discovering a hidden hiking trail, a local tasting room, or a seaside café. Most importantly, slow down and savor the change of pace: a weekend escape is as much about resetting your mind as it is about ticking off activities.
