Build the right vacation to fit your budget. 14 Best Scenic Train Rides in the U.S. 2020 Our editors handpick the products that we feature. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. Visit the quaint Balboa Island which is more like a town you would encounter on the East Coast. Getting out on Newport Harbor is a must in this nautical hot spot: Whether you go by yacht, electric boat, whale watching excursion, paddleboard or even on a floating tiki bar, an unforgettable experience awaits. Vancouver is also full of parks and beaches for when you need some relaxation. For a city-chic boutique hotel, the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection, brings the outdoors inside with creative design elements, such as an urban park on the rooftop. More unique things to do include a boozy Upside Down Tea Party at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton, or a spin around the SpeedVegas off-road track. For an overnight stay, you'll find popular chain hotels around downtown and Shoreline Village, such as Hotel Maya a DoubleTree by Hilton or other Westin, Hilton and Hyatt lodging options. [See more of Joshua Tree National Park:Things to Do | When to Visit | Photos ]. Long Beach boasts many iconic attractions the Queen Mary ship and the Aquarium of the Pacific, for example and thus makes for a wonderful weekend getaway or daytrip. Oenophiles will have the opportunity to explore more than 30 local wineries along the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail some, like Pali Wine Company, allow dogs. The cottage has a wood-burning fireplace, private entrance, balcony, two bedrooms and a two-person whirlpool tub, perfect for a romantic getaway. Many animals have been introduced by humans - there is a herd of bison left over from filming a movie. Save $500 Grand National Parks with Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon. If you plan your weekend trip for the summer, you may be able to catch one of the world-famous art festivals hosted by Laguna Beach, such as the Sawdust Art Festival but art lovers can also take a self-guided walking tour that showcases the city's public art any time of year. Free points of interest close to me: Oklahoma City, Alabama caves. Ninety percent of this rugged and mostly undeveloped island is owned and protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy. If the train goes there so do we! The Coast Starlight is the quickest (and cheapest, if you book it early) option, though it only has one morning departure per day from Union Station, Burbank and Van Nuys. Nearby attractions include the Del Mar race track, shopping, galleries, restaurants and several beaches. It is set on a hillside, featuring breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times. When you're not kayaking through a sea cave, admiring adorable sea lions or zipping up the road to Mount Soledad on an e-bike, you can enjoy ocean views and Mediterranean food at La Valencia Hotel, also known as "the Pink Lady of La Jolla," or dine alfresco on California cuisine under century-old olive trees at Herringbone. Discover our newest vacations created just for you. The resort features a Hollywood Regency-style design with a modern twist. The San Diego Getaway Roundtrip from Los Angeles is a great choice for a relaxing coastal vacation. The hotel is located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Visit Carmel during the warmer season so that you can enjoy its natural beauty to the fullest. If your fur baby is in tow on this weekend trip, the new local hangout Boozehounds is a hit with dogs and owners alike; it offers a pet-friendly menu just for your pooch. They are sure to bring you relaxation, joy, and memories to last a lifetime. Best day trips from L.A. With more than 500 campsites in the park most of which are available by reservation camping is one of the most accessible ways to experience an overnight stay. Explore the 800,000 acres of desert wilderness through hiking, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, backpacking and photography. CA 92210, 760-776-1234, What to do near my location, inexpensive getaways: Florida Keys, IN, Healdsburg CA, Madison, Water parks in Texas, New Braunfels, Long Island, NY, NC, OK, OR, Day Trips in Southern California, Cocoa Beach, CA, Harpers Ferry, Durham. Fill out our helpful form and we'll be in touch shortly. Gain instant access to our online brochures and download them for free. Villas feature private vineyard-facing patios and soothing hot tubs, while the guestrooms all have great views, double soaking tubs and marble bathrooms. Los Alamos, California not to be confused with a New Mexico town of the same name is a laid-back destination with an authentic Old West heritage; the town was created in 1876 by two ranchers donating part of their land. The establishment features natural mineral springs in three pools and offers special treatments such as massages and other spa services. Take the kids to the Balboa Village for some fun rides, or take the ferry to the charming residential Balboa Island. 1111 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403, Phone: 855-998-5323, Places to visit near me: Things to Do in Coeur d'Alene, Bremerton, Brooksville, Castle Rock, Things to Do in Jacksonville. Live it up like a high roller with a Sky Suite atop ARIA Resort & Casino, the Sake Suite at the Nobu Hotel inside Caesars Palace or ultra-exclusive The Mansion at MGM Grand. ), [See more of Los Angeles:Things to Do | Tours | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos]. A major highlight of Los Alamos is the proliferation of top-notch dining options. From there, its a quick trolley ride ($2.50, day pass $6) to Little Italy, Petco Park and the Gaslamp Quarter or a short bus ride to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, or you can walk across the street to Broadway Pier and take the ferry to beachy Coronado ($7). You can start your trip on Fourth Street, also called Retro Row, to explore offerings such as the famous vintage shop Meow. top dog-friendly beach destinations in the U.S. Gain instant access to our online brochures and download them for free. For your littledinolovers, a trip to theCabazon Dinosaur Museumwill surely make you their favorite parent for a while. Escape the LA hustle with a weekend retreat to nearby shores. Youll also enjoy a narrated tour of all of San Diegos most popular landmarks: Seaport Village, Shelter Island, Coronado Island, and so much more. Catalina Island, located a little more than 20 miles from the Southern California shoreline, is accessible from the San Pedro neighborhood of LA or from Long Beach via a Catalina Express ferry. Your included wine tour visits between 4-6 different award-winning wineries! In the nearby community of Lake Arrowhead, guests of the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa have access to a private beach and personalized boat tours. From there, enjoy the scenery onboard the Coast Starlight dramatic mountain peaks, long stretches of Pacific Ocean shoreline, and fertile valleys as you travel to Paso Robles, which is known for its incredible wine. Youll be glad you did. If you're tired of sitting in traffic on the 405 or need a break from your Zoom calls in the City of Angels, you're in luck: Los Angeles sits close to a wide variety of vacation spots that are perfect for a weekend away. The Oasis completed a $150 million restoration in 2022 and now features a revitalized town square and new shops, including an ice cream parlor with an old-school soda fountain. Train: Amtrak SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (AP) Three people were hospitalized, one in critical condition, after emergency crews responded Tuesday to a county jail near Los Find more trips from San Francisco. Travelers can also indulge at Gomez's Mexican Restaurant in The Village, visit Tamarack Lodge & Resort for a romantic dinner at the Lakefront Restaurant or stock up on gourmet snacks at Bleu Market & Kitchen. Whether you are looking for a luxury weekend filled with shopping and five star dining, or you are traveling on a budget, there is plenty to choose from. The Kimpton Everly Hotel is conveniently located near all of the attractions, but just distant enough to provide a respite from the day's activities. With Palm Springs sitting a little more than 100 miles east of Los Angeles, A-listers flock to this desert destination for much-needed rest and relaxation. In San Francisco, enjoy a bay cruise adventure, the San Francisco Zoo, and the Walt Disney Family Museum and get a great feeling for why this is one of the most beloved cities in California. If you're looking forcoastal fun, walk down to Dana Point Harbor, known as the "Whale Capital of the West," and keep your eyes peeled. The Penthouse restaurant and lounge serves a contemporary American Menu surrounded by scenic views of the coastline. The resort is 20 minutes from Palm Springs Airport, two hours from Los Angeles International Airport and 2.5 hours from San Diego. The decor is contemporary with SoCal influences. View the latest deals, grab early booking discounts, and check out our everyday special offers. Few SoCal towns are better atturning the ocean into some serious family fun. Grab a snorkel mask to swim with marine life in La Jolla Cove or hike sandstone cliffs at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Take a leisurely stroll to the beach and enjoy the indigo waters of the Atlantic Ocean or choose to relax and soak up the sun on the hotels beautiful pool deck. If youre looking to take the scenic route then this selection offers some of the very best views in North America. Photo courtesy of VisitPalmSprings.com, Slip back in time with a visit to this historic town andits legendary Mission San Juan Capistrano. We think theyre still worth exploring, though, which is why weve covered many of them in our day trips guide. For a bit of local history, visit Old Mission San Luis Rey founded in 1798, and for some fresh food, local color and fun activities, visit weekly Sunset Market. Don't miss: 21 Best Romantic Restaurants in Newport Beach, California. Your included sightseeing tour visits many of the famous spots, like: Plus, there are great hotels to choose from for your stay, like the Wyndham San Diego Bayside, which features an outdoor heated pool and is right next to Waterfront Park and the USS Midway Museum. The beach is divided by a historic Newport Beach Pier built in 1888, destroyed by nature and rebuilt several times. Stroll along its 1,000 foot long boardwalk, have a cup of coffee at the end, throw a line into the water or watch the sunset. Only about 140 miles north of Los Angeles, Los Alamos is ideally located for a daytrip or weekend getaway especially for couples and wine lovers amid Santa Ynez Valley wine country. Watch the whales migrating from right from the beach from May through August which is also the best time for a summer weekend getaway. In the evening, enjoy a romantic sunset over the water. 7 Scenic Roundtrip Rail Vacations Perfect for Retired Couples, https://www.instagram.com/AmtrakVacations, https://www.pinterest.com/amtrakvacations/, San Diego Getaway Roundtrip from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara Getaway Roundtrip from Los Angeles, San Francisco to San Diego Californias Golden Coast. Once you've made the 2 1/2 hour journey, you'll want to be strategic;there are plenty of fun activities to choose from. Save up to $500 on your next rail vacation before March 3rd! RECOMMENDED: The best secluded Airbnbs near L.A. Youll hug the Central Coast on the final quarter of thiseasy Pacific Surfliner trip to arguably Californias most scenic coastal city. Los Angeles Tourism Los Angeles Hotels Los Angeles Bed and Breakfast Los Angeles Vacation Rentals Los Angeles Vacation Packages Flights to Los Angeles Nestled on a private peninsula with breathtaking views over the Pacific Ocean, Hotel Portofino is the perfect place to kick back and relax in style. Contemporary and modern, this luxurious seaside hotel offers a comfortable getaway for the whole family. On-site amenities include a large outdoor swimming pool, a fitness room and a restaurant/bar overlooking the ocean. If youre feeling a little adventurous, take the ferry over to Coronado Island, or just stay close to the train station and enjoy the Gaslamp Quarter. Along the way, you'll enjoy views of the coastline and Pacific Ocean before arriving in If theres one seriously, dont bother with a car nearby trip, its this one: You canreach San Diego and many of its closer beachfront neighbors in notably less time thandriving sometimes, with about 10 departures a day and no need to worry abouttraffic getting past Camp Pendleton or parking prices in San Diego. During the day, RoofTop600 serves American cuisine with a SoCal spin, incorporating organic, locally sourced ingredients. For a luxury weekend stay, the Montage Laguna Beach resort features seaside balconies and an elegant indoor/outdoor spa. Things to Do in Long Beach. La Jolla offers sandy beaches, kayaking and jogging along the 2-mile beach boardwalk. Needless to say, the accommodation options are luxurious. While 2020 may not be the yearto visit Disneyland,Anaheim is still worth an outing. If your weekend trips typically include racing around to see all the top tourist attractions, maybe you'll enjoy a change of pace in beautiful Ojai, where visitors can slow down and embrace nature. Train: Amtrak Get away to Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County which offers swimming, boating and hiking in the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest. The island has more than 400 species of native plants and fifty endemic species, which do not live anywhere else. This200-year-old Spanish monument gives the family a chance to learn about their home state in the most hands-onway possible. You can request in-room massages, reflexology and facials. Going to the beach is a must in Oxnard and if you are a surfer, Silver Strand Beach is the beach for you. Your options are unlimited, we have thousands of stations from Florida to California and everywhere in between. About 50 miles south of Los Angeles you'll find picturesque Laguna Beach, also known as the California Riviera. Head to central California's wine country for a visit to charming Paso Robles, a city about 200 miles northwest of LA that's located along coastal U.S. Route 101. Find a secluded stretch of beach and watch a colorful sunset, followed by a dinner at an oceanview restaurant for a perfect trip from LA. The island's cultural life revolves around the imposing circular art deco Catalina Casino, with its movie theater, museum and ballroom. For a unique experience, opt for a farm stay such as in an RV on an alpaca ranch or spend a night sleeping in a revamped shipping container at Geneseo Inn. There is plenty to see and do for an active couple. You can purchase single tickets each time you ride or buy a reusable TAP card and refill it as you need. If you're willing to take to the skies, you can leave California and the U.S. altogether for a quick weekend trip to Mexico. The property has an outdoor pool, luxury poolside cabanas and a spa. Learn about the lifestyle, the art and the culture of surfing at the California Surf Museum and see what local artists are doing at the Oceanside Museum of Art. Luxury suites were designed by Designer Thomas Schoos and offer views ranging from the bright lights of Los Angeles to the mountains and the ocean. The hotel has stylish guest accommodations, many with fireplaces, vaulted ceilings and outdoor patios. Slip back in time with a visit to this historic town and its Travelers interested in spiritual and holistic-focused establishments will find plenty in Ojai, such as The Crystal Corner, Center for Spiritual Living Ojai and Meditation Mount. This carefully curated list has the top suggestions of vacations for first-time rail travelers. To help you pick the right destination for your much-needed escape, U.S. News evaluated expert and traveler opinion to find the best weekend getaways from LA. Explore helpful videos and webinars with virtual tours of our rail journeys. Starting in Los Angeles, hop onboard Amtrak for a scenic rail journey to three top U.S. cities San Francisco, Seattle and Chicago on three iconic train routes. Travelers can take time to peruse the one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques that adorn Bell Street, such as the new Elder Flat Farm store. Browse more fun getaways and local weekend breaks. We may earn commission from the links on this page. If you're traveling with your family, consider Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, which features entertainment, dining and activities like kids and teens clubs. The hotel spa offers an array of treatments your can try on your couples' getaway, including aromatherapy, botanical baths and massages. 4. About 80 miles from Los Angeles, this getaway is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who like to stay active on vacation. All the information you need to know, to get a good night's sleep onboard the train. About one hour from Los Angeles, Newport Beach is a seaside getaway with great shopping, a choice of hotels and many leisure activities. During your weekend trip, visit the inn's on-site wine tasting rooms or hop in a motorcycle sidecar for a tour of other nearby wineries, such as Altisima Winery, Fazeli Cellars or Akash Winery. Near me on a budget: Best indoor water parks, Family resorts in Florida, Lake Tahoe. Browse more great wine country escapes and romantic places to stay in Carmel. There are great facilities for all ages including 2 championship golf courses, desert hiking trails, tennis courts, outdoor swimming pools (with a great water park) and lazy poolside cabanas. Two of the most popular Newport Beach communities to explore are Balboa Island be sure to try the famed frozen banana dessert and Balboa Peninsula, ideal for surfing or leisurely biking. The recently renovated Presidio Motel and Franciscan Inn offer affordable rooms. Other activities include visiting the apiary for a tour and honey tasting, attending a wine tasting talk or learning a new craft. About 85 miles southeast from the City of Angels, the wineries of Temecula Valley produce more than 50 varietals of wine; this year-round vacation destination pours plenty of craft beers and spirits too. It is known for its abundant wildlife, excellent scuba diving and the famous Catalina Casino. 905 Country Club Road, Ojai, CA 93023, 855-697-8780, Top rated last minute places for couples: Denver, Boca Raton, Louisville, CA, Virginia Beach, San Antonio, AZ, Maui Beaches. Fillmore & Western Railway Co. The Amtrak Surflinercan make a nice day trip of it, andDowntown Disney is still a good destination. Stay at the five star Bernardus Lodge which has luxury guest rooms and a great spa. For an unforgettable weekend stay, book a room at the sophisticated Mt Ada. © 2023 Amtrak Vacations. We have you covered - if the train goes there, so do we. Create the perfect train vacation designed exclusively for you, by you! If budget is not an issue, you may choose to rent one of the most exclusive homes in the world: the Kellogg Doolittle House. As the 3rd largest state, California offers a variety of landscapesandexperiences. A beautifully manicured garden and pool area offer ample space to relax and soak up the view with sleek sun loungers, outdoor sofas, tables, and chairs. Looking for a Pacific Surfliner trip? Well admit, though, that Southern Californias train trip options arerelativelylimitedat least using our pretty particular criteria. Known for its incredible coastal and scenic views, Amtraks Pacific Surfliner travels over 350 miles along the coastal region of Southern California and makes for an incredible vacation highlight. [See more of Palm Springs: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]. Best Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles: About one hour or less: Long Beach, California Catalina Island, California Newport Beach, California Laguna Beach, Looking for the perfect Pacific Surfliner trip? Escape for a weekend to the San Diego neighborhood of La Jolla one of the top California beach destinations, set about a 110-mile drive south from Los Angeles. Since it's easy to get around Santa Barbara on foot or by bike, leave the car at home and read a book on the train instead. Our guests praise the quiet rooms in our reviews. Families should head to the Oxnard State Beach and Park, with an amazing kids pirate playground. Theres only one Southwest Chief train that runs to the nearby city of Flagstaff each day, and given that the10-hour-plus trip (with an extra hour on the way back) is an overnight route, theres not much to see along the way. Travel Time: 45 minutes each way, Looking for a littlebeach life away from the crowds of LA beaches? Sign up before March 3rd to save up to $500 with our Flash Sale! You can hit the slots at the casinos, catch in-residency concerts from big names such as Katy Perry, indulge in a phenomenal treatment at a world-class spa or enjoy a meal crafted by a celebrity chef. Amtrak offers a mash-up of train and bus combinations to get there, but theyre simply not worth your time or money. Los Angeles. 44501 Rainbow Canyon Road, Temecula, CA 92592, Phone: 888-976-3404 It's not difficult to find a cheap room for under $50 per night in Las Vegas, just be sure not to spend all of the savings at a gaming table during the weekend. Things to Do in Carlsbad, California, 1 Ponto Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011, Phone: 760-602-0800, Fun day trip ideas: East Coast beaches, NC quick trip, Romantic weekend getaways, Guest rooms and suites at the pink-colored La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla are just steps from the beach. For beach time, shopping, fun, and luxury less than 50 miles south, Newport Beach is one of the best weekend trips from Los Angeles. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Fill your time in this California city (only about 25 miles south of Los Angeles) with shopping, dining, art and roaming the coastline: Junipero Beach is one of the top LA-area beaches. Unwind and enjoy the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean with a stroll along the pier. Train: Amtrak If you are looking for fun things to do for your anniversary near LA, this stylish hotel is a great choice. Santa Catalina, one of the Channel Islands about 22 miles southwest of Los Angeles, California, at only 22 miles long and six miles wide, it is rocky and surrounded by beautiful reefs. If you are traveling with children, our list includes destinations with kid-friendly attractions, hotels and restaurants. Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner