THE STAYCATION GUIDE FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Southern California staycations are one of the perks of living in Los Angeles, Orange County, or San Diego. In fact, it may seem your “staycation” options are endless. With so many popular destinations and attractions so close by, you don’t have to go far to get away from it all. So the next time you have a few days off, forget the flight, pack light, and plan a short trip to one of SoCal’s many hot staycation spots. Here’s a quick guide.

Where should I go for a 3-day staycation?

Southern California offers all kinds of great options for a quick 3-day vacation. Here are some thought starters:

Outdoor Staycations

Joshua Tree National Park offers stunning scenery and rare biodiversity at the junction of the Mojave and Colorado desert ecosystems. And if extreme is your thing, it doesn’t get more extreme than Death Valley, one of the lowest and driest places on earth. To make your trip a little cushier, book a room at the newly-renovated Inn at Death Valley, a luxury hotel originally established in the 1920’s.

If you’re looking for scenic mountainscapes with a touch of bohemian spirituality, Idyllwild and Ojai are sure to please. These SoCal hipster hippie havens offer great day hikes, funky art galleries, and all sorts of new-age shops and experiences for the intuitively-inclined. Plus, when the hiking boots come off, the Ojai Valley Inn offers one of the best spas in the world.

Santa Monica & Los Angeles

Santa Monica offers all the upscale beach amenities you could as for, plus the convenience of everything LA. What’s that look like? Consider booking your stay in Santa Monica at a boutique luxury hotel, and then visiting Beverly Hills for a shopping spree, and West Hollywood for a night of dancing and indulgence. From curated yoga retreats to A-list parties, Santa Monica offers it all.

Palm Springs & La Quinta

Looking to sample the upper echelons of the upper crust for a few days? The desert oasis of Palm Springs will make you feel like one of SoCal’s true elite with its luxurious spas, hotels, boutiques, and exclusive golf courses. Looking for a party scene? Downtown Palm Springs is lively and offers surprising shopping options. Looking for an escape? The La Quinta Resort delivers 40+ pools, a world-class spa, golf, and more.

Santa Barbara & Solvang

Santa Barbara is another great spot if you feel like putting on the Ritz for a few days. Enjoy a martini and some of SoCal’s finest seafood as you marvel at the monster yachts on display dockside.

Family Staycations

If you’ve got the kiddos in tow, head on up to Anaheim for a few jam-packed days at Disneyland, or stay in LA and drive up to Knott’s Berry Farm or Six Flags Magic Mountain. Another family-friendly option is the Danish wonderland of Solvang, just north of Santa Barbara, with its antique windmills, horse-drawn carriages, and fresh farm-to-table restaurants. Go for a scenic ride on the Solvang Trolley, or take the kids to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum before indulging in some Dutch chocolate.

What are the top 5 romantic getaways in Southern California?

Looking to stay in-state to sweep your sweetie off their feet? Consider a weekend trip to one of these heart-melting hot spots for your next romantic rendez-vous.

Santa Monica
The longtime refuge of L.A.’s rich and famous, Santa Monica offers a relaxing escape from the pace of life in the city. The towering oceanside cliffs offer unparalleled views of the Southern California coastline, and the laid back culture encourages serenity and all manner of “good vibes.” Couples will enjoy Santa Monica’s pristine beaches and second-to-none dining. Add some refreshments to your Santa Monica adventures by signing up for a Malibu wine hike, or a wine safari in an amphibious vehicle. Looking for a wellness escape? Consider Hotel Oceana.

Santa Barbara
Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific shoreline, Santa Barbara offers both incredible natural splendor and old-California charm. An architectural feast for the eyes at every turn, Santa Barbara’s wineries, theaters, beaches, and famous scenic harbor set the stage for a perfect couple’s weekend of revelry and romance. Going high end? Consider a lunch at San Ysidro Ranch and a stay at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara Resort.

Catalina Island
Just a short boat ride away from Los Angeles, there’s a reason Catalina is called “The Island of Lovers.” A popular honeymoon destination, couples can enjoy the breathtaking ocean views, moonlit walks along the beach, tandem bicycle rides, glass-bottom boat tours, and bayfront dining at one of the island’s premiere restaurants. Our recommend? Stay at a luxury hotel in Santa Monica, and visit Catalina for the day via helicopter.

Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a great place for a couple’s weekend, jam-packed as it is with unique romantic attractions. For a meal sure to put you in the mood, get a table at Splashes Restaurant, where you’ll enjoy seaside dining overlooking the ocean just 25 feet below. Take a leisurely moonlit walk along pristine Treasure Island Beach, or a fragrant stroll down the flower-lined paths of the Montage Resort. And for a truly unforgettable overnight stay, book a room at The Treehouse, which offers dreamy views overlooking The Ranch at Laguna.

Booking a luxury Staycation in Santa Monica? Contact Oceana today.

If you’re booking a luxury staycation in the Los Angeles area, Oceana of Santa Monica is an excellent choice. Our all-suite boutique hotel features custom-designed spaces averaging 800 sq. ft., offering guests a truly residential, home-away-from-home experience. Oceana is not just a top-tier hotel, it’s a destination in its own right. With two guest-exclusive restaurants onsite, a full menu of spa services, custom-tailored wellness packages with expert trainers, poolside and in-room dining options, available butler service, the highest-tech in hospitality, and a whole array of outings and excursions to spice up your trip — Oceana is the premiere luxury staycation destination in Santa Monica. Book your stay today and experience L.A.’s new standard in indulgence.

Have questions about Staycations in Southern California?
Contact Hotel Oceana today!

Phone: (310) 393-0486 or 1-800-777-0758
Email: Info_sm@hoteloceana.com

More Santa Monica Guides

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The Santa Monica Guide to Ocean View Hotels
The Wellness Guide to Santa Monica
The Guide to Luxury Car Rentals in Santa Monica
The Honeymoon Guide to Santa Monica

About Oceana of Santa Monica

Oceana of Santa Monica is not just a world-class luxury hotel — it is a personally-curated experience uniquely tailored to each and every guest who stays with us. As a boutique hotel, we’re able to offer bespoke services and amenities that larger luxury hotels simply cannot, from the latest in private spa services, to A-list personal trainers, to exclusive outings and adventurous excursions. Our cliffside oceanfront location offers both privacy and stunning views, and our lavishly-appointed suites are among the most spacious and high-tech of any resort in Santa Monica. Our award-winning restaurants serve our guests exclusively, offering some of the most beautifully-plated and high-end faire in all of Los Angeles. Whether you’re looking for the romantic getaway of a lifetime, a personal wellness retreat to recharge mind and body, or a family vacation that offers something for everyone, Oceana will design a flawlessly-personalized itinerary you just won’t find anywhere else. Call us today and let us know how we can create a truly unforgettable luxury experience for you and yours at our one-of-a-kind paradise-within-a-paradise.