
Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Mission Viejo, California, United States
1. San Diego
Relax at the beach, visit world-class museums, or enjoy delicious food in America's finest city.
- Beach Accessibility: San Diego offers over 70 miles of coastline with numerous beaches.
- Cultural Attractions: Visit the San Diego Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art, or the famous San Diego Zoo.
- Mild Climate: San Diego's Mediterranean climate makes it an ideal destination for year-round outdoor activities.
2. La Jolla
Explore La Jolla Cove, visit the Birch Aquarium, or enjoy shopping and dining at The Village.
- Marine Life Viewing: La Jolla offers great opportunities for sea lion and seal viewing.
- Scenic Coastline: Explore the stunning coastline with cliffs, caves, and beautiful beaches.
- Family-Friendly Activities: La Jolla offers numerous family-friendly activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and beach play.
3. Carlsbad
Relax at the spas, explore the Legoland California theme park, or visit the beautiful flower fields.
- Spa Retreats: Carlsbad is known for its numerous luxurious day spas.
- Theme Park Experience: Legoland California offers over 60 rides, shows, and attractions.
- Flower Fields: In the spring, Carlsbad's flower fields bloom with vibrant colors.
4. Santa Monica
Stroll down the iconic Santa Monica Pier, visit Venice Beach, or shop at the Third Street Promenade.
- Iconic Attractions: Santa Monica is home to the famous Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park amusement park.
- Beach Activities: Enjoy swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, or just relaxing on the sand.
- Diverse Food Scene: Santa Monica offers a wide variety of dining options from casual to upscale.
5. Newport Beach
Relax on the beautiful beaches, visit Fashion Island for shopping, or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants.
- Beach Life: Newport Beach offers over 10 miles of stunning coastline with beautiful beaches.
- Upscale Shopping: Fashion Island is an open-air shopping center with high-end retailers and restaurants.
- Nautical Activities: Enjoy sailing, paddleboarding, or fishing on the Newport Bay.
6. Laguna Beach
Visit the art galleries, explore the beautiful beaches, or take a scenic hike in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
- Art Galleries: Laguna Beach is known for its numerous art galleries.
- Beach Life: Laguna Beach offers beautiful beaches like Thousand Steps Beach and Main Beach.
- Outdoor Activities: Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
7. Malibu
Relax on beautiful Zuma Beach, visit the Getty Villa, or explore the Malibu Wine Safari.
- Beach Life: Malibu offers stunning beaches like Zuma Beach and Surfrider Beach.
- Art and Culture: The Getty Villa, a replica of a first-century Roman villa, houses an extensive art collection.
- Wine Tasting: Malibu Wine Safari offers wine tasting, animal encounters, and scenic views.
8. Palm Springs
Relax at a mid-century modern hotel, explore the Joshua Tree National Park, or visit the Palm Springs Art Museum.
- Architecture and Design: Palm Springs is known for its iconic mid-century modern architecture.
- Nature and Outdoors: Joshua Tree National Park offers unique rock formations, hiking trails, and stargazing opportunities.
- Art and Culture: The Palm Springs Art Museum houses a collection of contemporary and modern art.
9. Yosemite National Park
Hike among giant sequoias, witness Yosemite Falls, or enjoy wildlife viewing in this natural wonder.
- Nature and Wildlife: Yosemite National Park is home to a variety of wildlife like bears, deer, and mountain lions.
- Scenic Hikes: Hike among giant sequoias on the Mariposa Grove or to Half Dome via the Mist Trail.
- Waterfalls: Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, and Vernal Fall are some of the park's stunning waterfalls.
10. Las Vegas
Experience world-class casinos, shows, shopping, and dining in this entertainment hub.
- Entertainment: Las Vegas offers a wide variety of shows like Cirque du Soleil and concerts.
- Shopping and Dining: The Strip is home to numerous shopping centers, restaurants, and upscale boutiques.
- Nightlife: Las Vegas is known for its vibrant nightlife with world-class clubs and lounges.
11. San Francisco
Visit iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, or explore the vibrant neighborhoods.
- Iconic Landmarks: San Francisco is home to the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman's Wharf.
- Diverse Neighborhoods: Explore neighborhoods like Chinatown, North Beach (Little Italy), and the Castro District.
- Culinary Scene: San Francisco offers a diverse food scene with seafood, dim sum, and sourdough bread.
12. Monterey
Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, explore Cannery Row, or enjoy scenic drives along 17-Mile Drive.
- Marine Life: The Monterey Bay Aquarium showcases local marine life and offers interactive exhibits.
- History and Literature: Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck's novel, is a historic waterfront district.
- Scenic Drives: 17-Mile Drive offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and Pebble Beach Golf Links.
13. Napa Valley
Tour world-class wineries, enjoy gourmet dining, or indulge in spa treatments in this wine country.
- Wine Tasting: Napa Valley is home to over 400 wineries.
- Gourmet Dining: Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine at Napa's renowned restaurants.
- Spa and Relaxation: Indulge in spa treatments, hot springs, or yoga classes.
14. Big Sur
Experience stunning coastal views, visit McWay Falls, or explore the many state parks.
- Nature and Scenic Views: Big Sur offers breathtaking coastal views and scenic drives.
- Waterfalls: McWay Falls is a picturesque waterfall that falls onto a sandy beach.
- State Parks: Explore Big Sur's many state parks like Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
15. Santa Cruz
Enjoy the beach, visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, or explore the redwood forests.
- Beach Life: Santa Cruz offers beautiful beaches like Main Beach and Capitola Beach.
- Amusement Park: The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers rides, arcade games, and ocean views.
- Redwood Forests: Explore the redwood forests of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park or Roaring Camp.