Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Long Beach, California, United States
1. Palm Springs
A desert oasis known for its hot springs and midcentury modern architecture.
- Relaxation: Offers a peaceful escape from the city
- Architecture: Features iconic mid-century modern homes and buildings
- Warm Weather: Enjoy year-round sunshine and warm temperatures
2. San Diego
A coastal city known for its beaches, parks, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
- Beaches: Offers miles of beautiful sandy beaches
- Wildlife: Home to the renowned San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
- Culture: Features diverse neighborhoods, museums, and historic sites
3. Joshua Tree National Park
A desert park known for its surreal rock formations and vast expanses of Joshua trees.
- Nature: Provides opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing
- Photography: Offers stunning landscapes perfect for photography
- Camping: Allows camping under the stars in a unique setting
4. Laguna Beach
A picturesque coastal city known for its beaches and vibrant arts community.
- Beauty: Famous for its stunning coastline and beautiful sunsets
- Arts: Home to numerous art galleries and festivals
- Relaxation: Offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life
5. Catalina Island
A picturesque island off the coast of Southern California, known for its beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and Avalon town.
- Nature: Provides opportunities for hiking, snorkeling, and scuba diving
- Relaxation: Offers a peaceful escape from the city with beautiful beaches and clear waters
- History: Features historic hotels, the Catalina Casino, and museums
6. Big Bear Lake
A mountain resort town known for its namesake lake, ski resorts, and hiking trails.
- Nature: Offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and skiing
- Winter Sports: Known for its winter sports like snowboarding and skiing
- Relaxation: Provides a serene escape from the city with beautiful mountain views
7. Yosemite National Park
A world-famous park known for its massive sequoias, waterfalls, and rock formations.
- Nature: Provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing
- Photography: Offers stunning landscapes perfect for photography
- History: Features historic sites and the famous Yosemite Valley
8. Santa Barbara
A coastal city known for its Spanish-style architecture, beaches, and vineyards.
- Beaches: Offers beautiful sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing
- Wine Tasting: Home to numerous vineyards and wineries for wine tasting
- Architecture: Features stunning Spanish-style architecture
9. Los Angeles
A bustling city known for its entertainment industry, museums, and diverse neighborhoods.
- Entertainment: Home to Hollywood and the world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Culture: Features diverse neighborhoods like Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Downtown LA
- Museums: Home to world-class museums such as the Getty Center and LACMA
10. Santa Monica
A coastal city known for its iconic Santa Monica Pier, beaches, and vibrant downtown.
- Beaches: Offers beautiful sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing
- Attractions: Features the iconic Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park amusement park
- Shopping: Offers shopping at Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place
11. Newport Beach
A coastal city known for its upscale neighborhoods, beaches, and the famous Balboa Island.
- Beaches: Offers beautiful sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing
- Luxury: Known for its upscale shops, restaurants, and yacht harbor
- Fishing: Features Balboa Pier for fishing and ocean views
12. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
A desert park known for its unique geological formations, palm groves, and wildflowers.
- Nature: Provides opportunities for hiking, off-roading, and stargazing
- Photography: Offers stunning landscapes perfect for photography
- Wildlife: Features a variety of desert wildlife, including bighorn sheep and kit foxes
13. San Luis Obispo
A charming city known for its mission-style architecture, Bubblegum Alley, and nearby Hearst Castle.
- History: Features historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
- Attractions: Home to Bubblegum Alley and nearby Hearst Castle
- Relaxation: Offers a peaceful escape from the city with beautiful parks and gardens
14. Monterey Bay
A coastal city known for its aquarium, Cannery Row, and stunning natural beauty.
- Nature: Offers opportunities for whale watching, kayaking, and hiking
- Attractions: Features the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row
- History: Has a rich history as a sardine canning center in the early 20th century
15. Fresno
A central California city known for its art and cultural attractions, including the Tower District.
- Culture: Features vibrant arts and cultural attractions, including the Fresno Art Museum
- Relaxation: Offers a peaceful escape from the city with beautiful parks and gardens
- History: Has a rich history as an agricultural hub in California's Central Valley