The hotel offers 159 hip guestrooms and suites, fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi and other luxury amenities. 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. The primary lodging options in this town include the retro motel Skyview Los Alamos, the Western-themed Alamo Motel and the opulent Victorian Mansion B&B. Limited-time special offer! This is a pet-friendly getaway. Play tennis and croquet, swim in the pool, or book a round of golf one of the famous golf courses. Our Rail Vacation Consultants or a local Travel Advisor will assist you in making any adjustments to fit your travel style. 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. The rooftop pool at Andaz San Diego offers some of the best city views, plush cabanas and five star service. You can dock at dozens of waterfront restaurants along the harbor specializing in seasonal and locally sourced cuisine. 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. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. Source: Photo by Located in the fertile Oxnard Plain, Oxnard grew as an agricultural community and is still producing most of countrys strawberries. If you are a bird-watcher, spend some time at the unspoiled Mandalay State Beach, an important migratory birds resting place. A great California destination for foodies, the town is home to the Santa Ynez Valley's only Michelin-starred restaurant: Bell's, a French-inspired bistro. 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. 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. If you are looking for local weekend breaks, you may also like: 25 Best Romantic Things to Do in Los Angeles. The Inn has won several awards and accolades, including being nominated as one of the best 100 hotels in the world by Cond Nast Traveler Magazine. Round-trip Amtrak fare from $62; alternative departures available from Glendale, Burbank, Van Nuys and Northridge. Train: Amtrak Guests can choose from rooms with a beach, ocean, or courtyard view, all of which promise a peaceful getaway. Winter ushers in world-class downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing and cross-country skiing in the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. By VacationIdea Staff on January 22, 2023 - Updated. Classic and well known routes across America. 5 Pacific Surfliner Train Trips to Enjoy the California Coast 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. Weekend activities include wine tasting, biking, kayaking, art museum and, of course, relaxing on the beach. Looking for a Pacific Surfliner trip? 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. Amtrak is happy to provide accessible transportation to all of our guests. The decor is contemporary with SoCal influences. 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. About 80 miles from Los Angeles, this getaway is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who like to stay active on vacation. If youre looking to take the scenic route then this selection offers some of the very best views in North America. The Amtrak Surflinercan make a nice day trip of it, andDowntown Disney is still a good destination. With so many spectacular beaches and outdoor activities, Newport Beach is a popular tourist destination. If you are planning a family weekend getaway from the city, Carlsbad is a great idea. Surrounded by lush courtyards with pools and gardens, Avalon Hotel Palm Springs is an oasis for the senses. 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. You can be as active as you like or dedicate the weekend to relaxation and regeneration at the spa. 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. All aboard these scenic train trips up and down the coast from L.A. 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. Create the perfect train vacation designed exclusively for you, by you! The San Diego Getaway Roundtrip from Los Angeles is a great choice for a relaxing coastal vacation. Explore helpful videos and webinars with virtual tours of our rail journeys. The ever-evolving culinary scene, small-town atmosphere, and outdoor recreation and entertainment in Temecula Valley culminate in a spirited destination inspired by the vine. For slightly farther destinations, you can take advantage of bike rentals, bus connections and Zipcar spots, all right at the station. $222. The Spa features a heated outdoor pool, treatment rooms and 2 tranquility lounges. Visit the quaint Balboa Island which is more like a town you would encounter on the East Coast. Mt. And as for even farther flung destinations? Plus, enjoy all the famous sights of Santa Barbara with your included Trolley Tour, which visits the famous Stearns Wharf, the Harbor, the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, and more! 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. The best place to see all the colorful yachts is the Newport Harbor on Balboa Peninsula. Travel Time: 1 1/2hours each way, Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner heads down the coast. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. Or, upgrade to AutoCamp Joshua Tree, where guests sleep in stylish and modern Airstream trailers, for a glamping experience. Sierra Railroad DinnerTrain, 330 S Sierra Ave, Oakdale, CA 95361, USA 2. Roosevelt Lake is among the most spectacular natural wonders in the Grand Canyon State but the drive to get there is almost, if not equally, as beautiful. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. You don't have to go all the way to Napa Valley for award-winning wineries. From San Francisco and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the High Sierras and Yosemite National Park with its mountain peaks and rushing waterfalls to the central coast with jagged sea cliffs and wineries to Los Angeles County home to Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and many celebrities! Spring is a great time to travel and right now is the perfect time to start planning that spring Its that time of year again when Washington, DC comes alive in cheerful shades of pink and white Are you looking for a relaxing yet exciting experience? Therefore, weve limited our picks below to the very best of the bestand outlined why a couple of notable destinations didnt make the cut. Full of restaurants, bars, shops, and shows, this part of the city makes it easy to amble away the day wandering its sunny streets. [See more of Las Vegas: Things to Do | Tours | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]. We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times. Las Vegas is fun to visit with your girlfriends (or guy friends) and as a couple. 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. Learn more from our most commonly asked questions from travelers. Travel to the City of Angels and enjoy the views from the train onboard the Coast Starlight and take advantage of the narrated tour that includes iconic attractions, like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Paramount Studios, and many others. Rooms start at $159, the cottage from $199 per night. 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. 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. Hundreds of shops, restaurants, art galleries and wine tasting venues will keep you entertained during your stay. Amtrak Pacific Many animals have been introduced by humans - there is a herd of bison left over from filming a movie. More fun weekend destinations near LA: Things to Do in Laguna Beach and If you're looking for a quirky desert experience, stay overnight in the Pyramid, a one-bedroom glass pyramid bookable on Airbnb, or pick from the seasonal campgrounds, inns and motels in the park. Discover our newest vacations created just for you. 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. For your littledinolovers, a trip to theCabazon Dinosaur Museumwill surely make you their favorite parent for a while. Hike for miles and miles in the Los Padres National Forest (check to see if you need an Adventure Pass), kayak on Lake Casitas, embark on a rock climbing adventure or go horseback riding along the Ventura River valley. Get away to Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County which offers swimming, boating and hiking in the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest. [See more of Palm Springs: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]. 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. As with standout automobile excursions, we think the journey is just as key as the destination when it comes to train trips. If you are traveling with children, our list includes destinations with kid-friendly attractions, hotels and restaurants. WebKnott's Berry Farm. Guest rooms and suites feature classic lines and contemporary furnishings. Stop by the California Welcome Center to get some brochures and ideas on what to do next. Travel to our nation's national park system by train and you'll get there with 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. 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. You can start your trip on Fourth Street, also called Retro Row, to explore offerings such as the famous vintage shop Meow. No trip along the Golden Coast would be complete without visiting some of Californias most iconic cities, including: Among your included sightseeing tours in these impressive cities is also a ride across the Golden Gate Bridge and into Sonoma Valley, along the El Camino Real, and into the heart of Napa Valley for tours and tastings of up to three vineyards. Even better, there are two different daytrips to be had there. Both directions of thePacific Surfliner scheduleoffermorning, afternoon and evening trains, though theres a slightly larger gap in deparatures between the latter two. Wed say the same of the eight-hour FlixBus ride, which often isnt any cheaper than the hour-and-a-half flight. Tried-and-true splendor can also be found at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, which boasts stunning views overlooking Coachella Valley. Santa Monica is a great starting point for exploring the nearby Venice, Malibu, Hollywood and Beverly Hills. And the 43-hour journey to Chicago? Fill out our helpful form and we'll be in touch shortly. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. 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. Post Ranch Inn is a plush hideaway with stunning views, plenty of privacy and a great spa. Photo courtesy of Amtrak, Young Gates - Kids Online Personalized Classes, 26 Best Things To Do in Los Angeles in March 2023 with Kids, 30 Best Indoor Playgrounds in Los Angeles: Indoor Play Spaces for Hot (or Rainy?) The two-and-a-half-hour trip actually sounds pretty temptinguntil you notice that it only runs three days a week and will drop you off just after midnight at a station surrounded by desert sand thats about five miles north of downtown. In Big Sur, vacationers enjoy some of the most incredible views of the Californian coastline. One of the best parts about living in Los Angelesis getting out of Los Angeles. From exhilarating roller coasters to costumed characters, these parks offer fun for everyone. Best Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles: About one hour or less: Long Beach, California Catalina Island, California Newport Beach, California Laguna Beach, If you are looking for quick day trips from Los Angeles, have a relaxing massage followed by a lunch with a view of the ocean at Terranea. Palm Springsalso doesnt quite make sense by train. Once a thriving boatbuilding place, Newport Beach is today the largest pleasure boat harbor on the West Coast. Plan a romantic lunch and dinner at the hotel restaurant with views of the coastline. Scottsdale is a 6-hour drive from Los Angeles, so it's probably best to plan a 3 day long weekend to allow for plenty of relaxation on your trip. Cool, clean minimalist lines house elegant, contemporary interiors in natural accents that reflect the surrounding landscape. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. If a desert escape is what you're craving, head to the Palm Springs area. [See more of Puerto Vallarta: Things to Do | Tours | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]. Amtrak offers a mash-up of train and bus combinations to get there, but theyre simply not worth your time or money. Create the perfect train vacation designed exclusively for you, by you! The train follows the 5 for much of the way with one scenic advantage: Once you pass San Juan Capistrano, youll travel right on the beachfor much of the journey, or at most mere blocks from it (until you reach Torrey Pines, when it heads back inland). If budget is not an issue, you may choose to rent one of the most exclusive homes in the world: the Kellogg Doolittle House. Exciting escapes to a breath-taking national park or spectacular city destination.