Our Favorite Local Day Trips and Quick Getaways

Now that we’re having warmer days and the sun is staying out later I am seriously dreaming about weekends away (and of course longer trips, too). I’m not quite ready to hop on a plane for vacation but I am starting to plan some safe weekend travel where I can either camp or stay at nice airbnbs to at least enjoy some new scenery. Here are some of our favorite local destinations if you’re starting to feel antsy to hit the road again.

Palm Springs: Pretty much the perfect destination for absolutely anyone (family trip, romantic trip, weekend away with friends, etc), especially now before the summer heat kicks in. Read all of our posts about Palm Springs here.

Palm Springs Guides:

• The Ultimate Palm Springs Park Guide!

• The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Palm Springs Guide

Palm Springs Activity Guides:

• Hiking Andreas Canyon (with kids)

• Visiting the Living Desert (in a Post-Covid World)

• Exploring Whitewater Canyon

Activities Right Outside of Palm Springs:

• Visiting Highland Springs Ranch in Cherry Valley, CA

• Exploring Oak Glen Preserve in Yucaipa

Joshua Tree: A quick 2 hour drive from LA, this is a great destination for a day trip to hike amongst the Joshua Trees and explore the giant rocks or make a longer trip of it and book a campsite.

• Hiking Joshua Tree With Kids

Carpinteria: One of my favorite quick daytrip spots. Check out Santa Claus beach and enjoy a picturesque day by the beach or make a weekend out of it and get a house right on the water.

• Road Trip - Carpinteria, California

Ojai: Ojai is easily my favorite SoCal destination. This little town that doesn’t allow big box stores, has a quirky, artsy quality to it is, has the best kids playground ever and is literally the perfect getaway. Live it up and visit the Ojai Valley Inn (and indulge in the spa), rent an Airbnb or camp. We’ve done all of these and still cant wait to return for more trips.

• Camping in Ojai

Carlsbad and San Diego: Carlsbad is a small, beautiful town along the ocean with great food and walkable to all the sights. And if you’re interested in some of the larger family-friendly attractions, check out San Diego too.

• Carlsbad and San Diego With a Toddler (Including San Diego Zoo and Legoland)

CA Coastal Road Trip (Santa Barbara, Morro Bay, SLO and Cambria): Christianne loved her trip up the coast last summer and I’m eager to recreate it!

• 4-Day Coastal Road Trip Guide: Santa Barbara, Morro Bay, SLO & Cambria

Vegas: You wouldn’t think of Vegas as being particularly family-friendly but Christianne is here to tell you differently!

• 15 Family-Friendly Activities in Vegas

Happy travels!