By Susan Stark
Santa Monica's location makes it one of the best jumping-off points in Southern California for a weekend away, with mountains, wine country, and desert landscapes all within a few hours' drive. Whether you want a slow, laid-back weekend or a burst of desert adventure, there's a genuinely different escape waiting nearby. I'm rounding up weekend trips from Santa Monica worth planning your next getaway around.
Key Takeaways
- Santa Barbara offers a sophisticated coastal escape about 90 minutes up the coast, known as the American Riviera
- Ojai delivers a slower, wellness-focused weekend roughly two hours from Santa Monica, with wineries and mountain trails
- Big Bear provides year-round mountain recreation, from summer hiking to winter skiing, about three hours away
- Palm Springs and Joshua Tree combine mid-century desert style with national park adventure, roughly two hours east
Santa Barbara
Just about 90 minutes up the coast, Santa Barbara delivers a different pace than Santa Monica, earning its nickname as the American Riviera along the way. Its mix of Spanish Colonial architecture and upscale coastal charm makes for an easy, elegant weekend.
What Makes Santa Barbara Worth the Drive
- Spanish Colonial architecture throughout downtown, paired with pristine beaches and a walkable waterfront
- State Street's mix of boutiques, restaurants, and wine-tasting rooms, ideal for an afternoon stroll
- The historic Old Mission Santa Barbara, offering a deeper look at the region's cultural history
- Whale-watching opportunities offshore, since the waters here serve as a genuine feeding ground
Santa Barbara works well for couples or friends wanting a sophisticated weekend without a long drive.
Ojai
About two hours from Santa Monica, Ojai offers a noticeably slower, more restorative pace centered on wellness, wine, and the surrounding valley's natural beauty. It's the destination for anyone who wants their weekend to genuinely unwind rather than pack in activities.
Why Ojai Feels Like a Reset
- Small-batch wineries throughout the valley, including tasting rooms offering a wide range of local selections
- The Ojai Valley Trail, giving visitors an easy, low-stress way to explore on foot or by bike
- Meditation Mount, offering peaceful reflection alongside sweeping views of the Ojai Valley below
- An authentic arts community woven throughout the town's dining, lodging, and local culture
Ojai rewards visitors who want to slow down rather than rush from one activity to the next.
Big Bear
For a completely different kind of weekend, Big Bear offers mountain recreation about three hours from Santa Monica in the San Bernardino Mountains. Its year-round appeal means there's a reason to visit no matter the season.
What Draws Visitors to Big Bear
- More than 60 miles of pine-shaded trails, popular with both hikers and mountain bikers in warmer months
- A seven-mile lake supporting boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing throughout the summer
- Skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing once winter weather arrives in the mountains
- Seasonal events throughout the year, giving repeat visitors a reason to plan around something specific
Few destinations this close to Los Angeles offer this much genuine seasonal variety in a single trip.
Palm Springs and Joshua Tree
About two hours east, Palm Springs and neighboring Joshua Tree National Park pair mid-century desert style with genuine outdoor adventure. Together, they make for one of the most versatile weekend combinations near Santa Monica.
Why This Desert Combination Works So Well
- Palm Springs' mid-century modern architecture, luxury resorts, and world-class spas for a relaxed, stylish base
- The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, carrying visitors up to Mount San Jacinto for sweeping views and cooler hiking trails
- Joshua Tree National Park's distinctive desert landscape, popular for hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing
- A contrast between poolside relaxation in town and rugged desert exploration just a short drive away
This pairing gives visitors the best of both a resort weekend and a true outdoor adventure.
FAQs
How far is Santa Barbara from Santa Monica?
Santa Barbara is about a 90-minute drive up the coast from Santa Monica, making it one of the easiest weekend escapes on this list.
What is Ojai known for?
Ojai is known for its wellness spas, small-batch wineries, and a slower, more relaxed pace centered on its scenic valley setting.
Can I visit both Palm Springs and Joshua Tree in one weekend?
Yes. Palm Springs sits close to Joshua Tree National Park, making it easy to combine a relaxed desert stay with a day of hiking and exploring the park.
Ready to Make Santa Monica Your Home Base?
As a 35-year veteran of the real estate business, my client list is as impressive as my list of accomplishments, and hard work has always been at the center of how I do business. My discipline reflects a strong determination to achieve the best results for my clients.
My vast knowledge of the Westside, available inventory, and pricing trends makes me a valuable resource, while my broad network of industry contacts and strong negotiating skills help me meet and exceed my clients' expectations. Because of the way I do business, my clients return time and again and refer friends and family for their real estate needs. If Santa Monica's easy access to weekend adventures sounds like the lifestyle you're after, I'd love to help you find your place here.
