Experiences Beyond Los Angeles
These suggestions were personally curated by team members who are native Californians and passionate local travelers. We’ve pulled together our own insider recommendations. Places we return to repeatedly with friends, family, and pets, to help you experience the best the Golden State has to offer.
2–3 Day Getaways from Los Angeles: Curated by our Local Team
San Diego Region
For Millennial Family 2 and 3 Generation
Drive Time: ~ 2 hours Base Area: La Jolla or Mission Bay
Day 1: Coastal Family Fun
Lunch at The Cottage La Jolla
Birch Aquarium visit
Sunset picnic at Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Dinner at Cesarina (Point Loma)
Day 2: Zoo + Waterfront
Morning: San Diego Zoo
Lunch: Panama 66 at Balboa Park
Afternoon: Seaport Village + Harbor Cruise
Dinner: Point Loma Seafoods
Day 3 (Optional): Beach & Brunch
Coronado Central Beach or La Jolla Shores
Brunch at The Mission (Mission Beach)
Hidden Gem: Liberty Public Market
Palm Springs
Young Millenials and Gen Z
Drive Time: ~2 hours Base Area: Palm Springs or Twin Palms
Day 1: Poolside Arrival
· Lunch at Cheeky’s
· Pool hangout
· Dinner at Workshop Kitchen + Bar
· Cocktails: Truss & Twine or PS Air Bar
Day 2: Culture & Nightlife
· Morning: Aerial Tramway + hike
· Lunch at Farm (downtown)
· Afternoon: Art Museum or Moorten Botanical Garden
· Dinner at Bar Cecil
· Evening: Toucans Tiki Lounge or Rowan rooftop
Hidden Gems: Desert X (seasonal), Saguaro's Instagram walls
Mammoth Lakes (Any Season)
Gen X Outdoor - Couples with or without Dogs
Drive Time: ~5.5 hours Base Area: Mammoth Village or June Lake
Day 1: Scenic Arrival
Stop: Manzanar Historic Site
Lunch: Copper Top BBQ or Mammoth Brewing Co.
Walk: Twin Lakes or Horseshoe Lake
Dinner: Skadi
Day 2: Lakes & Trails
Hike: Crystal Lake or Convict Lake (dog-friendly)
Picnic: Lake Mary or June Lake
Paddleboard/kayak with pups
Dinner: The Warming Hut
Seasonal Add-ons: Snowshoeing, Mammoth Gondola (dogs allowed seasonally)
Hidden Gems: Hot Creek Geological Site, Wild Willy's Hot Spring
Santa Barbara Wine Country
Any Couples Friend Groups
Drive Time: ~2.5 hours Base Area: Santa Ynez Valley (Los Olivos, Solvang, Buellton)
Day 1: Wine Tasting Stroll
Lunch: Bob’s Well Bread (Los Alamos)
Tastings: Stolpman, Epiphany, Story of Soil
Dinner: Bell’s (Los Alamos)
Day 2: Wine + Coast
Breakfast: Paula’s Pancake House (Solvang)
Tastings: Sunstone, Bridlewood
Stop: Figueroa Mountain Brewing (Buellton)
Dinner: The Lark (Santa Barbara)
Hidden Gems: Grassini Vineyards, Folded Hills Farmstead, Cold Spring Tavern
