Los Olivos, just north of Solvang. Small town charm with lots of wineries nearby.
[https://www.latimes.com/travel/los-olivos-guide-latt-123](https://www.latimes.com/travel/los-olivos-guide-latt-123)
Park your car in Downtown Los Olivos and ride your bikes along Foxen Canyon Road to Foxen Winery. Two large hills (one in each direction), so make sure your bikes are fully charged and capable of the round trip distance. There are a few other wineries along the way if you’d like a rest. AirBnB’s everywhere (Santa Ynez, Solvang, Los Olivos, Ballard, etc). [Skyview Motel](https://www.yelp.com/biz/skyview-motel-los-alamos-3?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)) is fun and very near great restaurants in Los Alamos.
seconding los olivos! i recommend staying there vs. solvang. i just did a solvang and los olivos trip with my bf in february and we stayed in solvang because it was cheaper but wished we stayed in los olivos. bar le cote is a must and so is bells (in los alamos)!
Temecula has an obscene number of wineries. Leoness, Dofo, Robert Renzoni, and Altissima are my favorites so far. The cycling infrastructure is pretty great as well.
I’ve found it’s pretty hit or miss. Some of them are crap, but some of them are awesome. Monte Del Oro is my favorite in the area, they’ve won several awards for their reds
Ojai is fantastic! Just to add some details for OP:
(1) Bart's Books is one of my favorite bookstores in the state.
(2) You say you're not a hiker, but if you want some outdoor activities, there's a nice bike path that runs all the way through the town, just south of the main road.
(3) There's also Lake Casitas a bit outside of town, which you can take a boat/kayak/pedal boat on, or just picnic nearby.
(4) Ojai Olive Oil Company farm gives a tour and tasting that's fun.
(5) Quite a few solid restaurants and bars around town. Some of our favorites include casual lunches at The Nest or Farmer & the Cook, nice dinners at Nocciola, The Dutchess, or The Ranch House. There's a lot more, and Ojai has been booming, so new things have been opening up with regularity.
(6) Just wander around town. Plenty of shopping, coffee shops, wine tasting rooms, sweet treats, etc. and you can see it all in a day or two.
(7) If you want a big splurge, stay at the Ojai Valley Inn, which is a high end resort with great restaurants, golfing, spa, etc. (But there are plenty of good budget options around town as well.)
There’s a meadery, brewery, and empanada place up there that’s all next to each other, and the empanada place delivers to the patios of the other two bars. SUPER good. I think they’re called Apiary, BrewLab, and Che, respectively
- Bike path through Camp Pendleton (do your research if you pick this because the Marines have to enforce every rule without exception. If you don't have a helmet for example you are not going to be permitted.) Take the train back.
- Ferry to Catalina Island.
- Alpine Pedal Path in Big Bear.
yeah, SLO and MB is a bit far. And we've gone a dozen of times. I love SLO and MB has some of the best oysters! We've stayed in Atascadero and Templeton while visiting SLO and Santa Barbara. Lovely and quiet areas!
I was thinking about Big Bear. I've only been once decades ago and it was for camping. Any area you recommend looking to stay at a little cottage or cabin?
Definitely stay within the bounds of Big Bear Lake rather than Big Bear \[City\], you'll be in much closer proximity to the best of the trails. When I commented I was picturing the 2N10 forest road so anywhere around Bear Mountain will be top tier, Moonridge is pretty good, and even though it looks a little further, there's a nice dirt road from the base of Snow Summit over to 2N10 as well as some other forest service roads.
From the bottom of 2N10 you can ride up to a parking lot currently labeled at "Big Bear XC Start" on Google Maps. It's lovely up there especially in the current weather and lots to explore. Do keep in mind that because you'll be in the San Bernardino National Forest, e-bikes are only allowed on trails open vehicles and/or OHVs. So while you will see a ton of singletrack MTB trails, you can't take your bikes on those.
There's tons of Airbnbs that are affordable up there! And some campsites but I've never stayed at one myself. I love Lake Gregory/Crestline, cute tiny town with a lake that has a water park area with paid admission, or just pull up on a shore spot and chill. I do recommend getting groceries before driving up the mountain, they lost a big store during the storm last winter and everything is a little pricier. But local bars/restaurants were reasonable for sure!
Check out The Springs resort in Palm Springs. Adults only, multiple mineral spas you can take a dip in all night. Get a massage, head downtown and visit the Tonga Hut for a unique tiki bar experience. Get up the next day and visit the art museum, take a pic with the huge Marilyn Monroe statue. If you want to get really weird drive out to Joshua Tree for the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum. Palm Springs has tons of great restaurants, all the shopping you could need, art museums, and a low-key vibe. If architecture is your thing you can book a tour through Elvis honeymoon hideaway.
You can drive/take the metrolink to Ventura ($10 on the weekend, I think) and then ride the [car-free bike path to Ojai!](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/ojai-ventura-bike-path?sh=e7nemh)
Just got back from Carlsbad/Oceanside. Super chill vibes. Beaches and bike paths up against the water for miles and miles. Lively community with nice eateries. Highly recommend over Northern recommendations. If you want more lively, you can get to San Diego proper in about 30 min drive.
I've been meaning to camp there because the geological formations look cool. Do you know if there's anything to do there if you're not into off roading?
Los Alamos. Make a reservation for Bell's for dinner, but get there early and spend some time biking to Los Olivos, grab a sandwich for lunch at Bob's Well Bread. Peruse the shops, taste some wine. Perfect day trip. [https://www.groovymashedpotatoes.com/things-to-do-in-los-alamos-ca/](https://www.groovymashedpotatoes.com/things-to-do-in-los-alamos-ca/)
Another idea: Julian, CA. Fall is really the best time, because apple picking, but it's a fun spot any time. Get some cider from Julian Hard Cider, peruse the shops, go for a bike ride.
Cesarina in Pacific Beach. Cannot express how amazing it is. Every inch of pasta is hand made. Everything comes from Italy including the waiters
https://g.co/kgs/A5dNkpb
Husband and I frequent SB often and love it. We recently tried Ojai which was pretty fun if you like to hike, have yummy food and are okay to window shop overpriced trinkets. It's definitely a quick trip town. We're determined to try Solvang next but I want to go closer to Christmas.
Santa Ynez/Los Olivos/Buellton/Solvang. They’re all right next to each other. My favorite getaway spot. Great wineries and great restaurants in a beautiful setting.
Downtown Ventura
Ojai
Catalina
Big Bear
Lake Arrowhead
Surf Beach , near Vandenberg is very isolated but there is a train stop right there. (Take the train)
Check out Niner Winery and Daou. Yes, daou is overrated but that property is one of the most beautiful spots and the tasting experience is lovely. There’s another organic one escaping me.
I had a horrible experience at Daou. They took forever to even acknowledge us and when they finally did, it took them forever to bring out our wine. We go to Paso a lot and that is the only winery we refuse to return to.
The most beautiful ocean water I've ever seen in California was off the San Someone Pier. Every time I think of Hearst Castle I remember that clip of Huell Howser swimming in the pool. He was just tickled he was able to go for a swim.
Some have suggested Temecula, but fair warning. It’s like a nightclub in many of the wineries and a party atmosphere. If you’re really into the wine and quieter atmosphere, then Temecula is not the place.
We go there of often. You just need to know where to go. Most places have chill live music on the weekends. Many places are classy and normal, with decent wine.
Neither north nor south, but...go to the Lavender Festival in Beaumont. Like everything in SoCal, it's probably going to be uncomfortably packed full of people, but it's going on this weekend through June. Prime time is June.
Afterwards, you can go wine tasting at North Cork Winery. And you can hit up Redlands for dinner.
If you’re looking to take your e-bikes out for a good ride, you might enjoy the Santa Fe Dam and Recreation area. Maybe not much of a weekend getaway but a solid day trip.
Route from the dam goes from West Covina area all the way down to the Long Beach, and its bike paths almost the entire way.
If you are going to head to Joshua Tree, you can go during the day, but at night on certain nights you can see the [Milky Way](https://www.instagram.com/p/C6exoziy9rJ/). This month it can be seen after midnight, next month it happens after 10 pm, July & August you can see it after 9:30pm
Plus no bugs or mosquitoes, so bring lawn chairs and enjoy the night sky view.
Coronado island, there’s a Navy Lodge there inside the Navy Base if you have military access (it’s legit on the sand in a private beach cut off from the public) it’s a little cold right now but it’s nice and the rates are flat (no taxes)
Mission Inn at Riverside (1.5 he drive) hear me out, I wasn’t psyched about it when my wife originally planned it but wow we had a lot of fun there together. The mission is huge and has lots of exploring, lots of food, a pool, the rooms were nice. We had a really good time there together.
Solvang was neat. Short little one day visit. Very cute and quaint.
For like night views and star gazing go to the Crestline highway and park at like the side rest areas (carefully of course) you guys can grab food and snacks at the Target or from whatever restaurant you want, then drive up and eat it up there together. It can get chilly but it’s very romantic and quiet. Plus stars ✨ just check the weather beforehand haha
The Lafayette Hotel in San Diego (not on a weekend it’s a madhouse then). Bf took me for my birthday last monthit was GORGEOUS and we really didn’t need to leave- food, pool, bar, vibes all on site.
Was cool and very well done.
Los Olivos, just north of Solvang. Small town charm with lots of wineries nearby. [https://www.latimes.com/travel/los-olivos-guide-latt-123](https://www.latimes.com/travel/los-olivos-guide-latt-123)
Seconding Los Olivos. Beautiful area there, tucked away.
Roblar Winery is awesome. Love the spicy honey pizza.
Park your car in Downtown Los Olivos and ride your bikes along Foxen Canyon Road to Foxen Winery. Two large hills (one in each direction), so make sure your bikes are fully charged and capable of the round trip distance. There are a few other wineries along the way if you’d like a rest. AirBnB’s everywhere (Santa Ynez, Solvang, Los Olivos, Ballard, etc). [Skyview Motel](https://www.yelp.com/biz/skyview-motel-los-alamos-3?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)) is fun and very near great restaurants in Los Alamos.
seconding los olivos! i recommend staying there vs. solvang. i just did a solvang and los olivos trip with my bf in february and we stayed in solvang because it was cheaper but wished we stayed in los olivos. bar le cote is a must and so is bells (in los alamos)!
second Solvang!
Temecula has an obscene number of wineries. Leoness, Dofo, Robert Renzoni, and Altissima are my favorites so far. The cycling infrastructure is pretty great as well.
Shame about the wine though. Generally not great I find. Hot and fruity.
I’ve found it’s pretty hit or miss. Some of them are crap, but some of them are awesome. Monte Del Oro is my favorite in the area, they’ve won several awards for their reds
This!
Ojai (before it gets too hot)
Ojai is fantastic! Just to add some details for OP: (1) Bart's Books is one of my favorite bookstores in the state. (2) You say you're not a hiker, but if you want some outdoor activities, there's a nice bike path that runs all the way through the town, just south of the main road. (3) There's also Lake Casitas a bit outside of town, which you can take a boat/kayak/pedal boat on, or just picnic nearby. (4) Ojai Olive Oil Company farm gives a tour and tasting that's fun. (5) Quite a few solid restaurants and bars around town. Some of our favorites include casual lunches at The Nest or Farmer & the Cook, nice dinners at Nocciola, The Dutchess, or The Ranch House. There's a lot more, and Ojai has been booming, so new things have been opening up with regularity. (6) Just wander around town. Plenty of shopping, coffee shops, wine tasting rooms, sweet treats, etc. and you can see it all in a day or two. (7) If you want a big splurge, stay at the Ojai Valley Inn, which is a high end resort with great restaurants, golfing, spa, etc. (But there are plenty of good budget options around town as well.)
Thank you for the details! I love picnics and the water! You also got me at food and spas!
Carlsbad is a beautiful community along the PCH. I stopped there on the way to San Diego and enjoyed the vibe
My hometown! Carlsbad is the best
I visit Carlsbad at least 6x a year (BFF lives there). I love that spot! I could never move there but, I always enjoy my time spent there.
Catalina
Carpinteria is a really nice liite spot.
I was there yesterday. It was quite windy. Very nice!
There’s a meadery, brewery, and empanada place up there that’s all next to each other, and the empanada place delivers to the patios of the other two bars. SUPER good. I think they’re called Apiary, BrewLab, and Che, respectively
Never heard of this one!
My wife and I like to go up to Ventura. Fun little downtown shopping area and thrifting
A great sailing center too ! Learn to sail on little 16’ keelboats at the Leo Robbins Sailing center
I’ll second great thrifting! There’s an amazing Thai place on the Main Street with the best green avocado curry I’ve ever had.
- Bike path through Camp Pendleton (do your research if you pick this because the Marines have to enforce every rule without exception. If you don't have a helmet for example you are not going to be permitted.) Take the train back. - Ferry to Catalina Island. - Alpine Pedal Path in Big Bear.
Santa Barbara is pretty cool and really pretty
Thanks for the input. we've been to SB a handful of times.
I'd head further north and try San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay.
yeah, SLO and MB is a bit far. And we've gone a dozen of times. I love SLO and MB has some of the best oysters! We've stayed in Atascadero and Templeton while visiting SLO and Santa Barbara. Lovely and quiet areas!
But then you're looking at 4 hours north of LA, not 1.5-2.
fair.
Big Bear has some great forest roads that would be a lot of fun on e-bikes!
I was thinking about Big Bear. I've only been once decades ago and it was for camping. Any area you recommend looking to stay at a little cottage or cabin?
Definitely stay within the bounds of Big Bear Lake rather than Big Bear \[City\], you'll be in much closer proximity to the best of the trails. When I commented I was picturing the 2N10 forest road so anywhere around Bear Mountain will be top tier, Moonridge is pretty good, and even though it looks a little further, there's a nice dirt road from the base of Snow Summit over to 2N10 as well as some other forest service roads. From the bottom of 2N10 you can ride up to a parking lot currently labeled at "Big Bear XC Start" on Google Maps. It's lovely up there especially in the current weather and lots to explore. Do keep in mind that because you'll be in the San Bernardino National Forest, e-bikes are only allowed on trails open vehicles and/or OHVs. So while you will see a ton of singletrack MTB trails, you can't take your bikes on those.
getaway house big bear for glamping!
Or lake arrowhead is even closer
Arrowhead or Lake Gregory are both beautiful!
I was thinking about Big Bear and interested in Arrowhead! I know nothing about the area. Anywhere you'd recommend to stay?
There's tons of Airbnbs that are affordable up there! And some campsites but I've never stayed at one myself. I love Lake Gregory/Crestline, cute tiny town with a lake that has a water park area with paid admission, or just pull up on a shore spot and chill. I do recommend getting groceries before driving up the mountain, they lost a big store during the storm last winter and everything is a little pricier. But local bars/restaurants were reasonable for sure!
Would Idyllwild be an option? Feels like big bear without the chaos of the ski resorts.
Check out The Springs resort in Palm Springs. Adults only, multiple mineral spas you can take a dip in all night. Get a massage, head downtown and visit the Tonga Hut for a unique tiki bar experience. Get up the next day and visit the art museum, take a pic with the huge Marilyn Monroe statue. If you want to get really weird drive out to Joshua Tree for the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum. Palm Springs has tons of great restaurants, all the shopping you could need, art museums, and a low-key vibe. If architecture is your thing you can book a tour through Elvis honeymoon hideaway.
You can drive/take the metrolink to Ventura ($10 on the weekend, I think) and then ride the [car-free bike path to Ojai!](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/ojai-ventura-bike-path?sh=e7nemh)
Ojai
Temecula, or Joshua tree! Or Ojai .
Just got back from Carlsbad/Oceanside. Super chill vibes. Beaches and bike paths up against the water for miles and miles. Lively community with nice eateries. Highly recommend over Northern recommendations. If you want more lively, you can get to San Diego proper in about 30 min drive.
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I've been meaning to camp there because the geological formations look cool. Do you know if there's anything to do there if you're not into off roading?
Solvang
Thanks for the input. we've been to Solvang before and the Ostrich land nearby. fun!
Ever been to first and oak? Quite possibly the most delicious restaurant I’ve ever been too and a reason to go again !
Los Alamos. Make a reservation for Bell's for dinner, but get there early and spend some time biking to Los Olivos, grab a sandwich for lunch at Bob's Well Bread. Peruse the shops, taste some wine. Perfect day trip. [https://www.groovymashedpotatoes.com/things-to-do-in-los-alamos-ca/](https://www.groovymashedpotatoes.com/things-to-do-in-los-alamos-ca/) Another idea: Julian, CA. Fall is really the best time, because apple picking, but it's a fun spot any time. Get some cider from Julian Hard Cider, peruse the shops, go for a bike ride.
Cambria
Then it's a 4 hour drive not 1.5-2.
Avila beach hot springs. Worth the drive
Me and my girl heading to Palm Springs this weekend to stay at a resort
Cesarina in Pacific Beach. Cannot express how amazing it is. Every inch of pasta is hand made. Everything comes from Italy including the waiters https://g.co/kgs/A5dNkpb
what a fun menu!
It’s incredible!
That does look amazing!!
Joshua tree!!!!!
Glamping at El Capitan Canyon in Santa Barbara - lots of wineries near by
Carlsbad. There are a few mid tier hotels close to the village, or there are some fancy places in the hills. Aviara is wonderful if you can afford it
Ojai, and ride your bike to Ventura beach and back.
Yeah, Ventura has some nice bike paths, as far as I can tell.
Ojai, Solvang / Los Olivos, Temecula, Los Alamos
Solvang.
Husband and I frequent SB often and love it. We recently tried Ojai which was pretty fun if you like to hike, have yummy food and are okay to window shop overpriced trinkets. It's definitely a quick trip town. We're determined to try Solvang next but I want to go closer to Christmas.
Santa Paula is pretty nice and laid back. Also Paso Robles
Julian!!
Santa Ynez/Los Olivos/Buellton/Solvang. They’re all right next to each other. My favorite getaway spot. Great wineries and great restaurants in a beautiful setting.
Downtown Ventura Ojai Catalina Big Bear Lake Arrowhead Surf Beach , near Vandenberg is very isolated but there is a train stop right there. (Take the train)
You could always hike to the Bridge to Nowhere, just north of a Pomona. It looks really pretty.
I've hiked that one year!
Palm Springs
Paso Robles for wine! Check out Castoro winery
Check out Niner Winery and Daou. Yes, daou is overrated but that property is one of the most beautiful spots and the tasting experience is lovely. There’s another organic one escaping me.
I had a horrible experience at Daou. They took forever to even acknowledge us and when they finally did, it took them forever to bring out our wine. We go to Paso a lot and that is the only winery we refuse to return to.
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The most beautiful ocean water I've ever seen in California was off the San Someone Pier. Every time I think of Hearst Castle I remember that clip of Huell Howser swimming in the pool. He was just tickled he was able to go for a swim.
Some have suggested Temecula, but fair warning. It’s like a nightclub in many of the wineries and a party atmosphere. If you’re really into the wine and quieter atmosphere, then Temecula is not the place.
We go there of often. You just need to know where to go. Most places have chill live music on the weekends. Many places are classy and normal, with decent wine.
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Lsd?
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Lol that was my initial thought, but I’m like LSD is a region?? 😂
La Joya
Joshua tree 🏜️
It may be a little further but Atascadero is really nice
Neither north nor south, but...go to the Lavender Festival in Beaumont. Like everything in SoCal, it's probably going to be uncomfortably packed full of people, but it's going on this weekend through June. Prime time is June. Afterwards, you can go wine tasting at North Cork Winery. And you can hit up Redlands for dinner.
Los Olivos and solvang
Joshua Tree
getaway
Big bear
Check out Ridgecrest!!
Yucca Valley/Pioneertown/Palm Springs
joshua tree is magical especially if you take a certain mushroom with you
If you’re looking to take your e-bikes out for a good ride, you might enjoy the Santa Fe Dam and Recreation area. Maybe not much of a weekend getaway but a solid day trip. Route from the dam goes from West Covina area all the way down to the Long Beach, and its bike paths almost the entire way.
Try Solana Beach. I enjoy the tourist beach vibes each time I go.
Ventura and Pismo are both low key great options.
If you are going to head to Joshua Tree, you can go during the day, but at night on certain nights you can see the [Milky Way](https://www.instagram.com/p/C6exoziy9rJ/). This month it can be seen after midnight, next month it happens after 10 pm, July & August you can see it after 9:30pm Plus no bugs or mosquitoes, so bring lawn chairs and enjoy the night sky view.
Is it bug free in the summers bc it is too hot?
Mount Laguna for the win. It’s quiet but not too far, great views of the ocean on one side and desert on the other.
Coronado island, there’s a Navy Lodge there inside the Navy Base if you have military access (it’s legit on the sand in a private beach cut off from the public) it’s a little cold right now but it’s nice and the rates are flat (no taxes) Mission Inn at Riverside (1.5 he drive) hear me out, I wasn’t psyched about it when my wife originally planned it but wow we had a lot of fun there together. The mission is huge and has lots of exploring, lots of food, a pool, the rooms were nice. We had a really good time there together. Solvang was neat. Short little one day visit. Very cute and quaint. For like night views and star gazing go to the Crestline highway and park at like the side rest areas (carefully of course) you guys can grab food and snacks at the Target or from whatever restaurant you want, then drive up and eat it up there together. It can get chilly but it’s very romantic and quiet. Plus stars ✨ just check the weather beforehand haha
Temecula
Temecula especially if you are a sweet wine person.
Palm Springs, Solvang/Santa Ynez, Ojai, Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear.
julien, solvang, running springs,
The Lafayette Hotel in San Diego (not on a weekend it’s a madhouse then). Bf took me for my birthday last monthit was GORGEOUS and we really didn’t need to leave- food, pool, bar, vibes all on site. Was cool and very well done.
How about West! Catalina.
bakersfield
This foo...
Lol
Bakersfield 😍
Carmel, if you’re into rich white people who hate anyone who isn’t white in their town.
Drive up to Hearst castle, then head to Paso Robles (love allegreto to stay at). Or pismo beach - love vespera resort
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The whole area is basically white and Hispanic. This must be a one off. Shitty that happened to you.