10 Fun Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles

We love living in Los Angeles. But we also love leaving Los Angeles for some fun and relaxing family weekend getaways.

^{Last updated: September 20, 2024}

Family Weekend Escapes from Los Angeles

Sometimes we just need to escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and go on a family weekend getaway. With daily life full of work, school homework, appointments, and everything in between, it’s easy to start taking everything for granted. Switching the perspectives and going on a day or weekend trip to spend time with family away from the everyday life of Los Angeles puts everything back in balance. 

Hitting a road and leaving Los Angeles is a perfect way to do something fun as a family over the weekend. What can be better than diving into an exhilarating feeling of freedom and an unmatched pleasure that only exploring new places can give? 

Weekend getaways to explore and re-explore as a family don’t have to be far away from Los Angeles. A short drive less than an hour can satisfy your travel bug and leave you recharged and refreshed. If you agree, start packing and venture to these incredible family-friendly weekend getaways within a driving distance from Los Angeles.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM LOS ANGELES LESS THAN 1 HOUR AWAY

1. Long Beach

Long Beach is one of the best harbor cities in the Los Angeles area for extended vacations and irresistible family weekend getaways. Famous as a gateway to Catalina Island, an island off the Southern California coast known for its sandy beaches and wildlife, the city also has a lot to offer to those who prefer to stay on the mainland. 

From the Aquarium of the Pacific, the largest aquarium in California, to a historic liner and battleship and some of the best parks and gardens in the Los Angeles region, fun learning experiences are guaranteed for all family members. 

• Distance from Los Angeles: 23.9 miles
• Drive time from Los Angeles: 25 minutes

2. San Pedro

Technically a part of Los Angeles, San Pedro works perfectly for relaxing day trips or family weekend getaways. In the latter case, you can combine your trip with a visit to Long Beach that offers far better options to turn your short vacation into a staycation. 

For an often overlooked neighborhood of Los Angeles, San Pedro boasts some of the rare historic and cultural treasures. Donated to the City of Los Angeles as a symbol of the friendly relationship between Korea and the USA, the Korean Bell of Friendship was on top of our list during our first family trip to the area. 

Later that day we checked out the Point Fermin Lighthouse, one of the oldest structures on the west coast, and Dylan, still a toddler back then, couldn’t stop pointing at gigantic Moreton Bay Fig. The tree was planted in the 1930s and grew to become one of the largest trees in the US.  

Similar to other harbor cities within a driving distance from Los Angeles, San Pedro is an excellent family weekend getaway to watch whales, throw a rod in the water, or take a day trip to Catalina Island.  

The area is also your starting point for longer vacations on board cruise ships to Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, and many other destinations.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 24.3 miles
• Drive time from Los Angeles: 30 minutes

3. Marina del Rey

Marina del Rey is arguably one of the most luxurious family day trips or weekend getaways in the Los Angeles area for one reason: the Marina del Rey’s waterfront. 

You can bask in the sun on one of the beaches here, swim in the area protected from the formidable ocean waves, or take a stroll along the colorful Fisherman’s Village Harborfront. A replica of a New England fishing town, the Village is wheelchair and stroller accessible and is packed with diners overlooking the harbor.  

For a fun family excursion where you can learn something new together, sign up for sailing lessons or book your seats on a private charter to see the sunset.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 17.8 miles
• Drive time from Los Angeles: 30 minutes

4. Newport Beach

Nestled less than an hour south of Los Angeles, Newport Beach is another favorite port destination for family weekend getaways. The city has everything you need to recharge your batteries, have fun with your loved ones, and feel like you’ve traveled a hundred miles away from LA. 

From day trips to Catalina Island to numerous other cruises, Newport Harbor caters to single visitors and families alike.The most popular getaways from Los Angeles include sunset and dinner cruises. 

Whale-watching cruises are the best fit for families with kids. Lasting anywhere between 2 to 3 hours, these short excursions introduce little travelers to marine life while keeping their attention during the entire trip. 

• Distance from Los Angeles: 44 miles
• Drive time from Los Angeles: 45 minutes

5. Laguna Beach

Why not infuse your family weekend getaway from Los Angeles with a little bit of art? With over 100 art galleries and artist studios, Laguna Beach is a little gem that can satisfy your aesthetic cravings. Not to mention, this artists’ center hosts a great number of special events and festivals and encourages everybody to take part in them.

What if your family doesn’t really care about art and your kids can easily use your makeup brush as a brush to paint their “masterpieces”? Laguna Beach is still your place for a great family weekend getaway. 

This small coastal city is home to some of the finest beaches in California. From easy to reach Treasure Island Beach to demanding Thousand Steps Beach and Victoria Beach, famous for its iconic “pirate tower”, you are here for a weekend packed with snorkeling, scuba diving, body-surfing, and exploring scenic coves and hiking trails in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 50.1 miles
• Drive time from Los Angeles: 50 minutes (1 hour 10 minutes with traffic)

FAMILY-FRIENDLY WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM LOS ANGELES 1-2 HOURS AWAY

6. Ventura and Channel Islands National Park

Ventura is located about 1 hour away from Los Angeles and is one of the best family-friendly weekend getaways. Like most of the coastal cities in Southern California, this beautiful gem on the central coast offers spectacular beaches where you can surf, kayak, paddle board, and often even watch whales. 

For the majority of the daytrippers or weekend travelers from Los Angeles, Ventura, however, holds a special place as a gateway to Channel Islands National Park. The most popular islands to explore in the park include Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel.  

Whatever island you choose, your day excursion or overnight camping trip starts at the Island Packers office on Ventura Harbor. Island Packers is the official concessionaire for the park that also offers other trips, including wildlife watching tours.  

Families can visit the so-called local islands, Santa Cruz and Anacapa, year round. The day trips to Santa Rosa and San Miguel are offered only from March through November.  

Family weekend getaway from Los Angeles to Ventura:

• Distance from Los Angeles: 67.8 miles
• Drive time from Los Angeles: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Travel time from Ventura Harbor to Santa Cruz or Anacapa Islands: 1 hour
• Travel time from Ventura Harbor to Santa Rosa Island: 3 hours
• Travel time from Ventura Harbor to San Miguel Island: 4 hours

7. Ojai

Nestled in a small, picturesque valley surrounded by towering hills and mountains, Ojai is a dream destination for a relaxing family weekend getaway from Los Angeles. Nobody is left behind here. 

The stunning surroundings accompanied with abundant spas and wellness retreats entice the majority of health-conscious adults. Family weekends getaways from Los Angeles that appeal to older kids’ taste start outside the city along scenic hiking trails that zigzag up the hills toward breathtaking vistas. The smallest adventurers will have their share of joy and exercise while running among fruit-bearing trees in expanded orchards in and near Ojai.  

And certainly, the whole family will be more than pleased with delicious dishes made with locally-grown produce and served at many authentic restaurants. It’s so good that you’ll definitely want to come back.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 82.7 miles
• Drive time from Los Angeles: 1 hour 25 minutes

8. Santa Barbara

The list of the best family-friendly weekend getaways from Los Angeles can’t be complete without the beautiful city of Santa Barbara. Nicknamed the American Riviera, the area is famous for its Mediterranean weather. City’s colorful architecture, historic structures, and sandy beaches complement the sunny weather and make your family feel like you’ve just found a small piece of heaven on earth.

For outdoor activities, rent a few bikes and explore rocky coastal shores. Set out on a hiking adventure or stay close to the beaches while admiring the mesmerizing ocean views.

For less adventurous family activities, explore numerous modern and historic sites. Step inside the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, learn the story of Old Mission Santa Barbara, or take a walk in the jungle-like Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. 

Finish your family weekend trip by embarking on a two-hour sunset cruise journey along the coast for a chance to see dolphins and whales.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 94.8 miles
• Drive time from Los Angeles: 1 hour 35 minutes

9. San Diego

A few places in San Diego allure our family more often than any other destinations near Los Angeles. With the city center as bustling as LA, San Diego shows its rather gentle (not less crowded, especially on weekends, though) side in the neighborhoods closest to the ocean. 

Our all-time favorite here is La Jolla. Home to nearly a dozen different beaches, it’s the best spot in the city for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and seal watching.   

Other family-friendly places to see in San Diego include Seaport Village, the USS Midway Museum, SeaWorld San Diego, and Balboa Park, one of the largest urban parks in the US. 

• Distance from Los Angeles: 120 miles
• Drive time from Los Angeles: 1 hour 45 minutes

FAMILY-FRIENDLY WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM LOS ANGELES 2-3 HOURS AWAY

10. Solvang

A small, adorable family-friendly weekend getaway, Solvang sits in the middle of Santa Barbara wine country just a couple hours away from Los Angeles. Known for its Scandinavian architecture, the city entices with its European cuisine, shops, and seasonal festivals. 

Make this weekend all about relaxation, sweets tasting, shopping, and pampering yourself and your little ones from the morning until evening. Set out on a gastronomic journey and explore exclusive dishes of Danish and international cuisines. 

If your family is a big fan of all kinds of breads and pastries, make sure to leave room for almond strudels; kransekage, almond Danish kringle; and aebleskivers, powdered sugar-dusted pancake balls with raspberry jam.

And since you’ve decided to take your family on a weekend getaway to the Danish Capital of America, visiting the Hans Christian Andersen Museum is essential. Hans Christian Andersen was a famous Danish author, best remembered for its fairy tales.   

• Distance from Los Angeles: 128 miles
• Drive time from Los Angeles: 2 hours 10 minutes

Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles: Map