Somehow, some way, we’re nearing the end of May — and Memorial Day Weekend has snuck up on us yet again. Sure, some Angelenos may want to rest and rejuvenate at home, but if you’re anything like us, a small weekend getaway sounds pretty nice, huh? The SBP team got together to curate the ultimate three-day-weekend guide for those seeking a mini vacay, including everything from where to stay to the best spots to eat and drink. Scan our picks below, book your trip, and thank us later.
Joshua Tree
Just two hours from Los Angeles lies an otherworldly landscape that’s sure to satiate the mind, body, and soul. With epic rental homes, eccentric dive bars, tasty eats, and boundless hikes to pursue, Joshua Tree is a mainstay getaway for Angelenos.
Stay
- Seven Arches Joshua Tree Retreat: Luxury boho-inspired house in Yucca Valley
- The Joshua Tree House: Stunning collection of properties with chic desert-style interiors
- Dakota House by AvantStay: A modern oasis nestled in nature
Eat + Drink
- La Copine: New American cuisine in an open indoor-outdoor space for lunch only
- Natural Sisters: Organic comfort food for breakfast and lunch
- Pappy & Harriet’s: A Western-inspired staple in Pioneertown serving classic American fare and BBQ for dinner and live music
Do
- Hike Discovery Trail (0.7 mi), Hidden Valley (1 mi), or Split Rock Loop (2.5 mi)
- Bike the park roads
- Go horseback riding via Knob Hill Ranch
Orange County
Hop in the car and you’re there. Home to laid-back beach cities like Newport and Laguna, and, of course, the best place on earth, Disneyland in Anaheim, Orange County feels like the ultimate escape while just 40+ minutes from home.
Stay
- Hotel Joaquin: Boutique hotel in Laguna Beach with one-of-a-kind rooms and carefully curated interiors
- Lido House: An Autograph Collection luxury beach house-style hotel in Newport
- Pelican Hill: A five-star getaway in Newport with Italian-inspired architecture, a stellar golf course, and idyllic ocean views.
Eat + Drink
- A Restaurant: Cozy and classic red-boothed dinner steakhouse in Newport
- Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens: Locally inspired restaurant offering lunch and dinner within the lush surrounds of Roger’s Gardens in Corona Del Mar
- The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon: Upscale farm-to-table eats in a moody ambiance serving dinner in Anaheim
Do
- Hike through Crystal Cove
- Bring the kiddos to Disneyland
- Go kayaking in Newport Harbor
- Head to Newport for the Wine & Spirits Festival
San Francisco
Whether you decide to drive or fly, a quick little getaway to San Francisco is a must for any Angeleno — and a three-day weekend is the best time to do it. Brimming with rich history, modern hotspots, and bountiful nature, San Francisco offers a best-of-all-worlds vacation.
Stay
- Hotel Drisco: Luxury boutique hotel with a classic European vibe in Pacific Heights
- San Francisco Proper: Kelly Wearstler-designed, flatiron-style hotel in Mid Market
- Hotel Kabuki: Modern Japanese-style hotel in San Francisco’s Japantown
Eat + Drink
- Tartine Manufactory: Popular bakery and restaurant dishing out fresh-made breads and more for breakfast and lunch
- Che Fico: Casual, seasonally driven Italian spot on Divisadero serving house made pizzas and pastas for dinner
- Rich Table: Californian dinner fare in a salvaged-barn-wood space with an open kitchen
Do
- Attend the two-day Carnaval Parade over Memorial Day Weekend
- Take the ferry over to Tiburon for lunch at Sam’s Anchor Cafe
- Head to Alamo Square Park to see the Painted Ladies
- Hike the Lands End Trail (3.4 mi)
Palm Springs
Nothing says Memorial Day Weekend like a poolside cocktail beneath the warm desert sun. Whether it’s an adult or family trip, Palm Springs offers chic hotels, incredible cuisine, and countless activities for everyone to enjoy.
Stay
- Parker Palm Springs: Upscale and funky five-star hotel designed by Jonathan Adler
- La Serena Villas: Charming and historic boutique hotel in Downtown Palm Springs
- Avalon Palm Springs: Fashionable getaway with plush rooms and Spanish-style bungalows
Eat + Drink
- Workshop Kitchen + Bar: Innovative market-driven restaurant in a minimalistic, modern space for dinner
- Birba: Popular Italian joint for dinner and weekend brunch featuring pizza, pasta, and craft cocktails
- Farm: A French restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a Provence-style ambiance
Do
- Play a round of golf at La Quinta
- Visit the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
- Discover the 60-foot waterfall at Tahquitz Canyon
- Get adventurous with a hot air balloon ride
Big Bear
Just two hours from LA and you’re in the mountains. It’s as simple as that. With its blooming spring landscape and warm, sunny weather, Big Bear is the perfect destination for boundless adventure, chic dwellings, classic mountain fare, and sweet spots to sit down for a beer (or two).
Stay
- Noon Lodge at Mallard Bay: Boutique getaway fusing vintage charm and modern design
- Luxe Farmhouse Chalet: Rustic cabin meets eco-luxe farmhouse in the mountains
- Classic Log Cabin: Traditional mountain retreat in the heart of Big Bear
Eat + Drink
- Grizzly Manor Cafe: Tiny, popular eatery serving classic American dishes for breakfast
- Fire Rock Burgers & Brews: Burgers, beers, and a year-round patio for lunch and dinner
- 572 Social: Moody modern joint featuring an eclectic American menu and cocktails for lunch and dinner
Do
- Go fishing for trout in Big Bear Lake
- Explore the Baldwin Lake Ecological Preserve
- Hike Castle Rock Trail (2.7 mi) or Pine Knot Trail to Grand View Point (6.9 mi)
- Go off-roading in the open backcountry
Ojai
Epic golf, relaxing spas, wine tastings, delicious cuisine — there’s nothing Ojai doesn’t have. This Memorial Day Weekend, explore all that this quaint Ventura County city has to offer, including remarkable places to stay and endless things to do.
Stay
- Ojai Valley Inn: Premier luxury resort with a championship golf course and award-winning spa
- Capri Hotel: An artsy and newly renovated 1963 mid-century roadside retreat
Eat + Drink
- The Dutchess: Burmese-Californian fare in a farmhouse-style space for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- The Nest: Contemporary order-at-the-counter spot for healthy-ish breakfast and lunch
- Olivella & Vine: A refined farm-driven culinary experience at Ojai Valley Inn
Do
- Hike the Wills-Rice Loop Trail (4.6 mi) in the Ventura River Preserve
- Do a wine tasting at The Ojai Vineyard
- Play 18 holes at Ojai Valley Inn
- Take an olive oil farm tour with Ojai Olive Oil Company
Staycation in LA
Sometimes you don’t need to leave LA in order to feel like you’ve left. Whether you drive PCH up to Malibu or head down south to the jagged coastline of Palos Verdes, you’ll discover remarkable hotels, delicious eats, and plenty of experiences that’ll have you wondering if you’re still in Los Angeles.
Stay
- Terranea Resort: Remarkable luxury hotel on 102 acres along the cliffs of Palos Verdes
- Nobu Ryokan: Stunning modern Japanese-style hotel situated directly on the beach
- Surfrider: Stylish contemporary California beach house overlooking Malibu Pier
Eat + Drink
- Lucky’s Malibu: Classic, upscale white-tablecloth steakhouse open for lunch and dinner
- Mar’sel: Elegant dinner and Sunday brunch destination overlooking the ocean at Terranea Resort
- Nobu: Celebrity staple serving sushi and Japanese delicacies in a modern, beachfront space for lunch and dinner
Do
- Go surfing at Malaga Cove in Palos Verdes
- Book a tee time at The Riviera Country Club
- Shop till you drop at Malibu Country Mart
- Explore the Marvin Braude Bike Trail on wheels
Booking a last-minute getaway? You know what to do — tag us on Instagram @smithandberg for the chance to be featured!