Don’t get us wrong, we love Los Angeles. That should be pretty obvious coming from the Westside’s top real estate team. But one of the best parts of living in the City of Angels is the ability to escape with complete ease, whether by car or a quick flight. So, with spring nearly here, we decided to round up eight mini vacations you can take from LA to refresh and recharge for the new season. Ready, set, GO:
TAHOE
1 hr 30 min flight to RNO from LAX
DO: Hiking (be sure to check out Van Sickle Bi-State Park), kayaking, mountain biking, sight-seeing — the
options are endless.
"I love Lake Tahoe for its ski resort, lakes (one of the purest lakes in the world) and amazing scenery if you cruise over mountain meadows. "
Sewit Eshetu
Associate Partner
LAS VEGAS
4+ hr drive or 1 hr flight to LAS from LAX
DO: Catch a
Cirque du Soleil show, see
Katy Perry or
Lady Gaga live, hit the casinos (if you lose, not our fault…but if you win, let’s just say we get 10%?), eat, drink…the usual.
"My favorite thing about Vegas is the ability to eat anything you want 24 hours a day. After that, you’ll be ready for a hike in Red Rock Canyon."
F. Ron Smith
Founding Partner
Solvang
2.5 hr drive from LA
STAY:
The Landsby, a stunning Scandinavian-style boutique hotel.
EAT:
Mad & Vin at The Landsby for delicious farm-to-table eats or
Coast Range for incredible steaks and seafood in a stylish ambiance.
DRINK:
Vaquero Bar at Coast Range for craft cocktails in a speakeasy-style setting.
"It’s amazing how quickly you can get to Solvang from LA and even more amazing how quickly you can unwind (with a glass of central coast wine in hand) in this charming Danish village."
Courtney Welsh
Director of Operations
BIG SUR
5.5 hr drive from LA
Napa Valley
1 hr flight to OAK + 1 hr drive to Napa
STAY: Montage Healdsburg, a spectacular hideaway where warm hospitality meets the scenic beauty of Wine Country.
EAT: The Charter Oak for Meadowood chef Christopher Kostow’s seasonal, family-style menu,
Press for high-end steaks, seafood and wines,
Ad Hoc + Addendum for a more casual Thomas Keller experience featuring melt-in-your-mouth fried chicken,
Gott’s Roadside for a greasy burger after wine tasting.
"It’s a great place to go any time of the year and unwind with family or friends. Add it to the very long list of amazing places to visit in CA!"
Katy Yambao
Associate Partner
CABO
2+ hr flight to SJD from LAX
STAY:
Viceroy Los Cabos, an architecturally stunning five-star hotel on the Sea of Cortés in Baja.
EAT:
Flora Farms for mind-blowing farm-to-table eats (literally, you’re on the farm),
Alebrije at Las Ventanas for traditional, upscale Mexican food,
Acre for relaxed yet refined dining in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna mountains.
"Two hour flight and you are in a different world. Perfect weather, lots of wildlife, and great food. A true disconnect from LA city life."
Andres Vargas
Special Projects Manager
Park City
1 hr 50 min flight to SLC + 40 min drive
STAY:
The Pendry, a new luxury boutique hotel by Montage in Canyons Village.
EAT:
Riverhorse for upscale American fare on Main Street,
Yuki Yama for delectable sushi and Japanese dishes,
The Nelson Cottage for pre-fixe eats and a whiskey pairing by High West,
Handle for uber-fresh seasonal cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
"Park City is a year-round destination; a special place to create life-long memories. We love it!"
Jim Ostridge
Associate Partner
Palm Springs
2+ hr drive from LA
EAT:
Workshop Kitchen & Bar for inventive New American eats in a former movie house,
Birba for excellent farm-to-table fare and pizza,
Farm for a decidedly French dining experience,
4 Saints for epic modern cuisine in a sultry atmosphere.
"We love the weather and the mellow vibe in Palm Springs. It’s a great place to golf, swim and relax. Being only a couple hours from the city also makes it an easy trip with the kids."
Nathan Stadler
Associate Partner
Booking a mini vacay this spring? Be sure to tag us in your adventures on Instagram
@smithandberg for a chance to be featured!