Quirky Weekend Getaways Near Los Angeles
From love shacks in the high desert to oceanfront getaways on California's Central Coast, here's our roundup of the best weekend getaways in the Los Angeles area.
Kate's Lazy Desert Airstream Motel
58380 Botkin Road
Landers, CA 92285
(845) 688-7200
www.lazymeadow.com
If you're looking for a weekend "Love Shack" with a dash of retro chic, then Kate's Lazy Desert Airstream Motel in Landers, CA -- just outside Joshua Tree National Park -- provides an uncomplicated "glamping" getaway beneath the star-filled skies of California's High Desert. Fans of the B-52s will dig the love shack vibe in Kate's "Hairstream" trailer -- one of six themed Airstreams at the resort -- which is decked out with an eclectic collection of band memorabilia.
The Inn at Morro Bay
60 State Park Road
Morro Bay, CA 93442
(800) 321-9566
www.innatmorrobay.com
Nestled in a grove of eucalyptus trees in a 2,700-acre state park on California's glorious central coast, the 98-room Inn at Morro Bay affords visitors stunning views across the Morro Bay estuary towards the huge volcanic plug known as Morro Rock. Take a stroll along the Morro Bay Embarcadero, explore the wetlands and Blue Heron Rookery or venture further afield with trips to popular destinations like Cambria, Cayucos, Paso Robles, Hearst Castle and the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal colony. The Inn offers a variety of getaway packages including a round of golf on the challenging 18-hole golf course that lies just feet from the Inn.
The Shore Hotel
1515 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-1515
www.shorehotel.com
The boutique Shore Hotel on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica not only provides guests with a delightful ocean aspect but also offers overnight lodging with an exquisite touch of class. Ideally situated for trips to Santa Monica's iconic Pier or the magnificently restored Getty Villa, the Shore Hotel provides a variety of beautifully crafted accommodation packages. Opt for the $579 "Go Green by the Shore" bundle -- which includes a hybrid car, bicycle and an evening meal at the renowned Inn of the Seventh Ray -- or romance your bride to be with a helicopter ride, gourmet dinner and a couples massage courtesy of the "Proposal by the Shore" package.
Madonna Inn
100 Madonna Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805) 543-3000
www.madonnainn.com
Serenade your Juliet in the "Old Fashion Honeymoon" semi-suite at the world famous Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. The modestly priced per night features white wooden arches that separate the elevated upper sleeping area from the spacious sitting room whilst the bathroom sports an elegant claw-foot bathtub and a selection of period bric-a-brac. Keep your batteries charged at the sumptuous steakhouse, coddle yourselves in the beautiful onsite day spa or head out and explore the local vineyards and wineries.
Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa
2860 Grand Ave.
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 688-7788
www.fessparkerinn.com
Add an equine flavor to a romantic weekend for two by booking a "Ride, Wine & Dine Package" at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa, a boutique hotel nestled amongst horse ranches and vineyards in California's Santa Ynez Valley. The package includes overnight accommodations for two, breakfast at Petros in the historic town of Los Olivos, a 90-minute horseback ride -- led by Vino Vaqueros -- and a free wine tasting at the Fess Parker Winery followed by a meal of gourmet sandwiches.
Related: Best Honeymoon Suites In Los Angeles
Julian Gothard is an internationally published freelance writer covering all things Los Angeles. You can check out his popular RVing and travel column at Examiner.com.