How to Spend an Exciting 2 Days in California
A nice two day weekend in California might be exactly what your soul needs. California brings people to life thanks to its stunning surroundings and attractions. This guide walks you through some of the best things to do when you have two days in California to tackle!
This post has been updated as of May 2024.
We all need a break from our routines, and sometimes, it’s nice to travel and explore new places. If you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway with your girlfriends, Southern California offers plenty of options. Whether you’re considering a beach destination, somewhere more exotic, or a cheap weekend getaway in California, there’s something for everyone.
10 Best 2-Day Weekend Getaways in California
01. CATALINA ISLAND
Santa Catalina is one of California’s Channel Islands. It is a resort town of white beaches and “melt-your-heart sunsets.” Catalina Island is perfect for epic scuba and snorkeling. But there is so much more. On this island, you can find a casino, beach-chic shopping, zip-lining, and day drinking on the beach. This is your super fun and relaxing girls’ weekend getaway. Whether you are considering a beach destination or partying like you’re still a 21-year-old getaway, you can find it all at Catalina. Catch up with the girls with girl talk at the beach.
02. Palm Springs
Palm Springs is known for its chic hotels and restaurants. It had an art scene and celebrity sightings. But Palm Springs is famous for its healing and restorative spas with a wide range of spa treatments like magnesium detox massage, Korean body splash, and raindrop therapy. These aren’t your regular facials. Catch up with the girls with some girl talk while enjoying a new-age spa. Head over to Palm Springs for a super fun girls’ weekend if you are thinking of a relaxing spa experience.
03. Mesquite Flat Dunes
The Mesquite Flat Dunes is a vast area filled with sand dunes. Just think of the Sahara desert but in California. It is located in Death Valley, one of the largest national parks. Head over to the dunes for a fun and cheap girls’ weekend getaway in Southern California if you are looking for camping, hiking, campfires, or an epic Instaworthy shot. Have a girl talk while making smores over the campfire.
04. Ojai
Ojai is a small city in Ventura County, California, set in a valley. Its charming, village-like downtown center is dotted with art galleries, Farmer’s Market, and New Age boutiques. It’s best known for its restorative, detox, and yoga retreats. You know the best girl talks are right after a yoga session. Head over to Ojai for a relaxing girls’ weekend if you are looking to enjoy a restorative oasis.
05. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is one of the most popular getaways in California. Santa Barbara still has its Spanish heritage charm with beautiful landscapes and beaches. It is dotted with posh boutiques and luxe restaurants offering local wines and seasonal dishes. It is famous for its award-winning wines. Head over to Santa Barbara for a relaxing girls’ weekend if you are looking to enjoy wine tastings while having a girl talk.
06. Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree is famous but overlooked for weekend getaway destitution for a girls’ weekend. Joshua Tree is a state park with cactus trees in the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert in southern California. It’s named after twisted, bristled Joshua trees found only in the Mojave Dessert. The iconic Joshua trees are a must-see experience at night. Head over to the Joshua Tree for an adventurous girls’ weekend if you want to experience hiking, biking, horseback riding, or even rock climbing. What sounds more adventurous than having a girl talk while rock climbing?
07. Redwoods National and State Parks
Redwoods National and State Parks are one of California’s most overlooked weekend getaways. Did you know that Redwoods National and State Parks is home to the tallest trees on EARTH? You will feel like you are walking through a fairy-tale book with giant trees. Head over to Redwoods National and State Parks for a fun girl weekend to experience a fairy-tale hike.
08. Napa Valley
Napa Valley is beautiful countryside scenery near San Fransico. It is home to legendary wineries. It’s well-known that Napa Valley is a perfect weekend getaway in California. Head to the dunes for a relaxing girls’ weekend experience to enjoy wine tastings. Catch up with the girls while having girls talk over the best wines in the world.
09. Glacier Point Yosemite
Glacier Point Yosemite is another overlooked weekend getaway destination. Glacier Point is an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. If you want to enjoy nature truly, this spot is for you. Head to Glacier Point Yosemite for a fun girls’ weekend to experience one of nature’s most beautiful views. Catch up with the girls while having girl talk over hiking, stargazing, skiing, snowboarding, or birdwatching.
10. Mono Lake
Although it’s hauntingly beautiful, Mono Lake is the most overlooked weekend getaway destination in Califonia. Mono Lake is an ancient saline lake formed at least 760,000 years ago. It’s the Dead Sea of California. Head to Mono Lake for a fun girls’ weekend to experience hiking, photography, bird watching, and cross-country skiing.
Other Ideas for Your 2 Days in California
- San Diego: Explore Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, and enjoy the beautiful beaches.
- San Francisco: Visit the Golden Gate Bridge, explore the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf, and take a stroll through Golden Gate Park.
- Venice Beach: Enjoy the lively boardwalk, Muscle Beach, and the unique street performers.
- Pacific Coast Highway: Take a scenic drive along the coast, stopping at picturesque spots like Big Sur and Santa Barbara.
- Southern California: Spend time at the Santa Monica Pier, take a guided tour of Hollywood Boulevard, and enjoy fine dining in West Hollywood.
- Rodeo Drive: Experience luxury shopping and people-watching in Beverly Hills.
- Santa Monica Pier: Enjoy the amusement park, great dining options, and a sunset walk along the beach.
- Hollywood Boulevard: Check out the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and catch a glimpse of the Hollywood Sign.
- Yosemite National Park: If you’re up for a bit of a drive, spend a day hiking and enjoying the breathtaking views.
- Griffith Park: Visit the Griffith Observatory and hike to the Hollywood Sign for a great view of Los Angeles.
- Wine Tasting: Head to Napa Valley or Santa Barbara for some of the best wine-tasting experiences in the state.
- Death Valley National Park: Experience this national park’s unique landscapes and extreme temperatures.
- Little Italy, San Diego: Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and vibrant nightlife.
- Universal Studios Hollywood: Spend a fun-filled day at this popular theme park.
- La Brea Tar Pits: Discover the fascinating history and fossils at this unique attraction in Los Angeles.
- Laguna Beach: Relax on the stunning beaches, explore art galleries, and enjoy a quick bite at local cafes.
- Getty Center: Marvel at the impressive art collection and beautiful gardens.
- Farmers Markets: Visit local farmers markets in cities like Santa Monica and San Diego for fresh produce and handmade goods.
- Tide Pools: Explore the tide pools in La Jolla to see marine life up close.
- Hollywood Hills: Enjoy a hike with stunning views of Los Angeles.
- Botanical Gardens: Visit the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens in Pasadena for a peaceful retreat.
- Beverly Hills Hotel: Have a luxurious stay or simply visit for a meal in this iconic hotel.
Which one of these weekend getaways in California would you choose as the destination for your next super fun girls’ weekend or a relaxing girls’ weekend? Who would you take on this girls’ weekend with you? I’m always done for a relaxing spa weekend.
