Discover These 3 Southern California Weekend Getaways

Living in Southern California has its perks: the beach is nearby; the mountains are less than a two hour drive; the great weather; the list goes on. Hop on a plane and within an hour you could be in San Francisco, Scottsdale, or Las Vegas. If you're in need of a weekend getaway, the possibilities are endless. Here we'll focus on three great Southern California getaways: Santa Barbara, Carlsbad and Palm Springs.

Santa Barbara is a wonderful location for a weekend getaway.

The city of Santa Barbara is a wonderful weekend escape. The area is just beautiful with inviting blue ocean waters, clear air and great scenery. Summer is the busiest time to visit Santa Barbara. If you're like me and wish to avoid the crowds, March, April and May are the best times to plan a weekend getaway. The weather will be warm, hotel rates will be lower and the crowds will be few. Hotel of choice: Hotel Santa Barbara. This amazing old hotel is smack dab in the middle of State Street, the heart of Santa Barbara. Take advantage of the hotel's Wine Country Tasting Tour package. This great hotel package includes: tasting fees at four wineries; gourmet picnic lunch; local driver/guide which includes pick-up and drop-off at the hotel; and a souvenir wine glass. Hotel package rates start at $389 for visits during the Spring. Another activity to take in on your weekend escape: the Santa Barbara Orchid Estate. The estate has over 100 varieties of orchids that are just stunning to see. Or if shopping is your favorite thing to do, walk on over to the nearby Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center. The shopping venue is within a five minute walking distance of the hotel.

Resources:

Hotel Santa Barbara
533 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805)957-9300

Paseo Nuevo
651 Paseo Nuevo
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 963-7147

Santa Barbara Orchid Estate
1250 Orchid Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
(805) 967-1284
Admission to the estate is free.

For additional Santa Barbara hotel options, please go here.

If San Diego is your idea of a great weekend getaway, head to Carlsbad.

Carlsbad is another ideal location to visit during the Spring. The city has plenty of wonderful activities for you and your family. The Carlsbad Flower Fields will be in full bloom starting in March. Over 50 acres of some of California's most beautiful flowers can be found at this wonderful garden overlooking the Pacific Ocean. My favorite is the Sweet Pea Maze. The smells and colors are amazing. Nearby the Carlsbad Flower Fields is the Carlsbad Premium Outlets if shopping is your go-to activity. Though one of the smaller outlet centers around, you'll still find some of the more popular stores such as Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Coach, Juicy Couture, Crate and Barrel to name a few. Not sure where to stay? Try the West Inn and Suites. This great boutique hotel is located on the beach side of the 5 freeway. The hotel has a getaway package deal called "On the Road Again." This hotel package includes: deluxe accommodations, a $25 gas card; and a basket of road games and goodies. Rates for this package start at $189 a night.

Resources:

Carlsbad Flower Fields
5704 Paseo Del Norte
Carlsbad, CA
(760) 431-0352
Prices for adults is $10; $5 for children under the age of 10.

Carlsbad Premium Outlets
5620 Paseo del Norte, Suite 100
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 804-9000

West Inn and Suites
4970 Avenida Encinas
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 448-4500

Dreaming of basking in the desert sun for a weekend getaway, Palm Springs is the place to go.

If a desert getaway is what you're dreaming of, head to Palm Springs. The best time to avoid the crowds is to visit during the Spring and Autumn months. The summer months, despite the heat which can rise as high as 120 degrees, are crowded. With an over abundance of hotels in the Palm Springs area, narrowing the choice down to one is quite difficult. Try the Andreas Hotel & Spa. This hotel is a newly renovated resort that was originally built in 1935. Formerly known as The Springs of Palm Springs, this beautiful location in downtown Palm Springs is the perfect place for a weekend escape. Hotel amenities include complimentary wireless internet; luxurious bathrobes; pillow-topped beds; complimentary parking; and continental breakfast. Rates in the Spring can range from $195 a night on up. The Palm Springs area has lots of fun and interesting activities. Definitely take in the Living Desert and Zoo Gardens while you're visiting Palm Springs. You'll learn about all types of desert animals including mountain lions, snakes, foxes, javelina and so many more. You'll also learn about the many native plants to the desert including Desert Milkweed, Saguaro, Teddy Bear Cholla, and the Wooly Butterfly Bush to name a few. There is so much more to see and learn besides the plants and animals of the desert. Visit their website here to learn more. Adult admission price is $12.50 and children 3 to 12 are $7.50.

Resources:

The Andreas Hotel & Spa
227 N. Indian Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 327-5701

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
47-900 Portola Avenue
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 346-5694

Sources:

www.tripadvisor.com