3 Weekend Road Trips in California
The Golden State provides a spectrum of settings for your next weekend road trip. If you’re short on time, but still want to escape town for a bit, consider one of these short road-trips in California.
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Outdoor recreation in Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is a haven for cyclists and hikers, as well as backpackers, rock climbers, and equestrians. The tallest waterfalls in the park include Sentinel Fall, Horsetail Fall, and Yosemite Falls, though the trails are a bit steep. The park boasts a plethora of other waterfalls, especially if you want a more moderate hiking challenge. Glacier Point, Lower Mariposa Grove, and Tuolumne Meadows are a few of the easier paths to traverse.
Summer is peak season, so if you want to avoid the crowds, consider planning your visit for April or May (or wait until winter) to enjoy the park’s wonders for yourself.
Lodging
Tenaya Lodge gets high ratings from visitors with a more generous budget for accommodations. For more affordable lodging, check out Juniper Springs Resort in Mammoth Lakes, as well as Yosemite Westgate Lodge and Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn in Oakhurst.
Dining
June Bug Cafe in Midpines is a reputable spot to grab some brunch. Half Dome Village Pizza Deck supplies a variety of pizzas. The Blue Heron specializes in comfort food. If you’re a fan of burgers and steaks paired with a variety of libations, head to 1850 Restaurant and Brewery in Mariposa.
Mussels and music in Mendocino
Pack your water shoes and head to the Glass Beach for a colorful start to your Mendocino road trip. Head to Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve to hike among the tall and imposing redwood trees. If visiting during July, make sure to check out the region’s famous music festival. This year’s talent includes Le Vent du Nord and the Calder Quartet, as well as Badi Assad and Diego Figueiredo. Two performances will pay tribute to Brahms and Aretha Franklin.
Lodging
Headlands Inn Bed & Breakfast has direct access to the beach. Surf & Sand Lodge and Heritage House Resort & Spa are two other reputable accommodations if you prefer to stay as close to the waves as possible. Sea Gull Inn and The Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites are a bit further away from, but still close to, the coast.
Dining
Wild Fish and Trillium Cafe & Inn gets rave reviews for fresh seafood. Though try Mendocino Cafe if you love Thai-inspired dishes. Drew Family Cellars, Handley Cellars Winery, and Roederer Estate are just a short drive from Mendocino’s coast.
Orchids and Danish pastries in Santa Barbara and Solvang
Solvang and Santa Barbara make a dynamic duo for a weekend getaway. Capture panoramic views of the Santa Ynez Mountains when you hike the Seven Falls or Inspiration Point areas. Then head into Solvang, the quaint village at the base of the peaks, to wander the picturesque shopfronts and sample some authentic Danish food at local restaurants.
Santa Barbara boasts a plethora of wine-tasting shops, boutiques, and cafes, as well as art galleries. The Santa Barbara Zoo and the Santa Barbara Orchid Estate offer rewarding experiences for nature lovers.
Lodging
If overnighting in Solvang, Hotel Corque is a good mid-range option for those with a moderate budget, though Solvang Gardens Lodge proves a more frugal option. For a more luxurious setting, check out the Victorian Mansion at Los Alamos.
If you’re staying closer to Santa Barbara, check out Sandpiper Lodge or the Holiday Inn Express. Hotel Milo Santa Barbara, Brisas del Mar, and Hideaway Santa Barbara include free breakast while offering guests a more lavish setting.
Dining
Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery, Paula’s Pancake House, and Bit O’ Denmark are popular places to grab some tasty grub in Solvang. If you’re dining in Santa Barbara, Toma Restaurant & Bar offers a view of the harbor as well as a diverse wine list. You can also head to Loquita Santa Barbara for tapas and cocktails, or Mesa Verde Restaurant for Vegan fare.
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News Sources: The Mercury News, Ordinary Traveler, Yosemite, Mendocino Music Festival
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