Known for its iconic Hollywood sign and as the entertainment capital, Los Angeles offers plenty to keep you busy. However, sometimes it’s nice to experience something different. Why not rent a campervan and take a weekend trip to some fantastic areas just a few hours away, like Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, or even Catalina Island? In this article, we’ll give you some travel destinations that you can comfortably fit into a weekend. Let’s take a look…
1.  Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a great place to travel to for a weekend. While it may have a similar urban touch to it as LA, you don’t come here for that. You come here for the rich history, the amazing restaurants, and the best part, the beaches. The main beaches of Santa Barbara are uniquely positioned between the mountains, making it the perfect beach to enjoy with the family. A visit to Santa Barbara will also undoubtedly lead you through State Street, where all the boutiques, restaurants, and wine-tasting rooms are positioned. Take a stroll down the street and try out a few places. This will give you a fuller experience of the town.
2.  Catalina Islands
If you are looking for a touch of the Island style, visiting the Catalina Islands will give you a trip to remember. Experience your own touch of Greece in the US by taking a ferry over to the islands. This relaxing, historic beach town offers the perfect combination of activities. From hiking to tanning by the beach, you’ll use your weekend well by staying here.
You’ll find Avalon on one side of the island, which is an area that’s completely walkable and has something for everyone. As you stroll along or cruise with a golf cart, you can stop over at cafes, restaurants, and boutique stores and maybe grab a trinket or two to remember your trip. If you’re looking for something more action-packed, you could go zip lining or hire a jeep tour. Basically, if you’re looking for a weekend getaway with multiple activities to do, the Catalina Islands would be your best bet.
3.  Big Bear
Maybe you’re more interested in a mountain adventure, so a trip to Bear Mountain would be a good idea. While Bear Mountain might not be as high as the Alps, it certainly will get your head closer to the clouds if that’s what you’re looking for. Bear Mountain is a paradise for the outdoor adventurer. In winter, you can hit the slopes snowboarding, tubing or skiing, and in summer, you can enjoy a challenging hike or go mountain biking. It’s an all-year paradise. For those who are more into water sports, kayaking or fishing could be an option, too. Get away from the city life for a bit and park your camper on the edge of a lake, waking up to a beautiful view every morning. Trust us; it’ll rejuvenate your soul.
4.  Joshua Tree
If you’re looking for something unique, then you have to visit Joshua Tree. In fact, this is something that we’d encourage everyone to check out. This national park stands out among others for its unique landscape. It’s got gnarled namesake trees with huge boulders scattered everywhere. It’s a great place to hike, go for a run, mountain bike, or just take a leisurely stroll with a bunch of mates. It is also not too far from LA, and it is only a three-hour drive.
5.  Ojai
Every state has that one town known as the place for the hippies. Ours is Ojai. While it has this stereotype, Ojai offers its visitors a beautiful, lush landscape with citrus plantations, grapes, and olives growing throughout the area. It’s also a prime spot to try out some local wines, with vineyards offering you their own unique wines to taste. Just north of the town is the Los Padres National Forest if you’re up for a hike, too.
6.  San Diego
Finally, you could hop on over to San Diego. Known for its beaches, San Diego offers a similar experience to LA but with a different flavour. You could use your weekend to relax, taking a stroll along the shoreline at Torrey Pines State Beach, or you could sink your feet into the sand at Coronado. Maybe you’re looking for a lovely place to dine, give Little Italy a try. Depending on road conditions and traffic, this trip will take you between two to three hours to complete.
Final Thoughts
Hoping in a van and going on an adventure used to be something you’d see in the movies or in a YouTube clip from an influencer. Nowadays, you can experience it for yourself by setting a destination, renting a campervan, and going on your own adventure. So, what are you waiting for, check out the best deals on campervan rental in LA and make your trip a reality.