We are Shreeyeh and Kiran! California travel pros who’ve been living in the San Francisco Bay Area since 2020. We've explored over 60 destinations in California, including 8 national and 15+ state parks.
Best California Getaways to Plan This Summer
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California is such a fun place to explore in the summer because every trip can feel totally different. One weekend, you could be kayaking on a lake. The next weekend, you could be walking through redwoods, relaxing by the beach, or visiting a cute wine country town. That’s one of my favorite things about living here. There is always somewhere new to go. So if you’re trying to plan a summer trip in California but don’t know where to start, here are a few getaway ideas I’d recommend. 1. Lake TahoeLake Tahoe is one of the best summer getaways in California if you want mountain views, clear blue water, and lots of time outside. You can spend your trip relaxing by the lake, walking easy trails, kayaking, paddle boarding, or visiting beaches like Sand Harbor, Kings Beach, or Pope Beach. It’s also a great place if you want a trip that feels outdoorsy but still has restaurants, hotels, and scenic drives nearby. 2. Napa ValleyNapa Valley is always a classic California getaway, but it feels extra pretty in the summer with vineyard views, warm evenings, and outdoor dining. Even if you’re not planning a wine-focused trip, Napa can still be a great weekend escape. You can visit towns like Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga, stop by bakeries and restaurants, take scenic drives, and enjoy a slower weekend. If it’s your first time visiting Napa, it can feel a little overwhelming because there are so many wineries, restaurants, and towns to choose from. That’s one of the reasons I created my Napa Valley Insider Map, to help make planning easier. 3. Monterey, Carmel, and Big SurIf you want a coastal trip, Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur are hard to beat. This area is perfect for ocean views, beach walks, scenic drives, and charming small-town stops. You can visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, walk around Cannery Row, explore Carmel-by-the-Sea, and drive along the coast toward Big Sur. I’d recommend this trip if you want something scenic, relaxing, and a little romantic. 4. Santa Cruz and CapitolaSanta Cruz and Capitola are great if you want a chill beach getaway. Santa Cruz has the boardwalk, beaches, surf culture, and redwoods nearby. Capitola has colorful waterfront buildings, cute shops, and a more relaxed coastal feel. Together, they make a really fun weekend trip. 5. Sonoma County and GuernevilleSonoma County is a beautiful summer getaway if you want wine country, redwoods, small towns, and river time all in one trip. Guerneville is a great option if you want something more laid-back. You can visit Armstrong Redwoods, explore the Russian River area, stop by nearby towns, and enjoy a quieter side of Northern California. Compared to Napa, Sonoma can feel more relaxed and spread out. I’d recommend it if you want a slower weekend. 6. Mammoth LakesMammoth Lakes is a great summer mountain getaway. A lot of people think of Mammoth as a winter destination, but summer is beautiful here too. You can explore lakes, hiking trails, mountain views, hot springs, and scenic drives. It’s a great option if you want cooler weather and a trip that feels different from the coast or wine country. I’d recommend Mammoth if you love nature and don’t mind a longer drive. 7. San DiegoSan Diego is a great summer trip if you want beaches, good food, fun neighborhoods, and family-friendly things to do. You can spend time in La Jolla, Coronado, Balboa Park, Old Town, or one of the many beaches. San Diego works well for couples, families, friend trips, and longer California vacations. California has so many fun summer getaway options that the hardest part is usually choosing where to go first. My best advice is to start by picking the type of trip you want. Do you want a lake trip, beach trip, wine country weekend, mountain escape, small-town getaway, or city trip? Once you know the vibe you’re looking for, it becomes much easier to choose the right destination. I share California travel ideas like this regularly, including weekend getaways, seasonal things to do, road trip ideas, hidden gems, and itinerary tips. Subscribe to Bae Area and Beyond to get more California trip ideas in your inbox. |
Bae Area And Beyond
We are Shreeyeh and Kiran! California travel pros who’ve been living in the San Francisco Bay Area since 2020. We've explored over 60 destinations in California, including 8 national and 15+ state parks.
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