Looking for a getaway close to home? We’ve got three great options that feel far away, but aren’t.
Dana Point Harbor
Just 59 miles south of L.A., Dana Point Harbor is the perfect beachside destination to celebrate Thanksgiving with shopping specials, waterfront dining and entertainment for the whole family.
Take a whale-watching excursion with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, shop at Killer Dana Surf Shop for surfing and beach essentials and create a festive work of art with Still Life Ceramics, offering a variety of holiday classes and workshops for all skill levels
For more information about Dana Point Harbor, visit danapointharbor.com.
L.A.’s ‘big backyard’
If you’re looking for some place to take your family that’s safe, doesn’t involve a plane, a train or endless hours in the car, but still feels miles away from home, your perfect escape might be San Bernardino County’s wide-open spaces, from the mountains to the deserts. Not only is it the nation’s largest county – spanning more than 20,000 square miles with expansive natural wonders stretching from the Mojave Basin to the alpine peaks of Mt. Baldy, Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead – part of it is just an hour’s drive from Los Angeles.
Known as L.A.’s “big backyard,” San Bernardino County is rife with options, from horseback riding and hiking to snow play, to keep the whole family entertained without the risks posed by indoor activity centers, crowded amusement parks and jam-packed beaches. Over the summer, the county launched its #RecreateResponsibly campaign, hoping to lure visitors looking for an overnight or weekend getaway with a broad range of options that enable social distancing, from single-family vacation rentals to stand-alone cabins to national hotel chains that have implemented strict wellness protocols. Travelers can book most options on the county’s tourism website.
New in Palm Springs
Here’s something that might draw you back out to Palm Springs: the new resort, Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs.
The first of its kind on the West Coast, Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs is a dreamy family getaway. The weather is cooler in Palm Springs this time of year, but the sun still shines bright across the desert so you’re not hiding out in your hotel’s air-conditioned room. The new hotel, taking the place of the Riviera Palm Springs after a full redesign and transformation, has 398 rooms, multiple Margaritaville-inspired dining options with indoor and outdoor seating and all-new family-oriented programming.
Just minutes from downtown Palm Springs, the resort is nestled within a picturesque 16 acres, with sweeping views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs includes:
- Large, family-friendly guest rooms
- St. Somewhere Spa: the largest resort spa in Palm Springs
- Two pools and several tiki-inspired cabanas
- Live music and entertainment
