When the need for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life hits, an off-the-beaten-path weekend getaway in California might be just what you need.
The California Central Coast is full of charming towns, hidden-gem wine destinations, breathtaking outdoor spaces and delicious food. It can be hard to know where to start with so many options, which is why we’ve rounded up a few of the top weekend trips in California for the perfect reset.
All of these towns are located within Santa Maria Valley, so whether you’re looking for a boutique hotel, needing pet-friendly accommodations or using up points with a national brand, there are plenty of accommodations just a short drive away from your destination.
1. Santa Maria
We might be biased, but our top pick is Santa Maria. What makes Santa Maria the best destination for a weekend trip in California? For starters, this town, located within Santa Maria Valley,
offers the best weekend getaway California could offer—from award-winning wine, to outdoor adventure and authentic Santa Maria Style barbecue—without the crowds or sky-high prices.
Centrally-located and with close proximity to Orcutt, Guadalupe and other towns within Santa Maria Valley, Santa Maria is a great choice for families looking for an affordable stay with adventure nearby.
Here are some of our top picks for things to do on a weekend getaway:
- Taste authentic Santa Maria Style barbecue at The Swiss
- Swirl local wine at Costa de Oro Winery
- Play a round at the Rancho Maria Golf Course
Where to Stay:
Santa Maria is the most affordable location to stay in on the Central Coast without sacrificing luxury or exciting experiences. In fact, we rounded up the top seven hotels in Santa Maria that are all under $100 a night!
- Buckboard Motel
- Colonial Motel
- Days Inn
- Motel 6
- Motel 6 South
- Solaire Inn & Suites
- Town & Country Inn
2. Orcutt
Right in the heart of Santa Maria Valley is Old Town Orcutt. With five tasting rooms, bespoke boutiques and year-round community events, this walkable small town is Santa Maria Valley’s cultural hub, making it a perfect destination for a weekend getaway in California.
If you’re stopping in Orcutt, check out these must-visit spots to sip, shop and savor:
- Try Santa Maria Style steak and eggs—a local favorite—at Kay’s Country Kitchen
- Cheers to an awesome trip with local beer at Naughty Oak Brewing Co.
- Shop second-hand vintage pieces at Deja Vu Antiques
Where to Stay
- Wine Stone Inn: A beautiful 12-room boutique hotel, featuring extras like spa amenities, welcome snacks, bathrobes and more!
3. Guadalupe
For travelers looking to get outdoors during their weekend getaway in California, Guadalupe is the place to be. This small city, located right at the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 66, is best known for its incredible outdoor spaces. The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes are the largest intact coastal dune ecosystem on Earth, a site truly out-of-this-world.
Our Guadalupe picks for a weekend trip in California are: 
- Play bocce ball and sip curated wine and beer at Guadalupe Social Club
- Ride ATVs at the Rancho-Guadalupe Dunes Preserve
- Take a look at artifacts from Cecil B. DeMille’s 1923 classic, The Ten Commandments, at the Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes Center
4. Nipomo
Near Highway 101 is the town of Nipomo. This charming town is home to local-favorite restaurants and distinct attractions for fun-loving knowledge-seekers, with close proximity to the uncrowded beaches Santa Maria Valley is known for. It has a rich agricultural heritage, known for its strawberry fields and lush vineyards. Nipomo is definitely a must-see hidden gem on a weekend trip in California.
During a weekend getaway in Nipomo, don’t miss these stops:
- Learn about the California Central Coast’s rich history at the DANA Adobe and Cultural Center
- Pick your very own luffa sponge at the The Luffa Farm, one of the only existing luffa farms left in the United States
- Dine at one of the area’s beloved Californian-Mexican fusion restaurants, Beso Cocina
5. Los Alamos
Wine lovers, this one is for you. Los Alamos, known for its fun Old West charm, is close to the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, a 30-mile stretch of road that encompasses 16 wineries running between Los Olivos and Santa Maria.
If a weekend trip to Los Alamos is in your future, add these places to your itinerary:
- Start your day with coffee and an artisan treat at Bob’s Well Bread
- Sip on local wine at Dovecote Estate Winery
- Go all-out with dinner at Bell’s Los Alamos, a Michelin-star French restaurant
Ready to recharge with a weekend getaway in California?
Santa Maria Valley makes the perfect home base for a weekend trip in California focused on exploring the Central Coast; with 30 wineries, 24 hiking trails and 15 beaches within a 30-minute drive, visitors get more adventure for less, with a wide variety of affordable accommodations to boot. Your weekend retreat is waiting—plan your trip today.
