The best kind of mom getaway offers a chance to relax and rejuvenate. Whatever your vacation style, these fun girls trip locations are close to LA and all give moms a much-needed break
You’re an amazing mother who deserves a weekend of lounging around the pool, drinking wine by the fire, spa treatments and great conversations with your girlfriends. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to pack your bags, climb into your minivans, start your favorite playlist and exchange that mental load you’ve been carrying around for a few luxurious days of leisure, self-indulgence, and peace of mind.
These girl trip ideas include stylish places to stay, palatable provisions, and entertaining pursuits guaranteeing the ultimate moms’ weekend. And of course, we know time is precious so we picked spots that would maximize your time, whether you have a day, two or even a few more to spare. And lucky for us, some of the best girls trip destinations in the country are located within four driving hours from DTLA (traffic notwithstanding—we’re moms, not magicians).
Girls Trip Under 30 Minutes from Los Angeles
Malibu Beach Inn: Just off PCH is the luxe Malibu Beach Inn where you can enjoy private beach access to Billionaire’s Beach. Yep, you get sand just outside your door, and the ocean, is just a few more steps away. The insta-worthy views from every single one of the 47 rooms—from standard to suites—are transcendent. Everything about this hotel—the Italian linens on the beds, the minimalist furnishings, the self-warming toilet seat (!), and fresh cookies at check-in—scream sumptuous luxury.
The deluxe oceanfront spa, The Cure, is a magical place to get treatments. Stressed out moms need only indulge in Reiki, Hydrafacials, and some thirst-quenching IV Therapy to find relief. The medically-trained staff can also help diminish those frown lines and crow’s feet if you want because, well… there’s a cure for everything!
The thing we love about Malibu is how this California coastal enclave can go from laid-back beach-y fab to high-end impressive in a snap. You’ll find a mix of low-key boutiques carrying top-of-the-line fashion, fancy sushi dinners at Nobu or lively Greek music and eats with belly dancers at Taverna Tony. It’s true what they say, “Malibu makes your soul relax.”
22878 E Pacific Coast Hwy.
Malibu
Online: malibubeachinn.com
Related: Bookmark Our Guide to Malibu with Kids When You Head Here with the Family
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows: This luxury beachfront resort has it all, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, love to spend your days lounging by the pool, enjoy world-class shopping or love the nightlife and world-class foodie scene. And located in the thriving downtown area of Santa Monica, you’re within walking distance to all of it.
The bungalows have played host to movie stars like Marilyn Monroe, Jimmy Stewart, JFK—as well as Greta Garbo—a notorious introvert who loved her solitude, and lived in one of the bungalows for more than four years. You’ll quickly understand and appreciate the privacy these rooms provide. Don’t miss out on a GLOW body scrub or foaming enzyme facial at Exhale Spa. And if you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, you can easily venture out to the 3rd Street Promenade.
Dining options are abundant, but we recommend the onsite dining spot, Fig Restaurant. Seasonally inspired dishes harvested from the local Farmers’ Markets result in the freshest, good-for-you cuisine. Other favorites for a moms’ night out on the town would be the elevated Italian restaurant Elephante or the upscale French-Asian restaurant, Cassia. After dinner, stop by The Bungalow, an indoor/outdoor bar and lounge for drinks, bar bites, billiards and a fun people-watching scene.
101 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica
Online: fairmont.com/santa-monica
Fun Girls Trip Ideas under 2 Hours from Los Angeles
Two Bunch Palms: Here you can rejuvenate your mind and body, nurture friendships, pamper yourself and rediscover your long-lost passions. Two Bunch Palms in Palm Desert has a stylish, modern vibe decorated with luxury and wellness in mind. The best part? You have to leave the kids at home because this hotel is just for guests 18 years and older.
You can literally spend the day lounging at the spa, soaking in the natural 100-degree hot springs. Or balance your chi with complimentary classes in the yoga dome. Smash out all your stresses on the tennis courts or try your hand at everything from natural indigo dyeing to hand-thrown ceramics. Shared communal areas are the perfect place to reconnect with your mom tribe or have a heart-to-heart on one of the intimate outdoor patios of your suite.
67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail
Desert Hot Springs
Online: twobunchpalms.com
Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa: This low-key mom’s getaway is one of the best-kept secrets in Southern California. The picturesque setting is swoon-worthy, and no matter the time of year, there’s something about being lakeside that’ll make you feel refreshed and calm.
If you can swing it, request a room with a view of the lake and a balcony—it’s the perfect place to read a book and toast with your best girl friends. Spoil yourself with a warm stone muscle melt and an oil scalp massage from The Spa of the Pines—one of the best massages our editor’s have ever had. The property also has a private beach where you can rent a kayak or SUP and go out onto the lake, a bonus because this lake is private and typically only accessible to members.
Bin 189, located on site, serves hearty American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a patio overlooking the lake and mountains. There’s really no need to leave the resort, but if you’re feeling the urge to explore—take a short walk to the village just around the corner. You’ll find several lively restaurants, shops and a grocery store.
If you’re a first-time visitor, check out our guide to spending the weekend in Lake Arrowhead. For some kitschy fun, hop aboard the Arrowhead Queen for a one-hour narrated boat tour of the lake where you’ll see close-up views of Lake Arrowheads’ stately homes and learn about the history (and gossip) of this refined mountain-living community. Finally, satisfy your sweet tooth at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for gourmet caramel apples and handmade fudge.
27984 Highway 189
Lake Arrowhead
Online: lakearrowheadresort.com
Related: Bookmark Our Guide to Lake Arrowhead When You Head Here with Kids
Bellanca Hotel Avalon: Just 26 miles across the Pacific—and a quick hour-long boat ride aboard the Catalina Express—is a worthwhile island getaway and a not-so-secret celebrity playground. Bring your mom best girlfriends here, and you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to the Italian Riviera.
Avalon’s oceanfront Bellanca Hotel is centrally located to all the fun things to do on Catalina. Catch some rays atop the rooftop terrace and gaze down at the quaint town and port full of yachts. Complimentary bikes will take you everywhere, from the Wrigley Mansion to the stunning art deco theatre hidden inside Catalina’s Casino.
Shops and restaurants are within easy walking distance, as is the Descanso Beach Club home to Catalina’s only beachside restaurant and bar and one of the last private beaches in California open to the public. It’s also one of the few places where you can legally have a drink in your hand and your feet in the sand…at the same time. In addition to water sports, the island is also known for rock climbing, ziplining, and four-wheel drive excursions into the untouched interior to see bison, leftover from a 1924 movie.
Hit up The Naughty Fox restaurant in the hotel—Catalina’s newest hotspot for dining and lounging. Top menu picks include lobster BLTs, Frito Misto and Ahi Poke Nachos.
111 Crescent Ave.
Avalon
Online: bellancahotel.com
Ojai Valley Inn: Surrounded by the scenic Sulphur and Topatopa mountains, this memory-making mom getaway to Ojai is just 90 minutes away from LA. Health-conscious and spiritually-focused moms will find peace, contentment and gratitude here, add to that an award-winning Spa called the Spa Ojai, tennis courts and a championship golf course, it’s no wonder the Ojai Valley Inn is referred to as ‘Shangri-LA.’
While families love splashing around in the family-friendly Pixie Pool, for Moms on vacation—sans kids—you can peacefully enjoy the Indigo Pool. This adults-only pool is a luxury experience with a full bar and dainty morsels like ceviche, sliced fruit and crudité plates. Four other notable restaurants on the property feature delectable dishes made from locally grown ingredients.
For some fun, shop in town for art, fun gifts and home products. Bibliophile moms should check out Bart’s Books, the world’s most fantastic outdoor bookstore offering over 130,000 second hand books to choose from. Most importantly, though, do not miss what locals call the “pink moment”—a daily phenomenon where the sky takes on a soft, pinkish glow at dusk.
905 Country Club Rd.
Ojai
Online: ojaivalleyinn.com
Skyview Los Alamos: This 1950’s roadside lodge turned mid-century modern luxury boutique motel is just off the 101 Freeway on a hilltop with views of the Santa Ynez Wine Country. Road-trippin’ moms can park and forget about the car all weekend long because everything is within walking distance from the rustic chic hotel. The fully-renovated rooms come with down duvets for chilly nights.
Borrow one of the Linus Bikes and ride down the hill to Bell St., the old-west-style town. Basically, Los Alamos is seven blocks dominated by restaurants, tasting rooms and art galleries. For dinner, dine at Norman Restaurant and Bar which serves California fare with nods to the town’s country roots. Foodie moms will love the charcuterie board with apricot and goat cheese crostini, the achiote chicken, Wagyu striploin, and the cornbread pudding.
Relax and refresh after dinner at the 21-and-over heated swimming pool or chill out with one of the vineyard wines on an adirondack chair by the fire pits.
9150 US-101
Los Alamos
Online: skyviewlosalamos.com
Santa Barbara Funk Zone: With a Mediterranean-like climate and spectacular beaches, Santa Barbara is known as the American Riviera. If you’ve got a group full of really fun women who are always up for a good time, one of the best girl’s trip ideas is planning a trip to Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone—an area full of arts, culture, wineries, restaurants, and shopping.
The Funk Zone has a unique history and is one of the “funkiest” areas to explore with mom friends. Extending from State St. and Garden St. to Montecito St. and Cabrillo Blvd., we recommended staying at a hotel right in the middle of the action. Spots include: Hotel Californian, Riviera Beach House, The Waterman, Hotel Milo, Kimpton Canary, Palihouse, Hotel MIlo and the Haley Hotel. Just a short walk away from any of these accommodations is the most eclectic mix of artist galleries that used to be old warehouses. You’ll also find breweries dotted along the way.
Farm-to-table restaurants like Finch & Fork or The Lark offer fresh, seasonal fare and a local vibe. You’ll be right in the middle of Santa Barbara’s most happening area with your ride-and-die moms, so grab a glass of wine from the Santa Barbara Winery—no kids allowed—and then explore all this bustling area has to offer.
Good to Know: Leave the car at home! You can take the train from LA’s Union Station to Santa Barbara. The Pacific Surfliner route offers daily round-trip service from either Los Angeles or San Diego to Santa Barbara. And once you get there, the station is just a 4-minute walk (0.2 miles) to the Funk Zone.
Online: santabarbaraca.com
Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa: Time-deprived moms who want a quick getaway need the Glen Ivy Spa. You’ll love the body moisturizing spa treatments, hydro massages, 17 wellness pools and the “Grotto” experience at this one-of-a-kind day-spa. It’s a wellness destination where moms can get away from it all—without the sounds of those lovely kids we hold so near and dear—even if only just for the day. Grab a glass of champagne from the Paradise bar and have the “spa day” of your life.
Get ready to dip yourself into various 104-degree, sulfur-rich, geothermal springs—an not just for show, they provide a number of therapeutic effects. Expect to ease tight muscles and joints, calm inflammation in the body, boost blood flow and flush out toxins.
The therapeutic red clay mineral baths, affectionately known as “Club Mud” are said to have healing properties as well. It’s not a fountain of youth, but immerse yourself into the mud and you’ll feel like a playful kid again.
Your day will not be complete without a visit to the Grotto. Descend into a subterranean cave where you’ll be painted neck-to-toe with a warm aloe vera, coconut oil, eucalyptus, shea butter and lavender masque. Then, warm your body in the gently heated cavern where the silky formula soaks further into your skin. When you’re ready, step into the next room to rinse off under a cascading waterfall before moving into the final, cooler grotto to relax with tea, water, and fruit. In a word, heavenly!
Glen Ivy sources organic and locally grown ingredients whenever possible, sometimes harvested from trees that grow right on the property. Fruit for your orange and grapefruit juices or avocados are used daily. Because wellness is what Glen Ivy is all about, they offer a variety or vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as gluten-free. Our recommends? Start your day in the Goco Café with a Matcha and finish off at The Chill Zone. There you’ll find a variety of fresh pressed juices, delicious popsicles, real fruit smoothies, and even homemade empanadas.
25000 Glen Ivy Rd.
Corona
Online: glenivy.com
After a day at Glen Ivy Hot Springs, you could be too tired to drive home, so booking an Airbnb might be a way to continue the party through the weekend. There are several great Airbnbs near Corona, CA.
Rancho Santa Fe: The coastal community of Rancho Santa Fe is one of the most expensive and exclusive communities in San Diego County. If you’re a mom who prefers the country club over the PTA, then this resort-style living, rural enclave in the hills is right up your fairway. While there are so many beautiful hotels in Rancho Santa Fe, sometimes with a big group, it’s more fun to rent a house.
Plan a reunion with up to 16 of your best high school buds, sorority sisters or play the consummate party host for just the girls when that decade birthday comes around. We love this private, five-acre resort ranch with 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a driveway big enough to park 10 cars and an abundance of amenities. Moms will love the massive pool, jacuzzi, basketball court, mini golf course and in-ground trampoline. And for the competitive set, there are lawn games like corn hole, bocce ball and horseshoe. The palapa for outdoor meals includes mini fridge, sink, grill and stove. Catch up on life at the outdoor fireplace with cocktails in hand. You’ll enjoy every minute of this home away from home.
Sleeps: 16
Price: $1135/night
Online: airbnb.com
Fun Girls Trip Locations under 3 Hours from Los Angeles
Cuyama Buckhorn: The Hidden Valley of Enchantment is the perfect place for passionate, creative moms who relish the idea of being one with nature. Take the uber-scenic Route 33 to get to this former booming oil town at the four corners of four counties. You can even charge your electric vehicles upon arrival.
Cuyama Buckhorn is a laid-back, mid-century meets western-style, fully-renovated motel with modern amenities. Not only is this an artists community, but loads of adventures for nature-loving moms. Visit the Bitter Creek Wildlife Refuge to see endangered California Condors as they roost and forage. In the spring, catch the wildflower superbloom at Carrizo Plain National Monument. Hike to the salt flats, check out the historic cave paintings and the San Andreas fault. ATV through Ballinger Canyon. Mountain bike or hike through Los Padres National Forest. Stargaze at Mt. Pinos. One minute you could be wine-tasting at Sagebrush Annie’s or attending the Fall Food & Wine Festival, and the next minute you could be line dancing at a Chuckwagon BBQ. There’s so much to do on a girls trip to Cuyama.
4923 Primero St
New Cuyama
Online: cuyamabuckhorn.com
Best Place for Girls Trip under 4 Hours from Los Angeles
Carter Estate Winery and Resort: The Carter Estate Winery and Resort in Temecula is the ideal place to spend quality mom ‘me-time’ with friends. The bungalows and suites all have king-sized beds, so you won’t find any families around the property to induce FOMO mom-guilt. Instead, savor every sip of their award-winning sparkling wines on your private patio overlooking the vineyards.
Tempt your palates with a variety of wines from only the best varietals in the Carter Estate wine tasting room at the resort. For curious moms who’d love wine-tasting all of Temecula’s incredible wines, borrow some bikes from the hotel and explore wine country at your own pace or “wine’d” down at the Grapeseed Spa, just up the road at the South Coast Winery Resort & Spa.
34450 Rancho California Rd.
Temecula
Online: carterestatewinery.com
