Top 3 Weekend Getaways from San Diego (Perfect for Any Holiday Weekend)

My Top 3 Weekend Getaways from San Diego

If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that traveling is one of my ultimate stress reducers. Even planning a trip feels therapeutic. Honestly, if I had more free time, I’d happily volunteer as a travel agent for my friends and family.

When a long vacation isn’t in the cards, a holiday weekend getaway is my favorite way to reset. Anytime an extra Monday off pops up, it feels like the perfect excuse to escape — even if only for a few days.

This weekend, my family is heading south to my husband’s family’s longtime vacation spot: Puertecitos. It’s a small fishing village about an hour south of San Felipe on the east coast of Baja. The best way to describe it is glorified camping. Our days are spent splashing in the water, reading books, playing highly competitive family games of UNO, and fishing off the boat ramp. Nights are for BBQs, roasting marshmallows, and sleeping under the stars. With limited electricity and very few people around, it’s far from glamorous — but it’s exactly the kind of place that helps you truly unwind.

When we’re not camping in Baja or planning bigger family trips, I’m inevitably dreaming about a quick weekend away. One of the biggest perks of living in Coronado is how easy it is to disappear for 48–72 hours and land somewhere that feels completely different. Whether you’re craving wine country, desert sunshine, or a cozy mountain escape, there are incredible destinations within driving distance of San Diego that are perfect for a long holiday weekend.

Below are my three tried-and-true weekend getaways from San Diego — places that feel special but doable, whether you’re planning an upcoming holiday weekend or saving the idea for the next time you need a reset.

🍷 Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico

(Approx. 3 hours from Coronado)

If you’re looking for a long weekend that truly feels a world away, Valle de Guadalupe is my choice every time.

Often compared to Napa — but with a more relaxed, design-forward vibe — this Baja wine region is known for incredible food, boutique wineries, and stylish stays tucked into the hills. Early spring and fall are especially great times to visit, with cool mornings, warm afternoons, and fewer crowds than peak summer.

Valle de Guadalupe works so well for a long weekend because it’s just far enough away to feel like a true escape without long travel days. The pace is unhurried, the balance of activity and rest feels effortless, and the combination of food, wine, and views is hard to beat.

When it comes to wine tasting, I gravitate toward small, family-owned wineries with great ambiance, rather than larger, more commercial tasting rooms. A few that I always enjoy are Finca La Carrodilla, Vinos Lechuza, Vena Cava, and Corona del Valle — which is also a great option for families thanks to its soccer field and playground.

Photo: Our family at Lechuza Winery this past Summer - this was an impromptu day trip!

One tip I always share: ask for local recommendations when you’re at wineries or restaurants. My parents and I stumbled upon an incredible winery in 2018 thanks to a server’s suggestion — and I still regret not writing the name down. I’ve been trying to track it down ever since.

Valle’s food scene is just as memorable as the wine. Finca Altozano is a must, especially for lunch, with its relaxed alfresco vibe, on-site organic farm, and animals roaming nearby. For dinner, Deckman’s en el Mogor remains our go-to. Dining outdoors among the grapevines with an open-flame grill is the perfect way to end a day in the valley. If you’re looking for something quick but still excellent, the Adobe Guadalupe food truck never disappoints.

Photo: Me, my husband Brett, and my parents Dave and Sue at Deckmans in 2018.

For accommodations, Encuentro Guadalupe has been a favorite of mine since discovering it in 2017. Set into the hillside overlooking the valley, this eco-luxury hotel features modern, elevated cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows, an infinity-edge pool and spa, and an on-site restaurant — making it easy to settle in and fully relax.

Photo: Our first trip to Encuentro Guadalupe in 2017

Photo: The Cabins at Encuentro Guadalupe

If you plan to do wine tastings, I highly recommend hiring a driver. There are plenty of great options, and it’s so relaxing to know transportation is handled. Many drivers can even pick you up at the border if you’re visiting for the day, so you don’t have to drive in Mexico at all. On your way down or back, it’s worth stopping along the coast for Puerto Nuevo–style lobster. Capitan’s is our favorite, but Ortega’s right on the water is also delicious. If you’d rather stop outside of Puerto Nuevo, Splash or the newer Encanto next door are great alternatives.

🌴 La Quinta, California

(Approx. 3 hours from Coronado)

If you’re looking to do less, La Quinta is the answer.

The Palm Springs area is a classic for a reason, and winter holiday weekends are prime season. With warm desert days and cool evenings, it’s the perfect excuse to trade the ocean breeze for a pool chair and slow everything down.

Think peaceful resort mornings, long lunches overlooking the mountains, world-class golf, spa afternoons, and golden desert light that instantly resets your mood. It’s all the best parts of Palm Springs energy, but with a quieter, more relaxed feel that’s ideal for a restorative long weekend.

The best time to visit is October through May. Be sure to avoid festival weekends unless you plan to attend, as crowds and prices tend to spike during those times.

La Quinta works beautifully for a long weekend thanks to the easy drive, consistent winter sunshine, and excellent hotel and vacation rental options. Golf lovers will appreciate the number of incredible courses in the area. My husband Brett’s favorite is Nicklaus Private at PGA West (you’ll need a member to join you), or the Stadium Course at PGA West is perfect when he’s looking for a challenge (fun fact: it’s where The American Express tournament is played).

Photo: Full disclosure, golf has never been my strength, but I humor Brett on occasion. This was back in 2014 at PGA West.

Beyond golf, La Quinta is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace. Find a pool chair, plan one activity per day, and leave space for nothing at all.

For dining, Lavender’s Bistro is the perfect romantic dinner spot, Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill is a family-friendly favorite with plenty of TVs for sports, and Ernie’s Bar & Grill is ideal for a low-key post-golf bite.

Photo: Poppy and Jack on their first Valentines "date" in La Quinta

Photo: Brett and I at Lavenders Bistro in 2016

Our favorite place to stay is La Quinta Resort & Club for its laid-back, classic desert vibe. Otherwise, we book an Airbnb in PGA West, always looking for a pool with a Baja ledge and jacuzzi, plus golf course and mountain views.

🌲 Big Bear Lake, California

(Approx. 3.5 hours from Coronado)

When you want to completely change the scenery, Big Bear delivers. Fresh mountain air, pine trees, and quiet mornings make it feel worlds away from the coast, especially in winter.

Holiday weekends in winter often bring crisp weather — and in some years, snow — making Big Bear an ideal choice for a cozy cabin escape. Even without snow, the slower pace alone is worth the drive.  

Photo: Sledding with Milly in Big Bear

Big Bear works well for a long weekend because it truly feels like a reset. It’s easy to unplug, and the experience can be tailored to be as adventurous or low-key as you want. In winter, renting a cabin with a fireplace is the move. Spend mornings walking through the village or forest trails, and evenings cooking, reading, and resting.

For food, Tropicali is a must — Hawaiian food in the Southern California mountains sounds unexpected, but there’s a reason it’s consistently ranked as one of the top poke spots in the country. Oakside is my family’s go-to for cozy comfort food with a mountain vibe, especially nice when the patio is open. For breakfast, Moonridge Coffee Co. is excellent — just be sure to get there early and expect a line on weekends.

When it comes to where to stay, vacation rentals are the way to go. In summer, Boulder Bay is ideal for being close to the water. In winter, Upper Moonridge offers that true mountain feel. I recommend avoiding large vacation rental management companies when possible and opting for owners with excellent reviews on Airbnb or VRBO. And if you can figure out how to book direct with the owner, you can save a TON in fees! A jacuzzi and fireplace are non-negotiables for me.

How to Choose the Right Getaway

If you’re craving food, wine, and something different, Valle de Guadalupe is hard to beat.
If sunshine and relaxation are calling your name, La Quinta is the answer.
If quiet, nature, and cozy vibes sound like the reset you need, Big Bear delivers.

All three are ideal for a holiday weekend getaway from San Diego, require no flights, and make the most of having an extra day off.

Long weekends don’t need big plans — just the right destination. Whether you head south into Baja, east into the desert, or up into the mountains, these getaways prove that a real reset is closer than you think.

Frequently Asked Questions About Weekend Getaways from San Diego

What are the best weekend getaways from San Diego?
Some of the best weekend getaways from San Diego are destinations that feel like a true escape without requiring a flight. Valle de Guadalupe, La Quinta, and Big Bear Lake are all within driving distance and offer very different experiences — from wine country and desert relaxation to cozy mountain retreats — making them ideal for a long holiday weekend.

How far should you travel for a long weekend getaway?
For a long weekend or holiday weekend, destinations within 2–4 hours of San Diego tend to work best. This keeps travel time manageable while still allowing you to fully relax and enjoy your destination.

Are these weekend getaways good year-round?
Yes and No. Valle de Guadalupe and La Quinta are best from spring to fall because Summers can get hot! Big Bear Lake works year-round — whether you’re visiting for summer lake days or winter mountain vibes.