Last road trip in SoCal

Question

I live in Burbank and sadly need to move back to the East Coast. I’m looking for a brief solo trip (not necessarily by car) that isn’t going to cost a fortune but will give me one lasts taste of Southern California. I’ve been to SF, Monterey, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Solvang, Tahoe, the Desert, Cambria, albeit some of these places many years and years ago. Where can I go by myself for just like two nights?

Answer

Since you’re looking for a brief, budget-friendly solo trip in Southern California and you’ve already explored most of the major destinations, there are still some great options that can give you that classic SoCal experience without requiring a long drive or expensive accommodations.

Consider the following options for a two-night trip:

Ojai: About 90 minutes from Burbank, Ojai is a small, artsy town nestled in a valley with beautiful scenery. You can enjoy boutique shopping, hiking in the nearby hills, and sampling local wines and farm-to-table food. It’s peaceful and perfect for a solo retreat.
Laguna Beach: A coastal gem about 1.5–2 hours from Burbank. You can stroll along the beaches, explore art galleries, and enjoy cliffside walks with ocean views. Even with a short trip, you’ll get that quintessential SoCal beach vibe.
Big Bear Lake: Around 2 hours from Burbank, Big Bear offers mountain scenery, hiking, and lake activities. This is great if you want a change of pace from the coast and enjoy some solitude in nature.

Other ideas that are easy for a short getaway include:

Malibu: Explore the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, grab some fresh seafood, or hike in the Malibu Creek State Park. It’s close and still gives that dramatic coastal experience.
Temecula: About 2 hours southeast, known for its wineries. Great for a short wine-tasting weekend without the crowds of Napa or Sonoma.
Ventura or Carpinteria: Small coastal towns with less tourist traffic, nice beaches, and quaint downtown areas. Perfect for a low-key, relaxing couple of days.

For any of these destinations, you can drive there easily from Burbank, or even consider taking a short train or bus ride if you prefer not to drive. Aim to book smaller boutique hotels, motels, or Airbnb options for budget-friendliness. A two-night trip gives you enough time to unwind, explore the local scenery, and enjoy that last taste of Southern California before your move.

Last road trip in SoCal

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