Getting just 50 miles outside of Los Angeles can feel like a welcomed retreat from the ever-steady 405 traffic, celebrity crazed TMZ buses and monster paid parking structures. No matter what direction you head, you’re bound to find a unique and soul fulfilling experience. Here are 4 ways to spend $100 dollars getting away from it all.
Head North: Roll your windows down and relax into highway 1. About an hour out, you will have passed Malibu and headed up on the county line. Stop for a seafood lunch at Neptune’s Net, a locals’ favorite that falls somewhere between a biker bar pit stop and a backwoods seafood shack. Don’t let the outside deter you from enjoying some of the best seafood, fried and fresh, still in the city. Across the street you’ll find dozens of wind and kite surfers. If you don’t want to eat on the patio at Neptune’s Net, then ask for your food to go and picnic along the rocky shore for the ultimate surfers lunch paradise. If you go a little further north, you’ll find almost empty beaches and plenty of parking. Bring a good book and enjoy the peace that only north county can provide.
Head South: You love wine, who doesn’t? Well, the next time you want to get out of town and head to Wine Country, think again. Temecula has a booming wine culture, with wine tours that visit multiple wineries before taking you back to a cute bed and breakfast. Treat yourself to a 30-minute couples massage, because you earned it. Look for a bed and breakfast that includes a wine tour, breakfast or dinner for even more savings. If you want to stay in the vineyards, South Coast Winery, a hotel and spa, can’t be beat.
Head East: Skiing at Lake Tahoe is the ultimate ski adventure in California, but don’t let the distance and cost stop you from experiencing the ski season. Big Bear Lake has family day rates that make the quick two hour drive from LA a must do. Going at the beginning or end of season offers the best rates. With a slogan of “Live it. Up.”, your adventures will seem like they cost a lot more than a hundred bucks.
Head West: Catalina Island is an easy and inexpensive escape if you booked far enough in advance. Sign up for their email list to be sent one off deals (like two for one boat rides) or look into buying a package (book, hotel and excursion) to lower the price. Catalina Express also has an on going deal of a free ride on your birthday! It is best to arrive on a non-cruise ship day and you’ll practically have the entire island to yourself. Join a kayaking marine life tour where you’ll see dolphins, sea lions, seals, dozens of different types of fish and even whales, if the season is right.