Summer may be coming to a close, but there’s still time to plan one more vacation! The good news is, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a fun and memorable Labor Day weekend! Whether you’re looking for a “stay-cation” or a short road trip, there are plenty of great options right in the Los Angeles area.
Need some inspiration? Take a look at some of our favorite nearby activities.
Joshua Tree
Just under a three-hour drive from LA, Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s truly a place unlike anywhere else on earth.
You’ll love the amazing views! Since it’s International Dark Sky Park, at night you’ll also be able to see an incredible number of stars and constellations. Whether you spend a night or two camping in the park’s scenic campgrounds or just spend a few hours rock climbing, it’s sure to be an experience you won’t soon forget.
When you leave the park, make sure you also plan to visit the town of Joshua Tree. There’s lots to do in this cool little hippie town. If camping under the stars isn’t your thing, you can check out the town’s cool cabin rentals and glamping spots. If you enjoy the weird and offbeat, you’ll also want to check out the Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum, Simi Dabah Sculpture Garden, and Pioneertown.
Catalina Island
Catalina Island is located just 26 miles off the coast of Los Angeles. You can get there by taking a 90-minute ferry ride. Once you arrive, you’ll find that it’s the perfect getaway! Some of the best things to do here include fishing, diving, and sea kayaking among whales and otters!
You can also take a series of ziplines across the canyon, relax on the beach, take a boat tour, go scuba diving, and enjoy incredible dining options. Prefer to relax? Descanso Beach Club offers private cabanas and sun loungers on the beach with waiter service.
For overnight accommodations, you can’t go wrong with the Portofino Hotel. Many of the rooms here offer incredible waterfront views. The hotel also provides free bicycles for guests, so you can easily head out and explore the rest of the island.
Solvang
If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into the countryside of Denmark, plan to pay a visit to the town of Solvang. It’s just over a two-hour drive from LA and is the perfect spot for a fun Labor Day getaway. The city is located just North of Santa Barbara and it features tons of Danish architecture, windmills, and Danish shops. You’ll also find a wide selection of local bakeries and restaurants serving Danish foods.
While you’re here, plan to visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum, and the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature. The town also has over 150 boutique shops and 20 different beer and wine tasting rooms featuring products from over 125 area wineries.
There are many quaint hotels in the area, so plan to spend a night or two here. Then, either visit Santa Barbara for a day or two or head back home.
Hotel Bel-Air
Don’t want to travel at all? The Hotel Bel-Air is the perfect spot for a relaxing stay-cation. This pet-friendly hotel is located in the wooded hills of LA and has been a favorite among locals and visitors since 1946. You’ll feel like Hollywood royalty while lounging around the pool or exploring the 12-acre property that feels like a private residence.
The hotel features a full-service spa, gym, restaurant, and offers room service. There’s also a lake complete with swans and over 4,000 plants on the hotel grounds. Make sure you plan to have a drink at the hotel Bar & Lounge, where you’ll find a fireplace, grand piano, and gorgeous views of the gardens.
LA Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Sure, you may have taken the kids to the zoo once or twice, but exploring it as an adult is a completely different experience. Not only will a visit to the LA Zoo give you a chance to spend some time watching your favorite creatures, but the botanical gardens are some of the most beautiful in the country. This makes a combo tour the perfect Labor Day weekend stay-cation activity!
The zoo is home to more than 1,400 animals, many of which are rare or endangered. There’s a lot of walking, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and plan to take your time. Don’t forget to check out some of the interactive experiences like feeding the giraffes or taking the hippo encounter tour.
Enjoy Your Vacation!
No matter what you plan to do, we hope you have an amazing and safe Labor Day weekend! If you need some maintenance on your BMW or MINI before you head out, The Haus is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your VIP appointment.