Southern California, or “SoCal”, houses many sought-after sites that make for optimal staycation locations. Come nestle amongst the Hollywood Hills while maybe even seeing your favorite movie star, or go beyond into national park areas like Death Valley and Joshua Tree. San Diego sits at the very bottom of the state and is an enriching area overflowing with art galleries, beaches, and parks. SoCal is the place to come for endless sunshine and warm weather, which are two good enough reasons all on their own! But a combination of resorts, Airbnbs, and Vrbo rentals perfect staycations for solo travelers, couples and families alike.
Hotel Stays in Southern California
The Lodge at Torrey Pines - San Diego
Ideal for travelers seeking an active retreat, The Lodge at Torrey Pines overlooks the renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course, while pristine beaches are on one side and a state park is on the other, providing the opportunity for everything from golfing and hiking to swimming. Also a top romantic pick in San Diego, there’s a lavish spa for pampering treatments and an outdoor pool and hot tub for relaxing soaks. For those who want to explore outside the resort, downtown San Diego and the city’s many attractions are just a short drive away. The on-site grill and bar offer tasty craft brews, while farm-to-table fare can be enjoyed at A.R. Valentien. Many of the spacious rooms and suites come with private balconies with golf course or ocean views. All include standards like minibars, Bose stereos, and plush robes.
The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
Nestled atop a hill in Rancho Mirage, The Ritz-Carlton offers an elevated vantage point that showcases breathtaking panoramic vistas of Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley, and the San Jacinto Mountain Range. The property is known for its unrivaled luxuries that include opulent spa facilities, exceptional dining options, and access to the prestigious Mission Hills golf courses. Adding a touch of romantic allure is the fire pit perched at the valley’s edge, providing a fabulous ambiance at dusk. Guests can enjoy tailored experiences, whether it’s relaxing by the dazzling array of pools or embarking on an exhilarating hike. The generously sized rooms come with sumptuous 400-thread-count Frette linens and private balconies.
Ojai Valley Inn - Ojai
Tucked among the serenity of nature, Ojai provides an idyllic escape just 80 miles northwest of bustling L.A. A haven of peace and tranquility, the Ojai Valley Inn invites one to enjoy the breathtaking vistas, which include the Topatopa Mountains from every vantage point. Complimentary yoga sessions, meditation classes, and invigorating walks are just a few of the activities available, and the property offers exceptional dining experiences to feed hunger pangs afterward. The rooms and suites exude the charms of Spanish haciendas and are all lavishly appointed. Some include private balconies, cozy fireplaces, and soothing whirlpool baths.
The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills - Beverly Hills
For those who want to be immersed in California cool, The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills is just off Sunset Strip, offering laid-back sophistication and chic style. At this top-rated luxury LA hotel, the rooftop pool and pool deck are a highlight, providing one of the best pool experiences in the city with its panoramic views. The on-site Boxwood restaurant offers a renowned culinary experience, while the 24-hour fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows provides the perfect way to work it off. Rooms start at 750 square feet and all come with private balconies showcasing city and mountain views, along with stocked wet bars, flat-screen TVs with HBO, and room service.
Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort - Rancho Mirage
Omni has long been praised for its personalized resorts in areas such as Maine and North Carolina. The line knows how to add those special touches that elevate the vacation experience, even if guests never leave the premises. Located in Palm Springs, Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort blends the best of both worlds, accommodating families and those traveling sans kiddos. An adult-only pool space provides quiet, while the kids can enjoy an aquatic haven with a lazy river. On site, there are many dining options.
Bahia Resort Hotel - San Diego
A popular beach hotel in San Diego, Bahia Resort Hotel is more than a place to stay—the resort-style ambiance is met with loads of family-friendly activities. Enjoy the beach cabanas right on Mission Bay, and the San Diego style of the spacious pool. A game room, playground and large suites make for the perfect environment for families looking for an escape with kids in tow. But the coolest offering might be the free cruises aboard the double-decker, Mississippi style vessel.
Terranea - Rancho Palos Verdes
In Ranchos Palos Verde, Terranea is a Mediterranean oasis around 15 miles from Long Beach. With a luxe theme, adults, in particular, will find the dreamy oceanfront rooms and villas to be romantic. Plentiful nooks for a scenic meal, lavish pools, and a “grown-ups” exclusive spa will have guests feeling like they have traveled far abroad when actually Los Angeles is a stone’s throw away. Being on a peninsula, the views are nearly panoramic.
The Oasis At Death Valley - Death Valley
Death Valley National Park can be stark and brutal while equally awe-inspiring and beautiful. But amongst this sweltering natural landscape, there’s The Oasis. The Oasis at Death Valley offers two hotels, one perfect for romantics and the other a great fit for families. However, both are gleaming site that emerges from the desert hills of the national park. Foliage-surrounded pools, dining, golfing – talk about a phenomenal way to end a day of exploring the rugged environment. An on-site campground offers another lodging option.
Vacation Rental Staycations in Southern California
'Desert Wild' Joshua Tree - Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree is just 10 minutes away when retreating at this adobe-esque plaster beauty, with desert landscape and sleek wooden accents. Cacti, stone walkways and a seamless pool round out a sheer oasis on the outside of this Airbnb, while a bright and ambient interior is best enjoyed by the fireplace. Stars are vibrant from this location, and what better spot to enjoy them from than in the toasty hot tub.
Beavertail: Artistic Loft Guest House - Joshua Tree
Leave the norm behind for a few days and soak into the funky feels of this loft. Nights can be enjoyed in the fun space adorned with local artists create murals while swinging in one of the multiple hammocks or just melting away stress in the hot tub. Days can mean adventure galore in beautiful Joshua Tree National Park. The surrounding landscape of cacti is so fitting and cute. Shopping in the village is minutes from the loft as well.
Secluded Casita - Encinitas
When retreating to this Airbnb Plus, you have all the perks of being at a resort, including tennis courts, hiking trails steps away, an enormous pool complete with a spa, stunning space to dine, and gardens to stroll. However, the space will be all your own, and the dwelling exudes classic casita charm while housing designer furniture that is both cozy and modern. Being in a neighborhood near the heart of San Diego, you could venture out if you wanted to. But with all the onsite activities, it won’t be difficult to stay content.
Ultimate Vacation, Pool, Golf & Arcade - Anaheim
This spacious three-bedroom home provides comfortable accommodation for up to seven guests and it comes with numerous perks, like discounts on Disney tickets, while the park is just a 5-minute drive away. To make things even easier, your host provides a fully stocked refrigerator with grocery service available too. After a day of fun, you can come back and enjoy a cookout on the BBQ grill, swim in the huge private pool with pool toys included, and enjoy the game room, complete with professional arcade games. Laundry facilities, strollers for the little ones, sunglasses, and umbrellas are all supplied too.
The West Star - National City
Staycation aboard a yacht? Yes, please. Located in the San Diego marina, the boat stays in place for the entire stay, but guests can let waves lull them to sleep while enjoying the closest views of the water possible. Inside features a bunk space and two snug staterooms. The living room is encapsulated by windows, but the outdoor space might be your favorite. Dine at the table which sits on the deck, or soak in the gorgeous therapeutic tub, while breathing in those sea breezes. The great thing about not being out on the sea is that you can enjoy restaurants, nightlife, and a wealth of other fun activities on land.
Magnificent Hollywood Hills Pool Residence - Los Angeles
Live like a celebrity during your staycation, by staying at this two-story villa in the Hollywood Hills. The Vrbo home is lavishly crafted with solid oak floors, a fireplace, marble accents within the bathroom, and other luxe upgrades. But prepare for your jaw to drop when stepping outside, where you’ll find a contemporary pool stretching through the backyard, complete with an attached spa no less. This is also a wonderful option when hoping to visit famed sites such as Sunset Strip or Griffith Park. A staycation in Hollywood, now that sounds exciting.
SA Beach Suite on Carbon Beach - Malibu
This studio suite in Malibu offers your own private beach oasis, complete with a patio where you can unwind with a spectacular ocean view. Just steps from your door, enjoy long, tranquil strolls on the sand, swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and more. The rental can accommodate up to two, ideal for a couple or two friends, as it comes with a king-size bed and a pullout queen-size sofa bed. Apple TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a kitchenette with a cooktop, toaster oven, minifridge, and freezer, a Ninja blender, and a Nespresso Vertuo coffee station with pods are included too.
Pirates of the Caribbean Getaway - Topanga
“Pirates of the Caribbean” fans are sure to love a staycation at this unique rental. Only about 27 miles from downtown L.A. in Topanga Canyon, it’s like spending the night inside of your favorite ride, although you’ll have to bring the run. It comes with all sorts of desirable features while accommodating up to two, including an outdoor hot tub, an outdoor bathtub, and a cedar wood sauna, all of which are immersed in a tropical-themed environment with ponds and waterfalls. A kitchenette with a Keurig coffee maker, flat-screen satellite TV with a DVD player, and a DVD library are all included too.
