48-Hour California Getaways
Two days can take you farther than you think.
California is made for short escapes. Our 48-hour itineraries help you decide where to stay, what to see, where to eat, and how to spend your limited time without turning a weekend getaway into a planning project.
Start planning your next California getaway
From wine country and the coast to mountain towns, desert escapes, and California cities, each itinerary is built around one simple idea: arrive with a plan and enjoy the next 48 hours.
Featured 48-Hour Getaways
48 Hours in Paso Robles
Wine country, downtown dining, scenic drives, and enough breathing room to enjoy the weekend without turning it into a checklist.
Explore 48 Hours in Paso Robles
48 Hours in Cambria
Ocean views, village wandering, coastal trails, local wine, and enough unscheduled time to actually enjoy being away.
48 Hours in Morro Bay
Harbor views, fresh seafood, coastal wildlife, and time to slow down beside one of California's most recognizable coastal landmarks.
48 Hours in Avila Beach
A relaxed Central Coast escape with a walkable beachfront, ocean views, Port San Luis, and time to enjoy the coast without overplanning the trip.
Explore 48 Hours in Avila Beach
48 Hours in San Luis Obispo
A lively downtown, California history, nearby wine country, and an easy Central Coast pace built around one of California's most enjoyable small cities.
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48 Hours in Monterey
Monterey Bay, California history, Cannery Row, coastal scenery, and time to experience one of the state's most distinctive seaside destinations.
48 Hours in Carmel-by-the-Sea
A walkable village, storybook architecture, Carmel Beach, California history, and some of the most memorable coastline on the Monterey Peninsula.
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48 Hours in Big Sur
Dramatic coastline, redwoods, Highway 1, and enough unhurried time to experience Big Sur as a landscape rather than a list of stops.
48 Hours in Santa Barbara
Spanish-influenced architecture, beaches, a walkable downtown, good food, and a California coastal weekend with plenty of room to slow down.
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48 Hours in Santa Ynez Valley
Six small communities, ranch country, vineyards, country roads, and a relaxed Central Coast wine-country weekend.
Explore 48 Hours in Santa Ynez Valley
48 Hours in Santa Cruz
Redwoods, surf culture, the historic Beach Boardwalk, Monterey Bay, and a California coastal getaway that leaves room to enjoy where you are.
Explore 48 Hours in Santa Cruz
48 Hours in Sonoma
California history, a walkable town square, vineyard roads, good food, Glen Ellen, and wine country with enough breathing room to enjoy it.