Pasadena is perfectly positioned for more than just everyday convenience—it’s a gateway to some of Southern California’s most exciting weekend destinations. Whether you’re craving coastal breezes, desert sunshine, or a quiet mountain retreat, you’ll find no shortage of memorable getaways just a short drive away. For locals and newcomers alike, exploring nearby weekend trips is one of the best ways to enjoy everything this region has to offer beyond city limits.
Santa Barbara – Coastal Elegance Meets Relaxation
Just under two hours northwest of Pasadena, Santa Barbara feels like a world away. Known for its Mediterranean-style architecture, oceanfront views, and walkable downtown, this coastal city is ideal for a relaxed weekend filled with beach walks, wine tasting, and boutique shopping.
Start your day at the Santa Barbara Public Market or take a morning stroll down State Street. For something more active, rent bikes and ride along the beachfront or explore the hiking trails in the Santa Ynez Mountains. In the evening, enjoy dinner with a view at one of the many oceanfront restaurants. The easy drive and upscale ambiance make this one of the most popular trips from Pasadena for couples, friends, or solo travelers looking to unwind.
Start your day at the Santa Barbara Public Market or take a morning stroll down State Street. For something more active, rent bikes and ride along the beachfront or explore the hiking trails in the Santa Ynez Mountains. In the evening, enjoy dinner with a view at one of the many oceanfront restaurants. The easy drive and upscale ambiance make this one of the most popular trips from Pasadena for couples, friends, or solo travelers looking to unwind.
Palm Springs – Midcentury Style and Desert Vibes
About two hours east of Pasadena, Palm Springs offers a completely different atmosphere with its desert landscapes, stylish retro hotels, and iconic mid-century modern architecture. This sunny getaway is perfect for those who want to lounge poolside, shop vintage boutiques, or explore the natural beauty of nearby Joshua Tree National Park.
If you're into design, book a guided architecture tour or explore the Palm Springs Art Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts can take the aerial tramway up to Mount San Jacinto or hike the Tahquitz Canyon trail. With its mix of relaxation and adventure, Palm Springs remains one of the most versatile weekend trips from Pasadena year-round.
If you're into design, book a guided architecture tour or explore the Palm Springs Art Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts can take the aerial tramway up to Mount San Jacinto or hike the Tahquitz Canyon trail. With its mix of relaxation and adventure, Palm Springs remains one of the most versatile weekend trips from Pasadena year-round.
Big Bear Lake – Mountain Retreat All Year Long
For a completely different setting, head about two and a half hours northeast to Big Bear Lake. This alpine destination offers fresh mountain air, scenic lake views, and year-round outdoor activities. In the winter, Big Bear is a go-to spot for skiing and snowboarding. In warmer months, visitors enjoy boating, hiking, zip-lining, and fishing.
Big Bear Village offers cozy restaurants, coffee shops, and locally owned stores that make for a relaxing evening after a day outside. Whether you're into snow sports or summer hikes, Big Bear is a top contender for adventurous yet accessible trips from Pasadena.
Big Bear Village offers cozy restaurants, coffee shops, and locally owned stores that make for a relaxing evening after a day outside. Whether you're into snow sports or summer hikes, Big Bear is a top contender for adventurous yet accessible trips from Pasadena.
San Diego – Culture, Coastline, and Family Fun
If you're up for a slightly longer drive—about two and a half to three hours—San Diego offers a weekend experience with broad appeal. You can explore the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, relax at La Jolla Cove, or enjoy cultural attractions like Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and the USS Midway Museum.
The variety of neighborhoods, from beachy Mission Bay to upscale Coronado, means you can customize your trip based on your interests. With top-rated restaurants, beautiful coastal hikes, and kid-friendly attractions, San Diego is ideal for both family getaways and adult escapes.
The variety of neighborhoods, from beachy Mission Bay to upscale Coronado, means you can customize your trip based on your interests. With top-rated restaurants, beautiful coastal hikes, and kid-friendly attractions, San Diego is ideal for both family getaways and adult escapes.
Ojai – A Wellness-Focused Hideaway
Nestled in the Topatopa Mountains, about 90 minutes from Pasadena, Ojai is known for its peaceful vibe and artistic community. This small town is perfect for those looking to unplug and recharge. The area is full of locally owned shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and wellness-focused retreats.
Many visitors come for yoga classes, spa treatments, or wine tasting at one of Ojai’s boutique vineyards. Don’t miss the opportunity to take in a “pink moment” sunset—the unique lighting phenomenon that colors the mountains in soft hues. For a serene and soulful weekend, Ojai is one of the most relaxing trips from Pasadena available.
Many visitors come for yoga classes, spa treatments, or wine tasting at one of Ojai’s boutique vineyards. Don’t miss the opportunity to take in a “pink moment” sunset—the unique lighting phenomenon that colors the mountains in soft hues. For a serene and soulful weekend, Ojai is one of the most relaxing trips from Pasadena available.
Temecula – Wine Country Without the Crowds
If you’re interested in wine tasting but want to skip the Napa crowds, head about two hours south to Temecula. This underrated destination features dozens of wineries set against rolling hills, as well as horseback riding, hot air balloon rides, and a quaint Old Town with restaurants and shops.
Temecula’s relaxed pace and open spaces make it perfect for a romantic weekend or group getaway. Many wineries also offer on-site accommodations so you can enjoy tastings without worrying about driving. It’s one of the best trips from Pasadena for food and wine lovers.
Temecula’s relaxed pace and open spaces make it perfect for a romantic weekend or group getaway. Many wineries also offer on-site accommodations so you can enjoy tastings without worrying about driving. It’s one of the best trips from Pasadena for food and wine lovers.
Catalina Island – A Scenic Island Escape
For a completely different type of getaway, take a short ferry ride to Catalina Island. Start your trip by driving to Long Beach (about 45 minutes from Pasadena), where you can catch the Catalina Express ferry. Once on the island, you’ll find a walkable downtown, beautiful harbor views, and a range of activities—from snorkeling and kayaking to ziplining and hiking.
Avalon, the main town on the island, is full of charm with its oceanfront dining, art galleries, and boutique hotels. If you're looking for a unique coastal experience with an island twist, Catalina offers a weekend escape that feels much farther away than it actually is.
Avalon, the main town on the island, is full of charm with its oceanfront dining, art galleries, and boutique hotels. If you're looking for a unique coastal experience with an island twist, Catalina offers a weekend escape that feels much farther away than it actually is.
Local Comfort, Endless Possibilities
One of the many advantages of living in Pasadena is how connected it is to the rest of Southern California. Within just a few hours’ drive, residents can access beaches, deserts, mountains, and urban destinations. These weekend trips allow locals to experience a wide range of environments without ever needing to board a plane.
Whether you're looking for fresh air, new scenery, or a little bit of both, there’s a perfect destination waiting just beyond city limits. Having these options nearby also adds to the appeal of Pasadena for those considering making it home.
Whether you're looking for fresh air, new scenery, or a little bit of both, there’s a perfect destination waiting just beyond city limits. Having these options nearby also adds to the appeal of Pasadena for those considering making it home.
Plan Your Next Chapter in Pasadena
Living in Pasadena offers the best of both worlds—an established, amenity-rich community and quick access to some of California’s most exciting destinations. If you’re thinking of buying or selling in the area, it helps to have a local team who knows how to highlight all the reasons this location stands out.
Ready to find a home base that puts everything within reach? Contact the Sabatella Delair Group for expert guidance on buying or selling in this vibrant Southern California market. With a deep understanding of Pasadena’s lifestyle and real estate opportunities, they’ll help you make a move that fits your goals—both at home and on the road.
Ready to find a home base that puts everything within reach? Contact the Sabatella Delair Group for expert guidance on buying or selling in this vibrant Southern California market. With a deep understanding of Pasadena’s lifestyle and real estate opportunities, they’ll help you make a move that fits your goals—both at home and on the road.
