I don’t know about you, but often, especially during the stressful season of the holidays, I’m looking for a place to getaway.  Wouldn’t a weekend getaway sound nice right about now?  You can transform  yourself into a holiday village for a few days, get your holiday shopping done while partaking in a few holiday festivities too.  Sounds like the perfect getaway to me:

I’ve collected some GREAT Holiday Outings and Deals not to miss out on all around California:

Big Bear Lake: 

This is a “favorite” for Californians during the Holiday Season, and with area attractions remaining open during the holidays it’s a “not to miss” event. Play in Snow, Go Down an Alpine Slide, or stop by the Petting Zoo.  It’ll be a memorable getaway.

Be sure to visit “Big Bear Lake” for Vacation Packages and a fun list of things to do during your holiday stay.

Carmel/Monterey:

One great thing about residing in California is the beautiful beach towns surrounding the coast.  And for us locals, during these winter months, its the best time to plan a weekend trip.

Carmel and Monterey have some beautiful places to stay during this time of the year from Holman Ranch to the Hyatt Carmel Highlands to the Hofsas House and more.

Cambria:

Cambria is another beautiful beach town along the California Coast.

The Blue Dolphin Inn, a favorite amongst Californian locals has a wonderful “Holiday by the Sea” Vacation Package.

The Blue Dolphin Inn “Comfort & Joy” package starts at $299 and includes:

• ·         A two-night stay
• ·         Tickets for two for a daytime Hearst Castle tour (evening tour available for an additional cost)
• ·         A keepsake Blue Dolphin Inn holiday ornament
• ·         Fresh gingerbread cookies delivered in-room and hot cider and cocoa in the lobby

To book the “Comfort & Joy” package, please call Blue Dolphin Inn at 800.222.9157(toll free) or 805.927.3300.

This package is available through December 21st so book now and enjoy a bit of the holidays in Cambria.  Throughout the month of December, Cambria celebrates “Holidays in the Pines” with local merchant discounts and fun festivities happening around town.  It’s a really fun time to visit.

Sonoma and Napa:

Plan a weekend trip to Wine Country.   There’s some great places to stay right in Sonoma:  Partake in visiting wineries and looking for the Gingerbread houses apart of Sonoma Valley’s Winery Gingerbread Contest or take part in a Holiday Tree Lighting.  Shop along the downtown areas of both Sonoma and Napa and bring home some wine and cheese for loved ones.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn:

The Inn is once again pleased to offer unique, authentically local Wine Country Winter Holiday Activities that promise to delight guests of all ages.  An elegant grand buffet will be offered from Santé, awarded with the prestigious Michelin Star and AAA Four Diamond Award – click to view Santé’s Thanksgiving Sample Menu and Santé’s Christmas Sample Menu.  Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Inn with an unparalleled seven-course dinner in Santé, entertainment and capped with a midnight champagne toast to ring in the New Year in Wine Country high style.

Kenwood Inn and Spa

The Kenwood Inn and Spa is a beautiful spa and inn with a variety of vacation packages to choose from.  And while you’re there indulge in one of their spa services, relax in the pool or hot tubs, and enjoy the recently renovated rooms.

Hotel Yountville:

Hotel Yountville has put together some pretty incredible packages to make your Wine Weekend Getaway a must visit.

Bed and Breakfasts:

Something about getting away for a weekend has “Bed and Breakfasts” all over it.  Wine Country has beautiful rooms for you to rent out while you enjoy breakfast the morning of before you head out for your day.

This weekend in Napa is the Bed and Breakfast Holiday Tour from 3 to 7pm.  Tickets are officially sold out, but walk around to the different Bed and Breakfasts, enjoy the holiday decorations, music and festivities by local chefs of Napa.  A not to miss event every year.

Catalina Island:

Really feel like you need to get away?  Then hop on the Catalina Express and head to Catalina Island for the week or even the weekend.  December makes for a much quieter time of the year on the island.  Take in a tour, eat at a favorite restaurant and enjoy a quieter pace of life on the island

Stay at the beautiful Catalina Island Vacation Rentals or other various hotels right on the island.

Disneyland Holidays:

Nothing’s more magical than Disneyland especially during the Holidays.  As Disneyland transforms into a complete winter wonderland with not to miss rides such as “It’s a Small World,” Haunted Mansion Holiday,” and “Jungle Cruise.”  Walk along Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle and meet Anna and Elsa from Frozen in FantasyLand.  It’s a vacation meant for the entire family.

Stay at:

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

Disneyland Hotel

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel

and many many other hotels right in Anaheim.

And if you want to head further south:

San Diego: 

San Diego has to be one of my favorite Californian cities to visit.  With Legoland, Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and the beach minutes away there’s a lot to love down there.

Hotel Del Coronado:

This year marks Del’s 125th Anniversary and they’re going all out.  This year’s holiday theme is “Celebrating 125 Years of Holiday Magic” as we culminate the resort’s 125th anniversary! Through January 5, the resort is adorned with classic Victorian decorations, tartan plaid, antique platinum accents, and vintage Santas. Add 100,000 white lights, Victorian carolers and a beachfront ice skating rink, and Hotel del Coronado is truly Southern California’s holiday wonderland

Bristol Hotel:

This hotel just has left an impression on me.  Stay here, right in the gaslamp district, close to various shopping and restaurants, and enjoy all that San Diego has to offer during the holiday season.

And this December, you save 25% by booking 2 nights.  That’s a deal to me.

And one last place to stop in for a Holiday Vacation Experience right in Riverside is:

The Mission Inn: 

Every year the Mission Inn gets all decked out for the holidays during their annual “Festival of Lights” Celebrations.  Plan a stay at the beautiful Mission Inn and experience the magic of the holidays with ice skating, hot chocolate, carriage rides, lights and more.

For more information about the Mission Inn and their Festival of Lights Room Packages please visit their site.

Tell me which location you would take yourself to?