Here Are the Best Places for a Staycation Around LA

If LA is your home, it’s time to think like a tourist. Everyone needs to unplug, unwind and get away – including you. But sometimes, little things like work, money and time get in the way. Luckily for Angelenos, LA is a world-class vacation spot – so, open your mind to staying in the city for some R&R. Here are the best staycation Los Angeles options – bookable on Culture Trip.
Festival Campgrounds Rancho 51
Glamping

A pop-up glamping resort on an eight-acre (3ha) ranch just 2mi (3.2km) from the Coachella grounds, this is the perfect place to stay for festival attendees. Choose one of the furnished or unfurnished tents, or simply pitch your own. Facilities include a beauty bar, flushable toilets, charging stations, a pool and a shuttle service, and the site is even visited by local food trucks – basically everything you could want from your festival crash pad.
Bluegreen Vacations Big Bear Village, Ascend Resort Collection
Chain Hotel, Suite Hotel

Bluegreen Vacations Big Bear Village may only be a two-hour drive from LA, but once you reach the leafy San Bernardino National Forest, you’ll feel a world away. Each of the units in this suite-only hotel comes with a fully equipped kitchen, BBQ and deep-soak tub. The rustic abode has plenty to keep you entertained, too. Visit the game room – with a pool table and video games – before the heated outdoor pool and hot tub.
The Pavilion Hotel
Independent Hotel

What’s better than falling asleep to the sound of lapping waves? At the Pavilion Hotel on Catalina Island, you can do just that. The beachfront property is a mere 14 steps from pillowy soft sand, while palm trees line the tropical garden and communal fire pit. The restaurant – with an outdoor terrace – is reserved exclusively for guest use and rooms have calming blue palettes. Some come with balconies, too – take in a lungful of fresh sea air.
Hotel Metropole
Independent Hotel

Overlooking Catalina Island’s yacht harbor, Hotel Metropole feels like its own mini-town within picturesque Avalon. It has its own marketplace full of shops and cafes, and there’s an on-site spa for your indulgence. While every room is sleek, an extra dash of luxury can be had in the two-bedroom, two-bathroom beach house – complete with panoramic sea views, sprawling kitchen and built-in library.
Terranea Resort
Resort, Hotel

Casa Del Mar
Hotel

Viceroy Santa Monica
Boutique Hotel, Luxury

One of the best things about living in LA – besides the endless sunshine and warm weather – is your proximity to the ocean. Make the most of it with a stay at Viceroy Santa Monica. Just steps from the water, this is the perfect hotel for sitting back and taking a breather. Rooms are bright and airy, and there’s a pool with cabanas to laze in along with cocktails from the hotel’s breezy bar. What more could you want from your LA staycay?
Hotel Erwin
Hotel

With its eclectic decor, uber-friendly staff and fun vibe, Hotel Erwin is the personification of Venice Beach. Set next to the world-famous boardwalk, rooms are modern and minimalist, and some have balconies – perfect for people-watching come sunset. A visit to the rooftop bar is a must, especially during the weekday happy hours of 3pm to 5pm.
This is an updated rewrite of an article originally by Kayleigh Roberts.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.