Weekend Getaway from L.A. (not wine-tasting)
 

Can anyone suggest a good weekend getaway from L.A. We are not into winetasting as I am pregnant but we want somewhere with antique shops and a pleasant and relaxinf atmosphere. Ideally, it would be no more than 2-3 hours away from L.A.<BR><BR>Any suggestions on a town? Hotel or b and b suggestions are also very welcome.

Do you live in LA? A few obvious choices spring to mind, but if you live there you already know about them.<BR>1. San Diego<BR>2. Santa Barbara<BR>3. Palm Springs

How about Julian, it is in the mountains (A little bit, maybe 4,000-5,000 feet) It is apple harvest time, which means apple pies galore. And there are shops and a few restaurants. <BR><BR>Or, Palm Springs? I don't know about antique shops there, but you can still swim at the hotel, go on the aerial tramway to 8,500 ft and walk the trails, plenty of nice dining. We like to stay at Rancho Las Palmas, which is a golf/spa resort in Rancho Mirage.<BR><BR>Have a nice weekend!

How about the mountains? Lake Arrowhead, or Big Bear has many nice shops. (Ooops, might be snow)

No snow yet in Arrowhead or Big Bear, but not a lot to do if you want to antique and walk around.<BR><BR>Palm Springs does have a lot of antique stores, but it typically caters to more of a 50's modern look.<BR><BR>Ventura is less busy than Santa Barbara, but has a fun downtown area these days.<BR><BR>For a good location for antique stores in Orange County, you should check out the Orange Circle in downtown Orange.

Catalina or Ojai.

I agree with King. Catalina would be wonderful. A nice little ferry ride over, and totally relaxing!

I just returned from La Quinta Resort in La Qunita near Palm Springs. It was fabulous and very relaxing. We played a little croquet, swam in empty pools, played tennis, had great food there (including krispy kremes) and basically never felt the need to leave the resort. Check out the website - rates were similar by calling resort directly and on Expedia. We got a deluxe casita for around $200 a night with a huge enclosed patio.

I know Sebastopol is further than you had in mind, but do we have antique shops! My daughter used to come back from college regularly... but a three day weekend or a flight into Sacramento (or Oakland) airport would be the way. We loved La Quinta though..what a great suggestion!

La Quinta is in season right now, so don't expect any hotel discounts. It is a nice desert resort though. Take advantage of going somewhere that you're less likely to go once you have young children. There will be plenty of time for places like San Diego.