California Weekend Getaways Index

Gold Country is one of California's earliest settled areas, in the foothills of the Sierras, scenic and full of history.

Gold Country is Popular For: Historical sights, antique shopping, outdoor activities, emerging wineries and it's a good place for families.

The town of Sonora is Within 200 Miles of Fresno, Lake Tahoe/Reno, Sacramento/Stockton/Merced, San Francisco/Oakland and San Jose/Fremont.

Half Moon Bay is one of the closest places to run away to if you live in the San Francisco area, with lots pretty coastline and things to do.

Half Moon Bay is Popular For: Family getaways, beaches and water play and being active outdoors

Half Moon Bay is Within 200 Miles of San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento and Fresno.

Healdsburg is one of Sonoma's most popular spots, with lots of great restaurants and places to stay, a manageable wine region (and lots of free tasting rooms).

Healdsburg is Popular For: Food and wine getaways and active fun (especially bicycling)

Healdsburg is Within 200 Miles of San Francisco, Sacramento and Stockton

Built by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, the Hearst Castle is a fascinating look into the lifestyle of one of early twentieth century America's richest men. It sits atop a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with the bigger-than-life main house surrounded by guest quarters bigger than most visitors' homes. The castle is especially fun during an evening tour (summer only) or when it's decorated for the holiday.

Hearst Castle is Popular For: Family outings. Architecture-lovers may be interested in its designer Julia Morgan and history nerds may enjoy the summer night tours, which showcase the Castle as it was in Hearst's day.

Hearst Castle is within 200 miles of Bakersfield, Fresno, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Jose.

It's been decades since Hollywood gained its reputation as the center of American film-making, and today's Hollywood sometimes fails to live up to visitors' ideas of it. Nevertheless, it's fun to visit for most people, who enjoy the blatantly touristy Walk of Fame and other attractions. It's also the home of the Hollywood Bowl, the Kodak Theater where the Academy Awards are held and more.

Hollywood is Popular For: Family outings, nightlife and film lovers enjoy exploring its history.

Hollywood is within 200 miles of Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Bernardino and San Diego. LAX and Burbank are the nearest airports.