Sometimes you just wanna get away but you can’t actually go away.

While you might want to grab your passport, hop on a plane, and spend the weekend on the other side of the world, that’s just not always possible. Or affordable. But even if you can’t swing a big trip, there’s no reason not to get away, even if it’s not actually far away.

Check out our recommended staycation stops around San Diego County for some weekend trip inspiration.

Carlsbad

Carlsbad has no shortage of main attractions but the most popular has to be Legoland. This hands-on theme park is full of interactive attractions as well as over 60 rides, an aquarium, and interactive marine park.

Need something less kid-centric? You could also go shopping in Carlsbad Village, located Downtown, visit the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, go on a Carlsbad Food Tour, frolic in the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, or soak up the sun at the Carlsbad State Beach.

As for where to stay, check out the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort & Hotel. Few hotels can successfully pull off being family-friendly while catering to couples, but this one does. Right next door to the Flower Fields, this hotel has a vast pool and hot tub, where it’s adults-only in the evening.

San Marcos

Courtesy of the City of San Marcos

Located in North County region, San Marcos has many things to offer for a weekend getaway. You can hike through its Double Peak Park where you’ll enjoy panoramic views. The park will keep you busy all day with its trails and adventure playground. If you want to stay low key, check out the wine tastings at the Sunshine Mountain Vineyard with views of the ocean, take a tour at the California Spirits Company and learn about the production of spirits, or enjoy a round of golf at the Twin Oaks Golf Course.

San Marcos is also known for having some of the best restaurants in North County. Check out its Old California Restaurant Row, which offers a variety of places to chow down.

Our hotel recommendation for this area is the Lakehouse Hotel & Resort. This spacious hotel offers modern comforts while maintaining a friendly, beachside atmosphere with bonfires and s’mores packages.

Poway

The infamous Potato Chip Rock

Known as “the city in the country,” Poway is chock full of green spaces, parks, and reserves. Among these are the Poway Community Park, the Goodan Ranch Sycamore Canyon Preserve, Aubrey Park, Starridge Park, Lake Poway, Blue Sky Ecological Reserve, and Old Poway Park, where you can find the heritage railroad Poway-Midland.  Poway is also home to the infamous Potato Chip Rock, offering stunning views.

If you need a place to lay your head for your stay, check out the Hotel Karlan. Situated on a 130-acre resort and located in the rolling hills of Black Mountain, it’s only one mile from the Carmel Mountain Ranch golf course. 

Downtown San Diego

The city center of San Diego, Downtown is home to the San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park, and the San Diego Symphony. For shopping and dining, visit the Horton Plaza or Seaport Village. Travel the bay with the Coronado Ferry or take a leisurely stroll along Harbor Drive. You could also visit some of the historic landmarks located here, such as the Balboa Theater, the historic Gaslamp Quarter District, or the B Street Pier where you’ll see the historic ships The Berkeley and The Star of India. Art and history lovers could easily fill a weekend here thanks to the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Maritime Museum of San Diego. 

The Hard Rock Hotel is often cited as the best in the neighborhood. Located at the entrance of the Gaslamp District, it’s a great jumping off point for your adventures. When you’re back, relax at the rooftop pool, or spend some time in the spa and private nightclub on the premises.

Rancho Bernardo

Courtesy of Bernardo Winery

Located in the northern hills of San Diego, Rancho Bernardo hosts the Bernardo Winery, the longest-operating winery in Southern California. With its workshops, farmers market, and various tastings, there’s enough to fill a day here.

Wind down in their tasting room, open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the courtyard. Their tasting room also offers some culture with its art gallery, sponsored by the Rancho Bernardo Art Association. Live music is also performed every Sunday in the tasting room.

The Rancho Bernardo Inn is actually way fancier than the name implies. They offer special packages for San Diego locals and families. Between golf, the spa, fitness center, and a tour of their 21 fountains, you could probably spend a day or two on the grounds just exploring it all.