Okay, so lately, the walls have been closing in, you know? LA traffic, the same old brunch spots… my wallet weeping every time I even think about going out. So, I went on a mission. A deeply personal, borderline obsessive mission to find decent weekend trips from LA under $300. And let me tell you, it’s been… educational. Mostly in teaching me how to survive on gas station coffee and questionable snacks.
The Desert Beckons (and Doesn’t Break the Bank)
First up, the desert. Joshua Tree, specifically. Okay, cliché, I know. But hear me out. I found this insanely cheap Airbnb – like, suspiciously cheap – and figured, what’s the worst that could happen? Turns out, the worst was probably the dust. Seriously, I think I’m still coughing up sand from that trip. But the stars, man! The stars were next level. And hiking around those weird, Dr. Seuss trees? Surprisingly therapeutic. Just, maybe bring your own pillow. And maybe a hazmat suit for the dust.
Beach Bumming on a Budget? Surprisingly Doable.
Then there’s the coast. Okay, Malibu is usually a no-go for the under-$300 crowd unless you’re cool with sleeping under the pier (which, I’m not judging, but also, not my jam). But places like Ventura or even further south to, say, San Clemente? Totally doable. I even managed to snag a last-minute deal on a motel once – it smelled faintly of chlorine and regret, but hey, it was steps from the beach! Spent the whole weekend just wandering the shore, dodging rogue frisbees, and eating way too much fried seafood. You know, the essentials for a solid weekend trip from LA.
My Near-Disastrous Wine Country Adventure (Almost Under Budget!)
Oh god, and the Temecula wine country thing? That was… an experience. I had this grand vision of myself, all sophisticated, sipping local wines and gazing at rolling vineyards. Reality? Getting slightly lost, ending up at a winery that mostly served fruit wine (don’t ask), and then almost running out of gas on the way back. But! The picnic lunch I packed was pretty epic, and I did manage to find one decent bottle of red for under $20. So, technically, still a weekend trip from LA under $300, even with my questionable navigation skills.
Quick Hits: Other Cheap LA Escapes I’ve Survived
Just throwing some other ideas out there, because my brain is kind of a mess right now:
- Big Bear Lake: If you go during the off-season, it’s surprisingly affordable. Plus, the mountain air is a nice change from the LA smog. Just, maybe don’t try to ice skate if you haven’t done it since you were ten. Trust me on this one.
- Idyllwild: Artsy, cute, and surrounded by nature. I spent a weekend there once just wandering through galleries and hiking. It was blissfully uneventful (which, after some of my other trips, was a major win).
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: Okay, this one is a bit further, but the stargazing is insane, and you can find some seriously cheap camping spots. Just, you know, watch out for the wildlife. I may or may not have had a minor panic attack involving a very large rabbit.
My Totally Unprofessional Conclusion on Cheap LA Getaways
Look, finding weekend trips from LA under $300 isn’t always glamorous. There might be questionable motels, unexpected detours, and the occasional existential crisis fueled by gas station coffee. But honestly? That’s part of the adventure, right? It’s about getting out there, seeing something different, and coming back with stories (and maybe a slightly lighter wallet, but not too light). So, yeah, go explore! Just maybe pack extra snacks. And a map. Because apparently, I’m directionally challenged.
Call to Action: Seriously, if you’re feeling stuck in the LA grind, just pick one of these (or find your own cheap adventure!). Even a slightly chaotic getaway is better than no getaway at all. Let me know if you try any of these – maybe you’ll have better luck with the fruit wine than I did.
 faves are here.){kind=link}