Take a Holiday From the Holidays

Sometimes all you want for Christmas (or Hanukkah or Thanksgiving) is to get the heck out of L.A. Just a few days away from the fray can be enough to cure holiday stress. So whether you’re in the mood to hike the desert, log some quality time with your kids or rekindle the romance with a loved one, you can find your perfect escape just a short drive from the city.

Outdoorsy in Palm Springs

Only 110 miles from L.A., Palm Springs was once an exclusive nirvana reserved solely for the rich and famous. This is where Johnny Weissmuller went to practice his swimming strokes, where Clark Gable played golf, and where Spencer Tracy challenged eager competitors to chess matches.

Nowadays this desert retreat attracts all kinds of visitors. Hotels range from five-star full-service resorts to snazzy mid-century-modern retreats that sleep about five — and everything in between. One of the newest and most sought-after haunts is the Saguaro. Its hipster allure stems from its bold color palette, the Basque-inspired Tinto eatery and distinctive design courtesy of architecture firm Stamberg Aferiat.

The Viceroy in downtown Palm Springs is another design-savvy spot. Sumptuous one-bedroom villas are surrounded by gardens full of indigenous plants. Rooms and suites are also available, decorated in pristine whites with modern pops of color.

These hotels are the perfect jumping-off point to some of Palm Springs’ picturesque hiking trails. Among local favorites are the Museum Trail, an uphill climb that rewards your effort with astounding views, and the South Lyyken Trail, a more leisurely (though still challenging) jaunt. And Painted Canyon’s unmarked trails traverse mesmerizing terrain that takes on a variety of unexpected hues.

The crème de la crème of this hiking region? That would be Joshua Tree National Park, situated about an hour’s drive from Palm Springs and home to astounding rock formations that date back 100 million years. The spectacle of seemingly impossible shapes, all thanks to Mother Nature, will distract you from your sore legs as you head back to the hotel for a long soak or a massage.

Kid-friendly in Santa Barbara

Want to bring the kids? Santa Barbara, about 100 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, makes the perfect kid-friendly escape. Perched on the Pacific and next to the Santa Ynez mountains, this attractive town presents a full slate of activities to keep your crew busy.

Travelers with children in tow will be happy that a number of Santa Barbara’s area hotels cater to the younger set. At the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, tykes can get a taste of the good life. Each kid who stays at this storied retreat receives a Beanie Baby, cheerfully handed out by front-desk staffers at check-in.

For a more easy, breezy experience and quick access to the beach, try the boutique Hotel Oceana across the street from Stearns Wharf. For athletic families, there’s the Fess Parker. This legendary resort lets kids play tennis, try out their putting skills or play basketball right on the premises. Or the whole family can pedal a four-person surrey to explore the resort’s surroundings.

Hungry? Santa Barbara’s family-friendly dining options include a slew of laid-back eateries such as Endless Summer, a bar/cafe decked out in surfing paraphernalia and offering an extensive kids’ menu. At Palace Grill, the food is Cajun and the fun is eternal, including a nightly sing-along of “What a Wonderful World.” The kids will either eat this up or have fun mocking it. Budding chefs will like Persona Neapolitan Pizzeria, where diners hand-pick toppings and then watch their custom creations bake.

Santa Barbara’s uncrowded beaches can keep the whole gang engaged. East Beach has a children’s play area and bike/rollerblading path, while dog-friendly Hendry’s Beach is tops for picnicking on its grassy knoll. Leadbetter Beach is known for its light surf, attracting beginner surfers and sailors who are just getting their sea legs.

A smidge inland from East Beach is the Santa Barbara Zoo, where your clan will be invited to feed the giraffes. Future scientists will enjoy the Museum of Natural History; a 73-foot blue whale skeleton stands guard outside this intriguing museum’s main entrance. At the Ty Warner Sea Center, kids are invited to touch sharks in a hands-on display sure to make adventurous tykes squeal with delight.

Romantic in Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley

If offspring aren’t part of your weekend getaway agenda, but romance is, shoot for Solvang in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. This small slice of old Denmark transplanted to California is the ideal spot for canoodling. Solvang was founded a century ago by Scandinavians who copied their homeland’s architecture. Windmills, thatched roofs, gas streetlights and the scent of freshly baked pastries define life here. The town’s many bakeries offer plenty of goodies to pack into a picnic for two — take your honey to grassy, gorgeous Hans Christian Andersen Park and nosh under the trees.

The wineries of the Santa Ynez Valley offer a romantic setting for sampling the good life. Visit the Kalyra Winery, one of many locations used in the Oscar-winning film “Sideways,” or Firestone Winery, known for its free tours and mighty barrel room, and you just might find the perfect vintage to serve at the holiday table.

—Jane Lasky, Brand Publishing Writer