Weekend wanderlust calling your name? From sun-soaked beaches to charming downtowns and rolling vineyards, Southern California is packed with quick getaways that feel far away from the everyday grind, even if you already live nearby.
Take a ride on Pacific Surfliner to these Southern and Central California weekend getaways and check out some of the top recommended places to visit and stay along the northern end of the LOSSAN route, from the low-key vibes of San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara’s effortless coastal cool.
Weekend Trip to San Luis Obispo: 2-Day Itinerary
Life moves a little easier in good ‘ole San Luis Obispo (SLO), with artsy vibes, incredible local food, and rolling wine country hills setting the stage for a perfect weekend getaway.
Places to Stay
$ - Avenue Inn Downtown - Budget-friendly, clean, and centrally located in downtown SLO.
$$ - Petit Soleil - A charming French-inspired bed & breakfast.
$$$ - Hotel San Luis Obispo - Sleek, stylish, and steps from the heart of downtown.
Day 1: Saturday in SLO
Start your weekend slowly with a drink and breakfast bites at Buen Dia Coffee, where every day is a good day. Grab your everyday staple or try one of their beloved specialty drinks while you lounge inside and browse their selection of cute merch (so many stickers to choose from!)
After fueling up, wander over to the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art to check out what’s on view. The exhibits rotate often, showcasing everything from contemporary California artists to community-driven installations that are sure to catch your eye. After SLOMA, take your pick between exploring the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa or introducing the kids in your crew to some hands-on learning at the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum.
When afternoon rolls around, make your way up to High Bar on the rooftop of Hotel San Luis Obispo for mid-day refreshments and shareable plates. Cocktails with a view, anyone? Once you’re done sipping and snacking, spend some time meandering through downtown’s locally-owned shops; around every corner are boutiques, record stores, galleries, and other quirky spots worth ducking into. End your day with dinner at Goshi Sushi, a well-loved local eatery where delicate cuts of fish and crisp sake pair perfectly with downtown vibes.
Day 2: Sunday in SLO
Ease into SLO Day 2 with breakfast, hecho con amor, over at Corazon Café SLO before lacing up your favorite (activity-appropriate) shoes for a hike up the Cerro San Luis Obispo trail. The 3.9-mile climb is steady and serene, with one of the most beautiful views of the city waiting for you at the top.
After your trek, treat yourself to a tasting flight at Chamisal Vineyards. Just 10 minutes from downtown SLO, this laid-back estate invites you to linger over sustainable, hand-crafted wines that taste like golden hour in a glass. Wrap up the weekend with wood-fired pizzas at Bear & The Wren — just don’t be surprised if all other pizza is ruined for you afterward!
Weekend Trip to Grover Beach & Pismo Beach: 2-Day Itinerary
Does your ideal weekend involve sea breezes, coastal sunsets, and exactly zero stress? Well, you’re in exactly the right section! Grover Beach and neighboring Pismo Beach are small-but-mighty beach towns that are known for down-to-earth vibes, outdoor adventures, and direct access to some of California’s best sandy spots, including Pismo State Beach.
Places to Stay
$ - North Beach Campground - Beachfront camping at its best and most affordable!
$$ - Dolphin Cove Motel - Affordable comfort with ocean views and easy access to the pier.
$$$ - Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach - A luxurious stay right on the shoreline with modern rooms, an oceanfront pool, and unbeatable sunset views.
Day 1: Saturday
Start your weekend with something freshly baked from Grover Beach Sourdough, a local fav for crusty loaves, flakey pastries, and tasty egg sandwiches. After you fuel up, hit the green over at the Pismo Beach Golf Course and tee off with ocean views in the background. Even losing your ball is way more scenic than usual!
After your championship round, grab lunch (or more breakfast) at Lil’ Bits Café back in Grover Beach. From homemade burgers and sandwiches to all-day brunch classics, Lil’ Bits’ generous portions and feel-good service will satisfy your appetite in no time.
Post-lunch, take a leisurely stroll along the Grover Beach Boardwalk, a wooden pathway that winds through coastal dunes before leading straight to the Monarch Grove Butterfly Preserve at the southern end of Pismo Beach. The preserve is a peaceful pocket of eucalyptus trees where, from late October through February, thousands of monarch butterflies gather for the winter. Even outside butterfly season, it’s a beautiful spot for a walk surrounded by ocean air and rustling leaves.
When evening rolls around, as it tends to do, head back down the boardwalk toward Pono Pacific Kitchen for dinner and island-inspired dishes that pair perfectly with a craft cocktail. End the night the Grover Beach way: barefoot in the sand, watching the sky turn shades of pink and gold as the sun sinks low into the Pacific.
Day 2: Sunday
The best way to kick off your Sunday morning is a hearty breakfast at Penny’s All-American Café, because nothing hits quite like a stack of pancakes the size of your head!
Get your protein in, because it’s time for a little thrill. Head to Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, one of the few places in California where you can ride ATVs right on the sand. Local rental companies make it easy to gear up and go, offering everything from beginner-friendly ATV rides to full-throttle dune buggies. All that’s left to do? Show up and hang tight!
After all that adrenaline, slow things down with a cold pint at Apogee Brewing Co., where cosmic-inspired brews orbit bright hops, malty depths, and the occasional dark-matter stout. Post-drink, wrap up your weekend with dinner at Hapy Bistro, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar just a mile down the road from Apogee. If you have time, we recommend taking one last sunset stroll on the beach!
Weekend Trip to Goleta & Carpinteria: 2-Day Itinerary
Just a few stops apart on the Pacific Surfliner route, Goleta and Carpinteria are small coastal towns that deliver big on relaxation. With sunny beaches, friendly locals, and just enough distance from the city, they’re the perfect pair for a weekend escape that feels simple, scenic, and totally serene.
Places to Stay
$ - Studio 6 Suites - A simple, affordable option close to the beach and downtown Carpinteria.
$$ - Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn - Spacious rooms, a pool, and easy access to both town and the beach.
$$$ - The Leta - A hip, retro-California boutique hotel with a heated pool and an on-site record shop.
Day 1: Saturday
Start your morning at Jeannine’s Restaurant & Bakery, a Goleta staple that serves up breakfast favorites, fresh pastries, and patio seating that’s totally linger-worthy. From there, head over to Goleta Beach Park to spend the day soaking up the sunshine. This sprawling stretch of coastline is absolutely perfect for paddleboarding, fishing off the pier, or just claiming a patch of sand for a beachy picnic.
As evening settles in, treat yourself to dinner at The Ellwood at Goleta Beach, where fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and bottles of local wine make for the ideal beach-day finale.
Day 2: Sunday
Ease into Sunday with a stroll through the Goleta’s Farmers’ Market, where local growers and artisans set up colorful stalls overflowing with produce, flowers, and fresh-baked treats every Sunday from 10am - 2pm.
When your stomach starts rumbling, Jane at the Marketplace is just a few minutes’ walk from the farmers’ market! This local favorite serves fresh, California-inspired dishes that look great and taste even better. Then, take a walk or short drive/rideshare to the Goleta Train Station and hop aboard the Pacific Surfliner for a quick ride south to Carpinteria.
Carpinteria State Beach is just a short walk from the Carpinteria Train Station, making it an easy stop if you’re after a sunny afternoon by the shore. Known for its gentle waves and wide stretch of sand, this is your place to kick back, soak up some sweet Vitamin D, and catch a wave or two.
End your weekend with dinner at Teddy’s by the Sea, where you can enjoy impossibly fresh seafood, as well as a full bar of tasty tropical cocktails to go with. If you have time, catch one last sunset on the beach before heading back to your lodgings— weekends like this deserve a proper sendoff!
Weekend Trip to Santa Barbara: 2-Day Itinerary
Santa Barbara is straight out of a postcard, with red-tiled roofs, mountain views, and sandy beaches that make slowing down feel truly effortless.
Places to Stay
$ - ITH Surf Hostel - A stylish, social spot just steps from the beach and perfect for budget-friendly travelers.
$$ - Riviera Beach House - Chic, colorful, and walkable to the Funk Zone and Stearns Wharf.
$$$ - Hotel Californian - Luxe Mediterranean-inspired suites, a rooftop pool, and unbeatable ocean views.
Day 1: Saturday in Santa Barbara
Start your day with a visit to Happy Cat Eats, full of bright homemade pastries, sandwiches, toasts, and more! Once your appetite has been satiated, take the short stroll over to Wheel Fun Rentals and grab some wheels for a ride along the Cabrillo Beach Path. This scenic stretch runs right beside the ocean, with palm trees on one side and sparkling waves on the other.
When you’re ready for lunch, grab a seat at Santo Mezcal for delectable tacos, fresh seasonal ingredients, and thirst-quenching cocktails. Afterward, walk back over to the Santa Barbara Harbor and rent a kayak to explore the calm waters. Keep an eye out for sea lions and pelicans basking in the sun!
As the day winds down, make your way to Oku, a sleek beachfront restaurant serving sushi, seafood, and coastal cocktails with a killer view. Order a roll or two, sip something refreshing, and let the ocean set the soundtrack for your evening. After dinner, stroll across the street and sink your toes into the sand for a picture-perfect sunset.
Day 2: Sunday in Santa Barbara
Greet Sunday with a stop at Dart Coffee Co., a locally-loved café in the Funk Zone with perfectly-brewed gourmet coffee and tasty breakfast bites. Once you’ve got your caffeine or sugar fix, take a leisurely walk through the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show, held every Sunday along Cabrillo Boulevard. You’ll find over 200 local artists showcasing paintings, jewelry, ceramics, and other beachy treasures!
Next, head to State Street Promenade, the colorful, European-esque heart of downtown Santa Barbara. This pedestrian-friendly stretch is lined with shops, cafés, and wine bars that spill out onto sunny patios. Take your time wandering, shopping, eating, and people-watching under the palm trees.
When you find yourself getting hungry for dinner, treat yourself to a meal at The Lark, a beloved spot in the Funk Zone known for seasonal, locally sourced dishes and a wine list that celebrates the best of the Central Coast. Cap off your weekend with a craft cocktail at Test Pilot, a tiki-style bar just down the block that’s just as fun as it sounds!
From golden hills and seaside sunsets to charming towns packed with good food and even better views, the northern stretch of the Pacific Surfliner route in Southern California proves you don’t need to go far for an unforgettable getaway. What’s better? They’re all just a train ride away.
Ready to plan your trip? Book your ride on Pacific Surfliner and let the adventures begin.