SoCal Staycations

With the recent restrictions and cautions about overseas travel, many of us are opting to stay put. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up your wanderlust heart. A few quick, local getaways can boost your morale. While it’s fun to go out of State, or out of the country, sometimes a staycation is what’s needed to set the refresh button.

From bold and energetic to beachy and cool, we are sharing two of our favorite spots to unwind during the holidays. Whether you want to immerse yourself in art and culture or pamper yourself with an upscale vacation, we have the perfect spots for an epic experience. Get ready to tap into your bohemian spirit in Venice and live large in Del Mar. These coastal towns are quite different, but they will both leave you with a cleansed mind and spirit.

Venice Beach is one of SoCal’s most visited locales. Its restaurants, tattoo shops and galleries make Venice an eclectic beach town with quirky style and a vibrant art scene. On the Venice Beach Boardwalk, the passion for creativity can be seen all around. Walking the boardwalk, you’ll stumble upon local henna artists, street performers and artists selling their masterpieces. Whether you are on foot or wheels, there is so much to see. Venice Beach has its own Skate Park, which is always filled with skateboarders trying out epic tricks and flips. A short stroll and you can find bodybuilders at Muscle Beach. The upbeat energy is contagious. You may even find yourself wanting to get a workout in.

While there are plenty of places to shop, eat and see in Venice Beach, Abbot Kinney Boulevard is just a mile away. The boulevard is filled with fabulous eateries, upscale boutiques, coffee bars and plenty of picture worthy murals. The creator of the boulevard, Abbot Kinney, had hopes to bring Italy to America … just one look at the Venice Canals and you can see his mission was accomplished.

When it’s time to unwind after a fun-filled day, Hotel Erwin is the place to stay. Hotel Erwin is located in the heart of Venice Beach, and it is just steps from the action of the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Its rooms feature bright furnishings and fun hand-print wallpaper. Take in stunning ocean views from your own private patio, or head upstairs to the rooftop lounge, one of Venice Beach’s most popular venues. This colorful retreat boasts the only rooftop bar in Venice, making it a popular hot spot for both visitors and locals. The High Rooftop Lounge is the perfect place to start and end your day. Enjoy weekend brunch with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, and take in the calmness of the boardwalk before the action picks up. At night, head to the lounge to sip on custom cocktails, enjoy the gorgeous sunset and people watch. Downstairs guests can indulge in Erwin’s Kitchen + Cocktails. The menu is as diverse and creative as the funky town it’s located in.

From Cali-cool to upscale, our next spot is reminiscent of Cape Cod with cozy beach house vibes. Located in San Diego’s North County coastline, Del Mar is best known for year-round surfing and thoroughbred racing.

While Del Mar offers plenty of outdoor activities, L’Auberge Del Mar is a SoCal resort where guests can fully immerse themselves in a coastal oasis. Located in the heart of Del Mar Village, the five-acre property overlooks Del Mar Beach. There is a private path that leads directly to the beach. For those not looking to walk, the resort offers a valet beach service. Leave all the hassle of carrying chairs, wake boards and beach accessories behind. If lounging at the beach or pool isn’t soothing enough, the spa will do the trick. The full service spa offers relaxing treatments with private outdoor lounge areas decked out in ocean blues and sea foam green.

The lifestyle resort has multiple onsite eateries sure to match your mood. KITCHEN 1540 offers coastal harvest cuisine with specialty cocktails, mouthwatering pastas, fresh seafood and decadent desserts. Guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor seating. Dine on the patio and take in the private cabanas and string lights … this setting creates the ultimate romantic ambiance. Coastline offers Cali classics and healthy fare while utilizing fresh and sustainable meat and seafood. Coastline is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Soak up the SoCal sun while enjoying the breathtaking ocean views. For quick bites and craft cocktails check out Bleu Bar and the Living Room Bar, the perfect spot to hangout and listen to live bands while mingling with other guests and locals.

Though you will never want to leave L’Auberge once you settle in, you can find plenty of shopping, art galleries and eateries at Del Mar Plaza just across the street. For a change of pace, head over to the Del Mar Racetrack, and get ready to channel Southern elegance. L’Auberge offers complimentary rides to the track, leaving what to wear and which horse to bet on as your only worries.

Whether you have one night or a week, these SoCal hotels will fill your tank  so you are ready to conquer your goals when you’re back to real life. We suggest taking a night off at least once a month. Sometimes just knowing you don’t have to make your own bed is all it takes.