Escaping Los Angeles: So-Cal Site-Seeing and the Rental Car Rally
by Dan Hicks on February 22, 2011I love living in Los Angeles and all it has to offer from the gorgeous beaches of Malibu to the great hikes of Griffith Park, but every once in a while I choose to escape the demands of city life.
One of the benefits of living in Los Angeles is that there are so many places, so many vastly differing destinations to go and visit without having to leave the beautiful state of California. One such place is Lake Tahoe and it’s such a serene setting.
So what if there was a way you could travel from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe and be guaranteed to have a highly memorable and enjoyable experience? This Friday the exiting Rental Car Rally is taking place. The event starts in Los Angeles and finishes at Lake Tahoe. This race is a single leg competition in which teams of costumed players compete for cash and prizes. Each team must hit checkpoints along the way and provide photos as proof of their endeavors and their escapades. Basically, a real life Canonball Run.
If 
you’re looking for a more tame adventure this weekend and still want to get out of LA, below are a few suggestions of getaways guaranteed to get you out of your city funk:
1. Head to the mountains: With the recent rain and predictions of stormy weather to come later this week, the slopes are sure to be loaded with fresh snow. So pack up your gear and head to Big Bear or Mammoth for an active and snowy adventure.
2. Head to the Beach: San Diego is always a safe bet for a weekend escape with its many fan favorites and vacation hot-spots from Seaworld to the renowned zoo. Just a two hour drive from LA, this beach town is brimming with life and packed with endless opportunities for family fun.
3. Head North: Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful destinations in Southern California offering a relaxing weekend retreat.
Southern California really does have something for everyone and living in Los Angeles it’s all at our fingertips.
How will you be spending the last weekend in February? Would you ever participate in the Rental Car Rally or is Mammoth Mountain more your style? Please share your ideas for weekend getaways and leave your comments below.
Photo courtesy of Ramtan’s Flickr
All great suggestions. A major perk of LA is the proximity to so many different recreational spots.
I missed the Rental Car Rally, sounds like fun, maybe next year. The San Diego area is one of my favorite local getaways. I enjoy the Gaslamp District, the museums, Coronado, shopping, etc.