LA Mini Breaks

If you're like us and don't have the time time or the funds to jet off to the South of France this summer don't cry into your 4th glass of Sangria just yet. Summer is one of the best times to be in Los Angeles and having a staycation in (or just outside) the city can often be more fun than if you'd travelled anywhere!

- Here's a novel idea, try the beach! But before you skip on down to Santa Monica and come back with malaria, try something different. There's always Malibu or if you've got the time, go a little north and try Zuma,Paradise Cove, or el Matador, all of which are much more scenic and a better getaway. Plus, you won't feel the urgent need to sanitize your body as soon as you get out of the water. Another option is to head south and hang out with the cool kids in Huntington Beach, Newport or the Laguna Beach. If you're learning to surf, check out San Onofre, known for it's slow-moving, Hawaii-like waves that make it a great place to sharpen your skills.

- Pull a Julia Roberts and stay at one of the city's fancy hotels (minus the hooker part). The SLS, The Beverly Hills Hotel, The W Hollywood, The London, The Sunset Tower Hotel, or if you're lucky/important, try Chateau Marmont. If you aren't able to book a room, at least go and have a poolside drink or meal.

- Try a little day trip to Santa Barbara or Ojai. Both towns are about 2 hours from LA and are perfect for a long weekend or just a day trip. Go to the spa, enjoy the local food, but don't bring your LA attitude.

- Wine tasting!! When not downing gin and tonics and pitcher after pitcher of sangria, sometimes it's nice to enjoy a glass (or two, or three...) of wine. Temecula and Santa Ynez have been on California's hidden wine list for years, and it's time for you to discover them too. But again leave the LA 'tude at home, yes you, I've seen you there.

- Giddy-up! You usually think of horseback rides as being reserved for resorts and ranches in the mountains or the country, but there are actually stables with horseback riding right below the Hollywood sign at Sunset Ranch. Leave your heels at home and rough it with Buster for a couple hours for a fun escape!

- Sail away to Catalina for the day. Okay, so it's not Capri, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy southern California's very own convenient island getaway! Take a boat there, check out the town, and go for a snorkel or a scuba. You'll feel worlds away from Los Angeles, when it's really only about 30 miles from the city.