Three Drive-Worthy Destinations for Your Next Spring Fling

From Joshua Tree to San Diego, here's your spring R&R guide

March 7, 2017 9:00 am

Fellow Angelenos, the birds chirping in the morning and these longer days mean one thing: spring is afoot.

Which also means it’s time to start thinking about getting the hell outta dodge.

So we suggest you g’head and book some R&R with these three springy escapes.

From desert glamping to farming in Ojai, these getaways will tune your strings.

joshua tree (4 images)

The Camping Trip: Joshua Tree

Stay at the Belle Campground. It’s on the quiet side of the park, but easily accessed from I-10. Each site is shielded by big round boulders, which you can climb, and you can wander off to the rock piles in the distance. Get there fast, these 18 sites fill up quickly.

DO THIS: Use a Tepui Roof Tent for maximum comfort … Hike the Split Rock Trail for a moderate hike with plenty of stunning views and places to meander … Get breakfast hash on the way home at La Copine Kitchen … Check out Desert X, an installation of 18 site-specific artworks scattered around some 40 miles across the region.

ojai (2 images)

The Re-Centering Trip: Ojai

Stay at The Thacher House. This is B&B meets commune farm. You actually help the family farm their organic veggies, which you then enjoy for your gourmet meals. The cabins come with clawfoot tubs, plush beds and views of the surrounding mountains.

DO THIS: Catch some live tunes outdoors at the Liberty Bowl … Go biking with the cycling pros at the Mob Shop … Grab a burrito and a stack of incredible corn tortillas for the road at Ojai Tortilla House.

san diego (2 images)

The City Trip: San Diego

Stay at The Pendry. The new boutique in the Gaslamp Quarter is modish yet stately and has a great spa where you get book some R&R. The property houses six solid restaurants and bars, including Lionfish, where you should do dinner, and a Beer Hall where you should do a lot of drinking.

DO THIS: Eat fresh fish at Tostadas North Park … View Richard Deacon’s squiggly sculptures at the San Diego Museum of Art … Rent kayaks from Aqua Adventures and head to Cabrillo National Monument.

MEET US AT YOUR INBOX. FIRST ROUND'S ON US.

Join America's Fastest Growing Spirits Newsletter THE SPILL. Unlock all the reviews, recipes and revelry — and get 15% off award-winning La Tierra de Acre Mezcal.