City Skyline during Sunset, Los Angeles ,California

Best Weekend Trips From California by Cruise

Short Cruises Out Of California You Don’t Want To Miss

6 min read | By Cassie Bailey | Published: June 11, 2021 | Updated: October 16, 2026

The best weekend and extended weekend trips from California include stunning locations like Catalina Island, Ensenada and Cabo. For 2026, Ovation of the Seas® leads Royal Caribbean short cruise offerings, providing you access to so many amazing sites and experiences directly from Los Angeles. From the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the many beaches that line the coast, you’ll never find yourself bored, even before or after your trip.

The best part about setting sail on a Catalina Island, Ensenada or Cabo, Mexico, cruise is that all of these short sailings squeeze in plenty of captivating scenery, unique activities and epic fun in the sun. Whether you’re traveling with your best friends, your significant other or your little ones, these are just some of the top places to visit on a short cruise from the West Coast.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Explore Catalina Island’s crystal-clear waters and rich marine life at Lovers Cove, or enjoy scenic hikes like Garden to Sky for panoramic views.
Relax on beautiful beaches in Ensenada, like Playa Estero, and savor Baja’s famous seafood.
On an extended weekend trip, soak up Cabo’s sun, sea and culture at iconic spots like El Arco and Lover’s Beach, and discover thrilling desert adventures like ziplining and ATV rides.
Find more adventures on Ovation of the Seas your ship, with plenty of amenities and restaurants to take in while at sea.
Plan the perfect vacation by discovering short cruises from Los Angeles, meaning sun and sand are only a weekend trip away.

This article explores why short cruises from Los Angeles are an easy way to turn a few days off into a memorable getaway. It highlights what Catalina Island, Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas are best known for, along with the onboard experiences available on Ovation of the Seas^®. It also offers practical planning tips to help travelers choose and prepare for a short California cruise.

Why Short Cruises Are the Perfect Weekend Getaway Option

A weekend getaway doesn’t have to mean squeezing into a hotel for two nights of spending hours planning every detail. Instead, a short cruise from Los Angeles can turn a few days off into a complete vacation, with destinations, dining, entertainment and time to relax all wrapped into one trip.

For Californians, there’s almost no extra travel beyond getting to the port city (unless you already live in Los Angeles), giving you ample time to enjoy your time off. And for people traveling to California for a long weekend, the Golden State offers countless things to do either before or after your trip, helping you fill every minute with memory-making activities.

Plus, with a cruise, you can see multiple destinations without having to repack and enjoy all the amenities and on board experiences during travel days, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.

1. Discover Catalina Island

For travelers who want a scenic, outdoorsy escape without straying far from California, Catalina Island could be your dream trip. The sparkling Pacific waters around the island are home to abundant marine life. During your quick trip, snorkel or explore the waters around Lovers Cove Marine Preserve, looking for colorful fish, kelp forests and California sea lions. Then, explore Avalon and visit the historic Catalina Casino. Despite what you may be thinking, this isn’t your typical casino. In Italian, the word “casino” loosely refers to a gathering place. Get a feel for the rich history and gilded glamor of the place on a guided tour during your visit to the island.

For the adventurous, grab your hiking poles and hit the trails. Popular options include Hermit Gulch or Garden to Sky for coastal and island views.

2. Explore Ensenada, Mexico

One of the most popular resort towns on the Baja Coast, Ensenada, Mexico, is a stop on some of the best weekend cruises from Los Angeles, ideal for travelers who want to eat, drink and experience the local character of Baja. Ensenada is home to plenty of beautiful sun-kissed shores, each with its own vibe, so hit the beach or try water activities such as kayaking and snorkeling. Seasoned surfers should head to Playa San Miguel, known for its consistent and challenging waves. family-friendly Playa Baja Beach, And Playa Estero is best known for its laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for sunbathers and especially couples looking to unwind away from the crowds.

Once you’re done soaking up the sun, visit Valle de Guadalupe for wine tasting and vineyard views. Get a taste of local cuisine by sampling Baja-style fish tacos, ceviche and fresh seafood or explore breweries serving regional favorites.

3. Experience Cabo, Mexico

If iconic scenery, upbeat nightlife and action-packed adventure are on your trip to-dos, Cabo San Lucas is a great spot for an extended weekend trip. Located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, this vibrant destination that blends sun-soaked beaches with dramatic natural beauty. Famous for the iconic El Arco rock formation and pristine Lover’s Beach, Cabo offers plenty of opportunities for both relaxation and adventure. Visitors can take a glass-bottom boat tour to spot colorful marine life, try snorkeling in the clear waters or even go whale watching during migration season. For those who prefer to stay on land, the lively Marina District is full of shops, restaurants and bars, making it easy to soak up local culture and cuisine.

Cabo is also a haven for foodies and nightlife enthusiasts. Enjoy fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant, sip on a margarita while watching the sunset or grab local tacos and ceviche at a casual street spot. If you’re looking for adventure beyond the sandy beaches, Cabo’s desert landscapes offer thrilling excursions like ziplining, ATV rides and camel tours

4. Make the Most of Your Time on Ovation of the Seas

For 2026 California sailings, Ovation of the Seas is sailing from Los Angeles with Catalina Island, Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas itineraries. You’ll find non-stop action and incredible thrills, including bumper cars, three pools, North Star^®, RipCord^® by iFLY^® and FlowRider^® all on board and ready to excite your entire group — no matter the age. Plus, dine at 16 different restaurants and 10+ bars to cure your cravings and stay fueled for whatever comes next.

Try the Ship’s Signature Thrills

Want to experience everything this ship has to offer? Here are some top options to make sure you try:

Ride the FlowRider surf simulator.

Go for a spin on the bumper cars at SeaPlex.

Take in the views from North Star.

Experience iFLY indoor skydiving.

Work in some pool or hot tub time between excursions.

Slow Down Between Ports

When you’re looking for a bit of R&R, you won’t have to search very far. Ovation of the Seas delivers plenty of ways to enjoy your sea days that help you freshen up for your next port adventure:

Relax at the pools or Solarium.

Catch live music, comedy or stage productions.

Enjoy complimentary dining options such as Windjammer, Sorrento’s Pizza and Café@Two70.

Grab a drink at Pesky Parrot^℠.

What To Know	Details
Typical trip length	Short Los Angeles sailings can range from three-night to four-night getaways, with select longer itineraries (five or more nights) to destinations like Cabo.
Who they’re for	Couples, families, friends and California travelers who want a quick change of scenery without committing to a weeklong vacation.
What’s included	Your cruise fare includes your stateroom, complimentary dining, entertainment and many onboard activities, including pools, select sports and recreation. Extras such as Wi-Fi, specialty dining, beverage packages and shore excursions cost additional.
Travel documents	Check the requirements for your citizenship and itinerary before sailing. For round-trip U.S. sailings that visit Mexico, eligible U.S. citizens can generally sail with a passport/passport card or qualifying original birth certificate plus government-issued ID. Requirements can change, so be sure to verify current rules before departing.

Yes, especially for travelers who want a quick getaway with multiple experiences packed into a short timeframe. Experience sun-soaked escape while also taking advantage of everything your ship has to offer, from incredible dining to show-stopping entertainment.

Some of the best cruises from California include Catalina Island, Ensenada and, on longer sailings, Cabo. You can get to each of these destinations on Ovation of the Seas.

Many weekend cruises and shorter itineraries are three to four nights, while Cabo trips are five nights or more; exact durations vary by departure.

Turn a Few Days Off Into a Real Getaway

You don’t need a full week to get away. From Catalina Island’s coastal scenery to Ensenada's food and wine and Cabo’s iconic Baja views, short cruises from Los Angeles make it easy to fit more into a few days.

And with Ovation of the Seas offering signature thrills, complimentary dining, entertainment and plenty of ways to relax between ports, the vacation starts the minute you step on board.

Explore short cruises from Los Angeles to plan your perfect weekend getaway today.