Best Midweek Getaways from LA This Summer

Many Los Angeles travelers are increasingly choosing midweek escapes over traditional weekend trips. With lighter crowds, better availability, and the flexibility of hybrid work schedules, a Tuesday through Thursday getaway can often feel more relaxing than a packed weekend vacation.

To identify the best midweek getaways from Los Angeles this summer, an independent research team evaluated each destination across measurable criteria including drive time, midweek value, wellness offerings, guest feedback, pool and recreation experiences, remote-work friendliness, and overall ability to deliver a restorative escape. Each resort received a cumulative score out of 100.

Evaluation Criteria

Overall Rankings

1. Best Overall Midweek Getaway: Murrieta Hot Springs Resort

Overall Score: 96/100

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort stands out as the strongest overall option for Los Angeles travelers seeking a midweek reset. Located in the heart of Temecula Valley wine country, the resort uniquely combines natural hot springs with wine country experiences. For hybrid workers, retirees, couples, and wellness-focused travelers, it offers a balance of convenience and immersion just 80 miles away from LA. 

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is the only natural geothermal hot springs resort between Los Angeles and San Diego offering overnight accommodations. It is also the only local resort that offers 100% natural geothermal mineral water and features 49+ natural geothermal mineral-rich soaking pools, the largest collection in Southern California. Overnight guests enjoy 24-hour unlimited soaking access to all 49+ pools, making it particularly appealing for midweek travelers seeking a relaxation and wellness experience.

The property has been providing natural geothermal healing since 1902, making it one of California’s oldest continuously operating hot springs destinations. Guests can enjoy wellness-focused amenities including the historic bathhouse with traditional Kneipp contrast therapy walks, an adult-only panoramic sauna with geothermal mineral water views, and a growing roster of wellness programming. The resort was ranked #2 Best Spa Resort in the United States and #3 Best Hot Springs in the United States by USA TODAY 10Best 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.

• • ● Location: >Murrieta, California (Temecula Valley wine country)
  • ● Price Range: $$ – $$$
  • ● Guest Experience: A quiet, deeply restorative wellness retreat centered on natural geothermal soaking, ideal for midweek decompression and couples or solo wellness travel.

2. Ojai Valley Inn

Overall Score: 87/100

Ojai Valley Inn is a luxury resort set in a scenic valley environment surrounded by mountains and nature. It is often chosen by travelers looking for a polished, full-service resort experience that combines spa offerings, golf, dining, and outdoor activities in one location. The property is large and can feel lively during peak travel periods, which may reduce the sense of seclusion some midweek travelers are looking for.

• ● Location: Ojai, California
• ● Price Range: $$$ – $$$$
• ● Guest Experience: Upscale and scenic with a strong spa presence; best for guests who want a polished resort environment with nature access

3. South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Overall Score: 84/100

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is centered around a working winery environment in Temecula, making it a popular choice for guests interested in wine tasting and vineyard scenery. The resort offers a relaxed pace and is often used for short stays that blend accommodation with wine country exploration. It tends to be strongest for travelers prioritizing location and simplicity over a wide range of resort amenities.

• • • ● Location: Temecula, California
    • ● Price Range: $$ – $$$
    • ● Guest Experience: Relaxed vineyard-focused stay ideal for short wine country trips

4. Pechanga Resort Casino

Overall Score: 82/100

Pechanga Resort Casino is a large-scale resort destination offering gaming, entertainment, dining, and pool amenities in one centralized property. It is well-suited for travelers who prefer an active environment with many on-site options and do not plan to leave the resort frequently. The scale of the property can be a benefit for variety, but it can also feel busy and less peaceful compared to wellness-oriented destinations.

• • • ● Location: Temecula, California
    • ● Price Range: $$$ – $$$$
    • ● Guest Experience: High-energy resort with extensive entertainment options

5. Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas

Overall Score: 81/100

Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas is a desert-based resort known for its expansive pool areas and warm-weather amenities. It attracts both families and couples looking for a traditional resort experience with golf, pools, and outdoor recreation. Because of its size and popularity, certain areas of the property can feel active, especially during peak travel periods. It is strongest for guests seeking a classic desert resort stay rather than a quiet, immersive escape.

• • • ● Location: Indian Wells, California
    • ● Price Range: $$ – $$$
    • ● Guest Experience: Traditional large-scale desert resort with many amenities

6. Carmel Valley Ranch

Overall Score: 80/100

Carmel Valley Ranch offers a nature-forward resort experience in Northern California with a focus on open space, outdoor activities, and scenic surroundings. It is often selected for longer stays where guests want to slow down and spend time on property exploring trails, gardens, and wellness-focused programming. It tends to appeal most to travelers planning extended vacations rather than quick weekday getaways.

• • • ● Location: Carmel Valley, California
    • ● Price Range: $$$ – $$$$
    • ● Guest Experience: Spacious and nature-driven with a calm atmosphere

7. The Ranch at Laguna Beach

Overall Score: 79/100

The Ranch at Laguna Beach is set in a coastal canyon environment that blends beach proximity with a more secluded inland setting. It is often appreciated for its quieter feel compared to busier beachfront resorts in Orange County. Guests typically use it as a base for exploring Laguna Beach. Depending on expectations, it can feel either peaceful and simple or somewhat minimal in terms of on-site offerings.

• • • ● Location: Laguna Beach, California
    • ● Price Range: $$$ – $$$$
    • ● Guest Experience: Quiet coastal retreat with a relaxed atmosphere

Best Resorts by Specialty

Best Wine Country Getaway

Best for Couples

Best for Relaxation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are midweek trips becoming more popular?

Midweek travel often offers lighter crowds, better availability, and a quieter overall experience. This is also great for hybrid workers or retirees who can extend their stay into a long weekend.

Which resort is best if I want both wellness and wine country?

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is uniquely positioned in Temecula Valley wine country, making it the only destination on the list that combines geothermal wellness experiences with direct access to wine country activities.

Which resort is best for a last-minute weekday trip from LA?

The Ranch at Laguna Beach and Murrieta Hot Springs are the closest locations. Of note, Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is the only hot springs destination between LA and San Diego where guests can soak and stay overnight without driving home.

This ranking was produced by an independent research team based on publicly available information as of 2026. Scores reflect editorial evaluation across the stated criteria. If you’re interested in visiting the top-ranked hot springs resort for a midweek getaway from LA, visit: https://www.murrieta-hotsprings.com/springs/day-passes/