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Though known for its swimming pools and as a place for Hollywood legends to escape, Palm Springs offers so much more than this classic reputation. Everyone knows about Coachella and Stagecoach, but art festivals, food and wine festivals and the annual Pride parade—which hosts thousands of people each fall—are more than enough reasons to book a Palm Springs getaway. While the desert heat may deter some, there’s no reason not to pay a visit in the fall, winter or spring, where the temperatures are cooler, and places to stay, abound.
Hotel personalities are diverse here—from massive resorts to cozy bungalows and boutique hotels with plenty of character, you and your crew are sure to find the right fit. Got a bachelorette? Party hard at a famous hotel known for its pool parties. Planning a romantic anniversary? Book a spa treatment at a hotel that’s hidden away from the rest of the city.
Whatever your vibe, read on to discover our picks for the best places to stay in the desert—oh, and don’t forget to hydrate.
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This guide was recently updated by California-based writer Michelle Poveda. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our lis
Nestled between the soothing ocean and lush canyons, Malibu's natural beauty often leaves travelers wondering why they'd consider any other destination. Whether you're planning a hiking escapade through the Santa Monica Mountains or a laid-back retreat centered around Malibu Pier, the city caters to all kinds of adventurers.
And, while the area boasts some of LA's best beaches, Malibu manages to maintain a laid-back ambiance with fewer hotels than its bustling neighbors. Celebrities who call this place home would likely nod in agreement; it's a sanctuary for those who cherish seclusion and tranquility.
However, given its allure as an A-list destination, Malibu boasts some of LA's priciest real estate. That's where the city’s Airbnb rentals come to the rescue. For those willing to invest a little extra, these accommodations offer a chance to immerse in Malibu's charm in a beachfront paradise or a tucked-away canyon retreat – even if it's just for one unforgettable night.
Updated November 2024: We'll cut to the chase if you're in a hurry... you defo don't want to pass up this guest home in the mountains or this beautiful home near Solstice Canyon.
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Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the bes
From a hipster vegan food to homestyle Italian, the best Ojai restaurants and bars have lots to offer when it comes to flavor. Sure, this picturesque haven is known for its spiritual nature—it’s certainly a destination that loves a good spa—but the town sure knows how to indulge.
Locally-grown citrus is a given when in Ojai, but to get a taste of the area's full bounty of fruits and vegetables head to the Ojai Certified Farmers Market (held every Sunday just off the main drag downtown). And while there’s local, organic food around every corner, save room for guilty pleasures. You’ll find a local ice cream shop that feels like stepping into a time warp, plus authentic, small-town dive bars that double-down on the laid-back vibes. Looking for craft beer and live music? Ojai has that too, naturally.
Whether you want brunch, picnic fare or a romantic dinner, read on to see our top picks for where to eat and drink in Ojai — and while you're here, check out our list of things to do and cute places to stay.
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Choosing the best Santa Barbara hotel isn't the easiest thing. After all, there are so many options, each with a different vibe and aesthetic. Do you want to hang by the beach or opt for a hidden gem nestled up in the hills? Sleep beside the nightlife or doze without a party in sight? Is a pool non-negotiable? And what about entertainment for the kids? Surely you want to be right by the city’s best attractions (don't miss Old Mission Santa Barbara!), tastiest restaurants, and top wineries? See, there's a lot to consider.
This central coast hot spot attracts tourists year-round, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s all year long, and an easily accessible location just 90 miles north of Los Angeles. Naturally, that means there's a hotel to cater for all preferences and budgets, but whatever yours are, you can bet we've got a spot for you. We’ve scrolled through Santa Barbara's many hotels and whittled them down to the cream of the crop. All you have to do is pick the right place for your perfect stay.
Updated for July 2024: To ensure you're in the know about the coolest properties in Santa Babara, we regularly update this list, and this time we've added a couple of newbies both, no more than a five-minute walk from room to sandy shores, and one offering an outdoor pool and spa. Bikini mode: on.
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Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our
With more than 70 miles of coastline, San Diego makes it pretty easy to keep the kids entertained. From beaches to aquariums to tidepools, the city has plenty of outdoor activities to excite the little ones. And while you may be tempted to spend all your time on the sand, there are museums, parks and events that are definitely worth exploring.
Here we've rounded up the best things to do with kids in San Diego, including a world-renowned zoo, kid-friendly museums, oceanfront amusement and theme parks, waterfront parks for aquatic sports and splash fountains, the world's largest comic book convention, and of course a stop to get ice cream. But don't worry—all these activities are fun for the entire family, which means adults won't be sacrificing a good time for the kiddos. As an added bonus, many of these spots also have kid-friendly restaurants where it doesn't matter if you leave a small mess.
If you're planning a family trip to Southern California, you'll have plenty to explore using our tried-and-true list of the best things to do in San Diego with kids.
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Planning a trip to America’s Finest City? You're going to need a fabulous place to slumber. The good news is you've come to the right place: our list of the best hotels in San Diego. This laidback jewel of California may be best known for amazing beaches, constant sunshine, and authentic tacos, but throw in stellar nightlife, breweries galore (including one of the best craft breweries in the country), and delicious dining options, and you have got an impressive hospitality scene.
Depending on what type of experience you're looking for, San Diego has everything from walkable urban hotels with boutique accommodations to charming beach bungalows with epic views, plus must-visit historical institutions and off-the-radar resorts offering a more intimate hideaway. San Diego County is large (over 4,000 square miles!) so choose your home base wisely. If you don't plan on leaving the beach areas, you should probably plan on staying there to avoid summer beach traffic. The same goes for areas with year-round commuter traffic, running primarily north and south.
From chic downtown hotels to party the night away, to relaxing hillside resorts and historic gems on the shore, there's a hotel for anyone looking to get away from it all while also enjoying the best things to do in San Diego.
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Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and ameniti
There are a few things to know right off the bat about Joshua Tree hotels—there aren't many luxury options. If you're looking for a swanky stay, you may have to make the schlep from Palm Springs or Desert Hot Springs. Most folks staying here are either camping in Joshua Tree National Park or at least spending most of their time there, so proximity to the area's trails and other outdoor activities is priority number one.
Spring and fall are typically the best times of year to visit since average temperatures during the summer hover around 100 degrees. The park is open year-round, attracting many during spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. But don't worry, there are always plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the namesake trees.
In Joshua Tree, you can expect gorgeous scenery, hiking, camping, and an eclectic arts scene—so you won't want for things to do either. You don't need to stay at a sub-par chain motel either, the local area has a handful of eclectic lodging options with way more charm than your average Best Western. We should know, we've rounded up the spots that are most unique, affordable, fun and close to the park.
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Updated August 2024: Just when we thought we couldn't outdo ourselves we found this family-friendly desert stay, AutoCamp Joshua Tree, and this romantic getaway with a hot tub thrown in. Enjoy.
Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based
The florist scene in San Diego is better than ever. Budding new independent retailers are sprouting up (see what we did there?) all over the county, and if you are in a hurry, many florists offer same-day delivery. So if you're searching for gorgeous petals to surprise your loved one with, you're in luck. There is prompt delivery, so you'll never have to wake up on the day and panic-jog to a nearby gas station and pick up some wilted Roses that look sweatier than you.
Want to select some blooms that are native to the area? Try California Poppies, Hummingbird Trumpets, Lewisias, Pacific Coast Irises, Coast Indian Paintbrush, Common Thrift, or Yarrows. Chances are they won't have to travel far to reach their recipient, meaning they will stay fresh longer. We’ve picked a bunch of our favorite florists, all of whom deliver throughout the San Diego region.
How do we determine the cream of the crop? Our staff picks combine the top, most recent reviews with some of our personal favourites to make sure you get the best deal on the web. Throughout this article, you may notice some affiliate links – these have no influence on our editorial content – we pinky swear. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
Movie theater snacks are great, but being able to order a full meal (plus alcohol!) certainly sweetens the deal. The dine-in movie theater concept has become the crème de la crème of movie-watching experiences, with servers at your beck and call so you don’t have to miss a scene. (The cushy reclining seats don’t hurt either.)
As the film capital of the world, Los Angeles isn’t hurting for places to catch a movie—there are plenty of traditional theaters and outdoor movie options—but for a premium experience, dine-in movie theaters are the way to go. Make no mistake: This will be a spendy night out, with all of the picks on this listing starting around $20 for a ticket—and that’s, of course, before you add in dinner, drinks and tip.
You get what you pay for, though. Dine-in theaters tend to be tidier (no more sticky floors!), and there are fewer people crammed into the auditorium and roaming the aisles (aside from your sever, of course). Next time you’re planning dinner out, enjoy it with a blockbuster film at one of L.A.’s best dine-in theater spots.
If you’ve never been to San Diego, you’re in for a treat. But if you have, you already know the delights that await you in this fabulous city. Not to be overshadowed by its big sister Los Angeles, San Diego is one of the chillest spots in California (if not the USA), and it’s crammed full of brilliant things to do.
Here you’ll find everything from whale watching to kayaking and and stand-up paddle boarding, and plenty of great bars, restaurants and clubs to see you through to the evening. San Diego's 70 miles of coastline is stuffed with activities and attractions, and whether you’re here for Comic-Con, Beer Week or just to finally relax, trust us: you’re going to love it. Here are the best things to do in San Diego.
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This guide was last updated by Kai Oliver-Kurtin, Time Out’s San Diego & Southern California correspondent. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
Spanning from San Clemente in the south to Seal Beach in the north, Orange County has a whole lot going for it. And we’re not just talking about Disneyland (though we love it); from the cities of Anaheim, Irvine and Santa Ana to the beach towns of Laguna, Newport and Huntington, Orange County is buzzing with attractions.
Here you’ll find immaculate shopping centers, glitzy boat rides, theme parks galore and some seriously good dining options. You’ll find fantastic long stretches of beach (arguably some of the best in California) and days and days on end of beautiful sunshine to enjoy it with. Peek behind the Orange Curtain, and you’ll discover numerous noteworthy destinations—mouse ears optional. Here are the best things to do in Orange County.
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Kai Oliver-Kurtin is Kai Oliver-Kurtin is the San Diego & Southern California correspondent for Time Out. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
Feeling the need for a break from the norm? Up for some adventurous glamping? Okay, okay, we’re in California – the ‘elements’ here are just sunshine and heat. But who says you can't shake things up a bit?
Step out of the mundane hotel scene and into an Instagram-worthy, wood-paneled treehouse courtesy of Airbnb. Seriously, it's time to indulge your inner child and rediscover nature's charm. Maybe even throw some mud on your cheeks and swing from a tire – it's good for the soul.
Sure, the beach has its charm, with warm sand and the soothing sound of waves. But how about a lungful of fresh forest air? If your dream is to live among the trees, our list of top Airbnb treehouses (a road trip away from L.A.) will make your pals green with envy. Get ready for an adventure worth boasting about- happy exploring!
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Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The husband-and-husband team, chef Chad Gardner and artist Roly Paz, have doubled-down in Palm Springs. While their other restaurant, 533 Viet Fusion, stuffs lobster claw and local dates into Vietnamese spring rolls, this Asian fusion spot fills a major hole in Palm Springs dining: dumplings. Roly China Fusion is a modern space serving up braised short rib fried rice, lobster dumplings in truffle butter sauce, dan dan noodles, pork pot stickers, plus other house-made dim sum delights. But this isn’t strictly a dim sum spot, and don’t expect pushcarts; it’s the type of restaurant that adds marinated flank steak to its pad see ew and lobster with kimchi to its fried rice. This is also a great place for takeout on the nights you feel like staying in.
A quick 30-minute drive from downtown Palm Springs, The Pink Cabana draws in diners from across the Coachella Valley. Located in the resort town of Indian Wells, The Pink Cabana is situated within Sands Hotel & Spa near the hotel's charming pool. Inspired by the tennis and racquet clubs popular throughout Palm Springs in the 50s and 60s, the space was artfully designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard with large doses of pinks, greens, and brass. The menu leans Mediterranean with a Moroccan influence, featuring housemade yogurt naan, harissa chicken, lamb shank tagine, and a must-try mezze plate.
Fancy a drink? The cocktail and wine lists shouldn't be overlooked. You'll find a wide wine selection from across the Mediterranean region alongside refreshing cocktails that focus on ingredients from the Great Spice Route (order the pink lemonade with vodka, a drink made with Herbes de Provence, Lillet Rose, and pink sea salt). End the meal with a Turkish coffee or a pink hot cocoa bomb for dessert (it will literally melt in your mouth).
Thanks to its girly-chic vibe, the restaurant is a magnet for girls' nights out, drawing in large crowds in celebratory moods (take note: parties of eight or more people are required to order from a prix fixe menu). Throw on your retro shades and a silk scarf to match the setting, and don’t forget to make an advance reservation — this place is pretty and popular, so it’s best to plan ahead.
With a mere 20 miles between San Diego and the Mexico border, it should come as no surprise that you can find a proliferation of authentic Mexican food throughout the city. But Las Cuatro Milpas is perhaps the most well-known institution in the area.
A third-generation Mexican restaurant, Las Cuatro Milpas has been serving breakfast and lunch in San Diego's Barrio Logan neighborhood since 1933. It's known for classic dishes your abuela might make – think rolled tacos, burritos, tamals, house-made tortillas and fresh salsa. They also serve menudo, a traditional Mexican soup that's famous for being able to cure hangovers, on Saturdays.
Diners line up early to order from the lunchroom-style counter. Expect a long line during lunchtime on weekdays – when you'll notice an influx of local government and city officials who work nearby in downtown's business district – and favorite dishes are known to sell out before closing time.
The dining room has no-frills picnic tables that fill up fast. Be sure to bring cash, since credit cards are not accepted at this mom-and-pop shop where prices are surprisingly low. You'll never go wrong with the rolled tacos, and shouldn't hesitate to purchase packages of tortillas to go.
Feeling burned out at work? You’re not alone.
For those who have been working from home during the pandemic (also referred to as 'living at work'), the workdays have seemed to only get longer in the last 18 months. And employees around the country are feeling it – burnouts and mass resignations are at an all-time high. Throw in additional challenges, like affordable and reliable childcare and what's come to be known as 'Zoom fatigue,' and Americans are pretty much fed up with this new life featuring fewer breaks and more time spent Slacking with your boss at odd hours.
The good news: relief may be on its way.
Southern California Congressman Mark Takano (Dem.) from Riverside, California has proposed a new bill that would shorten the workweek for most Americans, shifting it from the standard 40-hours to 32 hours. The legislation is referred to as The Thirty-Two Hour WorkWeek Act, and would force overtime pay to kick in after 32 hours of work per week under the federal Fair Labor Practices Act.
Takano says a shorter work week will allow more people to participate in the labor market at better wages. It’s expected that most workers would see an increase in pay if the legislation is passed. Though the bill wouldn’t apply to certain employees such as independent contractors and freelancers.
The 40-hour workweek much-bemoaned by most Americans has been around for nearly a century. Good ol' Henry Ford of the Ford Motor Company is largely credited with instituting an eight-hour-d