California’s Best Labor Day Destinations

According to Californiahome, the first Monday of September is set aside to celebrate all that American workers contribute to the nation…and we call that celebration Labor Day. And how do we celebrate? Well naturally, the best way to pay tribute to a long year of work and drudgery is to take a fabulous extended weekend getaway!

And if you’re in Cali you can pick so many great places in one three day weekend. From a pamper-filled holiday in Ojai to a good old-fashioned camp-out in Lake Tahoe, our state definitely has some of the best options. So here are some stellar ideas for you to consider as the holiday approaches… have a blast!

1. RESORT SPAS

All work and no play makes anyone cranky. Lucky for you, Cali is filled with some of the best resort-spas in the nation. Whether you’re in Southern, Northern or on the Central Coast, there is a premier resort-spa waiting for you this Labor Day weekend.

In Southern California:

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
905 Country Club Road
Ojai, CA 93023

Set in a picturesque valley just south of Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful towns in California—charming Ojai. And within the town city limits, surrounded by rolling hills and mountainsides, is the fabulous Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. Aside from the top spa services, visitors can also enjoy a world-class 18-hole golf course, wellness classes, sparkling pools and several first-rate restaurants (or in-room dining for those who prefer an evening of tranquil seclusion). Bonus Info: Ojai Valley Inn is in the top 10 of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 20 Resorts in Southern California.

Northern California

Post Ranch Inn
47900 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920

You may come for the weekend but you’ll surely want to stay…forever! Post Ranch Inn is 100% paradise, which sounds like a pretty great way to spend Labor Day weekend.

First of all, you’ll be in Big Sur—so obviously the setting of this grand resort is awe-inspiring. Add on the Sierra Mar restaurant (Wine Spectator awarded this establishment top honors with their 2012 Grand Award), gorgeous accommodations (three-floor “Butterfly Rooms,” anyone?) and fabulous spa services (highlights include: The Big Sur Jade Stone Therapy, Coconut Paradise Facial and the signature Post Ranch Massage) and you have the perfect long-weekend getaway. Lucky Northern Californians! Bonus Info: Post Ranch earned a spot on the Condé Nast Platinum Circle and Gold List for January 2013.

Central Coast

Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa
2727 Shell Beach Road
Pismo Beach, CA 93449

For those looking for a family-friendly Labor Day spa weekend  Dolphin Bay in beautiful Pismo Beach is the place to visit. While the grown ups are spending their Labor Day Weekend Saturday being massaged, polished and tanned at the lovely Spa at Dolphin Bay (which also offers yoga sessions), the kids can hang out at the Kid’s Club, complete with arts and crafts, games, a treasure hunt and a visit to the tide pools. Lunch and snacks are included in the $55 charge (money well-spent). After a well-earned nap, the whole family can wrap up their day at Lido, the resort’s signature restaurant. Bonus: If Fido and Trixie come along for the weekend, they’ll be treated to their own beds, waters bowls and special treats.

2. CAMP OUTS

If being a part of nature is your idea of a Labor Day treat, you’re in the right state. Because California has some of the most breathtaking locations—and yes, you can camp right out in the middle of many of them. So pack your sleeping bags, cooler, portable grill and a couple of bottles of wine and celebrate Labor Day under the stars.

Serrano Campground
San Bernardino National Forest

The Serrano Campground by Big Bear Lake is a beautiful spot for Labor Day family camp outings. Hiking and mountain bike trails are all accessible to the campgrounds and the lake is less than a mile away, which means boating canoeing, fishing and swimming are all nearby. The site has all the modern amenities you could hope for, including flush toilets, drinking water, showers, firewood vendors and even electric hookups (for the technically-addicted).

Location: On North Shore Lane—Northside of Big Bear Lake/two miles east of Fawnskin.

Northern California

D.L. Bliss State Park
South Lake Tahoe

No matter which site you choose as your camp out headquarters at D.L. Bliss S.P., you’re going to be awestruck. The grounds are beautifully maintained and the site gives easy access to great hiking trails, a number of convenient, modern amenities (showers, toilets, electrical outlets) and one of the finest beaches in the region.

3. AIRBNB STAYCATION

Unlike most hotels, AIRBNB  hold a special charm for most. There is just something so captivating about these homes-away-from-home. You feel pampered and comfortable and more than anything else welcomed. At least when the place is run correctly. Rent a local spot and live it up for the weekend in Malibu on the beach, or a cozy cabin in the hills of California or a weekend in DTLA.  In California, we’re blessed with quite a few of the best locations in the nation…and one of them just may give you the best Labor Day getaway ever.