While about 50 million Americans typically travel for the holidays, a recent survey shows that nearly half of them are scrapping travel plans this year in favor of staying close to home and sheltering in place. Christmas for Californians looks especially different in 2020 amid new lockdown rules. However, that doesn’t mean you have to forego festivities entirely. As long as you stay in your immediate household bubble and are able to find a safe way to get yourself from point A to point B, there are actually quite a few great trips you can take for Christmas 2020 in and around Los Angeles County.
Christmas 2020 Close-to-Home Trip Ideas
1. Soak Up Some Sun in Palm Springs
A mere two-hour drive from Los Angeles, Palm Springs has long been a favorite among city dwellers in search of a quiet, sun-soaked destination. Dip into some desert modernism and spend your holidays soaking in the sun at a quiet Airbnb or hotel in the California city. Currently, out-of-state guests aren’t allowed unless the reservation is for at least 14 days, but local Los Angeles residents can head out and hunker down for Christmas 2020 in one of the city’s quaint hotels. Public parks are open for biking, running, and fun family play. Just be sure to wear your mask! Also, be sure to keep an eye on any local updates regarding visitors arriving for the holidays just to ensure that you’re following all local rules and regulations.
2. Spend the Holidays in Santa Monica
How often do you actually make it out to the beach as a local living in Los Angeles? Chances are, not that much. If you want to get out of your own house and shelter in place at another accommodation, try spending Christmas 2020 in Santa Monica. Rent out a clean, sanitized Airbnb or stay at a local hotel with a view of the ocean and wait for Santa to fly over the horizon above the Pacific Ocean. It might seem small, but it’s a great way to enjoy a change of scenery without having to travel or break any local rules. Bring your Christmas presents and a few lights to decorate the hotel room and plan to spend the entire week ordering room service. What else do you need for a very Merry Christmas?
3. Reconnect with Nature
This Christmas season, there’s no better time to isolate yourself and reconnect with nature. Take the new stay at home orders as a sign that it’s time to reconnect with yourself and the natural wonders around you. Stay in your household family bubble and visit a local lodge for Christmas (if it’s safe to do so and they’re open, chances are they could really use the visit as they’ve been struggling all year long). In Los Angeles, local lodges are abundant in areas such as Calabasas and Malibu. When it’s time for Christmas dinner, try ordering from Saddle Peak Lodge as they’re slated to offer a takeaway menu this year. If you’d rather stick super close to home and head out just for exercise, try Runyon Canyon, Cooper Canyon Falls, or Paseo Miramar.
4. Spend Christmas in Santa Barbara
You can make it up to Santa Barbara in about an hour and a half from LA (if there’s no traffic), making it the perfect destination for a close-to-home Christmas trip for 2020. It’s a sleepy coastal town with a palm tree-lined waterfront, a quiet little wharf, and tons of space to socially distance. Around Christmastime, the lights are sparkling and provide a dazzling backdrop for family photos and unique memories. Every day at 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, and 7:00 pm, Santa Barbara’s night sky fills with “snow” and the city is currently offering private family tours on its iconic Trolley of Lights.
5. Stay at an Airbnb Close to Home
If you’re aching to travel for Christmas 2020 but want to stay on the safe side and stick close to home, simply rent out an Airbnb for you and your family or book a few nights at a local hotel. Many Airbnbs decorate for Christmas, meaning that you’ll still be able to enjoy a festive holiday season that feels special without any added hassle of travel. It’s a fun little treat that’s socially distanced and safe for the entire family to enjoy.
Saving for Christmas Travels
Even when sticking close (very close) to home for Christmas 2020, the holidays can still get quite expensive. Whether you plan on spending money to stay at a hotel this holiday season with your family or are investing in a more intimate Christmas dinner to make the season feel a little bit more special, we’re here to help you reach all of your financial goals.
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