The long stretch of Highway One takes you along the Pacific coast where cities dot California’s inland. Stop at any of these cities to enjoy a great Labor Day vacation by relaxing at the beach, enjoying delicious food or being more active.
Top California Labor Day Vacations
1. Los Angeles
Located in Southern California, Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis known for its Mediterranean climate. Over the weekend, spend the time enjoying the city’s diverse cuisine at the Taste, Los Angeles Times’ annual food and wine festival. The festival gives you a taste of what is up and coming in top restaurants with tastings and seminars such as “Flavors of LA”. If you would prefer a more casual affair, head to the Los Angeles County Fair where you can cheer on racing pigs, learn about farming, listen to the concerts and eat lots of deep fried food. If neither of these events tickles your fancy, take to the ocean and climb aboard Queen Mary for the Art Deco Festival. Go back in time to the Golden Age as you partake in prohibition tastings, double-decker art tour, the grand deco ball and much more.
2. San Francisco
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge into a great vacation in San Francisco. Known for its cool summers enjoy the sea breeze or hop on one of the cable cars and take on the city. Take a tour of the former Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary and afterwards make sure to catch lunch at Fisherman's Wharf or its Chinatown district. Highlights during Labor Day weekend include performances such as Beautiful, Beach Blanket Babylon, watching an Oakland A’s game or visit many of the several museums at a discounted price.
3. Hollywood
Hollywood is the major center of the American entertainment industry where actors, producers and everyone in between put blood, sweat and tears into their movies (especially if they’re stunt doubles). So what better way to spend Labor Day weekend than Hollywood to celebrate the hard work of our celebrities for keeping those Friday movie nights bearable. While you’re there make sure to buy tickets to a show at the Hollywood Bowl, the famous amphitheater set against the backdrop of the Hollywood sign. Walk along the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame out of the TCL Chinese Theatre, a cinema palace famous for the red carpet movie premieres.
4. Sausalito
Across the bay from San Francisco lies Sausalito where you can take in the beautiful views, laid back atmosphere and sea breezes. While you’re in town, drive by the nearby Marin Headlands and discover the Golden Gate's guiding light at the Point Bonita Lighthouse. The Sausalito Art Festival, America's Premiere Waterfront Art Festival, is held annually on Labor Day Weekend where you will find fine art, music, food, and wine come together.
5. San Diego
Sand castles are for amateurs so put the bucket and spades away and see works of art created out of sand at the US Sand Sculpting Challenge in San Diego over the weekend. If you are a history buff or just really enjoy tall ships, head to the Festival of Sail where you can hear the history of San Diego’s waters and maybe some cannon fire. When you’re done listening to the cannon fire, San Diego’s Symphony’s Summer Pops concert at Embarcadero Park can take its place. Afterwards either relax at the beach in La Jolla or take advantage of San Diego’s waves and take out the surfboard.
6. Santa Monica
Santa Monica is an upscale way to spend Labor Day weekend. It is a great place to visit, as there are unique events and entertainment always performing, usually free and take place outdoors. If you prefer the classic Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Pier is over 100 years old large double-jointed pier located at the foot of Colorado Avenue. Take a whirl on the Ferris wheel or historical carousel. Spend the evening listening to the bands playing at the summer Twilight Concert series; take a class at the trapeze school or shop at the Pier Store. These activities and more await you before you reach the end of the dock.
7. Anaheim
Spend your Labor Day weekend at the happiest place on Earth at Disneyland. During Labor Day weekend Disneyland hosts a Disney character-filled weekend with special events, Disney entertainment, the Disneyland Half Marathon and 10K, runDisney Kids Races and the Dumbo Double Dare. If you’re looking to stay active and have some family fun, sign up for the Disneyland Half Marathon as some of Disney's characters cheer you along amazing courses. After you’re done running around, relax at Newport Beach or take advantage of some retail therapy at Newport’s impressive outlet Fashion Island.
This article was written by Melanie Whyte.