Socal CPFers, Any ideas for a weekend getaway ?

I was wondering if any of you guys know of a small and inexpensive ($100-$200) vacation spot under about 2-3hrs of driving? Just need some time with the GF to relax, hang out, and see what else is in this state ( Huell Howswer style )
Thanks

I assume that is 2-3 Hrs from where you are?
And does the $100-200 include gas money? Price just jumped .10 to $1.599 here.

Yup from me, not including gas money, this V8 is thirsty!

Camping, driving, hiking, relaxing? There's always Santa Barbara, but can get expensive. San Diego's cool, you can go sea kayaking, and it's not that expensive. If you like camping and driving, check out this book

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de tail/-/1930193041/qid=1043879395/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/002-3879214-9200039?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

Just bought it, and now I can't wait to check out some of those roads

It's a couple hours more of a drive but it's a nice area... Lake Havasu City, AZ. You can see the London Bridge and go another hour down the road to the Parker Dam. It's a desert but right now it's actually green!

Thanks Inthedark, How are the trails? Is 4x4 required? My truck is Prerunner 2wd

Hmm...if you're gonna go to Arizona, there's a flashlight manufacturer over that you should go visit. Dunno how happy your girlfriend would be using her vacation time to look at flashlights.

The trails are mostly for stock SUV's, but most of them seem to be just dirt roads, 4x4 not required, but high clearance vehicles are recommended. Not until you get to the more challenging ones is 4wd required. I went with a friend in his stock tacoma once, and the only reason we needed 4wd was because there was deep snow at the time. Without snow, almost any car can make it.

I am going to Lake Arrowhead in May for a wedding. 2 hours from San Diego. they tell me it's breathtaking.

There is a spot north of San Diego called "Black's Beach" where I understand you can let it ALL hang out!

Or just going to Coronado Island off San Diego. Its a wonderful, relaxing trip away form it all, but just cross the bridge and you're in SD!

We don't even bother staying in SD anymore. We just go to Coronado.

V8TOYOTATRK,

All the others are thinking car travel. Take Amtrak. They are always running specials. Santa Barbara from O.C. can be had for less than $50 RT for two tickets.

Chicks dig the choo-choo. You get to see the country from a new perspective, especially if you sit in the upper deck. You don't need to hassle with driving, you get quality time with her and you'll still have big bucks to spend once you're there.

Try Anza-Borrego State Park. It's a desert park and winter is the best time to see it. There's a variety of dirt roads for 2x's. You can camp in established campgrounds for small fee or camp for free in the open desert backcountry.

Here's a little Hewell style (I'm a huge fan of his) history in the area. Check out Military Wash (2x's with high clearance are O.K.)where U.S. troops had desert training for the invasion of North Africa in WWII. The area is still covered with 1000's of spent .50 and .30 cal bullets and some casings. And there are some blown out bunkers.