How to spend a long weekend in California (Memorial Day edition)
California was built for long weekends. You can wake up in the mountains, spend the afternoon wine tasting and fall asleep to the sound of ocean waves — all without leaving the state. If you’re looking for a last-minute plan for Memorial Day weekend, here’s a three-day itinerary with just the right balance of adventure, relaxation and good food.
Friday: Escape to Wine Country
Start your trip with a mellow day in Sonoma County, where the pace is slow and the wine pours generous. It’s a great way to ease into the weekend and a lot less crowded than neighboring Napa.
Stay in: Healdsburg
This small town has big flavor. It’s walkable, charming and packed with top-tier restaurants and boutique tasting rooms.
What to do:
Book a wine flight at Banshee Wines (no reservation needed, but it helps on weekends).
Dine at Dry Creek Kitchen, a refined experience led by head chef Charlie Palmer, celebrating Sonoma’s best seasonal flavors.
Stroll around the Healdsburg Plaza, then catch live music at Little Saint—a cool, plant-based restaurant and creative hub that hosts DJs and pop-ups on holiday weekends.
Optional splurge: Stay at Harmon Guest House or Hotel Healdsburg for stylish digs within walking distance of everything.
Saturday: Head to the Redwoods or the Coast
Spend your Saturday soaking up California’s natural beauty. Depending on your vibe, you can go forest or coast—or split the difference with a scenic drive along the edge of both.
Option A: Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve (20 minutes from Healdsburg)
This is one of the best spots to walk among towering coastal redwoods without the crowds of Muir Woods. The Pioneer Nature Trail is flat and peaceful, the perfect choice for a quiet morning.
Option B: Bodega Bay (45 minutes west)
If you’d rather feel the sea breeze, take Highway 1 to Bodega Bay. Hike the Bodega Head Trail, grab fish tacos from Spud Point Crab Company while you watch the waves roll in.
Evening idea: Head south to Point Reyes Station and stay overnight at Nick’s Cove or a cozy Airbnb nearby. Plus, it sets you up for an amazing Sunday.
Sunday: Beach town recharge
Wrap up the weekend on the by the beach — Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, after all. The California coastline has no shortage of incredible options, but here are two that are easygoing, have gorgeous views and are less chaotic than the usual tourist magnets.
Pick your scene:
Stinson Beach: A small tow with big views. Hike nearby Matt Davis Trail for sweeping ocean panoramas or just plop down on the sand. Grab lunch at Parkside Café for sandwiches and soft serve ice cream.
Santa Cruz: If you want more action, head further south. Ride the Giant Dipper at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, pick up a slice from Pizza My Heart and catch the sunset at Natural Bridges State Beach.
Head back Monday morning or take the extra day to explore Big Sur, Monterey or Half Moon Bay if you’re not in a rush.
Quick tips for a smooth weekend
Reserve early: Wineries, state parks and coastal hotels tend to fill up fast for Memorial Day weekend.
Start early: Parking at beaches and trailheads is limited. Beat the crowds and go in the morning.
Pack layers: It’s still spring. Coastal mornings can be foggy and cool, while inland areas heat up.
Take the route less traveled: Don’t rush. Highway 1, Route 128 and other backroads make the drive part of the fun.
Wrap-up
Redwoods, rosé and rugged coastline are just a few things that make California special, and if you want, you can experience all of these in one long weekend. Memorial Day is your excuse to get out there, so don’t let this one pass you by.
