Want to travel more, but spend less, in 2010? It doesn´t have to be wishful thinking.

Thankfully, when we here in Southern California can´t afford a cruise through the Caribbean or a tour de France, we can tap the recreational resources in our local region, rich with natural wonders and diversity.

Stuck for ideas and/or motivation? Allow me to share some of my favorite weekenders just outside of L.A., though this is more a subjective sampling than an exhaustive list. Prices below do not include tax unless noted, and in the case of restaurants, they don´t include tip either.


1. Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park
When I visited Santa Cruz Island for the first time several years ago, I was astonished that I wasn´t fighting crowds to see it. Everything about my experience was wonderful: the scores of dolphins swimming alongside our boat from Ventura; our tranquil, tree-shaded campsite (a half-mile uphill walk from the pier); our hike to a remote beach, where we snorkeled among fish and even came within arm´s length of a reef shark; and cliffside walks. Kayaking is popular here and around surrounding islands too.

Santa Cruz Island is the largest island, bountiful with unique flora and fauna, but the other islands also have loads to offer; here´s a brief on what´s what.

Distance from L.A.: 65 miles

Approximate drive time: One hour to Ventura

Sample costs: A round-trip boat trip from Ventura or Oxnard through Island Packers will cost you $64 per adult (including tax), if you´re camping. National Park Service campsites run $15 per night.


2. Los Olivos
Yes, the wine-country destination still rarely mentioned without a reference to the movie “Sideways” can make for a fantastic getaway. If you like vino, you can while away hours in the little town and surrounding countryside visiting tasting rooms. Indoors, you´ll also no doubt also clock in time at restaurants and galleries.

But you don´t have to go high-end with this vacation. Camping can be had in nearby Los Padres National Forest and Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. If you don´t like the hotel prices you´re seeing in Los Olivos, check out what´s offered in the Danish town of Solvang, about six miles south.

Distance from L.A.: 130 miles

Approximate drive time: Less than 2-1/2 hours

Sample costs: Camp at Cachuma Lake for $20 per night for a tent site, or spend $60 to $70 for a yurt stay. A sandwich at Los Olivos Café will set you back $13, plus tip and tax.


3. Idyllwild
This San Jacinto Mountains village is a charmer. Though it doesn´t have the ski resorts of the slightly closer Big Bear, Idyllwild does have a quaint, shop-filled village center and an ultra-relaxed vibe. The region´s trails take in alpine meadows and manzanita forest, and the outdoors here are popular with rock-climbers, hikers and anglers.

Distance from L.A.: 108 miles

Approximate drive time: Two hours

Sample costs: At Marion Mountain campground, seven miles north of Idyllwild, a tent site is $10 per night (pre-tax). Or how about an “artist´s loft” for $120 per night through Quiet Creek Inn & Vacation Rentals? A dinner main dish at Café Aroma ranges from $10 to $20.


4. Laguna Beach
When I want a getaway from it all without having to “come down the mountain,” literally and figuratively, upon my return, I head to lovely Laguna Beach. Browse art galleries and boutiques, eat overpriced seafood and soak up gorgeous ocean views at little outdoor fairs. Sun on the sands, or hike in Crystal Cove State Park. You don´t have to spend a fortune here, if you´re careful.

Distance from L.A.: 50 miles

Approximate drive time: One hour

Sample costs: You could get a basic weekend room, within walking distance of downtown, for as low as $119 per night (pre-tax) or even less (tip: sign up for the hotel´s e-newsletters) at Pacific Edge Hotel. If you´re up for an adventure, camping at Crystal Cove State Park ($25 per night) involves walking uphill for three miles, Or think enough positive thoughts, or try and try again, and you may score one of the park´s much-coveted cottages ($125 and up).

Picnics on the beach are probably your most economical bet, but there´s a variety of food available in town. Sunday brunch at Las Brisas is $33 per person, and worth it.