It’s currently early August, and the back-to-school commercials have started and stores are putting out pumpkins and fall decor… Wait, what?! It feels like my summer just got started! If you’re like me, you may not want summer to end. Or, maybe you want the heat to end but still want the free and joyful feeling of one last summer vacation.

Labor Day weekend is traditionally the “last summer hurrah” for most people before school starts and the fall season begins. But, because it’s such a popular holiday weekend, travel prices can be outrageously expensive. Nothing bothers me more than paying double the price for a hotel that I know was much less the weekend before! Maybe it seems that one last holiday weekend escape is out of budget for your family this year, but have no fear, I got you!

After working in travel public relations for over a decade, I’ve become an expert at finding quality hotels in great destinations at prices that make sense. Here, I’ve compiled a list of the best hotels in places that are easy to get to from Los Angeles for your final summer vacation over Labor Day weekend. Whether you’re looking for a beach vacation, a mountain escape, to get out-of-state or a camping experience, I have something for every budget and taste!

Pst… I also shared this list on KCAL-TV (CBS; Los Angeles) Morning News on August 12, so be sure to check it out below!

Hold up! Before we get into my list of travel destinations, you need to check out my must-have travel products for kids. From portable carseat solutions to in-flight entertainment, I have everything to prep you for your next family vacation!

6 Affordable Labor Day Getaways from LA

SAN DIEGO – Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina

A waterfront Best Western?! Yes, please! The best part of Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina is the views, as it overlooks Point Loma and a private marina which welcomes sailboats, super yachts and cruisers. This budget hotel has a private resort setting with two waterfront swimming pools, a pickleball court, a tennis court, a delicious onsite restaurant, free WiFi, complimentary bike rentals, pier fishing options and boating activity, along with cheap parking at $10 per night. It’s full-service restaurant and bar features breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner featuring delicious California coastal cuisine. When you’re ready to venture out with the fam, the hotel is a short drive to SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and Ocean Beach.

Labor Day Weekend Rates: A king bedroom starts at $211 over Labor Day Weekend, which is an amazing price for a waterfront hotel over a holiday weekend! Click here to book!

MAMMOTH LAKES – Sierra Nevada Resort

Take a road trip north for a scenic mountain vacation at Sierra Nevada Resort, which is soon to rebrand as Outbound Mammoth, in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. Sierra Nevada Resort opened in November 2022 as Mammoth’s newest resort in nearly a decade with 179 accommodations including deluxe rooms, fireplace suites, and chalets with an inviting lobby, dining concept, and wine bar.

Occupying a historic 1967 building that was once a preferred getaway for Hollywood elite, the newly reimagined Sierra Nevada Resort welcomes guests to a western classic reborn as a modern mountain retreat in the heart of Mammoth Lakes, California. Widely regarded as California’s best ski destination, Mammoth Lakes is an unsung gem in the summer, when the snow melts and gives way to lush green terrain for epic mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing and hiking, as well as water activities like kayaking and stand-up paddling. In addition to the town of Mammoth Lakes, the resort’s central location offers access to the region’s most prized landmarks including the nearby Devils Postpile National Monument; Bodie State Historic Park; Ancient Bristlecone Pinecone Forest; Yosemite National Park; and Death Valley. 

Labor Day Weekend Rates: Rooms start at $209 Labor Day Weekend. The resort is offering a special 20% off the best available rate if you tuned into my KCAL-TV (CBS; Los Angeles) segment that aired on August 19, 2023. Stay dates for this offer are now through December 31, 2023 (blackouts may apply, and there’s 24-hour cancellation policy. Use code CBSLA when booking here.

SANTA BARBARA – The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta

In a destination known for pricey hotel rooms, The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, offers approachable rates for families looking to soak up the sun in this quaint coastal town. The Leta hotel in Santa Barbara is a chic, stylish hotel with a retro vibe in Goleta, California, the perfect basecamp to hit the local beaches, explore the vibrant culinary scene, or enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, surfing, paragliding, sailing – or just relaxing by The Leta’s pool. The Leta offers a welcome local craft beer upon check in, along with a complimentary wine hour serving coastal California wines. The hotel also has a secret gem restaurant that locals love called CAYA, as well as the Leta Bar with both classic and signature cocktails. The hotel is dog friendly and offers your furry friends dog bowls, beds & pet waste bags upon request.

Labor Day Weekend Rates: The Leta is offering a special package: Stay 3 nights and get 1 free with rates starting at $234 per night with a waived destination fee. The offer includes self-parking, Wifi, morning coffee, evening reception, a Gold’s Gym pass, electronic newspaper (cannot be combined with any other offer, free night must be part of a booked stay, free night has no cash value). Book this offer here. Considering that the median rate for hotels in the Santa Barbara area are at least double this (and in many cases into the thousands per night) – this is an amazing deal!

SANTA MARGARITA – Santa Margarita KOA Holiday

If you’re looking for a memorable camping experience, try the Santa Margarita KOA Holiday! This campsite is an ideal Central Coast escape, situated right near San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles wine country and the 101, and just 30-minutes to coastal towns like Avila Beach. You can experience wineries, hiking in oak lined pastures and lowkey beaches – all in one trip. The campground features more than 70 acres of lush outdoor beauty carved into a hill with a variety of sites available for Labor Day Weekend, including Deluxe Cabins (featuring full indoor kitchens and bathrooms), Camping Cabins, RV sites, and tent sites, plus the high-quality customer service and guest experience that KOA is known for. Experience epic stargazing at the campground, due to its variety of hilly vista points and dark skies year-round. During the day, dig into the campground’s exciting amenities including its swimming pool, jumping pillow, family games like disc golf, Kamp K9 for pets and even a “Party Yurt” with arts and crafts for kids on Saturdays at 10 a.m. through Labor Day Weekend. Santa Margarita Lake is also just down the road, where visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, boat rentals and horse trails.

Labor Day Weekend Rates: Deluxe Cabins start at $300/night; Yurts start at $185/night; RV sites start at $144/night; Camping Cabins start at $140/night; Tent sites start at $66/night. Book on KOA’s website here.

AUSTIN, TEXAS – Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown-University

If you’re looking to get out of California, Austin, Texas is one of the USA’s hottest booming destinations and it’s less than 3 hours away from LAX by air! Experience all the “Keep Austin Weird” vibes at Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown-University, a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Austin, right in the center of the Red River Cultural District on the famed 6th Street. It’s the perfect location to explore all the exciting live music, restaurants and bars in the area – though if you prefer, you can just lounge at the hotel’s beautiful rooftop pool, which has a view of the city. It also has a cool poolside bar and stylish terrace to beat the heat under the scorching Texas sun. Amenities include a great fitness center as well as LadyBird Kitchen + Bar, serving American cuisine and signature craft cocktails (they just launched an incredible weekend brunch).

Labor Day Weekend Rates: Beginning Friday night, rates start at $199 – not bad for a hotel stay in the midst of the hottest part of Austin, Texas! Book your room here.

LOS ANGELES STAYCATION – Hotel Amarano

Get luxury for less in Burbank, as Hotel Amarano has everything for both kids and adults at an affordable price. Hotel Amarano is a secret gem luxury boutique hotel tucked between film studios and the leafy equestrian center neighborhood in Burbank. Inspired by the glamour of old Hollywood, Hotel Amarano’s upscale design with a beautiful courtyard pool and onsite bar and restaurant will feel like a relaxing retreat for parents. Kids and parents alike will love Amarano’s location in the “Media Captial of the World,” as it’s within walking distance to iconic studios to tour, like Warner Brothers, Disney and NBC, in addition to being a close drive to Universal Studios Hollywood and the scenic tree-lined streets Downtown Burbank. The hotel features a fitness center and bikes for guests to cruise around. It’s also pet-friendly and offers dog bowls on request. Their signature restaurant, FYC Bar + Kitchen, offers a modern take on California fresh contemporary cuisine and craft cocktails and is a local and entertainment industry favorite. Designed with rustic details and the glamorous drama of Hollywood.

Labor Day Weekend Rates: Hotel Amarano is offering a special advance purchase rate starting at $258 per night – a great deal for a luxury hotel in Los Angeles! Book your holiday weekend staycation here.

Which of these destinations would you like to visit for Labor Day? Let me know in the comments below, or connect with me on Instagram @maggiehjackson!

XO Maggie