California City Escapes: Finding Vacation Vibes Beyond the Beach

When people think of California getaways, the beaches of Malibu or Santa Monica usually come to mind. But here’s the secret: some of the best “vacation moods” happen right in the heart of the city. Los Angeles and San Francisco might not be tropical resorts, but if you know where to go — and what to wear — you can capture that same relaxed, glamorous energy without ever leaving the city.

Start your day in Los Angeles with brunch in West Hollywood. Cafés like Zinqué or Gracias Madre offer sunlit patios, iced lattes, and vibrant plates that feel like they belong on vacation menus. A Lunaria floral midi dress paired with woven sandals is the perfect look — easy, elegant, and photogenic against the café’s chic interiors. With the morning breeze and palm trees framing your table, you’ll forget you’re in the middle of LA traffic.

Spend your afternoon exploring art and culture. Instead of lounging by the sea, wander through The Broad or LACMA. Both museums deliver that sense of discovery we crave on vacation. Pair a breezy Lunaria linen set with statement sunglasses, and you’ll look like you’ve just stepped out of a European city gallery tour. The bonus? Every corner doubles as a photo spot — especially the Urban Light installation at LACMA, which feels like a movie moment.

Golden hour in San Francisco calls for rooftop glamour. Head to El Techo in the Mission District, where margaritas and Latin-inspired bites are served with sweeping views of the city skyline. The air is crisp, but the energy is warm. A silky Lunaria slip dress layered with a lightweight blazer is all you need to transition from daytime exploring to rooftop cocktails. The setting sun turning the Bay Area sky pink and gold rivals any beachside sunset.

Evenings are for indulgence. Treat yourself to a night at Napa Valley Grille in Westwood or, if you’re in San Francisco, at Foreign Cinema — a restaurant where films are projected on the courtyard wall while you dine. Here’s where a Lunaria satin mini dress shines: playful, chic, and just the right amount of bold for a night that blurs the line between everyday and extraordinary.

Don’t skip the little luxuries. Finish your California city escape with a spa evening at Burke Williams Spa in Downtown LA or a morning stroll through San Francisco’s Ferry Building Marketplace. In a simple Lunaria linen dress and flat sandals, even buying fresh flowers or local pastries feels like part of a holiday ritual.

At the end of the day, California proves you don’t need waves crashing at your feet to feel the vacation spirit. Between rooftop views, museum strolls, and patio brunches, the city itself becomes your destination. And with Lunaria pieces in your suitcase — or your closet — you’ll carry that sense of endless summer wherever the city takes you.

-Sierra