Catalina Island is often underrated and misunderstood, but even after 3 trips, I still find that there's always something new to do. 

Less than an hour away and with ports in Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point, there really isn't a better way to getaway last minute than to the island. Did I mention that Catalina Express is also comfortable, spacious, and sails so smoothly that I fell asleep both ways? True story.