Growing up just outside of Philadelphia, it seemed like the perfect place to live. I could get into Philly in 20 minutes, Baltimore in 45, New York City in about 1 1/2 hours, and D.C. in 2. I grew up getting to experience all these major East Coast cities. Catching Phillies & Flyers games in Philly. Going to NYC to catch a show and wander around the Lower East Side. Spending weekends with my aunt and uncle in D.C., going to the Air & Space Museum and seeing all the monuments.

I feel so lucky to have had the opportunities I did growing up. I have always viewed myself as an East Coast person, in experience and attitude. Living in Los Angeles, I have learned to expand my horizons and see not just the things that LA has to offer, but the West Coast as a whole.

There are many opportunities to get out of town and experience a different setting. Depending on whether you are looking to take a short drive or a flight, there are always options for a good weekend getaway.

If you are looking to hop in the car and take a drive to get away, there are many options. If you are looking for a less-than-3-hour drive, I would make three easy suggestions:

1. San Diego – the San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park, Mission Beach & The Gaslamp Quarter, to name a few.

2. Palm Springs – the perfect place for hiking and lounging by a pool.

3. Santa Barbara – wine tasting, Santa Barbara County Courthouse (where I got engaged), biking at the beach, hiking, the list is endless…

If you are looking to drive about 6 hours or less (or catch a short flight), you might try:

1. Phoenix, AZ – great for hiking, desert museums, shopping, or a great round of golf.

2. San Francisco, CA – riding a cable car, great food, music, checking out the Golden Gate Bridge & Alcatraz.

3. Las Vegas, NV – checking out the strip, lounging by a pool, hitting a fun club, having a fancy meal, or hitting a casino.

There is a hardly a bad choice on the West Coast. If you don’t mind jumping on a plane, I would even suggest getting up to Oregon or Washington state.

So I love the East Coast, I love the West Coast… maybe someone should tell me the greats from middle America!