California’s Best End-of-Summer Luxury Getaways — 2025 Edition

California in late summer carries a special kind of magic. The golden coastline, warm evenings, and wide-open desert roads create the perfect canvas for those seeking one last unforgettable escape before the season turns. End-of-summer getaways in the Golden State are not just about where you go, but how you arrive—and nothing defines that experience more than the vehicle you choose to travel in.

At Falcon Car Rental, we curate driving experiences designed for those who value refinement, performance, and exclusivity. From coastal routes that hug the Pacific Ocean to desert escapes wrapped in stillness, California is waiting to be discovered in style. Below, we highlight some of the finest destinations for your 2025 end-of-summer luxury retreat—and the perfect vehicles to get you there.

Coastal Indulgence: Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea

Few road trips in the world rival the iconic drive along Highway 1. Stretching from San Francisco down to Big Sur, this coastal journey is framed by dramatic cliffs, rolling fog, and the endless Pacific. At summer’s end, the weather is near perfect, with ocean breezes and golden sunsets casting an enchanting glow on every mile.

For those starting their adventure in Silicon Valley or the Bay Area, the perfect beginning comes with the choice to rent a luxury car in San Jose. Whether it’s a sleek Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet or a refined BMW M4 Competition Convertible, the right car transforms this coastal road into a playground of performance and beauty. Arriving in Carmel-by-the-Sea, with its boutique galleries and world-class dining, feels all the more elegant when your journey has been shaped by luxury from the start.

Desert Tranquility: Palm Springs and Joshua Tree

While California’s beaches are celebrated, the desert carries a different kind of allure—serenity. Palm Springs, with its mid-century architecture, chic resorts, and desert horizons, is a sanctuary for travelers who value privacy and timeless style. A short drive away, Joshua Tree offers a surreal landscape where two desert ecosystems meet, perfect for those who want to connect with nature while still traveling in comfort.

Here, the vehicle becomes part of the retreat itself. The stately Cadillac Escalade or the commanding Range Rover provide ample space and authority for long desert drives, while still cocooning passengers in indulgent comfort. The desert road, with its infinite horizon, feels tailored for a luxury SUV experience.

Los Angeles Glamour: Beverly Hills to Malibu

No luxury getaway list is complete without Los Angeles. The city of stars embodies both glamour and possibility. Whether shopping on Rodeo Drive, dining at exclusive restaurants, or cruising up the Pacific Coast Highway, LA becomes the ultimate stage for showcasing refined vehicles.

For those arriving by air, nothing captures the spirit of Southern California more than a luxury convertible rental at LAX. Imagine stepping off your flight and immediately slipping behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG SL 63 or Corvette C8 Convertible. The open-air drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu becomes less of a commute and more of an initiation into California’s legendary lifestyle. At Falcon Car Rental, we ensure that from the very first mile, your LA experience is steeped in sophistication.

Wine Country Escapes: Napa Valley and Sonoma

Late summer is harvest season in California’s wine country, making it an ideal time for a luxurious getaway. Vineyards shimmer in warm hues, wineries host exclusive tastings, and the rolling landscapes offer some of the most scenic drives in the state.

For a couple’s retreat or a group of friends, this escape pairs perfectly with refined vehicles that balance performance and comfort. A Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge brings an air of drama to Napa’s winding roads, while a Bentley Bentayga combines elegance with utility. Luxury in wine country is never just about the glass in your hand—it’s also about how you arrive at each vineyard estate.

Road Trip Majesty: From San Diego to Santa Barbara

For travelers who seek variety, California offers the ultimate road trip canvas. A journey that begins in San Diego with its sun-drenched beaches can continue through Orange County’s coastline, into the cultural vibrancy of Los Angeles, and end in the seaside charm of Santa Barbara. This trip captures the essence of California in one seamless drive—cosmopolitan, coastal, and effortlessly beautiful.

For such journeys, hiring an exotic car for a road trip in California transforms the miles into memories. Picture the thrill of a Ferrari or Lamborghini roaring along sunlit highways, merging performance with indulgence at every turn. These cars are not merely vehicles; they are experiences in themselves, amplifying the magic of the open road.

Choosing the Right Luxury Vehicle

The destinations may vary, but the choice of vehicle is what unites every perfect end-of-summer getaway. For some, the commanding presence of a Rolls-Royce or Escalade defines the journey. For others, it’s the freedom of a convertible Porsche or Mercedes-AMG. Each vehicle embodies a different personality, yet all share a commitment to luxury, exclusivity, and unforgettable performance.

At Falcon Car Rental, we understand that a car is more than transportation—it is the extension of your style, your comfort, and your sense of adventure. That’s why our fleet includes some of the most sought-after luxury and exotic vehicles in the world, curated for travelers who refuse to compromise.

End the Summer in Style

As the summer of 2025 draws to a close, California remains the perfect stage for one last luxurious escape. From the coastlines of Big Sur to the deserts of Palm Springs, from Napa’s vineyards to Malibu’s beaches, each destination offers its own form of magic. The right vehicle ensures that magic is never diluted but heightened with every passing mile.

With Falcon Car Rental, your journey is more than a drive—it’s a statement. This season, let your end-of-summer getaway reflect the exclusivity you deserve. California’s roads are waiting, and there is no better way to experience them than from behind the wheel of luxury.