Need a little cooling off? If a cold shower doesn’t do the trick, I’m certain a quick dip in the cool crisp waters of the Pacific would suffice.

Los Angeles is known for its perfectly pleasant weather, but the temperature of our ocean rarely rises above 68 degrees. I grew up swimming in it, so it suits me just fine - while the warmish waters off North Carolina seem too “bath-like” for my tastes. If warm weather, cool water and a big chunk of green are your idea of a perfect weekend get-away, the Venice Beach Eco Cottages should be your next destination of choice.

Cynthia Foster and Karel Samsom are the brains and brawn behind this quaint 1922 three-bungalow “hotel”. In 2007, they renovated all three spaces using only sustainable materials and resources. The duo also decorated the interiors - each in a different theme - with vintage, antique and reclaimed materials and added organic and non-toxic linens, mattresses and cleaning products.

The result is three totally earth-friendly, completely carbon neutral cottages - the Papa Hemingway Cottage, Aunt Zoe’s Place and Le Bébé Cottage.

All of them have one bedroom, one bath and a convertible bed, sleeping two to three people comfortably. Bring your four-legged friend along for a $100 fee. At $200/night (with a two night minimum) and $1250/week, a weekend jaunt won’t break your bank. (Peak season rates apply June through September at $1500/week).

Visit their website for reservations and more information.