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The 15 best day trips from Los Angeles

Experience everything that SoCal has to offer with these day trip from Los Angeles to stunning nearby beaches, wineries and small towns

L.A. is great and all, but sometimes you need a change of scenery. If you only have one day to spare, consider one of these quick day trips from Los Angeles to some amazing nearby destinations. Luckily, living in L.A. means it’s an easy (well, depending on traffic) and often  scenic drive  to SoCal’s best beaches , small towns, wineries and gorgeous desert landscapes—all within three hours of the city. Oddly enough, taking advantage of the ease with which you can get  out of L.A. is easily one of the best things to do  in L.A.

From wine tasting in Santa Barbara and  vintage hunting in Palm Springs to  camping  in Joshua Tree or feeling the sand between your toes in San Diego, you’re sure to find a short trip (as opposed to a longer road trip ) worth taking on this list. 

RECOMMENDED: The best weekend getaways from L.A.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Top day trips from Los Angeles

1.  coronado.

2 hrs by car There’s a reason Coronado has topped lists of the country’s best beaches: Its wide shores never feel overcrowded, the soft, fine-grained sand is easily walkable and the weather is practically perfect. Just a quick ferry ride or bridge drive from San Diego, this wealthy peninsula has the feel of a resort town with the amenities that come from being near a major city.

The beachfront grounds of the regal, red-roofed Hotel del Coronado  are a must-visit, even if you can’t foot its pricey room reservations. Back in town, stop into hole-in-the-wall diner Clayton’s Coffee Shop for a quick meal or MooTime Creamery for frozen treats. Coronado is also home to a sizable naval base, and while you can’t exactly visit, you can spot fighter jets coming in for landings and submarines surfacing off the coast.  —Michael Juliano

2.  Ojai

1 hr 20 mins by car Ojai is a not-so-hidden gem close enough to L.A. for a day trip, but with a unique, relaxed feel that’s worlds away from busy city life. Start early with a decadent, hearty breakfast at Bonnie Lu’s , then stroll the town’s quaint main street; the antique shopping is great here, but relatively new school shops like Summer Camp are also worth a stop.

Tour an olive farm or a citrus grove, then grab an organic lunch at Farmer & the Cook . Alternatively, grab a a bite to go and explore the nearby trails in Los Padres National Forest , just north of town. If the weather is right, swimming holes abound along the Sespe Creek.

Back in civilization, check out Bart’s Books , an outdoor bookstore housed in an actual house (sans roof), or head up to Meditation Mount   (reservations required)  for incredible views, especially the famed “pink moment” at sunset.

Swing back to the center of town to explore its many wine tasting rooms, or grab a beer and a bite at Ojai Beverage Company . Chief’s Peak, the bar at Ojai Rancho Inn (where you should stay if your trip runs long), is a hip spot for an after-dinner drink; you’ll find more old-timers—and regular live music—at Deer Lodge down the road.  —Kate Wertheimer

Discover the best things to do in Ojai

3.  Santa Barbara

1 hr 50 mins by car Santa Barbara is a scenic and worthy vacation destination regardless of your starting point, but we’re fortunate enough to have relatively easy access (granted that the L.A. traffic gods are working in our favor).

Stearns Wharf is a go-to spot to see the Pacific, and nearby is State Street, filled with tons of shops and people-watching opportunities. And the Wharf isn’t the only place to see the water: Butterfly Beach, a relatively private spot, is situated next to the Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel and faces west for ideal sunset-watching views.

Grab lunch at La Super-Rica Taqueria —famous for being one of Julia Child’s favorite eateries. The lines tend to be on the ridiculous side, but it’s worth the wait for novelty’s sake alone.

If you’re traveling with family, spend a few hours at the Santa Barbara Zoo   (reservations required) . Otherwise, grab a glass of Pinot Noir at one of the many tasting rooms along the Urban Wine Trail   (hours and status vary by winery) ; the spots are located in downtown Santa Barbara, steps from the Amtrak station, and source grapes from local vineyards.  —Seth Kelley

Discover the best things to do in Santa Barbara

4.  Laguna Beach

1 hr by car Forget what you know from a certain unfortunate MTV reality show: Laguna Beach is an easygoing oceanfront city graced with lush vegetation, tidepools and a picturesque rocky coastline.

Main Beach is the spot of choice for downtown sunbathing, but you’ll find pristine, less crowded beaches at tide pool-filled Treasure Island, camper-friendly Crystal Cove or hidden Victoria Beach with its weathered, castle-like turret.

Walk the city’s downtown area to find a mix of shops, galleries and restaurants; many eateries cater to the well heeled, so we suggest bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy on a bench at the hilltop Heisler Park. Do, however, follow the smell of fresh waffle cones onto the enchanting Peppertree Lane for a scoop from Gelato Paradiso .

It’s not just about the beach here; you can explore the reservation-only Hortense Miller Garden  or thousands of acres of hillsides and canyons to find hiking trails, nature centers and the Pacific Marine Mammal Center   (closed through fall 2024) , a sea lion rescue. Summertime typically sees the arrival of two festival favorites: Pageant of the Masters , a live stage interpretation of classical paintings, and Sawdust Art Festival , an open-air artisan market that transforms into a Christmas village in late fall. There’s only one road in and out from the 5, so bring some patience during rush hour—alternatively, take the scenic route and follow Coast Highway through Newport Beach.  —Michael Juliano

5.  Solvang

2 hrs by car After Danish immigrants grew tired of Midwestern winters, they began to make their way west and eventually settled in the pastoral Santa Ynez Valley. Though you won’t find many Danes in Solvang anymore, you will find wooden windmills, rural houses and a replica of Copenhagen’s Round Tower. The post-WWII structures are as touristy as they are charming; walk around town to find an assortment of Christmas shops, Hans Christian Andersen and Little Mermaid keepsakes, and sort-of-Danish bakeries.

Solvang’s downtown area is dotted with breweries and pancake cottages, including local standbys Solvang Brewing Company   and Paula’s Pancake House —and an increasingly impressive new culinary scene . For a bit of history on the area, make sure to stop by the humble Elverhøj Museum .

For a more offbeat adventure, head to the outskirts of town to  OstrichLand , which feels like the Jurassic Park of the ostrich and emu world. If you’re visiting in early January, make sure to schedule your trip around the annual Christmas tree bonfire . —Michael Juliano

6.  Balboa Island

1 hr by car, 5 min ferry

Visitors to Balboa Island in Newport Beach can enter the man-made island by driving onto it via Marine Avenue, but it’s far easier—and more fun—to park your car on the Balboa Peninsula and take the Balboa Island Ferry for a quick and scenic five-minute trip across the water.

The first order of business: getting your hands on one of the island’s famed frozen bananas (make the Bluth family proud). Choose from rivals Sugar N Spice or Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop; both claim to be the originators of the chocolate-covered frozen treat.

Take a jaunt around the 1.6-mile boardwalk surrounding the island, passing by multi-million dollar homes and streets named after gems, before strolling down Marine Avenue, the island’s main artery. Here you’ll find plenty of restaurants ( Wilma’s Patio is a staple), boutique shops, art galleries and the Balboa Island Museum and Historical Society .

Of course, there’s plenty to do out on the water, too: kayaking, parasailing, paddle boarding and the like. If you’ve got kiddos tagging along, the Balboa Fun Zone on the peninsula hosts a Ferris wheel and plenty of arcade games.  —Erin Kuschner

Discover the best things to do in Newport Beach

7.  Los Alamos

2 hrs 20 mins by car Once a major stagecoach stop, this small, easy-to-miss town looks stuck in the past with its Old West style—but behind the facade are trendy treasures waiting to be discovered. Inside Bob’s Well Bread Bakery is a hip, stylish setup serving artisan breads—including gluten free options—croissants, sandwiches and more. Exploring antique shops and art galleries can easily fill a day here, just be sure to call ahead, as some places are only open on weekends.

A big draw of the Los Alamos area is its wine tasting—this is Santa Barbara County, after all—which can be done at Bedford Winery  and other local tasting rooms. Before you leave town, make a pit stop at  1880 Union , an event space with an authentic stagecoach saloon, or spend the night at the Victorian Mansion Bed and Breakfast . For being a single stoplight town (we haven’t actually counted, but you get it), there’s a bevy of delicious places to eat, such as  Full of Life Flatbread (known for its occasional A-list diners) and the destination-worthy Bell’s .  —Stephanie Morino

8.  San Juan Capistrano

1 hr 30 min by car, 1 hr 25 min by train A piece of California history and a quaint old town make San Juan Capistrano an off-the-beaten-path day trip with a lot of charm and a little learning. If you take Amtrak there, the train will drop you off right where you want to be—just a couple of blocks from a good cup of coffee at Hidden House Coffee .

From there, you can tour Mission San Juan Capistrano , founded in 1776 and arguably one of the mission chain’s prettiest links. The mission used to be known as a migratory destination for swallows in February, but the famous birds have been spotty in recent years. If you have your heart set on getting up close with some animals, check out Zoomars   (reservations recommended) , a petting zoo for kids of all ages (read: adults love it, too). It’s a historic ranch where you can also pan for gold like the California miners did. You’re also near Los Rios Historic District , which has some historic homes and museums that are perfect for a walking tour.

When you get hungry, you have several options: Heritage Barbecue serves remarkable Texas-style smoked meats,  Ramos House is a romantic spot known for great food and huge Bloody Marys on the weekends and  Five Vines is a nearby wine bar with snacks and sandwiches. If you want to catch a later train, head over to Swallow’s Inn , the local dive bar, where bras hang from the ceiling and bands play late into the night. You’re still within stumbling distance of the train station.  —Sara Fay

9.  Oak Glen

1 hr 30 mins by car

Though you can visit Oak Glen year-round, the best time to head to this picturesque town to the east is September through November. The five-mile loop of orchards, ranches, shops and restaurants is a necessity for any New England transplant looking for fall foliage, and the town’s most popular activity— apple picking —is a nice alternative to canvassing L.A.’s farmers’ markets.

Many of the orchards, like Willowbrook Apple Farm  (opens Labor Day weekend), offer a cider press to make your own cider, which you can pair with a cinnamon roll or apple dumpling from Apple Annie’s Restaurant & Bakery . Stop by the Turquoise Pueblo  on your way back to L.A. for some beautiful handmade Native American jewelry.  —Erin Kuschner

10.  Solana Beach

2 hrs by car, or 2 hrs by train

If you want to spend a day in San Diego, you can either try to go big (the San Diego Zoo! Balboa Park!  Padres game! All in one day!) or go small-town and spend a chill day in a cool oceanfront neighborhood. The beach towns north of San Diego—no, we’re not talking about Pacific Beach—are the stuff of the Beach Boys lyrics.

In Solana Beach, you’ll find laid-back vibes and beaches that aren’t completely overrun. It’s easy to get there from L.A. via Amtrak, and it’s a perfect way to day-trip because all the spots you’ll want to hit are within walking distance of the station.

Start at  the Naked Cafe for a beach-y brunch, then, either head down to the beach at Fletcher Cove or cruise along the Cedros Design District for window shopping, brewery hopping and people watching. There’s also a mix of cute boutiques, surf shops, restaurants, taco spots and bars along South Coast Highway. If it’s racing season, the Del Mar Racetrack  isn’t far—it would be either a long walk or a short car ride.

Before you catch the train back up to L.A., you have several good options for dinner near the tracks: Station Sushi is a solid locals’ spot for classic and creative rolls, Bangkok Bay  has some of the best Thai food we’ve ever eaten and Pizza Port is known for being a last-slice-and-beer-before-Amtrak place. It’s directly across a pedestrian crosswalk from the train station, and has been slinging pies and pouring pints for three decades.  —Sara Fay

If the San Diego Zoo caught your eye, book a ticket and spend a day with the animals.

11.  Temecula

When hoofing it to Napa and Sonoma isn’t an option, Temecula is your next best destination for a day of wine tasting. Before sampling the grapes, stop by quaint Old Town Temecula, where you can pay a visit to the Temecula Valley Museum  for a historical walking tour.

Then it’s down to business; the heart of Temecula’s Wine Country includes more than 30 wineries, which you can bounce between at your own leisure (don’t drink and drive, folks!) or take a guided tour from one of the many wine tour companies in the area. Taste your way through the 70-acre Wilson Creek Winery and the red-focused Monte De Oro Winery   before heading to Maurice Car’rie Vineyard  for an educated tasting and a loaf of the vineyard’s famous sourdough bread, oozing with brie.

Just down the road, Magical Adventure Balloon Rides encapsulates another popular Temecula activity: riding in a hot air balloon. We can’t think of a better way to end your day in Temecula than by sailing over the town’s vineyards at sunset with a glass of Champagne in hand. —Erin Kuschner

12.  Palm Springs

2 hrs by car Known for its ultra-fancy resorts and legacy of celebrity residents, Palm Springs is worth at least a weekend, if you can afford the time. Still, if you’re limited to 24 hours, make the desert city a choose-your-own-adventure day trip.

Start with brunch at Cheeky’s , and trust us that it’s worth the wait. If you’re in the mood to exercise, check out Indian Canyons , made up of three separate canyons (Palm, Murray and Andreas) that each offer hiking trails and fantastic views of the diverse landscape. Another of the best ways to see Palm Springs is on the Aerial Tramway , which helps visitors escape the heat of the desert with a scenic ride to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains.

If relaxation is your goal, shop at the outlets in Cabazon, or just get a massage and sit by the pool. The Palm Springs Art Museum  is small but displays works from incredible artists including Picasso and Warhol. For dinner, try reservations at Sandfish  for superb sushi and Japanese whiskey.  —Seth Kelley

Discover the best  things to do in Palm Springs

13.  Big Bear

2 hrs by car; access may be limited during the winter This mountain town is home to some of L.A.’s closest ski slopes in winter, but don’t discount a summertime trip, when a dip in a mountain lake is the best way to keep cool. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to tour the water, and keep an eye out for the white-domed Big Bear Solar Observatory perched at the water’s edge on the north shore. The hiking here is also plentiful and offers some amazing views.

If you’re a bit more adventurous, stop by Bear Valley Bikes and rent a mountain bike; there are fire roads for beginners and lots of technical, downhill single track for more seasoned riders.

Back in town, check out the Bowling Barn  and the Alpine Slide , both of which are a blast with or without kids in tow. For a drink with the locals, head to karaoke night (which is pretty much every night) at Murray’s Saloon , the town’s self-proclaimed “five star hole in the wall.”  —Kate Wertheimer

Discover the best things to do in Big Bear

14.  Joshua Tree

2 hrs 15 mins by car You’ll find Joshua Tree National Park on our shortlist for perfect day trips, road trips and weekend getaways from L.A. That’s for good reason: the magical desert spot—with its gnarled, ancient namesake trees, picturesque cacti and giant boulders—should be on every traveler’s bucket list, no matter how much time they have to spare.

Watch rock climbers scale mini-mountains at  Hidden Valley campground (first-come, first-served) or try some scrambling yourself at Jumbo Rocks . If you visit in spring, head south to Pinto Basin for a chance to see colorful wildflowers in bloom.

On the drive out, plan for a pit stop at the Cabazon exit, where you can explore the famed dinosaur park from Pee Wee’s Big Adventure (and even, for a fee, climb inside the three-story T. Rex for a photo op in his mouth). Shop for cacti at multiple roadside marts on Twentynine Palms Highway, or hang a left at Pioneertown Road for a stop at Pappy & Harriet’s , which boasts a ghost town, small inn and great live music.

Another worthwhile detour is Landers, home of countless alien sightings and new-age sound baths at the  Integratron   (reservations required) . In the town of Joshua Tree, take your pick from a few tasty restaurants, including Crossroads Cafe   to rub elbows with locals. There are some good thrift shops around here, as well as the kind of quirky public art; be sure to check out the World Famous Crochet Museum , as well as prolific artist Andrea Zittel’s A-Z West tour.  —Kate Wertheimer

Discover the best things to do in Joshua Tree .

15.  Salton Sea and Slab City

3 hrs by car This day trip isn’t for everyone; but if you’re a fan of things decrepit, forgotten and way off the beaten path, head south to Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea. A popular vacation spot in the ’50s and ’60s, these days all that’s left of the once-booming seaside town are photo-worthy ruins and a lot of dead fish.

The Ski Inn remains; stop by for a drink or a greasy bite and decorate a dollar bill to hang on the wall or ceiling. Continue on to Niland, made famous by artist Leonard Knight’s Salvation Mountain , a giant folk art monument made from adobe, straw and thousands of gallons of paint (you may remember it from Into the Wild ). Beyond is Slab City, a former marine training base that now exists as a squat for campers, transients and desert dwellers who’ve created a community complete with a library, skate park and live music stage, “the Range.” If you’re respectful and friendly, folks may share their hot spring and swimming hole secrets, so bring a bathing suit—or do as the locals do and go in your birthday suit.  —Kate Wertheimer

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Day Trips From Los Angeles

The 15 Best Day Trips From Los Angeles

It's easy to fill an itinerary for a Los Angeles vacation, even if you never venture outside the downtown-Hollywood-beach triangle. But one of the best things about LA is its proximity to so many different kinds of destinations from snow-capped mountains to farmland-filled valleys, from artist-attracting deserts to laidback beach towns.

Go beyond the borders of the city proper on one of these day trips—all within a four-hour drive—to dive deeper into California's colorful history.

Joshua Tree: The Woo-Woo Wild West

TripSavvy / Chris VR

The desert destination is known for its Seussian trees, scenery seemingly ripped from an old-timey western, and animal skulls-and-macramé aesthetic. The national park is a huge draw, promising dark skies for stargazing, wildlife viewing, and bouldering. The dusty streets of the nearby towns bring nature lovers, hippies, and hipsters together at artist studios (especially in October during HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours ), festivals ( Desert X ; Joshua Tree Music Festival ), and at the more trippy attractions like the Integratron , a geodesic dome in which sound baths are performed.

Getting There:  It’s a three-hour drive each way along I-10 and CA-62 (Twenty Nine Palms Highway). Leave long before or after rush hour or you'll spend much, much longer in the car.

Travel Tip:  A trip to the high desert isn’t complete until you pay a visit to the Cabazon dinosaurs as seen in "Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure" while drinking a Hadley's date shake.

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park: Black History

Ted Streshinsky Photographic Archive/Getty Images

In 1908, Colonel Allen Allensworth, an escaped slave and ordained Baptist minister who retired as the Army's highest-ranking Black officer, and four like-minded peers settled a secluded spot in the Central Valley creating the only California town founded, financed, built, populated, and governed entirely by African Americans. At its peak in the 1920s, Allensworth had about 300 residents, a school district, hotel, and many businesses. Sitting on the original townsite, the state park has several recreated buildings including a school and church and a visitor center with a film to explain what led to the town’s demise in the 1960s.

Getting There:  It's about two-and-a-half hours north of LA using I-5, CA-99, and CA-43.

Travel Tip:  McFarland, a small farm town 19 miles away, and its high school's powerhouse cross country program were the subject of a feel-good Disney film , which used the school, almond orchards, the prison, Esperanza market, and Tacos El Cazador , where you should stop for horchata and tacos al pastor, as shooting locations.  

Disneyland: The Happiest Place on Earth

Courtesy of Disneyland Resort 

Sure there are now Disneylands around the world, but you’ll never forget a visit to the very first one. Take a spin on nine rides that remain from opening day in 1955 including Autopia and Jungle Cruise, eat a churro, watch fireworks, buy souvenir ears, and explore the many wondrous attractions that have been built over the past 65 years including the Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones, and most recently, the Star Wars land, Galaxy’s Edge.

Getting There:  Approximately an hour from LA, a straight shot down I-5, driving is usually quickest. Or take Metrolink from Union Station to Anaheim and connect to the free Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) shuttle . 

Travel Tip:  Before Oga’s Cantina opened in Galaxy's Edge with a droid DJ and adult beverages, the park was dry; save for the expensive private Club33. Want a Blue Bantha? You must make reservations up to 60 days in advance. 

Santa Ynez Valley: Pastoral Paradise

Heather Daenitz/Visit the Santa Ynez Valley 

Welcome to  Sideways country. Made up of six small towns, farmland, and vineyards, this valley is the best option for a boozy trip thanks to the prized pinot noirs, chardonnays, cabernets, and syrahs that its 120 wineries produce. Many of the wineries themselves can be visited for samples and tours, or sip and shop in Los Olivos where tasting rooms mingle with art galleries and plant nurseries. Grab a bite at Buellton’s Industrial Eats , Los Alamos’ Bob’s Well Bread Bakery , or Solvang’s First & Oak or Mad & Vin . Solvang is an adorable Danish-American village full of Scandinavian architecture, Christmas shops, windmills, and pastries.

Getting There:  Drive north on US-101 until Santa Barbara and then cut over the mountains using the San Marcos Pass (CA-154). Depending on traffic it takes about two hours from LA.

Travel Tip:  There’s plenty to do with under-21 squad members: OstrichLand , lavender farms, horseback riding with Vino Vaqueros , water sports on Lake Cachuma, a virtual-reality arcade, and the Quicksilver miniature horse ranch.

Catalina: Island Time

Courtesy of Visit California 

If a taste of the tropics is what you seek, look no further than the most accessible and developed of the Channel Islands. Take it easy sipping Buffalo Milks (the island’s signature cocktail) at the beach club , sailing, wandering Avalon's quaint streets, or being pampered at the spa. Or have an adrenaline-pumping day riding zip lines, scuba diving, or traversing the dusty backcountry in an open-air biofuel Hummer looking for bison and staring down sheer cliffs.

Getting There:  Most people take a Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point. If seasickness is a concern, take a 15-minute helicopter flight from Long Beach. 

Travel Tip:  For a more rugged adventure, take the ferry to Two Harbors on the west end instead for hiking trails, campgrounds, excellent kayaking, a dive shop, and a sandy beach.

Presidential Libraries: California’s Commanders In Chief Collected

Courtesy of Reagan Presidential Foundation 

Presidential libraries and museums offer an in-depth look into past leaders of the free world. Southern California has two: Richard Nixon’s and Ronald Reagan’s . The first is set on the land where his parents ran a citrus ranch and contains the house where he was born as well as exhibits on communism and Watergate. Reagan's museum is in Simi Valley, and some of the info even comes straight from him by way of a hologram. Step aboard the Air Force One he logged 660,000 miles on.

Getting There:  Nixon’s compound is about 40 miles from downtown LA in the Orange County city of Yorba Linda off the CA-90 freeway. Reagan’s is almost 50 miles northwest from downtown.

Travel Tip:   Simi Valley and the surrounding countryside offer excellent hiking spots including Rocky Peak, Sage Ranch Park, and Corriganville Park, a former movie ranch featured in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood .

Chumash Indian Museum: Day In The Life of California’s Original Residents

Courtesy of Chumash Indian Museum 

Set on Chumash ancestral land once known as Sap’wi, the Chumash Interpretive Center in Oakbrook Park opened in 1994. The museum houses artifacts and replicas related to the tribe and a recreation of a Chumash village. There are opportunities to play native games, learn Chumash words, make crafts, and walk in nature while learning about their connection to the land and how they used various plants. Inquire about occasional docent-led hikes to see cave paintings. 

Getting There:  Take the 101 freeway 36 miles from Hollywood through the San Fernando Valley to Thousand Oaks.

Travel Tip:   Another important Chumash site is Painted Cave State Historic Park in the mountains above Santa Barbara, where rock art dating back to the 1600s colors the sandstone walls.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: The World’s Largest Trees

TripSavvy / Vince Fergus

The woodsy national parks sit side by side in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains and offer a range of elevations (up to 14,494 feet), landscapes, wildlife, and ecosystems. But the real reason to seek out this forest is to see its trees, foremost of which are General Sherman, the world’s largest living tree, and General Grant, the second largest. There are day hikes at all difficulty levels from casual flat strolls through giant sequoia groves or past alpine lakes to a steep 8-mile trek to Mist Falls. 

Getting There:  The closest entrance point from LA is Ash Mountain in Sequoia. At roughly four hours, it’s a time and distance commitment, but worth it. 

Travel Tip:  Temperatures drop off in the evenings and winter snow can linger until summer. Check the weather and trail conditions a week or two before you go to properly gear up. 

Ventura: Surf And Taco Turf

Afton Almaraz/Getty Images 

It’s a quintessential SoCal beach town with laidback locals, reliable waves, small-town congeniality, seemingly infinite outdoor pursuits, and a spate of brunch spots and outfitters. Spend time on the water, whether by renting a boat or parasailing from Ventura Harbor Village , visiting the marine life tank at the Channel Islands National Park visitor center, or enrolling in lessons with Surfclass or Ventura Makos Surf Camp . Refuel at one of the restaurants that make up the Ventura Avenue Taco District . (Order quesarritos from the secret menu at El Taco De Jerez .)

Getting There:  Roughly 60 miles from Santa Monica, drive north on the PCH (CA-1) through Malibu for scenic vistas or take the quicker inland US-101 route. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner stops in town.

Travel Tip:  Stay for a spectacular sunset. Trek up to the highest point in town, the 107-acre Grant Park, where you can look out over the town, the Pacific, and Anacapa and Santa Crux Islands. Or watch from the patio at MadeWest Brewing Co. with a cold Sound Sail lager in hand.

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve: Flower Power

TripSavvy / Amanda Capritto

The landscape here is blanketed in bright oranges (from California’s state flower and park namesake), yellows, whites, and purples from mid-February through May. Enjoy the view along eight miles of trails (some paved for wheelchair access), from picnic tables, or at the interpretive center. Check the live cam to ensure there’ll be something to see that’s worth the drive.

Getting There:  Northeast of downtown by about an hour and a half, take US-101, I-5, and CA-14 to outside Lancaster.

Travel Tip:  Visit Vasquez Rocks on the way there or back. Named after a notorious bandit who used the dramatic rock formations as a hideout in the 1870s and seen in numerous Hollywood movies including Star Trek and Blazing Saddles.

Bakersfield: Basque Feasts and Country Beats

Courtesy of Visit Bakersfield 

When visiting Bakersfield’s Basque Block, a historically Spanish and French area, make sure to go hungry. Many of the dining halls, including Wool Growers , Pyrenees Café , Chalet Basque , and Benji’s have been open for decades. Often served family-style at communal tables, meals start with bread, cabbage soup, beans, salsa, boiled vegetables, french fries, and sometimes pickled tongue and spaghetti before moving on to main courses like roasted lamb, sweetbreads, oxtail stew, pork chops, or fried chicken. Wash it down with Picon Punch, a typical brandy and grenadine cocktail. The annual Basque Festival is in May.

Work off the meal with a little line dancing to the Bakersfield Sound, a country sub-genre of twangy guitar, fiddle, drums, and pedal steel popularized by Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. Most of the original honky-tonks are gone, but the beat goes on at Owens' glossy museum-meets-nightclub Crystal Palace . Learn more about the genre at the Kern County Museum .

Getting There:  By car, it’s just shy of two hours north of LA on I-5. Greyhound also offers bus service between the two cities. 

Travel Tip:   The César E. Chavez National Monument in Keene, about 30 miles south of Bakersfield, salutes the important life and work of the titular leader. La Paz was the home and office (filled with photos, books, and artifacts) from 1970 and is his final resting place.

San Juan Capistrano: This Mission Is For The Birds

Courtesy of Mission San Juan Capistrano 

The 21 missions set up by Franciscan missionaries on behalf of Spain in the 1700s had a massive impact on California’s history, indigenous populations, and the landscape. SJC, founded in 1776 by Junipero Serra, presents an honest, balanced picture of how the mission program changed, challenged, and ultimately almost wiped out the Acjachemen (Ah-HAWSH-eh-men) Nation in interactive exhibits. There’s a draw for birders as well. Mid-March through October, large flocks of cliff swallows migrate 6,000 miles from Argentina to nest and mate in SJC’s eaves, an annual event celebrated with the Swallows Day Parade .

Getting There:  It’s about 60 miles south from downtown on the I-5 just before San Clemente. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner train stops at the SJC station.

Travel Tip:  The mission is located in the Los Rios Historic District , the state’s oldest continually occupied neighborhood. Explore the area and spot the three original adobe homes that remain from the late 1700s.

Pasadena: Days of Vines and Roses

There’s far more to this old-money city east of LA than the New Year’s Day parade and Rose Bowl. Architecture buffs will admire the Italianate city hall and the craftsman Greene & Greene Gamble House (used as Doc Brown’s house in the  Back To The Future  franchise). Spend a day visiting its museums ( Norton Simon art museum; USC Pacific Asia Museum ) gorgeous gardens (at the Arboretum , Descanso Gardens , and the Wrigley Mansion ground), or pick up a beach read at Southern California’s oldest bookstore, Vroman’s (1894).

Getting There:  Take the Arroyo Seco Parkway (aka CA-110), from downtown or hop aboard the Metro’s Gold Line at Union Station. It has stations from Pasadena to Azusa. 

Travel Tip:  Grab a bite to eat in San Gabriel Valley. Although most known for authentic Chinese cuisine, eaters can also find quality Vietnamese, Indonesian, Taiwanese, Singaporean, and Indian spreads as well.

Lake Arrowhead: Four Seasons of Fun

Courtesy of LakeArrowhead.com 

This getaway is a wooded wonderland boasting fresh air, beautiful forests, and year-round activities for lovers of the great outdoors. Learn to waterski with the McKenzie School, go fishing, mountain bike or skate at SkyPark At Santa’s Village , or take advantage of the natural swimming pool. Fall colors are best seen from hikes or while taking the perimeter tour aboard a vintage paddleboat, the Lake Arrowhead Queen . And winter’s first snow signals the start of ski season at resorts like Snow Valley or Rim Nordic (cross country and snowshoeing). 

Getting There:  Lake Arrowhead Village, which is where you’ll find all the shops and restaurants, is 90 miles from LA on CA-189. 

Travel Tip:  A fun detour along the way is a replica (13752 Francisquito Avenue) of the first In-N-Out Burger . Opened in 1948 in Baldwin Park, the 10-square-foot space was also California’s first drive-thru hamburger stand. 

San Pedro: Port Worth a Call

 Ian McDonnell/Getty Images

LA's port is the busiest in the nation and also offers plenty to do: the World War II-era battleship USS Iowa , several historic houses including the Banning Museum , parks with lighthouses or views to Catalina, the remains of Fort MacArthur’s batteries and bunkers, the Korean Friendship Bell, and the Marine Mammal Care Center , where you can hang with sick and injured seals and sea lions as they recuperate. Another important stop is the Terminal Island Memorial , which commemorates the Japanese fishing village that once thrived there before its 3,000 residents were forced to relocate to internment camps after the attack on Pearl Harbor. By their release in 1945, the village was long plundered and decimated. 

Getting There:  The harbor is 20 miles south of LAX off I-405 and I-110.

Travel Tip:  Stock up on souvenirs at Crafted , a market hall in a converted 1940s warehouse brimming with independent vendors and their handmade art, foodstuffs, and trinkets.

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The 9 Best Day Trips From Los Angeles

The largest city in California, Los Angeles is a world-class tourist destination for its glamorous industries, idyllic weather, cultural attractions , shopping, and dining scenes. But as a popular draw year-round, visitors are bound to explore beyond the city proper. Luckily, there are several nearby day trips that can scratch whatever exploratory itch you have: vineyards and valleys, mountains, desert escapes, and artists' communities. We've pulled together some of the best day trips from Los Angeles to help you plan with all the details on where to go and what to do. Should you fall in love with any of these spots—as we have—we've included where to stay, too, just in case you need more time.

Read our complete Los Angeles city guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Known for its quirky cacti and metaphysical flare, J-Tree has drawn an out-there crowd for many years. The National Park is a must-see for any nature lover, especially those who love bouldering, but the surrounding town is worth visiting in its own right. Watch a world-class music act at the iconic honky tonk Pappy & Harriets, cruise Pioneertown to see the set of many Westerns, indulge in a sound bath, and come home with a new collection of crystals. Hey, when in Joshua Tree...

Pappy & Harriets Arrow

Have you even been to Joshua Tree if you haven't stepped foot in Pioneertown? We think not. It's the true spirit of the desert, and not to be missed. Pappy and Harriets is a honky tonk in a dusty, abandoned desert town that looks like it could be the set of a spaghetti Western, but it draws big name acts to come and perform practically in the middle of nowhere.

Joshua Tree Saloon Arrow

This dusty dive bar is like the gateway to Joshua Tree National Park. It's the perfect spot for a bite and a beer when you first arrive into town; the low-key vibes will surely slow you down to J-Tree pace. You'll find plenty hikers and climbers from out of town, posting up for a hearty meal after a long day on the trails, as well as Marines from the nearby Twenty Nine Palms base. Don't expect any froo froo cocktails; just a solid list of classic domestic beers (plus a few craft offerings) and staple spirits. There are also burgers, jalapeño poppers, fish and chips, and a solid basket of ribs. But a saloon like this wouldn't be complete without a cast of characters that staff the bar; sidle up for good humor and plenty of stories from these attentive lifers.

Pioneertown Motel Arrow

Full credit goes to the folks who decided to restore this totally hip Western property. It's truly a gem and a slice of SoCal history. Vaulted ceilings with exposed beams make the cozy rooms, which are adorned with adorable Western elements such as cowhide rugs, Pendleton throw pillows, and Mexican blankets, seem more spacious. The proximity to the stellar music at Pappy & Harriets and the desertscape alone are worth it, but if that doesn't seal the deal, it's the quiet time amongst the landscape, and the epic sunsets, that will.

The Integratron Arrow

This is the ultimate in woo woo—a geodesic dome sound bath in the middle of the Mojave Desert . It's all about the metaphysical energy. Prepare to tap into your inner hippie. Anyone who's looking to explore the idea of meditation or the metaphysical is welcome, and it's a mixed bag. There are guides of sorts who lead the sound bath. They're pros at playing various sorts of instruments from Buddhist prayer bowls to gongs and quartz crystal bowls. Whether you come to some sort of heightened state depends on the person, but it's something you can experience in very few other places in the country, or the world, and worth exploring.

Joshua Tree National Park Arrow

One of the desert gems of America’s parks, Joshua Tree National Park spans nearly 800,000 acres within Southern California’s portion of the Mojave Desert. There’s no wrong way to behold the beauty, whether you’re drawn to rock formations, particular plants, seasonal fauna, or outdoor activities. One sure bet is to head toward the park’s center for a picnic and/or walkabout at mighty Cap Rock, or around Jumbo Rocks where you can check out the giant skeletal Skull Rock. Get acquainted with flora along the Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail, a flat loop through 10 acres of cacti and bushes where something colorful is usually blooming any time of the year. Nature lovers, and especially desert fans, may end up loving Joshua Tree more than any other preserve. If time is tight, the park is fine for a driving tour, though traffic may slow you down during peak summer and holiday weeks. But if you’ve wisely reserved ample time (at least one full day is best), take your pick of activities to engage with the landscape, be it camping (reserve ahead of time), climbing, horseback riding, birding, biking, wildflower viewing, or geology touring.

BKB Ceramics Arrow

This small, boutique ceramics shop embodies the industrious yet free spirited ethos of the tiny yet close knit desert community of Joshua Tree. You'll find earthy textures and unique geometric designs baked into beautiful, one-of-a-kind hand thrown pieces. Fellow shoppers are often design geeks and savvy Airbnb owners looking to accessorize their stylish abodes. If we had unlimited space in our suitcase (and plenty of scratch), we'd take a whole set of their turquoise colored mugs.

This sleepy mountain town is one of SoCal's less-frequented weekender road trip destinations, which is a shame, because in spring when the wildflowers are in bloom, the drive along the Rim of the World is breathtaking. Pack your bags for great hiking, unobstructed views of Big Bear Lake, quality antiquing, and down home hospitality.

Noon Lodge Arrow

Considering it's just a hop skip and a jump from L.A. in the San Bernadino Mountains, why aren't you there right now? Windows down, you inhale the ponderosa pine-laden air as you pull up to this unassuming, campy property. Rolling in your luggage there's an imminent quiet, and it's everything you've craved driving in from the city. Huddled around the campfire at nights, you roast s'mores with fellow guests and share like you were bunkmates. It's a pretty bare bones lodge, but it's the best boutique-ish stay in town. What it lacks in luxury it'll make up for in kitschy charm.

Tropicali Arrow

This sunny little snack shack will immediately remind you of the aloha vibes at roadside stands in Hawaii . You may stand in line with a family taking their kids out for a healthy breakfast, or local business owners stopping by for one of their killer island iced coffees with fresh coconut milk on their way to work. This is the perfect fuel for a day of hiking in Big Bear: super clean, sustainably sourced poke bowls with flavor combos, like a take on Tahitian poisson cru with coconut milk, sashimi grade tuna, sweet peppers, lime, and cucumbers. If you're there for breakfast, you'll definitely want to try one of their acai bowls, including the classic Brazil bowl topped with organic granola, bananas, coconut chips, cacao nibs, strawberry pearls, and a peanut butter drizzle.

Big Bear Lake Brewing Company Arrow

Like most breweries worth one's malt, the crowd is super chilled, friendly, and outdoorsy—much more prone to wearing puffers than Prada. Brews are done in the classic California style—in other words, get ready for some hops. The food menu is solid and includes burgers, salads, fish and chips, and tacos. Staff are beyond accommodating and friendly and very well versed in the various selections available on tap. The brewery is awesome for a group gathering, or to toast the end of a day adventuring with friends.

Rim of the World Scenic Byway Arrow

The 110-mile-long Rim of the World Scenic Byway, with its steep climb and sweeping cliffside views of the San Bernardino Mountains, is one of the most under-trafficked road trips in SoCal . Since you rarely hear about The Rim of the World, it gets neither the love nor the visitors of Highway 1. It's especially beautiful if you happen to be there in wildflower season, when the roadsides are paved in mustard yellow flowers. 

Saucy Mama's Pizzeria Arrow

This is the perfect carb-filled way to cap off a day of hiking and adventuring. The place is very family friendly and is filled with local regulars. Expect to find a wait on weekend nights—it might not be New York , but as far as the region is concerned, these are some of the best slices around, and it's worth it. There are classic pies like the meat lover's made with sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, and meatballs, or wackier choices like the Austin's Red Hot Kickin Chicken, made with spicy hot wing sauce, onions and chicken breast—a buffalo wing lover's dream. Staff is down home and friendly, just the type you'd want for a casual neighborhood joint.

Action ZipLine Tours Arrow

If you're an outdoor adventurer at heart, this tour is for you. You can choose from zip lining or tree climbing, giving you a unique view of the San Bernardino Mountains and it's stunning pines. During the wintertime, they also offer snowshoeing treks, a real treat for every level of outdoors person. The retired war vehicles that take you up to the top of the zipline course make you feel even more badass for choosing to fly above the tree line. This is a great way to dip your toe into some high adrenaline activities. You're not so high above the canopy that you can't see the ground, making it ideal for first timers. 

Known for its tightly knit artist community and boho flare, Ojai is one of those places that locals yearn to keep weird. As such, you won't find any giant hotel chains or neon signs. Instead, indulge in a relaxing weekend sampling from local breweries and organic winemakers, or unwinding with treatments at the sprawling, oak-tree-lined Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. 

Ojai Valley Inn Arrow

Time seems to slow down as you pull up to this sprawling Spanish revival hotel. Birds chirp from atop the towering oak trees, and the peacefully running fountains set the tone for a zen like serenity that'll carry through your weekend. The Fireplace Shangri-la room is your own personal retreat, complete with an oversized soaking tub and separate shower. Hand-painted Spanish tile, gold-auburn granite, and cobalt blue accents give this room a modern Mediterranean look. But the real highlight is the stucco fireplace with seating, a perfect spot to tuck into a book and indulge in the rejuvenating spirit of Ojai. If that's not enough for you, the pools here are worth the visit alone—attentive staff, killer views, and plenty of space to hop around to keep the scenery fresh. 

Farmer and the Cook Arrow

The shabby chic farmhouse style here makes this just the type of quirky spot you'd expect in a creative community like Ojai. It has a crowd of conscious, chilled-out food loving locals, and whether you're just looking to grab a smoothie and snacks for a day of adventuring around Ojai, or want to have a more intimate sit-down dinner, this is a great option. If the Hungarian-style stuffed cabbage is on the menu, order it. And the pizzas are always a big hit. There are plenty of raw and vegan options, too, which is a nice addition. Come for one of their casual weeknight pizza dinners, or for a low key celebration.

Ojai Valley Brewery Arrow

It's a laid back, cafe style patio and bar area dedicated to drinkers with a penchant for hoppy beers. While there are some nice wines on the menu, you're here for the beer. Try the White Pixie made with Ojai tangerine zest and orchard blossoms, or the barrel aged barley wine made with locally foraged pink peppercorns. They also sell growlers if you want to take some to go. Azu, the restaurant in which the taproom is housed, makes some killer kebabs and burgers, as well as more polished dishes like paella or pan roasted salmon.

The Mob Shop: Bicycle Tour Arrow

It's an organized bike tour, but with that personal homespun and local feel that makes Ojai so special. The crowd is made up of totally geeked out bike people who are really into sharing their local culture via cycling. It's great for someone who wants to be active while exploring the local flora and fauna, and burn off all that awesome food and beer Ojai has to offer. The scent of riding through the pixie orchards in bloom is one you'll want to bottle for years to come.

Chief's Peak at Ojai Rancho Inn Arrow

This place is a great spot to catch some live entertainment on the first Sunday of the month, and to mix and mingle with Ojai folks over simple, well-crafted drinks. The poolside bar space is basically a SoCal summer camp for adults. There's a hearty selection of local wines and beers, as well as seasonal cocktails well-suited for the pool. The crowd is a mixed bag of locals and hotel guests with sunny smiles, all equally part of the creative set.

Casa Barranca Organic Winery & Tasting Room Arrow

It's a cozy, down home tasting room in downtown Ojai, with welcoming warm wood and Spanish revival architectural accents. You'll be in the company of mostly oeno-curious travelers looking to do an afternoon tasting, with a few locals showing friends around. The winery sources organic grapes from around California and brings them to their winemaking facility, where they make a variety of blends. While they may not score as high as some of the cult cabs from Napa , they're still well worth a swirl. This is a great place to get a buzz on before an afternoon of craft shopping.

LAGUNA BEACH & NEWPORT BEACH

The beach communities in Newport and Laguna developed a certain reputation in the mid '00s thanks to the fictional and mostly fictional shows The O.C. and Laguna Beach . But they're so much more than their television portrayals. From excellent surfing, to ocean paddling, to high-end shopping, to nowhere-but-here landmarks like the Victoria Beach Pirate Tower, Newport and Laguna have everything you want in a beach city. 

Duffy Electric Boat Rentals Arrow

This boat rental shop has a laid back beach vibe, which caters to locals and out-of-towners alike. Duffy Electric Boat Rentals is home base if you want to live a yachting lifestyl e but have zero clue how to commandeer a ship. These electric boats make the seafaring life simple, affordable, and easy to navigate. Make sure to pack an A+ picnic (translation: cheese and rosé) to enjoy out on the water. You'll find SoCal natives looking for any excuse to escape the heat and get out on the water—for engagements, birthday parties, and everything in between. Since the Duffy Boats fit 10 people, it's definitely a scene, but it's also fun for couples looking for a different sort of date excursion, too.

Bear Flag Fish Co. Arrow

This delightfully nautical modern fish shack is the fast casual concept every beach town should have. It's a mix of families enjoying an after school special, surfers grinding after a paddle out, and beachcombers looking for a taste of chef-fisherman Thomas Carson's catch of the day. This is definitely some of the best poke on the mainland. Don't skip the ahi or salmon. They have some excellent margs on menu too, making for the perfect pairing for your fish taco or burrito.

Victoria Beach Pirate Tower Arrow

For travelers seeking the esoteric, this lighthouse is a must. It looks like it could be in some remote area of the Azores , and it's walls are studded with pieces of buried coins and treasure. While the name would suggest otherwise, it's simply the staircase to the mansion above, but still is a fun visit, especially for kids. The feeling of being there is one of nerdish curiosity, and if you're looking for a quirky beach walk, this is a great way to end it. It'll make you giddy to know that not all of Newport's residents have lost their sense of whimsy.

A'maree's Arrow

If you want to feel like you're living in an episode of "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," a stop here is a must. Originally opened in 1976, this boutique overlooks the yachts docked in the Newport Harbor and features high end designers from around the globe, as well as interior design items. Stock up on chic espadrilles and hats that'll have you beach ready no matter your next destination, whether it be Monaco or Portofino . If you can, make an appointment for a private styling session with one of the three sisters and prepare to be wowed.

CATALINA ISLAND

Hop on the Catalina Express for the one hour 15 minute ride from the port in San Pedro out to Catalina Island and escape all that LA traffic. If you're looking to go out and back the same day there's nowhere better to go diving or paddling. If you venture out to the far side of the island you might even get to spot some of Catalina's wild bison herd.

Casino Point Dive Park Arrow

The 2.5 acre land-entry dive site was the first public, non-profit dive site in the country, and showcases some of the best sea life California has to offer. There's something for every level of certified diver, from beginner to expert, including the region’s most famed species—giant kelp—and its numerous inhabitants, including massive lobsters, octopus, and moray eels. Don't forget to have your dive master take you to wave to the resident eel, Fang, who tends to hang out around the 40 feet marker.

Catalina Express Arrow

With quick and affordable trips to-and-from Catalina's two main ports—Avalon and Two Harbors—this is the most affordable way to get to Catalina (and the most efficient unless you want to charter a private yacht). This no-frills ferry will remind you of the commuter boats in Greece that shuttle tourists from island to island, but no matter, it's a quick and easy way to get out of the city for the day, and potentially do some wildlife spotting along the way, especially if its whale migration season, which peaks from early summer to early fall. A trip out to Catalina is definitely one of those experiences that makes even locals wonder why it took them so long to explore the natural aquarium right in their own backyard.

Catalina Island Conservancy Arrow

It's worthwhile exploring the more wild side of the island near the Two Harbors area, and there's no better way to do it than on a 4x4 as part of an eco tour at the conservancy. You don't want to miss the bison, originally brought to the island and left to run feral. Seeing these massive, beautiful animals against the California/Mediterranean landscape is absolutely breathtaking. The private non-profit organization is dedicated to rehabilitating and restoring the island, so you can rest assured the money from your excursion is going to a great place.

Descanso Beach Ocean Sports: Kayak Catalina Arrow

There's no better way to see Santa Catalina than by kayak. These guided two-hour tours show you everything from the geology and rock formations to the lion fish and leopard sharks. Think of it as an ocean safari. You'll see kelp forests, coral, curious harbor seals, and more while paddling along the rugged coastline in a modern sit-on-top kayak. No matter which tour you opt for, you'll be blown away by the wildlife and biodiversity perched on your kayak. 

The small town of Los Alamos (a population of about 1800) is the cool kid of California wine towns. Lots of young winemakers are doing interesting things here and chances are good some of them will have time to chat with you all about it. Take a walk up Bell Street, the main drag, and stop in at tasting rooms and at Bob's Well Bread for otherworldly bread and pastries when you're done.

Lo-Fi Wines Arrow

Walking into Lo-Fi, you're greeted by the sweet sound of needle meeting vinyl, and a tasting room staff that's as down home as they come. Los Alamos locals rub elbows with young winemakers and wine-savvy Angelenos. Natural wine has become a bit of a buzz word in the industry, but Lo Fi is the real deal. Using neutral barrels, native yeasts, little to no sulfur additions, and no adjustment of pH, they embrace a nothing added, nothing taken away approach that makes for some really interesting wine reflective of the region. Don’t miss out on their Coquelicot Cab Franc or the Chenin Blanc.

Bob's Well Bread Bakery Arrow

If you've ever dreamed of fleeing the big city for country living, Bob and Jane Oswaks' lifestyle will be major #goals. The Hollywood exec (Bob) left the bright lights to become a beacon of small batch baking in Los Alamos and never looked back. Our bellies are all the better for it. If you're missing a proper Paris baguette , this is definitely a place you'll want to stop. Grab a boule to go with your wine country picnic, or better yet, sit on the patio and enjoy pastries, tartines, and sandwiches. You really can't order wrong.

Bell's Arrow

Bell's is the indie rock, wine country version of your favorite neighborhood restaurant —unpretentious, warm, and welcoming with an undeniable air of cool that comes from just doing you. The room, decorated by kilims and mismatched vintage furniture works the boho vibe just right. Bell's draws serious food lovers from around SoCal looking to get a taste of what they call "Franch" fare—a portmanteau combining French and ranch, referring to the Santa Barbara rancho style of cooking in the region, and a nod to the owners' playful sense of humor. Bell's is the perfect mix of high-low, where dishes like layered crepes topped with local Santa Barbara uni and caviar, and a banging rendition of moulles frites make sense next to Spanish sardines with homemade saltines. This is the type of spot you can rock into any night of the week and be happy, whether you're dining solo or celebrating a landmark birthday with family.

Los Alamos Depot Mall: Antiques & Pub Arrow

For fans of thrifting and antiquing, this collection of jewelry, clothing, home decor, and Americana will be worth dedicating at least an hour to sifting through. It's a roving treasure trove, but if you have some money to spend, keep your eye out for old world walnut furniture and larger pieces that you'll get for a song compared to LA establishments. If you're on a budget, peep the costume jewelry, and be sure to pick up some lemon oil to keep your wooden pieces at home well-conditioned. On a weekend, you'll find road trippers and locals grazing the aisles in between wine tastings, looking to do some retail therapy.

IDYLLWILD, CALIFORNIA

Idyllwild is home to quaint, blissfully uncrowded mountaintop adventures—it’s so far off the beaten tourist trail, it’s actually an unincorporated community. But the townsfolk do have an elected official. You can catch a glimpse of Mayor Max III—a golden retriever pup—while wandering downtown. That’s just the tip of the quirk quotient that comes with an Idyllwild stay. Long a haven for rugged, artsy Californians, Idyllwild is a true hidden gem, full of gorgeous hiking spots, charming bed and breakfasts, and best of all, cool air even in the summer months. Originally a haven for the Cahuilla Indians, Idyllwild has been a summer getaway for millennia.

Idyllwild Nature Center

There are more mountainous hikes around Idyllwild with jaw-dropping views of Strawberry Valley—check out the hike up to Suicide Rock—but the Idyllwild Nature Center is a good intro to the area. There’s a little museum with displays of the local fauna, but the hiking path is the draw here. Surrounded by Manzanitas and pines, the path is shaded and perfect for a 45-minute stroll. In the winter, the Idyllwild Nature Center is one of the few places in Southern California where it’s possible to get into a snowball fight.

The Grand Idyllwild Lodge

This Craftsman-style hotel is exactly what you’d expect out of a mountaintop lodge: cozy, quiet, and close to nature. Of course, viewing decks and fireplaces are necessary amenities at this altitude, and the Grand Idyllwild doesn’t disappoint. Nestled among the Ponderosa pines and Manzanitas, the Grand Idyllwild is as equally close to town as it is popular hiking and climbing spots. With just 11 rooms, make sure to plan ahead.

Merkaba Tea

Crisp mountain air and tea go together perfectly, and Merkaba is a serious teashop. Set in a townhouse painted amethyst purple, you can’t miss Merkaba, nor will you want to. They keep a stock of black and green teas from around the world—think Pai Mu Tan from Fujian Province in China and Purple Leaf tea from Kenya’s Nandi Highlands—as well as their own blends of camellia and other herbal teas alongside a full stock of crystals, local crafts, and teaware.

Gastrognome

The pine-dense forests of Idyllwild are the perfect setting for gnomish activity. Which is why the gnome-themed Gastrognome feels right at home. They offer a menu that could be the answer to the question, “What do gnomes eat?” Apparently, hearty no-nonsense comfort food: Angus ribeye steak, blackened salmon, a classic burger on a brioche bun, and the Gnome Dip, which is Gastrognome’s version of a French dip sandwich, popular amongst woodland creatures and humans alike.

SOLVANG & BUELLTON

Ever since the 2004 film Sideways , which was filmed around town and in the surrounding areas, Solvang has taken on the role of being a serious wine destination. But it wasn’t always that way: at the beginning of the 20th century, a group of Danish-Americans looking to escape the frigid Midwestern winters settled in the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara. The town became an uncanny Danish village, complete with windmills and half-timbered style architecture, and that was the attraction for a while. Nowadays, the Danish echo acts as a backdrop for the nearly two dozen tasting rooms all over town, and over 120 wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley.

First & Oak

Tucked into the boutique Mirabelle Inn, First & Oak may look like a rustic French dining experience, but make no mistake; they’re definitely not old school. For one, the tasting menu is choose-your-own-adventure, allowing diners to select from each section, and they accommodate to taste and dietary restrictions. Chef Steven Snook—a protégé of Gordon Ramsay—crafts seasonal menus with an eye towards keeping things close to home. It’s not unusual to be served foraged mushrooms or poached local sea bass served along with mussels and summer squash.

Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum

The Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum isn’t just for hog-heads. Housed in an old Brooks Brothers store, it’s packed to gills with over 100 unique and often beguiling motorcycles rotated in from owner Dr. Virgil Eilings’s vast collection. Some of the bikes are exceedingly rare, like the 1922 Megola front-wheel drive motorcycle that was featured on Jay Leno’s Garage or any of the bikes from early 20 th century British manufacturer MJS. And there’s no shortage of Ducatis and Moto Guzzis for those with the need for speed.

The Landsby Arrow

While Solvang was built in the retro visage of 16th-century-style architecture, the Landsby takes a more modern, comfortably convivial, minimal, cozy Danish approach. Or hygge for short. It makes for a pleasant, serene stay while also being in the epicenter of town. Even more convenient is Mad & Vin, the Landsby’s Danish-cum-Californian cuisine that checks every box: locally sourced, fresh, seasonal ingredients on an inventive menu in a pleasant dining room.

Ostrichland USA Arrow

Fast facts: ostriches can run over 40 miles per hour, and are the biggest bird on earth. You can find 80 of the flightless birds (and 20 emus) in the nearby Buellton at a peculiar ranch called OstrichLand USA . You’ll be able to carefully feed the fascinating creatures alfalfa pellets or simply watch their habits, which include a strange mating ritual dance involving feather ruffling and gentle swaying. It has to be seen to be believed. Afterward, peruse the gift shop for feather dusters and other ostrich-related gifts, as well as eggs—the largest bird eggs on earth—which you can take home and eat.

The River Course at the Alisal

If a day on the links is what you’re craving, there’s no place better to spend it than on the River Course , where you’ll follow the roaming Santa Ynez River as you try not to slice into the oak, native sycamore, and elderberry trees that line the fairway. As you tee up on the elevated tees, you’ll see breathtaking panoramic views of the foothills and valley. The course is a tough one, but don’t worry, the mild California climate will calm your nerves. It’s all set on a dude ranch, so when you’ve handed in your scorecard, you can hit up the property’s wrangler workshops, rodeos, and horseback riding, and you can even participate in a hog washing (if that sounds like something you’d want to do).

SANTA BARBARA & MONTECITO

Even if it’s just a hop-skip north of L.A. via the 101, Santa Barbara feels like a different planet. It’s slower for one thing—you’re mostly strolling on the sandy beaches, shopping, eating, or thinking about the next place to eat. Between the oceanfront hotels, the fine dining, and the access to wine country, it’s no wonder they call Santa Barbara “the American Riviera.” The surrounding towns have much to offer as well, particularly tony Montecito, home to celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Larry David, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Caruso's

Set on the grand campus of the 5-star Rosewood Miramar Beach hotel, Caruso’s pulls its weight as one of the finest dining options in one of the toniest towns in America. Chef Massimo Falsini’s food is a divine treasure trove of locally sourced ingredients, meaning you might find halibut fished off the Channel Islands paired with white asparagus and green garlic in a sweet burro fuso sourced from Napa Valley. Or spring lamb from Sonoma served alongside apricots and carrots in a pool of berry shrub jus. The vegetables come from Caruso’s garden, and even the honey is produced by an in-house apiary. At sunset, the view out over the water is almost as gorgeous as the dining experience. You’ll want to dress up for this one as it’s definitely a linen tablecloth experience.

Widely thought of as one of the most outstanding botanical gardens on Earth, Lotusland was built over a period of 40 years by world-famous Polish opera singer Ganna Walska. Opened to the public after her passing in 1993, the 37-acre ground features a butterfly garden, a cactus garden, a fern garden, a citrus orchard, and even a garden dedicated to plants with blue foliage. That’s not even the half of it. Be forewarned: you must make a reservation in advance, and the visits are restricted to two hours.

Butterfly Beach

Santa Barbara County is known for its beaches, and none is better than Butterfly Beach in Montecito. The sand is pillowy, the water is warm, and the views are majestic. Bring a picnic and lay out on the beach all day, or bicycle on the Cabrillo Bike Path up to Santa Barbara. Make sure to visit close to sunset, as Butterfly Beach faces out to the west.

Hotel Californian Arrow

If you do decide to stay over, the Hotel Californian is the spot to crash. The Moroccan-inspired, 121-room hotel’s interiors were designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard from the Bravo series Million Dollar Decorators, and it shows: it’s decadent and seductive, but timeless and flowing. In addition to seaside rooms looking out over Santa Barbara’s gorgeous beaches, the Californian offers several dining options, including Goat Tree, which merges Californian and Mediterranean influences, and Tan Tan for when you don’t want to leave the pool area.

The Funk Zone

The Funk Zone is not one establishment, but a whole neighborhood of exciting options to shop, eat, and drink. It’s exploded more recently, with graffiti murals providing a backdrop for boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and tasting rooms. Check out Jules by the Sea, a boutique with owner Jules Kramer’s handcrafted jewelry; Spanish restaurant Loquita Santa Barbara; breezy clothing boutique Loveworn; or take the 3-hour Eat This, Shoot That! restaurant and wine-tasting tour.

Long heralded as a surf destination, Oceanside is just as well known as a nexus point in Southern California. Located in between L.A. and San Diego, Oceanside is accessible to family-friendly adventures like Disneyland and the San Diego Zoo, while having enough charisma to stand alone as a beachside vacation spot. Ready to finally take those surf lessons? One of the best places to learn to catch a wave. Want to spend a day on the links? There are several golf courses. Prefer a day out on the water watching for whales? No problem. And of course, there’s fresh seafood around every corner, and ample space to relax on the beach.

Learn to Rip Surf Lessons

Surfing is part of the draw of Oceanside, so it might be high time to dip your toes into the proverbial water when you visit Oceanside. For those who’ve always stood on the beach and admired the surfers riding the waves, but never took the step, Learn to Rip Surf Lessons is perfect. There’s no better place to learn than in surfing mecca Oceanside, where there’s great surf year-round. Learn safety, how to pop up, and how to maintain balance with one-on-one or group lessons.

California Surf Museum

Founded in 1986, the California Surf Museum is a testament to Oceanside’s place in the world of wave riding. With special exhibitions, film screenings, and a collection of noteworthy surfboards and historical photographs, the museum is a cool stop for those with even a casual interest in the sport.

Sea Hive Marketplace

Something between an antique mall and a maker market, Sea Hive is a one-stop shop featuring local artisans, vintage clothing booths, a botanical shop, a florist, booksellers, vinyl record shops, and much more.

333 Pacific

Home to the best surf and turf in Oceanside, 333 Pacific never fails to draw a crowd. It’s an unfussy menu—steak or seafood in a variety of different styles and cuts and manners. The only other choice is to decide whether to eat in the inviting dining room or on the patio looking out onto the beach.

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27 Best Day Trips from Los Angeles, CA – From a Local

What are the best day trips from Los Angeles? After living in LA for the past 16 years and exploring the surrounding areas, we can confidently say these are the best day trips from Los Angeles.

One of the many reasons we love living in Southern California is that wherever you are, you can drive an hour or two in one direction and land in a different landscape, vibe, charm, and culture.

Go West, and you’ll hit the beaches.

Go East, and you’ll find the desert.

Go North and see the snow.

Go South, and hit some wineries.

There are many things to do around and near Los Angeles, with only a 1-3 hour drive from DTLA . Start your day trip early morning and drive back after dinnertime.

With some of the most beautiful coastal beach communities in Southern California, there is no reason why you should not be heading out on day trips to explore them.

Sometimes, it’s possible to take early flights out of Los Angeles to destinations that are only an hour or so plane ride away. We once flew out early morning to Las Vegas to meet my best friend and were back home by midnight.

By all means, any of these day trips can also be turned into great weekend getaways. Book a hotel the morning of and stay overnight. Everyone needs to enjoy a quick getaway now and then.

Day trips have always been our preference because we like returning home to our dogs. Sometimes dog sitters can be difficult to schedule, and my dogs don’t travel.

Having these day trips helps quench our wanderlust until our next big vacation. They are vital and allow us to breathe. Plus, getting out and exploring what’s in your backyard is important. Day trips are an excellent way.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our  full disclosure  for details.

In this article, we share some of the best day trips from Los Angeles we have taken over the years. We hope it will inspire you to get out and explore what Southern California offers.

When we started writing out this list of day trips from Los Angeles, we didn’t realize we’d experienced so much in the 16 years of living in Los Angeles. There is still so much of Southern California we have yet to experience and discover. We can’t wait to get in the car and take more day trips.

Note that a few of these destinations are technically in Los Angeles County. However, if you live in Los Angeles, you know it takes about 1 hour or 2 to get anywhere outside and into the city of Los Angeles. So if you are staying in Marina del Rey and are planning to visit Pasadena, you know that’s a day trip.

We also included the driving time to these destinations from Downtown Los Angeles.

Table of Contents

Best Day Trips From Los Angeles

1. santa barbara, ca.

Drive Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Branded as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara, a Central California coastal city, is a great day trip for any time of year. Its spectacular surroundings of the Santa Ynez mountains and the pacific ocean will tempt you to stay longer.

It’s one of our favorite coastal cities, and we try to take a day trip to Santa Barbara once a year.

We love to explore State Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, and enjoy the Spanish, Victoria, and Art Deco architecture you’ll find throughout. We’ll then head down to Fisherman’s Wharf and continue towards the harbor, where we’ll sometimes spot seals.

On your day in Santa Barbara, there are multiple things you can do in addition to what we mentioned above:

• Visit the Funk Zone, a trendy neighborhood known for its wine-tasting rooms and craft breweries.
• Visit old Mission Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.
• Take photos at the Moreton Bay Fig Tree, the largest in America.
• Head over to its historic pier, Stearns Wharf, and watch the sunset over the harbor.
• Go on an electric-bike tour in Santa Barbara Wine Country.

Top Foodie Pick: Love Tacos? Stop by Julia Child’s favorite taco stand, La Super-Rica Taqueria .

Santa Barbara, CA | Google Map It

2. Solvang, CA

Drive Time: 2 hours 30 mins

This popular Danish village is a must-visit and one of the best day trips from Los Angeles. Whenever we have company from out of state, we bring them here so they can experience something different outside of Hollywood Blvd.

Danish-style architecture is always great fun. This picturesque town will make you feel like you’re suddenly transported into another country.

While some people’s favorite thing to do is go wine tasting, we like to visit all the bakeries and stop at Solvang’s Restaurant for aebleskivers.

• Spot the windmills in town and take photos.
• Shop the boutiques and check out some of the wooden shoes.
• Pick up some butter cookies and pastries from one of their local bakeries to take home with you.
• Don’t miss trying aebleskivers at Solvang’s Restaurant; it’s a great little treat for everyone.
• Plan to visit the wine-tasting rooms as you explore through town or visit San Ynez Valley wine country.

Read more about what to do in Solvang, CA .

Top Foodie Pick: The aebleskivers are a must.

Solvang, CA | Google Map It

3. Oak Glen

Drive Time: 1 hour 37 minutes

A day in Oak Glen, California, is one of our fall and winter favorite day trips . Only an hour or so drive from Los Angeles, you will find beautiful vistas, fall foliage, and apple orchards. In the winter, you will find snow.

While Oak Glen is a popular fall destination, you can visit year-round to enjoy the different seasons. There are always different activities and festivals throughout the year. Riley’s Farm has historical events and other dinner shows.

We love to go there for all the yummy treats and to enjoy all the local activities and festivals, including stocking up on jams and treats at Mom’s Orchards.

• Go apple picking and raspberry picking.
• Try the different ciders and wines offered at the other orchards.
• Participate in kid-friendly activities like train rides, petting zoos, and more at Oak Tree Village.

Read more on the things to do in Oak Glen, CA .

Top Foodie Pick: Mini Cider Donuts at Snow-Line Orchards and pizza at Wilshire’s Apple Shed ; available throughout the year.

Oak Glen, CA | Google Map It

4. Ojai, CA

Drive Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Looking for a relaxing Los Angeles day trip? Ojai, California, is known for its beautiful scenery, laid-back atmosphere, and spiritual energy, making it a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. 

Just a few hours from Los Angeles, in Ventura County, this charming city is the perfect place to escape it all.

We visited just before the holidays, and it was our peaceful escape. Driving in and passing all the citrus tree farms, wineries, and beautiful landscapes will make you feel ten times better. We particularly enjoyed visiting the nearby olive farm.

• Explore the art galleries and boutiques in charming downtown Ojai.
• Take an easy hike at Meadows Preserve.
• Go wine tasting.
• Visit Ojai Olive Farm .
• Check out the Ojai Valley Museum to learn about the area’s history and culture.

Start here to plan a day in Ojai and end your night with pizza under the stars.

Top Foodie Pick: Crazy about pizza? Start lining up at Bocalli’s Pizza & Pasta early.

Ojai, CA | Google Map It

5. Big Bear Lake, CA

Drive Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains is a popular destination here in Southern California. This is where locals go to see and enjoy the snow. It is known for its four seasons. You can experience Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter activities at designated times of the year.

Plan your day to Big Bear accordingly. If you’re chasing fall colors, Ocotober-November would be the best time to visit.

If you want to see snow and go skiing for the day, you’ll want to watch the local weather reports during the winter to ensure there will be snow. In 2023, there was plenty of it.

Then in the Spring and Summer, you’ll find Big Bear Lake is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and boating.

Big Bear Lake is a great day trip or weekend trip for the family. The drive alone is worth the trip. The scenic drive along the Rim of the World Highway offers breathtaking views of the San Bernardino Mountains. You will feel like you were transported out of Los Angeles and into another world full of evergreens.

• Take the scenic route.
• Visit Big Bear Lake Village.
• Plan a private hike tour .
• Rent a bike or bring your own to go bike riding.

Top Foodie Pick : Don’t miss Pickle’s Pie Shop in Big Bear Lake for pie lovers.

Big Bear Lake, CA | Google Map It

6. Lake Arrowhead, CA

If you’re looking for a day trip from Los Angeles that feels like a world away, Lake Arrowhead is the perfect destination. Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, this beautiful lake is often compared to ‘the Alps’ of Southern California.

Visitors can take a scenic drive around the lake, enjoy the stunning mountain views, or take a boat tour to learn more about the area’s history and wildlife. The lake is private property, so public access is limited. Booking a boat tour is the best way to see it in close proximity. If you decide to book a rental for the weekend, we suggest finding something with lake access.

The town also has a charming village area with cute shops and restaurants, making it a great place to explore and relax.

We’d say a day or an overnight in Lake Arrowhead is enough, as it is a quieter town.

• Explore and shop at Lake Arrowhead Village.
• Tour the lake with Lake Arrowhead Queen Boat Tour.
• Enjoy the activities at Sky Park Santa’s Village.
• Hike the Will Abell Memorial Trail for beautiful views of Lake Arrowhead.

Lake Arrowhead, CA | Google Map It

7. Temecula, CA

Temecula, Southern California’s wine country, is a great day trip from Los Angeles. In Riverside County, Temecula has many wineries offering wine tastings, vineyard tours, and more. This is a huge destination for tourists and winos alike, and we recommend booking a nice weekend stay at a romantic resort or hotel.

However, it can be done as a day trip. There are plenty of things to do and see in Temecula, and you’ll want to sample some local wines. So whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or just a day trip to try some new wines, Temecula is the perfect destination.

Whether you go as a couple, with family, or solo, this is a fun day trip. We went as a family with our nieces a while back and had a fantastic time in Old Town Temecula.

• Go on a Wine Tasting Tour and visit the many wineries of wine country .
• Explore Old Town Temecula.
• Book a spa treatment at a winery.
• For the kids… visit Pennypickles Workshop .
• Stop by the Pachanga Resort & Casino for a quick game of blackjack.

Temecula is also popular for its sunrise hot air balloon rides . It’s been on our list, and we haven’t crossed it off yet.

Top Foodie Pick: Check out E.A.T. Marketplace .

Temecula, CA | Google Map It

8. Long Beach, CA

Drive Time: 30 minutes

Long Beach is located in Los Angeles County, California, but you’re lucky to get there on a good day in 30 minutes. Long Beach is best known for its port, the second largest in the United States. It’s where The Queen Mary ship resides, and cruisers set sail from on Carvinal cruise ships.

We love Long Beach beach day trips because we almost always end up at our favorite Greek restaurant in the city and love exploring the charming neighborhood of Naples Island.

You can easily make multiple day trips throughout the year to enjoy everything it offers. You also want to watch for local annual festivals so you can plan as several take place throughout the year.

Some of the things you can do on your day trip there are:

• Visit and take a self-guided tour of The Queen Mary ship.
• See the marine life at the Aquarium of the Pacific .
• Take a stroll and picnic at Bluff Park.
• Book a Gondola Ride through the Gateway of Naples Island

Top Foodie Pick: We love the lamb chops from George’s Greek Cafe .

Long Beach, CA | Google Map It

9. Disneyland in Anaheim, CA

Drive Time: 45 minutes

One of the best reasons to visit Anaheim is Disneyland Park. We used to be regular-season pass holders who made the trip to the Disneyland theme park 1-2 times a month. It is a great day trip for everyone.

You don’t need passes to enjoy Disney, though. The best part about this theme park is that it can be done in a day or less. It’s not as overwhelmingly huge as Disney World in Florida.

Alternatively, a day trip to Downtown Disney can be just as fun as there is sometimes live music and other activities. Visit the Lego store, pick up special Disney treats at Marceline’s Confectionary, and make dinner reservations at one of their many restaurants.

Top Foodie Pick: Beignets at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz’s Kitchen (outside the theme park) or at Port Orleans French Quarter (inside Disneyland) [ side note: you can read about the real New Orleans French Quarter here ]. For dinner reservations at Steakhouse 55 (outside the theme park) or Carthay Circle (inside California Adventure)

You can check out my Instagram Disneyland Highlights here .

Disneyland, CA | 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim | Google Map It

– Don’t Miss: 9 Fun Amusement Parks and Theme Parks in Los Angeles, CA –

10. Huntington Beach, CA

Huntington Beach is one of the most popular beach cities in Southern California, known as Surf City USA, with 10 miles of coastline. The city is in Orange County, known for its surfing culture and waves. The downtown area has a lively atmosphere with restaurants, bars, and shops.

The Huntington Beach Pier is great for walking, relaxing, and taking photos. There are also bike trails that run along the beach. And, if you have kids, there’s a small amusement park called Pirates Cove.

Planning a day trip with your dog? While California is extremely dog-friendly, Huntington Beach is one of the best coastal cities to take your canine companion to, as it has a dog beach. We took our first dog here ( may she RIP ) for the day with friends; she had a blast, and so did we.

• Visit downtown Huntington Beach.
• Plan to take surfing lessons .
• If you love surfing, visit Huntington Beach International Surf Museum .
• Explore Old World Village, a charming German village with fun events around Oktoberfest.
• Enjoy the trails at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.

Huntington Beach, CA | Google Map It

11. Newport Beach, CA

Drive Time: 50 minutes

One of the most popular day trips from Los Angeles is to visit Newport Beach. It’s only about a 1-hour drive, and it’s worth it. Newport Beach is known for its amazing beaches, perfect waves for surfing, and beautiful homes. It is one of our favorite coastal cities in Southern California.

We spend many weekend days in Newport Beach throughout the year. Our favorite is early mornings at the beach before the crowds arrive. It’s the best time to sit by the shore and enjoy the peacefulness and salty air.

The Balboa Peninsula is the main area of Newport Beach and is a great place to walk around, take in the ocean views, have a picnic, and enjoy some people-watching. Plenty of boat rentals and fishing charters are available if you want to get out on the water. And if you’re looking for a romantic evening, consider having dinner at one of the many waterfront restaurants.

You can also spend the afternoon at the Balboa Fun Zone in the Balboa Peninsula. The Balboa Fun Zone is one of the main attractions on the island and is home to various amusement park rides, arcades, and restaurants.

• Stroll the boardwalk.
• Pack a picnic and start an early day at the beach.
• Plan a whale-watching tour .
• Rent a Duffy boat for the day and cruise around Newport Harbor.
• Visit Balboa Fun Zone for the afternoon and ride the Ferris Wheel.
• Visit the Sherman Library & Gardens .

Top Foodie Pick: On the way, stop by Shirley’s Bagels.

Newport Beach, CA | Google Map It

Read more: Best Things to Do in Orange County, CA

12. Balboa Island

Balboa Island is a small, charming island located in Newport Beach. It is a popular spot for locals and visitors. This is a day trip on its own because you can visit this charming seaside neighborhood full of beautiful beaches, homes, shops, and dining. We just love walking around and

The fun part is driving your car onto a ferry from the Balboa Peninsula to Balboa Island. You can also take a long way around and drive over the Marine Avenue Bridge to Balboa Island.

Cons: Parking can be difficult. And Starbucks has the only bathroom in town where you can easily buy something small and use their restroom. We always plan to eat at one of the restaurants on Balboa Island and use the restroom there.

• Explore the Balboa Island neighborhood.
• Walk the grand canal.
• Take the Balboa Island ferry.
• Optional: You can rent bikes, paddle boards, and kayaks at a local shop.

Top Foodie Pick: Try a local favorite: a frozen banana ice cream or a Balboa Bar.

Balboa Island, CA | Google Map It

13. Laguna Beach, CA

Drive Time: 1 hour

Laguna Beach is about an hour’s drive from Los Angeles, but it feels like a world away. The small city is charming with its unique character and vibe.

The famous small coastal city Laguna Beach is the next stopover off the Pacific Coast Highway, only 20 minutes from Newport Beach. If you have time after Newport Beach, you may want to ride to Laguna Beach or save it for another day trip.

There are many things to do in Laguna Beach, depending on what you want to do for the day. The best way to spend a day in Laguna Beach is to walk around downtown, which is full of shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

We love to walk around town, grab lunch and then head over to Heisler Park. But there is much more to be discovered in Laguna.

Did you know Victoria Beach in Laguna has old ruins called The Pirate Tower?

• Head down to one of their many beaches.
• Explore downtown Laguna Beach.
• Walk to Heisler Park from the main town for some of the best ocean views and sunset.
• You may be able to spot some sea lions.

Top Foodie Pick: We love to eat at Alessa’s Little Italy .

Laguna Beach, CA | Google Map It

14. Crystal Cove State Park

Crystal Cove State Park is located in Laguna Beach and is a favorite destination for locals and visitors. You can plan a day in Crystal Cove State Park to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The park is a 3.2-mile stretch of beachfront property in Orange County, California.

• Start your day with a hike. The trails here s offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding hills.
• Relax on the beach or also rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak and explore the coastline from the water.
• Explore the historic district of vintage beach cottages.
• Stay long enough to watch a stunning sunset, as it’s the perfect way to end a day.

Foodie Pick: It’s tradition to hit up Crystal Cove’s Shake Shack for burgers.

15. Irvine, CA

Irvine is a family-friendly city in Orange County filled with activities that will keep everyone entertained all day long just by visiting the Irvine Spectrum Center. When my nieces lived nearby, we drove down many times because there was always something to do in Irvine.

California loves its outdoor shopping malls, and the one in Irvine does not disappoint. The Irvine Spectrum Center is more than a shopping center. It features a Ferris wheel, a kiddie train ride, and a carousel. This is a great spot to visit to get some steps in, do a little shopping, keep the kids entertained, and have dinner.

But a shopping mall that doubles as a quasi-amusement park is not all that Irvine offers. You can plan and mix and match multiple activities in a day:

• You can visit Orange Country Great Park .
• Plan to take a hike at the Bommer Canyon Trail .
• Take your kids to the Pretend City Children’s Museum.
• Go go-kart riding at K1 Speed Irvine .

Irvine, CA | Google Map It

16. La Jolla, CA

Drive Time: 2 hours

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kathy | Travel & Foodie Tips (@tastyitinerary)

La Jolla is a coastal town in San Diego, about 2 hours from Los Angeles. The town is known for its gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged coastline, and sea lions that can sometimes be heard as you drive along the coast.

We love spending long weekends here but have also driven the 2 hours just for a day trip to see the sea lions. We also love to walk the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail and meander around downtown.

Where to see the sea lions in La Jolla? La Jolla Cove is one of the easiest spots to see sea lions. You can also spot them at Shell Beach, Boomer Beach, and Children’s Pool.

• Visit the sea lions.
• Spend the day at one of the La Jolla Beaches.
• Explore downtown La Jolla.
• Take a stroll along the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail .
• Go on a kayak tour of the La Jolla Sea Caves.

Top Foodie Pick: Have brunch at The Cottage for some stuffed French toast.

La Jolla, CA | Google Map It

17. Cabazon, CA

What is there to see between Palm Springs and Los Angeles? The world’s biggest dinosaur roadside attraction in Cabazon.

Cabazon, California, is one of those fun pit stops you must make on a day trip or on your way to Palm Springs. You’ll see from the 10 freeway, and the curiosity will kick it. You will want to stop for some pictures when you see the dinosaurs from your car window.

No matter the age, everyone will get a kick out of it. This is one of those trips that you’ll do once and always remember.

This attraction was featured in Pee-Wee Herman’s Big Adventure .

Yes, we are that old.

“Be sure and tell ’em Large Marge sent you.”

Morongo Resort and Casino are nearby if you want to drop in and see if you’re lucky.

Top Foodie Pick: Date Shake at Hadley Fruit Orchard .

Cabazon, CA | Google Map It

18. Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs is a desert oasis located in Riverside County of Southern California. The city is known for its hot weather, mid-century modern architecture, and resorts. It is one of the most popular destinations for Angelenos to escape and enjoy a nice desert getaway. They’ll rent an Airbnb with a pool and spend a few days there.

That said, a Los Angeles day trip to Palm is doable. We like to make the day trip now and then. We get our fill of delicious dates (yes, the fruit) that you’ll find in Palm Springs and then head back home at the end of the day.

Now, you’ll know you’re in Palm Springs when you start seeing all the windmills in the middle of the desert. They greet you as you make your way in.

With only a day in Palm Springs, you can:

• Take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for stunning views of the Coachella Valley.
• Palm Springs is known for its spas. You can book some spa time to unwind and relax. Although with a two-hour drive back to LA, it may be a wash.
• Walk along Palm Canyon Drive downtown and check out Palm Spring’s Walk of Stars. Many galleries, boutiques, and shops also sell dates and date shakes.
• Take a picture with Lucille Ball’s life-like bronze park bench.
• Visit the Palms Springs Art Museum and don’t miss the 25 ft Forever Marilyn Monroe statue outside.

Top Foodie Pick : Date and walnut shake from Great Shakes .

Palm Springs, CA | Google Map It

19. Joshua Tree National Park

A day trip to Joshua Tree National Park is a perfect way to experience the beauty of the desert landscape in Southern California. The park is about 135 miles east of Los Angeles and about 35 miles northwest of Palm Springs, making it an easy day trip destination for those visiting the area.

Starting early in the morning is recommended to make the most of your day trip. As you enter the park, you’ll be greeted by the iconic Joshua trees, a type of yucca plant. The park is divided into two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert, offering unique scenic landscapes.

One of the most popular spots in the park is the Jumbo Rocks area, which features massive granite boulders that are perfect for rock climbing or scrambling. This area has several short hikes, including the Skull Rock Trail, a 1.7-mile loop that takes you through a unique rock formation that looks like a skull.

Another must-see spot is Keys View , which offers panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault. This viewpoint is located at the top of a 5,185-foot peak and is accessible by car.

Top tips for planning a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park:

• Get your electronic pass to the park in advance.
• Download your map of Joshua Tree National Park before you arrive.
• Review and plan your Joshua Tree hikes .
• Stop by one of Joshua Tree’s Visitor Centers .
• Looking for more fun? Visit the infamous Pioneertown nearby.

Top Foodie Pick: Burgers and fries at Joshua Tree Saloon .

Joshua Tree Visitor Center | Google Map It

20. Dana Point, CA

Dana Point is a beach community in Southern Orange County. It is a great spot to explore some beaches, find great eateries, and watch whale. Perfect for a day for the family to enjoy together.

We were in Dana Point Harbor last year and loved the marina filled with boats ready to go on adventures for the day. Fact: Dana Point Harbor is the dolphin and whale-watching capital.

• Explore one of their many beaches. Pack a picnic.
• Book a water activity or a whale-watching tour .
• Go sports fishing.
• Plan a sailing trip for the family.
• Visit the Ocean Institute .

Dana Point, CA | Google Map It

Foods From California Not to Miss

When you think of California, what foods come to mind? Probably not garlic ice cream. This list has 15 foods from California that you should have on your foodie bucket list. Some are probably already served at your local dining establishments or sold at your local market.

21. San Juan Capistrano, CA

Not far from Dana Point in Orange County, you’ll find the lovely city of San Juan Capistrano in Orange County. This city is known to be the home to the “Jewel of the California Missions.”

This is a perfect Los Angeles day trip because this charming city has it all, history, delicious food, antique shops, and even a petting zoo for ideas.

One of the highlights is Mission San Juan Capistrano, founded in 1776. The ruins of the Great Old Church still stand today, and it’s a fantastic site to experience filled with history. The grounds are so lovely to enjoy a beautiful Spring day when the flowers are beginning. Our favorite is the lemon trees you find by the courtyard entrance.

Rios Historic District is another highlight that can’t be missed. It’s the oldest residential neighborhood in California, with quaint shops and restaurants that will leave you bedazzled.

Here are some things you can do in a day:

• Explore downtown San Juan Capistrano and Los Rios Historic District.
• Plan high tea at the Tea House on Los Rios (reservations recommended).
• Stop by for coffee at the charming Hidden House Coffee and sit outside their outdoor patio.
• Visit the historic landmark Mission San Juan Capistrano .
• Take the kids to Zoomars Petting Zoo .

Read more on the things to do in San Juan Capistrano, CA .

Top Foodie Pick: There are so many delicious places to eat here. We love to eat lunch at Trevor on the Tracks and then dinner Ciao Pasta Trattoria for some great Italian cuisine.

San Juan Capistrano, CA | Google Map It

22. Explore Carlsbad, CA

Drive Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

A couple of hour drive South, you can take a day trip to Carlsbad, California, known as “The Village by the Sea.” The small town in North San Diego has a quaint downtown area filled with shops, restaurants, and plenty of activities.

You can plan an entire day with the family. Depending on the time of year, attractions like The Flower Fields are more popular than others and are only open in the Spring.

• Take a stroll along the Carlsbad Sea Wall Trail .
• Visit The Flower Fields , where visitors can see acres of vibrant flowers in bloom.
• Families with young children will enjoy a visit to Legoland.
• Go strawberry picking a Carlsbad Strawberry Company and check out their sunflower maze.
• Go shopping at the Carlsbad Premium Outlets.

Carlsbad, CA | Google Map It

23. The Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve in Lancaster

Another great day trip in Los Angeles during the Spring is Antelope Valley in Lancaster. Poppies and wildflowers sprout across the hills and fields, making it a beautiful scenic drive.

You can plan to visit the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in the Spring, especially if there is a super bloom. It’s a great way to spend the day with friends and family. Get your comfy shoes ready to hike trails and get your fill of the poppy season.

And every year, towards the end of the poppy season, Lancaster has a Poppy Festival filled with many fun activities, food stands, artistry, and other entertainment. It’s a fun way to spend a day.

Antelope Valley, CA | Google Map It

24. Santa Catalina Island, CA

Ferry: 1 hour 30 minutes

Santa Catalina Island is one of California’s channel islands. A quick day trip to Catalina Island is possible with little planning. You won’t get to do or see everything, but you have an exciting day taking ferry rides and exploring some of the island’s offerings.

It’s the closest escape to what will remind you of a Mediterranean village, only on the Pacific coast.

Book a round-trip ticket ferry ride to Avalon from the closest port to you. Book the earliest ferry ride as your departure and the last ferry ride on your return.

Once you arrive…

• You can explore Avalon .
• Spend the day at the beach or rent a cabana at the beach club.
• Go scuba diving.
• Rent a bike or golf cart.
• Take a submarine tour .
• Book a zip-lining adventure.

25. San Francisco

Flight: 1 hour 15 minutes

We mentioned earlier that a day trip to San Francisco in Northern California is possible. It would be a tight schedule, depending on what you plan to do for the day.

You can book the first flight out in the morning and the latest return flight. Or you can stay overnight if you want to do a full 24 hours and take a morning flight out the next day.

Our friends woke up one morning and decided to take a 6-hour road trip to San Francisco to see the Golden Gate Bridge. Then they drove back to LA on the same day. This is one of those times that the saying, “the journey is part of the adventure,” applies.

We recommend flying in to get the most out of your day. Prioritize what you’d like to do the most and plan your day. We couldn’t wait to see the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf, eat ice cream at Ghiradelli’s, and explore San Francisco’s architecture.

Here are some of the things you can do in San Francisco:

• See and-or walk the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Explore Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghiradelli’s Square.
• Consider booking a tour of Alcatraz.
• Visit the Painted Ladies.
• Eat your way through Little Italy and Chinatown.

Foodie Pick: Sear’s Fine Food for breakfast or brunch. They have the best Swedish mini pancakes and corn beef hash.

26. Pasadena

Drive Time: 20 minutes

While technically in Los Angeles County and a 20-minute ride from Downtown (on a good traffic day), Pasadena is a city in the San Gabriel Mountains. It is a perfect day trip that doesn’t require you to spend hours driving to get to, and it’s filled with plenty to see and do in the City of Roses . You can even make it in time to enjoy brunch in Pasadena .

While we have resided in Pasadena for 8 years now, we continue to make discoveries and enjoy all the foodie eats this city offers.

Everyone usually visits and starts their day in Old Town Pasadena shopping, grabbing a matcha tea at Coffee + Plants , authentic churros at Amara’s Cafe , or brunch at Russell’s – a few of our favorite spots. There is more in this city beyond Old Pasadena that can fulfill not only a day but a series of days of activities.

Here are some ideas of what to do in Pasadena, mix and match to plan your day:

• Plan an Eaton Canyon Falls hike – our local waterfall.
• Explore one of several botanical gardens in Pasadena , including Descanso Gardens , which has holiday events like Carved and Enchanted.
• Spend some time at the Simon Norton Museum .
• Book a walking tour and get to know our local history.
• Visit Dot’s Cafe for cupcakes.
• See the Colorado Street Bridge from Desiderio Neighborhood Park.
• Come for the Rose Bowl Flea Market on the 2nd Sunday of every month.

Top Foodie Pick: There are many fantastic restaurants in Pasadena .

Pasadena, CA | Google Map It

27. Monrovia

Drive Time: 35 minutes

Monrovia is a great city in San Gabriel Valley, not far from Pasadena. Myrtle Avenue in Old Town is so picturesque with mountains as it’s a backdrop and quaint tree-lined street we call it Mayberry USA.

What adds to Monrovia’s charm is the year-round, family-friendly activities and events, from foodie festivals, classic car shows, breakfast with Santa, and much more. Keep up to date with events here . They also have a Friday Street Fair, where families come for a safe family fun night.

What do to with a day in Monrovia?

• Explore Old Town Monrovia and stroll down Myrtle Ave.
• Have a Cuban pastry at Merengues or a Mexican brunch at Cafe de Olla .
• Check out their family street fair and farmer’s market on Friday nights.
• Get a taste of local craft beer at Over Town Brewing Co .

Read more about the fun things to do in Monrovia .

Top Foodie Pick: The Diplomat for some excellent Mediterranean food and cocktails. Check out our list of places to eat in Monrovia .

Monrovia, CA | Google Map It

Los Angeles Day Trips FAQs

Do you need a car to take Los Angeles day trips?

It depends on where you’re going. Some day trips from Los Angeles can be made without a car, such as taking the Amtrak to destinations like Santa Barbara or San Diego. However, having a car can provide more flexibility and allow you to explore more remote areas or take scenic drives.

If you plan to visit multiple attractions in one day, a car can save time and be more convenient.

We highly recommend tourists visiting Los Angeles and looking to make some day trips to rent a car. You’ll need it for day trips and just to get around LA.

What are the must-do day trips from Los Angeles?

If we only had to narrow it down to a few destinations from this list of day trips from Los Angeles, we’d take day trips to Santa Barbara, Newport Beach, La Jolla, and Disneyland.

What island is one hour away from LA?

Catalina Island is a 45-minute ferry ride away from Los Angeles. Many visitors take day trips from Los Angeles to Catalina Island year around.

What city is 3 hours away from Los Angeles?

While not on this list, San Luis Obispo is a popular destination 3 hours from Los Angeles.

What are your favorite day trips from Los Angeles, CA?

If you enjoyed this list, check out some of these related articles:

Best Things to Do in Los Angeles, CA

Fun Theme Parks in Los Angeles, CA

What to See and Do in Downtown LA

Los Angeles in a Day

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

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Loved this. There are so many options to ground on any day. Especially many of these locations can be visited on a trip with kids.

Yes! So many family-friendly activities and day trips. I do believe there is something for everyone here or nearby.

16 Picturesque Day Trips To Take From Los Angeles This Summer

These SoCal escapes make for the best day trips from Los Angeles, from the charming Danish town of Solvang to the alpine landscapes in Idyllwild.

Southern California is an international travel destination thanks to its wealth of beautiful nature escapes , unique small towns , scenic drives , and excellent weather year-round. We’re lucky to live within spitting distance of some truly spectacular locations, from picturesque national parks to fascinating beach cities. Next time you have a long weekend or a day off, consider embarking on one of these unbelievable day trips from Los Angeles , all of which you can reach by car in about two hours or less (and some by train  or bus).

1. Angeles National Forest

Calling itself “LA’s backyard playground,” Angeles National Forest is one of the easiest Los Angeles day trips available. Explore 700,000 acres of diverse terrain from the high desert to the mountains, all with different levels of hiking difficulty, climates, and recreation options. Whether you’re seeking a low-elevation wildflower hike to make the most of your afternoon, or a steep snowy trek up Mt. Baldy, you’ll find that this local forest contains a lifetime of adventures for you to keep going back to.

🔎 Known for : Hiking, biking, camping, lakes, skiing

🚗 By car: 20 minutes from DTLA without traffic

🌐 Learn more : Angeles National Forest

Famed for its many hillside celebrity mansions, Malibu has one of the most picturesque stretches of California coastline available to us. You don’t need to be a Hollywood star to enjoy a day trip here, whether you’re going for a relaxing afternoon at the beach or a foodie adventure. Devour a pound of calamari with your toes in the sand at Paradise Cove , explore the gorgeous Tuscan-style winery Cielo Farms , or take in the dramatic views at Point Dume. This is one of the best day trips from Los Angeles for those who want a quick A-to-B car journey and lots of flexibility.

🔎 Known for : Hiking, beaches, wineries, celebrity homes, shopping, dining, nightlife

🚗 By car: 35 minutes from DTLA without traffic

🚌 By public transportation : The 134 bus line goes from Downtown Santa Monica up the Pacific Coast Highway, with multiple stops in Malibu.

🌐 Learn more : City of Malibu

3. Red Rock Canyon State Park

Take in dramatic geographic rock formations at Red Rock Canyon State Park, located north of LA up Highway 14. You can see these enormous Aztec sandstone cliffs, reaching thousands of feet into the sky, at the Red Cliffs Natural Area right off the highway. This area was used as a Native American trade route for millennia and is the historic territory of the Kawaiisu people, who carved petroglyphs into the rock. These days, the park conserves paleontology sites dating from the pre-colonization era to 1890s-era mining operations. Whether you just want to drive out there for a photo op and a dramatic picnic view, or spend the whole day exploring over 100 scenic desert hiking trails , you’ll find that this is one of the best day trips from Los Angeles if you’re seeking a short drive with a huge payoff.

🔎 Known for : Hiking, horseback riding, camping, history, geographic elements

🚗 By car: 40 minutes from DTLA without traffic

🌐 Learn more : Red Rock Canyon State Park

4. San Juan Capistrano

This historic city in southern Orange County is centered around Mission San Juan Capistrano , the seventh of 21 Spanish missions throughout the state which subjugated tens of thousands of indigenous people to the devastating effects of colonization. Spanish missionary Junípero Serra founded the mission in 1776, making it nearly 250 years old , and you can still see many original elements of the historic structure today. As for the city itself, you’ll find even more elements that take you back in time — from walking down California’s oldest residential street (Los Rios Street), to buying Native American goods at Ortega’s Capistrano Trading Post, you’ll find there are prolific timeless corners to seek out.

🔎 Known for : California history, sightseeing, shopping, dining

🚗 By car: 50 minutes from DTLA without traffic

🚌 By public transportation : San Juan Capistrano Station connects to Metrolink trains from Orange County and the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner.

🌐 Learn more : City of San Juan Capistrano

5. Catalina Island

We’re lucky to enjoy a dramatic island escape right at our fingertips, just a one-hour ferry ride from LA. Santa Catalina Island is part of the Channel Islands archipelago off the coast of Southern California. Pick a sunny day to sail into one of the two small towns, Avalon or Two Harbors, and embark on a remarkable getaway filled with adventure, California history, and sightseeing. Whether you’re there for water sports like paddle boarding and snorkeling, or you’d rather seek out some of the historic buildings and shopping, you’ll find that this nearby island holds plenty of possibilities for every type of visitor.

🔎 Known for : Boating, ocean sports, wildlife watching, hiking, camping, shopping, dining, sightseeing

⛴️ By ferry : One- hour boat ride from Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach

🌐 Learn more : Visit Catalina Island

6. Laguna Beach

Explore seven miles of scenic beaches and hidden coves in this quaint beach town near Los Angeles. Whether you make the trip to see the historic Pirate Tower at Victoria Beach , or to trek to the Thousand Steps Beach tide pool , you’ll find that Laguna Beach is a wonderful destination for coastal adventurers. The walkable seaside town was initially founded as an eclectic art colony , and you’ll find that the art scene continues to thrive today. Look for the famous annual art festivals , year-round art galleries, First Thursdays art walks, exhibits at the Laguna Art Museum, and so much more.

🔎 Known for : Beach activities, art galleries

🚗 By car : One hour from DTLA without traffic

🌐 Learn more : Visit Laguna Beach

7. Temecula

The wide range of activities in Temecula makes it an excellent destination for every type of travel group. Wine lovers enjoy exploring nearly fifty wineries throughout the valley, most of which offer luxurious tasting room experiences and property tours. The area is also known for bucket list -worthy hot air ballooning, especially at sunrise; shopping and entertainment along the delightful streets of Old Town Temecula; farm-to-table fine dining restaurants; and the many entertainment options available at the famous Pechanga Resort Casino. 

🔎 Known for : Wine tasting, culinary scene, shopping, outdoor activities, hot air ballooning

🚗 By car : 1 hour and 30 minutes from DTLA without traffic

🚌 By public transportation : Flixbus has a three-hour route from L.A.’s Union Station to Temecula via Riverside. 

🌐 Learn more : Visit Temecula Valley

Ventura County’s charming city of Ojai is nestled in a valley beneath the Topatopa Mountains. Adventurers will want to look into outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and horseback riding through the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. The area is known for harvesting stellar produce and natural products, especially citrus and olive oil, and you can look into local food tours or farmers’ markets that showcase the bounty of the land. Many visitors tap into the area’s natural serenity by booking in at the award-winning Spa Ojai or Meditation Mount, but literature lovers will want to explore Bart’s Books , an enormous maze of bookshelves stocking 130,000 works. Make sure you stay through sunset, because you can’t miss the famous “pink moment” in which the setting sun hits the mountains just right.

🔎 Known for : Outdoor activities, wellness retreats, arts & culture

🚗 By car: 1 hour and 30 minutes from DTLA without traffic

🚌 By public transportation : You can take the Metrolink from Union Station to Ventura and then catch bus line 16 from Ventura to Ojai. It’s about a 3 hour journey.

🌐 Learn more : Ojai Visitors

9. Oak Glen

Oak Glen is Southern California’s famous apple country , which, unlike Los Angeles, is at a high enough elevation to experience all four seasons. You’ll find that the fall is the best time to visit, given that most businesses are open and there’s plenty of fresh produce to take home, including apples, berries, and pumpkins. If you visit in the off-season, however, you’ll still find some lovely outdoor activities to enjoy. Visit in the spring to see the landscape bloom into a flurry of dainty apple blossoms , take a historic orchard tour, or have a picnic in the grass. In the winter, you’ll enjoy a cozy opportunity to the see the orchards blanketed in snow and sip on apple cider. 

🔎 Known for : Apple orchards, agriculture, restaurants, shops, camping

🌐 Learn more : Oak Glen Apple Growers Association

10. Santa Barbara

Everyone knows that Santa Barbara is a major stop on the Pacific Coast Highway, and despite being a large city, it’s managed to retain a beachy, small-town vibe that’s nostalgic to anyone who grew up on the California coast. You’ll need to make various trips to enjoy everything that Santa Barbara has to offer, from eating and drinking your way through the Funk Zone, to taking pictures at the Spanish-style Santa Barbara Courthouse , to hiking Inspiration Point. 

🔎 Known for : Beach activities, hiking, restaurants, shopping, sightseeing

🚗 By car : 1 hour and 40 minutes from DTLA without traffic

🚌 By public transportation : Routes are available via the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, Santa Barbara Airbus, and Flixbus

🌐 Learn more : Santa Barbara

11. Palm Springs

The stylish city of Palm Springs makes for a no-brainer day trip from Los Angeles for just about any type of tourist . It’s hard to beat the sunny climate , gorgeous mid-century modern architecture , proximity to the Coachella Valley’s sprawling natural desert , and wealth of attractions. Thousands drive or fly out to Palm Springs for Coachella , which is right nearby, but Hollywood stars have been drawn to the iconic desert city for decades as a pleasant escape from LA life. Soak in 12,000-year-old natural hot springs at Spa at Séc-he, owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, or go golfing at over 100 pristine golf courses in the “Golf Capital of the World.” 

🔎 Known for : Natural hot springs, architecture, shopping, golf

🚗 By car: 1 hour and 40 minutes from DTLA without traffic

🚌 By public transportation : Flixbus 2056 can take you directly from Union Station to Palm Springs Downtown. The ride is about 3.5  hours. 

🌐 Learn more : Visit Palm Springs

12. Solvang

This dreamy town near Santa Barbara is known as the “Danish Capital of America” for its Scandinavian architecture and heritage. You’ll want to pick up delicate Danish pastries and pancake-like æbleskiver at one of the authentic local bakeries, and then stroll through the town to take in the Little Mermaid Fountain,  windmills, and the giant red clog . Beyond the Danish cultural landmarks and museums, this area is known for its many vineyards, and you should leave time for some wine tasting downtown. If possible, time your visit with one of Solvang’s highly-anticipated events including Solvang Festival Theater from June through September, Danish Days in September, and the Christmassy Julefest festival in December. We’d also be remiss not to tell you about OstrichLand USA just up the road, a popular attraction where you’ll find over 100 ostriches and emus roaming about that you can feed yourself.

🔎 Known for : Danish architecture, Danish food, shopping, seasonal events, wine tasting

🚗 By car: 2 hours from DTLA without traffic

🌐 Learn more : Solvang USA

13. Idyllwild

Take a trip out to the San Jacinto Mountains to discover Idyllwild, a tiny town whose mile-high elevation and scenic wilderness make for an unforgettable weekend or day trip from Los Angeles by car. Most visitors are likely to plan a breathtaking hike during their stay, with some of the most popular trails being the South Ridge, Deer Springs, Devil’s Slide, and Seven Pines. Nature lovers also explore the area by camping, biking, and rock climbing.  Leave some time to explore the town itself too, whose adorable shops and restaurants take inspiration from the alpine surroundings.

🔎 Known for : Hiking, biking, camping, alpine wilderness 

🌐 Learn more : Idyllwild.com

14. Joshua Tree

Two different desert ecosystems merge at the famous Joshua Tree National Park : the Mojave Desert from the north and the Colorado Desert from the south. The result is a wind-sculpted rocky landscape populated with fascinating plants and animals throughout the varied topography. Elevation ranges between  900-5,000 feet above sea level across 800,000 acres , with diverse terrain including sand dunes, flat valleys, craggy mountains, and pristine oases. Whether you visit for an easy trail jaunt, sight-seeing, and a picnic, or you plan out a long weekend of camping and difficult hiking trails, you’ll find that Joshua Tree’s endless natural wonders will make you want to keep coming back.

🔎 Known for : Hiking, camping, rock climbing, wildlife watching, stargazing, wildflowers

🌐 Learn more : Joshua Tree National Park

15. Big Bear Lake

Big Bear is SoCal’s favorite alpine lake getaway with lovely activities to enjoy every single season. The twenty-two miles of shoreline bear endless tranquil beaches, docks, and lookout points to take in the views. Hit the slopes at Bear Mountain or Snow Summit ski resorts , go shopping around the adorable Big Bear Lake Village , enjoy camping and swimming during the summer months, or go for a wildfire hike in the spring. We’re unbelievably lucky to have this scenic oasis just two hours from Los Angeles.

🔎 Known for : Hiking, stargazing, skiing, lake activities

🚗 By car : 2 hours from DTLA without traffic

🌐 Learn more : Big Bear Lake

16. Los Alamos

Los Alamos is a tiny town in the Santa Ynez Valley known for its old-fashioned, western styling; historic buildings; and surrounding agriculture. The town’s population is only about 1,890, and the entire main street is only seven blocks long, stacked with a variety of antique shops, art galleries, tasting rooms, and exquisite restaurants. If you decide to stay overnight, consider opting for the Victorian-style Union Hotel dating back to 1880. Los Alamos makes for a lovely destination on its own or a fun stop on your longer trip to Santa Barbara.

🔎 Known for : History, agriculture, shopping, restaurants

🚗 By car : 2 hours and 20 minutes from DTLA without traffic

🌐 Learn more : Visit the Santa Ynez Valley

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The 15 Best Day Trips from Los Angeles, California

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What do you think of when you picture Southern California ? Maybe its many sunny beaches. Or perhaps you think of Hollywood and envision movie stars and the Walk of Fame. Likely, a lot of what you picture is found in Los Angeles . 

But what about what’s outside of LA? You’ll still find many pristine beaches, but you’ll also find theme parks, incredible food and wine , preserved historic sites, and vibrant art scenes. 

You’ll also discover Denmark in California, which seems impossible until you set foot in what’s rightfully called “Little Denmark.” Plus, you’ll travel to places bursting with natural beauty, from snowcapped mountains home to the best skiing in Southern California to national parks known for incredible stargazing. 

Planning your next day trip out of LA? We’ve compiled a list of the best Los Angeles day trips, from charming small towns to celebrity-filled retreats. Choose your next destination from this list, and you’re bound to have an amazing time exploring Southern California!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

The 15 Best Los Angeles Day Trips

Visiting Solvang is like being transported across the world, making a visit to this charming village one of the best Los Angeles day trips. A little under three hours away by car, this unique town is known for its Danish history and whimsical architecture, which earned it the nickname “Little Denmark.”

Take a ride along the horse-drawn Solvang Trolley, or simply stroll down the main street to see bright and colorful facades, stunning windmills, and blooming flowers. Along the way, you’ll be met with wine-tasting rooms and quirky shops with artisan-crafted goods and one-of-a-kind treats. 

Stop by one of the many bakeries for some traditional Danish delights or fill up on chocolate from Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates . Start your day trip off with Danish pancakes from Paula’s Pancake House or traditional aebleskiver from Solvang Restaurant . And if you just can’t wait for the holiday season to start, visit Jule Hus , where it’s Christmas every day!

If you’re a history buff, you’ll find plenty of museums here to spend your day trip in. Learn about Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum . Or step inside an 18th-century Denmark farmhouse to see a collection of art and artifacts that explore Solvang’s Danish roots at the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art .

Ojai is a place to get in touch with your artistic and spiritual sides, making it one of the most unique day trips from LA. This scenic city is filled with residents that believe in taking care of their bodies, minds, and spirits, making Ojai a great place to go if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. 

Located just over an hour and a half away from LA by car, you can be at one with nature in the Los Padres National Forest, taste a beloved Ojai pixie tangerine from Friend’s Ranch , or view the famous “pink moment” at sunset from the tranquil Meditation Mount . Go wine tasting at The Ojai Vineyard , olive oil tasting at Ojai Olive Oil , or honey tasting at Heavenly Honey . Then, cook up a delicious meal with your new treats alongside some fresh produce from the Ojai Certified Farmers Market .

Check out the art galleries and collections at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts , or make your own art during a session at Firestick Pottery Studio . If you’re a book lover, you’ll find your happy place at Bart’s Books , the world’s largest outdoor bookstore!

3. Anaheim 

Over in Anaheim , you’ll find one of the most popular LA day trips. What could be better than the Happiest Place on Earth? When you visit Disneyland , you’re in for quite a magical day, and it’s only a half-hour drive away.

Disneyland Resort consists of two parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure , as well as the shopping and dining district of Downtown Disney . Choose between spending a day in Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure, or grab yourself a ticket with the Park Hopper option to be able to enjoy both parks in one day.

Both parks have their own draws, but if you can only pick one park, there are a few things to consider before reserving your park day. Disneyland Park is the original Disney park. As such, it’s the park with the most Disney magic. Here is where you’ll find the original Sleeping Beauty Castle and fan-favorite attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Matterhorn Bobsleds. 

You’ll also be able to enjoy spectacular parades, fireworks, and other live shows, as well as meet beloved characters, including the Disney princesses. Disneyland Park is also where you’ll be able to become immersed in the Star Wars universe.

Disney California Adventure might be a better option for those who want to forgo the shows and squeeze in more time on the rides. This park has more rides and experiences built around Disney-owned intellectual property, like Marvel and Pixar, rather than nostalgic Disney-created attractions. 

Here is where you’ll find heart-racing rides like the Incredicoaster, themed after The Incredibles , and the Radiator Springs Racers, themed after Cars . You’ll also be able to meet characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and your favorite Pixar pals. 

4. Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park

For many families, their go-to Los Angeles day trip is a day at Disneyland, but there’s another park nearby that is only a half-hour’s drive away and shouldn’t be missed. Knott’s Berry Farm is one of the best theme park destinations in California, and it all started with its now iconic berry.

In the 1920s, the Knott family was able to make a name for themselves through their berries. But they really took off when they introduced a new berry created by Rudolph Boysen, though he struggled to cultivate them. When the Knott family began growing the new berries, they were an instant hit at their berry market and tea room. In honor of Boysen, they named the berry “boysenberry.” 

In time, what was known as Knott’s Berry Place turned into the theme park we know today as Knott’s Berry Farm. And one of the best times to visit this park is during its annual celebration of the berry that started it all, the Boysenberry Festival, a food and wine festival unlike any other. 

But no matter when you plan your visit, you’re in for a family-fun-filled time. Meet the residents of the Old West Ghost Town, celebrate summer every day on the Boardwalk, experience the vibrant attractions of the Fiesta Village, or hang out with the Peanuts gang at Camp Snoopy. During the summer, you can also cool down at Knott’s Soak City Waterpark. 

Only slightly over a half hour of drive time away, Malibu offers one of the best LA day trips if you’re looking to spend a day by the water. Malibu often gets thought of as a place for the rich and famous, thanks to the stunning mansions overlooking the ocean. But instead of coming here to look for your favorite celebrities, spend the day enjoying the natural beauty of this seaside paradise.

Relax in the waves at Zuma Beach or marvel at the sunset behind the unique rock formations at El Matador State Beach. Alternately, you can go hiking through Malibu Creek State Park or head toward Escondido Falls to see one of the biggest waterfalls in Southern California.

Outside of the natural beauty of the area, you can also spend the day taking in beautiful sights created by those who once called the area home. Pay a visit to the historic Adamson House , the first Malibu beach home. Built in 1929, it’s known for its incredible frescos and huge number of handmade decorative ceramic tiles. 

After that, stop by the Getty Villa , which was originally built to house J. Paul Getty’s personal collection but was later converted into a museum housing all of his Mediterranean artifacts. The museum itself is designed to look like a Roman country home.

6. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara , which is just over an hour and a half away from LA by car, is a cultural hub filled with preserved historic sites that celebrate the area’s influences. From the Santa Barbara County Courthouse , one of the most beautiful government buildings in the US, to El Presidio de Santa Barbara , the last of the four presidios built by the Spanish throughout California, there’s history everywhere you look in Santa Barbara. 

One of the best times to visit is in August, during what the locals call the “Fiesta.” Its official name is the Old Spanish Days Fiesta , and it celebrates the city’s heritage by honoring customs from the Chumash tribe, as well as Spanish, Mexican, and early American settlers.

But if you’re not looking to step back in time on your LA day trip, how about exploring the food and wine scene of this seaside getaway? The culinary world of Santa Barbara is so well-known there’s a whole festival dedicated to it in the summer. But if you’re visiting outside of the Santa Barbara Food + Wine Festival , you can enjoy it at your own pace through the area’s food tours and wine trails. 

7. Newport Beach

About an hour from Los Angeles is sunny Newport Beach, one of the most fun Los Angeles day trips, especially for families and those who want to spend their day in the sand and surf. There are beaches aplenty here, offering everything from perfect waves to unique tide pools. Newport Beach is also one of the best places in California to go whale watching.

If you’re visiting with little ones or are simply a kid at heart, you’ll want to head to the Balboa Peninsula to have a day of play at the Balboa Fun Zone . This quaint seaside amusement park offers the last arcade in Balboa Village, several kid-friendly rides, parasailing, and boat and jet ski rentals.

For a more relaxing time, hop on the Balboa Island Ferry and visit nearby Balboa Island. Rent yourself a bicycle and spend the day exploring the island’s scenic views and many amenities. Before you go, be sure to grab a Balboa Bar, a candy-rolled ice cream bar that’s an island staple, or a classic chocolate-dipped banana. 

8. Laguna Beach

Looking for a romantic getaway? Laguna Beach makes for one of the most ideal day trips from Los Angeles. Plus, it’s just about an hour away by car. There’s beauty everywhere you look in Laguna Beach, from the streets lined with murals to the pristine beaches.

If you’re looking to spend the day in the sand, you’ll find seven miles of coastline to explore here. Marvel at the wildlife from Crescent Bay, enjoy the secluded coves of Treasure Island Beach, or catch some waves at Rockpile Beach. Whether you want to simply relax by the water or go on scenic hikes with incredible views of the ocean, Crystal Cove State Park is the place to be. 

Other active activities to do in Laguna Beach include stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing, and skimboarding, which actually originated in Laguna Beach. Like Newport Beach, Laguna Beach is also another great spot to do some whale watching.

Laguna Beach is an art-filled town, so spend time enjoying the creations made by local and international artists. Explore the galleries, peruse the Laguna Beach Art Museum , or plan your day trip around local festivals, like the Laguna Art-A-Fair and the Sawdust Art Festival .

9. Joshua Tree National Park

Just a little over two hours away from Los Angeles is Joshua Tree National Park , a one-of-a-kind destination that’s one of the most incredible day trips from Los Angeles. Escape city life and enjoy taking in a natural wonderland instead. Named for the Joshua tree, a unique member of the agave family, you may end up needing more than one day to explore the over 800,000 acres in this stunning park.

The national park is made up of two distinct deserts, the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert, the latter of which is where you’ll find the Joshua trees. Although Joshua Tree National Park is filled with spectacular sights throughout the day, including its unique rock formations, it’s known for its particularly breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. 

Also, as a Silver Tier International Dark Sky Park, the park has some amazing stargazing opportunities. You’ll want to spend some time in Joshua Tree after dark, even if it means getting back home to Los Angeles a bit late. Many people see the Milky Way for the first time in their lives when they visit Joshua Tree National Park!

10. Big Bear

In just under two hours of drive time, you could be in one of the best places for skiing in Southern California. Here you’ll find Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Summit Ski Resort, both managed by the Big Bear Mountain Resort . 

The first has over 400 skiable areas and 55 runs, with a whopping 60% of the runs being for intermediate and advanced skiers. If you’re experienced with hitting the slopes, you’ll feel right at home here, especially on the oh-so-challenging Bear Peak, one of the highest and steepest lift-served peaks in Southern California. Its sister resort, Snow Summit, is best for newer skiers, as much of the slopes are beginner-friendly. 

But no matter which season you visit during, Big Bear Lake is one of the best LA day trips. Enjoy the waters of Big Bear Lake in the spring and summer, when you can go kayaking, fishing, canoeing, and swimming. Go hiking through the San Bernadino Forest or take a one-of-a-kind trip down the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain , Southern California’s only bobsledding slide. 

11. Catalina Island

Santa Catalina Island, often known simply as Catalina Island, is one of the most unique Los Angeles day trips if you’re looking for a romantic, adventurous escape. To get to this island, which is one of the California Channel Islands, you’ll need to take a ride to either San Pedro, Long Beach, Dana Point, or Newport Beach and then hop on one of the ferries, the Catalina Express or the Catalina Flyer depending on the port you choose to depart from.

Catalina Island encourages you to get on “island time,” going at a leisurely pace to take in all the beauty around you. Rent a bike on this car-free island, and take your time exploring. With 52 miles of coastline, you may end up spending the whole day cruising around the beaches. When you’re ready to go in the water, you can go snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, and even take a submarine tour !

Stay on land for another unique tour opportunity. In the 1920s, 14 bison were brought to Catalina Island for a movie. Once filming wrapped up, they were allowed to stay, and their herd has grown to over 100 today. They roam around the island’s wildlands, and several tour companies will take you around the island to show you its wildlife, including the bison.

12. Temecula

When many people think of the best wine tasting in California, they think of Napa Valley or Sonoma Valley. But there’s an excellent wine-tasting destination just about an hour-and-a-half drive from Los Angeles. 

Temecula has over 40 vineyards to explore. Not only that, but it has some of the most unique ways to tour the wineries. Soar over the vineyards in a hot-air balloon with California Dreamin’ , hit the open road with your own chauffeur as your designated driver with Sidecar Tours , or cruise around on an old-fashioned cable car with Cable Car Wine Tours .

Beyond unique tour opportunities, there are plenty of one-of-a-kind attractions in Temecula that make it one of the best day trips from Los Angeles. Explore the world of inventing at Pennypickle’s Workshop , a children’s museum filled with interactive exhibits. Or get up close to rescued and rehomed animals at the Sugarplum Zoo , which also boasts a chocolate shop you’re not going to want to miss and, in true Temecula fashion, wine tasting.

13. Huntington Beach

Long known for being a surfing city, there’s plenty to do at Huntington Beach, even if you don’t want to hang ten. This seaside destination is one of the best Los Angeles day trips if you’re looking to spend the day in the sun.

Huntington Beach offers five beaches spread across 10 miles of coastline, each with something different to offer. Huntington City Beach, where you’ll find the Huntington Beach Pier, is where to go if you want to stick around after dark, as you’ll find many restaurants, shops, and other nightlife is an easy walk away. Going surfing? This beach is a great option, as is Bolsa Chica State Beach.

If you like long walks on the sand or bike rides around the beach, head to Huntington State Beach, while if you want to escape the crowds, you should visit Sunset Beach. If you have a furry friend with you, check out Huntington Dog Beach, where your pup can run around off-leash.

Outside of the beaches, Huntington Beach also offers other attractions, like the Huntington Surfing Museum , which celebrates the surfing history of the area, and the Huntington Beach Art Center , offering both exhibits and classes to locals and visitors alike.

14. Palm Springs

Whether you want to live the life of luxury or want to spend your LA day trip exploring beautiful outdoor destinations, you’ll be able to do it in Palm Springs . Located just under a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, this scenic destination has long been billed as a winter getaway for the rich and famous. But you don’t have to have starred in a blockbuster to travel here!

If you’re looking for shops, restaurants, art galleries, and more indoor attractions, visit Palm Canyon Drive. Grab a cup from Koffi , step back in time at the Palm Springs Historical Society Museums , shop the past at Revivals Resale Mart , and much more. On Thursday evenings, this road transforms into VillageFest , a lively street market with over 200 vendors.

To see the natural beauty of the area, there’s hardly a better way than by taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway , the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world. You’ll soar over Chino Canyon to reach Mount San Jacinto State Park. At the top, you’ll find two restaurants, two documentary theaters, a natural history museum, several observation decks, and over 50 miles of hiking trails.

15. San Diego

Located about two and a half hours from Los Angeles by car, San Diego is a bit more laidback than its northern neighbor. This sunny getaway is known for its mild weather, sunny beaches, and family-friendly attractions.

To really get a feel for this unique city, visit Balboa Park , spread across over 1,000 acres and home to an array of beautiful gardens, hundred-year-old architectural wonders inspired by the Pueblo and Mayan cultures, and tons of entertainment. 

Explore the hiking trails, take in a live performance, or check out work made by local artists. Visit one of the park’s many museums, from one that celebrates Comic-Con all year long to museums that immerse you in both local cultures and teach you about people all across the world.

Balboa Park is also home to the famous San Diego Zoo . Home to more than 4,000 animals and known for its passionate conservation efforts, it’s considered one of the best zoos in the world.

For more outdoor fun and animal sightings, you can visit La Jolla Cove. It’s a great snorkeling and scuba-diving spot where you just might see everything from sea lions and dolphins to turtles and leopard sharks!

There you have it! The 15 best Los Angeles day trips. What’s your favorite day trip from Los Angeles? Let us know in the comments!

Planning a trip to California? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

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Jacqueline is a writer and editor pursuing the freelance life to explore the world. Born and raised in New Jersey, she spent her college years in Boston before settling down with her partner and puppy in Monterey, California. When she’s not writing, you can often find her planning her next trip. Road trips are her favorite, whether it’s driving across the country or simply exploring a new city in her own backyard. She loves uncovering the history of every new place she goes. Jacqueline has a restless passion for learning and makes it a goal to pick up a new skill every year. She’s picked up embroidery, crocheting, knitting, and cross-stitching, but she’s hoping to master more languages to help her in her travels. She’s also a published author, with short stories and poetry appearing in several anthologies.

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28 Best Day Trips from Los Angeles in 2024

Written By: The Planet D

United States

Updated On: June 11, 2024

Los Angeles is impossible not to love. From the Pacific Ocean waves backdrop to the intensity of Downtown Los Angeles, it is a city you will want to return to again and again. There is also  so much to do  and see, from the iconic Hollywood Sign to Hotel del Coronado and more than one theme park to get your thrill on. Snuggled into the coastline of southern California, Los Angeles is one of the best-located and world-famous destinations in the US. And if you are visiting, it would be a crime to avoid enjoying some of the day trips from Los Angeles.

Table of Contents

Top Day Trips From Los Angeles

Los Angeles is surrounded by beaches, mountains, and national park choices. The city has tons of organized day trip tours. Or you can brave the limited but reasonably sufficient public transport or opt for the most liberating option – a rental car. You could head to Laguna Beach, San Bernardino National Forest, or Santa Barbara. One thing is for sure; you have many options when choosing which Los Angeles day trips you want to undertake.

Planning Your Trip To Los Angeles Right Now?

Below are some of the top day trip tours from L.A. Don’t forget to plan ahead when  visiting California!

Top Day Trip Activities and Tours from Los Angeles:

• From Los Angeles: Santa Barbara Wine Tasting Day Trip (Most Popular Day Trip from L.A.)
• Los Angeles Coast and Beaches Private Tour (Our Favorite Day Trip)
• Private 10-hour tour to Palm Springs from Los Angeles (Likely to Sell Out)
• Exclusive Malibu Stars Homes & Beautiful Beach Tour (Best Deal)

1. Newport Beach

Newport Beach is a haven of sandy beaches with a clustered, flashy harbor. The coastal city sits south of Los Angeles and is ideal to experience the coast outside of hectic LA. Newport Beach is in the middle of Orange County, a region famed for its theme parks and coastal fun fairs. And true to its area, Newport Beach has the Balboa Pier and Fun Zone where you’ll find a traditional and aesthetic amusement park with a Ferris wheel. Newport Beach is the perfect spot for some light-hearted fun.

You can reach Newport Beach by car in under an hour. Or, if you are really stuck with no rental car or license, you can catch a bus connection to Newport Beach in 2.5 hours. As a quick side note, Newport Beach is a serious hotspot for anyone interested in whale watching – so wildlife lovers take heed. It is one of the only year-round whale-watching destinations the US has to offer, with whales migrating past Newport Beach at all times of the year. This is one of the best whale-watching tours in Newport Beach.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 43 minutes by car or 2.5 hours by public transport

2. Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach couldn’t be more different in Orange Country from the fun-loving and fast-paced Newport Beach. Laguna Beach is much more creative with a more laidback vibe that attracts surfers and artists alongside a steady flow of Los Angeles day trippers. In Laguna Beach, you’ll find art galleries, sandy beaches like the surf spot Aliso Beach Park, and pretty boardwalks along Main Beach. Laguna Beach attracts six million visitors a year, and its chilled atmosphere makes it easy to see why. It is the sort of place where you go to recalibrate or enrich yourself artistically. So if that fits the bill, Laguna Beach is your day trip.

You can reach Laguna Beach easily by car from Los Angeles, so we’d suggest hiring a rental car if you don’t have one already.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 50 minutes by car and 2 hours 20 minutes by public transport

3. San Diego

San Diego is sunshine heaven. The coastal city is right above the Mexican border and is loved by many for its fantastic climate. It is no surprise that visiting one of its beaches on a day trip to San Diego is a top recommendation. However, San Diego is also popular amongst lovers of military history, and the city is home to an active naval fleet.

You can view the Naval Base San Diego from a distance and also visit the USS Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum of San Diego for more insights. San Diego is a brilliant day trip if you want to experience another city while visiting Los Angeles. For us, its beach culture and military history stand out the most. Be prepared for a full day out.

If you choose this day trip, we recommend skipping San Diego Zoo. On day trips from Los Angeles, you can see plenty of animals in their natural habitats, so there’s no need to see them in captivity. If you don’t have a car then you can jump on this day trip that leaves from Los Angeles .

• Distance from Los Angeles: 1 hour 45 minutes by car or 3 hours by train

4. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a famously beautiful national park of 800,000 acres. Think cacti and desert flowers – Joshua Tree is one of the most iconic desert scenes in the US. Open all year round (but admittedly almost unbearable mid-summer with its heat), Joshua Tree National Park is full of hiking trails and scenic drives. Plus, the national park’s namesake tree, the Joshua tree.

The Joshua tree is rather bizarre-looking, with massive trunks and spiky green clumps at the end of each thick branch. A Joshua tree looks quite like JK Rowling’s whomping willow. The Joshua tree was named by Mormon settlers crossing the Mojave desert in the mid-19th century, who apparently found them reminiscent of how Joshua reached up his hands to pray.

These are the  best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park ; we’d suggest allowing a whole day to visit, especially as it is a 2-hour drive one way by car. You can take a guided day tour from Los Angeles if you don’t drive.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 2 hours by car

5. San Gabriel Mountains

You’ll need a car to experience this day trip from Los Angeles. The San Gabriel Mountains make it all worthwhile, though. The peaks are renowned for being rugged and beautiful. They were a favorite spot for the naturalist John Muir, who commented on how inaccessibly rugged they were. The San Gabriel Mountains are really striking visually, with forests of alder, maple, and pine at the low levels, dwindling off towards snowcaps at the mountain summits. The largest of all is Mount Saint Antonio, where you can hike in 7-9 hours in snow-free months to reach the summit and gorgeous views.

The San Gabriel Mountains are impressive for mountain biking and hiking trails. Who needs theme parks when you have so many exhilarating routes to whizz down and challenging trails to tackle? These mountains are a fabulous day trip from Los Angeles for anyone wanting an adrenaline experience in nature.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 1 hour by car

6. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is no ordinary city day trip. It is easy to think that every small coastal city blurs into one in California, but Santa Barbara proves that wrong instantly. The city thrives in age-old colonial heritage, with a strong Spanish influence that remains evident through architectural styles like white stucco buildings. Downtown Santa Barbara is one of the most impressive (and prettiest) places you can visit from Los Angeles.

And aside from its good looks and characteristic white buildings with red-tiled roofs, it has many attractions. You can visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse or the Old Mission Santa Barbara to learn more about the religious side of Spanish colonization.

Santa Barbara i s full of culture and stories you can’t miss. Thanks to its strong sense of character and cultural value, it is one of the top places you can visit on a Los Angeles day trip.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 1.5 hours by car or 2.5 hours by train

7. Santa Catalina Island

22 miles off the coast of California, Santa Catalina Island is in its own little bubble. The island is a beautiful, safe space for birds and wildlife – on land and off land. In fact, it is even popular for scuba diving because of its well-protected and preserved marine wildlife. While it was used as a filming location for some underwater scenes in the original 1975 Jaws film, you don’t need to worry. Its most popular wildlife species that tourists see are elephant seals, bison, and blue whales.

And when you want to escape the crazed chaos of the city center and its coastline, Santa Catalina Island is where to head. Thanks to the fast ferries from Long Beach and Dana Point , you can easily reach Santa Catalina Island in an hour. Up to 30 ferries run daily, so you won’t find it hard to organize a day trip.

On Santa Catalina Island, spend the day spotting different animals – either hiking, snorkeling, or scuba diving. It is a super fun place to visit, and its isolated location and ferry crossing make it even more exciting.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 1 hour by ferry from Long Beach

8. Crescent Bay Beach

Crescent Bay Beach is a scenic little beach set against a rocky cliff backdrop just south of Los Angeles. It is one of the shortest day trips from Los Angeles. Crescent Bay Beach is popular because of its quiet atmosphere, brilliant tide pools, and – if you’re lucky – passing dolphins. Crescent Bay Beach is a place for serenity. It is our top recommendation for a peaceful beach day trip from Los Angeles.

Technically, Crescent Bay Beach is part of the Laguna Beach neighborhood. However, it has such a unique character that we must include it in this guide. It is perfectly combined with a trip to the art galleries and a more creatively flamboyant center of Laguna Beach or even a visit to Crystal Cove State Park.

Crescent Bay Point Park is located on the beach’s northern end and is the perfect spot for a beach-view photoshoot. After enjoying time on the sands, head to Crescent Bay Point Park for beautiful beach views.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 1 hour by car or almost 3 hours by public transport

9. Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is a waterside retreat perfect for a weekend getaway. But if you only have a day, don’t worry – we can make that work too. It is a hot spot for watersports, and you can spend a whole day doing anything from a relaxing paddle-boarding experience to a more adventurous wakeboarding attempt. From spring to autumn, it is a top watersports destination; in winter, it transforms into an incredible ski destination.

Big Bear Lake is surrounded by woodland trails, but if you only go for a day, prioritize Castle Rock Trail. Castle Rock Trail takes you up to a scenic rocky outcrop with stunning views of Big Bear Lake and is dreamy at sunset as the perfect finish to your day trip.

You can reach Big Bear Lake easiest by car in just two hours. And while it is feasible to get to the lake in 4 hours by public transport, we wouldn’t recommend it as you’ll spend nearly a whole day traveling on multiple forms of transportation. There’s no direct train or bus. Stick to driving and maximize your time spent on water sports or skiing in winter.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 2 hours by car and 4 hours by public transport

10. Balboa Island

Balboa Island is a funny addition to this guide, located just offshore of Newport Beach. Many people would clump the two together, but we disagree. The little island is such a strong character that we’d recommend treating it as a separate day trip. You can reach Balboa Island by overwater bridge or ferry, and it has a fun, activity-focused atmosphere with a slightly slower pace than the mainland.

The Balboa Island Museum is a must, and it is free to enter. The island is manmade and has exciting history and community to uncover. It even has two trademark dessert recipes, the Balboa Bar and Frozen Banana, which are over 75 years old. Enjoy the beaches, museums, and passionately individualistic food culture.

Balboa Island is accessible by car or public transport. You can take your pick between transportation options from Los Angeles.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 1 hour by car or 2 hours 40 minutes by public transport

11. Palm Springs

Palm Springs is an icon; there’s no doubting that. The city bursts out of the Sonoran Desert with swaying palm trees, steaming hot springs, and a surprisingly vibrant art scene. The metropolis is an easy day trip from Los Angeles. If you drive, you’ll pass between San Bernardino National Forest and Mount San Jacinto State Park – both great detours. This full-day tour is what we would recommend if you don’t have a car.

In Palm Springs itself, you can ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, visit art galleries like the Palm Springs Art Museum, and warm up in the hot springs in the Aqua Caliente Indian Reservation. Palm Beach is a brilliant insight into the Sonoran Desert, and the fact it is so close to Los Angeles with so many things to do makes it an ideal day trip candidate.

As a quick side note, Palm Springs is famously close to Coachella. If you are visiting Palm Beach in mid-to-late April, try to bag tickets. Otherwise, just enjoy the attractions scattered around the city’s outskirts.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 1 hour and 40 minutes by car or 2 hours 45 minutes by public transport

12. Long Beach

Long Beach is one of the shortest day trip candidates on this list. The Long Beach neighborhood is on the outskirts of Los Angeles and sits on the coastal shores of the city. We love its accessibility via public transport, and you can reach this day trip destination by taking the San Ysidro FlixBus straight from Los Angeles Union Station. If you are looking for a public transport feasible day trip, Long Beach is your top choice.

So, what makes this coastal neighborhood so fantastic? Well, it is a firm favorite movie set choice in Hollywood, in the top 2% of most expensive areas to live in worldwide. It averages 345 days of sunshine a year. And with this information, you can already understand how glitzy this neighborhood is. You can enjoy Long Beach City Beach, visit museums like the Long Beach Museum of Art and the Museum of Latin American Art, and walk the Japanese-style Rainbow Lagoon Park. But even just appreciating the skyscrapers and water scenery is impressionable enough.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 30 minutes by car or 45 minutes by bus

13. Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is a must-add-to-your-itinerary for any surfer visiting Los Angeles. The city is incredibly well-respected in the surfing world and is home to the 121-acre Huntington State Beach. You can take to the water at Huntington State Beach yourself or just stroll along the 8.5-mile paved trail while admiring others in the surf.

The surfing attractions don’t stop there either; you also have the International Surfing Museum, the 42-foot World’s Largest Surfboard, and the Surfing Walk of Fame. The museum has everything from longboards to famous surfer memorabilia. Passionate about surf culture and the unofficial sport’s founder Duke Kahanamoku, it is a top-tier attraction when visiting Huntington Beach.

As you can see, Huntington Beach is a fantastic day trip for any surfer. By car, it is an easy 1-hour drive. By public transport, the quickest route is a train on the Metrolink Orange County Line to Buena Park and then the 29 bus to the Huntington-Pacific Coast.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 1 hour by car or 2 hours by public transport

14. San Bernardino National Forest

It’s no secret, and we won’t try to deny it – San Bernardino National Forest is one of the most popular wildlife areas for day trips from Los Angeles. Thick alpine forest sprawls over the San Bernardino Mountains. And if you like active holidays, it is a beautiful place to go hiking or horseback riding. The forest is also huge; it covers an area of over 660,000 acres, so you’ll have to get specific about which trails and activities you want to enjoy before you set off.

Outside of the winter season, hiking and horseback riding are the forest’s forte and should be your top choices. The forest is built for extreme adventures too – there are even campgrounds that welcome horses to stay overnight on multi-day rides. If you are visiting in winter, things shake up a little. Instead of horseback riding and hiking, you’ll be living it up with snow-themed activities like snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing.

San Bernardino National Forest is an hour’s drive from Los Angeles. Depending on your route, you could pass through Whittier Narrows Natural Area or the Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park – both good stop-off points for a freshen-up halfway through the drive.

15. Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park is a marine park encompassing five beautiful islands off the coast of California. The islands are so protected, and such havens for wildlife that many coin them the Californian ‘Galapagos,’ and you can see a vast variety of animals on sightseeing tours.

The Channel Islands include Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara. If you want to get isolated, these dramatic, nature-abundant islands are one of the most striking and ecologically diverse day trips from Los Angeles. You can spot everything from endemic skunks to sea lions and humpback whales. There are also many stunning hiking trails, including Anacapa’s Inspiration Point. And the landscape is nothing other than stunning, with craggy bright green ridges to make Hawaii double-take and beautiful coastlines of sea caves and hidden coves.

You can reach the Channel Islands by a round-trip day-ticket ferry . The ferry trip length depends on which island you choose – Anacapa and Santa Cruz are the closest at just an hour’s ferry ride from the coastline.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 1.5 hours by car or 1 hour 45 minutes by public transport to the visitor center, plus an hour or two for the ferry

16. Malibu Creek State Park

Just 25 miles from Downtown Los Angeles, Malibu Creek State Park is an easy squeeze into a busy itinerary. The park is over 8,000 acres and is perfect for horseback riding, rock climbing, and hiking. Does the landscape look familiar? If it does it is because Malibu Creek State Park was used as a set in a ton of Hollywood movies, including the original Planet of the Apes.

The mix of volcanic rock gorges and pretty pools make the park one of the prettiest and most convenient places to appreciate nature near Los Angeles. Set in the Santa Monica Mountains, this state park is just a short drive from the celeb hot spot of Calabasas. Malibu Creek is an incredible place to go on a day trip, especially with its classic rock pools.

We’d suggest driving to Malibu Creek, which is 50 minutes from LA, by car. Using public transport is much trickier and takes around 2.5 hours on multiple forms of transportation.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 50-minute drive

17. Disney California Adventure Park

Everyone needs to embrace their inner child now and then, and that’s precisely where Disney California Adventure Park comes in. The theme park meets amusement park is a total nostalgia hit. You’ll find everything from hot dog stands to ornate carousels. And with dressed-up Disney characters for ‘meet and greet’ experiences at random throughout the park, this is one of the most magical day trips you can take from Los Angeles. A lot quieter than Disney World, Disney California Adventure Park is a fantastic alternative to its hectic cousin.

The adventure park is set in Paradise Gardens Park – just a 40-minute drive or 1.5 hours on public transport. Get ready to really transport yourself back to your childhood. Or, if you are visiting as a family with young children, recreate some of that beautiful Disney magic for a memorable family day trip. Grab your tickets here.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 40 minutes by car or 1.5 hours by train then bus

18. Malibu Lagoon State Beach

Malibu has that laidback allure – a spot Los Angeles can’t scratch alone. And Malibu Lagoon State Beach is a stunning 110 acres of protected beach and coastal park, well worth visiting just to experience that Malibu relaxation. The surfing community loves the beach area, and you can shred some waves or admire other surfers from the sands. You should bring some binoculars, too, as Malibu Lagoon State Beach has a large estuary that is relied on by migratory birds. The best thing is that you can explore independently or take a guided tour. The choice is yours.

The state beach is next to the Malibu city center and combines well with a trip to nearby Zuma Beach. If you plan to visit both, rent a car to maximize your time.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 1 hour by car and 2.5 hours by public transport (buses)

19. Wine Tasting

You cannot visit wine country and not go wine tasting. While in Los Angeles, you are a short distance from the rolling hills and vineyards of California’s most famous wine district. Just head south 90 miles, and you’ll reach the town of Temecula – renowned for its delicious wines. The region is known for its Syrah wines, in particular, and also for the Sangiovese grape. You can take a wine-tasting tour at each winery for as little as $20 per experience. We recommend this amazing Vineyard and Wine Tasting Trip that leaves right from L.A.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 1 hour and 20 minutes by car

20. San Pedro

San Pedro is another one of Los Angeles’ outskirt neighborhoods well-suited to day trippers. The area has a young professional vibe, with plenty of rented suburban houses and local coffee shops. It was initially formed as its own city but joined Los Angeles in 1909. It is the perfect chance to experience more suburban culture in a Los Angeles coastal district. San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant is a must for any seafood lover. At the same time, maritime museums are super popular, with the Battleship USS Iowa Museum and Los Angeles Maritime Museum. San Pedro is an excellent choice for a city day along the Pacific Ocean.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 25 minutes by car or 2 hours 40 minutes by public transport

21. Zuma Beach

Remember Zuma Beach? This beach is in Malibu, and the 1.8-mile stretch of sand and surf is popular amongst surfers and sunbathers alike. Zuma Beach has lifeguards, which is a vital safety plus. So you can embrace the rural setting and spacious sands, reassured that there’s safety surveillance in case you get in trouble. Zuma Beach is one of the top Los Angeles day trips for a beach day. And if you get a chance, visit nearby El Matador State Beach and Malibu Lagoon State Beach.

22. Limestone Canyon Regional Park

Limestone Canyon Regional Park is one of the most beautiful day trips from Los Angeles – you’ll just need to be a bit more organized. The park is only open on certain access days, or you can take a guided tour with rangers outside of open-access periods. Limestone Canyon is run by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, so contact them for bookings and reservations. The park has some stunning hikes past geographical features like sinks and bright limestone ridges. A much lesser touristy option for a day trip, Limestone Canyon Regional Park is where to go to escape the crowds.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 55 minutes by car

23. Crystal Cove State Park

The 2,400-acre Crystal Cove State Park is a gorgeous part beach, part sand dune area just south of Los Angeles. The beach is 3.2 miles, which is open to public access, and has tons of rock pools and coves to venture into. We’d suggest walking the scenic boardwalk before embracing a full-scale lazy beach day. Sitting on the sand and soaking up the atmosphere is a real treat. And the seaside serenity will be a welcome break after a busy Los Angeles.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 50 minutes by car

24. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is one of the closest – and largest – wilderness areas near Los Angeles. The area has a network of over 500 miles of hiking trails. You can go rock climbing or just enjoy spotting wildlife from the trails. The Backbone Trail is Santa Monica Mountain’s most famous trail and extends 67 miles. If you’ve just got a day, you could pick the most scenic section to hike. While, if you are lucky, you may even spot a big cat, there are estimates of around 10 to 15 mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 40 minutes by car

25. San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano is a beautiful, historic city. It is mainly formed around the Mission San Juan Capistrano, with an aesthetic Los Rios Historic District to admire 18th-19th century architecture. Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark that reflects California’s Spanish heritage.

The mission was formed in 1776 and now acts as a museum, welcoming 300,000 visitors each year, many embarking on day trips from Los Angeles. The museum has religious and historic artifacts like paintings and even a precious bell that is rung each day to honor Saint Junipero Serra. Whether religious or not, San Juan Capistrano is a cultural destination for a day trip. This guided tour will give you all the history you need about this beautiful city.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 50 minutes by car or 1 hour 40 minutes by bus

26. Angeles National Forest

Angeles National Forest is 700,000 acres of tracks, trails, and attractions. Thought by many to be LA’s ‘backyard playground,’ it is one of the most accessible natural areas to enjoy on a day trip from the city. You can go horseback riding, off-roading, or hiking. Even driving through Angeles National Forest is exciting, with hairpin roads and stunning views of mountainous forest scenery. Angeles National Forest is also free to enter, making it a super budget-friendly day trip.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 1.5 hours by car

27. Whale Watching

Whale watching is one of the best day trips from Los Angeles. From winter to spring, there are averages of 20,000 gray whales passing through Los Angeles’ waters. While if you get lucky, you can also see finback, humpback, and minke whales. And, of course, year-round sightings of various dolphins. If you are visiting Los Angeles in winter or spring, consider whale-watching on a day trip. November until May is the whale season. Most whale-watching day trips cost $50-100 and last a few hours – like this three-hour tour for $60 .

• Distance from Los Angeles: N/A

28. El Matador Beach

Soothing ocean waves against a sandy beach is what you need on some days. El Matador Beach is scenically set below cliffs and consists of three small beaches – cut off from each other during high tide. Located near Malibu, it is the perfect beach day spot and easy to combine with Malibu’s other attractions. The beach has dramatic rock formations along its sands, including stacks and natural arches. If you want a beach with some natural features, it is the ideal solution and a really picturesque choice.

Day Trips From Los Angeles: FAQs

So that’s the best day trips from Los Angeles, but check out these answers to some essential FAQs.

What cities are 2 hours from LA?

Thousand Oaks and Santa Clarita are under 2 hours from LA. San Diego is just over 2.5 hours from LA by car.

What tourist cities are close to Los Angeles?

San Diego is a 2.5-hour drive from LA, while Las Vegas is a 4-hour 40-minute drive away.

Can you do a day trip to San Diego from LA?

Yes, a day trip from LA to San Diego is very feasible. You can take the train in under 3 hours or drive in 2.5 hours.

To Conclude

Day trips from Los Angeles are varied: scuba diving, horseback riding in a national park, or exploring sea caves. You’ve got nearby cities with art galleries and museums in lousy weather, hiking trails, and areas of natural beauty galore for good weather. It is also worth noting that the Los Angeles area is well-known for some great golf courses. So, if you love to golf there are a lot of different course options. We suggest allowing at least a few days in your itinerary to check out some of these amazing Los Angeles day trips. There’s just so much to do, and you should take advantage of it.

Looking for more Los Angeles inspiration? Check out our guide on  where to stay in Los Angeles , including area guidance and hotel recommendations.

Plan Your Next Trip to Los Angeles With These Resources

• 28 Best Beaches In California
• 37 Best Things To Do In Los Angeles – By A Local
• 20 Best Things To Do In Malibu By A Local
• Where To Stay In Los Angeles: Best Areas And Hotels For Every Budget
• The Best Things To Do In San Diego – A Local’s Guide To The City

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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14 Fun Day Trips from Los Angeles in 2024

Brie Greenhalgh Last Updated: May 3, 2024

Los Angeles is home to an endless supply of things to do and see within the LA basin. Some visitors to Los Angeles rarely venture out beyond LA or Disneyland to see all that southern California has to offer, but we’re here to say they’re missing out. Hiking, wine tasting, horseback riding, sea kayaking, whale watching, and so much more awaits you beyond the city limits. Start planning your next adventure with this list of great day trips from Los Angeles.

14 of the Best Day Trips from Los Angeles

There is so much more to southern California than you might expect. Within a few hours of Los Angeles, you can do just about any activity you can think of. Hike in a national park, scuba dive, ride ATVs, visit an olive oil farm, citrus grove or winery, kayak or surf in the ocean, go star gazing.

You think it. California delivers. It’s truly the gem of the west coast of the United States, which is why one or more places on our list of fun day trips from Los Angeles should be on your list of things to do. There’s something for everyone’s interests no matter their adventure level.

Pro tip: We’ve estimated approximate travel times to each destination from downtown LA, but traffic conditions can get heavy throughout the day. Plan ahead if you book a tour so you have plenty of time to get there.

14. Catch the Surf at Malibu

1 hour (33 miles) | Surf-side Hollywood Vibes | Seafood Lovers | Beaches and Hiking

With 21 miles of coastline that is almost all beaches, there’s room for everyone in the sandy surf. Malibu is known for having some of the best surfing close to LA, so if you’re dying to try it or you can’t wait to get back to it, Malibu is a must. Otherwise, Malibu keeps the Hollywood scene going but with a little more relaxed vibes. Keep your phone handy for celebrity sightings!

If you’re into architecture tours, definitely check out the stunning Adamson House to see a blend of gothic and coastal styles mixed with Spanish heritage. And when you’re ready for a meal to remember, head over to Neptune’s Net for fried scallops or clam chowder. It’s the famous oceanside restaurant that’s been used in countless movies like The Fast and Furious and the original Point Break .

How to get to Malibu

13. Immerse Yourself at a Theme Park

1 hour (27 miles) | Adventure Theme Parks | Family Fun

Of course we have to mention the theme parks located in and around Anaheim: Disneyland, Disney California Adventure Park, Knotts Berry Farm, Knotts Soak City, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, LEGOLAND, and Adventure City. Did you know there were more places than Disneyland here? It’s truly the land of adventure in Anaheim.

While most of these parks focus on rides and attractions, Knotts Soak City is famous for thrilling waterslides 7-stories high. (Open only in the summer.) And adults and kids all love the Cars attractions at the California Adventure Park, but only the bravest love the Incredicoaster which is the longest inverting roller coaster in the world.

How to get to Disney California Adventure Park

12. Help Preserve the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge

45 minutes (31 miles) | Scenic Views | Limited Tours | Volunteer Opportunity

This 965-acre refuge is what remains of an old Anaheim bay. It’s now mostly marshlands and man-made harbors that make a permanent home to thousands of species—some of which are endangered. What’s interesting is this preserve is part of the Naval Weapons Station so visitors can only explore the area with designated tours that happen only once a month.

How to get to the Seal Beach Preserve

Planning a trip to LA? Check out our list of the top things to do in LA plus where to stay in Los Angeles !

11. experience california luxury in santa barbara.

1.75 hours (95 miles) | Vineyards and Beaches | Relax, Explore, Play

Santa Barbara has it all: wineries, beaches, golf courses, hiking, architecture, and a huge bookstore that bookworms can’t pass up. It’s incredibly scenic here in the Santa Barbara area with white beaches on one side and mountains on the other. Take time to do some wine tasting, then explore the unique mission-style architecture this city is famous for.

And don’t miss the sunset while sitting on the romantic Butterfly Beach near the Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel. After a lovely day here, you’ll understand why it’s often called the riviera of the west. It easily makes our list of great day trips from Los Angeles.

How to get to Santa Barbara

10. Hike or Stargaze in Joshua Tree National Park

2.5 hours (131 miles) | Outdoor Adventure | Impressive Night Views

Head over to the stunning desert national park named for the famous trees that look like the biblical figure, Joshua, raising his arms to the heavens. Despite its close proximity to Los Angeles, this park boasts some of the darkest skies in the area. If you’re up for staying at least one night (or up all night), we highly recommend stargazing in this scenic desert.

You’ll also find plenty of hiking and climbing to do here during the day. An easy 1.7-mile hike takes you to the unique Skull Rock, or you can drive to Covington Flats to find some of the largest Joshua trees. Be sure to stay only on marked trails in your vehicle to preserve the landscape!

How to get to Joshua Tree National Park Visitor’s Center

9. Spend the Day on Coronado Island

2.5 hours (126 miles) | Ultra-Fine Sandy Beaches | Naval Base Happenings | Seaside Fun

Coronado Island sits just off the coast of San Diego and boasts some of the best beaches in the country. It’s just isolated enough to feel like an exclusive resort town, yet it’s close enough to all the city amenities you need. The Hotel del Coronado is an eye-catching masterpiece that you have to check out. Stop at their outdoor Beach & Taco Shack for yummy fish tacos and a cocktail on the beach.

For a fun activity, rent a surrey to explore the island and enjoy wrangling the contraption while taking hilarious selfies with your friends or kids. Coronado may be a longer day trip from Los Angeles, but it’s worth it.

How to get to Coronado Island

8. Get Wild at the San Diego Zoo

2.5 hours (120 miles) | Urban Adventure | Family Fun

If you’re up for an early morning drive, head down to the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Kids and adults all love to get up close and personal with over 12,000 animals here at one of the largest zoos in the country. You’ll find the biggest collection of rare and endangered species here like the Amur leopard or the capybara which is the largest rodent in the world.

For an up-close experience, book the Animals in Action Experience where zookeepers bring animals to you for a more personal interaction. If the animals of the African safari or Australian outback are more your style, opt to spend the day at the Safari Park.

How to get to the San Diego Zoo

7. Get Back to Nature in Palm Springs

2.25 hours (108 miles) | Paradise Getaway | Golfing, Relaxation, Sun

As if there wasn’t already plenty of sunshine in southern California, Palm Springs likes to boast the most sunny days: 350 on average each year. Maybe that’s why there are so many incredible golf courses in this region. As for hiking, we recommend the Araby Trail for a short, semi-challenging hike or head to Andreas Canyon where you’ll find the world’s second largest California fan palm oasis.

We also loved the ranger tours in the Agua Caliente Native American preserve in Indian Canyon. But for the most memorable adventure, book a ride on the aerial tramway to soar 2.5 miles above the valley for stunning views. Adult tickets are $29, kids 3-10 are $17, and it’s best to reserve them ahead of time.

How to get to the Palm Springs Tramway

6. Sea Kayak in La Jolla Cove

2 hours (112 miles) | Wildlife Viewing | Seaside Adventures | Eclectic Street Murals

While the beaches can get crowded at La Jolla (pronounced lah HOY uh), it’s worth heading down here to book a sea kayaking tour . Expert guides will help you explore the huge sea caves at La Jolla Cove. As you paddle along the coast, you’ll also get to see tons of California sea lions lounging on the rocks or playing in the water. If sea kayaking isn’t your thing, you can still see the sea lions by parking at the top of the cove and walking to the cliffs.

For another fun adventure while you’re down here, check out The Cave Shop. Hidden beneath its floors, you can explore the century-old bootlegger sandstone caverns where contraband was smuggled from the ocean into town. It’s super cool, but there are 145 stairs to climb both ways, so make sure you’re fit enough to handle them.

How to get to La Jolla Cove

5. Explore the European Village of Solvang

2.5 hours (131 hours) | Quaint European Village | Unexpected Experience | Wineries and Breweries

Step back in time in this adorable little Danish town in San Ynez Valley that even includes a windmill. You can experience a small taste of Europe from the heart of a California valley. Enjoy wandering the town to find Christmas shops, fairy tale keepsakes, and little bakery shops that are passable Danish imitations. Since Solvang is surrounded by vineyards, there are plenty of wineries and breweries to try as well.

But for an off-the-wall experience, we highly recommend heading over to Ostrichland. You read that right. There are over 100 ostriches and emus that you can help to feed and take selfies with. Finally, Quicksilver Ranch is temporarily closed due to renovations, but when it opens, be sure to stop and see the cutest miniature horse ranch ever.

How to get to Solvang

4. Find the Pirate Tower in Laguna Beach

1.5 hours (56 miles) | High-end Shopping | Stunning Beaches | Plenty of Surfing

Laguna Beach lives up to the hype. It’s a gorgeous little beach town that utilizes every extra inch of space available. For beaches, you can’t go wrong with Crescent Bay Beach, Main Beach, or the hidden Victoria Beach where the old Pirate Tower still looms over the rocky beach. When you’re ready for a sweet treat, be sure to grab a waffle cone and gelato at Gelato Paradiso.

If you have the time, stop in at the Pacific Marine Mammal Sanctuary (currently requires reservations) to see rescued sea lions up close. And if shopping and dining is your thing after a day on the beach, you’ll have plenty of boutique stores in Laguna to explore before enjoying sumptuous chicken flautas from South of Nick’s.

How to get to the Pirate Tower at Victoria Beach

3. Namaste in Ojai Valley

1.75 hours (85 miles) | Artist Community | Wineries and Majestic Mountains | Spiritual Retreat

Ojai (pronounced oh HI) is a fun, artsy community that’s nestled against some incredible mountain vistas. Travelers will find plenty to do here. Our top recommendation is heading over to Ojai Olive Oil to sample some locally made olive oil. You’ll definitely want to take a bottle home. You can also wander through a citrus grove or choose to hike one of the many popular trails nearby.

Ojai also has a strong spiritual vibe, so you might prefer to spend some time doing yoga or meditating in this “magnetic center of the earth.” Be sure to enjoy a relaxing dinner at the indulgent Ranch House where they use a locally sourced, seasonal menu.

How to get to Ojai Valley

2. Play Around at Balboa Island and Newport Beach

1.25 hours (48 miles) | Carnival Fun | Unique Island Fun | Family Friendly

Balboa Island is not one to miss. It’s a man-made island full of fun homes, tiny shops, restaurants, and carnival-style fun. You could drive to the island, but it’s much more fun to park and take the ferry over. Walk the 1.6-mile boardwalk around the seaside homes, book deep-sea fishing or whale-watching tours, then ride the Ferris wheel at sunset. Be sure to try the famous chocolate-covered bananas from Sugar ‘n Spice, too!

Newport Beach is known for its luxury homes (be sure to drive through the neighborhoods!), which is why Balboa is such a cool, casual place for anyone to hang out. And since you’re already down this way, you could also head over to the beautiful Crystal Cove Beach where you definitely need to try the burgers at the Crystal Cove Shake Shack.

How to get to Balboa Island

1. Spend the Day Adventuring on Catalina Island

90 Minutes | Remote Island Adventure | Marine and Land Activities

Santa Catalina Island is a popular destination that offers more than expected on this tiny island. Marine enthusiasts love snorkeling, scuba diving, paddling, and sailing in the beautiful waters here. You can also zipline, hike or take a tour to the far side of the island where you’ll find an unexpected bison herd. Getting back to wild nature is surprisingly easy just 22 miles off the California coast.

You can even choose to stay overnight here for a longer adventure. It’s easy to get there too: hop on the Catalina Express in San Pedro, Long Beach, or Dana Point. Round trip tickets are $76 for adults. Or for a faster ride out there, definitely book a helicopter ride .

How to get to Catalina Island

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

With Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica nearby, there are no shortage of great places to stay in the Los Angeles area. Use our guide to help you decide which hotel to book on your trip to LA.

About Brie Greenhalgh

Writer, editor, teacher, hiker, traveler, dreamer. With a book or pen in hand and a majestic sunset on the horizon, life is never short of fulfilling moments for Brie. She has a background in history and writing, and enjoys writing and editing for BobVila.com, The Tour Guy, and her own business.

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30 Best Day Trips From Los Angeles

If you live in Los Angeles or just visiting the City of Angels and want to get out of the city, there are a lot of amazing day trip options.

Just so we're on the same page, we're not counting LA neighborhoods as day trips out. Santa Monica, Venice Beach , Culver City and Pasadena are great places to go but don't quite achieve the objective of getting out of the city, so we'll focus on actual day trips from Los Angeles.

If you're after a longer trip that might cover a weekend, a week or even longer, check out our list of the best road trips from Los Angeles instead.

Given the sprawl of L.A., it was somewhat of a challenge to define exactly where we're counting the starting point to be and to make things simple I've gone for the City Hall. If you're in different parts of Los Angeles, some of the timings and distances can be quite different.

Our day trips include some of California's finest beaches, historic towns, drives into the desert and up mountains, kid-friendly trips and theme parks - we hope you find something you like!

We've put together our list of the 30 best day trips from Los Angeles ordered by the time it will take you to get there.

1. Spend the day at Knott's Berry Farm

30 minutes from Los Angeles (22 miles)

Knott's Berry Farm is only about 30 minutes from Los Angeles in Buena Park. What started as a small roadside berry stand along State Route 39 in the 1920s.

From there it slowly developed to add a restaurant, visitor entertainment, cafe, rides and before you know it, there's 4 million visitors a year and 40 spectacular rides making it one of the most popular theme parks in the United States.

While there are a few roller coasters, Knott's Berry Farm is family friendly with lots of attractions for all ages including classics like a swinging pirate ship and a 100-year old carousel as well as Camp Snoopy which is an entire area with children's rides.

If you are a thrill seeker, there are some amazing rides here. Montezuma's Revenge is the only remaining Schwarzkopf Shuttle Loop coaster in North America and one of only 5 left in the world (interestingly exactly 1 exists on every continent except Australia).

This coaster launches at 60 mph and passes through a loop before stalling at the top of a tall vertical section before heading back in reverse through the same loop.

2. Discover the magic of Disneyland Park in Anaheim

35 minutes from Los Angeles (26 miles)

If you are in L.A. and you haven't visited Disneyland, the obvious question is why not?

If you have kids, you absolutely have to go to the original Disneyland that came before Florida Paris and the other parks built around the world. If you don't have kids, I bet you still want to go and you should!

The rides may not be as exhilarating as Knott's Berry Farm or Magic Mountain (above and below in this list), but the atmosphere, Disney characters all over the park and the original Sleeping Beauty Castle are something you've got to see at least once in your life.

California's Disneyland can get busy, especially during the summer and at weekends. It's a good idea to book your tickets online before you come and drive down early before the rush hour starts. The park opens at 10 a.m. on most days although sometimes only opens its doors at 9 - check the schedule before you head over.

There are some great cafes and restaurants where you can pick up breakfast and you save a lot of time not having to queue.

Make sure you stay late and grab dinner in Disneyland. The evenings have amazing shows and fireworks at 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. - the last one usually a sign it's time to head for the exit if you've made it that far into the night!

3. Get an adrenaline rush at Six Flags Magic Mountain

45 minutes from Los Angeles (35 miles)

To close off our inadvertent theme park section, the Santa Clarita edition of the Six Flags is the Magic Mountain and if you are a thrill seeker, this is the place to come.

There are 19 roller coasters in the park as well as other kinds of rides, activities, places to eat and stroll. This is more than any other theme park in the world which is some feat.

Although some of the older coasters are gradually making way, they keep adding new ones with the West Coast Racers coaster being added in January 2020. It's one of only a handful in the world that has a Möbius loop section.

If it takes you just 20 minutes to walk to, queue up, go on the ride and get off it, it will take you 6 and a half hours just to ride each roller coaster once - should be more than enough for a day trip!

Tickets can be pretty reasonable if you book online in advance with rates below $50 per person, although expect to pay double if you pay on the day. Season tickets bough early are a great option if you're going to be going at least twice.

4. Go to Surf City at Huntington Beach

50 minutes from Los Angeles (36 miles)

Huntington Beach is just south of Los Angeles and not far from Laguna Beach a few miles further south down the coast (#6 below) and the towns of San Juan Capistrano (#10) and San Clemente (#12).

If you want to have a busy day, you can pack all 4 in, but I'd split them up into separate trips and make the most of a lazy day watching the waves roll in.

Huntington Beach trademarked its moniker of Surf City USA after a legal battle with Santa Cruz in Northern California. Hence, if you're into surfing or just enjoy the ocean waves, this might just be the right place to come!

Huntington Beach is simpler and less fancy than its Laguna Beach neighbor - you get 10 miles of perfect sand, a long pier that stretches into the sea and a few places to eat and relax.

If you're after art galleries, posing for photos or celebrity spotting in nice restaurants, then keep on driving south for another 10 minutes.

5. Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park

50 minutes from Los Angeles (44 miles)

Vasquez Rocks is the place to come if you want to get out into nature without straying too far from Los Angeles or if you're a serious movie buff and want to see the famous location.

Vasquez Rocks is a short drive north from L.A., past Santa Clarita and is on the edge of Angeles National Forest and Antelope Valley.

The Rocks are not the biggest, but the formation has such a unique look, that Hollywood producers have used it in some of the biggest movies of all time. We're talking Star Trek, Planet of the Apes, Zorro, The Flintstones and the A-Team TV series.

If you look hard enough, the rocks have made cameo appearances in a crazy number of other movies where you might struggle to remember the scene. Jingle All The Way, Austin Powers and John Carter are just some of the dozens of movies that filmed here.

If you're a fan of TV series, I think it's pretty hard to name one that didn't film here. Lassie? Yep. 24? Of course! It's near L.A.! C.S.I, The Lone Ranger and even Power Rangers all used it (I think you can probably remember some of them)!

A visitor center will tell you a bit about the local area, the way the rocks were formed to look like everything from Tibet to other planets and give you an insight into the hundreds if not thousands of adverts that continue using the location all the time.

6. Visit the iconic Laguna Beach in Orange County

1 hour from Los Angeles (50 miles)

Laguna Beach is one of the most famous beaches in California. In fact, it's not just one beach but a long stretch of the coast that has different kind of beaches from white sand to rocky coves for you to explore.

Laguna Main Beach is known for being a lot more than just a beach. The arts scene has become a big deal here and there are a number of art galleries and shops where you can look at and purchase pieces by local artists.

Be careful though - as the reputation has grown, there are a number of crazy priced places in town making the most of the price insensitive visitors. You can still find the great local craftsmen, but you'll need to look around.

Even if you're not into art, a walk through the downtown area is great - it's a relaxed small town with pretty buildings and you can sip a drink sitting in the sun at one of the cafes watching the world go by.

Make sure you do find the tide pools in the rocky coves as well as relaxing on the wide sand beaches. Treasure Island (in the picture) is the best place to see some sea creatures, but remember not to touch them or move them - these are delicate coastal ecosystems so leave them be.

Please check our comprehensive guide out to learn more:

READ MORE - Our Guide to Laguna Main Beach

7. Hike in the Santa Monica Mountains

1 hour from Los Angeles (34 miles)

Santa Monica Mountains sit along the coast of California roughly covering the area north of the Malibu coastline.

If you are in L.A. and want to go on a hike, this is the closest option and there are hiking routes for all levels that can take anything from 20 minutes to more than you can cover in a day.

Although the mountains are only just over 30 miles from downtown Los Angeles, it will take you about an hour on average to break through the traffic and get out of the city, but once you get here, it will feel very different to the busy highways!

There is plenty of parking available and even on busier days, you shouldn't have a problem finding a spot and going for a stroll. Bring your dog with you if you have one - you'll notice that at least half of the people you'll come across do so.

As you go higher up, views across the mountains open up and you'll see the Pacific ocean stretching to the horizon.

There are over 500 miles of trails in the mountains and although you are highly unlikely to actually see any animals, the mountains are home to coyotes, bobcats and even mountain lions so keep your eyes peeled and you might be lucky to see one.

8. San Gabriel Mountains National Monument in the Angeles National Forest

1 hour 5 minutes from Los Angeles (50 miles)

The San Gabriel Mountains are hard to miss if you are in Los Angeles - they are the big mountain peaks that provide the backdrop to the city and can be seen from most neighborhoods.

Thse mountains don't only provide the natural boundary to the metro area but also supply drinking water for the city and are a perfect place to go hiking.

The Mountains were declared a National Monument by President Obama in 2014 to protect the city from expanding into and beyond the mountains, protecting its plants and the natural habitat for many different animal species.

The mountains reportedly have over 300 plant species that are endemic to the area and grow nowhere else in the world.

The San Gabriel Mountains have a few sights worth seeing on your day trip. If you are a hardy hiker, you can go find the Bridge To Nowhere in the Sheep Mountain Wilderness. The bridge was built as part of a road construction project in the 30s that was abandoned 2 years later and mysteriously leads to precisely nowhere at all.

Mount San Antonio, also known as Mount Baldy is the tallest peak in the range and there is a choice of different hiking routes that can take you to the top including the well known Devils Backbone.

For those who like to cheat to get their views, a ski lift can take you up to the Top of the Notch Restaurant, which at 7,300 feet is still almost 3,000 feet below Mt. San Antonio's peak. Although you cut the hike considerably, it's still over 6 miles to get up there, but the views from Top of the Notch are... top notch enough.

9. Relax on the beaches of Malibu

1 hour 10 minutes from Los Angeles (33 miles)

Malibu is a long stretch of some of the best beaches you will see anywhere in the world along the Pacific Coast Highway starting shortly after you pass Santa Monica and the Pacific Palisades.

Malibu is often associated with the seaside villas of the rich and famous, but there is a lot more to this place than that.

The beaches are varied and although Malibu is very popular with Angelenos at weekends, if you drive another 10 to 20 minutes along the coast, you'll find plenty of spots with far fewer people.

Head for the El Matador State Beach to find secluded coves that are far enough away to be surprisingly empty and perfect for spending the day.

If you want to do something other than lying on the beach, the Santa Monica Mountains are right behind you and offer unlimited hiking opportunities (see #7 above).

Alternatively, you can go visit one of the local wineries. Malibu is one of a small number of places in the world with the Mild Mediterranean climate type which apparently is perfect for vineyards, so although this is not Napa or Sonoma, you may be surprised by what you find.

10. See Southern California's history at San Juan Capistrano

1 hour 10 minutes from Los Angeles (55 miles)

The Mission of San Juan Capistrano is south of Los Angeles, just over an hour along the I-5. Dating back to 1776, many of the Mission's buildings date back to the 18th and early 19th centuries making it an amazing day trip from L.A.

Most of the buildings belonging to the Mission are open to visitors including the chapel, the Mission Basilica and a special museum.

Make sure you check out the small town around the Mission as well. It grew at roughly the same time and the Los Rios Historic District has a few homes and shops that date back to the 1700s!

To make more of the day, you can visit San Juan Capistrano in the morning and then go to Laguna Beach (#6 above) to grab some lunch and spend the afternoon watching the waves roll in or exploring the tide pools at Treasure Island.

Another option is to head a few minutes further south to San Clemente (#12 below) and grab a bite to eat right by the pier.

11. Make time go slow on Balboa Island in Newport Beach

1 hour 10 minutes from Los Angeles (45 miles)

A short drive south from Los Angeles is the city of Newport Beach and in the Newport Bay there is a small man-made island called Balboa.

After you get to Newport Beach you can explore the famous beach here before traveling to Balboa Island.

Instead of getting your car onto the island via the small bridge or the 3-car ferry, park up and catch the ferry ride on foot instead to save time, money and make it a lot easier once you are on the island.

The boardwalk around the perimeter of the island is about 2 miles long and great for gentle stroll. Then head to Marine Avenue (where the bridge from Newport meets the island) and have lunch at one of the many amazing restaurants.

With the houses having a classic feel to them, the eerily perfect street layout, quaint shops and restaurants, Balboa Island has a certain Truman Show vibe about it - you'll know what I mean when you get there!

If you get here early, you might not want to spend the whole day on Balboa Island. The good news is that Laguna Beach (#6 above) and Huntington Beach (#4) are both great options for an afternoon by the sea to complete the perfect day trip.

12. Spend the day by the ocean in San Clemente

1 hour 15 minutes from Los Angeles (62 miles)

Just when you thought we like our beaches a little too much, we thought we'd add another option to the list. Don't worry though - this is the last of the beaches on our list, but beaches really are one of the best road trip options from L.A. so here we go.

San Clemente is a relaxed seaside town further down the coast from Laguna Beach and just after you pass the turning to San Juan Capistrano (#10 above) at Dana Point.

In fact, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano go hand in hand if you want to combine the two trips - my tip is to head to the Mission and Historic District in the morning before the tourist crowds get there and then head to the beach to relax in the afternoon.

Unlike Huntington and Laguna Beach, San Clemente is a little more relaxed and less busy. It's far enough from Los Angeles and San Diego that city dwellers getting out to lie on the sand go for closer options.

The The San Clemente Pier is the main attraction and the beach near it is the best place to relax. The Fisherman's Restaurant right by the pier is very good and you can enjoy some fish overlooking it - one of the better ways to do lunch!

If you want to do something other than lazing around, there is a culture and local history museum a little up the hill called Casa Romantica. You get decent views when you get up there and the gardens around the museum are included in the ticket price.

13. Learn about California's history at the Fort Tejon State Historic Park

1 hour 15 minutes from Los Angeles (75 miles)

Fort Tejon is a historic military fort in the Grapevine Canyon that was established in 1854 as a defence hub and garrison protecting the new California settlements from Indian raids.

Although the fort was only occupied for 10 years, it has recently been restored to show what life in the fort and this part of California in general was like in the 1850s and 1860s.

The fort has actors that aim to help you explore the history in a more interactive way. You'll find U.S. Army soldiers, a carpenter, blacksmith, servants and laborers who will try to make you feel like you have stepped back in time.

Although there is a lot to see here, you'll notice there are relatively few visitors to the fort. Tickets only cost a nominal fee of $6 per vehicle before discounts.

Although it's a bit of a detour, the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is a good stop on the way up to or back from Fort Tejon to make more of the day.

You can head east from the Fort and drive down through the Antelope Valley (see #14 below) - Vasquez Rocks will be right on the way back to Los Angeles from there.

14. Walk through the California Poppy hills in Antelope Valley

1 hour 20 minutes from Los Angeles (79 miles)

Antelope Valley sits on the western edge of the Mojave desert to the north of San Gabriel Mountains.

The valley is best known for the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve which is a relatively short drive out of the city and if you're planning a day trip from Los Angeles in March or April, this should be top of your list.

The bright orange poppies and other wild flowers come into bloom in early March and stay bright through to late April and sometimes into the first week of May.

The reserve has 3.3 mile South and North Loop trails that take you across the hills that are completely covered in the wildflowers.

Because of the narrow window when visitors flock here for the flowers, expect it to be relatively busy, especially at weekends.

Make sure you stick to the trails and don't pick the flowers. Not only is it illegal in California to pick wildflowers on State property, the Mojave green rattlesnakes live in the undergrowth so keep your hands away!

15. Visit the small town of Oxnard

1 hour 25 minutes from Los Angeles (62 miles)

Many people won't think of Oxnard as a good day trip option from Los Angeles and drive straight through on their way to Ventura and the Channel Islands (see #29 below), Santa Barbara (#19) or further afield.

But Oxnard is a great place to come for the day - it's less than 90 minutes from downtown L.A. and you can stop off en route anywhere along the Malibu beaches as a bonus.

There is not 1 but 4 main reasons to visit Oxnard: Classic cars, local wine, watching whales and other sea creatures and the Strawberry Festival.

For those who like their cars to be older than themselves, Oxnard has two amazing classic car museums. The Mullin Automotive Museum has some spectacular cars from the 1920s, 30s and 40s. The world's most expensive car, the 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is in the museum as one of only 3 surviving models from 4 that were ever made!

For the muscle car fans, the Murphy Auto Museum has some of the best Detroit had to offer in the 60s and 70s, but the museum is only open at weekends so plan your day trip accordingly.

Oxnard is also home to 3 wineries including the world's largest Kosher winery which also serves up a great lunch - the Herzog Wine Cellars. You might want to opt for staying over or pick straws for who will be the designated driver!

The Strawberry Festival happens over a weekend in the middle of May and is one of the largest festivals in Southern California. There are dozens of food booths, endless arts and crafts stalls, fairground rides and every kind of strawberry food and drink for you to try.

16. Relive your childhood at Legoland in Carlsbad

1 hour 30 minutes from Los Angeles (90 miles)

Legoland in Carlsbad was the first to open outside Europe and has been in California for over 20 years.

It's the perfect place to come as a family with younger kids - there are endless Lego-based things to do and activities and a selection of amazing things built out of Lego including some of the world's most famous landmarks and cities.

Coming in the summer is best as the park's water rides are one of the best features although there are over 60 rides in the theme park offering something for everyone and a lot more value than just the Lego entertainment.

The hours vary day to day and across seasons, so be careful to check before coming to make sure you don't arrive 2 hours before it opens!

Don't miss the Sea Life Aquarium which is located inside. There are a lot of sea creatures and large tanks that come complete with Lego-themed touches and figures.

After your visit, spend an hour or two in Carlsbad itself. The town is often overlooked, but it's worth taking a walk through the streets and grabbing a coffee before heading back to Los Angeles.

17. See the Cabazon Dinosaurs

1 hour 30 minutes from Los Angeles (91 miles)

While we're on the kids entertainment theme, let's mention the Cabazon Dinosaurs.

You probably have never heard of them, but these life-sized dinosaurs stand just off the I-10 on the way to Palm Springs and pretty hard to miss from the highway.

It's easy to come off the Interstate and park up and coming up and close to the dinosaurs is free. There's a few fast food outlets where you can make your children's day even more perfect.

Don't forget that you can climb up inside two of the dinosaurs to have a look around and visit a gift shop to get a t-shirt or a T-Rex toy!

Given you're driving this far and the fact that you won't want to spend much longer than an hour taking a look at the dinosaurs, you can combine the trip with either Palm Springs (20 minutes further down the road - #20 below) or a hike in the San Gorgonio Wilderness (#25) to make more of the drive.

18. Wine tasting in Temecula Valley

1 hour 30 minutes from Los Angeles (85 miles)

When people think of Californian wine, the northern regions of Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and White River will usually first come to mind. But these are a good 7 hours' drive from Los Angeles.

Luckily enough, the Temecula Valley is much closer, relatively unknown and has a surprisingly large variety of very good vineyards so if you want to do some wine tasting and bring some bottles home, head to Temecula Valley, about 90 minutes southeast of L.A.

There are over 40 wineries in the region with spectacular locations complete with mountain backdrops to the neat rows of grape vines.

To make the most of it, you might want to stay the night and enjoy the wine tasting without having to have a designated driver. Old Town Temecula is well worth a visit too - there's a lot of local boutique shops, places you can buy local wine or drink it while listening to live music.

19. Escape to Santa Barbara & Montecito

1 hour 40 minutes from Los Angeles (95 miles)

Under 2 hours up the coast from Los Angeles is the city of Santa Barbara. The busy highways running through Los Angeles and the downtown skyscrapers are swapped for a relaxed cafe culture and red roof tiles.

Santa Barbara is famous as an amazing place to live - the coastal weather is near-perfect, the charming streets and local focus on the outdoors and health has brought many of Hollywood's rich and famous to make Santa Barbara their home.

If you want to a cultural sight on your way around, Mission Santa Barbara is a Franciscan mission dating back to 1786 that is open to visitors.

Montecito is a small town just outside Santa Barbara right on the edge of the towering mountains of the Los Padres National Forest. Where Santa Barbara attracts the wealthy, Montecito is where the super wealthy, the likes of Oprah and Brad Pitt, call home.

If you want to get a feel for what it's like to live here, the Casa del Herrero is an open house museum in town.

20. Palm Springs - the oasis in the middle of a desert

1 hour 45 minutes from Los Angeles (107 miles)

Palm Springs is somewhat of an anomaly. The town with lush green lawns, golf courses, water features, ponds and palm trees sits right in the middle of a hot and inhospitable desert with the mountains of Mt. San Jacinto State Park on one side and Joshua Tree National Park on the other.

If you want to spend a day relaxing in a spa, playing a round of golf (not in the summer!) or going up to the peak of Mt. San Jacinto in a rotating gondola of the Aerial Tramway, then Palm Springs is where you should be headed.

Remember that summer in the desert is hot. I'm talking average daily highs in the 100s (over 40 °C) so you won't want to spend too much time outside and jump from one air-conditioned environment and into another.

A lot of the architecture of Palm Springs goes back to the time it rose to prominence as a place to party in the 50s and 60s. The modernist houses with sharp square angles give the city its unique look and a feel of retro chic.

21. Spend the day at a retreat in Ojai

1 hour 45 minutes from Los Angeles (81 miles)

The Ojai Valley is between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, tucked away below the mountains north of Ventura.

It has become increasingly popular with L.A. residents in the know as the place to escape the city at the weekend for some downtime, relaxing stone massages and walking through fruit orchards.

The town of Ojai has adopted the health and wellness trend and the restaurants here will have a great selection for any diet whether you're vegan, on a paleo, keto or any other diet.

The hotels in Ojai can be pretty expensive even if you're going for the lower end of the spectrum so a day trip to unwind and recharge your batteries is a good way to experience it on a budget.

If you do stay over though, make sure you try a local wine and pop into town to see quirky little shops selling home decorations and vintage clothing. There's a definite hipster vibe about the place!

22. Unwind for the day on Santa Catalina Island

2 hours from Los Angeles (24 miles to San Pedro + a ferry)

Getting to Santa Catalina Island from L.A. is reasonably straight-forward. You'll need to drive to either Long Beach or San Pedro to catch one of the fast ferries over to the island. You'll need to leave your car behind - you won't need it on the island!

The drive down will take an hour, the ferry usually takes a bit over an hour and you'll need to account for the time to park up, get your ticket and board the ferry. Although it's a 2 hour journey, you'll be relaxing for most of it and not sat behind the steering wheel.

Santa Catalina Island is all about walking and seeing the beautiful nature. Surrounded by rocky cliffs, there are a few shipwrecks you can explore and spot flying fish, seals and sea lions.

The island also has its own herd of bison that roam around the island. 14 of them were brought here for a movie shoot in 1924 and then abandoned on the island to save cost.

The bison scene was cut from the final movie, but now you get the pleasure of watching the magnificent animals in their adopted home.

The port of Avalon where the ferry comes and goes from is the perfect place to get some lunch and enjoy views of the marina, surrounded by the island's hills. Time your visit so that you eat there when you arrive or just before boarding!

23. Head for Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake

2 hours from Los Angeles (100 miles)

Lake Arrowhead and the Big Bear Lake are a 2 hour drive east from Los Angeles into the San Bernardino National Forest.

The two lakes are only 15 miles apart, but the mountainous twisty roads mean it'll take you an hour to drive from one to the other. And that's assuming you're not going in the winter!

Big Bear Lake is the further of the two and is all about staying active. You can spend the day kayaking, paddling or boating on the lake during the summer or go skiing in Snow Mountain and Bear Mountain ski resorts during the cold winter months.

Lake Arrowhead is very different - almost the entire shoreline of the lake is privately owned and the Lake Arrowhead Village has a more upscale feel than the resort type vibe of Big Bear Lake.

Lake Arrowhead is also lower down which means it is not as snowy and cold in the winter. If you want to go to a retreat in a pine forest, enjoy a few hours in a spa and have a fancy dinner to end the day, Lake Arrowhead is the place to go.

24. San Diego and La Jolla

2 hours from Los Angeles (120 miles)

The other big city in Southern California is only 2 hours down the coast so you can easily explore the main sights and walk through some of the neighborhoods on a day trip from L.A.

As it is known for having one of the least seasonal climates in the United States, San Diego is perfect to visit all year round .

The heart of San Diego is the Gaslamp neighborhood - this is where you can sit in the restaurants, bars and cafes in the evening catching the relaxing sea breeze.

La Jolla is a neighborhood just to the north of downtown San Diego. It's known for its wealthy residents and fancy restaurants, but also for the sea lions who have made La Jolla Cove their home and can be seen there most of the time.

Other than the famous San Diego Zoo, I wouldn't spend too much time visiting museums and staying indoors. Two of the best activities are riding the traditional red trolleys and trying the fish taco street food - the zesty salad and avocado are worth skipping lunch for!

25. Oak Glen and the San Gorgonio Wilderness

2 hours from Los Angeles (98 miles)

Oak Glen is a small village about 90 minutes from downtown L.A. that is known for being mad about apples.

Naturally enough, the best time to visit is during the apple harvest season in September and October. The fall season in California may not be full of golden and red leaves but this is a great place to come to get that autumnal feeling.

You can buy a U-pick bag for the day and walk through the apple orchards picking your apples or head straight to the Oak Tree Village which is full of shops, entertainment and all things apple-themed right down to cider!

After you've picked your apples, you can drive another half an hour to the San Gorgonio Wilderness. This mountainous protected area is on the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest around the San Gorgonio Mountain peak.

You'll need to get a free wilderness permit before coming - you can get them online from the National Forest management.

Most of the wilderness is located at above 7,000 feet (2,100 m) and there are two small rivers (creeks to those from outside California) so make sure you come wearing layers as it can get cool up there!

The area has recently been designated as the Sand to Snow National Monument and there are lots of marked hiking trails to follow if you drive over to Forest Falls from Oak Glen to park and find the trail starting points.

26. Joshua Tree National Park

2 hours 20 minutes from Los Angeles (130 miles)

Joshua Tree is the closest National Park to Los Angeles and named after the Joshua tree that grows in southern California and Nevada.

The park is one big desert with lots of hiking trails, over 300 different places you can camp and a few interesting rock formations.

Take care if you plan to visit Joshua Tree in the summer - daily highs average 100 °F (38 °C) and there is little in the way of facilities anywhere in or near the park so bring plenty of drinking water and key necessities with you.

Many of the most popular rocks and trails in Joshua Tree are at the end closes to L.A. The Intersection Rock and Arch Rock formations are only a few miles apart and Skull Rock is in-between.

There are some easy trails in the area - the popular Hidden Valley Trail is only about a mile long starting at Intersection Rock and you can drive up to Keys View which is the highest point in the park offering views of the mountains and Coachella Valley.

27. Explore the Danish village of Solvang, California

Solvang is a village that was originally founded by a group of Danish settlers and it has remained so incredibly Danish, it's well worth the 2 hour drive from Los Angeles.

The village has traditional Danish-style houses which look distinctly European, 4 windmills and classic Danish shops.

You can go on a tour around Solvang in a tram or one of the horse-drawn carriages. Not that you'll have to go far - the town is pretty small and very walkable.

Aside from seeing the Danish village, Solvang is also home to the Mission Santa Ynez which dates back to 1804 and worth visiting. The Santa Ynez valley has some great wineries as well in case you want to stock up straight from the vineyard before heading back to L.A.

The quirky Danish village has grown in popularity over time which means it can be a little on the touristy end. You might want to spend the morning here if you set off early and then spend the afternoon either driving around the scenic Los Padres National Forest (#30 below) or stop at Santa Barbara and Montecito (#19) or Oxnard (#15) to break up the journey.

28. Go to the place time forgot at Salton Sea

2 hours 30 minutes from Los Angeles (164 miles)

People disagree as to whether Salton Sea is a lake, a kind of inland sea or a man-made reservoir. Bizarrely, it was created accidentally in 1905 when engineers miscalculated their minor diversion of the Colorado River for a local irrigation project.

As the land here was a desert that at one point was covered by seawater, the huge amounts of salt in the ground meant that the lake's water is far from fresh. In fact it has almost twice as much salt as the Pacific Ocean and the salinity is increasing at a rate of 3% per year.

A popular tourist destination in the 1950s, Salton Sea declined sharply in the following decades and today it is fascinating to visit to see the old signs, small ghost towns and abandoned buildings.

If you have time to drive around the lake, one of the sights is the Salvation Mountain - a big mound built by a local resident with large transcriptions of verses from the Bible.

The Borrego Springs Sculptures are a few miles west of Salton Sea and worth the diversion. Just when you thought the place couldn't get any more weird, you'll find giant statues made of metal of things like serpents, flying dinosaurs and elephants in the middle of the desert.

29. Ventura, California and the Channel Islands National Park

2 hours 30 minutes from Los Angeles (68 miles to Ventura + a ferry)

The Channel Islands National Park is just off the coast of California sitting on a chain of 5 major and several smaller islands about 20 miles from Ventura.

The difficulty in getting there means that the Channel Islands hold are the least visited National Park in the United States, but this is a hugely undeserved title and is actually a great reason to visit.

Ventura is about two thirds of the way to Santa Barbara from Los Angeles along the coast and it should take you a little over an hour to get there. From Ventura, you'll need to get on a ferry to the Channel Islands. The nearest group of islands are the Anacapa Islands and it takes about an hour to get there, 2 to get to the much bigger Santa Cruz Island and 3 hours to go all the way to Santa Rosa.

There's not a great deal to see on Anacapa - the small and narrow islands offer great views of the rest of the range from the top of the ridge (in the photo above), but to really explore the area, it's worth getting to Santa Cruz.

Here you'll be able to trek around the island, discover hidden coves and rocky caves where dolphins, flying fish, seals and whales can be spotted in the water and condors and bald eagles roam the skies.

If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Island Fox which is native to and only lives on the islands.

Be careful to catch the last ferry back to the mainland. There are are limited comforts for staying overnight. There are no hotels or lodging of any kind, no shops and very limited facilities available so be there at boarding time to avoid sleeping in the wind under the stars.

30. Drive up Figueroa Mountain in Los Padres National Forest

3 hours from Los Angeles (143 miles)

Ok. A 3 hour drive from Los Angeles one-way is stretching the definition of a day trip slightly, but there's one good reason why a drive up the Figueroa Mountain made it into the list.

The drive to and up the mountain is the experience. The views as you go up and the perfect driving roads on the way through flowering fields as you can see more and more of the Pacific Ocean is what you come here for.

With the other 29 destinations on our list the thing you see when you get there is the reason to go. So take the day, get in the car and get ready for a mini road trip you'll complete before dinner time!

Figueroa Mountain lies on the edge of the Los Padres National Forest and overlooks the Santa Ynez Valley below. You can get here slightly faster along Highway 101, but if you get on the road half an hour earlier, you can take the scenic route along the coast through Malibu.

Places like Oxnard, Santa Barbara and Montecito are all along the way and further up in our list, so there's plenty of great options for stops for a drink or lunch.

A big sign will greet you when you reach the top saying you're at the Figueroa Lookout and from here you get almost uninterrupted views over the mountains and valleys all the way around!

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15 Most Popular Day Trips From Los Angeles

• California / In the City / Los Angeles / North America / USA

Looking for a mini escape from the city? Here are 15 fun day trips from Los Angeles.

As much as there is to explore in LA, sometimes it’s nice to get away from the city, the crowds, and the traffic. We’re local adventurers and all about appreciating and exploring our backyards. There are a lot of gems you can find in your city or just a short drive away. Plus, sometimes that’s just easier than driving somewhere within LA. Am I right?

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: December 14, 2023

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• The Best Day Trips from Los Angeles
• Map of Los Angeles Day Trips

Best Places to Stay in Los Angeles

Planning checklist, more resources, 15 popular day trips from los angeles.

You can make any of these into weekend trips, but we also put together  a list of trips that are longer drives and require at least a 2 day stay  to make it worthwhile.

1. Catalina Island, California

33.3889062,-118.5950266,  map

Distance:  1 hr by ferry from Long Beach ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Catalina Island Casino, Catalina Island Conservancy, Garden to Sky Trail What to Eat:  The Lobster Trap , Bluewater Grill , Maggie’s Blue Rose

Catalina Island is a favorite getaway for Angelenos, whether you’re looking for activities like scuba diving or snorkeling or a place to relax on the beach.

Local Tip: Did you know there are bison on the island? They also used to do free ferry rides on birthdays, but they discontinued that tradition.

2. Santa Cruz Island, California →

34.0181115,-120.0059172,  map

Distance:  1 hr by ferry from Ventura ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Scorpion Beach, Smugglers Cove, Visitor Center What to Eat:  No food services on the island

The Channel Islands National Park on Santa Cruz Island is incredibly beautiful. You can stay on land and hike and camp or explore the waters on a kayak, scuba diving, or snorkeling.

Local Tip: Keep your eye out for whales on the ferry over. We spotted a couple of them!

See More: Kayaking in Channel Islands National park

3. Palm Springs, California →

2901 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262,  map

Distance:  105 mi / 1 hr 45 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Palm Springs Art Museum, San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm What to Eat:  Farm , Trio , The Tropicale

Palm Springs is a popular spot, especially for those of us who live in SoCal, since it’s so close. The glamorous pools and trendy hotels give plenty of reasons to visit. There are even hot springs, golf courses, and spas!

Local Tip: When it’s hot in town, head up the Aeriel Tramway for cooler temps and great views.

See More: 15 Unforgettable Things to Do in Palm Springs

4. Ojai, California

130 W Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023,  map

Distance:  83 mi / 1 hr 25 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Ojai Certified Farmers’ Market, Ojai Meadows Preserve, Rose Valley Falls Trail What to Eat:  The Ojai Beverage , Osteria Monte Grappa , The Ranch House

Ojai is full of Spanish architecture, fruit groves, and wineries. It’s relatively close, so it makes a perfect day trip. Although, I’ll warn you it took us more than 3 hours to get out of LA traffic first.

5. Temecula, California

3rd St, Temecula, CA 92590,  map

Distance:  85 mi / 1 hr 33 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Hot Air Balloon Ride , Wine Tasting, Old Town Temecula What to Eat:  The Goat & Vine , 1909 , Avensole Winery

Wineries and  hot air balloons  give you beautiful options for a day trip away!

See More: Photo Guide Hot Air Ballooning in Temecula California

6. Santa Barbara, California

217 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101,  map

Distance:  95 mi / 1 hr 30 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Shoreline Park, Old Mission Santa Barbara, Stearns Wharf What to Eat:  Santa Barbara Shellfish Company , Brophy Bros , Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach

Santa Barbara has a great wine scene amidst the beautiful backdrop of mountains, valleys, and beaches.

7. Carlsbad, California →

400 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008,  map

Distance:  87 mi / 1 hr 30 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Beaches ,  Flower Fields ,  LEGOLAND What to Eat:  Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi Bar , Campfire , 264 Fresco

For family fun, you can go to   LEGOLAND . There are also plenty of beaches and the Carlsbad flower fields for adult fun.

See More: Best Places to See Flower Fields in Southern California

8. Big Bear, California →

40971 North Shore Drive/Hwy 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333,  map

Distance:  99 mi / 2 hrs ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Big Bear Discovery Center, Boulder Bay Park, Big Bear Alpine Zoo What to Eat:  Saucy Mama’s , Grizzly Manor Cafe , Tropicali

You can fish, hike, camp, or kayak in the summer and ski and snowboard in the winter. There’s plenty to discover at this beautiful lake, so it’s a place people keep coming back to. We had a short trip here working with Toyota, but we need to go back to explore more of the area.

See More: 7 Best Things to Do in Big Bear California

9. San Diego, California →

Distance:  120 mi / 2 hrs 10 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  San Diego Zoo ,  North Park ,  Balboa Park What to Eat:  Carnitas Snack Shack ,  Tacos El Gordo ,  Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream

We lived in San Diego for a year and still miss it. We especially love all the beaches and hikes to beaches . If you need ideas for your trip, here are  101 Things to Do in San Diego . Save room for all the yummy tacos because you’re so close to Mexico, and they’re better here than most places in the US.

Local Tip: If you’re on a budget, check out these free things to do in San Diego .

See More: 101 Things to Do in San Diego

10. Idyllwild, California →

54270 Pine Crest Ave, Idyllwild, CA 92549,  map

Distance:  109 mi / 2 hrs 10 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness, Idyllwild Nature Center, Indian Vista Scenic Overlook What to Eat:  Ferro , Cafe Aroma , Idyllwild Brewpub

There are tons of hikes to explore in Idyllwild. If you’re not outdoorsy, you can enjoy the quaint downtown area. Be sure to see if they have any events going on.

See More: Glamping in an A-Framed Cabin in Idyllwild

11. JOshua Tree National park →

6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252,  map

Distance:  127 mi / 2 hrs 20 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Arch Rock , Cholla Cactus Garden, Keys View What to Eat:  Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace , Crossroads Cafe , The Tiny Pony

Take a scenic drive, hike, or rock climb in this beautiful park. We love visiting in the winter for the climbing.

See More: 11 Amazing Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park CA

12. Los Olivos, California

2900 Grand Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441,  map

Distance:  130 mi / 2 hrs ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Wine Tasting, Gallery Los Olivos, Los Olivos General Store What to Eat:  Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe , Panino , Nella Kitchen & Bar

This historic town is tucked away in the Santa Ynez Valley. Check out the scenic views of vineyards, browse through the art scene, go antique shopping, or join in on one of their fun festivals. Also, don’t forget to check out the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail.

13. Salvation Mountain & Salton Sea →

Beal Rd, Calipatria, CA 92233,  map

Distance:  190 mi / 3 hrs ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Salvation Mountain, Salton Sea State Recreation Area, Painted Canyon Road What to Eat:  Buckshot Deli & Diner , Town Pump Steakhouse , Ski Inn

Leonard Knight dedicated his life to  this work of art hoping to show that “God is Love” . Here’s an excerpt from a NatGeo photographer I follow who spent seven years documenting his life and work. I’m excited about his new book,  Where the Heaven Flowers Grow .

The Salton Sea is also nearby, 234 ft below sea level!

See More: Photo Guide to Salvation Mountain

14. San Luis Obispo (SLO)

733 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401,  map

Distance:  130 mi / 2 hrs ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  Mission San Luis Obispo, Bubblegum Alley, Madonna Inn What to Eat:  Taste , Ember , The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar

315 days of sunshine isn’t bad at all! Rent a bike, hike, surf, taste wine, or dine at the many farm-to-fork restaurants. The photo of us is from our anniversary shoot with Jeff Newsom.

15. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park →

47050 Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271,  map

Distance:  205 mi / 3 hrs 30 min ( map ) Things You Can’t Miss:  General Sherman, Moro Rock, Tunnel Log What to Eat:  Sierra Subs and Salads , Ol Buckaroo , Sequoia Coffee Co

Nothing gives you perspective like spending time amongst real-life giants. Take a scenic drive or hike amongst the largest trees in the world by volume.

See More: 15 Amazing Things to Do at Sequoia National Park + Kings Canyon

Map of Best Day Trips from Los Angeles

• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Download these helpful language apps .
• Find a great deal on Los Angeles hotels .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Book a tour for your visit.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Buy a Southwest travel guide .
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .
• Save money on attractions with Go City .
• Rand McNally Large Scale Road Atlas
• Lonely Planet Southwest’s Best Trips
• Lonely Planet Southwest USA Travel Guide
• Southwest Road Trips

Which of these day trips have you done? Any others we need to add?

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J) , YouTube , TikTok , and Pinterest.

This Post Has 4 Comments

Just be prepared to double any of these travel times depending on the traffic.

haha yeah. I do not miss that traffic .

Hi Esther & Jacob !!! I am a landscape photographer and I have been visiting the L.A. area for 3 weeks now . I have spent ALOT of my time in Venice and little around the city . It’s overwhelming not sure on where to go or what to see. Thank you so much for the time you out in this . This is great .

Now off for my Local Adventures. Hollie Linder

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19 Best Day Trips From Los Angeles (By A Local)

I’ve lived in Southern California for over 18 years so believe me when I say there’s no shortage of fun things to do here. Like my coverage of the best things to do in Orange County , I wanted to share a similar experience here. While there’s plenty to do inside Los Angeles, there are many exciting things to do near and around LA too.

LA is great for many things like food, musuems, art, shows, and sightseeing, but there’s just some certain variety of things you cannot get in Los Angeles. So if you’re staying in town for a few days and are looking for some fun day trips from Los Angeles, fear not, there’s plenty of stuff to do.

From museums, to beaches, theme parks, and national parks, you can experience just about anything your heart desires with a short & up to a 2-3 hour drive, have a great experience and then drive back to Los Angeles for the night. Check out my list below of the best things you can do with a day trip from Los Angeles sorted by closest to farthest distances from downtown Los Angeles.

Huntington Gardens

Distance from downtown L.A.: 11.8 miles

The magnificent Huntington Botanical Gardens covers 130 acres with 16 themed gardens, such as a desert garden, jungle garden, Shakespeare garden, and the extraordinary Japanese garden with a ceremonial teahouse and bonsai courtyard.

The Huntington is also famous for its expansive art museum that houses over 45,000 pieces of art that spans five centuries. The museum has rotating exhibitions, but the main gallery has one of the world’s foremost collections of British and European art, which includes the famous Blue Boy .

Before heading back to L.A., head for the beautiful Rose Garden Tea Room with its elegant high-tea service and enjoy finger sandwiches, scones, and other sweet treats with tea or a glass of bubbly.

Angeles National Forest

Distance from downtown L.A.: 16.5 miles

Less than a half-hour away from downtown Los Angeles is the 700,000-acre Angeles National Forest . But you can also take the scenic drive up the Angeles Crest Scenic Byway (aka California Highway 2), a snaky 66-mile route through beautiful mountains and canyons.

The park is famous for its rugged mountain terrain, streams, and waterfalls. For hiking fanatics, Mt. Baldy (the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains) and the Pacific Crest Trail are very challenging but rewarding with their spectacular vistas. But if you want to skip the hike, you can take a chair lift to the top of Mt. Baldy .

The park has many campgrounds and hiking trails as well as lakes for fishing. In designated areas (always check the website), horseback riding and mountain biking are allowed. Flora and fauna are protected, so you need to be on the watch since you might have an accidental run-in with a bobcat, coyote, or black bear.

Venice Beach

There really are canals at Venice Beach, an iconic L.A. hotspot and frequent location for 1950s Beach Party movies. The canals were built in 1905 by businessman Abbott Kinney, who wanted to recreate the canals in Venice, Italy. There are no gondola rides, but the Venice Beach canals are a lovely first stop.

Venice Beach is famous for its boardwalk – Ocean Front Walk – that runs parallel with the beach. It’s touristy and tacky but a lot of fun. You can ogle the body-builders at Muscle Beach and the magicians, jugglers, musicians who perform along the boardwalk. Don’t miss the daredevil skaters at the Skate Dance Plaza , which has been featured in many films.

Venice Beach is also known for local art, and galleries are plentiful along Abbott Kinney Blvd . You’ll also find many shops and some of the best restaurants in Los Angeles on Abbott Kinney. At the end of your day, relax and enjoy a cocktail at the Santa-Monica adjacent Casa del Mar and watch the spectacular ocean sunsets.

Catalina Island

Distance from downtown L.A. to the San Pedro ferry: 23.5 miles

Distance from downtown L.A. to the Long Beach ferry: 25.4 miles

You’ll need to take a ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro to transport you to historic Catalina Island. It’s only an hour, and you’ll dock at Avalon, the main town on the island. (If you want to splurge a little, you can get there even faster by helicopter.) 

Once there you can decide on how you want to spend your day – snorkeling or scuba diving in the clear blue waters, sunbathing on the white-sand beaches, or hiking the rugged terrain outside Avalon where you’ll spot wild bison left behind from a 1920s movie. You can also rent golf carts and bicycles for getting around the island.

Crescent Avenue is the main strip for Mediterranean-style shops where you can buy pottery, artwork, nautical gewgaws, and island-themed gifts. 

The main attraction is the Art Deco Catalina Casino , built in 1929 by chewing gum magnate, William Wrigley. It was never a gambling casino but was the site of a circular 20,000 square-foot ballroom, home to dancing marathons in the 1930s and 40s. The Casino also has a huge movie theater with beautiful Art Deco murals and incredible acoustics.

Distance from downtown L.A.: 25 miles

Long Beach is one of the busiest container ports in America, so you may wonder what’s worth seeing there. Long Beach has two must-see attractions for Angelenos seeking a day’s get-away.

The major destination is the The Queen Mary , permanently docked at Long Beach. Launched in 1934 by the Cunard Line, The Queen Mary was the fastest and most luxurious cruise liner of its day. During World War II, the ship was put into service for transferring troops. 

The Queen Mary was retired in 1967 and after several renovations, it’s now a hotel, restaurant, and nightspot. Tours are available – including a paranormal adventure – and in October, a new seance attraction will call upon the ghosts of the Queen Mary.

The second must-see attraction is the extraordinary Aquarium of the Pacific . Its focus is on sea creatures of the Pacific Ocean, and its numerous exhibits showcase local sharks, sea lions, sea otters, jellyfish, and penguins.

Distance from downtown L.A.: 26.4 miles

Driving Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu rivals Big Sur (along the California central coast) in beauty. Depending on where in Los Angeles you’re driving from, it can easily take an hour to get there, or in the summer, even longer, so it’s best to make a day of it. Malibu is equally famous for its beaches and the celebrities who live in the Colony or high on the cliffs. 

En route, you’ll pass the Getty Villa , which is definitely worth a stop. Its ancient-Rome architecture houses one of the world’s best collections of ancient Greek and Roman art. 

Heading north on PCH, and you’ll come to El Matador Beach, a local hangout for swimming and exploring tide pools. Keep going, and you’ll reach Paradise Cove , where “Gilligan’s Island” was filmed, and Zuma Beach , famous for its brilliant sunsets. 

Distance from downtown L.A.: 28 miles

Other than Angel Stadium and the Honda Center, the main destinations in Anaheim are Disneyland and Disney California Adventure . Anaheim is only 28 miles south of Los Angeles, but depending on traffic conditions, it can take an hour to get there. 

But before you go, reservations and ticket purchases are required. A one-park-per-day ticket is $104 midweek and $169-$179 on weekends. (Check for a discount for California residents.) There is an additional fee if you want to visit both parks. Ticket prices increase dramatically during Halloween and Christmas. 

Long lines are pretty notorious at all theme parks. For $25 extra, Disney offers a mobile app Genie+ that allows you to schedule entrance to a Lightning Lane – basically a “fast pass”. You can also purchase Lightning Lane passes individually for particular rides.

Pro Tip: Disneyland limits the daily number of Genie+ and Lightning Lane passes, so make your purchase ahead of time.

Balboa Island

Distance from downtown L.A.: 46 miles

In Orange County, Newport Beach serves as one of the settings for “The Housewives of Orange County,” and after a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles, you’ll find yourself surrounded by glitz, glamor, and crazy-expensive shops. But if you’re looking for fun activities that won’t cost you a second mortgage, drive over the bridge to Balboa Island.

Balboa certainly has its fair share of mansions, but you can ogle at them for free by strolling around the promenade that circles the harbor. At Christmas, the harbor hosts the annual Christmas boat parade . Boats and homes are festooned with bright lights and decorations, and you can watch the festivities for free anywhere on the peninsula.

In summer, you can escape the ostentatious side of Newport Beach by heading over to the Balboa Fun Zone near the historic Balboa Pier. It’s a family-friendly amusement area with arcades and rides, including the Balboa Ferris Wheel, which gives you stunning views at the top.

Laguna Beach

Distance from downtown L.A.: 51 miles

Laguna Beach is about two hours south of Los Angeles, and you’ll find a string of the most beautiful beaches in California. The pristine beaches afford extraordinary views of the Pacific – especially at sunset – and as you walk, you’ll come upon rock formations, tide pools, and private nooks. 

A special place to seek out is the Pirate Tower on Victoria Beach, a whimsical 60-foot tower built as a staircase to a long-gone mansion.

Laguna Beach has always been home to artists of all calling, and you can stroll the downtown area and visit galleries of modern art by local artists. One special gallery showcases Robert Wyland, famous for his paintings and sculptures of whales and other sea creatures.

Leona Valley

Distance from downtown L.A.: 60 miles

Cherry-picking season runs late April to early June, and the best place to go is Leona Valley, about 60 miles north of Los Angeles. Leona Valley had once been populated with cattle ranches, but it’s known today for an abundance of cherry farms.

Many cherry farms in Leona Valley are organic, and you’ll find the sweetest cherries in June. Windy Ridge Ranch grows Bing and Rainier cherries and keeps their trees no higher than 7 feet tall so they’re easy to pick from ground level.

The largest cherry farm is Villa del Sol with over 3,600 trees. Villa del Sol has 100 bee hives to assist pollination and also sell their own raw honey.

There are several other cherry farms in Leona Valley, and you can make a day of it picking cherries from each one. The UPickFarmsUSA website lists all the cherry farms in Leona Valley and other information about cherry picking.

Distance from downtown L.A.: 79.5 miles

Cooler temperatures come a little later to Los Angeles, but when they do, you can have a traditional autumnal adventure by visiting Oak Glen in the San Bernardino Mountains, 75 miles east of L.A. Oak Glen is 4,000-5,000 feet above sea level, which is high enough for residents to experience all four seasons.

From August to December, it’s apple season, and Angelenos flock to Oak Glen’s orchards for apple-picking. At Riley’s Farm the specialties are their apple pies – including a five-pounder – and living history field trips, where you can witness Revolutionary War and Civil War reenactments and get a peek into the past at their Colonial farm .

At Snow-Line Orchard , you can pick apples and raspberries and sample their wines and ciders. Snow-Line is also well-known for their mini apple-cider donuts baked fresh everyday.

Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard employs traditional methods for growing organic heirloom apples from trees that are 130 years old. For $3.75/pound, pick as many apples as you like. Throughout the fall, Stone Soup Farm offers events and family tours of the orchards.

Distance from downtown L.A: 83 miles

Heading northwest from Los Angeles, you’ll find the charming town of Ojai, which Los Angelenos escape to for tranquil retreats in a woodsy setting of oak trees and citrus groves. If you’re the outdoorsy type, there are many campgrounds and numerous hiking trails in adjacent Los Padres National Forest.

But if you just want to unwind, then stroll along the quaint main street that’s lined with shops, artisan crafts and foods, and restaurants. Every June, downtown Ojai hosts the Ojai Music Festival , four days of classical music performed by international musicians.

For the book-a-holic, Ojai has the largest outdoor bookstore in the world, Bart’s Books . Surrounded by an enormous ancient oak tree, Bart’s Books has shelves and cubby holes filled with new and used books in any category imaginable.

If you simply want to relax in a serene and peaceful environment, you’ll love the Spa at the Ojai Valley Inn . You can get a day pass that gives you access to the spa, the spa pool, wellness classes, spa restaurant, and spa public areas.

Distance from downtown L.A.: 87 miles

Wine lovers flock to Temecula, a charming historic city 90 minutes south of Los Angeles. Temecula’s rolling hills, lush valleys, and temperate climate are studded with over 50 wineries that offer daily tastings and small bites. Many wineries also have fantastic restaurants that rival Napa Valley’s more famous ones.

You can spend the day driving from winery to winery, or if you don’t want to worry about driving back to L.A., there are shuttles and buses available from L.A. to the Temecula wineries.

Temecula isn’t just all about the wine. Its natural setting is also great for hiking and horseback riding. But one of the most popular things to do in Temecula is taking a ride in a hot-air balloon . Or if you’ve got an itch to gamble, stop by the Pechanga Resort Casino .

Distance from downtown L.A.: 91 miles

If you’re looking for someplace that’s geared exclusively for kids, LEGOLAND is in Carlsbad, a two-hour-plus drive south of L.A. But there are also a number of public-transportation options to get you there without the hassle of the often-jammed freeways.

LEGOLAND is only open from 10 am – 6 pm, so try to get there early. There are several ticket options for access to the theme park. In addition to the gentle kid-friendly roller coasters, slides, water rides, and mini-car rides, a major attraction is building things with LEGOS, like the Ferrari Build & Race and robot-building at Mindstorms .

You and your kids can also take in the many shows and 4D movies featuring favorite LEGO movie characters. Other popular exhibits are the Dig Those Dinos Sand Box – great fun for the future paleontologist – the LEGO Factory Tour , and touring the Miniland USA , which features major cities all constructed with LEGOs.

Some of these attractions are considered “add-ons” with additional fees, and you’ll need to make reservations online. LEGOLAND offers a special discount to Los Angeles County residents: buy one adult ticket, get one kid’s ticket free.

Santa Barbara

Distance from downtown L.A.: 95 miles

About 1-½ hours north of Los Angeles is the beautiful town of Santa Barbara. Once you leave the congested traffic of the 101 highway, the drive winds its way up the coast with lovely vistas of the Pacific, until you hit Santa Barbara, which is nestled between mountains and ocean.

For thousands of years, Santa Barbara had been home to the Chumash until 1782 when Spain founded the Old Mission Santa Barbara , which should not be missed on your visit. The Old Mission sits on 15 acres and is the home to Franciscan Friars. There are daily tours of the old church, the mausoleum, and the lush gardens.

Santa Barbara’s unusual topography offers mountain trails for hiking and sandy beaches for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. A popular spot is Stearns Wharf , built in 1872, which has restaurants, shops, psychic readings, concerts, and a fascinating interactive Sea Center.

The town’s downtown is State Street, well-known for its eclectic shops, restaurants, Museum of Art , and Presidio , one of the earliest constructed buildings during the Spanish colonization. Before heading back to L.A., definitely stop by La Super-Rica Taqueria , the unassuming but super-busy Mexican restaurant that Julia Child made famous.

Palm Springs

Distance from downtown Los Angeles: 108 miles

Two hours east of Los Angeles is Palm Springs, the desert playground of Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, and Elvis. It’s infamous for its blistering heat in the summer months, but before and after, the weather cools to a temperate climate, and you understand why so many celebrities have second homes here.

Before you start your day tour, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway , and you’ll enjoy incredible views 2-½ miles up. It’s only a 10-minute ride, and there are attractions at the top of the mountain.

Golf is a major recreation, and Palm Springs has many award-winning courses for beginners and pros. You can spend the day walking around downtown Palm Spring, where you’ll find restaurants, luxury resorts, and art galleries. Or take a scenic drive around the foothills, where you’ll see picture-perfect mid-century architecture.

Palm Springs has long been the home to artists, and the Palm Springs Museum hosts a vast collection of modern art by such masters as Picasso, Chagal, and Warhol. It also has an impressive display of Native American pottery and sculpture.

Distance from downtown L.A.: 122 miles

You could certainly make a full day trip to San Diego, but there’s so much to see, you could easily make a weekend of it. You can start by visiting Old Town San Diego , a historic park with well-preserved 18th century buildings and site of the first mission and presidio (fort) in California. The nearby Gaslamp Quarter is another historic district with 94 Victorian-era buildings and is a lively nightspot with restaurants and clubs.

A visit to San Diego wouldn’t be complete without visiting Balboa Park – the cultural heart of San Diego – home to 17 museums and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. On Mission Bay, you can go to Sea World, and directly across the bay is Belmont Park, a lively amusement park with a historic wooden roller coaster.

A 15-minute drive south, you’ll cross the Coronado Bridge, bringing you to the spectacular Hotel del Coronado , built in 1888 and a national historical landmark. You can roam the grounds and feel the VIctorian era. If you’re a Marilyn Monroe fan, most of “Some Like It Hot” was filmed on location at the Coronado.

Distance from downtown L.A.: 128 miles

About 35 miles north of Santa Barbara is Solvang, dubbed the “Danish Capital of America.” Founded in 1911 by Danish-Americans who wanted to celebrate their culture, the town is like a portal to Denmark. 

Solvang is famous for its Danish-style architecture, windmills, and bakeries. Attractions include several museums dedicated to Danish artwork and the immensely popular horse-drawn trolley that wends its way down main street, affording you a relaxing way to take in the town. 

Solvang is located in the Santa Ynez Valley, which has ideal soil and climate for growing grapes. Dotted throughout Solvang are 120 wineries, where you can sample  local Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at the many wine tastings.

An eight-minute drive north of Solvang is Buellton, where you’ll find the famous Pea Soup Andersen’s and can sample its iconic split-pea soup.

Joshua Tree National Park

Distance from downtown L.A.: 133 miles

We used to camp here all the time before the pandemic!

Straddling the Mojave and the Colorado Deserts is the Joshua Tree National Park. About a 2-½ hour drive from downtown Los Angeles, Joshua Tree has one of the most unique and distinctive desert ecosystems in California. The park is known for its barren desert landscape dotted with the iconic Joshua trees and dramatic rock formations.

There are plenty of hiking trails for both beginner and advanced hikers. A popular spot to visit is Hidden Valley . A hiking trail follows the perimeter of huge boulders then loops into the valley where you’re surrounded by rock walls suitable for climbing.

A relatively easy hike of 1.1 miles wends its way through Joshua trees and other desert plans, leading to Barker Dam , which was built in 1900 by cattle ranchers for providing water to their livestock. A highlight of this trail are the 2,000 petroglyphs carved into the rocks by Native Americans.

Night time is also special at Joshua Tree, which has been designated an International Dark Sky Park. Stargazers can catch extraordinarily clear views of stars and planets, especially in a new moon phase when the sky is darkest.

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11 Best Day Trips from Los Angeles You’ll Never Forget

As a LA local, I’m constantly on the lookout for fun day trips from Los Angeles. For me that means within a 3-hour drive, so we can avoid spending money on hotels. While there’s no shortage of things to do in Los Angeles, sometimes it’s nice to escape and explore the surrounding areas.

Planning a date? Visiting Los Angeles? Local looking for new adventures? Avid hiker? Traveling with kids? Seeking peace and quiet? These LA day trips are made for you. I’ll help you discover how to plan an unforgettable day.

This post is all about the 11 best day trips from Los Angeles.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

11 Best Day Trips from Los Angeles

I feel so blessed to live in a place that is surrounded by beaches, mountains, lakes, national parks and the best part…AMAZING food all around it. Honestly, I probably could have made this a list of 50 best day trips from Los Angeles because there is SO much to explore in Southern California.

But let’s stick to the top 11 and dive into why these are the absolute best.

1. Ojai, California

Drive time: 1.5 hours.

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat from the city, head straight to Ojai, a charming town nestled in the mountains of Ventura County.

Ojai is all about keeping it local and you can really feel the quaint community vibe with a huge emphasis on supporting local business. I felt like I had walked straight into a Hallmark movie town.

Best Time to Visit Ojai

The best time to visit Ojai is Wednesday – Sunday because many of the shops and businesses close on Monday and Tuesday. You can visit year-round as the weather is moderate, making it perfect for agriculture which Ojai is known for.

Things to Do in Ojai

• Visit the world’s largest outdoor bookstore, Bart’s Books !
• Take a leisurely bike ride through the scenic Ojai Valley
• Indulge in a spa treatment at one of the area’s luxurious resorts
• Shop for local goods in the downtown area
• Catch the Ojai Farmer’s Market which is filled with amazing local food
• Visit a local farm
• Catch the “pink moment” at sunset

Places to Eat in Ojai

• The Dutchess – I LOVED this place. It’s a 2022 Michelin Guide restaurant with an incredible menu and fabulous cocktails. Read all about my experience at The Dutchess for tips on what to order.
• Grab a beer flight at Topa Topa Brewing
• Ojai Roti – French-Lebanese style rotisserie chicken
• The Nest – trendy farm-to-table breakfast and brunch spot

Check out my post The Best of Ojai to learn more about how to visit this charming town!

2. Palm Springs, California

Drive time: 2 hours.

Looking for some desert vibes? Plan your trip to Palm Springs, known for its mid-century architecture, old Hollywood throwbacks, hot springs, and stunning natural beauty.

Best Time to Visit Palm Springs

The best time to visit Palm Springs is between October – January. The temperature will be less extreme and you’ll find less tourists. The summer months often see uncomfortably warm temperatures of 100+ degrees.

Things to Do in Palm Springs

• Find a pool to lounge by for the day
• Browse the boutiques and galleries in downtown Palm Springs
• Explore the nearby Joshua Tree National Park
• Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for an incredible view
• Ride ATVs in the desert
• Take a Joshua Tree National Park Offroad Jeep Tour
• Visit the International Banana Museum
• Visit the Living Desert Zoo & Garden where you can feed a giraffe or have a rhino encounter

Places to Eat in Palm Springs

• Eat where legends like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra dined at the Purple Room Supper Club
• El Jefe at Saguaro Hotel
• Boozehounds – a new trendy dog-friendly restaurant with major Palm Springs vibes

3. Malibu, California

Drive time: 1 hour.

Okay, I know this one isn’t far outside the city, but it’s truly a highlight among the day trips from Los Angeles you need to plan!

Malibu is known for its stunning beaches and celebrity homes. Sure, there are some epic hikes you could do, and if that’s your vibe check out the two options below! But I’m also a fan of spending my Malibu visit soaking up the sun and waves or relaxing with a drink in hand.

And trust me… you can spend the whole day here and won’t be able to soak in enough of it.

Best Time to Visit Malibu

The best time to visit Malibu is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and the water is perfect for swimming and surfing. The winter months can be cool and rainy, but they are still a great time to visit for those looking for a more relaxed and cozy vibe.

Things to Do in Malibu

• Take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway
• Hike Point Dume and catch amazing ocean views – 1.4 miles, easy difficulty
• Hike the Temescal Canyon Trail – 2.6 miles, medium difficulty
• Visit the Malibu pier
• Watch the sunset at Matador Beach (great spot for photos!)
• For a truly unique Malibu experience, groups of up to 4 can book a private Malibu Beach Surf Tour in a Vintage VW Van ! The experience includes a surf lesson from a local and a visit to Point Dome.
• Park at Paradise Cove Beach , grab a cocktail in a pineapple or coconut, and stroll the private beach. (You’ll want to get parking validated from the restaurant for a reduced cost).
• Shop at the Malibu Country Mart

Places to Eat in Malibu

• Paradise Cove Restaurant
• Geoffrey’s
• Sunset Restaurant
• Dukes Malibu

Solvang is a charming Danish-style town located northwest of Los Angeles in the Santa Ynez Valley. It is small and cozy, offering lots of Danish charm which makes it perfect for a one-day trip!

Best Time to Visit Solvang

The best time to visit Solvang is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and perfect for exploring the town’s outdoor activities. During summer, Solvang can get quite crowded with tourists, so if you’re looking for a quieter experience, it’s best to visit during the off-season.

Personally, I think the cozy Solvang vibes hit just right in the fall. My travel friend Hannah calls it the “ Denmark dupe of America ” and I couldn’t agree more.

Things to Do in Solvang

• Take a stroll through the town’s picturesque streets
• Rent a bike and explore the surrounding vineyards and countryside
• Visit the Elverhoj Museum of History & Art
• Go wine tasting or take a wine tasting tour
• Visit the annual Danish Days Festival in September
• Enjoy local food and Danish pastries

Places to Eat in Solvang

• Mortensons Bakery
• Olsen’s Bakery
• Solvang Restaurant – try the Danish aebleskiver pastry desserts
• Copenhagen Sausage Garden
• Mad & Vin
• Good Seed Coffee Boutique

5. Ventura, California

Ventura is a laid-back beach town that’s perfect for a day trip from Los Angeles. During the pandemic, they closed the Main Street to cars and allowed businesses to expand past their front doors. It makes Ventura much more indoor/outdoor friendly and gives it a European beach-town vibe that I absolutely love!

But Ventura has more than just good beach vibes. There are several hidden gem food spots that you won’t want to miss, so keep reading on. Basically, Ventura is a beach town for foodies and I’m all about it.

Best Time to Visit Ventura

Like most of Southern California, the weather in Ventura is moderate to warm most of the year. But you’ll enjoy the beaches and outdoor dining the most in the warmer spring and summer months when the weather is nice.

Things to Do in Ventura

• Spend your day lounging on the beach
• Stroll along the pier
• Explore the town’s eclectic mix of shops including Vom Fass where you can taste and buy boutique flavored olive oils, vinegars, and liquors. We always get a bottle of their absinthe to make sazeracs at home.
• Take surfing lessons from a local
• Catch a live show at the historic Majestic Ventura Theater
• Do a bar crawl including some of the options below

Places to Eat in Ventura

• Finney’s Crafthouse – gourmet pub food, drinks, and amazing carnitas nachos!
• Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust (photos below) – craft cocktails and apps
• Casa de Soria – best chimichanga ever
• The Saloon Ventura – cocktails
• Rocks & Drams – fun cocktail bar
• Ven Tiki Lounge & Lanai – tiki vibes
• Cafe Fiore – delicious Italian food in a cozy atmosphere

6. Big Bear, California

Nature-lovers, this one is for you!

Every now and then every LA local should escape to the mountains and spend a day at Big Bear Lake. The area offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and boating. In the winter months, you can hit the slopes and enjoy some of Southern California’s best skiing and snowboarding.

The close proximity of Big Bear mountain makes it easy to escape and return in one day. We even did a California double a few years back for a friend’s birthday!

What is a California Double? A California double is skiing or snowboarding + swimming or surfing in the ocean in the same day.

Best Time to Visit Big Bear

The Big Bear area offers a big range of outdoor activities for all seasons. In the spring and summer you can hike, mountain bik, fish and go boating. In the winter months, hit the slopes and enjoy some of Southern California’s best skiing and snowboarding. Fall at Big Bear is a great time to soak in beautiful hiking and nature as well.

Just choose your own adventure on this one.

Things to Do at Big Bear

• Ski or snowboard at Big Bear Mountain Resort
• Sky Chair at Snow Summit
• Go ziplining in the forest
• Walk around and shop in Big Bear Village
• Hike Castle Rock Trail – 2.8 miles
• Hike the Woodland interpretive Trail – 1.5 miles easy
• Walk or bike the Alpine Pedal Path – 3.2 miles
• Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
• Picnic at Boulder Bay Park

Places to Eat at Big Bear

• Tropicali – Hawaiian food and poke bowls
• 572 Social Kitchen & Lounge
• Teddy Bear Restaurant – order the cinnamon roll pancakes
• The Pines Tavern on the Lake – great views

7. Temecula, California

Temecula is a popular wine region in Riverside County with a charming old town downtown area and plenty of wineries to visit. Although it’s only a few hours away, you’ll feel a million miles from Los Angeles.

Of course, if you plan to visit multiple wineries you’ll probably want to stay overnight or for the weekend. But you can definitely explore the town in one day and enjoy a lot of what Temecula has to offer. This makes it perfect for a day trip with kids, a date, or a girl’s day out.

Best Time to Visit Temecula

For ideal weather, plan your visit for April – November, especially to enjoy a winery. However, you could enjoy Temecula at any time of the year and the winter months will have less crowds.

Things to Do in Temecula

• Olive oil tasting at Temecula Olive Oil Company – this is a surprising must do!
• Visit a Winery – I recommend Miramonte, Europa Village, and South Coast
• Stroll along the downtown shops
• Book a winery tour and tasting
• Take line dancing lessons at Stampede
• Pick berries at Temecula Berry Company in May and June (check for seasonal date and hours)
• Play arcade games at Coin Op Game Room
• Book a hot air balloon ride – if you are one of those people who can wake up super early!

Places to Eat in Temecula

• Goat and Vine (photo below)- omg the Carnitas Pizza is delicious
• Small Barn Old Town – my favorite is the avocado toast with lox
• E.A.T. Marketplace
• Thompson & Twain Prospecting co – super fun saloon-style speakeasy bar
• 1909 Temecula
• Landeros Mexican Grill and Cantina
• Press coffee Shop (photo below)

8. San Diego, California

San Diego is understandably a popular destination for day trippers from Los Angeles. The city is known for its stunning beaches, beautiful parks, and world-class zoo and incredible food scene. Whether you want to spend your day lounging on the beach or exploring some of San Diego’s top museums and galleries, there’s something for everyone here.

Best Time to Visit San Diego

The best time to visit San Diego is March through May, or September through November when the weather is mild and you’ll avoid the peak summer crowds. During these months, the average temperature is in the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (18-24°C) or warmer, which is perfect for all of the amazing outdoor San Diego activities.

Things to Do in San Diego

• San Diego Zoo & Safari
• watch the Sea Lions at La Jolla
• Walk around Balboa Park – great for kids!
• Rent Kayaks at San Diego Bay – affordable water activity
• La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour – affordable water activity
• Explore Gas Lamp district
• Book a food tour through Little Italy – great for foodies like me!
• Visit LEGOLand – great for kids!
• Go stand-up paddle boarding

Places to Eat in San Diego

• Tocaya – casual organic California-style Mexican food
• Raised by Wolves – cocktail bar
• C-Level Lounge – beautiful ocean views

9. Mt Baldy, California

I was not expecting how epic Mt. Baldy would be and how insanely close it is to the city. Hiking to the top is one of my favorite memories and this definitely makes the list for best day trips from Los Angeles, especially if you enjoy hiking.

Best Time to Visit Mt. Baldy

The best time to visit Mt Baldy for hiking is during the warmer months, typically from late May to early October, when the weather is generally warmer and the snow has melted. Keep in mind that it is a mountain and weather changes quickly. I hiked once in shorts because it was warm out when we started, but I saw snowflakes at the summit and was super cold!

However, if you’re looking for a winter adventure, visiting Mt Baldy during the snowy season can also be a magical experience. They have snow tubing hills setup in the winter too. Just make sure to pack appropriate gear and check weather conditions before heading out.

Things to Do at Mt. Baldy

• Hike the Devil’s Backbone trail to the summit – the ultimate Mt. Baldy adventure! You can take the lift to Top of the Notch to skip the first 2.5 miles of switch backs if you want, or start from the bottom for a full-day adventure.
• Not much of a hiker? Ride the lift to the Top of the Notch Restaurant for snacks and great views
• Zipline in the summer months
• Snow tube in the winter months

Places to Eat near Mt. Baldy

The only food option on Mt. Baldy itself is the Top of the notch Restaurant at the top of the lift, which is great for lunch, a snack or drink on your journey. If you plan to hike for the day, you should safely pack food for a picnic (be bear aware) or plan to eat at the Top of the Notch.

If you have time at the end of the day, I’d recommend heading down the mountain and heading into Claremont which has lots of amazing food options like:

• Union on Yale
• The Whisper House

10. Anaheim, California

Drive time: 30-60 minutes.

Anaheim may be best known for its theme parks, which can be an amazing way to spend one day outside of LA. But there’s also much more to explore. As one of the closest in location to Los Angeles with plenty to do, Anaheim is an obvious win for best day trips from Los Angeles.

Things to Do in Anaheim

• Visit Disneyland or Knott’s Berry Farm
• Get delicious treats like beignets or crazy shakes and listen to live music in Downtown Disney without paying for park admission
• Visit a top-rated speakeasy, Blind Rabbit
• Catch an MLB game at Angels Stadium
• Medieval Times interactive dinner show – great for kids!
• Shop at Anaheim Garden Walk or the Outlets at Orange
• The Anaheim Packing District is my favorite Anaheim destination, and a popular destination for foodies. There are over 50 food vendors offering everything from Korean BBQ to artisanal gelato.

Check out A FOODIE’S GUIDE TO THE ULTIMATE ANAHEIM PACKING DISTRICT EXPERIENCE to help you plan your visit to the Anaheim Packing District!

Places to Eat in Anaheim

• The Blind Rabbit – my favorite hidden speakeasy
• Anaheim Packing District – check out the link above for info on my favorite food vendors
• Puesto – Mexican Cocktail Bar
• Black Tap – Downtown Disney
• Cabana – trendy Cuban restaurant and cocktail bar

11. Agoura Hills / Calabassas, California

Agoura Hills is a hidden gem of a day trip destination from Los Angeles. Located just 30 miles from downtown, this charming town paired with favorites from Calabasas makes the perfect day trip getaway.

Things to Do in Agoura Hills

• The area is known for its scenic hiking trails, including the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and Malibu Creek State Park.
• If you’re not up for a hike, check out the Paramount Ranch , which was used as a set for many Hollywood Western movies
• Antique shopping at Whizin’s Center and Whizin Market Square
• Drive around in the Santa Monica Mountains
• Spot the resident peacock at The Old Place

Places to Eat in Agoura Hills

• The Old Place – hands down my favorite spot in the Agoura area! Unique spot that’s perfect for hanging out and taking it slow.
• Sage Bistro – delicious vegetarian food that you won’t realize is vegetarian. The buffalo cauliflower pizza is amazing!
• Sugarfish – Calabasas
• Pedaler’s Fork Restaurant and 10 speed Coffee Shop

Check out my post The Old Place Cornell, A Cozy Escape from LA to learn more about how to visit this charming old restaurant and coffee shop!

Which Day Trips from Los Angeles Will You Be Planning?

Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or just looking for a change of scenery, these day trips from Los Angeles are sure to fill your adventure-meter or help you unwind. I hope they inspired you to plan an incredible day trip!

Don’t forget to save this post, share it, and let me know your favorite below in the comments.

Happy travels!

This post is all about the best day trips from Los Angeles.

Plate & Compass

Plate & Compass is a food and travel blog written by Hannah Falkosky. After quitting her job and spending 8 weeks in Europe on just a few thousand dollars, she found her love for budget travel and sharing tips to help others explore the world. She also spent 15 years working with award-winning chefs and developed a love for artful food and cocktails. Hannah is now based out of Los Angeles, and when she’s not traveling she makes it her mission to explore the best restaurants and cocktail bars while living life to the fullest.

37 Insanely Good Hiking Quotes & Captions You'll Actually Want to Use

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I absolutely love Ojai, Temecula, and San Diego! I have been wanting to get to Solvang, so I will have to make that my next trip. Thank you for sharing!

These are great tips for places to visit while in LA. I know I just did the touristy areas, Anaheim, Hollywood etc when I went 30 years ago, but this is fantastic. Thanks for sharing.

Karen Warren

Who knew there were so many amazing places near to LA. I went to Ojai many years ago and loved it. The relaxation offerings that add were incredible. I hope to visit some of the places listed when I venture out to the west coast.

This a great guide for weekend getaways from LA. I would love to explore Temecula and San Diego some day. Thanks for this detailed guide.

This makes me want to book a ticket straight to LA, all these day trips sound epic. Thanks for putting this list together

I appreciate this listacle because it also includes drive times and best times to travel!

I am planning a trip to LA next year so this has been so helpful! Definitely adding a day trip to Malibu and Big Bear to my itinerary!

I too, am a fan of taking day trips. I’d love to visit Malibu, San Diego, or Big Bear on my next trip back to California. Great suggestions on day trips to take!

What a great resource for those wanting to base themselves in LA but explore outside of the city. Thanks for sharing.

I’ve been to LA several times but I’ve only taken two of these fabulous day trips: Malibu and Anaheim. Looking forward to my next visit so I can check out more of your recommendations. Perfect guide!

So many things to do! Only went to big bear so time to visit again and explore some other places.

There are so many good options! I’ve only been to LA once, and we ended up spending a good portion of the time hiking in Malibu (it was sooo fab for trails!) If my husband gets another award and we go back… which of these options do you think is best for hiking? I guess Mt Baldy or Big Bear?

Plate & Compass

Malibu is incredible for hiking! If you come back, I’d definitely recommend Mt. Baldy if you are into hiking. Incredible views 🙂

Supraja Lakshmi N

This is a fantastic article with some amazing suggestions for day trips from Los Angeles. I love how you covered a variety of destinations and activities, such as beaches, mountains, deserts, islands, and theme parks. You have made me want to visit all of these places and experience the diversity and beauty of California. Thank you for sharing your travel tips and photos.

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The 20 best weekend getaways from los angeles.

Escape the LA hustle with a weekend retreat to nearby shores.

The Best Weekend Getaways From LA

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Explore national parks, beaches, wine country and more away from LA.

If you're tired of sitting in traffic on the 405 or need a break from your Zoom calls in the City of Angels, you're in luck: Los Angeles sits close to a wide variety of vacation spots that are perfect for a weekend away. The options can range from scenic mountain destinations to relaxing desertscapes to small coastal towns – or even to lively Las Vegas. To help you pick the right destination for your much-needed escape, U.S. News evaluated expert and traveler opinion to find the best weekend getaways from LA. Whatever you choose for your weekend trip, it's time to take a break from the bustle of Los Angeles and head out for a new adventure with your best friends , significant other or entire family .

See more of Los Angeles:  Things to Do | Tours | Hotels

Best Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles:

About one hour or less:, long beach, california, catalina island, california, newport beach, california, laguna beach, california, about two hours or less:, ojai, california, temecula, california, santa barbara, california, big bear lake, california, palm springs, california, about three hours or less:, la jolla, california, joshua tree national park, california, los alamos, california, about four hours or less:, san luis obispo, california, paso robles, california, about five hours or less:, death valley national park, california, about six hours or less:, mammoth lakes, california, carmel, california, a quick flight:, puerto vallarta, mexico, vancouver, british columbia.

Long Beach boasts many iconic attractions – the Queen Mary ship and the Aquarium of the Pacific , for example – and thus makes for a wonderful weekend getaway or daytrip. Fill your time in this California city (only about 25 miles south of Los Angeles) with shopping, dining, art and roaming the coastline: Junipero Beach is one of the top LA-area beaches . You can start your trip on Fourth Street, also called Retro Row, to explore offerings such as the famous vintage shop Meow. Visitors can also catch an indie film at the recently renovated Art Theatre before riding a bike through the streets of Long Beach and browsing its other cultural attractions.

Long Beach is one of the most ethnically diverse U.S. cities, with a variety of cultures represented in its food scene. Options span Cambodian fusion at A&J Seafood Shack to Peruvian staples at El Pollo Imperial to fine Italian dining at L'Opera downtown. For an overnight stay, you'll find popular chain hotels around downtown and Shoreline Village, such as Hotel Maya – a DoubleTree by Hilton or other Westin, Hilton and Hyatt lodging options.

See more of Long Beach:  Things to Do | Hotels

Rather than taking a road trip from Los Angeles, how about hopping on a boat? Catalina Island , located a little more than 20 miles from the Southern California shoreline, is accessible from the San Pedro neighborhood of LA or from Long Beach via a Catalina Express ferry. The island is full of adventure, romance, relaxation and sightseeing both on land and in the ocean. Once you arrive in Avalon, the main city, you can take a walking tour at the historic Catalina Casino, rent a golf cart to cruise around or experience the thrill of an ecotour by zip line. Vacationers may also enjoy hitting the beach at Descanso Beach Club or unwinding at the 15,000-square-foot Island Spa Catalina.

Seafood fans can enjoy fresh lobster at The Lobster Trap, among other popular dining options. For an unforgettable weekend stay, book a room at the sophisticated Mt Ada. This romantic bed-and-breakfast features a wraparound deck with expansive ocean views. Guests have access to their own golf cart, as well as complimentary breakfast, lunch and snacks. Just outside of Avalon, Hamilton Cove has private villas perched on a hillside overlooking the Catalina coastline – or, if you want to rough it in the outdoors, campsites are also available at the island's campgrounds.

Newport Beach sits in the heart of coastal Orange County , about 45 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. Getting out on Newport Harbor is a must in this nautical hot spot: Whether you go by yacht, electric boat, whale watching excursion , paddleboard or even on a floating tiki bar, an unforgettable experience awaits. You can dock at dozens of waterfront restaurants along the harbor specializing in seasonal and locally sourced cuisine. Two of the most popular Newport Beach communities to explore are Balboa Island – be sure to try the famed frozen banana dessert – and Balboa Peninsula, ideal for surfing or leisurely biking. Travelers in search of the best shoreline can check out Corona del Mar State Beach to experience firsthand why it's such a beloved spot.

For upscale shopping and dining, the trendy Lido Marina Village is the place to be seen. After enjoying lunch at Malibu Farm Lido or picking up some couture pieces at the elysewalker store, plan for a sleepover at the Lido House to soak in the hotel's Cape Cod -inspired aesthetic. If you have a posh pet with you on your weekend getaway, you can splurge for the Pampered Pooch Package at Balboa Bay Resort , where fur babies and "paw-rents" alike can enjoy a luxurious stay.

See more of Newport Beach:  Things to Do | Hotels

About 50 miles south of Los Angeles you'll find picturesque Laguna Beach, also known as the California Riviera. This chic coastal town in Orange County comes complete with high-end boutiques, five-star accommodations, gourmet restaurants and art galleries galore. If you plan your weekend trip for the summer, you may be able to catch one of the world-famous art festivals hosted by Laguna Beach, such as the Sawdust Art Festival – but art lovers can also take a self-guided walking tour that showcases the city's public art any time of year. Travelers seeking outdoor adventure will have plenty of opportunities, whether you opt to scuba dive in a kelp forest, peruse tide pools in Heisler Park , or head to 7,000-acre Laguna Coast Wilderness Park for hiking and mountain biking.

Laguna Beach has an abundance of upscale dining options, especially if you're looking for waterfront views or a unique atmosphere. Enjoy sushi seaside at Hotel Laguna's Fin restaurant, listen to live jazz at The Drake or sip Champagne while watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean at the Surf & Sand Resort bar. For a luxury weekend stay, the Montage Laguna Beach resort features seaside balconies and an elegant indoor/outdoor spa. If you're craving a cozy canyon environment, The Ranch at Laguna Beach is tucked into green hillsides and boasts an array of amenities, such as a golf course.

See more of Laguna Beach:  Things to Do | Hotels

If your weekend trips typically include racing around to see all the top tourist attractions, maybe you'll enjoy a change of pace in beautiful Ojai, where visitors can slow down and embrace nature. This small town, tucked into the valley of the Topatopa Mountains about 80 miles northwest of Los Angeles, is an outdoor paradise and a wellness retreat destination. Hike for miles and miles in the Los Padres National Forest (check to see if you need an Adventure Pass), kayak on Lake Casitas, embark on a rock climbing adventure or go horseback riding along the Ventura River valley.

Travelers interested in spiritual and holistic-focused establishments will find plenty in Ojai, such as The Crystal Corner, Center for Spiritual Living Ojai and Meditation Mount. Go for a deep detox with a treatment called Kuyam, which is inspired by the Chumash Native American people, at Ojai Valley Inn 's five-star Spa Ojai. Ojai Valley Inn has plenty more to offer overnight guests, with world-class dining and activities ranging from beekeeping to soap making.

You don't have to go all the way to Napa Valley for award-winning wineries . About 85 miles southeast from the City of Angels, the wineries of Temecula Valley produce more than 50 varietals of wine; this year-round vacation destination pours plenty of craft beers and spirits too. Temecula is also home to a charming Old Town, farm-to-table cuisine, relaxing spas, the massive Pechanga Resort Casino, hot air ballooning and more. The ever-evolving culinary scene, small-town atmosphere, and outdoor recreation and entertainment in Temecula Valley culminate in a spirited destination inspired by the vine. Leave the kids at home for a romantic getaway with your partner in SoCal wine country.

The charming Ponte Vineyard Inn is located in the heart of Temecula Valley, surrounded by nearly 300 acres of mature vineyards and views of rolling hills. During your weekend trip, visit the inn's on-site wine tasting rooms or hop in a motorcycle sidecar for a tour of other nearby wineries, such as Altisima Winery, Fazeli Cellars or Akash Winery.

For serene coastal vibes and seaside views about 95 miles west of LA, Santa Barbara is a great escape in Southern California – especially for pet owners, since it's one of the top dog-friendly beach destinations in the U.S. With its balmy Mediterranean climate, cultural offerings, star-studded beaches and flourishing culinary scene, it's no wonder Santa Barbara draws millions of vacationers each year. Oenophiles will have the opportunity to explore more than 30 local wineries along the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail – some, like Pali Wine Company, allow dogs. You can unleash your artistic side as you listen to live music or experience the city's colorful wall murals, galleries and museums. Take a sunset stroll along the beach , or head out on the water on a kayak or sailboat during your weekend getaway in Santa Barbara.

The high-end Hotel Californian is just steps from the Pacific Ocean and the vibrant Funk Zone – a bustling enclave of the city's best wine tasting rooms, breweries, boutique shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. The hotel boasts a rooftop pool and deck with 360-degree views alongside a Moroccan-inspired spa and myriad dining options, including a new wine tasting room that opened in March 2022. Santa Barbara has a compelling culinary scene overall, with plenty of farm-to-table options that focus on locally sourced ingredients – such as The Lark in the heart of the Funk Zone neighborhood.

See more of Santa Barbara:  Things to Do | Tours | Hotels

For a cold-weather getaway, Big Bear Lake – less than 100 miles east of LA – is a prime winter destination for skiers and snowboards, who flock to Big Bear Mountain Resort. In the warmer seasons, Big Bear Lake becomes a hub for boating, hiking and biking, so this small city in the San Bernardino National Forest makes an ideal trip year-round. You can get out on the lake in a rented pontoon boat, paddleboard, kayak and more – or, for an off-road adventure, the Big Bear Jeep Experience is a popular activity. Fuel up with a poke bowl from Tropicali, dine on Nepalese and Indian cuisine at the Himalayan Restaurant, or sip a craft brew at Big Bear Lake Brewing Company.

Although plenty of visitors opt for a daytrip to Big Bear, consider extending your getaway with a stay at the Viking-inspired Marina Riviera, which has the atmosphere of a vintage ski lodge and features fire pits, lake views and a heated pool. For budget-friendly accommodation, check out the Best Western Big Bear Chateau or the area's numerous cabin and cottage rentals on Airbnb. In the nearby community of Lake Arrowhead, guests of the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa have access to a private beach and personalized boat tours.

Read: The Top Things to Do in Big Bear Lake, California

If a desert escape is what you're craving, head to the Palm Springs area. Relaxation here may include lounging by the pool, cocktail in hand, at a stylish midcentury modern home or hotel. To explore more of what Palm Springs has to offer, visitors can hike through the desert and mountains, visit Cabot's Pueblo Museum , browse shops on Palm Canyon Drive , or take the scenic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for an incomparable view atop Mount San Jacinto (where you'll see snow in winter). One buzz-worthy new attraction in this resort city is the Palm Springs Surf Club, which features a state-of-the-art wave pool.

With Palm Springs sitting a little more than 100 miles east of Los Angeles, A-listers flock to this desert destination for much-needed rest and relaxation. You can splurge on your overnight stay to vacation like a celebrity at the Jonathan Adler-designed Parker Palm Springs luxury hotel. Tried-and-true splendor can also be found at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage , which boasts stunning views overlooking Coachella Valley . If your fur baby is in tow on this weekend trip, the new local hangout Boozehounds is a hit with dogs and owners alike; it offers a pet-friendly menu just for your pooch.

See more of Palm Springs: Things to Do | Hotels | Restaurants

Escape for a weekend to the San Diego neighborhood of La Jolla – one of the top California beach destinations , set about a 110-mile drive south from Los Angeles. Grab a snorkel mask to swim with marine life in La Jolla Cove or hike sandstone cliffs at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve . In addition to experiencing the natural world, travelers can hit some balls at world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course or browse the boutiques in La Jolla Village.

When you're not kayaking through a sea cave, admiring adorable sea lions or zipping up the road to Mount Soledad on an e-bike, you can enjoy ocean views and Mediterranean food at La Valencia Hotel , also known as "the Pink Lady of La Jolla," or dine alfresco on California cuisine under century-old olive trees at Herringbone. If you seek a romantic retreat, enjoy the soaking tub in a couples bungalow at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa . Whatever you do in La Jolla, don't miss the newcomers to town: The world's smallest species of penguins can now be found at the Birch Aquarium .

See more of San Diego: Things to Do | Tours | Hotels

Experience the Zen of the desert and the majestic natural wonders that await in Joshua Tree National Park , about 130 miles east of Los Angeles (and not too far from Palm Springs). Explore the 800,000 acres of desert wilderness through hiking, biking, rock climbing , horseback riding, backpacking and photography. Before you head out, stop by the Joshua Tree Cultural Center in Twentynine Palms, California, to pick up maps, park information and safety tips; this museum space also has exhibits sharing Indigenous stories and more. As you traverse Joshua Tree, be sure to take in sights such as Skull Rock , Black Rock Canyon, Cottonwood Spring and Covington Flats.

With more than 500 campsites in the park – most of which are available by reservation – camping is one of the most accessible ways to experience an overnight stay. Or, upgrade to AutoCamp Joshua Tree, where guests sleep in stylish and modern Airstream trailers, for a glamping experience . If budget is not an issue, you may choose to rent one of the most exclusive homes in the world: the Kellogg Doolittle House.

Los Alamos, California – not to be confused with a New Mexico town of the same name – is a laid-back destination with an authentic Old West heritage; the town was created in 1876 by two ranchers donating part of their land. Only about 140 miles north of Los Angeles, Los Alamos is ideally located for a daytrip or weekend getaway – especially for couples and wine lovers – amid Santa Ynez Valley wine country. Travelers can take time to peruse the one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques that adorn Bell Street, such as the new Elder Flat Farm store.

A major highlight of Los Alamos is the proliferation of top-notch dining options. A great California destination for foodies, the town is home to the Santa Ynez Valley's only Michelin-starred restaurant: Bell's, a French-inspired bistro. The artisanal Bob's Well Bread Bakery and Pico Los Alamos, which serves upscale comfort food, are other popular local eateries. The primary lodging options in this town include the retro motel Skyview Los Alamos, the Western-themed Alamo Motel and the opulent Victorian Mansion B&B.

With 315 days of sunshine, San Luis Obispo (nicknamed SLO) is the perfect year-round weekend destination – and one of the best places to visit in California – with picturesque beaches, a burgeoning farm-to-table culinary scene, rolling vineyards and plenty of small-town charm. Kick off a long weekend with a stop at a pedestrian-friendly farmers market held on Thursday evenings along Higuera Street downtown. Other SLO activity options include shopping for one-of-a-kind items at the JunkGirls shop, taking a surfing lesson or catching a movie at the nostalgic Sunset Drive-In. There are plenty of galleries to sate art lovers, but a more unconventional tourist attraction invites visitors to help make graffiti out of chewed gum in Bubblegum Alley. For a bit of California history, wander through the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

One thing you won't want to miss is the wine. Try some Malene rose in a 1969 Airstream mobile tasting room or visit the adjacent Chamisal Vineyards in Edna Valley to sip chardonnay and pinot noir with views of the vineyards. For an overnight stay, The Kinney San Luis Obispo, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, offers a casual college town atmosphere with board games and draft beers. A stylish boutique hotel option is the one-of-a-kind Madonna Inn: Each of the more than 100 guest rooms has a different theme, such as the Caveman, Love Nest, Pioneer America and Golfer's Room.

Head to central California's wine country for a visit to charming Paso Robles, a city about 200 miles northwest of LA that's located along coastal U.S. Route 101. Paso Robles is a community of cowboys, surfers and innovators; travelers can enjoy world-class food and wine as well as inspiring art and whole-body wellness here. You'll find more than 200 wineries in the region, complemented by a variety of craft breweries, cideries and distilleries in Paso Robles. Check out about a dozen craft distilleries on the Paso Robles Distillery Trail. A can't-miss nighttime activity is a self-guided stroll through the Sensorio lights display.

Thanks to the world-class wines and family farms, Paso Robles is a mecca for delicious dining – including The Restaurant at JUSTIN; the Michelin-starred Six Test Kitchen, located inside the Tin City makers market; and Paso Market Walk, a reinvented farmers market. From rustic hideaways to glamping sites, Paso Robles also has lodging options to fit any taste and budget. For luxury accommodations, consider the boutique Hotel Cheval, just off Paso Robles' historic town square. For a unique experience, opt for a farm stay – such as in an RV on an alpaca ranch – or spend a night sleeping in a revamped shipping container at Geneseo Inn.

If an adults-only weekend trip is what you have in mind, head out to Las Vegas, a vivacious and walkable city. Sitting about 270 miles north of Los Angeles, Las Vegas checks all the boxes for a memorable vacation. You can hit the slots at the casinos, catch in-residency concerts from big names such as Katy Perry, indulge in a phenomenal treatment at a world-class spa or enjoy a meal crafted by a celebrity chef. More unique things to do include a boozy Upside Down Tea Party at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton, or a spin around the SpeedVegas off-road track. If you're not afraid of heights, you can zip line over Fremont Street downtown or experience LIFTOFF at Area 15's immersive playground for panoramic city views.

Live it up like a high roller with a Sky Suite atop ARIA Resort & Casino , the Sake Suite at the Nobu Hotel inside Caesars Palace or ultra-exclusive The Mansion at MGM Grand. Enjoy a feast for the eyes and mouth with innovative eateries all over the city – Las Vegas' dining scene boasts a variety of culinary choices and the ability to cater to whatever your budget may be.

See more of Las Vegas: Things to Do | Tours | Hotels

From Los Angeles, the closest paved entrance to Death Valley National Park is on California state Route 190; whichever route you take to get there, you'll likely want to budget around five hours for the drive, which is about 290 miles. Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48 states. Its 3.4 million acres include some of the most unique landscapes and sites you'll find anywhere – such as the Badwater Basin salt flats, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Rainbow Canyon and Artists Palette's colorful hills. Download the free National Park Service app to take a driving tour of "Star Wars" filming locations in the park. Death Valley also boasts some of the best stargazing opportunities in the U.S., as an International Dark Sky Park considered "Gold Tier," meaning there is minimal interference from light pollution.

The Oasis at Death Valley – part of the Xanterra Travel Collection – encompasses the romantic Inn at Death Valley and the family-friendly Ranch at Death Valley. The Oasis completed a $150 million restoration in 2022 and now features a revitalized town square and new shops, including an ice cream parlor with an old-school soda fountain. If you're looking for a quirky desert experience, stay overnight in the Pyramid, a one-bedroom glass pyramid bookable on Airbnb, or pick from the seasonal campgrounds, inns and motels in the park.

Read: The Best National Parks in California

If the mountains are calling you, head to the Sierra Nevada for a weekend in the resort town of Mammoth Lakes. From LA, take U.S. Route 395 for a scenic road trip across approximately 310 miles. Winter ushers in world-class downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing and cross-country skiing in the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. During the warmer months, visitors can ride gondolas for panoramic views on Mammoth Mountain in addition to hiking and mountain biking there and at the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Other popular lake activities include fishing, paddleboarding and boating.

Located in Mammoth Lakes' The Village, the rustic yet elegant Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth , offers access to dining, shopping and the gondola up the mountain. Dine at the on-property restaurant, Whitebark, for tasty and healthy options. Travelers can also indulge at Gomez's Mexican Restaurant in The Village, visit Tamarack Lodge & Resort for a romantic dinner at the Lakefront Restaurant or stock up on gourmet snacks at Bleu Market & Kitchen.

The 1-square-mile, European-style village of Carmel seamlessly blends history, arts and culture, and stunning ocean views for a relaxing and unique travel experience. Just off of state Route 1 near Monterey , this charming seaside destination about 320 miles northwest of LA is ideal for dreamy weekend getaways any time of year – especially if you have a canine companion in tow. Carmel boasts world-class art galleries, whimsical architecture, nearly 20 wine tasting rooms, the dog-friendly Carmel Beach, a few dozen secret passageways and more restaurants per capita than any other small U.S. city. Enjoy Mediterranean, Italian or French cuisine at quaint local eateries like La Balena, Dametra Cafe, Yafa, La Bicyclette and many more.

Book a stay in one of the historic inns, such as the "Grande Dame of Carmel": La Playa Carmel , a historic hotel with a prime view of Carmel Beach, is perfect for evenings spent gazing out at the sunset or taking a moonlit walk in the sand. If you bring your fur baby with you on your weekend jaunt, Cypress Inn provides an array of amenities to welcome pets, such as its daily "yappy hour."

If you're willing to take to the skies, you can leave California – and the U.S. – altogether for a quick weekend trip to Mexico. Grab your besties or your significant other for a flight to Puerto Vallarta, a resort town on Mexico's Pacific coast, and after about three hours on a plane, you can be sipping margaritas with your toes in the sand. There's plenty to do in Puerto Vallarta: Sail to the Marieta Islands to discover a hidden beach, take a whale watching tour or stroll along the iconic El Malecón boardwalk for souvenirs, ocean views and street performances. Beyond the shoreline, travelers can visit the nearby village of Sayulita for artwork by Huichol Indigenous people or dance the night away in lively nightclubs.

For an all-inclusive stay, Casa Velas is a boutique, adults-only resort that offers laid-back luxury in an intimate setting. If you're traveling with your family, consider Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit , which features entertainment, dining and activities like kids and teens clubs. Try the Hydrotherapy Circuit at the five-star spa or feast on innovative global cuisine at the property's many restaurants.

See more of Puerto Vallarta: Things to Do | Tours | Hotels

Vancouver sits perched on the west coast of Canada, surrounded by water and woods, and is only a three-hour flight from Los Angeles. The beauty of the environment lends itself to outdoor activities, such as boating, fishing, hiking, biking, skiing and more. And, even though the scenery is rustic, there is plenty of luxury in this coastal Canadian city – from top-notch hotels and restaurants to bountiful art and culture. Must-do activities in the area include a thrilling boat ride with Vancouver Water Adventures, a foodie tour at Granville Island Public Market and an outdoor adventure at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park , where you'll experience a 450-foot-long suspension bridge, the Cliffwalk and a treetops excursion. Vancouver is also full of parks and beaches for when you need some relaxation.

Stay at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver for bountiful amenities and impeccable service; there's a spa, access to a casino and plenty of dining choices. For a city-chic boutique hotel, the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection , brings the outdoors inside with creative design elements, such as an urban park on the rooftop.

See more of Vancouver: Things to Do | Tours | Hotels

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Romantic Getaways in California
• The Top San Diego Beaches
• The Top Natural Hot Springs in California
• The Top Lakes in California
• The Top Things to Do in California
• The Best Restaurants in Palm Springs
• The Top West Coast Road Trips to Take
• The Best Beach Bags
• The Top Travel Backpacks
• The Top Duffel Bags

Tags: Travel , Weekend Getaways , California Vacations , US Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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16 Brilliant Day Trips from Los Angeles: LA Trips You Need to Add to Your Itinerary

Discover the best day trips in Los Angeles with this handy guide – San Diego, Palm Springs, Disneyland and plenty more.

La La Land is filled with attractions and distractions, but don’t let that make you pass up some incredible gems that are close by, begging for exploration. 

I’ve travelled to LA plenty of times, and would like to think I’ve covered many of the best things to do . Which means that, when I visit LA now, I get to spend more time exploring the nearby towns and cities and everything they have to offer.

And guys, believe me when I say that California is blessed with so many brilliant places – staying just in LA on your next trip would be a huge mistake. 

Luckily, I’ve written this guide to epic day trips from LA to help you get started.

Some offer brilliant natural scenery, while others offer exclusive experiences – there’s no right or wrong answer here. Just pick whatever tickles your fancy from my fabulous guide to the best day trips from Los Angeles, and you’re sure to have a holiday you won’t forget any time soon. 

The Best Day Trips From LA 

Joshua tree national park.

Trust me on this – visit Joshua Tree . This little slice of desert paradise is a must-see on a day trip from LA. 

Why? Well, first of all, there are plenty of Joshua Tree hikes with the stunning flora and fauna of the arid climate to gawk at as you stroll. 

Take the Hidden Valley Nature Trail for a pleasant trek, or explore the Cholla Cactus Garden (watch out for prickles). Getting a selfie with Skull Rock is also a fun must-do, as is hanging out at Keys View for sweeping vistas of Coachella Valley below. 

If you fancy levelling up your trip a little bit, scrambling over boulders is also a popular pastime here. 

This is one of the Los Angeles day trips you won’t forget soon. Now, I don’t want to sound like your mum but bring sensible shoes and sun cream – the heat is no joke.

How to Get There: Take the bus from Los Angeles Downtown to Indio, then a taxi to Joshua Tree.

Average journey duration: 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Disneyland 

Grab your favourite pair of mouse ears and head for the happiest place on earth: Disneyland. The Space Mountain and Star Wars roller coasters are fan favourites, but there are more gentle rides that’ll recall your childhood in a heartbeat. 

Whether you hang out at the Downtown Disney District, Adventure Park, or the main theme park, you will surely have an incredible day. Meet Disney princesses and Marvel characters, snack on Mickey-shaped snacks, and get ready for a lot of walking and selfies in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle. 

Stick around for the character parade and, once the sky darkens, admire the light show on the castle, complete with hundreds of fireworks. LA day trips don’t get better than this. 

Top Tip : Pick your spot to watch the fireworks and parade early because prime locations fill up fast.

How to Get There: Take the bus from Flower and 7th to Disneyland.  

Average journey duration: 1 hour and 40 minutes.  

Hassle-free option: Book This Private Transfer from LA.  

Santa Barbara 

It’s no secret that I fell in love with Santa Barbara on a recent visit to the states. So, it’s a no-brainer that you should make some time for a day trip here from LA.

There’s some incredible architecture at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse (Spanish Revival) and the Old Mission from 1786 (also Spanish, surprise surprise). Or you can hang out with the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo or visit the Museum of Natural History for a different look at nature. 

Spend some of your hard-earned money shopping up a storm on Stearns Wharf, and then settle in for a delightful appetiser. Slip in a little wine-tasting opportunity and you have the perfect day trip from LA. 

Top Tip: Check out my amazing 1-day Santa Barbara itinerary for even more details. 

How to Get There: You can take the train from Los Angeles Union Station to Santa Barbara Amtrak.  

Average journey duration: 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Hassle-free option: Book This Santa Barbara Wineries Tour from LA  

Palm Springs 

Okay, so your first stop has got to be the Aerial Tramway in Palm Springs . I’m telling you, this day trip from Los Angeles has a lot to offer, but sailing over the Chino Canyon in a flying gondola is top of that list. 

Afterwards, you can head to the Palm Springs Art Museum, do some hiking (the Cactus to Clouds Trail is chef’s kiss perfection), or visit the Coachella Valley Preserve. 

The Air Museum is also pretty fascinating for aviation enthusiasts. And for the vino -lovers, there are always more wine tastings in Temecula. 

If you want to do something unique, check out the Cabazon dinosaurs and snap a selfie with a raptor because why the heck not? 

How to Get There: Take the bus from Los Angeles Downtown to Palm Springs Downtown. 

Average journey duration: 3 hours and 15 minutes.

San Diego 

Next up: San Diego .

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most iconic places in the city, with over 4,000 animals as residents, making this one of the fun day trips from Los Angeles. Zoos aren’t usually my vibe, but this one has open-air exhibits with no cages. The Museum of Art is awesome on the inside and outside, and Balboa Park is a must for whimsical gardens (the Japanese Garden is a stunner) and museums. 

Once you’ve explored the cultural side of the city, La Jolla Cove is a natural marvel at sunset with its rocky cliffs and seaside restaurants, and Seaport Village is a charming stop during the day when shopping is your top priority. 

Need more convincing? Look at these incredible activities in San Diego — it’s a one-day trip from Los Angeles that you won’t regret.

How to Get There: Take the bus from Los Angeles to San Diego Bus Station. 

Average journey duration: 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Hearst Castle 

On the hunt for a totally off-beat day trip from LA? The incredible Hearst Castle in San Simeon is one of the greatest showpieces of architecture and design, not to mention an accredited museum. 

The interiors are sumptuous, like a modern-day Versailles — a triumph of Julia Morgan, the architect.

There are various tours that will take you through the grand rooms, including the Morning Room, Theatre, and Refectory, or upstairs to the main library, Hearst’s Gothic study, and the suites. 

Look out for all the sculptures, tapestries, paintings, and antiques dotted around the castle.

How to Get There: Take the train from Los Angeles to Paso Robles Amtrak Station. From there, take a taxi to Hearst Castle. 

Average journey duration: 8 hours and 15 minutes.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

One of the best day trips from Los Angeles takes you to the Santa Monica Mountains. You’ll particularly enjoy this option if you feel like burning off some energy. There’s hiking (the Backbone Trail is amazing), biking, horseback riding, and even rock climbing. 

If you’re more of a beach bum, grab your swimsuit and get ready to kayak and surf, or play beach volleyball after a warming suntan session. 

Oh, and if you’re a child of nature like me, spend your time admiring the wildflowers, whale watching, enjoying the sunset, and stargazing. 

See why it’s hands down one of the best day trips around LA? 

How to Get There: Take the bus from Broadway and Temple St to Thousand Oaks Boulevard, then grab a taxi to the recreation area. 

Average journey duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes. 

Solvang 

You’d swear you were in Europe, but no, it’s Solvang — a city packed with history and charm. Danish architecture abounds, giving it that Euro-feel and museums by the score are here for your delight. 

See the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art or the Japanese, American, and European motorbikes at the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum. The Old Mission Santa Ines from the early 1800s is also a popular attraction. 

Stick around for the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and the Ostrich Park for some close encounters of the bird kind (see what I did there?).

How to Get There: Take the bus from Los Angeles to the Solvang Amtrak Bus Stop. 

Average journey duration: 3 hours and 50 minutes.

San Luis Obispo 

The mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is the first stop on this one-day getaway from Los Angeles. It’s a 1700s Spanish mission, and boasts an impressive museum.

Nearby, you’ll find Bubblegum Alley – a very weird but cool spot. It’s pretty unique with its walls covered in chewed-up pieces of gum (and honestly, kind of icky), but hey, at least you can say you were there. 

You can even add your own piece to the “art” if you feel like it (wink wink). 

The Downtown SLO Farmers Market in Higuera Street is charming (buy the flowers, the food, and the produce), and the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is a vibrant cultural hangout. 

How to Get There: Take the bus from Los Angeles Downtown to San Luis Obispo Station. 

Average journey duration: 4 hours and 40 minutes.

Temecula 

For a sophisticated culture-filled weekend, Temecula calls. And, with over 50 wineries, just imagine how many wine tastings you can enjoy (my knees feel wobbly just thinking about it). 

Hot air balloon flights are also popular in the valley, especially around sunrise when the light is perfect over the vineyards and scents from the orange groves fill the air. Granted, you would need to begin your day trip ridiculously early. It’s worth it, though.

Old Town Temecula is the next perfect stop, with quaint restaurants, speciality shops, and historic buildings to explore.

Speaking of shopping, Temecula has some incredible opportunities to find unique artisan gifts, so get spending. Pssst… Old Town and the Promenade have some of the best deals. 

For something totally random – Want to meet an Alpaca? Head to The Alpaca Hacienda for a close-up experience, or hang out at the Pechanga Resort Casino to try your luck.  

To finish your day, ride on horseback through dreamy vineyard landscapes at the CRC Ranch Company at sunset. 

How to Get There: Take the train from LA Union Station to Promenade Mall.  

Average journey duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Anza-Borrego Desert Park 

Sitting pretty in the Colorado Desert, the Anza Borrego Desert Park gets its name from an 18th-century Spanish explorer and a sheep. Go figure. 

If you start early enough, catch the sunrise at Font’s Point — it’s practically the best spot in California, with views to the Salton Sea. 

Make sure to take a 4×4 trip through the badlands, as they’re part of what makes Anza-Borrego famous, and seriously, they are stunning. The Wind Caves are also a unique oddity, whether named for how they formed or how the wind sounds moving through them. 

Enjoy the 5.5-mile out-and-back Hellhole Canyon hike (just maybe not in summer), where you’ll see a palm oasis, bighorn sheep, and Maidenhair Falls at the end. 

But don’t miss the Galleta Meadows Sculptures — the 130 metal sculptures by Ricardo Breceda are Insta-worthy, from The Serpent to camels, scorpions, and tortoises. 

How to Get There: Take the bus from Los Angeles Downtown to San Diego University. From there, continue to Yaqui Pass and take a taxi the rest of the way. 

Average journey duration: 7 hours and 40 minutes.

Crystal Cove State Park 

If you’re a nature enthusiast, this could be the best day trip from Los Angeles. Hiking enthusiasts will melt at the 18 miles of trails across a mighty 2,400 acres. 

But there are also beaches and tidal pools to get the sand between your toes and a refreshing dose of salt-tinged ocean air. 

The Historic District is a hidden gem you shouldn’t bypass, with 45 coastal cottages from the 1930s as part of a seaside colony. Afterwards, hit the trails. 

The Moro Canyon Trail is a delightful 3-mile trek, while the Park Perimeter Trail Loop is more gruelling, at 9 miles. But oh, the scenery you’ll encounter!

You can also enjoy the naturally gorgeous tide pools when the tide goes out, but they’re slippery, so keep your feet steady. The park is a protected area, so no picking up shells or touching the sea life. 

After your hiking adventures, hit the Shake Shack, a popular restaurant in the park with ocean views. Order their famous Chocolate Shake and Cove Burger, and thank me later. 

How to Get There: Take the train from Los Angeles to Irvine and then a taxi to Crystal Cove.  

Average journey duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Big Bear 

Big Bear makes for another epic LA day trip. Kick off your visit by heading to Big Bear Alpine Zoo, which opened in 1959 as a rehab centre for animals hurt by a forest fire. 

To this day, it still mainly takes in ailing animals with the end goal of returning them to the wild. But you can still visit and see the bobcats, snow leopards, golden eagles, grizzly bears, and mountain lions that sometimes call this place home. 

You can also take a trek along the Castle Rock Trail for a stunning view over Big Bear Lake, where watersports are in abundance. Later, enjoy a picnic at Boulder Bay Park, which offers picture-perfect vistas of Big Bear Lake up close.

Adrenaline junkies, I haven’t forgotten about you – there are zipline tours to speed through the air above Big Bear. Gentler souls can stroll along one of the most popular 6.2-mile paths, Pine Knot Trail. 

How to Get There: Take the train from LA Union Station to San Bernadino Depot, then the bus to Big Bear Blvd. 

Average journey duration: 4 hours. 

San Juan Capistrano

One of the ultimate things to do in San Juan is a visit to Mission San Juan Capistrano. It’s a landmark, a museum, and a historic chapel all in one, where thousands of cliff swallows build their nests each spring. 

Seeing the Return of the Swallows Celebration on 19 March with your own eyes is something special. 

But you can also see some incredible gold detailing in the Mission Basilica, built in 1986, or visit the Los Rios Historic District, the oldest neighbourhood in the state, for some historical vibes. 

With the Arley Leck House, Esslinger Building, and Montanez Adobe, there are plenty of historic places for lovers of the past to go into full fan mode.

There’s also a delightful Goods and Goats Market , where you can pet baby goats, chickens, bunnies, and guinea pigs and even participate in a Baby Goat Yoga session. Who could say no to that? 

How to Get There: Take the train from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano Amtrak Station. 

Average journey duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes. 

Looking for some rustic charm? I love a good small-town getaway, and this delightful village with Spanish colonial buildings in its Downtown area is divine. 

Art galleries, exclusive boutiques, and restaurants line the streets, begging you to enter. 

There are also local vineyards, and what better way to spend an afternoon than sipping a glass of wine and enjoying the mountain views? 

The Ojai Valley Trail is a special place to end your day, as the valley runs from east to west. When sunset arrives, a colourful phenomenon known as “The Pink Moment” occurs; for an instant, the Topa Topa Mountains burst into a vibrant magenta. 

Get your camera ready because it doesn’t last long. 

How to Get There: Take the line 16 bus from Los Angeles Downtown to Ventura Station and then Ojai Avenue. 

Average journey duration: 3 hours and 25 minutes.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach has beach resort vibes with a Bohemian artistic community feel. Start your day at Main Beach and stroll along the boardwalk, or take off your shoes and enjoy the sand between your toes. 

Head a little north to Heisler Park, a lush green place where incredible sculptures and staircases that lead down to rock pools await you. Grab some food on the go and picnic at Crescent Bay Point Park atop the bluffs overlooking the coast.

The Sawdust Art Festival takes place in summer and winter, and art stalls populate the area for your perusal. Take an art class if you feel so inclined.   

How to Get There: Take the train from Los Angeles to Irvine, then a taxi to Laguna Beach. 

Practical Tips for Easy Day Trips from Los Angeles 

• While the bus or train is a practical way to get around if your day trip is close to Los Angeles, those farther afield might require a rental car. This cuts down on travel time and gives you more freedom. To be totally honest, it’s my favourite way of travelling around Cali.
• If you plan on going to a location for hiking, be prepared – bring a good pair of boots and pack plenty of water and snacks. 

Map of Day Tours from Los Angeles

LA Day Trips: Read Next

• The Ultimate LA Road Trip
• Unmissable Things to do in Los Angeles
• Where to Stay in Los Angeles: Area by Area
• Best Hikes in Los Angeles
• When to Visit Los Angeles

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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13 COOLEST Day Trips from Los Angeles [2023!]

But within easy rich of this sprawling city are some truly amazing day trips that will have you falling in love with California. Mountains, deserts, lakes and a whole lot of unique history make this US state a hotbed of intrigue.

So we’ve rounded up the best day trips from Los Angeles to make life easy for you when you’re looking for an escape from the city. From day trips for couples from Los Angeles to ones more suited to families, there’s a whole lot of choice.

There are even some iconic train routes, so we’ve included some of the top day trips from Los Angeles by train, too.

What are you waiting for? Discover a world outside of the city limits below…

Editor’s note – Need a place to stay in LA? Check out our 15 best hostels in Los Angeles!

Quick Answer: Best Day Trips from Los Angeles

• Day Trips from Los Angeles by Train – Train Ride from Los Angeles to San Diego
• Romantic Day Trips from Los Angeles for Couples –  California Coast Day Tour from LA: Santa Barbara & Solvang
• Best Day Trips from Los Angeles with Kids –  Round-Trip Daily Transportation to Disneyland California

Best Places to Stay in Los Angeles

Los Angeles may be home to Hollywood and high-end gated communities, but the city is a huge sprawling metropolis and some areas are much less safe than others. Not only that, but you won’t want to end up in a hotel the other side of the city from all of the interesting places that you plan to visit on a day trip.

• Best Hostel in Los Angeles •

Hi los angeles – santa monica.

• Beautiful beach location

Just a short walk from Santa Monica Beach, staying at this hostel is all about living the good life. The surrounding area is busy with shops and eateries – plus the hostel puts on social events like bar crawls. They even serve a free breakfast in the morning to help you with the hangover.

• Best Budget Hotel in Los Angeles •

The big bungalow.

• Laid back atmosphere

A super chilled out and relaxing place to stay, this budget hotel in Los Angeles is a great option for those who want to feel secure. The local neighbourhood may be quiet, but it’s also only a short walk to a lot of top places. The shared kitchen and outdoor spaces are an added bonus.

Looking for something different? Check out our guide to party hostels in Los Angeles !

• Best Luxury Hotel in Los Angeles •

Chateau marmont.

• An iconic place to stay

Why not splash the cash a little for your trip to LA and book a room at this landmark hotel? This place has seen more celebrity guests than you could ever dream of! Built to look like a French chateau, this hotel screams old Hollywood glamour. Select a room, a suite or even a bungalow, put on some fancy clothes and sit in the bar pretending you’re in an old movie.

#1 Best Day Trip from Los Angeles – Train Ride from Los Angeles to San Diego

Day trips from los angeles by train.

• Ocean views
• Spanish colonial history
• Beats the freeway!

Hop on the iconic railway along the Amtrak Pacific coastline and cruise along the coast to San Diego on this top day trip from Los Angeles by train.

And the best thing about this day trip from Los Angeles is that you don’t have to sit on the freeway along with everyone else in their cars: the train ride takes only a couple of hours and also features beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.  The train even has free Wi-Fi!

At San Diego’s Union Station there’s the San Diego Old Town State Historic Park just a few steps from the train station. Here you can learn all about the history of the original Spanish settlement in the area, as well the history of Christianity in the state.

Exploring around this place is quite literally like taking a step back in time.  But if you get to Solana Beach you can enjoy a day soaking up the sun and walking along the sand.

We are obsessed with backpacks – we’ve tried them all! And our favourite carry on backpack in the WORLD is the Nomatic Travel Backpack.  This backpack has revolutionized the backpack industry and will change the way you travel forever :) Check it out here!

#2 – San Clemente

• Perfect for surfers
• Enjoy boutique shopping
• A slice of classic beachside history

Take the train along the Surfliner Route from Los Angeles’ Union Station and get off at San Clemente , where you’ll be only a few paces from the sand.

Located in southern Orange County, this is a hub for surfers and has grown into a thriving beach destination without all of the development that comes with it. It’s all about a laid-back atmosphere, cute shopping streets with boutique shops and delicious restaurants.

It’s a breath of fresh air from the gritty city streets of LA.

The beaches in San Clemente are pretty spectacular. Enjoy the rolling waves at North Beach or take a stroll along the picturesque historic pier at San Clemente State Park – it’s 1,200 feet long and dates back to 1928 (in fact, the Amtrak station is just at the foot of the pier).

So with the convenience combined with the chilled slice of beach life you get to enjoy at San Clemente, this one makes for a simple day trip from Los Angeles by train.

#3 – San Luis Obispo

• Perfect for train lovers
• Spot dolphins from the train
• Eat a lot of tacos

Sometimes the train ride is more about the attraction than the destination. So if you like train rides that feature sensational scenery, then the day trip from Los Angeles by train to San Luis Obispo is the one for you.

This train ride is iconic. The train carriages chug through Simi Valley – a jagged desert landscape that straight from a Western film – as well as the rolling green fields of Ventura Country, lacing its way across the land until it meets the blue of the Pacific Ocean, where it zips across the clifftops high above the sea. You may even be able to spot dolphins from your vantage point.

Certainly, a train ride to remember.

The destination, San Luis Obispo, is a small town 200 miles along the coast from Los Angeles. There are many places to get some good food here (think burritos and tacos) before you make the journey back as the sun sets.

#4 – Santa Barbara

• Hipster-friendly destination
• Great food scene
• Chance to surf

The perfect day trip from Los Angeles, this one takes the coastal Surfliner Route to Santa Barbara from LA’s Union Station.  Set on the centre of the Californian coast, surrounded by the Ynez Mountains, once you’re in Santa Barbara there’s a lot to do.

If you’re hungry, you’re in luck: there is a whole host of unbelievably tasty Mexican food to get stuck into – from restaurants to street food. And as you chow down, take some time to people watch since the local life here is lively and colourful.

Check out one of the many galleries, wineries or cool coffee shops in the Funk Zone – where you can also rent some surf gear to rent. Then head to the beach to catch some waves.

The beachside eateries serve up fantastic seafood, especially paired with a glass of local wine. And if you’re getting the train you don’t have to worry about driving back after a few drinks!

On this relaxed day trip from Los Angeles, you can while away the rest of the afternoon lazing on the sand before catching the train back to the buzz of the city.

Love Ice Cream? Don’t miss out on the Best Ice Cream Parlours of Los Angeles!

Staying Safe in Los Angeles

While Los Angeles is super safe, no matter where you are traveling, you NEED to have great travel insurance . We have personally tested TONS of travel insurance companies, and World Nomads is our favorite (and most affordable!).

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#5 – California Coast

Romantic day trips from los angeles for couples.

• Perfect for architecture lovers
• Lots of Danish food to try
• Plenty of history

For a unique and romantic day trip from Los Angeles for couples, the trip to interesting Solvang – via the laid-back city of Santa Barbara – is the perfect option.

You can discover what the California coast has to offer as you drive northwards from LA along the iconic Highway 1. Stop off at a historic Spanish mission and learn about the early days of Spanish colonialism, before taking a chilled break on the sandy beaches of Santa Barbara.

The highlight of this top day trip from Los Angeles is the Danish town of Solvang, an authentic village complete with European architecture, such as charming houses and idyllic windmills. You can even stop off for some freshly baked Danish pastries.

Round up the day by visiting the magnificent Hurst Castle – an elaborate Spanish style estate built in 1919 by newspaper oligarch William Randolph Hurst. Antique treasures abound in this building, such as Ancient Greek vases dating back to 800 BC!

#6 – Palm Springs

• Perfect for shopaholics
• Ride the amazing aerial tramway
• Iconic city landmarks

Take a trip to the resort city of Palm Springs in southern California for a day of palm-lined streets, shiny malls and luxury hotels in the middle of the Sonoran Desert.

Palm Springs is famous for its shopping, so why not take a romantic day trip from Los Angeles with your partner and hit up the best stores in town? There’s Palm Canyon Drive with its cool boutique stores, but for something more affordable you could buy yourselves a new wardrobe at one of the outlet stores that dot Palm Springs.

But it’s not all about shopping. This is a perfect day trip from Los Angeles if getting away from the city is what you want.

At Palm Springs you can take a soaring aerial tramway ride up the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon, and float across the edge of the valley to the top, all the while looking upon the valley below from 5,000 feet above.

Hungry? Pop in for lunch at one of the many restaurants on the world-renowned Rodeo Drive.

Not traveling 4-star? These cheap hostels in Los Angeles won’t disappoint you!

#7 – Big Bear Lake

• Watersports to enjoy
• Great for nature lovers
• Beautiful views

The reservoir of Big Bear Lake sits nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains and is surrounded by forests and beautiful natural scenery.  The road trip here is as picturesque as the destination – you might be stopping every few miles just for a photo opportunity on the two-hour drive.

One of the most romantic day trips from Los Angeles for couples, Big Bear Lake is all about calm and serenity and is a perfect chance to spend some peaceful time together walking in breathtaking beauty.

There are, of course, plenty of activities from hiking among the old pine forests and horseriding to canoeing on the lake itself.  You can even try out waterskiing or tubing if you are looking for something a little more adrenaline-inducing.

There’s also a historical museum here where you can learn about the indigenous Serrano Indians that used to populate the area, plus there’s plenty here to educate you about the gold mining days and cowboys.

And then there’s the road trip back. All in all, one of the best driving day trips from Los Angeles you could go on.

In fact, it’s not at all unlikely that you end up loving this magical place so much that you choose to extend your stay. If that does happen, there’s a truly epic guide on how to spend a weekend at Big Bear Lake!

#8 – Joshua Tree

• Perfect for nature lovers
• Plenty of great hikes
• Astounding scenery

The iconic Joshua Tree is famous for playing host to many musicians as they soul search and go on a psychedelic journey in the Sonoran Desert. But it’s famous for its amazing landscape, too.

This easy day trip from Los Angeles to the Joshua Tree National Park can be packed full of interesting stopping off points, too.

There’s the Cholla Cactus Garden, some great hiking routes – such as the Arch Rock Trail with its strange rock formations, and then, of course, there are the thousands of iconic Jousha trees themselves.

When it comes to outdoor day trips from Los Angeles, Joshua Tree is the perfect balance of easy to get to but also rugged and wild enough to feel worlds away from the city.  Take your time in the park to enjoy the scenery and spend a while hiking, and find a secluded spot for you and your partner to eat a picnic in the astounding landscape.

Especially if you’re adventurous, this is the perfect romantic day trip from Los Angeles for couples. Just make sure to bring plenty of water!

#9 – Borrego Springs

• Perfect for petrolheads
• Fantastic scenery
• Classic Americana on offer

A great way to see California is by car – and an even better way to see it is on two wheels. So for a great day trip from Los Angeles for couples, how about a motorcycle tour?

Yes, couples can self-guide themselves from central LA on your very own motorbikes, touring the fantastic and recognisable desert landscape of California, ending up at Borrego Springs – featuring views across the land to the Salton Sea.

Stopping off at Julian is a great part of this romantic day trip from Los Angeles. This town was once a hardworking mining town but has now become renowned for its apple pie. So why not take a break with a slice? You can’t get more Americana than that!

And on the way back loop around onto the Pacific Coast Highway for incredible panoramic views and picturesque beach resort towns. You could even stop off at one of them, maybe Laguna or Huntington Beach, as the sun sets over the sea.

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#10 – Disneyland California

Best day trips from los angeles with kids.

• Perfect for Disney fans
• Fun rides for all ages
• Magical themed worlds to explore

The first of its kind in the world, Disneyland California opened its doors in 1955 and has been serving up larger than life slices of fun ever since, which is why it makes for one of best day trips from Los Angeles with kids. Situated in nearby Anaheim, Disneyland is easy to get to.

This is the only Disneyland in the world to have been designed and built under the direct supervision of Walt Disney himself, to make sure his vision remained one that was true to what Disney stands for: magic – and plenty of it.

Here your children can meet their favourite characters, classic mascots like Mickey Mouse as well as newer additions to the Disney family in Elsa and Moana. There are also rides, of course! Blast off into the cosmos on Space Mountain, ride the rattling Thunder Mountain or jump into a swashbuckling adventure on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride – and much more besides.

Especially if your children are big Disney fans, this is easily one of the best day trips from Los Angeles with kids, and one that’s bound to make lasting memories.

#11 – Santa Catalina Island Fishing Trip

• Get to see deep sea fish up close
• Enjoy a relaxed time on the boat
• Keep your catch and cook it later!

For a fun family day trip from Los Angeles, a fishing trip is bound to keep everybody entertained. And it’s not just any fishing: this is deep sea fishing, so your children get to see some whoppers hooked from the depths of the Pacific Ocean!

From Newport Beach is Los Angeles, you’ll travel southwest of the city to Santa Catalina Island: a haven for diving, hiking and, of course, fishing.  You’ll get to see ocean fish like tuna, barracuda, red snapper and sea bass – if you can catch them! It will be a memorable experience for you and your children as you struggle to pull in some of these large fish.

Sailing with a friendly crew, the boat comes with a snack bar and kitchen, meaning you and your little ones won’t get hungry as you bob around on the sea.

Though it’s a catch and release fishing trip, there’s also the option to keep your fish and have it cleaned, so if you’re staying in self-catering facilities you’ll be the ones cooking up a freshly caught dinner for yourselves and your children.

#12 – Universal Studios Hollywood

• Great for movie fanatics
• Easy to get to
• Rides and attractions

Set to the northwest of central Los Angeles, Universal Studios is a great option when it comes to looking for a good day trip from Los Angeles with kids.

With a VIP ticket to Universal Studios , not only will you get to skip the lines entrance as well as rides and attractions, but you’ll also be granted a peek behind the scenes of real life, working movie studios themselves.

Here you’ll get to be up close and personal with King Kong in a dramatic 3D ride, run around the literally magical Wizarding World of Harry Potter and watch your favourite Transformers in action. There’s even The Simpsons ride!

So it won’t be just children, but parents who love films and all things Hollywood won’t be bored at this fun day trip from Los Angeles, that’s for sure. There are also plenty of places to eat and drink here, so nobody will go hungry.

When you’re done for the day and you’ve seen everything you can see, it’s an easy route back to your Los Angeles accommodation and time to rest easy that everyone’s had an action-packed day.

#13 – SeaWorld San Diego

• Thrill rides and attractions
• Chances to learn about marine animals

For a whole lot of fascinating and fun times spent with your family, a trip to SeaWorld San Diego is a great option for a day trip from Los Angeles with kids. Not only does this place feature some amazing opportunities for learning about sea creatures, but there are rides here too!

So you can read up about sharks as you watch the fearsome animals swim in huge tanks, watch the rainbow flourishes of coral reefs and the marine life to be found there, and even watch penguins splashing around.

There are exciting rides too, like the snowy simulator of Wild Arctic, and the totally adrenaline pumping Journey To Atlantis water coaster – prepare to be soaked on that one!

A great way to escape the bustle of the city for a day, SeaWorld is an educational and totally fun place where you and your children are bound to have a great time. Easily one of the top day trips from Los Angeles (even without kids)!

Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from Los Angeles

Those were the best day trips from Los Angeles. You can have a lot of fun exploring the surrounding area away from the urban hustle and bustle, a world of Western movie backdrops and picturesque towns.

From dramatic train along the Pacific coast to some of the best theme parks in the world, everyone from those who want a relaxed time to those with kids to entertain, there’s so much to see on the doorstep of Los Angeles that staying in the city the whole time would be a waste!

And if you’re on a couples holiday? There are some great romantic day trips from Los Angeles. Imagine you and your partner on a motorbike road trip for the day, or visiting the chilled and luxurious Palm Springs for some retail therapy.

Time to plan your trip to Los Angeles and remember: there’s more to California than the city!

PS If you want to explore more of California, t his list of the 11 best hostels near Yosemite will show you the BEST hostels so you can explore like a boss :)

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The perfect day in LA: how to spend 24 hours in the City of Angels

Aug 16, 2024 • 6 min read

Stick to the west if you only have 24 hours for these quintessential Los Angeles experiences. Tanveer Badal/Getty Images

With only 24 hours in Los Angeles , you’ll still have time to stroll the beach, take a surf lesson, explore the Santa Monica Mountains by horseback and have something of a spiritual experience slurping up handmade pasta. The trick to making it happen: you’ll have to stick to the city’s Westside. 

Some LA locals will be up in arms by the suggestion to spend all your time in Santa Monica and Venice (hey, I myself live on the Eastside and love it), but with so little time, you don’t want to squander valuable minutes in traffic (which, okay, some may argue is the authentic LA experience). 

In the interest of both your precious vacation time and making the most of this multifaceted metropolis , here’s how to spend the perfect day in LA.

How should I get around the city if I’m in Los Angeles for 24 hours?

Normally I’d say renting a car is pretty crucial, but if you’re only in town for a day and sticking to one area – like the Westside, as detailed below – using public transportation and/or rideshare apps can totally work.  

What’s the best way to travel from LAX airport?

The cheapest choice to get you from LAX to downtown Santa Monica is the Big Blue Bus. Ride the Rapid 3 route on weekdays, or take Route 3 seven days a week – both options cost only $1.10 for a single trip. 

For a faster yet pricier option ($40 and up), use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft. You’ll still have to take a free shuttle from baggage claim (they run every seven minutes), but you’ll be dropped at a designated rideshare area for an organized pickup.

What should I do with my luggage?

Head to your accommodation and stash your bags; a hotel front desk will store them until your room is ready. If you’re traveling with extra baggage or oversized sports gear (like golf clubs or skis) and don’t want to lug everything, LAX Luggage Storage can help you out. They’ll even meet you at your arrival terminal to pick up the bags, then meet you at your departure terminal to return them to you.  

Where should I stay if I’m in Los Angeles for 24 hours?

The Sandbourne Santa Monica is conveniently located within striking distance of LAX and a walk away from the Santa Monica – and Urth Caffe (more on this below). It also has style and local charm in spades. The onsite restaurant, Marelle, is helmed by Santa Monica native Raphael Lunetta who celebrates California cuisine through the menu. Guests can take a pottery lesson by the pool, soak up ocean views and peruse LA-made souvenirs in the lobby shop. Basically if all you did was park yourself at this hotel, you’d still get a decent LA experience. 

What should I do with 24 hours in Los Angeles?

Hit the ground, errr, sand running, as LA’s Westside is up early and active throughout the day. Though if you wanted to pare down your itinerary to only one or two of the activities below, nobody would blame you for lingering longer by the pool or beach.

Early morning

Expect to see joggers, cyclists, and rollerbladers out and about on the beachside boardwalk.

Eat: Beeline to Urth Caffe , which opens at 7am and has plenty of seating both indoors and outside in a charming garden-like setting. The beverage list is extensive and unique – try either the Honey Vanilla Latté, which isn’t overly sweet, or the Rumi Latté, made with organic turmeric and pistachio butter.

Do: Get a coffee to go and head to the beach for an early-morning stroll. Start at the famous Santa Monica Pier to get a peek before it fills up with visitors. Though the Ferris wheel and other Pacific Park rides don’t open until 11am, you can still access the pier as early as 6am. From there, walk south toward Muscle Beach in Venice. 

Mid-morning

Once caffeinated with their legs stretched, early risers stay active – whether that means tackling a plate of pancakes or hitting the waves.

Eat: Huckleberry Café is a Santa Monica mainstay for brunch, serving buttery pancakes smothered in maple syrup and blueberries, breakfast burritos stuffed with turkey chorizo and crispy hash browns, and braised brisket hash from 7am until 3pm every day.

Do: Live out your LA beach fantasy and ride the Pacific swell. Poseidon Paddle & Surf offers lessons and rentals for surfing and SUP. They also have a full shop for beachy souvenirs and a coffee bar in case you need another dose of caffeine. 

The sun’s still out, which means Angelenos are staying active. After lunch, take a break from the beach and head up into the Santa Monica Mountains.  

Eat: Don’t take your eyes off the beach just yet. Although the rooftop restaurant at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, Calabra , isn’t directly on the water, you’ll still get ocean views to go with your Mediterranean-meets-Californian cuisine. The sides really are the stars here – including Harissa Maple Brussel Sprouts and Greek fries with a feta dill aioli dipping sauce  – so get a few plates to share.

Do: Explore the Santa Monica Mountains by foot or horseback at Will Rogers State Historic Park , named for the beloved vaudeville entertainer and actor who once owned the land. The Inspiration Point Loop is a moderate 2.2-mile hike, and as for taking off on horseback, book a guided trail ride with Jigsaw Farms in advance.

While New Yorkers often grab dinner past 9pm, that’s not the norm on LA’s Westside. Instead, beach lovers tend to wander the local shops and sit down to eat just before sunset. 

Eat: Venice’s Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a top spot for window shopping, but the pane of glass you’re most likely to ogle is the chef’s window at Felix , a pasta paradise right on the stylish strip. Ordering a loaf of warm focaccia is a given, and following it up with ricotta-stuffed squash blossoms and handmade pappardelle is a game changer for your tastebuds.

Do: Stop into a shop or two along Abbot Kinney, particularly Burro , which stocks California-centric novelties like candles with a Pacific Ocean scent and gold necklaces cast in the Golden State’s shape.

As mentioned above, LA’s Westside tends to quiet down after dark. After all, everyone wants to get up early to enjoy more beach strolls and surf sessions. But you can still find a quality cocktail and catch a concert nearby. 

Eat: Just a half block from the Santa Monica Pier is Chez Jay , a nautical-themed dive bar – beloved by both locals and visitors alike – that has been around since 1959. Story has it that Marilyn Monroe sipped champagne here while waiting for a secret rendezvous with JFK. Stop in for a rendezvous of your own with top sirloin, shrimp and truffle parmesan fries. 

Do: Catch a concert at McCabe's , a guitar shop and music venue that opened in 1959, making it even older than Chez Jay. For decades the shop has been hosting folk, bluegrass and Americana shows in its 150-seat back room. The venue’s intimate size means you can make a quick escape to head back to your hotel for bed. 

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10 Bucket List Things To Do With 72 Hours In Los Angeles

• Visit Santa Monica Beach for pristine sands, outdoor exercise areas, and the iconic Santa Monica Pier with its thrilling attractions and delicious dining options.
• Explore the Getty Center in Brentwood for its renowned European art collections, stunning gardens, and the opportunity to visit the Getty Villa Museum in Malibu.
• Experience the beauty of the historic Venice Canals, stroll through the picturesque man-made canals, and enjoy the charm of this five-star-rated attraction in Venice, Los Angeles.

To say the city of Los Angeles is big would be a major understatement. And while "gargantuan" is a bit closer to the truth, it still doesn't succinctly describe the sheer magnitude of the sprawling Southern California city. Spanning a little over 500 square miles , the bustling metropolitan area is certainly teeming with people. In fact, it's the second most populous city in the U.S. — trounced only by New York City. It's also brimming with attractions, from its sandy shores to its alluring Hollywood hot spots.

Although a five- to seven-day trip would be best for seeing all that the city has to offer, visitors can still pack in quite a bit of fun in just 72 hours. From famous Los Angeles landmarks to thrilling theme parks, here are some of the best things to do in Los Angeles during a short three-day getaway.

Related: 11 Vacation Spots In Los Angeles That Won't Break The Bank

Visit The World Famous Santa Monica Beach

L.A. is renowned for its beautiful coastlines. But Santa Monica Beach is without a doubt one of the best beaches in Los Angeles to visit in California . It has outdoor exercise areas, bike and running paths, and, of course, pristine sands perfect for sunbathing and beach picnics.

But, its crown jewel is undoubtedly the Santa Monica Pier, which juts out over the Pacific Ocean for all to admire.

• Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
• Hours: Santa Monica Beach is open from sunrise to sunset

In addition to breathtaking views, the Santa Monica Pier offers a variety of fun attractions, including a Ferris wheel, carousel, and roller coaster, plus numerous restaurants , food carts, and souvenir shops.

See Iconic Masterpieces At The Getty Center

Nestled in L.A.'s upscale Brentwood neighborhood, the Getty Center is actually one of the surprisingly free things that visitors can do in Los Angeles . The museum is renowned for its European art collections, which include paintings, sculptures, and photography that span from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum's immaculate gardens are also worth seeing.

• Address: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049
• Hours: Open Tuesdays to Fridays and Sundays from 10 am to 5:30 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 8 pm

Time permitting, be sure to squeeze in a visit to the Getty's Malibu location: the Getty Villa Museum. In addition to luscious gardens, it offers visitors a variety of Roman and Greek antiquities to see, which are housed in a recreated Roman house.

Visit The Historic Venice Canals

Tourists don't have to make the trek across the pond to take a stroll through Venice. Los Angeles' historic Venice Canals will certainly do the trick. The five-star-rated attraction is perfect for first-timers visiting Los Angeles and features four man-made canals that are even prettier in person.

• Address: Venice Canals, Venice, CA 90292

Related: 10 Things You Probably Didn't Even Know About Hollywood's Walk Of Fame

Go Stargazing At The Griffith Observatory

Griffith Park is a popular L.A. hiking spot and features many notable attractions — including the Los Angeles Zoo, the Old Los Angeles Zoo, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the Hollywood Sign. But, its observatory certainly takes the cake.

Tour the exhibits, see live shows in the Planetarium, or take a peek through one of the telescopes — the sky's the limit.

• Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
• Hours: Open Tuesdays to Fridays from 12 pm to 10 pm and weekends from 10 am to 10 pm

A detailed map can be found online for help navigating the sprawling park.

Snap A Photo Of The Hollywood Sign

One of Los Angeles' most notable landmarks is none other than the Hollywood Sign. Situated in Griffith Park, tourists can get an excellent view of the sign from the Observatory. However, another vantage point is the Ovation Hollywood Center, which is located on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and North Highland Avenue.

Visitors can also get a better view of the Hollywood Sign along several of Griffith Park's hiking trails , such as Brush Canyon Trail and Mt. Hollywood Trail.

See The Stars On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

What's a trip to Los Angeles without a visit to the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame? The historic landmark features more than 2,760 coral-pink and brass-rimmed stars as a lasting tribute to notable figures in the entertainment industry, including actors, musicians, producers, and directors, among others.

• Address: 6901 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
• Hours: Open 24 hours

Related: 10 Affordable Yet Highly Rated Los Angeles Hotels Where You Can Enjoy Luxury Without Breaking The Bank

See Stunning Fossils At The La Brea Tar Pits And Museum

Marvel at the fossils of extinct creatures like the saber-toothed cats and mammoths with a trip to the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. See an active tar pit, or peek through the see-through Fossil Lab to witness scientists hard at work.

• Address: 5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
• Hours: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed the first Tuesday of every month)
• Cost: $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $7 for children

Have time to spare? Check out the nearby attractions, which include the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

Tour The Natural History Museum Of Los Angeles County

Tourists can also get a glimpse of a T. rex skeleton at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, which is located in the 160-acre Exposition Park. In addition to displays dedicated to animal habitats and dinosaurs, the history museum features an insect zoo and a nature lab, among many other exciting attractions.

• Address: 900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007
• Cost: $18 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $7 for children

There's still more to see: the California Science Center, Rose Garden, and LA Memorial Coliseum can also be found in Exposition Park.

Have Some Fun At Universal Studios Hollywood

From thrilling movie-themed rides to tasty dining options, Universal Studios Hollywood is the perfect place to spend the better part of a day in Los Angeles. Check out the park's newest attraction, Super Nintendo World, where visitors can experience a game of Mario Kart like never before.

Visitors can also explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter or tackle the hair-raising Jurassic World ride.

• Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
• Hours: Visit the website for a complete schedule
• Cost: Ticket and pass prices vary; visit the website for more details

Universal CityWalk Hollywood is also located adjacent to the theme park and features a variety of dining and entertainment options, including a concert venue and Universal Cinema.

Related: LA Nights: 10 Things To Do In The City Of Angels After Dark

Catch A Performance At The Hollywood Bowl

The Hollywood Bowl is a top Southern California destination for concerts and other events. And, the Hollywood Hills amphitheater has seen The Beatles, Adele, and Morrissey , among many others, take the stage, making it the perfect spot to rock out.

• Address: 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
• Availability: Visit the website to see upcoming concerts and to purchase tickets