You finally have a day toget away fromLos Angeles, but you don’t want to travel too far.
Oh, how I love living in LA! The city has it all: glamour, beaches, hiking trails, and, of course, unbeatable weather. But sometimes, we just need to break free for a day. And there are endless fantastic day trips from Los Angeles that are just a short drive away.
Almost every weekend, I find myself exploring a new area within a few hours of LA, andI’vecompiled the ultimate cheat sheet to help you plan yourownlast-minute day trips.So, here it is—a curated list of 20 of my favorite day trips from Los Angeles that are well worth the short-ish drive.
Easy Day Trips from Los Angeles: Less than 1 Hour
1. Griffith Park
Distance:~6.5 miles/10 minutes
Type:Park & Observatory
Best Time to Go:All year round
If you’d like to get the best shot of the Hollywood Sign and of the entire Los Angeles, Griffith Park is a must on an LA itinerary. This park is one of the biggest urban green spaces in North America and it’s packed with trails that have awesome city views. The iconic Griffith Observatory is free to enter and has telescope viewing and science exhibits.
If you’re into movies, you can catch a flick at the historic Greek Theatre or tour the famous Warner Bros. Studios nearby. And definitely don’t miss getting a selfie with the Hollywood sign from one of the park’s many viewpoints.
2. Universal Studios Hollywood
Distance:~10 miles/15 minutes
Type:Amusem*nt Park & Studio Tour
Best Time to Go:Spring or Fall
Universal Studios Hollywood is a legendary theme park and studio tour that has been entertaining visitors for decades.It’s a fun day trip, withbehind-the-scenes looks at how movies are made, themed rides based on popular films, and even a Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
CityWalk, the entertainment complex outside the park, haslots ofrestaurants, shops, and street performers. It’s a great way to end your day at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Budget Tip!The annual pass mayevenmake more sense than getting a day pass, especially if you live in SoCal.
3. Pasadena
Distance:~20 miles/20 minutes
Type:City
Best Time to Go:All year round
Pasadena, with its stunning architecture, is a cool spotjustoutside downtown LA. Stroll around Old Town or catch a show at the gorgeous Pasadena Playhouse. The Norton Simon Museum, with its awesome collection of European and Asian art, is a must-visit, too.
For a chill and pretty afternoon,visit the Huntington Library.This place is huge, with beautiful gardens, rare books and manuscripts, and art galleries. And, if you’re here in spring, the famous rose garden is a sight to see in full bloom.
4. Santa Monica
Distance:~20 miles/20 minutes
Type:Beach & City
Best Time to Go:All year round
A perfect blend of beach and city vibes, Santa Monica is the classic image everyone has of LA. Stroll down the famous Santa Monica Pier and play on the carnival games and rides, or watch street performers while munching on some cotton candy. A must-see is the end of the Route 66 marker, which marks the beginning or end of the famous highway.
Head to Third Street Promenade for major retail therapy in an outdoor pedestrian mall. Otherwise, rent a bike and ride along the beach path from Santa Monica to Venice Beach to ogle the musclemen at Muscle Beach and cool street art.
5. Venice Beach
Distance:~20 miles/25 minutes Type:Beach & Quirky Town
Best Time to Go:All year round
Venice Beach istheplace forpeople-watchingin LA.The boardwalk overflows with street performers, fortune-tellers, vendors selling all sorts of things, and the overall eclectic crowd that calls this town home. Be impressed by theboardersat the famous Venice Beach Skatepark and those doing 360’s on the waves by the pier.
For a little slice of Italy in the States,walk along the Venice Canals and admire the gorgeous homes and landscaping. Or, rent a paddleboat or kayak to explore the waterways yourself. Finish off your day with a sunset at one of the many beachside restaurants and bars.
6. Disneyland Resort, Anaheim
Distance:~25 miles/30 minutes Type:Amusem*nt Park
Best Time to Go:Spring or fall
No trip to Southern California would be complete without a day or two at the happiest place on Earth, Disneyland Resort, Anaheim. Just a short drive from downtown, Disneyland has thrilling rides like Space Mountain and attractions such as It’s a Small World for all ages. Not to forget, the parades and fireworks are simply magical.
The resort comprises two theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Disneyland Park is where you can meet beloved Disney characters and visit fairy-tale castles, whileCalifornia Adventure Park takes you to the Golden State’s landmarks and stories with a dash of Pixar flare.
7. Malibu
Distance:~30 miles/35 minutes Type:Beach
Best Time to Go to Malibu:Early Fall or Spring
Drive up the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), and you’ll reach Malibu, a beach town known for its celebrity homes and stunning coastal views. Spend your day lounging on the sand at Zuma Beach or exploring the tide pools at Leo Carrillo State Park.Mypersonalfavorite is El Matador Beach,which isfilled with sea stacks and fine sand.
You can also hike in Malibu Creek State Park to see the famous MAS*H filming location. For a touch of luxury, swing by Malibu Country Mart, Malibu’s fancy spot for shopping and eating. You’ll spot so many posh cars parked out front that it almost seems like a car museum.
8. Newport Beach & Balboa Island
Distance:~45 miles/50 minutes
Type:Beach
Best Time to Go:Summer
Escape the city and head down to the charming coastal town of Newport Beach. With its sunny beaches and upscale shopping and dining options, this is one of the most popular day trips from Los Angeles. You can spend your morning surfing or sunbathing at the beach and your afternoon shopping along Balboa Island’s waterfront boutiques.
For a bit of history, take the Balboa Island Ferry to get to the island and explore its charming cottages. You can also spot dolphins and whales on a boat tour around Newport Bay or catch a performance at The Newport Theater Arts Center. And when hunger strikes, don’t miss out ontryingthe famous Balboa Bar, a local dessert invention that’s a must-try for any foodie.
9. Laguna Beach
Distance:~50 miles/55 mins
Type:Beach & Art Town
Best Time to Go:Year-round
Located in Orange County, the small coastal town of Laguna Beach boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in California. Spend a day here enjoying the sun, sand, and sea at Main Beach or Thousand Steps Beach. It’s also one of the few places in California that is great for snorkeling or diving.
For a more cultural experience, visit the Laguna Art Museum, which showcases contemporary art by California artists. You can also take a stroll around town and admire public art installations and galleries or join an art class to try your hand at pottery or live model sketching. And don’t forget to end your day with a beautiful sunset over the Pacific ocean at Heisler Park.
10. San Juan Capistrano
Distance:~55 miles/55 minutes
Type:Historic Landmark
Best Time to Go:Year-round, but spring for the swallows
San Juan Capistrano is a town known for its mission architecture and theannual return of the swallows.The Mission San Juan Capistrano has gorgeous architecture and gardens, which you can alsotakea self-guided audio touron.
The Los Rios Historic District has homes and shops dating back to the 1700s. You can evengosee the famous Oldest House in California,built in1794. Andofcourse, be sure to visit during the spring when the swallows return to their nesting grounds at the mission.
Best Day Trips from Los Angeles: Less than 2 Hours
11. Ventura and the Channel Islands National Park
Distance:~70 miles/1 hour 5 minutes
Type:City & National Park
Best Time to Go:Spring or Fall
Ventura is a great little city located just north of LA, with a thriving arts scene and plenty of outdoor activities. Head out on the water with Ventura Boat Rentals and go fishing or whale watching. I especially came out here for a Demolition Derby, which was super fun.
One of Ventura’s main draws is its close proximity to the Channel Islands National Park. Take a ferry to one of the five islands and spend the day hiking, kayaking, or camping in this beautiful protected area. It’s one of the most under-visited national parks in the country!
📖 Read Also: 11 American Places So Surreal, You’ll Think They’re Photoshopped
12. The Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
Distance:~70 miles/1 hour 20 minutes
Type:Wildflower Reserve
Best Time to Go:March and April
Every year, the rolling hills of the Antelope Valley are covered in endless fields of bright orange poppies. This natural phenomenon only lasts for a few weeks in spring, and it’s particularly great during the “super blooms” that occur every few years with a lot of rainfall.
I’vegone out three timesto Lancaster Countynowto chase this fairy tale scene, and each timeismore beautiful than the last.
Travel Tip!Putin Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, but the best fields may actually be outside the reserve itself.
13. Ojai
Distance:~80 miles/1 hour and 25 minutes
Type:City & Outdoor Activities
Best Time to Go:Year-round, but especially spring
Looking for a chill spot away from city noise?Ojai’s a cute little townonthe Ojai Valley, surrounded by mountains and a super laid-back vibe.Take a hike in the surrounding Los Padres National Forest mountains, taste some wines at the local wineries, and swing by the Ojai Olive Oil Company to get the scoop on how olive oil is made. And stop by the side of the road to sneak freshly picked citrus fruits grown in Ojai!
14. Lake Arrowhead
Distance:~80 miles/1 hour and 30 minutes
Type:Outdoor Activities
Best Time to Go:Summer or Winter
Whether shrouded in snow in the winter or glistening under the summer sun, Lake Arrowhead is a popular mountain resort town in the San Bernardino National Forest. The lakeitself, a private yet accessible centerpiece, is perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming, with Lake Arrowhead Village providing shopping and dining options shoreside.
Hiking trails lead adventurers through dense forests to sweeping mountain vistas, or you can relax onone of thepublic beaches. In the winter, you can also hit the Snow Valley Mountain Resort slopes or go tubing at Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park.
📖 Read Also: 11 Dreamy Lakes in West USA That Will Take Your Breath Away
15. Santa Barbara
Distance:~95 miles/1 hour 30 minutes Type:Beach Town
Best Time to Go to Santa Barbara:Spring to Fall
Go for a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway with the ocean on one side and mountains on the other tono other thanSanta Barbara. Once you arrive, stroll the downtown areafilledwith cute cafes and outdoor patios. The Stearns Wharf will have fresh seafood waiting for you.
Take a hike up to Inspiration Point for panoramic views of the city, spend the day at the beach, or visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara, one of California’s most beautiful Spanish missions. Santa Barbara is also a popular destination for wine lovers, with numerous wineries and vineyards to tour and taste some of California’s best wines.
16. Santa Catalina Island
Distance: ~20 miles/1 hour 30 minutes by ferry
Type: Island & Outdoor Activities
Best Time to Go: Spring or Summer
If you’ve ever wondered what that island just beyond the Pacific is, it’s Catalina Island. Take a ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro or find a sailor friend to sail to Catalina Island. This beautiful island off the coast of Southern California is a great day trip for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Get the island beach experience and eat ice cream in the main town of Avalon, with its colorful buildings and quaint shops. And for a unique experience, take a tour on a glass-bottom boat to see the marine life surrounding the island.
17. Temecula Wine Country
Distance:~95 miles/1 hour and 40 minutes
Type:Wine Tasting & Outdoor Activities
Best Time to Go:Spring or Fall
If you don’t want to goall the wayto Napa and Sonoma, then Temecula Wine Country is your wining and dining place in SoCal. With over 40 wineries, you can spend an entire day sipping on award-winning wines while going through the rolling hills and vineyards on a guided tour.
You can also go hot-air ballooning over the vineyards, explore Old Town Temecula, or head to Lake Skinner for fishing, camping, and hiking.
📖 Read Also: 5 Best Temecula Hot Air Balloon Tours Over Wine Country
18. Palm Springs
Distance:~105 miles/1 hour and 45 minutes
Type:Desert Resort City
Best Time to Go to Palm Springs:Fall to Spring
Palm Springs, with its sunny climate and majestic mountains as the backdrop, is a popular desert oasis that has attracted Hollywood celebrities for years. It’s also known as the “playground of the stars” due to its abundance of luxury resorts, golf courses, and spas.
To taste Old Hollywood glamour, visit the Palm Springs Walk of Stars or take a celebrity house tour.There arelots ofhiking trails in the nearby canyons, and the famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes you tothe top ofMount San Jacinto.
19. Big Bear Lake
Distance:~100 miles/2 hours
Type:Outdoor Activities & Winter Sports
Best Time to Go:Anytime, but winter is best
Another San Bernardino Mountain Range favorite, Big Bear Lake, is a popular year-round destination with many outdoor activities. Most famous for Big Bear Mountain Resort, you can hit the slopes for skiing and snowboarding during winter or go tubing at the Alpine Slide. In the summer, you can dip in the lake, go hiking, wakeboarding, or zip-lining.
20. San Diego
Distance:~120 miles/2 hours
Type:City
Best Time to Go to San Diego:Year-round
With its sunny beaches and a world-famous zoo, San Diego isbasicallyLos Angeles’s more laid-back sister city.
Spend your San Diego day at Balboa Park, the city’s largest urban cultural park with museums, gardens, and performing arts venues, until your legs are sore. Or catch some waves and wave to some sea lions at one of its many beaches, such as La Jolla or Mission Beach.
Go on a San Diego food tour to munch on everything from fresh seafood to authentic Mexican cuisine. For partying, I’ve been a frequent visitor to the Gaslamp Quarter, where they hold festivals that are always worth the drive.
Los Angeles Day Trips: Less than 3 Hours
21. Solvang
Distance:~130 miles/2 hours and 5 minutes
Type:City & Danish Culture
Best Time to Go:Spring or Fall
Take a trip tothe Danish countryside without leaving California.Solvang, located in the Santa Ynez Valley, is a fascinating little town with windmills and half-timbered buildings thatwillmake you feel like you’re in Europe.
Munch on some authentic Danish pastries or visit one of the many wineries in the area. The town center even has a Little Mermaid statue that’s just as small as the real one in Copenhagen.
22. Santa Ynez Valley
Distance:~130 miles/2 hours and 5 minutes
Type:Wine Country
Best Time to Go:Spring or Fall
For wine lovers, the Santa Ynez Valley region has over 120 wineries and vineyards.You can tour and taste delicious wines from local producers or evengo ona hot air balloonrideover the valley.And if you’re not into wine, the sprawling countryside also offers outdoor activities like horseback riding and golfing.
23. Calico Ghost Town
Distance:~130 miles/2 hours and 5 minutes
Type:Ghost Town
Best Time to Go:Year-round
Located in the Mojave Desert, Calico was once a bustling silver mining town. But when the mines closed, so did the town, which was left abandoned. In 1951, Walter Knott (of Knott’s Berry Farm fame) purchased the town and restored it to its former glory.
Now a popular tourist destination, you can explore the historic buildings, pan for gold, and even ride an old steam train. On President’s Day, I’ve heard rumors that you can attend a civil reenactment (something on my bucket list).
24. Joshua Tree National Park
Distance:~130 miles/2 hours 15 minutes Type:National Park
Best Time to Go to Joshua Tree:Fall or spring
Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit, period. Its unique landscape of desert flora and famous Joshua trees gives you access to endless hiking, rock climbing, camping, and stargazing.
I highly recommend you come in the late spring and fall, when the weather is prime for outdoor activities. And when you do, don’t miss places like Skull Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Keys View, and Hidden Valley. Aside from snapping some shots with the desert trees that only grow here,make sure tostay for at least one sunset.
📖 Read Also: Perfect One Day in Joshua Tree Itinerary for First-Timers
25. Tijuana, Mexico
Distance:~140 miles/2 hours 20 minutes Type:City
Best Time to Go:Anytime, but check border crossing waittimes
You’reliterallyso close toMexico,you can take a day trip to Tijuana, a city just across the US-Mexico border.Sometimes, I hear of people from San Diegojustcrossing the border for cheaper gas and a Costco run.
Although it’s not known as the safest destination, it’s a cool way to experience Mexican culture without having to fly too far. You can spend the day exploring the city’s famous Avenida Revolucion and eating your fill of authentic tacos and margaritas.
Travel Tip!Bring your passport and necessary travel documents with you before crossing the border, and check border crossing wait times beforehand here.
26. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Distance: ~150 miles/2 hours 40 minutes
Type:National Park & Desert Oasis
Best Time to Go:Winter through Spring
Head to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in California. This desert oasis is home to palm groves, slot canyons, and scenic desert landscapes that are just as beautiful as Joshua Tree but without the crowds.
Camping here means you can stargaze at night and explore the park’s many hiking trails during the day. Be sure to check out the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail, which leads to an oasis of palm trees in the middle of the desert.
27. Salton Sea
Distance:~165 miles/2 hours 40 minutes Type:Lake & Artsy
Best Time to Go:Fall and Winter
Once a popular vacation spot in the 1950s, the Salton Sea is now a shell of its former self. This inland lake was accidentally created when the Colorado River breached its banks in 1905, and today, it is home to misfits and artists.
Bombay Beach is one of my favorite urban exploration spotsto visit, with reconditioned abandoned structures and quirky art installations.Hike in thePainted Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon that leads to a hidden palm oasis.
Travel Tip!The lake smellsnot the greatestin some areasbecuase of the lake’shigh salinity levels and decaying fish.
Los Angeles Day Trips: Less than 4 Hours
28. Slab City and Salvation Mountain
Distance:~190 miles/3 hours 5 minutes Type:Offbeat & Cultural
Best Time to Go:Fall through spring
Slab City and Salvation Mountain is an off-grid community with an eclectic mix of residents, hand-painted art installations, and quirky events.
The most famous attraction in this area is Salvation Mountain, a colorful and spiritual monument created by Leonard Knight. You can see the rest of Slab City, known as “the last free place on earth,” and its many art installations and makeshift homes built from found materials.
Travel Tip!As amazing as this place isto visit, I would not recommend staying overnight as there can be some sketchy happenings.
📖 Read Also: 18 Weirdest Roadside Attractions Across West America
29. Morro Bay
Distance:~200 miles/3 hours 15 minutes Type:Coastal Town
Best Time to Go:Summer or winter whale watching
On California’s Central Coast, Morro Bay is one of the most beautiful places in the state. TheactualMorro Rock towers over the bay, making it a favorite hangout for whale watching, fishing, and kayaking.
But better yet is the nearby state park, Montana de Oro, with its dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches. The sunset viewed through the arches of the sea stacks was one of the most breathtaking sights I’ve ever seenin my life!
30. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Distance:~205 miles/3 hours 35 minutes Type:National Parks
Best Time to Go:Spring through Fall
While it’s a longer drive from Los Angeles, a trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are well worth the journey.These two national parks are the closestplace you’ll get to seeingthe towering sequoia trees and powerful waterfalls.
General Sherman, the largest tree in the world, is located in Sequoia National Park. You can also hike through the Giant Forest to see other impressive sequoias. Kings Canyon is Sequoia’s smaller, less-visited neighbor, but being so close, you can do both parks on the same trip.
31. Death Valley National Park
Distance:~215 miles/3 hours 35 minutes Type:National Park & Desert Landscape
Best Time to Go to Death Valley:Fall to Spring
Despite its ominous name, Death Valley National Park is one of my favorite places in California, as long as you don’t go in the summer.Located in the Mojave Desert National Preserve, this park is known for its extreme temperatures, withthelowest and hottest pointin North America.It’s also recognized as an International Dark Sky Park and one of the best night skies I’ve ever seen.
Some of my favorite spotsin Death Valleyinclude Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, and Zabriskie Point, a viewpoint on top of the colorful badlands. For another amazing sunset contender, hike the tallest duneyou can findat Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for some epic photoshoots.
Travel Tip!Avoid going during the summer when temperatures reach over 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
📖 Read Also: 10 Hottest National Parks in the US to Avoid This Summer
32. Alabama Hills
Distance:~215 miles/3 hours 40 minutes Type:Scenic Area
Best Time to Go:Spring and fall
Another of my favorite places on Earth, Alabama Hills is a beautiful and unique landscape of rounded boulders in front of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This area has been a filming location for many Western movies, including Django Unchained and Iron Man.
Camping spots are all boon-docking, but lately, you’ll see more “day use only” signs popping up, meaning you can’t camp there anymore.
If you’re coming all the way out here, make a detour at some other alien landscapes like Fossil Falls and Trona Pinnacles. Fossil Falls is a geological formation from the remnants of an ancient waterfall. Trona Pinnacles, on the other hand, is a series of tufa formations rising out of the desert floor.
33. Las Vegas, Nevada
Distance: ~270 miles/4 hours
Type:City & Entertainment
Best Time to Go to Las Vegas:Year-round, but avoid major holidays
Las Vegas isthe citythat never sleeps. Known for its epic nightlife, jingling casinos, and shows to keep you entertained for your entire life, Las Vegas is one of the most popular destinations in the country. It might not be the easiest place to take a day trip, but after a weekend of debauchery, I’m sure you’ll be good to go come Monday morning.
Aside from the bright lights of the Strip, hike in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area or take a day trip to the Hoover Dam or the Valley of Fire State Park.
If youdowant to try your luck at the casinos, set a budget beforehand and stick to it. Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
Final Thoughts: Best Mini Road Trips from Los Angeles, California
Living in Los Angelesreallymade me fall in love with the United States. Wandering on these California road trips has been some of the most enlivening experiences of my life.It’s crazyto mehow much adventure one couldactuallysqueeze into a single day or a weekend.But standing atop the highest dune in Death Valley at sunset or finding myself enchanted by the eerie beauty of Trona Pinnacles dispelledany doubts I had.
If these suggestions inspired you,be sure tocheck out my other posts on everything Cali.
Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in California?
I’ve lived and vanlifed around, about, and through all of California for 3 years. If you’re looking for more information on California, check out these other destination itineraries.
- Perfect One Day In Lassen Volcanic National Park Itinerary
- Perfect One Day In Redwood National Park Itinerary
- Perfect One Day In Joshua Tree Itinerary For First-Timers
- One Day In Death Valley Itinerary For Adventurers
- Perfect One Day in San Diego Itinerary: What Not to Miss
- Perfect One Day in San Francisco Itinerary for First Timers
- Day Trip to Lake Tahoe: One Day Itinerary for All Seasons
- Perfect Day Trip to Sonoma Itinerary for Wine Lovers
- Perfect Day Trip to Napa Valley Itinerary for Wine Lovers
- Perfect One Day in Los Angeles Itinerary from a Local
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