8 Of The Best Day Trips From Los Angeles
Looking for the best day trips from Los Angeles to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Or perhaps looking for new spots to add to your Southern California bucket list? You’ve come to the right spot!
Los Angeles is perfectly positioned for a variety of incredible day trips that can cater to a wide range of interests, from beach outings to mountain hikes, and even cultural excursions. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these day trips offer a refreshing change of pace and scenery.
Below, I’ll be sharing eight fantastic day trips from Los Angeles, all within a five-hour drive, so you can easily plan your perfect day. And if you find yourself wanting more time to explore, you can easily turn these into weekend getaways.
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1. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is about two hours north of Los Angeles and is an amazing beach town that offers a little bit of everything for visitors. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled weekend or a relaxing day trip from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara has it all.
Things to do in Santa Barbara
- Wine tasting: Santa Ynez Valley, just a short drive away, is home to many vineyards. Even if you’re not a wine enthusiast, the scenic drives and beautiful vineyard landscapes are worth the trip. You could definitely also plan multiple day trips from Los Angeles to all of Santa Barbara’s surrounding neighborhoods.
- Sight Seeing: I suggest exploring the historic Mission Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and structures like the Chromatic Gate, featured above!
- The Funk Zone: This vibrant neighborhood is filled with trendy boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and breweries. Brewery hopping in the Funk Zone is a popular activity, with many spots offering unique craft beers and lively atmospheres.
- Beaches: For relaxing day trips from Los Angeles, head to one of Santa Barbara’s many beautiful beaches. East Beach and Butterfly Beach are popular spots, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or going for a bike ride along the beach.
For more things to do in Santa Barbara, make sure to check out my full day trip itinerary!
2. Catalina Island
A little over an hour by ferry from Long Beach, Catalina Island offers a peaceful escape with activities such as snorkeling, zip-lining, and exploring the quaint town of Avalon. I suggest reserving the earliest ferry possible, to make the most of your day trips from Los Angeles to Catalina Island.
Although I personally have not been here yet, it’s high on my bucket list and reminds me a lot of little European towns! Does this not look like a place you’d see in Italy?!
Things to do on Catalina Island
- Explore Avalon: Take an island adventure tour to get the most out of your time there! You’ll get to see the stunning canyon views, scenic coastline, and countryside that reminds me of Italy. I feel like it would never get old coming here on day trips from Los Angeles.
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Catalina Island is also known for its clear blue waters and marine life, making it a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Casino Point is a popular location, and if you’re new to diving, several local operators offer beginner lessons and guided tours.
- Zip Line Eco Tour: I have also heard great things about the Zip Line Eco Tour! This is a two hour adventure, where you’ll be 600 feet above the Descanso Beach Club. From this vantage point, you’ll get breathtaking ocean views as you zigzag down and across the canyon, through towering eucalyptus trees, reaching speeds of up to 35 mph! You can learn more here.
3. Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree is perfect if you’re looking for a desert oasis escape. It’s about 2 hours east of Los Angeles, and right next to Palm Springs! (Which should also be included in the best day trips from Los Angeles, but I am excluding it from this list since you could do both in one day).
To maximize your time there, I recommend downloading the Self-Driving Audio Tour in advance. It’s a great way to learn the about the different areas in the park, and also discover which hikes you want to do. Just make sure to download it ahead of time – there is minimal Wi-Fi and cellular service in the National Park!
Also, before I went, I didn’t realize a “Joshua Tree” was a type of tree that is literally all over the place in the national park. I thought it was like one singular tree.😂 You can see a couple of them in the first photo:
Things to do in Joshua Tree
- Hiking: Popular hikes include the Hidden Valley Trail, which is a 1-mile loop through a scenic rock-enclosed valley, and the Barker Dam Trail, a 1.3-mile loop that takes you to a historic dam and small reservoir. For something more challenging, the Ryan Mountain Trail provides stunning panoramic views of the park from its 5,457-foot summit.
- Rock Climbing: There are thousands of climbing routes, ranging from beginner-friendly bouldering to advanced multi-pitch climbs. There are also massive rock formations, such as Intersection Rock and Echo Cove, that are popular spots for climbers.
- Stargazing: My favorite activity in Joshua Tree is stargazing! The park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, which means it has some of the clearest and darkest night skies in Southern California. The lack of light pollution makes it an ideal location for observing stars, planets, and meteor showers. Keys View and the Cholla Cactus Garden are particularly great spots to set up your camera and/or telescope for viewing.
The sunsets are UNREAL, especially if you go during the fall or winter seasons. Joshua Tree is one of the best day trips from Los Angeles where you can truly disconnect from your devices, and reconnect with yourself, family and friends.
4. Solvang
If you want to feel like you’re in Europe for the weekend, then Solvang is the place for you! It’s a cute little Danish town, with Dutch influence as well!
It’s just under an hour north of Santa Barbara, so about 2 – 3 hours north of Los Angeles, making it an excellent contender for best day trips from Los Angeles. There are a lot of nice wineries and museums, as well as bakeries and restaurants. We went to PANINO Solvang for lunch, and had really tasty sandwiches.
Things to do in Solvang
- Explore Danish Culture and Architecture: You could spend all day just wandering through the cute streets of Solvang and admiring the unique Danish-style architecture. Some of my favorite landmarks include the replica of Copenhagen’s Round Tower, the windmills, and the Little Mermaid statue.
I would also suggest checking out the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, if you want to learn more about the town’s Danish heritage and showcases traditional crafts and artifacts.
- Indulge in Danish Pastries and Cuisine: There are so many renowned bakeries, such as Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery or Mortensen’s Danish Bakery, which offer freshly baked pastries like aebleskivers and butter rings.
If you want to skip the tourist traps and go straight to the hidden eateries in Solvang, I suggest booking the Food & Photo Tour. You’ll also get to learn more about the Danish lifestyle and history of Solvang from your local tour guide!
There are lots of other cute little towns around Solvang like Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Los Alamos. Highly recommend planning multiple day trips from Los Angeles to all of these surrounding neighborhoods.
5. Laguna Beach
Just a little over an hour’s drive from Los Angeles, Laguna Beach is famous for its art galleries, tide pools, and scenic coves. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing beach day or a coastal hike!
Fun fact: Laguna Beach was the first beach in California that I ever visited! So it really holds a special place in my heart, and deserves a spot on the list of best day trips from Los Angeles.
Things to do in Laguna Beach
- Hang by the beach: This has to be an obvious choice – Laguna Beach gives me major surf vibes, like what you think of when you think of California. Main Beach is located right downtown and is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and volleyball.
For more off the beaten path spots, I would recommend checking out Thousand Steps Beach or Victoria Beach, which is known for its hidden pirate tower and tide pools.You could definitely make any of these beaches their own day trips from Los Angeles too.
- Visit the Art Galleries and/or Art Festivals: Another one of my favorite things to do is to stroll down Pacific Coast Highway and pop into all of the different art galleries. You could also plan a visit during one of the famous art festivals such as the Sawdust Art Festival, Festival of Arts, or Pageant of the Masters.
- Whale Watching Cruise: I highly recommend booking a Whale Watching Cruise! While technically this will depart from Newport Beach, about 15 minutes north of Laguna Beach, you’ll get to see the Laguna coastline. I’ve done this tour and it’s incredible!
- Hiking: There are so many beautiful spots to hike in Laguna Beach. Two of my favorites are the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Crystal Cove State Park, which offer miles of trails with ocean views, wildlife, and lots of photo opportunities.
6. La Jolla
La Jolla is an incredible little beach town right above San Diego, and about 2 hours south of Los Angeles. If I could move here tomorrow, I would. Instead, I just plan lots of day trips from Los Angeles so I can spend as much time here as possible!
Highlights include the unreal views of the ocean and coastline, Torrey Pines Reserve, and the downtown La Jolla area with lots of boutique shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Things to do in La Jolla
- Sea Cave Kayaking Tour: Going on a sea cave kayaking tour is an awesome way to check out La Jolla’s Ecological Reserve and get up close and personal with the sea lions. This is a must, especially if it’s your first time venturing down to La Jolla.
- Museum of Contemporary Art: The museum itself is a work of art, designed by architect Irving Gill. The building’s minimalist aesthetic with natural materials complement the surrounding landscape, creating a peaceful environment for experiencing all of the art.
Make sure to check out the large corner window that gives you full, stunning view of La Jolla on one of your day trips from Los Angeles! Explore the La Jolla Village: There are a variety of upscale shops, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants all throughout La Jolla. You can walk through the village to explore the boutiques and enjoy dining options that range from casual beachside cafes to fine dining establishments with ocean views.
7. Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is a picturesque little mountain town located about two hours east of Los Angeles, making it a perfect destination for day trips from Los Angeles. I think it’s pretty comparable to Mammoth Lakes, but is much closer and accessible from Los Angeles.
Regardless of the season, Big Bear Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities and scenic beauty. You can go skiing and snowboarding in the winter, or boating, fishing, and hiking in the summer!
Things to do at Big Bear Lake
- Scenic Sky Chair: During the summer, you’re able to take a ride on the Scenic Sky Chair (ski lift) to get to see the panoramic views of the San Bernardino National Forest and go up to the top of Snow Valley or Snow Summit. Pro-tip: you can get a free lift ticket on your birthday!
- Zipline Tour: Another summer adventure, the Zipline Tour will have you gliding among the treetops and getting a birds-eye view of Johnson Valley! There are nine different ziplines, so there will be no shortage of thrills!
- The Village at Big Bear Lake: This is a great place to visit in every season; there’s a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. You can stroll through the village to browse boutique shops, enjoy a meal at one of the local eateries, or relax with a coffee at a cozy café. The village also hosts lots of events and festivals throughout the year, so you can plan multiple day trips from Los Angeles!
- Big Bear Mountain Resort: And of course, I have to mention what Big Bear is most known for; it’s skiing and snowboarding! During the winter, Big Bear Lake transforms into a popular winter sports destination, also including snow tubing, snowshoeing, and other fun winter activities.
This is harder to fit into day trips from Los Angeles, so would recommend extending your stay to a full weekend if possible.
8. Sequoia National Park
Finally, Sequoia National Park is a bit further but SO WORTH IT!! It’s about a 4 – 5 hour drive from Los Angeles. It is possible to do it in a day, which is why I included it in the best day trips from Los Angeles, but I would definitely suggest making this a full or long weekend trip if possible.
It’s the perfect nature escape, and the sequoia trees are absolutely breathtaking. Did you know that sequoias are the largest living trees in the world?! Some of which can grow up to 275 feet (aka 83 meters)!
I highly recommend staying in one of the official lodges for the full experience. When we went, we stayed in an Airbnb, but I would love to go back and truly disconnect and soak in the national park!
Here we are at the park entrance as well! I wish I was one of those people that had these photos in front of every sign, but sadly I feel like it’s 50/50.
Check out my blog post on my complete West Coast road trip itinerary for more info on Sequoia National Park to help you plan your day trips from Los Angeles!
Things to do at Sequoia National Park
- Visit the Giant Forest: Take Congress Trail, an easy, accessible 2-mile loop, to walk through the Giant Forest. The Giant Forest allows you to get up close and personal with the sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, which the largest living tree by volume. If you’re planning just a days trip from Los Angeles, this is the top attraction I’d go to.
- Explore the Crystal Cave: Alternatively, you can explore the underground of Sequoia National Park by touring the Crystal Cave. This marble cavern features incredible formations like stalactites, stalagmites, and mineral deposits. Guided tours are available from spring to fall, giving you more knowledge about the cave’s geology and history.
- Hiking: Sequoia National Park offers a ton of different hiking trails for all levels of experience. Popular trails include the Moro Rock Trail, which leads to a granite dome offering panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada, and the Tokopah Falls Trail, a moderate hike that ends with a spectacular waterfall.
What are your favorite day trips from Los Angeles? Let me know in the comments below! For more content like this or help planning your next day trips from Los Angeles, follow along on Instagram!
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