I've lived in Los Angeles since 2011. Stuck in traffic, I often find myself daydreaming of soaring through the clouds on a plane to Santorini, Kyoto, or Hvar. In those moments, I remind myself of one of this city's best aspects, which you will soon discover too. Los Angeles offers an endless array of activities, events, diverse restaurants, and natural biomes to explore. You'll never run out of things to do, no matter how long you stay here. But if you're simply on vacation with limited time, here are my top ten favorite day trip destinations in LA, offering a mix of adventure and relaxation.
What is a Day Trip?
A day trip is an excursion you can complete within a single day, without the need to stay overnight. They're great, because they give you a taste of a different neighborhood near a larger city while saving on precious time and money.
Los Angeles is perfect for day trips. In fact, I don't think you can fully understand this city without exlporing the nieghboring areas just a short drive away. Unlike compact cities like New York or London, LA is a sprawling metropolis with countless neighborhoods and suburbs, each offering its own unique flavor. Beyond these suburbs lie beautiful destinations that add even more richness to the tapestry of Southern California.
When is the Best Time to Drive in Los Angeles?
When planning these day trips, I've considered distance and LA's notorious traffic to ensure you're not spending most of your day on the road. To maximize your time at your chosen destination, consider the freeways you'll be taking, your departure time, and the day of the week. Google Maps offers extensive traffic data to help you plan, or you can ask a local for advice.
In general, to dodge the worst of Los Angeles traffic, aim to drive either early in the morning before 7 AM or later in the evening after 7 PM. These times usually have lighter traffic, making your drive much smoother. Midday driving, especially after the morning rush hour, can also be relatively hassle-free.
1. Santa Barbara
Best For:
- Beach lovers
- Foodies
Distance with Average Traffic: 1hr 41min
Santa Barbara is one of my all-time favorite cities in California. If I didn't live in LA, I'd definitely choose to live here. What makes it such a great travel destination? It's incredibly walkable, has a lively downtown, an abundance of wineries and breweries, stunning beaches, and excellent hikes in the mountains.
Located just 1.5 to 2 hours away from LA by car, you can also relax and enjoy the scenic route if you travel here by the Pacific Surfliner train.
The Funk Zone
The Funk Zone is a vibrant district in Santa Barbara, just a couple of blocks from the beach. It's filled with boutique tasting rooms, galleries, restaurants, and shops, all exuding a cool, creative vibe that makes it a must-visit. My favorite spots to grab a drink here are Figueroa Mountain Brewery and Topa Topa Brewing Co. For food, I recommend The Lucky Penny and Loquita.
Shopping Downtown
Downtown Santa Barbara is a bustling street teeming with cool restaurants and shops to explore. You can visit local stores, enjoy lunch at one of the many eateries along Santa Barbara’s “taco trail,” do a wine tasting, and then get ice cream at McConnell’s before heading to the pier.
Visit the Courthouse
Santa Barbara boasts a stunning Spanish-Colonial style courthouse built in 1929. I have several friends who made the journey to get married here because of its beauty. They offer tours, but you can also walk in and explore. Be sure to go up into the clocktower for a great view of the city.
Visit the Pier & Beach
Santa Barbara’s beaches enjoy great Mediterranean weather. You can lay in the warm sand or rent a sailboat for a sunset cruise. The pier is also fun to explore.
Botanical Garden
Established in the 1920s, Santa Barbara’s Botanical Garden features a variety of beautiful plants native to California, along with towering Redwood trees.
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Founded in 1786, the Old Mission Santa Barbara is a well-preserved historical site with a chapel, cemetery, exhibits, and a gift shop to explore.
Douglas Family Preserve
The Douglas Family Preserve is a 70-acre public park with paths overlooking the sea. It's a great spot for dolphin watching.
Hiking
There are plenty of great hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains, where you can take in the natural beauty of the landscape year-round.
2. Big Bear
Who This is Best For:
- Nature Lovers
- Adventurers
Distance with Average Traffic: 1hr 48min
Big Bear is just about 1.5 to 2 hours from Los Angeles, making it a perfect year-round getaway. In the summer, you can enjoy warm weather and beautiful lakes, while in the winter, it's a fantastic spot to experience some snow. It's entirely possible in Los Angeles to go surfing in the morning and skiing in the afternoon!
If you visit in winter, be sure to bring chains for your tires. My favorite time to go is after a big rain in LA because if it’s raining in LA, Big Bear probably just got a fresh drop of snow!
Skiing & Snowboarding
Big Bear boasts three skiing and snowboarding mountain resorts that cater to all skill levels. It's fun to hit the slopes and then grab a burger or hot chocolate at the base of the hill. If you’re new to the sport, their one-hour group lessons are fantastic and will get you started. You can also rent gear at the resort.
Inner Tubing
For those who want to enjoy the snow without the exertion of skiing or snowboarding, inner tubing at Big Bear Snow Play is super fun for all ages.
Snowshoeing
The best way to hike in deep snow is by renting a pair of snowshoes. This allows you to explore the beauty of the mountains in winter.
Horseback Riding
Baldwin Lakes Stables offers horseback riding for both adults and kids. Be sure to call ahead and make a reservation, as they tend to book up, especially on weekends.
Kayaking & Watersports
Big Bear Lake is absolutely gorgeous in the summer. Renting a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe is a great way to get out on the water.
Shop & Eat Downtown
Downtown Big Bear features a variety of restaurants, cafes, shops, a movie theater, and a delicious chocolate shop. My personal favorite is Saucy Mama's Pizza. There's plenty to explore and enjoy in this charming mountain town.
3. Joshua Tree & Yucca Valley
Who This is Best For:
- Nature Lovers
- Hikers
Distance with Average Traffic: 2hr 30min
The deserts of California are seriously underrated. They feature incredible rock formations, stunning sunsets, and a unique culture all their own. Joshua Tree and the surrounding towns in Yucca Valley offer tons of fun activities.
Hiking
Joshua Tree and 29 Palms offer numerous hiking spots, too many to list here! Some popular ones include the Cholla Cactus Garden and Hidden Valley.
One thing to note is that the high desert has extreme temperatures. It’s very hot in summer and very cold in winter. Dress accordingly, bring plenty of water, and watch out for rattlesnakes.
My favorite time to go hiking in Yucca Valley is right after the rainy season in LA has ended. During that time, the desert is full of blooming flowers and is just magical.
Pioneer Town
Pioneertown is an Old Western-themed town near Joshua Tree with shops and restaurants. It’s not actually from the Old West but was built in 1946 as a movie set. If you visit, definitely stop by the famed Pappy & Harriet's for food, drinks, and live music. Paul McCartney once played at this off-the-beaten-path venue.
Integratron
The Integratron is a unique structure built in 1954 by George Van Tassel, who claimed its blueprints were given to him by aliens. He believed it had the ability to rejuvenate human cells. Howard Hughes even invested! Today, it’s open for tours Thursday through Sunday, and they offer sound baths that are a cool experience.
Gubler Orchid Farm
A lesser-known but fun activity is visiting the Gubler Orchid Farm, a huge greenhouse and plant nursery where they grow hundreds of beautiful orchids. You can explore, enjoy a tour from one of their lovely docents, and bring home your own orchid from their shop.
Giant Rock
Visiting Giant Rock in Landers, CA, might not sound exciting at first, but trust me, it's special. It’s the largest freestanding boulder in North America, and some say, the world. Native Americans considered it a sacred site, and you can feel an incredible energy and peaceful calm when you’re there. In the 1950s, it was a gathering point for UFO believers.
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum
Noah Purifoy was an incredible artist born in Alabama in 1917 and passed away in Joshua Tree in 2004. He left behind a huge outdoor park full of his sculptures. They’re fascinating to explore and photograph.
4. Ojai
Who This is Best For:
- Artists
- Nature Lovers
Distance with Average Traffic: 1hr 30min
Located in Ventura County, just northwest of Los Angeles, Ojai is a charming town nestled in the beautiful Topatopa Mountains. Known for its California hippy vibes, Ojai offers a mix of shopping, dining, hiking, and nature exploration.
Wine Tasting
Ojai boasts numerous tasting rooms featuring locally made wines. A great place to start is the Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room, which offers over 300 wines to choose from.
Hiking
Ojai's charm lies in its outdoor activities. The area offers hikes for all skill levels. Recommended trails include Shelf Road and Meadow Preserve.
Visit the Art Center
The Ojai Art Center, the longest continuously operating multi-disciplinary art center in California since 1939, features a gallery showcasing local artists' works.
5. San Diego
Who This is Best For:
- Beach Lovers
- Urbanophiles
Distance with Average Traffic: 2hr 20min
San Diego is a vibrant coastal city with endless activities. Known for its stunning views, diverse shopping, and a plethora of restaurants and bars, it also boasts fantastic Mexican cuisine due to its proximity to the US-Mexico border.
Visit the Gaslamp Quarter
One of my favorite spots in San Diego is the Gaslamp Quarter. This 16.5-block area is bustling with shops, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, theaters, museums, and more. It’s the perfect place for bar hopping. My ideal evening in San Diego always includes either dueling pianos at Shout House or dancing at Trailer Park After Dark.
USS Midway Museum & Maritime Museum in Embarcadero
The USS Midway, the US's longest-serving aircraft carrier until its retirement in 1992, is now a museum at Navy Pier. It’s a fantastic family activity, offering a chance to explore the ship and climb aboard various aircraft. Nearby, the Maritime Museum boasts the world's largest collection of historic ships, including the Star of India, the oldest active sailing vessel, built in 1863.
Coronado Island
Coronado Island, a resort city across the San Diego Bay, offers numerous restaurants, shopping opportunities, and historical sites, alongside its gorgeous beaches.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural oasis, features 18 museums, beautiful gardens, and the San Diego Zoo. It’s a perfect place to explore nature while getting your steps in.
La Jolla
Just north of San Diego, La Jolla (pronounced La-HOY-a) offers breathtaking ocean views. Stroll along the esplanade to enjoy the scenery and marine life, including many sea lions. The sunsets here are particularly beautiful, and it’s also a great spot for kayaking.
6. San Juan Capistrano
Photo courtesy of Diana Nuttman
Who is This Best For:
- History Buffs
- Relaxation Enthusiasts
Distance with Average Traffic: 1hr 30min
San Juan Capistrano is a charming, highly walkable town that's perfect for a brief visit unless the Swallow’s Day Parade is happening. It's an ideal stop on the way to Laguna Beach or San Diego. This historic Orange County town was founded by the Spanish in 1776 when Father Junípero Serra established Mission San Juan Capistrano. The town features restaurants and wineries in a picturesque old California setting.
Visit the Mission
The crown jewel of the city, Mission San Juan Capistrano, is a historic landmark, museum, garden, and functioning church. Fun fact: I used to attend Sunday School here! Full of charming Spanish architecture and beautiful native plants, it is home to California's oldest functioning building, its chapel, built in 1782.
Tea House
It’s hard to find a good traditional tea house in the states, but the Tea House on Los Rios is the closest thing I’ve found to those in England (with the Huntington Garden’s Tea House as a close runner-up). This tea house exudes adorable grandma vibes in the best way possible and offers a full afternoon tea service complete with finger sandwiches, sweets, scones with clotted cream, and a selection of delicious teas. I highly recommend it, but be sure to book in advance or visit during the week, as it’s extremely popular.
Los Rios Historic District
This is the “downtown” area of San Juan Capistrano, where the tea house is located, along with many other restaurants, wine bars, and the mission. It’s a beautiful place to stroll and take in the scenery, especially on a nice day.
O’Neill Museum
Built between 1870 and 1880, this historic home has a Wild West history, which you can learn about here. Today, it is a museum you can tour, with exhibits on California history and knowledgeable docents.
Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
This 7,600-acre park is a peaceful escape into nature. It’s great for families and contains several trails of varying intensity. I recommend visiting during the spring superbloom to check out the beautiful native flowers.
7. Laguna Beach & Dana Point
Who is This Best For:
- Beach lovers
- Art enthusiasts
Distance with Average Traffic: 1hr
Laguna Beach and Dana Point are two stunning Orange County beach cities located right next to each other, offering the quintessential OC experience. These areas boast art galleries, luxury shopping, restaurants, and, of course, incredible beaches.
Visit the Beach
There are numerous beaches in Laguna and Dana Point to explore. My personal favorite is Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point. Crystal Cove is also incredible and is considered one of the best beaches in all of Orange County. You can dine right on the water at The Resort's Pelican Hill’s café.
Drinks at the Ritz
The Laguna Niguel Ritz-Carlton sits right above the water near Salt Creek Beach. It features a fine dining restaurant, but my favorite spot is its rooftop bar, 180blu. Sit outside and enjoy an excellent view of the Pacific, day or night.
Art Gallery Hopping in Laguna Beach’s Downtown Village
Laguna Beach is renowned for its thriving art community. Its Downtown Village is worth an entire day of exploration, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, luxury shopping, and a wide selection of art galleries. Enjoy a coffee, soak in the gorgeous weather, and stroll through the village to take in all it has to offer. I never leave without a visit to Vladimir Kush’s gallery.
8. Catalina Island
Who is This Best For:
- Adventerous Spirits
- Island Lovers
Distance from Long Beach Port: 45min boat ride
Just a 45-minute boat ride from the port of Long Beach, Catalina Island is an oasis with a population of just 4,000 residents. It's a small, charming place where cars and stoplights are almost nonexistent, and people get around on golf carts, offering a pleasant break from LA traffic. It’s close enough to spend an afternoon and see much of what the island has to offer. While there are two main towns in Catalina, this guide focuses on visiting Avalon.
Descanso Beach Club
My favorite spot in Catalina is the Descanso Beach Club. Situated right on the water, they offer delicious food and drinks while you relax. You can visit their restaurant and bar, but the best way to enjoy Descanso is by renting beach chairs or cabanas for beachside service.
Kayaking
Catalina is my favorite kayaking location because the island acts as a barrier from the rough waves of the open ocean, allowing you to experience marine wildlife without being pummeled by the sea. Paddle around the island and stop at secluded beaches for a picnic. I've seen seals, sea lions, leaping schools of fish, dolphins, and harmless tiger sharks while kayaking here. It’s always an adventure.
Shopping
Catalina’s main street is lined with charming shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants. It’s highly walkable and wonderful on a sunny day.
Get Your Wiki Wacked
Catalina Island offers many fun dives and bars, with Luau Larry’s being locally famous for its Wiki Wacker drink. There's a quirky ritual involved in having your Wiki Wacked, but I won’t spoil the surprise! Another local drink to try is Buffalo Milk, the official drink of Catalina Island.
Hummer Tour of the Island
Eighty percent of Catalina Island remains an undeveloped nature preserve full of wildlife. There are many hikes you can explore, but a fun way to see amazing views from its mountains is by taking a hummer tour. Be warned, these are not for those with a fear of heights or sensitivity to bumpy rides – of which I am both. Still, it was a cool experience!
9. Solvang
Who is This For:
- Wine enthusiasts
- Lovers of rustic charm
Distance with Average Traffic: 2hr 20min
Northwest of Santa Barbara in the Santa Ynez Valley lies Solvang, known as the “Danish Capital of America.” This charming, walkable town is at the heart of wine country and is full of European allure, making it a delightful place to explore. It's especially fun in September, when they have their 3-day Danish Days festival.
Wine Tasting
Solvang boasts numerous tasting rooms featuring wines made in California. If you're eager to visit even more tasting rooms, head over to the neighboring town of Los Olivos.
Danish Bakeries
One of the highlights of Solvang is its abundance of authentic Danish bakeries, offering freshly made pastries and treats that are a must-try.
Antique Shopping & Boutiques
Solvang is brimming with charming antique shops where you can hunt for treasures. The town also features a wide array of high-end boutiques, European imports, and art galleries, perfect for a leisurely shopping experience.
Visit Ostrichland USA
On your way to Solvang, make a stop at Ostrichland USA, a unique farm home to over 100 ostriches and emus. It's a fun spot where you can see and feed these fascinating birds.
Solvang combines the charm of European culture with the beauty of California wine country, offering visitors a delightful and unique experience.
10. Balboa Island
Who is This For:
- Watersport enthusiasts
- Shopoholics
Distance with Average Traffic: 1hr
Nestled in Newport Beach, Balboa Island is a quaint, picturesque destination that's perfect for a leisurely day trip. With its charming streets lined with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and stunning waterfront views, this small island offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle. Accessible by ferry or bridge, Balboa Island invites visitors to explore its scenic boardwalk, enjoy the local cuisine, and soak in the serene coastal atmosphere. Whether you're indulging in a famous frozen banana or simply taking a stroll along the marina, Balboa Island captures the essence of California's coastal charm.
Whale Watching Tours
Experience the majesty of the Pacific Ocean with one of Newport Beach’s many whale watching tours. Blue whales can be spotted in the summer and fall, while gray whales migrate past Southern California from December through April. These tours offer a thrilling opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close.
Rent a Duffy
For a relaxing day on the water, rent a Duffy boat—a small, comfortable electric boat with seating and a table. Cruise through Newport Bay with a bottle of wine and some snacks. As you drift along, you'll enjoy views of beautiful houses, impressive yachts, and diverse aquatic life.
Kayaking
If you're looking for a bit of exercise, consider renting kayaks instead of a Duffy. Paddling through the harbor allows you to explore the waterways up close and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. There are also plenty of stunning homes to see.
Beach
Newport Beach is perfect for a seaside stroll. I love walking near West Oceanfront, where you can pick up some ice cream or stop at one of the taquerias for a drink and some tacos.
Shopping on Balboa Island
Take a ferry to Balboa Island and explore its wide array of boutiques and restaurants. The island offers a unique shopping experience with charming stores and delicious dining options.
Shopping in Lido Marina Village
For luxury shopping and dining, visit Lido Marina Village. This area features high-end stores and excellent eateries, as well as the fantastic Herst Coffee Roasters, perfect for a coffee break.
Dining
Balboa Island has an abundance of dining options. For lunch, I recommend Malibu Farm Lido, which is right on the marina and offers a selection of healthy dishes. For dinner, Lido Bottle Works and 21 Oceanfront are exceptional choices for a delightful meal.
Socal Style
What to Wear in California
Read Next...
