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The 15 Best Day Trips From LA

A bustling scene of downtown Los Angeles during rush hour, with streaks of traffic flowing on the freeway. The sun sets in the background, casting a golden hue over the skyline dotted with tall buildings and iconic palm trees. This vibrant cityscape is the starting point for some of the best day trips from LA, where urban life transitions to diverse landscapes just a short drive away.

Discover the best day trips from LA!

Los Angeles is huge and has a lot to offer, but sometimes you need a break from big city life and get into nature or visit some smaller towns. Fortunately, the area surrounding LA is rich with perfect destinations for a day trip.

In this guide, we’re excited to share our top 15 picks for your next escape from the city!

15. Temecula

Catering to Angelenos who like wine tasting, Temecula emerges as the ideal destination. It’s just about one and a half hours from LA!

With over 30 wineries, it stands as a fantastic alternative to the distant Napa and Sonoma Valley.

But Temecula offers more than just wine; it’s also famous for its delightful hot air balloon rides, adding an extra layer of charm to your day trip.

This is one of the best day trips from LA, especially for wine lovers!

An inviting archway stands at the entrance of Temecula's main street, proudly announcing "Temecula EST. 1859" against a clear blue sky. Quaint buildings line the road, accented by lush trees and the American flag, reflecting the city's historical charm. This idyllic town, with its rich heritage and peaceful streets, is one of the best day trips from LA for those seeking a blend of Californian history and modern-day pleasures.

14. San Juan Capistrano

Also one and a half hours by car, San Juan Capistrano is home to one of the prettiest missions in California.

This town is perfect to learn a little about the state’s history. It was built in 1776 and is a must-visit if you’re interested in history. 

This charming place in Orange County is also just one mile from the ocean. 

View through an arched passageway at Mission San Juan Capistrano, showcasing the historic mission's aged brickwork and elegant arches. Lush gardens filled with flowering plants, tall palm trees, and greenery frame the courtyard, under the open sky, highlighting the serene and timeless beauty of this well-preserved Spanish mission in Southern California.

13. Ojai

Located just around 1 hour and 20 minutes from Los Angeles, Ojai presents an enchanting getaway.

The downtown area is renowned for its Spanish Colonial Revival style buildings, housing an array of excellent restaurants, art galleries, and wine tasting rooms.

For nature enthusiasts, the trails in Ojai Valley offer a serene escape.

Additionally, visitors can witness the mesmerizing “pink moment,” a unique natural phenomenon that bathes the mountains in a warm glow briefly before sunset.

A panoramic view of the Ojai Valley during the "pink moment" with a gradient of pink and purple hues painting the sky at dusk. The rolling hills and mountains of the valley are silhouetted against the vibrant sky, highlighting the natural beauty and tranquility of this Southern California landscape.

12. Solvang

A little more than 2 hours from LA, Solvang was founded by Danish immigrants in 1911.

This town’s remarkable architecture makes it unlike anywhere else in California.

You’ll find a number of bakeries, merchants, and restaurants offering a taste of Denmark.

The beautiful Mission Santa Inés and more than 100 nearby vineyards add to an unforgettable day trip!

Street view picture of the city of Solvang, one of the best day trips from LA, with colorful buildings.

11. Big Bear Lake

California’s largest recreational lake, about 2 hours by car, is also home to LA’s closest ski slopes, which makes it worth visiting in all seasons.

The lake’s crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and more.

As it’s located in the mountains, you’ll find amazing trails where you will experience beautiful waterfalls and a wide variety of wildlife. 

Sunset with sunburst rays shines through a pine tree at Big Bear Lake

10. San Diego

America’s finest city, between two and a half hours from Los Angeles, boasts 17 miles of beautiful coastline.

It also has perfect weather year-round, awesome surf spots, a great food and beer scene, and a much more laid-back feel than LA.

There are endless things to do, especially outdoors. Relax on one of the great beaches, visit the world-famous zoo or a museum in Balboa Park, or have a drink in the historic Gaslamp Quarter.

A picturesque view of the San Diego waterfront showcasing a vibrant marina with an array of boats docked in the calm blue waters. Lush palm trees in the foreground sway gently, framing the modern skyline with its distinctive high-rises and luxury hotels under the clear blue sky. This coastal city is a premier destination for those looking for the best day trips from LA, offering a perfect blend of urban sophistication and maritime charm.

9. Coronado

Right next to San Diego, Coronado Island features stunning beaches.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that it offers plenty activities in the sun. Additionally, it boasts impressive views of the Coronado Bridge and the San Diego skyline.

The perfect Mediterranean climate, the stunning sunsets, and the bars and restaurants make this town a dream destination.

Coronado Beach on Coronado Island in California, with the famous Hotel Del Coronado

The next destination is the “happiest place on Earth”:

8. Disneyland

Disneyland in Anaheim, about a half-hour drive from LA, ranks as one of the best day trips from LA for endless family entertainment.

It is no struggle to spend a day here, or even two or three.

Disneyland is great for the whole family with lots of rides, characters, shows, and great culinary experiences.

If you are local, a season-pass is definitely worth the investment. 

The iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, adorned with celebratory banners and a 100th anniversary emblem. The castle's spires reach skyward, painted in shades of pink, blue, and gold, standing as a beacon of magic and fantasy under a bright blue sky. This fairy-tale structure is a symbol of the enchantment that awaits visitors at this beloved theme park.

7. Santa Cruz Island

A 75-minute car drive followed by a one hour boat ride from Ventura, this is the largest of the Channel Islands.

There is not a lot available on the island, but kayak adventures are possible, as well as hiking, beaches, and watching the cat-sized foxes.

For a longer trip, you can even camp on the island. 

A serene view of Santa Cruz Island's landing area with a ferry boat docked at the pier and a group of visitors ready to explore the island. In the foreground, an orange kayak rests on the pebbly beach, inviting adventure on the calm sea waters, with the rugged cliff of the island providing a majestic backdrop under a clear blue sky.

6. Joshua Tree National Park

About 2 hours and 15 minutes from LA, Joshua Tree with its breathtaking scenery boasts beautiful sunsets, rugged rock formations, and thousands of the park’s name-giving Joshua Trees.

This park is even good for families with some stroller friendly trails. There are also lots of boulders to climb and explore.

The wildlife here is fascinating with snakes, big horn sheep, rabbits, and lots more. The best times to see animals is at dawn and dusk.

If you wanna learn more about the Golden State’s National Parks, be sure to check out our Complete Guide to California’s National Parks!

Scenic landscape of Joshua Tree National Park with its distinctive Joshua trees standing tall against a backdrop of rugged mountains and clear blue skies, embodying the unique beauty of the Mojave Desert.

5. Avalon and Santa Catalina Island

Located a one-hour car drive plus a one-hour ferry ride from LA, Catalina Island boasts crystal clear water, one-of-a-kind white sand, and lots of locally owned shops and restaurants.

There are so many things to do: Catalina Island has something for everyone.

Avalon is one of California’s most charming beach towns and it’s definitely worth visiting. 

A panoramic view of Avalon, a picturesque town on Santa Catalina Island, often considered one of the best day trips from LA. The image captures the town's charming architecture with terracotta rooftops nestled among green hills, overlooking a tranquil harbor dotted with boats. The famous Catalina Casino building stands out near the water's edge, set against a backdrop of clear blue skies.

4. Laguna Beach

A one-hour drive away, Laguna Beach is the perfect place for upscale seaside fun.

It features over 30 beaches and coves. Being known for its bohemian chic, the beautiful beaches, and lots of art galleries, this town also offers a fantastic network of trails that are perfect for running, hiking, and biking.

An aerial view of Laguna Beach, showcasing its stunning coastal landscape with lush palm trees, rocky outcrops, and azure waters. The sandy beach curves gently along the neighborhood, with houses perched on the cliffs offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. This picturesque scene highlights why Laguna Beach is celebrated as one of the best day trips from LA, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and luxury living.

3. Palm Springs

This desert town is known for being a celebrity hotspot for a retreat from the city, about 2 hours by car from LA.

The homes are retro and colorful, making home tours a fun activity.

Palm Springs also has a wide array of artworks and museums, great restaurants, and lots of pools to lounge by. 

The iconic white "PALM SPRINGS" sign stands prominently in the foreground with a backdrop of majestic mountains under a clear blue sky. Palm trees, characteristic of this desert oasis, frame the sign, encapsulating the essence of Palm Springs, a popular retreat known for its scenic beauty and sunny climate.

2. Balboa Island

A little less than one hour by car, Newport Beach’s Balboa Island is rather small, but there’s still enough to do to fill a day.

Try one of the island’s famous frozen bananas and stroll around on the 1.6-mile boardwalk. Or awe at the multi-million dollar homes, and visit the art galleries and boutique shops on the island.

A tranquil scene on Balboa Island, with a variety of boats moored in the calm marina waters alongside a pedestrian walkway. Quaint waterfront homes and businesses with inviting patios line the shore. An ornate street lamp adorned with flowers adds to the charm of this idyllic coastal community, making it a picturesque destination for visitors and locals alike.

Number one on our list of the best day trips from LA is:

1. Santa Barbara

About 2 hours away, the American Riviera is nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This makes it perfect for people who like hiking as well as for beach lovers.

The Mediterranean climate makes for good weather almost all year ‘round, and the scenic Channel Islands are just a short boat ride away.

Also the architecture with its stark white walls and red-tile roofs is exceptional and gives the city its Spanish vibe. 

Santa Barbara, with East Beach in the foreground and the mountains in the back

If you don’t wanna leave LA and are looking for things to do in the city, check out our list of 104 things to do in Los Angeles!

Also, if you enjoyed reading this list, you’ll LOVE watching it in video-format:

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