10 Best Day Trips From Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles has a multitude of exciting activities to offer visitors. You can tour movie studios, explore museums, indulge in thrilling theme parks, stay active on hiking trails, or relax on beautiful beaches. Moreover, there are various places to visit in the surrounding area. If you’re looking for fantastic day trip ideas from Los Angeles, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of your top ten destinations, complete with everything you need to know about what to do and where to go. Check out this post for a comprehensive list of day trips to take from Los Angeles.

Malibu Beach Celebrity Homes and Beaches

To experience California’s beauty, consider a day trip to Malibu. With 21 miles of oceanfront, Malibu boasts some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches and views. Some of the top attractions in Malibu include Point Dume, which was used as a filming location for the movie “Planet of the Apes,” Zuma Beach, Neptune’s Net Seafood Restaurant on Coast Highway, as well as Leo Carrillo State Park, which covers over 7,000 acres of the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains. Getting to Malibu is easy and takes just an hour’s drive from Los Angeles.

Santa Barbara, Day Trip or Weekend Getaway

Santa Barbara is a beautiful coastal city about 90 miles north of Los Angeles. It’s an excellent destination for a day trip. Still, you should start your day early as there are numerous activities to enjoy. If you’re visiting Santa Barbara for the first time, Stearns Wharf is an excellent place to start. This historic pier offers various options, including restaurants, museums, and charter boats. You can also enjoy breathtaking views of Santa Barbara and the surrounding mountains. We highly recommend adding the Santa Barbara Zoo to your itinerary if you travel with children.

Catalina Island: Adventure Is Just An Hour Away

Catalina Island is a hidden gem 26 miles off the Southern California coast, southwest of Los Angeles. The island offers a variety of activities for every type of traveler. If you are visiting for a day trip, start with a scenic city tour to get a sense of the place. You can stroll along the palm-lined streets and shop for unique island souvenirs. One must-see attraction is the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden.

Palm Springs Hot Springs, Sightseeing, and Shopping

Palm Springs offers a range of attractions, including hot springs, golf courses, and shopping opportunities. The area is filled with unique interests, and you may find that more than one day is needed to enjoy them all. Some popular spots include the Palm Springs Tramway, Desert Hot Springs located nearby, Palm Canyon Drive downtown, and Tahquitz Canyon, another excellent place to explore.

Laguna Beach Art Galleries, Coves and Beaches

Laguna Beach has much to offer if you’re looking for a delightful and artistic experience. You’re sure to have a wonderful time with various art galleries showcasing impressive collections and stunning views of the coves and beaches. Just about any time of the year, there is an art festival, including the Sawdust Art Festival and the Pagent of Masters.

Temecula Valley Experience SoCal Wine Tasting

Temecula Valley is a renowned wine-tasting destination in Southern California, with nearly 40 wineries along Rancho California and De Portola Roads. The region benefits from cool coastal breezes from the Pacific Ocean in nearby San Diego, creating the perfect climate for outdoor activities and grape cultivation. Due to its ideal weather conditions, Temecula Valley has quickly become the southern California equivalent of Napa Valley.

San Clemente Spanish Village by the Sea

San Clemente is a town located in Southern Orange County. It is the last town before entering the wide-open space of Camp Pendleton. Once a quiet beach town populated by Pendleton surfers and marines, it has become a popular beach destination. Unlike other popular beach destinations, no high-rise hotels are on the coast. However, there are plenty of places to stay for a weekend getaway. Several hotels are within walking distance of the beachfront train station. Thus, it is possible to enjoy a day trip to San Clemente without needing a car.

Descanso Gardens Year-round Natural Beauty

Descanso Gardens Botanical Garden is in the La Canada neighborhood of Los Angeles County, California. This 150-acre garden is a year-round sanctuary for city dwellers, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of nature through its internationally renowned botanical collection and seasonal horticultural displays. While most visitors prefer self-guided walks to explore the garden, guided tram tours are also available for a small fee. Additionally, children can enjoy a miniature train that runs on most weekends.

Vasquez Rocks Spectacular Rock Formations

If you enjoy movies and TV shows, Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is the ideal destination for a day trip. Many travelers who drive along the 14 freeway pass by this place without realizing its historical significance and natural beauty, which is just a quick exit away. Vasquez Rocks has always been a famous filming location for Hollywood studios because of its proximity to Los Angeles. The drive to Vasquez Rocks takes about two hours from downtown Los Angeles.

Lake Arrowhead, the Alps of Southern California

Lake Arrowhead offers a wide range of opportunities for outdoor adventures or a peaceful getaway to unwind from daily stress. Although the 782-acre lake is considered private property for the surrounding communities, there are several ways for visitors to enjoy the area’s wonders. Lake Arrowhead is a refreshing escape from Southern California’s typical climate and lifestyle. Popular attractions in the area include Green Valley Lake and Big Bear Lake, Southern California’s largest recreation lake, which draws outdoor enthusiasts from all over.

Southern California Hidden Gems