Are you looking for some ideas for day trips from LA?
Los Angeles is an awesome city, known for its glitz, glam, and culture. The star-studded city is oozing with things to do.
However, one of the best parts of Los Angeles is its proximity to a plethora of other awesome sites and attractions.
Whether you’re an outdoorsy person, love historic towns, or enjoy trying local wines, you’re guaranteed to find something around LA that is to your liking.
In this article, I’ll share the best day trips from Los Angeles and a few extra ideas for short trips from LA.
The Best Day Trips From Los Angeles
1. Santa Catalina Island
Santa Catalina Island is a perfect destination for a day trip from Los Angeles.
The island, generally referred to simply as Catalina Island, is located about 30 miles off the coast of Los Angeles.
A ferry takes you there in about one hour, and ferries leave from four places: San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and Dana Point.
The island is so close to LA yet it feels like a different world!
Catalina is a small island where people drive golf carts instead of cars and where life just feels a lot more laid-back.
Rent a golf cart to explore the island, relax on the beach, or take an underwater cruise.
But for a more detailed overview of things to see and do on the island, and how to get there, read this guide for a perfect Catalina Island day trip.
And if you decide to visit Catalina Island for more than just a day, these are the best hotels on Catalina Island.
2. Palm Springs
About a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, Palm Springs has long been a popular holiday destination for Californian locals and tourists.
Palm Springs is a city in the Sonoran Desert, known for its sunny climate, golf courses, hot springs, great hotels, and spas.
It’s the destination of the world-famous music festival, Coachella. And these days, it’s also home to many wealthy retirees who enjoy the beautiful weather and gorgeous landscapes.
One of the most beautiful places in California, Palm Springs is the perfect choice if you’d like to get out of the city for a little getaway.
While you’re there, you absolutely have to give the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway a try – you’ll travel about two miles and be able to enjoy incredible views of the landscapes below. The tramway station sits at 8,516 feet of elevation and has two restaurants in case you’d like to grab a bite to eat.
The area offers many beautiful hiking trails, biking trails, and opportunities for horseback riding. So if you’re into that sort of thing, it’s a great way to spend your day in Palm Springs.
Alternatively, spend some time on Palm Canyon Drive for great shopping and restaurants.
Or visit the Air Museum to learn more about the role pilots and American citizens played in winning World War II.
Tip: Looking for a great activity while in Palm Springs? Check out this Jeep tour taking you into the desert!
3. Wine Tasting in Los Alamos
If you’re a wine drinker, a day trip from Los Angeles to Los Alamos is something you absolutely have to add to your list.
Rated the healthiest community in the country, Los Alamos boasts a plethora of options when it comes to dining and keeping busy.
One of the best things to do in the area is to visit a few different wineries, learn more about wine-making in Los Alamos, and taste some delicious wines.
Some of the top wineries in the area are Bedford Winery, Casa Dumetz Wines, Fess Parker, and Zaca Mesa Winery. They all have something a little different to offer, and you’re sure to have a wonderful, relaxing day in the vineyards.
If wine isn’t quite your thing, Los Alamos also has a few really cool museums that are well worth visiting – such as the Los Alamos History Museum and Bradbury Science Museum.
The local tourism board has also created a self-guided Historical Walking Tour which is really interesting and offers a great way to see the area.
Los Alamos offers several beautiful scenic walks and rocky overlooks too if you’d like to view the area from nature’s perspective.
Tip: if you want to make this into a longer trip from LA, combine it with a visit to nearby Solvang and Santa Barbara. I describe both of these places a bit further down in this article.
Or, if you’re looking for a shorter day trip, Temecula is another town that’s popular for its wineries and is located a bit closer to LA. You can find more information about visiting Temecula here.
4. Apple Picking at Oak Glen
From September to November, apple picking at Oak Glen is one of the best things to do on a day trip from Los Angeles with the family.
It’s only about an hour and a half from LA and this is a great way to spend a day of fun in the sun!
Oak Glen is home to several different major apple orchards, all offering different experiences for visitors who are there to spend the day.
Boasting a five-mile loop of orchards, restaurants, ranches, and shops, Oak Glen has lots of variety.
If you have small children or just fancy a simple and wholesome day in the orchards, Willowbrook Apple Farm is a lovely choice. Wander around the orchards, choose your favorite apples, and pop them in your basket.
If you’re looking to do something a little extra, Willowbrook also offers a cider-making experience during which you can press your own cider and then enjoy the fruit of your labor afterward – well, not yours exactly, but it’s a fun activity!
Also Read: Things to Do in LA With Kids
5. Hiking at Lake Arrowhead
If hiking is something you’re into, then boy you’re in for a treat!
Set in this stunning natural landscape, you’ll find a range of brilliant hikes in and near Lake Arrowhead to explore.
Varying in length and levels of difficulty, Lake Arrowhead has something to offer everybody – whether you’re an experienced, endurance hiker or a family with little ones simply wanting to explore nature and breathe in some fresh air.
The terrain surrounding Lake Arrowhead is lush and diverse – you’ll be able to wander through forests, walk along the creeks, and stare out at the picturesque lake.
Some of the best hikes at Lake Arrowhead include Little Bear Creek, Arrowhead Pinnacles, and Heart Rock.
Lake Arrowhead is about an hour and 30 minutes from Los Angeles, so you won’t have to drive too far from the city to be able to enjoy some of the most scenic hiking trails in California.
Also Read: What to Bring on a Hike
6. Balboa Island
Balboa Island used to be little more than a mudflat surrounded by swamps.
Today, however, it’s a thriving little manmade, seaside town found in Newport Beach – a rather wealthy area, in fact.
Spending the day on Balboa Island is a great way to have a break from the busy Los Angeles hustle and bustle.
If you’d like to take it easy, spend the day wandering the streets and enjoying the cute little shops and restaurants.
Or, combine your day trip to Balboa Island with a whale-watching cruise, go for a ride on a Segway, or try out some water sports.
And do try one of the area’s most famous treats, frozen bananas.
7. San Juan Capistrano
A unique city in Orange County with a long, cultural history, San Juan Capistrano is a great place to visit as an easy day trip from Los Angeles.
The Mission of San Juan Capistrano is commonly referred to as the birthplace of Orange County. It was founded more than two hundred years ago as the 7th of a total of 21 missions statewide.
Today, its history is remembered, and it serves to embrace the diversity of California more generally. It celebrates its Spanish, Mexican, European, and Native American heritage.
The best way to fully experience the history of the city is by doing a self-guided walking tour of San Juan Capistrano.
On the walking tour you’ll visit the Mission, the historic district, and a few other interesting sites along the way. You’ll be able to stroll the streets and get a real feel for the area.
Or, if you’d rather go on a guided tour, the Historical Society offers tours every Saturday, or by appointment for groups.
Other things to do while in the city include visiting a few of the parks and possibly popping into a museum or two.
There are many restaurants too, and they’re a great testament to the area and its rich cultural heritage.
8. Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding at Big Bear Lake
A small city in the San Bernardino County of California, this is the ideal place to escape when you’re tired of busy streets and crowds.
Boasting absolutely picturesque landscapes, Big Bear Lake is surrounded by forest, and there really is no better place to go if you want a getaway full of nature and fresh air.
The city is about a 2-hour drive from LA, but it’s totally worth the trip.
Depending on your preference for water sports, one of the best things you can do is get out onto the lake and go kayaking or paddleboarding. They’re both loads of fun and offer a fair bit of exercise too, which is never a bad thing!
If you’re leaning towards the paddleboard, however, it’s always better to do this when there isn’t any wind and the water is calm. Of course, kayaking is also better in more relaxed weather, but it doesn’t need to be absolutely perfect to be able to pick up a paddle and hit the water.
You can rent kayaks and paddleboards at different places around Big Bear Lake. Don’t forget your hat and sunscreen – it gets nice and hot in summer!
In winter, Big Bear becomes a popular place to go skiing for the day.
And yes, if you plan a day trip to Big Bear Lake in winter, you could find yourself skiing the slopes in the morning while sipping on a cocktail by the beach back in LA in the evening.
And although day trips from LA to Big Bear are great, if you have more time Big Bear is great for a weekend trip as well.
9. Relax at Laguna Beach
A pretty coastal city in Orange County, Laguna Beach is the perfect place to go if you want to do absolutely nothing but sit on the beach, soak up the sun, and relax.
The beaches are great for sunbathing and swimming, and there are a few tidal pools around too if you’d like to do some exploring.
The town is home to some cute little museums, shops, and restaurants.
Take a slow wander up and down the streets and enjoy the beach vibes of this laid-back town.
If you’re keen to catch a wave or two, Aliso Beach Park is a popular surf spot among locals.
10. Enjoy Nature at Joshua Tree National Park
One of the United States’ most popular and beloved West Coast National Parks, Joshua Tree National Park is something quite extraordinary, located about two hours and 20 minutes from LA.
Boasting an almost mystical beauty and feel, the park is full of its world-famous Joshua trees and lots of other gorgeous natural wonders.
Take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park and select a hiking trail that will allow you to enjoy the views and marvel at the trees.
A few of the best hikes in the area are the Hidden Valley Nature Trail and the Barker Dam Nature Trail.
Other things to do, and places to visit in the park include Skull Rock, the Cholla Cactus Garden, and rock climbing at a few key spots.
Whether you feel like being active or simply visiting a few cool sites and having a picnic, you’re sure to love Joshua Tree!
11. Be a Tourist at Solvang
Solvang is an incredibly unusual little city, and its Danish heritage simply oozes from every direction.
It boasts quaint Danish architecture that is fascinating to see – walk the streets and do some window shopping at some of the colorful little shops.
Visit one of the local museums to learn more about Solvang and its Danish heritage. Or take a short tour of Solvang in the Solvang Trolley, a replica of a 1915 Danish trolley.
The area around Solvang has loads of incredible wineries, so you can do some wine tasting while you’re in the area.
And, if you can, visit Solvang in September so you can attend the annual Danish Heritage Festival.
12. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is nicknamed the American Riviera, with its Mediterranean climate and beautiful beaches.
The city is set between the Pacific Ocean and the vineyards on the slopes of Mount Ynez.
It’s a stunning, laid-back place to visit with plenty of entertainment.
Enjoy the beautiful beaches and stroll down lively State Street. Taste fresh seafood at Stearns Wharf, spend an evening at the oldest continuously run theater in California, or take a boat to Channel Island National Park.
But, for a more detailed itinerary, check out this article about things to do in Santa Barbara.
Other Short Trips From Los Angeles
In addition to the day trips listed above, I wanted to add some extra recommendations for short trips from LA.
But, because they are a bit further from LA, and because they have a lot to offer, I’d recommend making these into 2-day trips, or longer.
The links below will take you to articles sharing more information about these destinations:
- Fun Things to Do on a Short Trip to San Diego
- Visiting Death Valley National Park
- A Trip to South Lake Tahoe
- Planning the Perfect Trip to Redwood National Park
- The Best Things to Do in Santa Cruz
The Best Day Trips From LA – Conclusions
There you have it, a wide variety of great day trips from Los Angeles!
I hope it has given you a lot of inspiration for things to do around LA, whether to relax, to soak up some culture, or to enjoy some outdoor activities.
Enjoy this great part of California!
Also Read:
- Two Days in LA – The Must-Sees in Los Angeles
- Things to Do on a Family Day Out in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Off the Beaten Path – How to Experience LA Like a Local
- Unique Hotels in Southern California Worth Staying At
- What is California Known For?
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