22 Day Trips from Los Angeles a Local Actually Recommends

Day trips from Los Angeles are one of the best parts of living here. After living in LA for 17+ years and exploring the surrounding areas, these are the day trips I actually take and recommend.

One of the great things about Southern California is how easy it is to change up the scenery. Drive an hour or two in any direction, and you’ll find something completely different: beaches, desert, mountains, or even wine country.

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Some of these spots are close enough that you can head out after breakfast and be home in time for dinner. Others may tempt you to stay the night—and that’s fine, too. I’ve taken these trips over the years with friends, family, or just for a change of pace.

Santa Barbara is one of our favorite coastal cities and an easy day trip we try to take at least once a year. The drive up the 101 is beautiful, especially once you start seeing the ocean.

We spent most of the day by the harbor on our most recent visit. We started with a walk along Stearns Wharf, explored the area, and had fish and chips from On the Alley—still one of the best harborfront spots to grab a casual meal. The views, fresh air, and relaxed pace made for a perfect day.

Top Foodie Pick: Love Spanish Tapas? You must make dinner reservations at Loquita.

Solvang, the Danish Capital of America, is one of those day trips that feels like stepping into another country. Whenever we have friends visiting from out of state, we bring them here for a fun break from the usual LA spots. The Danish-style buildings, windmills, and bakeries make it a great place to wander and snack on a baked good.

One of our must-dos? Getting aebleskivers at Solvang Restaurant. These round Danish pancakes, dusted with powdered sugar and served with raspberry jam, are worth the trip alone.

Every fall, we make our way to Oak Glen. It’s an easy drive from LA and feels like stepping into a completely different season—with colorful leaves, crisp mountain air, and apple everything. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and just enjoy the day.

We always stop at Mom’s Country Orchards to stock up on jams and fresh-baked goods. And we never skip the mini apple cider donuts from Snow-Line Orchard—they’re a must. The whole area has a festive energy in the fall, and it’s one of those traditions we look forward to each year.

Top Foodie Pick: Mini Cider Donuts at Snow-Line Orchards and pizza from Wilshire’s Apple Shed available throughout the year.

Ojai is one of those places that feels like an escape the moment you arrive. Surrounded by mountains and citrus groves, this small city in Ventura County is perfect for a relaxing day trip from LA.

We visited just before the holidays; it was exactly the peaceful day we needed. The drive alone—lined with citrus trees, wineries, and rolling hills—starts things off on the right note. One of the highlights was visiting a local olive farm, a favorite part of the day trip.

Top Foodie Pick: Crazy about pizza? Get in line early at Bocalli’s Pizza & Pasta—this local favorite gets busy fast.

Big Bear Lake, located in the San Bernardino Mountains, is where locals go when they want to see snow. But beyond winter, it’s a year-round escape with hiking, biking, and lake activities. A day trip here is worth it, especially with a little planning to time the weather and activities just right.

If you’re chasing fall colors, visit in October or November. For a snow-filled day trip, check the local weather reports—some years bring plenty of it. Spring and summer are all about hiking, fishing, and boating on the lake. The drive itself is part of the experience, with winding mountain roads and scenic overlooks along the way.

If you’re looking for a day trip that feels like a true getaway, Lake Arrowhead is a great pick. Tucked in the San Bernardino Mountains, this alpine-style lake town is often called the Alps of Southern California.

While the lake itself is private, you can still enjoy its beauty by taking a scenic drive around it or booking a Lake Arrowhead Queen Boat Tour to get out on the water. If you’re planning a weekend stay, renting a place with lake access is the way to go.

The town’s charming Lake Arrowhead Village has shops, restaurants, and a relaxed mountain-town vibe, making it a great spot to wander. A day trip is usually enough to take it all in, but an overnight stay can be a lovely, quiet retreat.

Temecula is best known as Southern California’s wine country, but there’s more to do than just wine tasting. Located in Riverside County, it’s a great day trip from LA or a relaxing weekend getaway if you want extra time to explore.

While wineries bring in plenty of visitors, we went with our nieces and had a fantastic time exploring Old Town Temecula, with its historic buildings, boutique shops, and great restaurants. The area also has family-friendly attractions, spas, casinos, and even hot air balloon rides—something we still have on our list!

If you’re making it a weekend trip, staying at a romantic resort or vineyard property can be a fun way to experience Temecula at a slower pace.

Long Beach is technically part of Los Angeles County, but if you live in the city of LA, you know that getting there—especially with traffic—can feel like a full day trip. It’s home to one of the largest ports in the U.S., The Queen Mary, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and a major cruise terminal for Carnival cruise ships.

We love taking day trips here, especially since it means stopping by our favorite Greek restaurant and exploring Naples Island, one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods. Long Beach also has great beaches, parks, and annual festivals, making it easy to visit multiple times a year and still find something new to do.

Top Foodie Pick: We love the lamb chops from George’s Greek Cafe.

One of the best reasons to visit Anaheim is Disneyland Park. We used to be regular season pass holders, making the trip once or twice a month, and it’s still one of the most fun day trips from LA.

Unlike Disney World in Florida, Disneyland can be fully enjoyed in a single day. But even if you don’t go into the park, Downtown Disney offers plenty to do, from live music and shopping to great dining. The Lego Store, Marceline’s Confectionary, and a nice sit-down dinner make for a fun Disney experience—without the price of admission.

Top Foodie Pick: For dinner reservations at Steakhouse 55 (outside the theme park) or Carthay Circle in California Adventure.

Huntington Beach, better known as Surf City USA, is one of the most popular beach destinations in Southern California. With 10 miles of coastline, a lively downtown, and a laid-back surf culture, it’s a great spot for a beach day.

The Huntington Beach Pier is perfect for a stroll, photos, or just watching the waves. Bike trails run along the coast, and if you’re bringing your pup, Huntington Dog Beach is one of the best places to let them play in the sand. We took our first dog here for a beach day with friends—she had the best time, and so did we.

We used to spend many weekend mornings in Newport Beach, getting there early before the crowds arrived. Sitting by the shore with the salty air and peaceful waves was our favorite way to start the day. The Balboa Peninsula was a great spot for a morning walk, enjoying the ocean breeze and watching the boats go by.

A short ferry ride from the peninsula takes you to Balboa Island, a charming spot with boutique shops, waterfront paths, and the famous frozen bananas. While we usually kept things low-key, there’s plenty to do in Newport Beach for a full day trip, from strolling Balboa Fun Zone to renting a Duffy boat and cruising the harbor.

Laguna Beach is just an hour from Los Angeles, but it always feels like a complete escape. This small coastal city has its own personality—artsy, a little quirky, and full of beautiful views.

Sometimes we’ll drive over after spending the morning in Newport Beach, but it’s also worth its own day trip. We love to walk around downtown, grab lunch, and then head to Heisler Park for some of the best ocean views in Orange County.

Laguna has a lot to offer, whether you’re into beaches, art, or just want a relaxed day by the coast. And if you’re up for a little exploring, Victoria Beach is home to the unexpected Pirate Tower, tucked against the cliffs like something out of a storybook.

Irvine is an excellent destination for a family-friendly day trip. When my nieces lived nearby, we often visited because there was always something to do.

The Irvine Spectrum Center is more than just an outdoor shopping mall—it’s a fun place to walk around, shop, and keep kids entertained with the Ferris wheel, kiddie train, and carousel. With plenty of restaurants, it’s an easy spot to spend part of the day.

Beyond the Spectrum, Irvine has great outdoor spaces and activities that make it a fun, well-rounded outing.

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La Jolla, a coastal town in San Diego, is worth the two-hour drive from Los Angeles. Known for its rugged coastline, stunning Pacific views, and sea lions, it’s a place we love for both weekend getaways and day trips.

We’ve driven down just for the day to see the sea lions, walk the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail, and wander through downtown La Jolla. If you’re looking for a mix of nature, scenic strolls, and laid-back coastal charm.

Top Foodie Pick: Have brunch at The Cottage for some stuffed French toast.

Palm Springs is one of the best desert getaways in Southern California. Known for its mid-century modern architecture, resort lifestyle, and hot weather, it’s a popular escape for Angelenos. While many stay for the weekend, a day trip is totally doable.

On your way to Palm Springs, Cabazon Dinosaurs make for a quick and quirky roadside stop. You’ll spot them from the freeway, and if you grew up watching Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, you might recognize them from the movie—yes, we’re that old. “Be sure and tell ’em Large Marge sent you.”

Once you reach Palm Springs, you’ll be greeted by fields of windmills—a sure sign you’ve arrived.

Top Foodie Pick: Date Shake at Hadley Fruit Orchard.

A day trip to Joshua Tree National Park is a great way to experience Southern California’s desert landscapes. Located about 135 miles east of Los Angeles, it’s an easy trip if you start early. The park is home to iconic Joshua trees, rugged rock formations, and two distinct desert ecosystems—the Mojave and Colorado Deserts.

One of the most popular areas is Jumbo Rocks, where you’ll find massive granite boulders perfect for scrambling and short hikes. The Skull Rock Trail (1.7-mile loop) takes you past a rock formation shaped like a skull. Another must-visit is Keys View, a scenic overlook with panoramic views of Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault—easily accessible by car.

Another must-see spot is Keys View, which offers panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault. This viewpoint is located at the top of a 5,185-foot peak and is accessible by car.

Just under an hour from Los Angeles, San Juan Capistrano is one of those day trips that has a little bit of everything—history, great food, antique shops, and even a petting zoo.

One of the highlights is Mission San Juan Capistrano, founded in 1776. The ruins of the Great Stone Church still stand today, surrounded by peaceful gardens that feel especially magical in the spring when the flowers bloom. We love spotting the lemon trees near the courtyard entrance—it’s always one of our favorite little details.

Don’t miss the Los Rios Historic District, the oldest residential neighborhood in California. With its cozy shops, cafés, and charm, it’s an easy place to spend a couple of hours.

Top Foodie Pick: There are plenty of great spots to eat in town, but we love grabbing lunch at Trevor on the Tracks and saving Ciao Pasta Trattoria for a cozy Italian dinner.

A little over an hour south of Los Angeles, Carlsbad is a charming coastal town in North San Diego County known for its laid-back vibe and family-friendly attractions.

We usually head down in the spring when The Flower Fields are in full bloom—it’s worth the trip to see the vibrant rows of color stretching across the hillside. Families with young kids also love spending the day at Legoland California, especially if you’re looking to turn it into a full-day outing.

In the Spring, we drive to Lancaster to catch the poppies in bloom at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. If conditions are right and there’s a super bloom, the fields come alive in vibrant orange and are worth seeing in person.

The reserve has several easy hiking trails, so bring comfy shoes and take your time soaking it all in. It’s one of those seasonal day trips that always feels special.

Bonus: Toward the end of the poppy season, Lancaster hosts a Poppy Festival with food, live entertainment, and local vendors—it’s a great way to turn your outing into a full day.

A day trip to Santa Catalina Island feels like a total escape from the city—without needing a passport. It’s one of California’s Channel Islands and the easiest to reach by ferry from several Southern California ports.

We recommend booking the earliest ferry out and the latest return so you can make the most of your time. While you won’t see it all in a day, you’ll still get a taste of what makes this island so special. It almost feels like you’ve arrived in a Mediterranean village—just off the coast of California.

While Pasadena is technically part of Los Angeles County and only about 20 minutes from Downtown LA (on a good day), it really is its own destination—and it’s worth exploring a day.

We’ve lived in Pasadena for 10+ years, and we’re still discovering new things to do, see, and eat. It’s an easy day trip with no long drive required, and you can even make it in time for brunch—which we highly recommend.

Most people start in Old Town Pasadena, where you can wander through shops and grab a matcha at Coffee + Plants, churros from Amara’s Cafe, or brunch at Russell’s. But there’s more to Pasadena than Old Town—gardens, museums, trails, and local spots that can easily fill your day.

Top Foodie Pick: Top Foodie Pick: There are plenty of fantastic places to eat in Pasadena—here’s a list of our favorite restaurants. For special occasions, we love dinner at Perle (reservations are recommended).

Monrovia is one of those under-the-radar cities in the San Gabriel Valley that’s worth a visit. Just a short drive from Pasadena, it’s known for Old Town Monrovia and its charming stretch along Myrtle Avenue—a tree-lined street with mountain views that gives total Mayberry USA vibes.

What makes Monrovia special are the community events held year-round. Foodie festivals, car shows, breakfast with Santa, and the weekly Friday Night Street Fair add to the local charm and keep families coming back throughout the year.

Top Foodie Pick: Head to The Diplomat for standout Mediterranean food and cocktails. Our go-to picks are the hummus appetizer and the lamb chops entrée.

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