Los Angeles with its beauty and allure is a city that captures the dreams of millions. The city is visited by millions of people every year. However, there are so many other places that lie beyond the city that deserve a trip as well. All of these places are great to do on a day trip from Los Angeles.
Whether you are a nature enthusiast, history buff, beach lover, or simply seeking a change of scenery you are going to love this list of day trips from Los Angeles.
Each place is just a stone’s throw away from the bustling city of Los Angeles. So, keep reading to discover these hidden gems that lie within a few hours of Los Angeles.
Pack your bags, fuel up your car, and prepare yourself for an exciting adventure beyond the city’s boundaries.
Best Day Trips from Los Angeles, CA
1. Palm Springs
- Distance from Los Angeles: 2 to 3 hours
As you leave the city behind and make your way to Palm Springs, the landscape will transform before your eyes. It will turn from buildings to a rolling California desert.
As you approach Palm Springs, you will be able to see the mid-century modern architecture that the town is known for. Palm Springs is one of the most popular day trips from Los Angeles.
You should start your day by strolling along Palm Canyon Drive, the heart and soul of Palm Springs. The shops, boutiques, and art galleries are full of awesome stuff waiting to be discovered.
When you get tired make your way to a resort pool for a couple of hours of sunbathing. Lounge by a sparkling pool, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees swaying gently in the breeze!
In the afternoon, you should board the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The sight is amazing as the tram goes up. You can see the vastness of the desert stretching out as far as the eye can see.
At Mountain Station at the top, there is a museum, a couple of restaurants, and lots of hikes to choose from. These are some of the prettiest hikes in California.
As the sun begins to set, make your way to a charming outdoor restaurant in the city. There are lots of really good restaurants like The Pink Cabana or Rooster and the Pig where you can get a great dinner.
Palm Springs is a great place to remind oneself of the beauty of slowing down and embracing the nostalgic charm that resides in old places.
2. South California Sunflower and Lavender Fields
- Distance from Los Angeles: 2 to 3 hours
One of the best things about being in California is that flower fields are abundant right on your doorstep. The best day trips from Los Angeles to do in June, July, and fall are to the flower fields of southern California valleys.
Some of the most beautiful sunflower fields and lavender fields can be found in the region around Los Angeles. Some of the cities even have their own lavender festivals that are very interesting.
The Ojai Lavender Festival is full of the most exciting stuff like lavender oil, lavender ice cream, and even lavender lemonade.
The Santa Barbara Lavender Festival is held every year to celebrate the heritage of growing lavender in California for hundreds of years!
Sunflower fields similarly are gorgeous in full bloom when entire fields turn yellow. People from Los Angeles flocked to these sunflower fields in California during that time.
The fields are the perfect state to capture some beautiful pictures and appreciate the super bloom that can rarely be found anywhere else in the US.
Fork and Plow farms near Los Angeles have both lavender and sunflower fields that are the best in the country. You can pick your own flowers and then go to the dinners they host once a month under the trees in the middle of the fields.
You can hear live music and spend the evening eating farm fresh food! It is the most magical day trip from Los Angeles.
3. Santa Monica Beach
- Distance from Los Angeles: 30 minutes to 1 hour
As you arrive at Santa Monica Beach, the vibrant energy of the place will envelop you. The iconic Santa Monica Pier with the huge Ferris wheel looks gorgeous in the sun.
The beach is beautiful with white powdery sand and surfers are ripping the waves everywhere. You can tan in the sun or you can take a surf lesson from one of the many schools on the beach.
There is also an amusement park right on the pier! The attractions at Pacific Park like the ferris wheel with a bird’s-eye view of the beach and the shimmering ocean beyond are a must to do.
As you reach the top of the wheel, you can see the coastline stretching all the way to Malibu and beyond. There are also lots of other games you can play at the park.
As the day turns into the evening, you will find yourself captivated by the beautiful sunsets that California is famous for.
Once the sun has set you can go to 3rd Street Promenade right behind the beach for some salsa dancing and to eat at some of the most famous restaurants in Los Angeles.
4. Joshua Tree National Park
- Distance from Los Angeles: 2 to 3 hours
- Timings: 24 hours a day
Start your day early, leaving behind the bustling city of Los Angeles, and head east towards Joshua Tree National Park. As you leave the urban landscape behind, the scenery will gradually transform into a desert landscape with rocks and sand..
Start the day by going on a hike in the Cholla Cactus Garden, which showcases many of the different cactuses in the region.
Then make your way to the park’s iconic rock formations, such as Skull Rock and Arch Rock. These natural wonders are visited by all people doing this day trip from Los Angeles.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness a breathtaking sunrise or sunset in Joshua Tree. The perfect place for sunset is Keys Viewpoint.
The viewpoint has a great view over Coachella Valley and it’s right next to the road so you can even sit in your car and watch the sunset.
Since the air is so clear at Joshua Tree you can see the entire Milky Way at night. It is the perfect spot for stargazing for those interested in this activity. The sky is so clear that you can also see satellites orbiting the Earth from here.
A day trip from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park is an escape from the urban noise and a chance to reconnect with nature.
5. Catalina Island
- Distance from Los Angeles: 2 to 3 hours
One of the most unique day trips from Los Angeles is to the island of Catalina off the coast of Long Beach. It is very easy to get to Catalina Island from the mainland. The ferry to the island takes 1 hour from the port in Long Beach to the port of Avalon on the island.
Tip: From Avalon, you could hop aboard the Nautilus, a semi-submarine that will take you to a marine sanctuary. It is an educational and entertaining experience.
The island is famous for diving amidst giant kelp forests where a variety of marine life including the Great White shark live. The underwater life here is beautiful and healthy which means you will get to see lots of different varieties of fish including sharks.
The city of Avalon will remind you of a European city with distinct architecture. The only way to get around is on golf carts.
You can rent a golf cart for 2 hours and go on your own or instead you can take a guided golf cart tour around the entire city. You can also get a super fast electric bike and do a loop in the mountains around the city.
Avalon has some great restaurants and shops lined up across the beach where the boats dock. Definitely try the ice cream at the eatery! The mini golf cart and museum on the main street are also two of the top attractions in the city.
If you are feeling adventurous you can go on a safari to the middle of the island to see bison or do a hike from Avalon to the city of Two Harbors on the other side of the island.
Catalina Island is one of the most magical day trips from Los Angeles and you will get to experience a side of California that you have never seen before.
6. Malibu
- Distance from Los Angeles: 1 to 2 hours
No one that comes to Los Angeles returns without going to Malibu. It’s the quickest day trip from Los Angeles.
Malibu also has some of the greatest surf beaches in California. If you want to see surfers doing crazy turns on waves and jumping high above the peaks then Malibu is where you need to go.
For some delicious food head over to the Malibu Pier which has some of the most sought-after restaurants in Los Angeles. The waiting times are very long if you don’t have reservations! The pier is very pretty to walk across and admire the beauty of the ocean.
To experience some great hiking you can go to Zuma Canyon Trailhead, do a loop around the Solstice Canyon Trail, or watch the falls at Escondido Falls Trail. There are some ocean hikes in Malibu Creek State Park that have a view of the entire coastline from the top of the mountains.
Finally, for sunset, you have to go to Zuma Beach, El Matador State Beach, or Point Dume to see the sun setting behind the ocean.
The entire coastline lights up with the most beautiful colors during sunset. Malibu truly is one of the most magical places to do a day trip from Los Angeles.
7. Lake Arrowhead
- Distance from Los Angeles: 2 to 3 hours
The charming old town of Lake Arrowhead is the place to be if you want to enjoy a white Christmas. Just a couple hours away from the sunny beaches of Los Angeles is the snow covered town of Lake Arrowhead.
When you decide to hit the snow covered slopes you can choose between ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, snow play, and snow tubing. The Snow Valley Mountain Resort is filled with people looking to take their skiing to the next level.
For a bit of Christmas charm visit the Skypark Santa’s Village with ice skating, snow-shoeing, snow play, rock climbing, archery, and more!
Kringle’s Coffee serves hot cocoa to thaw your hands once you are done exploring the village. It is exactly like a little European Christmas market!
To enjoy the lake, hop aboard the Arrowhead Queen which will take you on a 50 minute cruise on the lake. The lake is beautiful during the summer and winter as well.
You can also do a jeep tour and picnic or visit one of the ranches around Big Bear to see some species endemic to the forests of California only.
Lake Arrowhead is one of the most beautiful and only snowy day trips you could do from Los Angeles!
8. Huntington Beach
- Distance from Los Angeles: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Huntington Beach is a paradise for surfers. It has some of the best waves in South California. It is renowned for its world-class surf breaks, attracting surfers from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, you’ll find surf schools and rental shops along the beach to fulfill your water sports adventures.
Stretching for 3.5 miles, Huntington Beach has a wide sandy shoreline perfect for sunbathing and beach activities. They have fire pits on the beach where you can do barbecues. There is a cycling trail that goes all the way from the Santa Monica Beach to Long Beach
The iconic 1,850-foot-long Huntington Beach Pier provides breathtaking views of the coastline. You can take a stroll, go fishing, or watch surfers catching waves.
If you go further inland within Huntington Beach, you will find the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. It is a protected wetland area full of diverse wildlife. You can go hiking, bird-watching, or learn about coastal preservation.
Huntington Central Park is another beautiful park in the city. It is the largest city-owned park in Orange County. It has huge green spaces, picnic areas, sports fields, a scenic lake with paddle boat rentals, a dog park, and an equestrian center too!
Huntington Beach’s downtown area is another cool spot with lots of bars and shops. It’s the perfect place to spend an evening shopping and then bar hopping!
With its stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and thriving surf culture, Huntington Beach is an ideal destination for beach enthusiasts and those who want a relaxed and boozy day trip from Los Angeles.
9. Disneyland
- Distance from Los Angeles: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Timings: 8am to 10pm
Get ready for a magical adventure that will transport you to a world of enchantment and childhood joy. When you finally arrive, the sight of the grand entrance and the bustling Main Street, will instantly transport you to a bygone era of nostalgia and fairy tales.
Disneyland has lots of iconic rides and attractions for visitors of all ages – from babies to adults! You have the classic spinning teacups of the Mad Tea Party and the thrilling twists and turns of Space Mountain. Everywhere you turn, Disneyland is full of storytelling magic. Whether you’re exploring the enchanted worlds of Fantasyland, embarking on an adventure in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, or flying through the skies in Flight of Peter Pan, you’ll be part of the timeless stories that have captured the hearts of generations.
Amidst all the excitement, you should take a moment to eat at one of the delicious restaurants in the park. They have Mickey-shaped pretzels and churros for character-themed meals.
Finally, catch the parade at night. It is filled with colorful floats and lively characters. A spectacular fireworks display lights up the night sky at the end of the parade. A trip to Disneyland is one of the most magical day trips from Los Angeles.
10. Six Flags Magic Mountain
- Distance from Los Angeles: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Timings: 10:30am to 6pm
A thrilling day trip from Los Angeles awaits at Six Flags Magic Mountain, located approximately 35 miles away in Valencia. If you prefer public transportation, there are multiple metro links available that will take you to Six Flags Magic Mountain in about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, if you’re driving your car, the journey usually takes around 30 to 50 minutes.
Six Flags Magic Mountain is known for its exhilarating rides. You can do a 4D roller coaster with rotating seats and intense drops, a high-speed coaster with record-breaking loops and launch sections, and a ride with massive drops.
There’s also a smooth and relaxing ride for people who don’t have the stomach for crazy thrills. Six Flags Magic Mountain also has a fun and exciting water park so definitely pack your bikini.
When you get hungry, Six Flags Magic Mountain has numerous eateries to choose from. For example, burgers and fries, to sitting down in a cute restaurant for a proper meal or you can choose what you want to have.
To make the most of your time, you should check the park map and show schedules to optimize how to walk around the park and be able to go on all the rides.
The cheapest daily ticket is worth $65 and the Gold Pass is worth $100. There are also yearly passes you can buy if you go here multiple times a year. It’s the perfect day trip destination for those seeking excitement and fun.
Things to Remember on a Day Trip From Los Angeles
- Make sure you plan your schedule, including travel times, so you can take full advantage of the day. Always call ahead and ask for the timings for that day.
- Pack essential items for the trip, such as a water bottle, food, snacks, a hat, comfortable shoes and appropriate weather gear. Towels, swimsuits and changing clothes should be brought if you plan to visit a beach or water park.
- Find out about the weather forecast for Los Angeles and your destination. Pack carefully if you want to be ready for any weather situation, e.g. heat, cold, rain, or wind. Pre-check out for any obstacles like construction of roads, and peak traffic hours.
Conclusion
You now have a comprehensive guide to the top 10 day trips from Los Angeles. California has some of the most beautiful places on the planet and if you live in Los Angeles then you are in the perfect place to take advantage of these.
Relax and enjoy the experience, savoring each moment and creating lasting memories. And don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the little things that make these trips special!
—
This is a post by Guest Contributor Kanupriyaa
