Published: January 08, 2025
is a cultural powerhouse with endless activities for all types of travelers. From the cinematic Hollywood to world-class restaurants, high-end boutiques, the incredible coastline and surrounding mountains, LA truly has something for everyone to love.
Of course, sometimes you need to get away from the bustling city and enjoy something new. With so many options to choose from, it can often be tough finding the right destination for you during your vacation. To help ease your planning process, here are the 9 best day trips from Los Angeles that you can explore today.
Although one of the furthest destinations on this list for a day trip, Joshua Tree National Park is an incredible place to experience truly unique landscapes and fauna. Located at the cross between the Colorado and Mojave Deserts, Joshua Tree is famous for its namesake trees which are large, twisting and iconic desert plants that create an almost dreamlike landscape.
You’ll also find incredible walking trails along the rugged mountains, fresh springs, as well as an amazing night sky for stargazing throughout the year. If you don't wish to hike, you can also drive along most of the main attractions making it a great place for families of all ages to explore. With such an incredible landscape, Joshua Tree is one of the Los Angeles top places for day trips to check out today.
Ojai is a unique town just outside of LA that combines historical architecture, endless outdoor activities, plus a unique local culture of New Age wellness spas and natural treatments.
Spend the day enjoying indoor and outdoor spa treatments at hot springs or get active on exciting trails along the Topatopa mountain range. The downtown area is filled with exciting art galleries, boutique shops, plus incredible restaurants offering a variety of cuisines.
Nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear Lake is a scenic area with a thriving community and incredible outdoor offerings year-round. In the winter, hit the slopes and relax at the Bear Mountain Ski Resort among other world-class resorts.
Big Bear is also a wonderful place to enjoy warm summer weather and idyllic mountain views. In Big Bear Lake Village, you can enjoy great shopping and dining opportunities as well to make this a well-rounded day trip from Los Angeles.
San Diego is a vacation destination in its own right, but it can also be a fun, short getaway stop during your trip to Los Angeles. Explore the bustling downtown complete with gorgeous Mission and Victorian architecture. Then, head to the iconic Hotel del Coronado to relax on the beach near the famous building that was used in films like Some Like it Hot and The Stuntman.
With a thriving food scene including incredible seafood and Mexican cuisine, plus many outdoor attractions along with the acclaimed San Diego Zoo, San Diego is a great place to unwind and explore during your vacation.
With incredible architecture, gorgeous scenery and diverse activities in all seasons, Catalina Island is one of the best day trip locations from Los Angeles that you should visit today.
In Avalon, you can enjoy colorful and historical buildings spread throughout the hilly town. Walk around day or night and dive into the world-class restaurants, bars and boutique shops. If you wish to get more active, you can also enjoy wonderful hiking trails plus water activities like sailing, kayaking, diving and more.
Santa Barbara is a scenic coastal city that combines Spanish architecture and luxurious amenities with a college town atmosphere. In short, it’s an ideal stop for both tranquil getaways and exciting weekend opportunities.
Nestled along the Pacific Coast, you can enjoy gorgeous beaches and the adjacent historical downtown for a variety of meals, shops and endless exploration. Plus, there are a number of bike rentals along the coast and in town, making it a great place for a casual ride along the coast and throughout the city.
Located in Orange County, Laguna Beach is a charming beach town with endless activities throughout the year. Enjoy a beautiful mix of rugged coastline along with quaint white sand beaches. With great coastal bike paths and unforgettable views on every corner, this is a wonderful town to walk or ride a bike in any season.
Afterward, head downtown and enjoy a meal at a cozy café or one of the many trendy restaurants. This charming area is full of exciting art galleries and boutiques as well, making it a great place to stroll day or night. With a relaxing atmosphere and endless activities to enjoy, Laguna Beach makes for a great day trip spot from Los Angeles.
Oceanside is a cozy Californian beach town with gorgeous piers, white sand beaches and an old-school relaxed atmosphere. In town, visit the beautiful Mission San Luis Rey or head to the California Surf Museum to see exciting rotating exhibits on the sport with artifacts from the area and around the world.
If you’re inspired by the museum, you can rent a board nearby and try your hand at surfing for a fun and unique activity. Go whale watching on a private tour or simply lounge at Harbor Beach before exploring the shops at Oceanside Harbor for an unforgettable day.
Disneyland is a great Los Angeles day trip for families and visitors of all ages. The park is full of exciting rides and attractions along with unique themed areas and there are often special events throughout the year to make each visit unique. Around Halloween, check out “The Nightmare Before Christmas” themed overlay of the Haunted Mansion attraction and other updated rides. During the winter you can enjoy incredible Christmas decorations and parades.
The surrounding Anaheim area is home to a number of restaurants that you can enjoy after a day of exploring the park.
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