Los Angeles is an extremely attractive city. But beyond those gorgeous beaches and Hollywood glamor, Southern California offers even more beautiful islands, desert landscapes, serene coastlines, and wineries. Luckily, there are countless day trips from Los Angeles for adventurous souls who want to escape from the city and trailblaze new experiences within driving distance.
These Los Angeles day trips are perfect to plan if you cannot manage a full weekend vacation. Most of them can be reached by car, within less than 3 hours.
For lush winery grounds in Temecula and chasing stunning sunsets on the beaches of Malibu, these one-day tours are beyond the norm. Whether you have preplanned a day trip with friends or family or want to welcome a little spontaneity in life and do something exciting, these are the best day trips from LA – exactly what you need for a little break from routine.
The Best Day Trips From Los Angeles For A Quick Getaway
Balboa Island
The best day trip from Los Angeles for: Chocolate covered frozen bananas, pristine beaches, and exciting outdoor activities.
Ferry time from Los Angeles: 5 minutes
Balboa Island was shaped into the attractive tourist destination it is today by the hands of W.S. Collins in 1899, who dredged up the surrounding silt to create a raised sandbar.
Today, you can either drive to the beautiful man made island via Marine Avenue or begin one of the most scenic day trips from LA by taking The Balboa Island ferry.
Dedicate the morning to exploring the souvenir shops and the famous frozen banana stands, then head to the vintage Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society cottage. Then, rent a Duffy electric boat with friends and family in the afternoon before soaking up the sun on the public beaches.
Stroll along the Blue Pier and end the day with a romantic evening dinner at one of the Balboa Island restaurants.
Joshua Tree
The best day trip from Los Angeles for: A serene desert scenery with the best hiking trails
Driving time from Los Angeles: 2 hours 30 minutes
If you think of a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park, your thoughts will skip straight to the Skull Rock Trail, Arch Rock, and the scenic drives among wildlife and boulders to get there.
The drive from L.A. to Joshua Tree is approximately 2 and a half hours long. We highly recommend setting out early to avoid the city’s traffic and make it back to L.A by the end of the day.
This rugged area with surreal desert landscapes is a twisted and brilliant wonder of nature, making it one of the best day trips from LA. As soon as your car arrives at Keys View, you can overlook the San Bernardino Mountains and Coachella Valley. Open year-round, the park offers opportunities to spot sharp-shinned hawks and western tanagers, go rock climbing on single-pitch trad routes, or stretch your legs up the Barker Dam Nature Trail or the Discovery Trail.
Don’t forget to make a stop at the impressive Cholla Cactus Garden Loop to photograph the impressive succulents covering the landscape left and right.
Temecula
The best day trip from Los Angeles for: A day spent among rolling hills, vineyards, and hot air balloons
Driving time from Los Angeles: 1 hour 30 minutes
The picturesque wineries and championship golf courses of Temecula make you feel as if you have stepped into another world. There are few other day trips from Los Angeles as serene as the one made to Temecula.
It’s easy to fall in love with the Wilson Creek tasting grounds, the lush winery expansive grounds, pedestrian-friendly old-town vibes, and farm-fresh dining options. In a town dating back to the 1800s, the buildings are repurposed as hotels, museums, restaurants, and retail shops, from where you can purchase your very own made-in-Temecula products.
And for a fittingly historical stay, take the reins of a horse, ride on a hot air balloon, cozy by the spas or play golf at the 27-hole golf course.
Oak Glen
The best day trip from Los Angeles for: Living the farming lifestyle and enjoying comfort food.
Driving time from Los Angeles: 1 hour 30 minutes
If you are a type that pre plans all of their vacations, Oak Glen is one of the best day trips from LA that you can check out both in Autumn and Spring.
Autumn might be a jam-packed festive season due to its apple and berry picking activities, but spring also showcases beautiful scenery, with blossoms flaunting on dormant apple trees and grass covering the hillsides.
Start off with a juicy pie from Apple Annie’s Bakery and then drive towards Oak Tree Mountain, where family-friendly entertainment welcomes you with a petting zoo, food stalls, and goat milking-like farming activities.
Your lunch cravings will lead you to Wilshire’s Apple Shed for a wood-fired sourdough pizza. After that, you can officially start your incredible activities, such as tomahawk throwing, blacksmithing, archery, and candle dipping.
When you have breathed in enough country air, shake off the burnout with a steak, whiskey concoction, or handcrafted cocktail before making your way back to L.A.
Malibu
The best day trip from Los Angeles for: Pristine beaches, scenic sunsets, hiking activities, and fresh seafood
Driving time from Los Angeles: Between 30 to 40 minutes
Malibu, a stunning beach city against the Santa Monica Mountains region, is one of the shortest Los Angeles day trips. After hopping out of your car, first, fuel your bodies with a quick breakfast from Malibu Farm Restaurant at the Pier or the Alfred Coffee.
Then, enjoy picture-perfect views of the Surfrider beach from the Adamson House’s backyard before continuing on the serene Point Dume Cove Trail. Don’t miss out on the fresh seafood from Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market, and when you have refueled with a hearty breakfast, stretch out on Zuma Beach.
Drive 10 minutes further until you reach El Matador Beach. Witness the stunning sunsets before you go back for another hike and then make your way towards L.A. once again.
San Diego Zoo
The best day trip from Los Angeles for: Close experience with wild cats and giant pandas and spend a day in an impressive botanical garden.
Driving time from Los Angeles: 1 hour 51 minutes
Between the guided bus tours, aerial trams, and animals in action, the zoo has a fresh spirit that isn’t only a kids’ favorite, but adults can also soak in the one-of-a-kind experience.
A San Diego day trip from Los Angeles is a thriving adventure with an extraordinary botanical garden, self-guided tours, and the ever-popular cageless encounter with wild animals up close. However, don’t stuff your day’s itinerary with lots of activities; rather, stick to a few activities to cover everything in one go.
That is why, if you can, plan an overnight stay at the quirky camps. Our favorite is the Discovery Cart Tour, a guided 60-minute tour documenting the conservation work and critters in the zoo, giving you a chance to capture some amazing shots up close with nature.
Catalina Island
The best day trip from Los Angeles for: Scenic strolls, luxurious dining, and upscale waterfront activities
Ferry time from Los Angeles: An hour, maximum
With its elegant dive sites, luxurious fine dining options, outdoor adventures, and the highest peak of Mount Orizaba, Catalina Island has long been a relaxation outlet for Angelenos looking to clear their minds.
A day trip from Los Angeles to Catalina Island is best enjoyed during summer, but if time (and L.A.’s traffic) is not in your favor, consider making a trip during fall when the tourists take it easy on the ferry and establishments.
The Catalina Express ferry is our favorite option to transport ourselves to the island, and it takes only about an hour before you step onto the trendy island. Your day’s itinerary depends on how active you are planning to be. Ideally, you should rent a golf cart, drive around the scenic viewpoints, and then walk a little around downtown.
Grab lunch and then hit up the upscale beach clubs for a cocktail before you make way for afternoon activities like parasailing, glass-bottom boat tours, scuba diving, or sunset ziplining.
Idyllwild
The best day trip from Los Angeles for: A quick and simple day trip from L.A bathed in pristine natural beauty and an old-world charm
Driving time from Los Angeles: 2 to 3 hours
Idyllwild will woo you with its small-town charm and mountain resorts, but not the winding mountain roads and funky/new age vibe of restaurants have already made an impression on you during the drive.
The drive from Los Angeles to Idyllwild isn’t a short one. We are looking at a 2 to 3-hour road trip, but the roads are far more scenic than the destination, so there is little to complain about. You’ll take your vehicle through valleys and urban jungles and climb mountains before you finally arrive in the peaceful town, where you can stop by some shops or take a tour of the local museums.
Even if the temperatures are soaring, the trees provide a nice shade, with chirping birds an added bonus. Head down the highway to swoon over views of the valley and mountains until you come across Lake Fulmor, a beautiful lake perfect for spending a quaint afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Big Bear
The best day trip from Los Angeles for: Year round outdoor activities surrounded by pine-scented landscapes
Driving time from Los Angeles: Nearly two hours
Big Bear, with its gorgeous vistas, hiking trails, and snowboarding activities, is a great destination for both shiny-eyed visitors and those looking for fresh air away from L.A.’s weary roads.
The day trip drive from L.A. to Big Bear is a 2 to 3-hour journey, with many scenic spots along the way. Chino Hills State Park is where you need to make your first stop, where wildflowers bloom towards springtime, and rolling foothills make for a memorable picnic.
Rancho Cucamonga is also a great place for snacking on Duck Donuts and watching high-speed action by Orange Show Speedway. Or you can take a detour instead and investigate what makes the California Citrus State Park and March Field Air Museum so charming.
Don’t forget to check out the quaint Lake Arrowhead community to admire native flora and old Hollywood before you taste some ciders and wines at the Sycamore Ranch Vineyard & Winery.
Coronado Island
The best day trip from Los Angeles for: Beachside escape and an idyllic setting to shake off the urban stress and worries
Driving time from Los Angeles: 2 hours 20 minutes
This delightful resort city in San Diego County isn’t a secret, as it is one of the best day trips from LA to escape the city for a hit of Vitamin D. The beachside vibes are exceptional, but after you roll up your beach mats, don’t forget to head over to the historic Del Coronado hotel, and try some of the delicacies from the local fare.
The rich history and stunning location of the island are worth visiting for delicious sunset views. Part of the reason why we love this day trip is its walkable nature, as we can reach all the attractions on foot. As a bonus, all of them lie close to the water, so there is an aura of tranquility wherever you go.
What you do on Coronado Island is purely subjective, but we highly recommend checking out the popular attractions – Centennial Park, Tidelands Park, and scenic waterfront dining destinations.
