Tourists worldwide travel to Los Angeles in hopes of spotting celebrities, posing in front of the Hollywood sign, or sunbathing at Santa Monica Beach. Neighborhoods like Sunset Boulevard and attractions like Universal Studios are just some of the reasons why LA attracts 50 million visitors each year.
Yet, there’s much more to this part of the country than just LA. There are countless stunning and unique towns just a short drive away. So pack up your bags, fill your car or RV with gas, and hit the road. Here are the ten best day trips from Los Angeles.
#10: Santa Barbara
Approximately 2 hours north of LA
The Can’t-Miss Attractions in Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara Mission
- Stearns Wharf
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Just a two-hour drive up the coast, Santa Barbara is a charming blend of Spanish architecture, beautiful beaches, and vineyards. Many of the buildings here feature red-tile roofs, courtyards, and white stucco walls, reflecting the city’s rich Spanish heritage.
Visitors can explore historic sites such as the Santa Barbara Mission, founded in 1786, or the Presidio of Santa Barbara, a Spanish military fortress dating back to 1782.
Ready to shop until you drop? Explore State Street, lined with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
If you’re a wine lover, you’re in luck. There are plenty of wineries and tasting rooms in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley. For some quality time outdoors, check out the trails in the Santa Ynez Mountains or go kayaking or surfing.
#9: Joshua Tree National Park
Approximately 2.5 hours east of LA
Can’t-Miss Attractions in Joshua Tree National Park
- Cholla Cactus Garden
- Keys View
- Barker Dam
For a change of scenery, head east into the desert. Here, you’ll find Joshua Tree National Park, just two hours outside LA. This park is dotted with unique rock formations, rugged mountains, desert plants, and Joshua trees, of course.
Go camping here and spend a night beneath the stars. The lack of light pollution makes this area amazing for stargazing. During the day, you can explore the surrounding trails, such as the Ryan Mountain Trail or the Hidden Valley Trail. For some extra adrenaline, try rock climbing in the park.
#8: Laguna Beach
Approximately an hour south of LA
Can’t-Miss Attractions in Laguna Beach
- Crystal Cove State Park
- Heisler Park
- Laguna Art Museum
Head an hour south of LA, and you’ll reach Laguna Beach. This coastal town is known for its pristine coves, art galleries, and upscale shops. Spend the day exploring the tide pools at Crystal Cove State Park, sunbathe at the famous Main Beach, or picnic at Crescent Bay Point Park.
Laguna Beach is also known for its vibrant art scene. Explore the town’s art district, where art galleries and museums showcase work by local artists. The monthly Art Beach Walk is a great way to meet some of the artists and buy art directly from them.
For those seeking adventure, Laguna Beach offers opportunities for surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. If hiking is more your style, explore the trails in Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park.
#7: San Diego
Approximately 2 hours south of LA
Can’t-Miss Attraction in San Diego
- San Diego Zoo
- Balboa Park
- USS Midway Museum
Travel even farther south, and you’ll reach sunny San Diego. The second largest city in California, San Diego is a coastal paradise with a little bit of everything. There’s a bustling downtown area with a historic district, called the Gaslamp Quarter, where you’ll find Victorian architecture, lively nightlife, and lots of dining options.
To enjoy the beach, explore Windansea Beach or La Jolla. Make a day out of it by grabbing a coffee in downtown La Jolla and then heading to La Jolla Cove to spot some seals.
Pacific Beach is another spot you can add to your itinerary. Its natural beauty and laid-back vibe make it well worth the trip.
Other popular tourist spots in San Diego include Balboa Park, one of the largest urban cultural parks in the US, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Take photos outside the iconic (and supposedly haunted) Hotel del Coronado and eat Mexican food in San Diego’s Old Town.
#6: Palm Springs
Approximately 2 hours east of LA
Can’t-Miss Attractions in Palm Springs
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
- Indian Canyons
- Palm Springs Art Museum
Palm Springs is a desert oasis that attracts vacationers from across California (and the country). Stay at one of the many luxurious resorts here, known for their hot springs and outdoor recreation. Popular options include Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel and Palm Canyon Resort
The downtown area in Palm Springs features colorful mid-century modern architecture. Here, you can explore the vintage clothing shops, art galleries, cafes, and locally-owned restaurants that make up the area.
Like most destinations in Southern California, Palm Springs offers some amazing recreational activities. You can hike in the San Jacinto Mountains, accessible via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. You can even enjoy beautiful views of the Coachella Valley along the way.
#5: Catalina Island
Accessible by a 1-hour ferry ride from the LA coast
Can’t-Miss Attractions in Catalina Island:
- Avalon Harbor
- Descanso Beach Club
- Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden
Need an island escape? Catalina Island is just a short ferry ride from the LA coast, yet it feels like a world away. The island is characterized by its rugged terrain, beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean, and crystal clear water.
Avalon is a charming town with waterfront restaurants, boutique shops, and historic landmarks like the Catalina Casino. There are also plenty of hotels to choose from, such as The Avalon Hotel and Hotel Metropole.
Head to Lover’s Cove for an afternoon of snorkeling or kayaking. There are also countless hikes in the island’s interior, or you can take a horseback riding tour along the island’s coastline. For a unique experience, book a glass-bottom boat tour to observe the abundant marine life that inhabits the waters surrounding Catalina Island.
#4: Solvang
Approximately 2.5 hours northwest of LA
Can’t-Miss Attractions in Solvang
- Mission Santa Inés
- Elverhøj Museum of History & Art
- Hans Christian Andersen Museum
Step into a slice of Denmark with a visit to Solvang, a Danish village in the Santa Ynez Valley. Founded by Danish immigrants in 1911, Solvang showcases its heritage with windmills, half-timbered houses, and Danish-style architecture. The town also hosts Danish festivals, such as Solvang Danish Days, hosted in September.
Don’t miss the opportunity to sample authentic Danish pastries like aebleskiver and kringles, available at the local bakeries. There are also plenty of opportunities for wine tasting in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts can also rent bicycles and explore the scenic countryside surrounding Solvang.
#3: Santa Monica
Technically is part of LA, but stands as its own distinct area on the coast
Can’t-Miss Attractions in Santa Monica
- Santa Monica Pier
- Third Street Promenade
- Santa Monica State Beach
While technically part of the LA area, Santa Monica offers a distinct coastal feel. Visit the historic Santa Monica Pier, home to an amusement park, aquarium, and iconic Ferris wheel. There are plenty of places to grab a snack or drink on the pier, where you can also enjoy panoramic ocean views.
Take a walk along the promenade or on Santa Monica State Beach. You can also rent bikes and cruise up and down the beach path. Shopping and dining opportunities are available on Third Street Promenade, a pedestrian-only shopping district.
#2: Ojai
Approximately 1.5 hours northwest of LA
Can’t-Miss Attractions in Ojai
- Meditation Mount
- Ojai Valley Museum
- Libbey Park
Located 80 miles northwest of LA, Ojai is a small city known for its breathtaking scenery. It’s located in a valley of the Topatopa Mountains and is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails. The best trails are in the Los Padres National Forest, which is also home to hot springs and waterfalls. Bring your camping gear for a full immersion and spend a few nights in the forest.
Ojai’s downtown area boasts art galleries, boutique shops, and a farmers’ market, where you can find locally made crafts, artisanal foods, and fresh produce. You can also relax at a local spa or attend a yoga class in one of Ojai’s many studios.
#1: Ventura
Approximately 1 hour northwest of LA
Can’t-Miss Attractions in Ventura
- Ventura Harbor Village
- Ventura Pier
- Channel Islands National Park
Discover Ventura’s laid-back charm. The coastal city is known for its beaches and charming downtown area, complete with Spanish colonial architecture and vibrant street art. There are also boutiques, cafes, and art galleries.
Stroll along the promenade at Ventura Harbor Village, where you can watch fishing boats come and go, browse shops selling nautical gifts and souvenirs, or enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants.
Planning a beach day? Head to Surfer’s Point at Ventura County Fairgrounds to go surfing, or visit Emma Wood State Beach for a quieter beach experience. Harbor Cove Beach is great for families and sunbathing.
Need More Ideas for Day Trips?
Although these destinations didn’t make our list of top 10, here are a couple of other places to visit that are only a short drive from Los Angeles.
- Newport Beach: Approximately 1 hour south of LA
- Big Bear: Approximately 2 hours east of LA
- Disney California Adventure Park: Approximately 30 minutes southeast of LA
Tips for a SoCal Roadtrip
Southern California is best experienced on a road trip. With a car, you can start your day at the beach, have lunch in the desert, and fall asleep under the stars atop a mountain. There are just a couple of things you’ll want to remember when road-tripping in SoCal. Here are some tips:
- Plan your route ahead of time: Southern California’s highways can get congested, especially during peak travel times. Research alternate routes and check for any road closures or construction before hitting the road.
- Pack plenty of water and snacks before exploring the desert: While there are plenty of amenities along the way, it’s always a good idea to have water and snacks on hand, especially if you’re heading into more remote areas like Joshua Tree National Park or the Santa Ynez Valley.
- Consider traffic patterns: If possible, avoid driving during rush hour, particularly in major cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. Plan your day trips to avoid getting stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
- Check for parking restrictions: Many popular destinations in Southern California, especially beach towns like Laguna Beach and Santa Monica, have limited parking availability. Check for parking restrictions and consider using public transportation or rideshare services when possible.
- RV considerations: If you’re planning to stay in an RV during your trip, you’ll need to keep different considerations in mind. Specifically, you’ll need to think about storage if you plan on buying the vehicle. It is not recommended to park an RV in a driveway, so you may need to rent a self-storage unit or keep your RV in a space rented out through a self-storage marketplace, like Neighbor.
Here are some other links you may find helpful:
- 10 Best Summer Cars for Every Budget
- Keeping Your Car Cool in Summer: 10 Expert Tips
- The Best RV Road Trip Routes: RVing Across America
- Exploring The Best Side Hustles in Los Angeles (LA), CA
- Moving to Los Angeles: Everything You Need to Know
Before You Head Out
If this guide doesn’t have you “California dreaming,” we don’t know what will. Before you embark on your adventure, note that although SoCal is known for year-round sun, temperatures do vary throughout the year.
The Pacific Ocean is quite cold in the fall and winter, so if you want a beach vacation, summer and spring are the best time to travel. Inland destinations like Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs, and Ojai experience hotter temperatures, so fall is a more comfortable time of year here.
