There are a plethora of options for day trips from Los Angeles. Many excellent California sites are accessible by car from this vibrant metropolis. From San Luis Obispo’s farms to the high deserts of Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, plus the San Diego beaches. Every taste can be satisfied with a day excursion from Los Angeles.
If you are new in town or need a good guide on the best places to visit from Los Angeles, the information below should prove helpful. It covers the best destinations for day trips from this vibrant city.
Coronado Island
Distance from Los Angeles: 2 to 3 hours
Coronado Island, a charming village with one of California’s oldest beach resorts, is located in San Diego Bay. The pedestrian island, which is a little over a mile long, is a delightful place to roam while perusing stores and dining at terraced restaurants.
Since 1888, the red-roofed Hotel del Coronado has extended Victorian hospitality to visitors. This prominent location, where Marilyn Monroe starred in the movie Some Like It Hot, is a must-see for movie and history buffs.
Santa Monica Mountains
Distance from Los Angeles: 45 minutes to 1 hour
This quick tour is just over an hour from downtown Los Angeles. It takes you into the wilderness without leaving Los Angeles County.
The Santa Monica Mountains, bordered by Malibu and posh Bel Air, is a terrific place to go when you are itching for a vacation yet strapped for gas money.
Topanga State Park and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Center have great hiking routes. These areas are awash in the color of wildflowers like scented mustard and fennel.
Long Beach
Distance from Los Angeles: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Intense Long Beach, which lies south of the busy shipyards in the Port of Los Angeles, is bustling with enjoyable family diversions.
At the Pacific Aquarium, you can explore the deep blue wonders up close and personal with the stunning creatures. Visitors who are feeling daring can reach into the water and run their hands over the skin of a passing shark in the Shark Lagoon.
Huntington Beach
Distance from Los Angeles: 45 min to 1 hour
Huntington Beach is a traditional beach town with a look that would make you believe that Norman Rockwell’s designs were the basis for the city’s development. This OC resort city, which adamantly lives up to the moniker “Surf City, USA,” boasts distinctive Pacific Ocean waves and a bustling Main Street.
Street fairs and sidewalk vendors abound throughout the summer, drawing large numbers to Huntington Beach for the national surf competitions. Locals’ preferred dining establishments are low-key surf diners and cantinas serving enormous margaritas.
The waves subside at Bolsa Chica State Beach, and the shallow water is warm and pleasant. This sandy beach is ideal for relaxing beneath an umbrella and spending time with the kids making sandcastles.
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Distance from Los Angeles: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Magic Mountain might meet your needs if rides are all you need from a park. A world record 19 of the 35 rides are roller coasters. With several coasters being the fastest, tallest, longest, or first of their class, you will enjoy record-breaking thrills in more than one way.
This day trip from Los Angeles gives some of the finest discounts on subsequent visits out of all the options. While Six Flags’ single-day ticket costs are comparable to those of nearby amusement parks, you can purchase an unlimited admittance summer pass for less than $100.
Ojai
Distance from Los Angeles: 1½ to 2 hours
A natural haven of light, Ojai, is a kind of raw tranquility that makes one feel at ease with nature and radiates from the earth. Hiking through this unique east-west valley introduces the early sunrise’s subtle colors. The rays pierce through the canopy’s gloomy oak trees.
The Pink Moment, a natural phenomenon that occurs around sunset, paints the Topa Mountains a vivid pink color.
This day’s end spectacle, cherished by painters and photographers, is the subject of numerous pieces exhibited in nearby art galleries. Browse these and more regional products in the stores and eateries along Highway 150, Ojai’s main road.
Legoland
Distance from Los Angeles: 1 to 2 hours
This imaginative theme park is a wonderful place to spend the day. Legoland is a fun adventure for everyone, whether searching for a family outing or a trip to satisfy your inner child. The attractions include rides, games, and chances to make your creations.
The Lego recreations of well-known locations are simultaneously cute and astonishingly detailed. For example, Lego Movie World, which opened in 2021, features three brand-new rides and character encounters.
Temecula
Distance from Los Angeles: 1½ to 2 hours
Temecula’s undulating hills provide a charming setting for a romantic day excursion from Los Angeles. To make the most of a wine-tasting vacation with your special someone, travel to vineyards by private sidecar or vintage trolley.
One of Temecula’s most well-known tourist attractions is hot air ballooning. These start early in the morning when it is cool outside, allowing you to create an aesthetically-appealing ambiance.
Joshua Tree
Distance from Los Angeles: 2 to 3 hours
In this high-desert haven’s untamed magnificence, let your mind wander. Joshua Tree is the perfect location for an inspirational journey, whether you are trying to connect with the outside world or yourself.
Joshua Tree National Park is a priceless haven for species, including gray foxes and endangered lizards. There are trails for hiking through cactus gardens and red rock boulders. On longer loops or trips to former mining sites, explore more of the surrounding area.
There are several strenuous walks and opportunities for rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park, which is ideal for the cooler temperatures. Make sure you pack water and sunscreen because the sun is very strong all year.
Conclusion
There is much to see and do in Los Angeles, but occasionally it is great to spend a day outside the city. A short drive will take you to several fantastic locations, such as stunning nature reserves, instructive museums, and some of the world’s top entertainment parks. Be sure to phone the restaurants and attractions to confirm the most updated operating hours.
