Finding the best day trips from Los Angeles depends on what you want to experience. From beautiful beaches and charming California towns to desert landscapes and mountain escapes, these are my favorite destinations for experiencing the many different sides of California within a day of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is a great base for exploring Southern California beyond the city. Pack your walking shoes, get in the car, and join me as we explore some of my favorite day trips from Los Angeles, from beautiful beaches and charming towns to desert landscapes and mountain escapes.
1. Santa Barbara
Spanish-style architecture on the streets of Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara is the quintessential California beach city and one of my favorite day trips from Los Angeles.
See my photos from Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is my favorite day trip from Los Angeles. With beautiful beaches nestled between the mountains and the ocean, Santa Barbara is the quintessential California beach city.
My favorite way to visit Santa Barbara is to start at the Old Santa Barbara Mission, stroll through its beautiful rose garden, and then work my way toward the beach. From the Mission, I usually stop at the Courthouse Tower, stroll along State Street, and finish at the pier. I love Santa Barbara, and it will always be number one on my list of day trips from Los Angeles. Follow my self-guided Santa Barbara walking tour for a detailed route designed to help you make the most of your time.
Best Day Trips from Santa Barbara
2. Solvang
People in Danish costumes on Solvang’s main pedestrian street
See my photos from Solvang
About 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara, Solvang is a charming Danish-style village with distinctive European architecture. The drive from Santa Barbara through the mountain pass is also one of the best California drives, taking you from the coast through the mountains to the wineries of Santa Ynez Valley.
Solvang is best explored on foot along its main streets, where you can browse the shops and sample Danish-inspired food. It offers a unique taste of Europe in the heart of California.
3. Laguna Beach
Beautiful view of Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach
See my photos from Laguna Beach
South of Los Angeles, Laguna Beach is a picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, dramatic coastline, and hidden coves. Like Santa Barbara, it combines a charming beach-town atmosphere with spectacular ocean views.
My favorite way to explore Laguna Beach is to start at Inspiration Point along the Pacific Coast Highway, just north of town, and then work my way south, stopping at scenic spots along the way.
4. Malibu
Cacti and blue water at Zuma Beach seen from Point Dume
See my photos from Malibu
Driving northwest from Los Angeles brings you to Malibu, a beautiful California beach town stretching 27 miles along the coastline. Malibu is home to many Hollywood stars and features prominently on my Pacific Coast Highway itinerary from Santa Barbara to Santa Monica.
Featured in many movies, Malibu has large beaches like Zuma as well as smaller, more secluded beaches like El Matador and Point Dume Cove.
We love visiting the picturesque Adamson House and stopping at Malibu Lagoon to watch the many birds.
5. Santa Monica
Santa Monica Beach viewed from the pier
See my photos from Santa Monica
Santa Monica is one of the most popular day trips from Los Angeles because of its beautiful beach, famous pier, and easy access from the city. A short drive west brings you to the world-famous Santa Monica Pier and Santa Monica State Beach.
Walking along the Santa Monica Pier, relaxing on the beach, strolling along Ocean Avenue, and shopping at the Third Street Promenade are some of the best things to do in Santa Monica.
6. Long Beach
The Queen Mary in Long Beach
Long Beach is a lively waterfront city just south of Los Angeles, with a beautiful beach, busy harbor, and plenty of attractions. The waterfront is especially enjoyable for walking, dining, and relaxing by the ocean.
The historic Queen Mary is one of Long Beach’s most recognizable attractions, while the Aquarium of the Pacific is a great place to explore marine life. Together with the waterfront and beach, they make Long Beach an easy and enjoyable day trip from Los Angeles.
7. Palm Springs
Driving through downtown Palm Springs
See my photos from Palm Springs
For a truly unique California experience, head east from Los Angeles to the desert city of Palm Springs. This desert oasis offers a completely different side of California, with sunny winter and spring days that are ideal for exploring the outdoors. Summers can be extremely hot, making the pool and air-conditioned spaces more appealing.
During spring, Palm Springs is one of our favorite day trips from Los Angeles. We love strolling through downtown, relaxing at restaurants with outdoor patios, and taking the tram up the San Jacinto Mountains for spectacular views of the desert. My family also enjoys hiking in nearby Indian Canyons along its palm-lined trails.
Best Things to See in Palm Springs
8. Beverly Hills
Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills
See my photos from Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is an independent city surrounded by Los Angeles, making it an easy place to visit. Home to many Hollywood stars, Beverly Hills is worth exploring by car, especially its beautiful neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, impressive mansions, and distinctive architecture.
We always take our friends for a leisurely walk along famous Rodeo Drive and a peek inside the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, where the movie Pretty Woman was filmed.
9. Pasadena
Relaxing in the beautiful gardens at the Huntington Library in Pasadena
See my photos from Huntington Library
The upscale city of Pasadena is located just a short drive north of Los Angeles, nestled below the San Gabriel Mountains. Famous for the annual Rose Parade and NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena also offers beautiful gardens, museums, and historic neighborhoods.
We always enjoy visiting the sprawling Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, where we can walk through beautiful rose gardens, explore the botanical gardens, and admire European art. The Norton Simon Museum is another Pasadena highlight, with an impressive collection of European art that includes works by Monet.
If you visit Pasadena in early January, the famous Rose Parade is an unforgettable experience, with elaborate floats, marching bands, and equestrian groups filling Colorado Boulevard.
10. Big Bear
Big Bear Lake with Snow Summit and Bear Mountain
See my photos from Big Bear
If you want a mountain escape, Big Bear is one of the best day trips from Los Angeles. The drive takes you through the San Bernardino Mountains and a series of beautiful mountain communities surrounding Lake Gregory, Lake Arrowhead, and Big Bear Lake.
After driving up Highway 18, stop at Lake Gregory for a stroll along the shaded path around the lake. Continue to Lake Arrowhead, where you can explore the small European-style shopping area and have lunch by the lake. Then follow the Rim of the World Highway to Big Bear. We love crossing the lake on the east side via Stanfield Cutoff and enjoying the walk along the lakeshore.
Winter transforms Big Bear into a popular Southern California ski destination, with skiing and snowboarding at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. Families can also enjoy some of the best snow play areas for small children in Southern California.
Plan Your Day Trips from Los Angeles
The most important factor when planning any day trips from Los Angeles is traffic. Being able to avoid the worst traffic (7-10am and 4-7pm) can make the difference between a beautiful day trip and a miserable one.
Secondly, knowing where to stay in Los Angeles is just as important to your enjoyment of the busy Los Angeles Area. Making sure your Los Angeles hotel will allow you to get out of the congested area easily goes a long way to your enjoyment.
