What do you think of when you picture Southern California? Maybe its many sunny beaches. Or perhaps you think of Hollywood and envision movie stars and the Walk of Fame. Likely, a lot of what you picture is found in Los Angeles. 

But what about what’s outside of LA? You’ll still find many pristine beaches, but you’ll also find theme parks, incredible food and wine, preserved historic sites, and vibrant art scenes. 

You’ll also discover Denmark in California, which seems impossible until you set foot in what’s rightfully called “Little Denmark.” Plus, you’ll travel to places bursting with natural beauty, from snowcapped mountains home to the best skiing in Southern California to national parks known for incredible stargazing. 

Planning your next day trip out of LA? We’ve compiled a list of the best Los Angeles day trips, from charming small towns to celebrity-filled retreats. Choose your next destination from this list, and you’re bound to have an amazing time exploring Southern California!

The 15 Best Los Angeles Day Trips

1. Solvang

Visiting Solvang is like being transported across the world, making a visit to this charming village one of the best Los Angeles day trips. A little under three hours away by car, this unique town is known for its Danish history and whimsical architecture, which earned it the nickname “Little Denmark.”

Take a ride along the horse-drawn Solvang Trolley, or simply stroll down the main street to see bright and colorful facades, stunning windmills, and blooming flowers. Along the way, you’ll be met with wine-tasting rooms and quirky shops with artisan-crafted goods and one-of-a-kind treats. 

Stop by one of the many bakeries for some traditional Danish delights or fill up on chocolate from Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates. Start your day trip off with Danish pancakes from Paula’s Pancake House or traditional aebleskiver from Solvang Restaurant. And if you just can’t wait for the holiday season to start, visit Jule Hus, where it’s Christmas every day!

If you’re a history buff, you’ll find plenty of museums here to spend your day trip in. Learn about Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. Or step inside an 18th-century Denmark farmhouse to see a collection of art and artifacts that explore Solvang’s Danish roots at the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art.

2. Ojai

Ojai is a place to get in touch with your artistic and spiritual sides, making it one of the most unique day trips from LA. This scenic city is filled with residents that believe in taking care of their bodies, minds, and spirits, making Ojai a great place to go if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. 

Located just over an hour and a half away from LA by car, you can be at one with nature in the Los Padres National Forest, taste a beloved Ojai pixie tangerine from Friend’s Ranch, or view the famous “pink moment” at sunset from the tranquil Meditation Mount. Go wine tasting at The Ojai Vineyard, olive oil tasting at Ojai Olive Oil, or honey tasting at Heavenly Honey. Then, cook up a delicious meal with your new treats alongside some fresh produce from the Ojai Certified Farmers Market.

Check out the art galleries and collections at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts, or make your own art during a session at Firestick Pottery Studio. If you’re a book lover, you’ll find your happy place at Bart’s Books, the world’s largest outdoor bookstore!

3. Anaheim 

Over in Anaheim, you’ll find one of the most popular LA day trips. What could be better than the Happiest Place on Earth? When you visit Disneyland, you’re in for quite a magical day, and it’s only a half-hour drive away.

Disneyland Resort consists of two parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, as well as the shopping and dining district of Downtown Disney. Choose between spending a day in Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure, or grab yourself a ticket with the Park Hopper option to be able to enjoy both parks in one day.

Both parks have their own draws, but if you can only pick one park, there are a few things to consider before reserving your park day. Disneyland Park is the original Disney park. As such, it’s the park with the most Disney magic. Here is where you’ll find the original Sleeping Beauty Castle and fan-favorite attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Matterhorn Bobsleds. 

You’ll also be able to enjoy spectacular parades, fireworks, and other live shows, as well as meet beloved characters, including the Disney princesses. Disneyland Park is also where you’ll be able to become immersed in the Star Wars universe.

Disney California Adventure might be a better option for those who want to forgo the shows and squeeze in more time on the rides. This park has more rides and experiences built around Disney-owned intellectual property, like Marvel and Pixar, rather than nostalgic Disney-created attractions. 

Here is where you’ll find heart-racing rides like the Incredicoaster, themed after The Incredibles, and the Radiator Springs Racers, themed after Cars. You’ll also be able to meet characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and your favorite Pixar pals. 

4. Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park

For many families, their go-to Los Angeles day trip is a day at Disneyland, but there’s another park nearby that is only a half-hour’s drive away and shouldn’t be missed. Knott’s Berry Farm is one of the best theme park destinations in California, and it all started with its now iconic berry.

In the 1920s, the Knott family was able to make a name for themselves through their berries. But they really took off when they introduced a new berry created by Rudolph Boysen, though he struggled to cultivate them. When the Knott family began growing the new berries, they were an instant hit at their berry market and tea room. In honor of Boysen, they named the berry “boysenberry.” 

In time, what was known as Knott’s Berry Place turned into the theme park we know today as Knott’s Berry Farm. And one of the best times to visit this park is during its annual celebration of the berry that started it all, the Boysenberry Festival, a food and wine festival unlike any other. 

But no matter when you plan your visit, you’re in for a family-fun-filled time. Meet the residents of the Old West Ghost Town, celebrate summer every day on the Boardwalk, experience the vibrant attractions of the Fiesta Village, or hang out with the Peanuts gang at Camp Snoopy. During the summer, you can also cool down at Knott’s Soak City Waterpark. 

5. Malibu

Only slightly over a half hour of drive time away, Malibu offers one of the best LA day trips if you’re looking to spend a day by the water. Malibu often gets thought of as a place for the rich and famous, thanks to the stunning mansions overlooking the ocean. But instead of coming here to look for your favorite celebrities, spend the day enjoying the natural beauty of this seaside paradise.

Relax in the waves at Zuma Beach or marvel at the sunset behind the unique rock formations at El Matador State Beach. Alternately, you can go hiking through Malibu Creek State Park or head toward Escondido Falls to see one of the biggest waterfalls in Southern California.

Outside of the natural beauty of the area, you can also spend the day taking in beautiful sights created by those who once called the area home. Pay a visit to the historic Adamson House, the first Malibu beach home. Built in 1929, it’s known for its incredible frescos and huge number of handmade decorative ceramic tiles. 

After that, stop by the Getty Villa, which was originally built to house J. Paul Getty’s personal collection but was later converted into a museum housing all of his Mediterranean artifacts. The museum itself is designed to look like a Roman country home.

6. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, which is just over an hour and a half away from LA by car, is a cultural hub filled with preserved historic sites that celebrate the area’s influences. From the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, one of the most beautiful government buildings in the US, to El Presidio de Santa Barbara, the last of the four presidios built by the Spanish throughout California, there’s history everywhere you look in Santa Barbara. 

One of the best times to visit is in August, during what the locals call the “Fiesta.” Its official name is the Old Spanish Days Fiesta, and it celebrates the city’s heritage by honoring customs from the Chumash tribe, as well as Spanish, Mexican, and early American settlers.

But if you’re not looking to step back in time on your LA day trip, how about exploring the food and wine scene of this seaside getaway? The culinary world of Santa Barbara is so well-known there’s a whole festival dedicated to it in the summer. But if you’re visiting outside of the Santa Barbara Food + Wine Festival, you can enjoy it at your own pace through the area’s food tours and wine trails. 

7. Newport Beach

About an hour from Los Angeles is sunny Newport Beach, one of the most fun Los Angeles day trips, especially for families and those who want to spend their day in the sand and surf. There are beaches aplenty here, offering everything from perfect waves to unique tide pools. Newport Beach is also one of the best places in California to go whale watching.

If you’re visiting with little ones or are simply a kid at heart, you’ll want to head to the Balboa Peninsula to have a day of play at the Balboa Fun Zone. This quaint seaside amusement park offers the last arcade in Balboa Village, several kid-friendly rides, parasailing, and boat and jet ski rentals.

For a more relaxing time, hop on the Balboa Island Ferry and visit nearby Balboa Island. Rent yourself a bicycle and spend the day exploring the island’s scenic views and many amenities. Before you go, be sure to grab a Balboa Bar, a candy-rolled ice cream bar that’s an island staple, or a classic chocolate-dipped banana. 

8. Laguna Beach

Looking for a romantic getaway? Laguna Beach makes for one of the most ideal day trips from Los Angeles. Plus, it’s just about an hour away by car. There’s beauty everywhere you look in Laguna Beach, from the streets lined with murals to the pristine beaches.

If you’re looking to spend the day in the sand, you’ll find seven miles of coastline to explore here. Marvel at the wildlife from Crescent Bay, enjoy the secluded coves of Treasure Island Beach, or catch some waves at Rockpile Beach. Whether you want to simply relax by the water or go on scenic hikes with incredible views of the ocean, Crystal Cove State Park is the place to be. 

Other active activities to do in Laguna Beach include stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing, and skimboarding, which actually originated in Laguna Beach. Like Newport Beach, Laguna Beach is also another great spot to do some whale watching.

Laguna Beach is an art-filled town, so spend time enjoying the creations made by local and international artists. Explore the galleries, peruse the Laguna Beach Art Museum, or plan your day trip around local festivals, like the Laguna Art-A-Fair and the Sawdust Art Festival.

9. Joshua Tree National Park

Just a little over two hours away from Los Angeles is Joshua Tree National Park, a one-of-a-kind destination that’s one of the most incredible day trips from Los Angeles. Escape city life and enjoy taking in a natural wonderland instead. Named for the Joshua tree, a unique member of the agave family, you may end up needing more than one day to explore the over 800,000 acres in this stunning park.

The national park is made up of two distinct deserts, the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert, the latter of which is where you’ll find the Joshua trees. Although Joshua Tree National Park is filled with spectacular sights throughout the day, including its unique rock formations, it’s known for its particularly breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. 

Also, as a Silver Tier International Dark Sky Park, the park has some amazing stargazing opportunities. You’ll want to spend some time in Joshua Tree after dark, even if it means getting back home to Los Angeles a bit late. Many people see the Milky Way for the first time in their lives when they visit Joshua Tree National Park!

10. Big Bear

In just under two hours of drive time, you could be in one of the best places for skiing in Southern California. Here you’ll find Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Summit Ski Resort, both managed by the Big Bear Mountain Resort. 

The first has over 400 skiable areas and 55 runs, with a whopping 60% of the runs being for intermediate and advanced skiers. If you’re experienced with hitting the slopes, you’ll feel right at home here, especially on the oh-so-challenging Bear Peak, one of the highest and steepest lift-served peaks in Southern California. Its sister resort, Snow Summit, is best for newer skiers, as much of the slopes are beginner-friendly. 

But no matter which season you visit during, Big Bear Lake is one of the best LA day trips. Enjoy the waters of Big Bear Lake in the spring and summer, when you can go kayaking, fishing, canoeing, and swimming. Go hiking through the San Bernadino Forest or take a one-of-a-kind trip down the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, Southern California’s only bobsledding slide. 

11. Catalina Island

Santa Catalina Island, often known simply as Catalina Island, is one of the most unique Los Angeles day trips if you’re looking for a romantic, adventurous escape. To get to this island, which is one of the California Channel Islands, you’ll need to take a ride to either San Pedro, Long Beach, Dana Point, or Newport Beach and then hop on one of the ferries, the Catalina Express or the Catalina Flyer depending on the port you choose to depart from.

Catalina Island encourages you to get on “island time,” going at a leisurely pace to take in all the beauty around you. Rent a bike on this car-free island, and take your time exploring. With 52 miles of coastline, you may end up spending the whole day cruising around the beaches. When you’re ready to go in the water, you can go snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, and even take a submarine tour!

Stay on land for another unique tour opportunity. In the 1920s, 14 bison were brought to Catalina Island for a movie. Once filming wrapped up, they were allowed to stay, and their herd has grown to over 100 today. They roam around the island’s wildlands, and several tour companies will take you around the island to show you its wildlife, including the bison.

12. Temecula

When many people think of the best wine tasting in California, they think of Napa Valley or Sonoma Valley. But there’s an excellent wine-tasting destination just about an hour-and-a-half drive from Los Angeles. 

Temecula has over 40 vineyards to explore. Not only that, but it has some of the most unique ways to tour the wineries. Soar over the vineyards in a hot-air balloon with California Dreamin’, hit the open road with your own chauffeur as your designated driver with Sidecar Tours, or cruise around on an old-fashioned cable car with Cable Car Wine Tours.

Beyond unique tour opportunities, there are plenty of one-of-a-kind attractions in Temecula that make it one of the best day trips from Los Angeles. Explore the world of inventing at Pennypickle’s Workshop, a children’s museum filled with interactive exhibits. Or get up close to rescued and rehomed animals at the Sugarplum Zoo, which also boasts a chocolate shop you’re not going to want to miss and, in true Temecula fashion, wine tasting.

13. Huntington Beach

Long known for being a surfing city, there’s plenty to do at Huntington Beach, even if you don’t want to hang ten. This seaside destination is one of the best Los Angeles day trips if you’re looking to spend the day in the sun.

Huntington Beach offers five beaches spread across 10 miles of coastline, each with something different to offer. Huntington City Beach, where you’ll find the Huntington Beach Pier, is where to go if you want to stick around after dark, as you’ll find many restaurants, shops, and other nightlife is an easy walk away. Going surfing? This beach is a great option, as is Bolsa Chica State Beach.

If you like long walks on the sand or bike rides around the beach, head to Huntington State Beach, while if you want to escape the crowds, you should visit Sunset Beach. If you have a furry friend with you, check out Huntington Dog Beach, where your pup can run around off-leash.

Outside of the beaches, Huntington Beach also offers other attractions, like the Huntington Surfing Museum, which celebrates the surfing history of the area, and the Huntington Beach Art Center, offering both exhibits and classes to locals and visitors alike.

14. Palm Springs

Whether you want to live the life of luxury or want to spend your LA day trip exploring beautiful outdoor destinations, you’ll be able to do it in Palm Springs. Located just under a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, this scenic destination has long been billed as a winter getaway for the rich and famous. But you don’t have to have starred in a blockbuster to travel here!

If you’re looking for shops, restaurants, art galleries, and more indoor attractions, visit Palm Canyon Drive. Grab a cup from Koffi, step back in time at the Palm Springs Historical Society Museums, shop the past at Revivals Resale Mart, and much more. On Thursday evenings, this road transforms into VillageFest, a lively street market with over 200 vendors.

To see the natural beauty of the area, there’s hardly a better way than by taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world. You’ll soar over Chino Canyon to reach Mount San Jacinto State Park. At the top, you’ll find two restaurants, two documentary theaters, a natural history museum, several observation decks, and over 50 miles of hiking trails.

15. San Diego

Located about two and a half hours from Los Angeles by car, San Diego is a bit more laidback than its northern neighbor. This sunny getaway is known for its mild weather, sunny beaches, and family-friendly attractions.

To really get a feel for this unique city, visit Balboa Park, spread across over 1,000 acres and home to an array of beautiful gardens, hundred-year-old architectural wonders inspired by the Pueblo and Mayan cultures, and tons of entertainment. 

Explore the hiking trails, take in a live performance, or check out work made by local artists. Visit one of the park’s many museums, from one that celebrates Comic-Con all year long to museums that immerse you in both local cultures and teach you about people all across the world.

Balboa Park is also home to the famous San Diego Zoo. Home to more than 4,000 animals and known for its passionate conservation efforts, it’s considered one of the best zoos in the world.

For more outdoor fun and animal sightings, you can visit La Jolla Cove. It’s a great snorkeling and scuba-diving spot where you just might see everything from sea lions and dolphins to turtles and leopard sharks!

There you have it! The 15 best Los Angeles day trips. What’s your favorite day trip from Los Angeles? Let us know in the comments!

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