Escape the City: Day Trips from Los Angeles to Discover Natural Wonders and Cultural Delights (updated 2023)

Welcome to the vibrant city of Los Angeles, where endless adventures await just beyond its borders. While LA offers a plethora of attractions, sometimes it’s refreshing to embark on a day trip and explore the natural wonders and cultural gems that surround the city. From scenic coastal escapes to majestic mountain retreats and charming small towns, the possibilities for day trips from Los Angeles are boundless. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of national parks, soak up the sun on picturesque beaches, indulge in wine tasting in vineyards, or immerse yourself in the history and culture of nearby towns. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural enrichment, or simply a change of scenery, these day trips from Los Angeles promise to offer a rejuvenating escape and unforgettable experiences.

You can visit the desert, drive through some magnificent coastlines and communities, explore wine country and even see historic early California missions and towns. Doing these fun day trips from Los Angeles in my experience, is a fantastic way to experience cool destinations, historic sites and gorgeous landscapes just a short drive or weekend getaway from the city. Check out these 20 best day trips from Los Angeles for inspiration on doing some touring just outside of the Los Angeles Metropolitan region. 

If you are planning a weekend in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas outside of the city, check out all of these fantastic suggestions below

Weather and the Best time to visit LA Area

The Los Angeles area enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city experiences abundant sunshine throughout the year, making it an appealing destination for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

The best time to visit the Los Angeles area is typically during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons. During these months, temperatures are pleasant, ranging from the mid-60s°F (around 18-20°C) to low 80s°F (around 26-28°C). The weather is generally mild and comfortable, with fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season.

Summer (June to August) in Los Angeles can be hot, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C) or more. However, the coastal areas benefit from cool ocean breezes, providing some relief from the heat. This is the peak tourist season, with an influx of visitors, especially in popular beach destinations like Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

Winter (December to February) brings cooler temperatures to the Los Angeles area, ranging from the mid-50s°F (around 12-14°C) to mid-60s°F (around 18-20°C). While rainfall is more frequent during this time, it is generally mild and doesn’t significantly impact travel plans. Winter can be a good time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and lower hotel rates.

It’s worth noting that Los Angeles experiences microclimates, so weather conditions can vary within the region. Coastal areas tend to be cooler with a marine influence, while inland areas, such as the San Fernando Valley, can be hotter.

Many of these locations are an easy day trips like things to do in Santa Monica to maybe longer stays that are longer than a four hour drive like a visit to Las Vegas for a weekend getaway

Here’s some fantastic day trips from Los Angeles 

If you are looking for an easy day trip or even a nice  getaway from Los Angeles, check out these fantastic locations just a short drive from the city to some of the unique and scenic locations from the ocean areas, wine country, the desert areas to the Eastern Sierras.

1. Visit downtown Pasadena

Pasadena is a fun city to explore from the downtown strip on Colorado Boulevard,  Old Pasadena, the historic Gamble house, Norton Simon Museum and the impressive Huntington Library, collections and botanical garden.  There’s a lot to see and do here in Pasadena depending on your interest, this is an easy drive from LA and worth visiting more than a few times.

Here’s what to do around Pasadena now

2. Check out the art and beach scene at Laguna

A fun day trip from LA, Laguna is just a short hours drive from downtown LA depending on traffic which tends to be crazy on the weekends, so plan your trip ahead to avoid all the traffic jams. Once in Laguna, you can enjoy the downtown area with some outstanding art galleries, wonderful bars and restaurants or you can easy opt to enjoying the fine beaches and coastline walks along the various trails around the city. Check out more highlights to visiting Laguna Beach here for more images and places to visit.

Tip – parking is difficult and limited with parking meters, so its easier to find a parking lot or drive around the neighborhood areas that do not have limited parking time frames.

Planning a longer getaway to the area – check out these fantastic places to stay in Laguna Beach with the top reviewed hotels and inns here for inspiration and current prices.

Check out the best things to do in Laguna Beach below

3. Drive to Solvang

One of the best getaways from Los Angeles and less than a two-hour drive from Los Angeles is the unique and almost out-of-place town of Solvang, a Danish town with Danish architecture, food and specialty shops. The local Danish community and immigrants left their home country for the warmer climes of wine country in the Santa Ynez Valley and set up charming shops and galleries, Danish bakeries and of course a plethora of cutesy Christmas ornament shops to explore. Check out the details of visiting Solvang here for more images and places to visit.

Planning a longer getaway to the area – check out these fantastic places to stay in Solvang with the top reviewed hotels and inns here for inspiration and current prices.

Check out the fun things to do around Solvang including wine tasting tours below

4. A visit to Spanish inspired Santa Barbara

One of those fantastic getaways close to Los Angeles, there’s so much to do in Santa Barbara starting with Stearns wharf which juts out into the bay-front with some nice seafood eateries. From there its easy to stroll or bike around the coastal pathways on the beach or explore the downtown area with its historic Spanish Colonial past at the Santa Barbara town center, downtown Presidio and chapel or some fun shopping on State street. Or check out the historic Mission Santa Barbara, the colorful rose garden next door or the really cool botanical garden at Lotusland. Check out my detailed post on fun things to do in Santa Barbara here for more images and inspiration to visit this colorful city.

Planning a longer getaway to the area – check out these fantastic places to stay in Santa Barbara with the top reviewed hotels and inns here for inspiration and current prices.

Here’s some fun highlights to visiting Santa Barbara below

5. Santa Barbara Wine Country

A fun wine country getaway from Los Angles is Santa Barbara wine country,  just a short drive to visit the famous wine regions of Santa Barbara which includes: Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Ballard and Happy Canyon to Santa Maria Valley. There’s plenty of wineries to visit and one of the easiest ways to do this for your first visit is to take a wine tour of the region – check out my Santa Barbara wine tour experience here for more images, details and what to see in the area.

Planning a longer getaway to the area – check out these fantastic places to stay with the top reviewed hotels and inns here for inspiration and current prices.

Here’s a fun video tour of Santa Barbara Wine country below

6. Desert road trip to Joshua Tree National Park

An easy Los Angeles round trip day trip would be a visit to Joshua Tree National Park which is about a two hours drive. You will see some amazing desert scape and the significance of the Joshua tree and other surviving desert plants that thrive in this hot climate.  This environment is actually two deserts where the Mohave and Colorado meet to from Joshua Tree with surreal desert formations and landscape. Check out more information on visiting Joshua Tree National Park here for more details and what to see and do in the park.

Planning a longer getaway to the area – check out these fantastic places to stay in Josua Tree with the top reviewed hotels and inns here for inspiration and current prices.

Check out the top things to do around Joshua Tree National park

7. Inspiring national park visit to Death Valley

A Los Angeles weekend getaway to Death Valley National Park is definitely hot, but it is also a stunning park to visit with its varied typography, landscape and scenic vistas worth the drive from Los Angeles. About a four-hour drive, you can avoid all the traffic with an early start driving down Hwy 395 and explore all the unique attractions and landscape of the park. If you want to explore the entire park, it’s probably better to do a quick overnight trip to spread out the different places to explore in this huge national park. Check out my Death Valley National Park post here for more images and inspiration to visiting the park.

Planning a longer getaway to the area – check out these fantastic places to stay in Death Valley with the top reviewed hotels and inns here for inspiration and current prices.

Check out the top things to do around Death Valley National Park below

8. San Juan Capistrano Mission

The famous San Juan Capistrano Mission is well-known for the annual arrival of the swallows to the area, along with visiting the striking ruins and mission compound. Definitely one of the prettiest of the California missions, the well maintained and colorful gardens, chapels and museum share some of this glorious early California history and establishment of the missions and cities surrounding these early Spanish settlements into California.

Check out my San Juan Capistrano post here for more information, images and touring the area and city attractions.

Check out this tour highlight to visiting San Juan Capistrano Mission below

9. Balboa island and Duffy boat tours

Balboa island is an easy and fun local Los Angeles travel spot that only most locals know about. The Duffy boats are an easy way to explore the harbor area around Newport Bay and Balboa Island on your own or with a tour guide/skipper showing the highlights around the bay. Or you can also travel by ferry directly to the man-made island and explore the various shops and eateries on main street or do some fun water adventure or sports on the bay. One of the most expensive real estate areas in Southern California a fun tour of the luxurious homes here is a fun way to daydream about what people with money can buy living in this area that was once a mudflat island in the middle of Newport.

Cruising around the Harbor area and Balboa island

10. Quirky and fun Venice Beach

An easy Los Angeles road trip to Venice Beach is fun for this one of a kind coastal city located close to the airport. Venice Beach is vibrant, colorful and fun to explore from the waterfront areas, muscle beach, skateboard park and boardwalk to the ultra hip shopping street to explore at Abbot Kinney. There’s even a quirky all mosaic home made by this amazing creative couple who really inspire us to live well and create more art in your environment.

Check out the lively scenes and boardwalk around Venice Beach

11.  Beach drive to upscale La Jolla

One of the best getaways from Los Angeles is this fun road trip to the coastal community at La Jolla. The city’s gorgeous coastline and downtown district  is fun to explore and enjoy the city’s fine dining, shopping or just exploring the beautiful coastal walks around La Jolla Cove and even enjoying a spectacular sunset view over the cliffs or beaches around La Jolla area.

Check out what to do and see in La Jolla here for more images and details to visiting the area.

Planning a longer getaway to the area – check out these fantastic places to stay in La Jolla with the top reviewed hotels and inns here for inspiration and current prices.

Here’s the best things to do in La Jolla below

12. Palm Springs

Many LA locals head out to Palm Springs for a quick desert getaway and you’ll enjoy the heat and desert environment which is a world away from the busy LA metropolis. With gorgeous desert landscape to explore and Mt. San Jacinto State Park you can take a tram up to and hike and enjoy the pristine wilderness up in the mountains. There’s plenty of outdoor adventure and recreation to do in the area or if your more into city fun, fantastic bars and restaurants with one of a kind galleries and shops to explore in the downtown area.

Check out my post on visiting Palm Springs here for more details and fantastic places to explore in the desert area.

Planning a longer getaway to the area – check out these fantastic places to stay in Palm Springs with the top reviewed hotels and inns here for inspiration and current prices.

Check out all these fun things to do around Palm Springs below

13. A visit to the San Diego Zoo

The world renown San Diego Zoo is a worthwhile destination for a short day trip from Los Angeles and a relatively easy two-hour drive depending on traffic conditions. The zoo is huge and fun to explore with large-scale zones and compounds for different animal species that you may be interested in visiting. A nice first thing to do would be to take a shuttle bus tour of the entire park to get you oriented to the various zoo zones and the aerial skyways above the park for amazing views below and the adjacent Balboa Park. To find out what’s new, check out their website here for more details and times to visit.

If you decide to spend a short weekend, check out my San Diego getaway retreat for some ideas and inspiration to visiting.

Planning a longer getaway to the area – check out these fantastic places to stay with the top reviewed hotels and inns here for inspiration and current prices.

** Check out this San Diego Pass here for getting your advanced tickets and not waste any time to visiting.

Check out the popular things to do around the San Diego zoo below

14. San Diego attractions and places to visit

There’s plenty of things to do around San Diego from exploring Old Town, the waterfront area with the maritime Museum and USS Midway. Or how about visiting the many museums and gardens at Balboa park or a nice lunch in the Hillcrest or Italian district. If the beach scene is up your alley, then there’s Coronado, Belmont Park or even hidden coves at Sunset Cliffs to enjoy. Depending on your interest, there really a lot of cool things and places to visit in San Diego, check them out on my recent post here for more inspiration.

Planning a longer getaway to the area – check out these fantastic places to stay with the top reviewed hotels and inns here for inspiration and current prices.

** Get the San Diego Explorer Card here for covering the main attractions and activities around the city now.

Wondering what to do in San Diego, check out these popular things to do in the city

15. Wine country tour at Escondido

The upscale city of Escondido just an hours drive from San Diego is where you will find a variety of unique wineries in San Diego County along with a cool downtown scene with quaint shops, eateries and antique stores. There’s even a cool dinosaur museum located downtown with lots of interesting displays and bones of every sort collected by its founder at the Roynon museum.

Check out what to see and do in Escondido here for more details and inspiration when you visit the area.

Planning a longer getaway to the area – check out these fantastic places to stay with the top reviewed hotels and inns here for inspiration and current prices.

Check out some of the cool things to do around Escondido below

16.  City of Orange

It’s hard to believe that there are still unique and charming places with real history and character in Orange County, but the city of Orange actually has a historic background and is a cool place to explore. Once an actual orange growing citrus belt in the county, the city started in the late 1880s with the old town center, historic buildings and homes proudly listed on the national register. It’s fun to walk around the central fountain area of old town and the surrounding streets with colorful shops, galleries, restaurants and other cool hang out spots to visit in the city. You can check out more of what’s happening in Orange here for more details and events.

Visiting around the various areas around Orange County and city

17.  Manzanar National Historic Monument

Manzanar is a very somber place to visit but very important to see if you are driving through the Eastern Sierra’s. Once a large internment camp that housed thousands of American born descendants of Japanese ancestry, the monument and museum is both an eye-opening exhibit and interesting drive through the main sights to really see how difficult it was to live in this barren area and be cordoned off from the world during war-time in the United States.

Check out more about my Manzanar visit here for more images and details to the visit at the park.

Planning a longer getaway to the area – check out these fantastic places to stay with the top reviewed hotels and inns here for inspiration and current prices.

Checking out the historic Manzanar Historic National Monument

18. Colorful flowers at Carlsbad

Carlsbad is a fun LA road trip to experience the amazing and colorful flower show that happens every spring to early summer. Almost the entire mountain behind the nursery grounds are filled with ranunculus flowers in full bloom and in a rainbow spectrum of colors so they can easily find which flowers and corresponding bulbs to package once the blooms are all spent. It’s a fun way to do an easy road trip to the area and maybe visit some other cool attractions along the way to Northern San Diego area.

Check out when to visit for the annual flower show at Carlsbad here for more details and other events.

Planning a longer getaway to the area – check out these fantastic places to stay with the top reviewed hotels and inns here for inspiration and current prices.

Here’s the gorgeous colorful flower fields at Carlsbad

19. City of Ventura

The city of Ventura is not just the gateway to the Channel Islands but also a worthwhile stop and visit. The old historic downtown is filled with cool antique shops, galleries and restaurants and the San Buenaventura mission which takes a prominent spot above and at the end of the main drag. While in Ventura you can also visit the museum of Ventura County, Albinger Archeological museum and the Ventura botanical gardens or if you want to explore outdoors then you definitely should go on a trip out to the Channel Islands and explore this national park.

Planning a longer getaway to the area – check out these fantastic places to stay with the top reviewed hotels and inns here for inspiration and current prices.

There’s so much cool and fun places to explore around Ventura area

20. Downtown Santa Ana

The downtown area of Santa Ana is going through a revival with many of the old buildings being converted into hip bars and restaurants, a lively weekend market and some fun galleries and shops to explore in downtown. Local art and galleries showcase many local artists and regional creative arts performances in the area. If you’re looking for something unique in Orange County, take a drive and visit downtown Santa Ana to see what’s new and happening here.

Here’s some of the fun things to do around Santa Ana Area

Where to base your stay in Los Angeles

There are many fantastic places to stay around Los Angeles as a base to explore on a quick day trip or even longer. Here are my suggestions for areas around Los Angeles to be based with easy access to the highway for your road trip.

Venice area hotels – For those looking for an ocean location with easy access to other ocean locations, Highway 405 and many of these day trip places to visit.

Santa Monica area hotels are affordable with easy access to the airport and Highway 405 and many of these day trip locations.

Westside LA hotels – a fantastic location to access many LA attractions as well as access to Highway 405 and these day trip activities.

LAX airport area – easy access to the airport, rental cars, Highway 405 and many of these top road trip destinations.

Or check out these best rank places to stay from affordable,  moderate or luxury accommodations on Trip Advisor here for updated prices and reviews.

Other details to visiting Los Angeles and Beyond

If you want to look for more attractions around LA, consider this GO City Los Angeles card for the main attractions for 1 – 7 days to cover the best of the city.

Getting around for day trips from Los Angeles (LA) can be convenient and enjoyable with several transportation options available:

How to get around Los Angeles

Of course the preferred mode of Transporation around Los Angeles is by automobile which makes it convenient from getting from point A to point B around the city. But if you are not using a car, here are some other convenient or alternative ways to get around the city to check out these  various attractions to visit.

Car Rental: Renting a car is one of the most flexible ways to explore day trip destinations from LA. Many car rental companies offer services at airports and throughout the city. Having a car allows you to plan your own itinerary, make spontaneous stops, and reach destinations that may not be easily accessible by public transportation.

Public Transportation: LA has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and trains operated by Metro. Depending on your destination, you can use the Metro Rail or Metro Bus to get to nearby cities and attractions. Check Metro’s website or use transit apps to plan your routes.

Metrolink: If you’re considering day trips to destinations within Southern California, Metrolink provides regional train services connecting LA to neighboring counties like Orange County, Ventura County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County.

Amtrak: For longer day trips or weekend getaways, Amtrak offers train services to cities outside of the immediate LA area. You can travel to destinations like San Diego, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco by train.

Hop-On-Hop-Off Tours: Several tour companies in LA offer hop-on-hop-off bus tours that take you to popular attractions and nearby cities. This option is great for a guided experience and the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Rideshare Services: Utilize rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft to travel to nearby locations. They offer convenience and flexibility, especially if you prefer not to drive or navigate public transportation.

Group Tours: Consider joining organized group tours that depart from LA and cover various day trip destinations. These tours often include transportation and guided activities.

Bike Rentals: Some destinations within LA or nearby cities are bike-friendly. If you enjoy cycling, consider renting a bike and exploring places with dedicated bike lanes or scenic trails.

Private Transportation Services: If you’re traveling with a group, hiring a private shuttle or van service can be a comfortable and convenient option for day trips.

Here’s some inside tips on doing a road trip from Los Angeles

Embarking on a road trip from Los Angeles can be an exciting adventure, allowing you to explore the diverse landscapes and attractions of Southern California. To make the most of your journey, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Plan your itinerary: Research and plan your route in advance, considering the destinations and attractions you wish to visit. Take into account the driving distances and estimated travel times to ensure a well-paced trip.

Rent a suitable vehicle: Choose a reliable and comfortable vehicle that suits your needs and accommodates your travel companions and luggage. Consider factors like fuel efficiency, storage space, and any specific requirements for your planned activities.

Timing is key: Avoid peak traffic hours when leaving Los Angeles to minimize delays. Depart early in the morning or late in the evening to beat rush hour and enjoy smoother driving conditions.

Pack essentials: Bring along important items like maps, GPS navigation systems, charging cables, snacks, water, a first aid kit, and emergency supplies. Also, check the weather conditions for your planned route and pack appropriate clothing and gear.

Be mindful of parking: Research parking options at your destinations, especially in popular areas like cities or tourist attractions. Some places may have limited parking or require payment, so plan accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.

Embrace flexibility: While it’s good to have a general plan, be open to spontaneous detours or unexpected discoveries along the way. Flexibility allows you to embrace the freedom of the road and make the most of your journey.

Take breaks and stay refreshed: Long drives can be tiring, so take regular breaks to stretch your legs, rest, and stay hydrated. Utilize rest areas, gas stations, or scenic viewpoints to relax and rejuvenate during your road trip.

Research accommodations in advance: If you plan to stay overnight during your road trip, book accommodations in advance to ensure availability. Consider the type of accommodation that suits your preferences and budget, whether it’s hotels, motels, campgrounds, or vacation rentals.

Explore local cuisine: Along your route, indulge in the diverse culinary offerings of Southern California. Try regional specialties and local eateries to savor the flavors of the area you’re visiting.

Stay safe and follow road rules: Observe traffic regulations, adhere to speed limits, and prioritize safety during your road trip. Be mindful of pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers on the road.

Remember, the journey itself is part of the adventure, so enjoy the scenery, make lasting memories, and embrace the freedom of the open road as you embark on your road trip from Los Angeles.

Check out these other posts to see in the area

Palm Springs attractions

Explore Laguna Beach

Best beaches in Southern California

Anza Borrego State Park

Day trip from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park

Enjoyed the post – pin it!

Final thoughts

These are all fantastic getaways that you can do as a day trip from Los Angeles, but if you have more time, I would definitely extend it out to a weekend getaway or even longer as a base to explore more fascination places. Los Angeles makes it easy to reach all of these wonderful destinations to explore in more detail so check out my posts to visiting each of the places I have highlighted to visit.

Have you visited these day trip locations around Los Angeles?

Any other stunning views to explore around the city or other tips to visiting the area? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Conclusion to doing some road trips from Los Angeles

Going on a road trip from Los Angeles offers an incredible opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes, diverse attractions, and vibrant cities of Southern California. With careful planning, flexibility, and an adventurous spirit, you can create an unforgettable journey filled with scenic drives, hidden gems, and memorable experiences. Whether you’re cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway, venturing into the desert, or discovering charming coastal towns, a road trip from LA allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this captivating region. So hit the road, embrace the freedom of the journey, and let the open highways lead you to new adventures and cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

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