11 Best Day Trips from Los Angeles You’ll Never Forget

As a LA local, I’m constantly on the lookout for fun day trips from Los Angeles. For me that means within a 3-hour drive, so we can avoid spending money on hotels. While there’s no shortage of things to do in Los Angeles, sometimes it’s nice to escape and explore the surrounding areas.

Planning a date? Visiting Los Angeles? Local looking for new adventures? Avid hiker? Traveling with kids? Seeking peace and quiet? These LA day trips are made for you. I’ll help you discover how to plan an unforgettable day.

This post is all about the 11 best day trips from Los Angeles.

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11 Best Day Trips from Los Angeles

I feel so blessed to live in a place that is surrounded by beaches, mountains, lakes, national parks and the best part…AMAZING food all around it. Honestly, I probably could have made this a list of 50 best day trips from Los Angeles because there is SO much to explore in Southern California.

But let’s stick to the top 11 and dive into why these are the absolute best.

1. Ojai, California

Drive Time: 1.5 hours

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat from the city, head straight to Ojai, a charming town nestled in the mountains of Ventura County.

Ojai is all about keeping it local and you can really feel the quaint community vibe with a huge emphasis on supporting local business. I felt like I had walked straight into a Hallmark movie town.

Best Time to Visit Ojai

The best time to visit Ojai is Wednesday – Sunday because many of the shops and businesses close on Monday and Tuesday. You can visit year-round as the weather is moderate, making it perfect for agriculture which Ojai is known for.

Things to Do in Ojai

• Visit the world’s largest outdoor bookstore, Bart’s Books!
• Take a leisurely bike ride through the scenic Ojai Valley
• Indulge in a spa treatment at one of the area’s luxurious resorts
• Shop for local goods in the downtown area
• Catch the Ojai Farmer’s Market which is filled with amazing local food
• Visit a local farm
• Catch the “pink moment” at sunset

Places to Eat in Ojai

• The Dutchess – I LOVED this place. It’s a 2022 Michelin Guide restaurant with an incredible menu and fabulous cocktails. Read all about my experience at The Dutchess for tips on what to order.
• Grab a beer flight at Topa Topa Brewing
• Ojai Roti – French-Lebanese style rotisserie chicken
• The Nest – trendy farm-to-table breakfast and brunch spot

Check out my post The Best of Ojai to learn more about how to visit this charming town!

2. Palm Springs, California

Drive Time: 2 hours

Looking for some desert vibes? Plan your trip to Palm Springs, known for its mid-century architecture, old Hollywood throwbacks, hot springs, and stunning natural beauty.

Best Time to Visit Palm Springs

The best time to visit Palm Springs is between October – January. The temperature will be less extreme and you’ll find less tourists. The summer months often see uncomfortably warm temperatures of 100+ degrees.

Things to Do in Palm Springs

• Find a pool to lounge by for the day
• Browse the boutiques and galleries in downtown Palm Springs
• Explore the nearby Joshua Tree National Park
• Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for an incredible view
• Ride ATVs in the desert
• Take a Joshua Tree National Park Offroad Jeep Tour
• Visit the International Banana Museum
• Visit the Living Desert Zoo & Garden where you can feed a giraffe or have a rhino encounter

Places to Eat in Palm Springs

• Eat where legends like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra dined at the Purple Room Supper Club
• El Jefe at Saguaro Hotel
• Boozehounds – a new trendy dog-friendly restaurant with major Palm Springs vibes

3. Malibu, California

Drive Time: 1 hour

Okay, I know this one isn’t far outside the city, but it’s truly a highlight among the day trips from Los Angeles you need to plan!

Malibu is known for its stunning beaches and celebrity homes. Sure, there are some epic hikes you could do, and if that’s your vibe check out the two options below! But I’m also a fan of spending my Malibu visit soaking up the sun and waves or relaxing with a drink in hand.

And trust me… you can spend the whole day here and won’t be able to soak in enough of it.

Best Time to Visit Malibu

The best time to visit Malibu is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and the water is perfect for swimming and surfing. The winter months can be cool and rainy, but they are still a great time to visit for those looking for a more relaxed and cozy vibe.

Things to Do in Malibu

• Take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway
• Hike Point Dume and catch amazing ocean views – 1.4 miles, easy difficulty
• Hike the Temescal Canyon Trail – 2.6 miles, medium difficulty
• Visit the Malibu pier
• Watch the sunset at Matador Beach (great spot for photos!)
• For a truly unique Malibu experience, groups of up to 4 can book a private Malibu Beach Surf Tour in a Vintage VW Van! The experience includes a surf lesson from a local and a visit to Point Dome.
• Park at Paradise Cove Beach, grab a cocktail in a pineapple or coconut, and stroll the private beach. (You’ll want to get parking validated from the restaurant for a reduced cost).
• Shop at the Malibu Country Mart

Places to Eat in Malibu

• Paradise Cove Restaurant
• Geoffrey’s
• Sunset Restaurant
• Dukes Malibu

4. Solvang

Drive Time: 2 hours

Solvang is a charming Danish-style town located northwest of Los Angeles in the Santa Ynez Valley. It is small and cozy, offering lots of Danish charm which makes it perfect for a one-day trip!

Best Time to Visit Solvang

The best time to visit Solvang is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and perfect for exploring the town’s outdoor activities. During summer, Solvang can get quite crowded with tourists, so if you’re looking for a quieter experience, it’s best to visit during the off-season.

Personally, I think the cozy Solvang vibes hit just right in the fall. My travel friend Hannah calls it the “Denmark dupe of America” and I couldn’t agree more.

Things to Do in Solvang

• Take a stroll through the town’s picturesque streets
• Rent a bike and explore the surrounding vineyards and countryside
• Visit the Elverhoj Museum of History & Art
• Go wine tasting or take a wine tasting tour
• Visit the annual Danish Days Festival in September
• Enjoy local food and Danish pastries

Places to Eat in Solvang

• Mortensons Bakery
• Olsen’s Bakery
• Solvang Restaurant – try the Danish aebleskiver pastry desserts
• Copenhagen Sausage Garden
• Mad & Vin
• Good Seed Coffee Boutique

5. Ventura, California

Drive Time: 1 hour

Ventura is a laid-back beach town that’s perfect for a day trip from Los Angeles. During the pandemic, they closed the Main Street to cars and allowed businesses to expand past their front doors. It makes Ventura much more indoor/outdoor friendly and gives it a European beach-town vibe that I absolutely love!

But Ventura has more than just good beach vibes. There are several hidden gem food spots that you won’t want to miss, so keep reading on. Basically, Ventura is a beach town for foodies and I’m all about it.

Best Time to Visit Ventura

Like most of Southern California, the weather in Ventura is moderate to warm most of the year. But you’ll enjoy the beaches and outdoor dining the most in the warmer spring and summer months when the weather is nice.

Things to Do in Ventura

• Spend your day lounging on the beach
• Stroll along the pier
• Explore the town’s eclectic mix of shops including Vom Fass where you can taste and buy boutique flavored olive oils, vinegars, and liquors. We always get a bottle of their absinthe to make sazeracs at home.
• Take surfing lessons from a local
• Catch a live show at the historic Majestic Ventura Theater
• Do a bar crawl including some of the options below

Places to Eat in Ventura

• Finney’s Crafthouse – gourmet pub food, drinks, and amazing carnitas nachos!
• Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust (photos below) – craft cocktails and apps
• Casa de Soria – best chimichanga ever
• The Saloon Ventura – cocktails
• Rocks & Drams – fun cocktail bar
• Ven Tiki Lounge & Lanai – tiki vibes
• Cafe Fiore – delicious Italian food in a cozy atmosphere

6. Big Bear, California

Drive Time: 2 hours

Nature-lovers, this one is for you!

Every now and then every LA local should escape to the mountains and spend a day at Big Bear Lake. The area offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and boating. In the winter months, you can hit the slopes and enjoy some of Southern California’s best skiing and snowboarding.

The close proximity of Big Bear mountain makes it easy to escape and return in one day. We even did a California double a few years back for a friend’s birthday!

What is a California Double?

A California double is skiing or snowboarding + swimming or surfing in the ocean in the same day.

Best Time to Visit Big Bear

The Big Bear area offers a big range of outdoor activities for all seasons. In the spring and summer you can hike, mountain bik, fish and go boating. In the winter months, hit the slopes and enjoy some of Southern California’s best skiing and snowboarding. Fall at Big Bear is a great time to soak in beautiful hiking and nature as well.

Just choose your own adventure on this one.

Things to Do at Big Bear

• Ski or snowboard at Big Bear Mountain Resort
• Sky Chair at Snow Summit
• Go ziplining in the forest
• Walk around and shop in Big Bear Village
• Hike Castle Rock Trail – 2.8 miles
• Hike the Woodland interpretive Trail – 1.5 miles easy
• Walk or bike the Alpine Pedal Path – 3.2 miles
• Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
• Picnic at Boulder Bay Park

Places to Eat at Big Bear

• Tropicali – Hawaiian food and poke bowls
• 572 Social Kitchen & Lounge
• Teddy Bear Restaurant – order the cinnamon roll pancakes
• The Pines Tavern on the Lake – great views

7. Temecula, California

Drive Time: 1.5 hours

Temecula is a popular wine region in Riverside County with a charming old town downtown area and plenty of wineries to visit. Although it’s only a few hours away, you’ll feel a million miles from Los Angeles.

Of course, if you plan to visit multiple wineries you’ll probably want to stay overnight or for the weekend. But you can definitely explore the town in one day and enjoy a lot of what Temecula has to offer. This makes it perfect for a day trip with kids, a date, or a girl’s day out.

Best Time to Visit Temecula

For ideal weather, plan your visit for April – November, especially to enjoy a winery. However, you could enjoy Temecula at any time of the year and the winter months will have less crowds.

Things to Do in Temecula

• Olive oil tasting at Temecula Olive Oil Company – this is a surprising must do!
• Visit a Winery – I recommend Miramonte, Europa Village, and South Coast
• Stroll along the downtown shops
• Book a winery tour and tasting
• Take line dancing lessons at Stampede
• Pick berries at Temecula Berry Company in May and June (check for seasonal date and hours)
• Play arcade games at Coin Op Game Room
• Book a hot air balloon ride – if you are one of those people who can wake up super early!

Places to Eat in Temecula

• Goat and Vine (photo below)- omg the Carnitas Pizza is delicious
• Small Barn Old Town – my favorite is the avocado toast with lox
• E.A.T. Marketplace
• Thompson & Twain Prospecting co – super fun saloon-style speakeasy bar
• 1909 Temecula
• Landeros Mexican Grill and Cantina
• Press coffee Shop (photo below)

8. San Diego, California

Drive Time: 2 hours

San Diego is understandably a popular destination for day trippers from Los Angeles. The city is known for its stunning beaches, beautiful parks, and world-class zoo and incredible food scene. Whether you want to spend your day lounging on the beach or exploring some of San Diego’s top museums and galleries, there’s something for everyone here.

Best Time to Visit San Diego

The best time to visit San Diego is March through May, or September through November when the weather is mild and you’ll avoid the peak summer crowds. During these months, the average temperature is in the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (18-24°C) or warmer, which is perfect for all of the amazing outdoor San Diego activities.

Things to Do in San Diego

• San Diego Zoo & Safari
• watch the Sea Lions at La Jolla
• Walk around Balboa Park – great for kids!
• Rent Kayaks at San Diego Bay – affordable water activity
• La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour – affordable water activity
• Explore Gas Lamp district
• Book a food tour through Little Italy – great for foodies like me!
• Visit LEGOLand – great for kids!
• Go stand-up paddle boarding

Places to Eat in San Diego

• Tocaya – casual organic California-style Mexican food
• Seneca
• Raised by Wolves – cocktail bar
• C-Level Lounge – beautiful ocean views

9. Mt Baldy, California

Drive Time: 1 hour

I was not expecting how epic Mt. Baldy would be and how insanely close it is to the city. Hiking to the top is one of my favorite memories and this definitely makes the list for best day trips from Los Angeles, especially if you enjoy hiking.

Best Time to Visit Mt. Baldy

The best time to visit Mt Baldy for hiking is during the warmer months, typically from late May to early October, when the weather is generally warmer and the snow has melted. Keep in mind that it is a mountain and weather changes quickly. I hiked once in shorts because it was warm out when we started, but I saw snowflakes at the summit and was super cold!

However, if you’re looking for a winter adventure, visiting Mt Baldy during the snowy season can also be a magical experience. They have snow tubing hills setup in the winter too. Just make sure to pack appropriate gear and check weather conditions before heading out.

Things to Do at Mt. Baldy

• Hike the Devil’s Backbone trail to the summit – the ultimate Mt. Baldy adventure! You can take the lift to Top of the Notch to skip the first 2.5 miles of switch backs if you want, or start from the bottom for a full-day adventure.
• Not much of a hiker? Ride the lift to the Top of the Notch Restaurant for snacks and great views
• Zipline in the summer months
• Snow tube in the winter months

Places to Eat near Mt. Baldy

The only food option on Mt. Baldy itself is the Top of the notch Restaurant at the top of the lift, which is great for lunch, a snack or drink on your journey. If you plan to hike for the day, you should safely pack food for a picnic (be bear aware) or plan to eat at the Top of the Notch.

If you have time at the end of the day, I’d recommend heading down the mountain and heading into Claremont which has lots of amazing food options like:

• Eureka
• Dr Grubbs
• Union on Yale
• The Whisper House

10. Anaheim, California

Drive Time: 30-60 minutes

Anaheim may be best known for its theme parks, which can be an amazing way to spend one day outside of LA. But there’s also much more to explore. As one of the closest in location to Los Angeles with plenty to do, Anaheim is an obvious win for best day trips from Los Angeles.

Things to Do in Anaheim

• Visit Disneyland or Knott’s Berry Farm
• Get delicious treats like beignets or crazy shakes and listen to live music in Downtown Disney without paying for park admission
• Visit a top-rated speakeasy, Blind Rabbit
• Catch an MLB game at Angels Stadium
• Medieval Times interactive dinner show – great for kids!
• Shop at Anaheim Garden Walk or the Outlets at Orange
• The Anaheim Packing District is my favorite Anaheim destination, and a popular destination for foodies. There are over 50 food vendors offering everything from Korean BBQ to artisanal gelato.

Check out A FOODIE’S GUIDE TO THE ULTIMATE ANAHEIM PACKING DISTRICT EXPERIENCE to help you plan your visit to the Anaheim Packing District!

Places to Eat in Anaheim

• The Blind Rabbit – my favorite hidden speakeasy
• Anaheim Packing District – check out the link above for info on my favorite food vendors
• Puesto – Mexican Cocktail Bar
• Black Tap – Downtown Disney
• Cabana – trendy Cuban restaurant and cocktail bar

11. Agoura Hills / Calabassas, California

Drive Time: 30-60 minutes

Agoura Hills is a hidden gem of a day trip destination from Los Angeles. Located just 30 miles from downtown, this charming town paired with favorites from Calabasas makes the perfect day trip getaway.

Things to Do in Agoura Hills

• The area is known for its scenic hiking trails, including the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and Malibu Creek State Park.
• If you’re not up for a hike, check out the Paramount Ranch, which was used as a set for many Hollywood Western movies
• Antique shopping at Whizin’s Center and Whizin Market Square
• Drive around in the Santa Monica Mountains
• Spot the resident peacock at The Old Place

Places to Eat in Agoura Hills

• The Old Place – hands down my favorite spot in the Agoura area! Unique spot that’s perfect for hanging out and taking it slow.
• Sage Bistro – delicious vegetarian food that you won’t realize is vegetarian. The buffalo cauliflower pizza is amazing!
• Sugarfish – Calabasas
• Pedaler’s Fork Restaurant and 10 speed Coffee Shop

Check out my post The Old Place Cornell, A Cozy Escape from LA to learn more about how to visit this charming old restaurant and coffee shop!

Which Day Trips from Los Angeles Will You Be Planning?

Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or just looking for a change of scenery, these day trips from Los Angeles are sure to fill your adventure-meter or help you unwind. I hope they inspired you to plan an incredible day trip!

Don’t forget to save this post, share it, and let me know your favorite below in the comments.

Happy travels!

-Hannah

This post is all about the best day trips from Los Angeles.