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Day Trips from Los Angeles

Day Trips from Los Angeles

Los Angeles California, USA Travel Guide

Popular Nearby Getaways

Many destinations are easily accessible, offering varied experiences for a quick escape.

Top Day Trip Destinations

  • Disneyland & Universal Studios (1-hour drive)
  • Catalina Island (1-hour ferry)
  • Palm Springs (2-hour drive)
  • Temecula Valley Wine Country (1.5-hour drive)

Planning Your Excursion

Whether you prefer organized tours or independent exploration, options abound for unforgettable day trips.

Independent Exploration

Greater flexibility, setting your own pace. Ideal for car rental trips to Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, or Temecula.

Getting Around

  • Car rental for maximum flexibility
  • Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner to Santa Barbara
  • Greyhound/FlixBus to San Diego

Organized Tours

Great for locations like Disneyland, Universal Studios, Catalina Island. Tours often bundle transport and tickets.

Tour Benefits

  • Includes transportation
  • Attraction tickets often bundled
  • Hassle-free navigation

Suggested Day Trip Itineraries

Theme Parks & Islands

  • Disneyland/Universal: Full day (8-12 hours)
  • Catalina Island: Full day (6-10 hours, explore Avalon)
  • Catalina Island: Rent a golf cart
  • Catalina Island: Enjoy snorkeling

Coastal & Desert

  • Palm Springs: Full day (Aerial Tramway, architecture tour)
  • The American riviera: Full day (State Street, Stearns Wharf, beaches)
  • Temecula: Full day (wine tasting)
  • Temecula: Explore several vineyards

Time and Planning

  • Disneyland / Universal StudiosFull Day
  • Catalina Island6-10 Hours
  • Palm SpringsFull Day
  • Santa BarbaraFull Day
  • Temecula Wine CountryFull Day
  • Peak Travel TimesAvoid Rush Hour
  • Early DeparturesMaximize Day
  • Book AheadTickets & Tours

Day Trip Booking

Discover and book amazing day trips and excursions directly from Los Angeles. Plan your adventure by browsing GetYourGuide.com.

Embrace Nature's Beauty

Southern California's diverse landscapes offer stunning natural escapes inside a short drive of Los Angeles.

Malibu Creek State Park

Hiking, cliff scaling, picnic areas, and a former M*A*S*H filming site.

Topanga State Park

Largest wildland urban park in the U.S. With hiking trails and ocean views.

Angeles National Forest

Vast mountainous area with hiking, camping, and scenic drives like Angeles Crest Highway.

Coastal Wonders

Iconic drives and dramatic cliffs along the Pacific.

Scenic Coastal Views

  • Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu
  • Point Dume State Preserve: Cliffs & beaches
  • Malibu Beaches: Zuma, El Matador

Desert & Mountain Getaways

Unique geological formations and tranquil mountain settings await.

Inland Beauty

  • Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park
  • San Gabriel Mountains: Hiking, winter snow
  • Agoura Hills/Calabasas: Rural feel, horse trails

Seasonal Natural Spectacles

Wildflower BloomsMarch - April
Antelope Valley Poppy ReservePrime Viewing
Whale Watching SeasonDecember - April
Gray Whale MigrationCoastal Tours
Summer Beach FunWater Activities
Winter HikingCooler Air

Plan Your Outdoor Journey

  • Before heading out, check park websites for trail conditions and any necessary permits.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to safeguard these fragile ecosystems.
  • Pack sufficient water and sun protection.
  • Inform someone of your itinerary.
  • Wear appropriate footwear for trails.

Explore Local Heritage

Historic Missions

Discover the heritage of early California at these preserved sites.

Mission Sites

  • Mission San Juan Capistrano (1.5-hour drive south)
  • San Fernando Mission (San Fernando Valley)
  • Korean Friendship Bell (Rancho Palos Verdes)

Charming Rural Towns

Experience the artistic and agricultural spirit of California's valleys.

Rural Gems

  • Ojai: Artsy, bohemian town with oranges and oil from olives
  • Fillmore: Small town with a scenic railway
  • Ojai Valley: Picturesque and tranquil

Spiritual Retreats

Find peace and reflection at serene locations near the city.

Places of Tranquility

  • Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine (Pacific Palisades)
  • Beautiful gardens for thought
  • Peaceful retreat with sea views

Coastal Landmarks

Historic lighthouses and cultural bells dot the scenic coastline.

Coastal Highlights

  • Point Vicente Lighthouse (Rancho Palos Verdes)
  • Scenic views of the Pacific
  • Seafaring history at your fingertips

Cultural Insights

These excursions offer a knowledge of the region's diverse heritage and natural beauty.

Mission History

Learn about the Spanish colonial era and California's origins.

Rural Charm

Experience small-town life and artisanal products.

Scenic Drives

Combine cultural stops with beautiful routes.

Immerse in Local Culture

These destinations showcase the unique cultural fabric surrounding Los Angeles, making for enriching day trips.

Beyond Los Angeles: Multi-Day Adventures

Extend your Southern California exploration with these multi-day excursions to neighboring regions and states.

Popular Multi-Day Additions

1

San Diego

Explore Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter, Coronado Island, and the San Diego Zoo. Plan 2-3 days.

2

Palm Springs & Joshua Tree

Combine desert relaxation with unique landscapes and hiking. Plan 2-3 days.

3

Santa Barbara & Wine Country

Enjoy coastal charm, Mission Santa Barbara, and wine tasting. Plan 2-3 days.

Transportation Connections

  • Flights:LAX to San Diego, SF, Vegas
  • Amtrak:Pacific Surfliner to San Diego/Santa Barbara
  • Amtrak:Coast Starlight for points north
  • Car Rental:Maximum flexibility for road trips
  • Longer Regional Travel:Consider road trip routes
  • Bus:Greyhound/FlixBus

Logical Next Destinations

  • San Francisco:Flight, Amtrak, or scenic drive
  • Las Vegas (Nevada):4-5 hour drive for fun
  • Grand Canyon National Park:Flight to PHX/LAS, then drive
  • Yosemite National Park:Long drive or flight to nearby airport
  • Death Valley National Park:Unique desert landscape
  • Mammoth Lakes:Seasonal mountain activities

Suggested Road Trip Routes

California Coast

LA to Santa Barbara, then PCH to Big Sur, Monterey, and San Francisco.

Southern California Loop

LA to San Diego, then Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, and back.

Desert Adventure

LA to Death Valley, then California, Yosemite National Park, and return.

Plan Your Longer Journey

With extra days, California and neighboring states offer an even travel experience.