Los Angeles is big, bold, and buzzing...but sometimes the best thing you can do is step just outside its edges. Within an hour or two, you’ll find coastal calm, mountain quiet, desert stillness, or a nostalgic thrill ride. These day trips weren’t just a break from the city. They were a return to something slower, simpler, or stranger in the best way! I remember thinking, “L.A. might be home base, but the soul of Southern California lives in its outskirts.” This series is for the days when you need the open road, a little sun, and the kind of adventure that fits between breakfast and bedtime.
Romantic Day Trips from Los Angeles:
Coasting into calm at Dana Point Harbor - 1.5-hour drive from LA
Dana Point Harbor had a kind of quiet energy—boats bobbing gently, gulls circling lazily, and sunlight dancing on the water like it had nowhere else to be. It didn’t try to dazzle, it just settled in, calm and steady. I walked the marina path with coffee in hand and salt on the breeze, and I remember thinking, "This is the version of the Pacific I could stay with all day." It wasn’t about big waves or loud crowds—it was about letting the rhythm of the water set the tone.
What I Loved Most: Sitting at the end of the jetty, watching the harbor open into the sea, seals popping up like little punctuation marks in the silence. It felt like a pause in the middle of everything.
Don’t Miss... A seafood lunch at The Harbor Grill, tucked right into the marina. I had the grilled mahi mahi tacos with chipotle aioli and mango salsa—fresh, bright, and somehow exactly what the day called for. Dining outdoors with the breeze and boat bells in the background made it even better.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Los Angeles: ~1.5 hours south via I-5
- Vibe: Nautical, mellow, quietly charming
- Highlights: Harbor strolls, dolphin cruises, paddleboarding, marina shops
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but spring and fall offer the best weather and smaller crowds
- Cost: Free to explore; boat rentals and tours vary
- Hours: Shops and restaurants open ~10 AM–8 PM; harbor paths open dawn to dusk
Explore more things to do in Dana Point.
Finding stillness and soul in Ojai, California (1 hour 50 min)
Ojai felt like a town built on breath. Nestled in a quiet valley, surrounded by the Topatopa Mountains, it radiated a kind of warmth that wasn’t just in the sun—but in the people, the pace, and the sky itself. I wandered through art galleries, stepped into crystal shops, and sat under orange trees in full bloom. I remember thinking, "This isn’t just a getaway—it’s a soft landing." Everything here invited you to slow down and look inward.
What I Loved Most: Watching the “pink moment” at sunset—when the entire mountain range glowed rose-gold for just a few minutes. The silence in that moment felt like reverence.
Don’t Miss... A soulful brunch at Hip Vegan in the heart of town. I had the jackfruit tacos with creamy cashew sauce and a chilled lavender lemonade. Sitting outside under a pepper tree, it felt less like a meal and more like nourishment.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Los Angeles: ~1.5–2 hours northwest via US-101 and CA-33
- Vibe: Spiritual, artistic, restorative
- Highlights: Meditation Mount, Bart's Books, art galleries, farmers market, hot springs
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for warm days, cool nights, and vibrant colors
- Cost: Free to explore town; activities and dining vary
- Hours: Shops and restaurants typically open 10 AM–6 PM; trails open dawn to dusk
If you have more time, here are some fun things to do in Ojai.
Soaking up coastal grace in Santa Barbara (2 hours 20 min)
Santa Barbara carried itself with a kind of sun-washed elegance—red-tiled roofs, swaying palms, and streets that smelled like sea air and bougainvillea. It was both relaxed and refined, a town where the ocean met old-world charm. I wandered State Street with no real plan, drifted through the mission gardens, and ended up barefoot on the beach. I remember thinking, "This place doesn’t need to try—it just is." It was effortless beauty, the kind that makes you exhale without even noticing.
What I Loved Most: Climbing the courthouse tower and taking in the 360° view—mountains on one side, the sparkling Pacific on the other. It felt like standing in the middle of a postcard.
Don’t Miss... A waterfront lunch at Brophy Bros. Clam Bar on the harbor. I had the steamed clams in garlic broth with sourdough for dipping and a cold local lager. With boats drifting in and sea lions barking in the distance, it was the kind of meal that only works exactly where you are.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Los Angeles: ~2 hours northwest via US-101
- Vibe: Coastal, elegant, breezy
- Highlights: Santa Barbara Mission, State Street, Stearns Wharf, courthouse tower, beaches
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but spring and early fall offer the best mix of sunshine and fewer crowds
- Cost: Free to explore downtown and beach areas; museums and tours vary
- Hours: Shops and restaurants 10 AM–8 PM; outdoor spaces open all day
Affordable Tours in Santa Barbara:
- Santa Barbara: Trolley Tour Price: From $28 per person.
- Santa Barbara: 3-Hour Cocktail and History Walking Tour Price: From $85 per person.
Family Day Trips from Los Angeles:
Drifting along the edge of the Pacific in Malibu (1 hour from Los Angeles)
Malibu wasn’t loud about its beauty—it let the ocean do the talking. Driving the Pacific Coast Highway with the windows down, the salt air moved through me like a cleanse. Waves curled against the shore in slow rhythm, and everything felt just a little softer—sunlight, sound, even time. I remember thinking, "This is the kind of calm that only comes from water and wide-open sky." Malibu was both a dream and a grounding—luxury and nature in equal measure.
What I Loved Most: Sitting on a bluff at El Matador Beach as the tide crept in, watching the rock arches glow gold in the late afternoon light. It was quiet except for the ocean and the gulls—and that was all I needed.
Don’t Miss... A beachside meal at Malibu Farm Café on the pier. I had the cauliflower crust pizza with goat cheese and a glass of sparkling lemonade. The sound of the waves beneath my feet and the scent of citrus in the air made it a memory as much as a meal.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Los Angeles: ~45 minutes west via CA-1 (longer with traffic)
- Vibe: Laid-back, scenic, upscale
- Highlights: El Matador State Beach, Malibu Pier, hiking at Solstice Canyon, wine tastings, celebrity-spotting
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for lighter crowds and clear skies
- Cost: Beach access is free or $10–$15 for parking; meals vary
- Hours: Beaches open sunrise to sunset; shops and cafés typically 10 AM–7 PM
Rediscovering wonder at Disneyland (1 hour drive from Los Angeles)
Walking through the gates of Disneyland felt like stepping back into something I didn’t know I’d been missing. The scent of popcorn and sugar in the air, the soft whistle of the train, the sparkle on the castle—it all came rushing back. I remember thinking, "This is joy in its purest form." There was something about watching families laugh, hearing music float through the air, and seeing small moments of magic around every corner that made the day feel bigger than just rides and parades—it felt like permission to believe in delight again.
What I Loved Most: Riding the Mark Twain Riverboat at sunset as the sky turned lavender and the music played softly overhead. Everyone on board had slowed down, quietly watching the world float by.
Don’t Miss... A nostalgic treat from Jolly Holiday Bakery Café on Main Street. I had a grilled cheese with tomato basil soup and followed it with a Matterhorn Macaroon. Sitting under a yellow umbrella watching the crowd go by, I felt both completely present and blissfully lost in time.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Los Angeles: ~45 minutes southeast via I-5 (more with traffic)
- Vibe: Whimsical, immersive, nostalgic
- Highlights: Classic rides (Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain), Main Street, nightly fireworks, character encounters
- Best Time to Visit: Midweek during the school year for lighter crowds; early mornings for cooler weather
- Cost: $104–$179 per adult depending on date and park option; parking $30
- Hours: Varies by season; typically 8 AM–10 PM or later
If you have time Anaheim offers many unique things to see and do.
Riding nostalgia and thrill at Knott’s Berry Farm (1 hour Day Trip from Los Angeles)
Knott’s Berry Farm had that rare mix of heart and adrenaline. Part old-time charm, part coaster-fueled chaos, it felt like stepping into a storybook that still had dust on the cover—in the best way. Ghost Town creaked with wooden boardwalks and blacksmith clangs, while screams echoed from steel rides just beyond. I remember thinking, "This park doesn’t try to be perfect—it just leans into its soul." And that soul felt rooted in tradition, sweetness, and a dash of wild.
What I Loved Most: Wandering through Ghost Town at golden hour, the sun lighting up rusted signs and rope fences, and a cowboy tipping his hat as a real stagecoach passed. It was theatrical, sure—but it still felt true.
Don’t Miss... The famous fried chicken at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. I had the classic plate with mashed potatoes, boysenberry pie for dessert, and a big glass of iced tea. It was comfort food that tasted like it had been cooked the same way for 80 years—and that’s exactly what made it special.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Los Angeles: ~45 minutes southeast via I-5 or CA-91
- Vibe: Americana, family-friendly, high-energy with a vintage twist
- Highlights: Ghost Town, Silver Bullet & HangTime roller coasters, Snoopy characters, boysenberry treats
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays in spring or fall for lighter crowds; Boysenberry Festival in March–April is a must
- Cost: Tickets from ~$69 online; dining extra; parking ~$30
- Hours: Typically 10 AM–8 PM; longer hours in summer and holidays
Closing Thoughts
Los Angeles gives you everything—but not all at once. Sometimes, it takes stepping away from the skyline to remember what really matters: salt air on your skin, mountains rising beyond the freeway, a roadside diner with the best grilled cheese you’ve ever had. These day trips weren’t escapes—they were recalibrations. So pack light, drive early, and leave space in your day for the unexpected. Because out here, even a detour can become a destination.
Need More Ideas Around L.A.?
Exploring greater Los Angeles? Here are some hand-picked guides to help you stretch your day a little farther:
- Things to Do in Venice Beach – Street art, skate parks, and sunset views you won’t forget.
- Things to Do in Santa Monica – Pier rides, beach walks, and laid-back charm just west of downtown.
- Beaches in the L.A. Area – From Malibu to Manhattan Beach, your perfect patch of sand is waiting.
- Best Time to Visit Los Angeles – Plan your trip with insider tips on weather, festivals, and seasonal magic.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Coasting into calm at Dana Point Harbor - 1.5-hour drive from LA
- • Finding stillness and soul in Ojai, California (1 hour 50 min)
- • Soaking up coastal grace in Santa Barbara (2 hours 20 min)
- • Drifting along the edge of the Pacific in Malibu (1 hour from Los Angeles)
- • Rediscovering wonder at Disneyland (1 hour drive from Los Angeles)
- • Riding nostalgia and thrill at Knott’s Berry Farm (1 hour Day Trip from Los Angeles)