3 Day Trips from Los Angeles
Living in Los Angeles in the Golden State is as exciting as it gets, but I think that makes it even more important to take relaxing day trips from the city. Here are the ones I recommend from my recent four week road trip in SoCal, and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
Day Trips Under 1 Hour from LA
If you don't have a lot of time and are just looking for a quick day trip in the morning or an afternoon, check out these trips that are under an hour from LA.
Huntington Beach - one-hour drive south from LA
Craving ocean vibes and California beaches without going too far? Head to Huntington Beach (Google Maps pin) in Orange County. It's nicknamed “Surf City USA” because honestly there are people surfing here year round!
Our first stop was the International Surfing Museum ($3 admission) which has heaps of info about Duke Kahanamoku and the roots of surf culture. It reminded me of my 6 years living in Hawaii and the Duke Kahanamoku Statue in Waikiki.
Next, enjoy the lively pier and watch the surfers catching the waves while your mind relaxes on this easy day trip from LA!
Santa Clarita - 35-minute drive north from LA
When I'm in the mood for something other than ocean views, Santa Clarita is one of my favorite easy day trips from Los Angeles. It's an underrated place that's never very crowded, and very close to the city.
Most people take the kids to Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park which is definitely cool with some of the best roller coasters in the world.
But Santa Clarita isn’t just about adrenaline. I loved discovering the hiking trails in Placerita Canyon and Vasquez Rocks. The scenery is spectacular and unusual. You'll see dramatic rock formations and peaceful nature that's such a hidden gem so close to the city.
Day Trips Over 1 Hour from LA
If you have a full day to enjoy a day trip, go on a slightly longer road trip from the day.
Redlands - 1 hour and 10-minute drive east from LA
From Los Angeles, it was about a one-hour 10-minute drive east to Redlands. It's still an easy day trip, but I recommend going for a full day so that you are not rushing.
You'll find tree-lined streets and Victorian-style homes that are quite nostalgic.
We wandered through the historic downtown for a while. It has unique boutiques, affordable cafés, and some great locally owned restaurants.
My favorite stop was the Redlands Bowl. This outdoor amphitheater hosts free concerts in the summer which add a new dimension to a day trip.
We loved visiting Prospect Park with our son because it's filled with orange groves. The scent of citrus in the air was amazing.
When you get hungry on your day trip from LA, Redlands has so much to offer. Caprice Café is right in the heart of downtown. Darby’s American Cantina is another great stop.
Another highlight was the University of Redlands campus.
