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.
Malibu
Just a short drive up the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles, Malibu feels like one of the most scenic coastal gems in Southern California. To me, it’s both vibrant and peaceful, the kind of dreamy place where every corner offers ocean views, hidden beaches, and that magic California sunshine. We stayed at 3-star Cambria Hotel Calabasas-Malibu for two days.
We started our day at Zuma Beach, one of my favorite spots for wide stretches of sand and gentle waves. It felt like the absolute best place to relax, and I loved watching surfers ride the breaks while families played along the shoreline. The atmosphere was laid-back, exactly what I wanted from a coastal getaway.
The most popular place to eat in Malibu is Nobu Malibu, but note that you’ll need to make reservations weeks (sometimes even months!) in advance. Don’t worry, though; Malibu’s dining scene is full of incredible spots that pair ocean views with world-class cuisine. Geoffrey’s Malibu has been a local favorite for decades, while Malibu Farm on the pier serves up fresh, coastal California dishes that perfectly capture the laid-back, beachside vibe.
- Location: Map & Directions
We ended the afternoon hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, where the trails offered panoramic views of the coastline. Watching the sunset paint the Pacific gold and pink was absolute magic, and it reminded me why Malibu is one of the best and most unforgettable day trips from Los Angeles.
Venice
We started at the Venice Boardwalk, which is one of my favorite places for people-watching. Street performers, colorful murals, and quirky shops gave the whole area an awesome and joyful vibe. It’s truly one of the most unique beach scenes in California, and I always find something new and interesting here.
Only about 20 minutes west of downtown Los Angeles, Venice Beach is easily one of the coolest and most vibrant spots for a quick escape. To me, it’s a hidden gem of creativity, energy, and oceanfront fun that feels both unusual and exciting every time I visit.
Walking along the beach, I loved the wide stretch of sand and the waves filled with surfers. Muscle Beach was buzzing with energy, and seeing the outdoor gym in action felt like stepping into a piece of California history—it’s such a cool and underrated landmark.
Another highlight for me was strolling through the Venice Canals. This unusual neighborhood feels like a romantic European dream tucked into LA, with charming footbridges, calm waters, and beautiful homes that make it one of the city’s best-kept secrets. It’s the kind of spot that feels magical at sunset.
The most popular place to eat in Venice Beach is Gjelina, but note that you’ll need to book a table well in advance...it’s one of L.A.’s hardest reservations to snag. No worries, though; Venice is a foodie’s dream, packed with laid-back yet inventive spots you won’t find anywhere else. The Butcher’s Daughter is a local favorite for plant-forward fare and great people-watching, while Great White near the boardwalk nails the beach-brunch vibe.
- Location: Map & Directions
We wrapped up our day with a walk down Abbot Kinney Boulevard, where the boutiques, cafés, and art galleries created an exceptional mix of style and culture. For me, Venice Beach is one of the absolute best day trips from Los Angeles—colorful, eclectic, and unforgettable every single time.
Buena Park
About 25 miles southeast of Los Angeles in Buena Park, Knott’s Berry Farm is one of my absolute favorite day trips when I want a joyful mix of thrills, history, and family fun. To me, it’s one of the coolest and most underrated theme parks in Southern California, and it always feels like pure magic every time I go back.
We started in Ghost Town, which I think is such a unique part of the park. The old Western atmosphere, complete with wooden buildings, costumed characters, and unusual little shops, made me feel like I’d stepped back in time. It’s not just rides—it’s an experience, and that’s what makes it so special.
Of course, I couldnt miss the roller coasters. Knott’s is home to some of the best rides, from the high-speed thrills of GhostRider to the twists and loops of Silver Bullet. The excitement was nonstop, and I loved that there’s a a cool mix of big coasters and fun family-friendly attractions too.
One of my favorite parts of the day was trying the food—especially the famous boysenberry treats. From boysenberry pie to jam, everything tasted amazing, and it felt like a delicious nod to the park’s roots as a berry farm. It’s such an interesting and unusual touch that makes Knott’s stand out from other theme parks.
- Location: Map & Directions
As the sun set, we ended the day watching live entertainment, which brought a vibrant energy to the park. For me, Knott’s Berry Farm is an exciting, affordable, and exceptional getaway near Los Angeles—an absolute best choice for both families and adventurous friends alike.
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.
Ojai
I think Ojai is one of the absolute best hidden gems for a weekend or even just a dreamy day trip. Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, it feels both peaceful and vibrant—like a joyful little world of its own.
From LA, it was a 1 hour 50 min drive southeast to Ojai, a town of about 7,500 nestled in a scenic valley. Downtown’s Spanish-style arcades, built in 1917, gave the town its distinctive look.
We started in the charming downtown filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and cozy cafés. I loved the unique vibe here—everything feels locally inspired and full of character, and it’s honestly one of my favorite places to just wander. The arcade-style Spanish architecture makes it even more interesting and unusual compared to other small towns in California.
Ojai is famous for its orange groves, and sipping fresh-squeezed juice while enjoying the mountain views was pure magic. We also explored the Saturday farmers market, which felt so alive with color and flavor—it was an exceptional highlight of our day.
My favorite part, though, was hiking in the surrounding trails. The scenery is spectacular, and catching the “pink moment” at sunset, when the Topatopa Mountains glow in a rosy light, felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s honestly one of the coolest natural shows I’ve ever seen.
For those seeking relaxation, Ojai is also known for its spas and wellness retreats, and I thought that made it a brilliant idea for either a romantic escape or a soulful solo trip. Affordable, beautiful, and inspiring, Ojai has this unusual magic that makes me want to return again and again.
The popular place to eat in Ojai is Olivella that offers a refined, farm-to-table experience with California wines to match, while Farmer and the Cook brings an organic, bohemian charm that perfectly captures Ojai’s easygoing spirit.
- Location: Map & Directions
For a place to stay, take a look at Ojai Valley Inn ($295), a 1923 resort blending luxury with rustic charm.
Joshua Tree National Park
I was completely captivated by this otherworldly desert landscape — a place where sculpted granite monoliths, clusters of whimsical Joshua trees, and vast stretches of golden sand come together in quiet harmony. There’s something distinctly mystical about the light at Joshua Tree National Park — especially at sunrise, when the rocks glow amber and the twisted silhouettes of the trees seem almost alive.
From Palm Springs, I drove less than an hour east and spent the day exploring some of the park’s most iconic spots. I wandered through Hidden Valley, where giant boulders form a natural amphitheater, then climbed up to Keys View for a sweeping panorama across the Coachella Valley — a view that quite literally took my breath away. Later, I lingered in the Cholla Cactus Garden, watching the sun dip low and set the desert aglow in molten gold.
My personal highlight was camping under a sea of stars — the night sky here is pure magic, so dark and crystalline that I could trace the Milky Way with my eyes. I also loved the calm simplicity of the morning hikes, when the air was still cool and the desert seemed to hold its breath, the only sound a distant call of a raven echoing between the rocks.
Santa Barbara
Only a couple of hours north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara shines as one of the most unique coastal getaways in California. Known as the “American Riviera,” this gem is both vibrant and relaxing, making it one of my favorite places for a joyful day trip or a romantic weekend escape. You can stay at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara which has won the AAA Four Diamond award so you can trust that it's a quality place.
We started at Stearns Wharf, where the ocean views felt like pure magic. I loved strolling along the pier, grabbing fresh seafood, and just watching the sailboats drift across the horizon—it was such an exceptional way to soak in the coastal charm. The whole place felt alive yet peaceful at the same time.
Downtown Santa Barbara is absolutely beautiful, with Spanish-style architecture, red-tiled roofs, and palm-lined streets that give it a unique Mediterranean feel. Wandering through State Street with its boutique shops, cool cafés, and lively atmosphere was one of my favorite parts of the trip.
Another highlight for me was the Santa Barbara Mission. The historic architecture and vibrant gardens made it such an interesting and unusual stop, and I loved learning a bit about California’s history while surrounded by so much beauty. It’s truly one of the city’s hidden gems.
- Location: Map & Directions
In the afternoon, we explored the beaches and then drove up to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. The mountain backdrop and ocean views together felt like a dream. Watching the sunset over the Pacific was absolute magic, and it reminded me why this city is one of the best coastal escapes from Los Angeles.
