The Best Day Trips from Los Angeles

Are you looking to experience more of what Los Angeles has to offer? A few days exploring the attractions in the city is nice, but it’s also great to get out and take a day trip to some of the less visited places. There are islands, national parks, and beautiful lakeside towns that are within a few hours of LA. So, stop walking around looking for your favorite celebrities Los Angeles mansions and see what’s outside the city.

Important Things to Know About Day Trips in LA:

Before we start describing the best day trips, let’s take a moment to cover some essential tips to make sure your trip goes smoothly. The first is that you should always factor in the traffic. What may at first appear like an hour’s drive can quickly turn into three if you leave at the wrong time. Public transport is reliable to get to some of the places, but it’s trickier for others. Make sure you know how to get there and the best time to set off if you’re driving. Now that you know what to expect, let’s have a look at some of the top destinations.

Visit the Spanish Town of Ojai:

Ojai is a small Spanish colonial town that’s a perfect place to come and relax for the afternoon. The city center is characterized by Spanish architecture, which makes for a few nice photographs. You can also take advantage of the location near a valley and hike along one of the trails. Bird watching is also a popular activity. Some people visit Ojai for a few days of relaxation at one of its many spas. It typically takes around an hour and a half to reach from Los Angeles by car.  

Catch a Ferry to Catalina Island:

You can reach Catalina Island by taking a ferry that leaves regularly from Long Beach. It takes about an hour to reach and will give you some of the best views of the coastline. Locals come here to relax on the quieter beaches and take part in water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving. This makes a perfect day trip from Los Angeles to see and experience something different.

Spend the Day at Santa Barbara:

Santa Barbara is a popular day trip from Los Angeles that takes around 90 minutes to reach. This has a reputation for romance as young couple wander aimlessly around the small town. You can expect to see Mission architecture mixed with lots of shops and boutiques. The beaches at Santa Barbara are very beautiful and have fewer tourists compared to those back in LA. Another reason to visit is that the town has a very active wine scene!

Drive to Palm Springs:

Palm Springs is less than two hours from Los Angeles by car and makes for a perfect day trip. You can come to this laid back city and enjoy the modernist way of life. There are lots of larger resorts where you can come and spend a few days if you want to escape LA. Just remember to set off early and plan your route carefully to avoid the inevitable rush hour traffic.

Spend the Day at a National Park:

You can find lots of national parks within less than an hour or so from downtown. These are a great place for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. Some people bring a picnic lunch and spend a few hours with their family away from the crowds of the city. Others rent a bicycle and cycle along the trails. Whatever you want to do, there’s something here for everyone. Search online to find what national parks are nearby and the best one to suit your interests.

Experience the Charismatic Town of Solvang:

Solvang is a small Danish town that’s about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles. Most of the buildings in this town feel very Danish and it attracts a large number of tourists from all around California. There are a few museums that can give you an insight into the Danish history and roots of the town. One, in particular, that’s always recommended is the Elverhoj Museum. If you do visit, check out the nearby vineyards at Santa Ynez where you can sample and buy some locally produced wine.

Visit Temecula Wine Valley:

If you’re a fan of wine, then you should consider driving an hour or so from LA to check out Temecula. This area has some of the best wines in the region. One of the best ways to experience what’s on offer here is to join a guided tour where you can sample the different wine. But it’s perfectly fine to drive here yourself unless you plan on tasting some of the wine! Lots of high-end hotels are available for those who want to stay more than a single night. You can also get out and enjoy some of the nature trails and take your family for a picnic. This is a great day trip from Los Angeles that comes highly recommended.

The Takeaway Message:

Los Angeles is a great city to visit for a few days but it’s also nice to get out and see more of what the region has to offer. Tourists can take a day trip to some of the islands or spend their time experiencing the Danish or Spanish towns. Just make sure you plan your route ahead and anticipate delays with traffic. A trip to some of these place will make an amazing trip even more perfect.