While Los Angeles has enough activities and experiences to keep you busy for weeks and months, sometimes you want to trade it for something new and different outside of the city. Thanks to California’s consistently near-perfect weather, all of them are year-round destinations.

These destinations are only a few hours from Los Angeles. You can reach them easily in a single day and enjoy the variety. It’s one of the best ways to experience a different side of Southern California. Don’t worry about peak travel season here. All of these are only several hours or less by car, so you get the bonus of scenic drives on your way to these wonderful places.

Some are best for children and families, while others suit solo travelers and romantic couples. Everyone has their own list and recommendations, and most overlap. Here is our personal list of the best destinations to visit.

Santa Barbara

There’s something here for everyone, whether you’re a romantic couple, a family, or a solo traveler looking for a simple escape from the boredom of repetitive day-to-day life. As a native Angeleno, this has always been one of my top day trips, and I highly recommend it. You can even take the local Amtrak train instead of driving for a more leisurely, picturesque trip.

Enjoy the scenic beaches with a bike ride along the shoreline, or walk to the historic pier, Stearns Wharf, for boat and wildlife watching. Food lovers can enjoy downtown’s walkable historic State Street, with casual eateries and upscale restaurants, while taking in the mixed Spanish and Mediterranean architecture Santa Barbara is known for. And because of its proximity to Santa Ynez Valley, you can sample local wines from popular vineyards.

Note: See our foodie lovers Taco Tour of Santa Barbara

Malibu

The closest day trip from Los Angeles. One of California’s most iconic coastal destinations and one of the most popular beach towns. Gazing at the spectacular Pacific coastline and classic beach-town experiences will make a day here fly by. It also allows you to drive with the windows down along the quintessential Pacific Coast Highway.

You can also enjoy the variety of beaches in several different ways. Sit back and enjoy Southern California’s surf culture at Surfrider Beach, or explore El Matador State Beach with its rock formations and sea caves. Opposite the beaches, in the Santa Monica Mountains, you can take one of the many hiking trails through the canyons and open spaces.
You can find high-end shopping and dining at the Malibu Country Mart.

Relax in the laid-back setting on the outdoor seating, and you might spot a local celebrity. The Getty Villa still shapes your understanding of art with its tasteful Greek and Roman exhibits. At the end of the day, you’ll have enjoyed the sea breeze and had a good tan!

Ojai

This destination has embraced its reputation as a haven for California’s artists, painters, photographers, musicians, and hipsters. You can see it in the numerous galleries, a bustling farmers’ market every weekend, independent specialty shops of handcrafted goods, several boutique spas, and the world’s largest outdoor bookstore. The small-town atmosphere and strong local culture here replace the major tourist attractions you’ll find elsewhere. It’s well suited to a slower pace, with a leisurely day of perusing and browsing and a nice meal.

Palm Springs

Once you are done on California’s West Coast, it’s time to head east. As you move away from the water, you get the sunny inland climate and desert landscape of this popular getaway instead. This destination is more about a slower pace of life, where you can relax without making an itinerary. Just go with it and see where the wind takes you. You may just want to do nothing but lounge by the pool at one of the many resorts and boutique hotels in Palm Springs. Sometimes that’s more than you need.

If you do feel the need to be active, there is plenty to do. Hikers can enjoy nearby trails in the Indian and Andreas Canyons for the day. Shoppers will enjoy the vintage clothing and music shops along the side streets of downtown. The main attraction is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which offers panoramic views of the valleys below from the San Jacinto Mountain summit. Perfect on a clear day and a welcome contrast to the desert.

Solvang

A distinctive small town bringing a piece of European culture and heritage to this part of the world.

Explore the Danish-inspired architecture of downtown by horse-drawn trolley or your own self-guided walking tour. You’ll see its Danish roots in colorful timber buildings and distinctive windmills that make for recognizable, photogenic landmarks. You can also explore by horse-drawn trolley or on your own self-guided walking tour.

I mostly come here for the food when I have the time and a craving for something sweet and European. That’s because you can sample the traditional Danish pastries at one of the six authentic bakeries. All of these have that cozy, friendly Danish hospitality feel and decor, where you can choose from simple rolls, butter cookies like Finsk brød and Kanelkager, and the classic Risalamande dessert.

Note: See our expanded local guide for California’s Danish Capital

Joshua Tree National Park

Here is where you really want to embrace the outdoors. One of the most popular national parks in the entire United States, with rugged mountains, boulder formations, and the park’s namesake species of yucca. You will find the landscape changes dramatically because of the different ecosystems in this protected desert wilderness.

Beginner hikers should start with the popular and easy loop in Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, or Barker Dam. Intermediate and advanced hikers and rock climbers can enjoy Mastodon Peak, Ryan Mountain, and Lost Palms Oasis. For panoramic viewpoints, all visitors recommend driving up to Keys View, where, on a good day, you can see across the whole valley. Plenty of backcountry roads also invite exploration by vehicle, bike, or ATV.

It’s a rewarding experience, both for its peacefulness and adventure, and it only takes a day to truly appreciate.

Idyllwild

A quaint mountain retreat specifically suited to disconnecting from everyday life. This pine-shaded community has only a few thousand residents, so it almost feels like everyone knows everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty to do here. The San Jacinto Mountains offer well-maintained scenic hiking routes in the wilderness, with stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. You’ll find stream crossings and opportunities to see wildlife among the native plants. The abundance of granite formations has made it popular for local rock climbers. The Idyllwild Nature Center also offers educational programs and exhibits detailing the area’s history.

Catalina Island

For those who want an affordable island retreat, this day trip destination is just one easy ferry ride away. Off the coast of California, you leave the comfort of the mainland and head into open water, where you’re in a whole new mindset. You are going from city life to island life. A day trip here is a great way to get to know the island and enjoy some wonderful experiences. I’ve visited several times, and I still haven’t gotten bored.

Once you get off the ferry, you’re in the beachy splendor of Avalon’s main town. You will find a waterfront and boardwalk with everything you need. I enjoy the surf and outdoor shops, casual restaurants, and small boutique hotels with water-view balconies.

Stroll along the boardwalk to the Catalina Island Visitors Center, which offers plenty of activities. These include island tours, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat tours. Take a guided 4-wheel tour to explore the backcountry for scenic views and local wildlife. Or hike up to Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden to see Catalina’s natural history and plant life.

Afterward, reserve a cabana at the local beach club to lounge around with cocktails and oceanfront dining involving fresh seafood. Or spend your whole day trip doing just that. Simply being on the island is enjoyable enough.

Note: See our expanded local guide for Catalina Adventures

Big Bear Lake

Here, you get to swap the ocean breeze smells of the Pacific for the earthy, pine-scented forests and mountain escape of Big Bear Lake. Fun starts right away with the scenic drive into the mountains. Take it slow, take it all in, stop at viewpoints, and pull over at any interesting roadside attractions.

In California, you can really appreciate the change of season as this destination turns into a winter playground covered in snow, perfect for skiing and snowboarding. This is the time of year I suggest you take a day trip here, even though it is peak season for visitors. Big Bear Village is a great place to wander in the morning with a coffee and a fresh blanket of snow.

Conclusion

After day trips like these just to get out of the city, I feel rejuvenated when I return to Los Angeles. Each offers something special and unique to its destination. Some of my favorite memories have been from these day trips with friends and family, and so will yours. Just get in your car and hit the road to find your own favorite spot.