The 11 best day trips from Los Angeles

1hr 50mins by car, 2hrs 40mins by train

On paper, Santa Barbara doesn’t sound all that different from, say, Santa Monica: Mountains meet the ocean in a walkable downtown that leads to a busy pier. Yet once you step foot in the American Riviera, you’ll quickly realize there’s nothing in L.A. quite like it.

Stroll up the Spanish-Colonial State Street and venture into an ivy-covered arcade for banana-topped Kahlúa French toast at Jeannine’s Bakery. At the end of the alleyway, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art ($15) is a relative bargain to see works of SoCal abstraction. Walk across the street through the Spanish-Moorish archway at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and climb atop the clock tower for sweeping views; on the way down, stop by the sublimely painted second-floor Mural Room.

Backtrack toward the coast, and along the way stop at Lilly’s Taqueria for flavorful, no-frills tacos, then watch the sun dip toward the surf from Stearns Wharf. Sip your way around the urban wineries clustered in the Funk Zone (consider an Urban Wine Trail tasting card if that’s all you want to do) before landing at the Lark, a farm-to-table favorite situated between the boozy district and the train station.

Time Out tip: Of all the destinations in this story, I think this is the most train-friendly trip, in terms of both the trip length and the walkability once you’re there. But driving is worth it if you want to visit Cold Spring Tavern, an old stagecoach stop turned music-and-BBQ-fave in the mountains to the north.

Discover the best things to do in Santa Barbara

1hr 30mins by car

Ojai is a perfect contender for a day trip—in less than two hours, you can get to the Ventura County city tucked in the Topatopa Mountains and lose yourself in its small-town charm.

Even though Ojai is laid-back, it’s home to a thriving creative community and a burgeoning dining scene. Start your day at the Dutchess, from Rustic Canyon’s Zoe Nathan and Josh Loeb, where you can pick up coffee and pastries in the morning and head back for Burmese cuisine in the evening. For lunch, nearby Pinyon is a great option with its sourdough pizzas, bagels and hoagies. And L.A. all-day hot spot Highly Likely just opened a third location in Ojai, where it’s added pixie tangerine sorbet to the menu, inspired by the petite citrus fruits Ojai is famous for. West of the downtown strip, you’ll find the Farmer and the Cook, where you can pick up a smoothie or sandwich before driving north into Los Padres National Forest for a hike.

Book lovers will want to block out at least an hour for Bart’s Books—the largest outdoor bookstore in the world—where used tomes are arranged in a maze of bookshelves around a courtyard. Bart’s gets all the buzz, but there are lots of other shops selling locally made goods that are worth a visit. Get a cone at Ojai Ice Cream, a classic parlor open since 1979, and stroll to Pixie’s General Store and sister boutiques Bungalow by FiG and FiG Curated Living, which you enter through a whimsical garden. Another favorite is Summer Camp, a stand-alone shop a short drive away that inhabits a gas station from the 1950s. (I still wear the “Oh, hi” sweatshirt I picked up there years ago.)

Another big draw is the luxurious spa at Ojai Valley Inn, an award-winning escape that offers Chumash-inspired detoxifying Kuyams and sound therapy that taps into the “vortex energy of Ojai” in addition to the usual facials and massages—all amid a tranquil setting of oak trees, lavender fields and mountain views.

End the day with a sunset yoga session at the peaceful Meditation Mount ($27, preregistration required). If you’re lucky, you might catch Ojai’s famous “Pink Moment” when the sun dips behind the mountains, but either way, you’re in for a spectacular view of the Ojai Valley.

Time Out tip: If you’re driving up on a Sunday, get there in time for the Ojai Certified Farmers Market (9am– to 1pm) to stock up on fresh local produce and flowers. It’s also worth planning a visit around the Ojai Music Festival in June, which offers four days of unique aural experiences.

Discover the best things to do in Ojai

1hr by car

Forget what you know from a certain unfortunate MTV reality show: Laguna Beach is an easygoing oceanfront city graced with lush vegetation, tidepools and a picturesque rocky coastline.

Main Beach is the spot of choice for downtown sunbathing, but you’ll find pristine, less crowded beaches at tide pool-filled Treasure Island, camper-friendly Crystal Cove or the comparatively hidden Victoria Beach with its weathered, castle-like turret.

Walk the city’s downtown area to find a mix of shops, galleries and restaurants; many eateries cater to the well heeled, but you can alternatively bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on a bench at the hilltop Heisler Park. Do, however, follow the smell of fresh waffle cones onto the enchanting Peppertree Lane for a scoop from Gelato Paradiso.

It’s not just about the beach here; you can explore the reservation-only Hortense Miller Garden or thousands of acres of hillsides and canyons to find hiking trails, nature centers and the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (temporarily closed to the public), a sea lion rescue. Summertime typically sees the arrival of two festival favorites: Pageant of the Masters, a live stage interpretation of classical paintings, and Sawdust Art Festival, an open-air artisan market that transforms into a Christmas village in late fall.

Time Out tip: There’s only one road in and out from the 5, so bring some patience during rush hour—alternatively, take the scenic route and follow Coast Highway through Newport Beach.

2hrs by car

After Danish immigrants grew tired of Midwestern winters, they began to make their way west and eventually settled in the pastoral Santa Ynez Valley. Though you won’t find many Danes in Solvang anymore, you will find wooden windmills, rural houses and a replica of Copenhagen’s Round Tower. The post-WWII structures are as touristy as they are charming; walk around town to find an assortment of Christmas shops, Hans Christian Andersen and Little Mermaid keepsakes, and sort-of-Danish bakeries.

Solvang’s downtown area is dotted with breweries and pancake cottages, including local standbys Solvang Brewing Company and Paula’s Pancake House—and an increasingly impressive new culinary scene. For a bit of history on the area, make sure to stop by the humble Elverhøj Museum.

For a more offbeat adventure, head to the outskirts of town to OstrichLand, which feels like the Jurassic Park of the ostrich and emu world.

Time Out tip: If you’re visiting in early January, make sure to schedule your trip around the annual Christmas tree bonfire.

1hr 30mins by car

Those seeking a taste of fall in Southern California know all about Oak Glen, the picturesque apple picking town tucked away the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. What regular visitors know, however, is that the apple picking season starts around Labor Day, long before the temperature actually cools—with the first apples overlapping with the last crop of summer berries at pick-your-own farms like Snow-Line Orchard. To get the best pick of apples, I recommend coming before the weather cools, though this means you’ll miss peak fall foliage, which generally occurs closer to Halloween. By the end of October, some of the smaller farms tend to run out of apples, but others still offer pick-your-own pumpkins.

Regardless of the time of year, the focal point of downtown Oak Glen is the longtime, recently spruced up Oak Tree Mountain amusement park, which offers shopping, dining and plenty of family fun. Other highlights include free games, a petting zoo, axe throwing and Old West–style mining. Most area visitors will eventually end up picking up a treat from the on-site restaurant, Apple Annie’s (though I prefer the apple pie from Wilshire’s) or trying a few of the craft beers from Common Ground. During winter, the area also gets a light dusting of snowfall, making the park a viable option for a quick snow day with the kids. (Just make sure to check road conditions before heading out, though Oak Glen is a low enough elevation that you usually won’t need snow chains.)

The rest of the year, you can still find several farm stands selling apple cider doughnuts, honey and other locally made treats; Los Rios Rancho, one of the oldest, largest farms in the area, also offers pick-your-own strawberries in the spring and other family-friendly workshops and activities throughout the year. A few newer shops have also popped up in Oak Glen, including Wilshire’s Apple Shed, which offers tasty pizzas, drinks and sweets alongside a charming retail selection. One of the more interesting shops in the area is Parrish House Antiques, which offers a mind-boggling array of vintage curios and clothing.

Time Out tip: If you end up staying in the area for dinner, the best restaurant in town is the Oak Glen Steak House & Saloon.

1hr by car

Of all Newport Beach’s man-made islands, Balboa Island is by far the folksiest. I think it also happens to feel more like a quaint East Coast harborfront village than the rest of Newport’s distinctly Southern Californian settlements—and hence like a properly day trippy destination.

Wilma’s Patio is a breakfast time staple, or you can skip straight to dessert and get your hands on a frozen banana (both Sugar N Spice and Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop claim to be the originators of the chocolate-covered treat). Outside of the mom-and-pop shops on Marine Avenue, a 1.6-mile boardwalk traces the small island’s perimeter of vacation homes.

On the southwest side of the island, you’ll find find a handful of operators offering 8-to-12-person Duffy boat rentals to (booze) cruise around Newport Bay—and I can vouch firsthand that this is a fantastic way to extend your visit to right around sunset.

Time Out tip: The small bridge at Marine Avenue is the most direct way in, but it routinely backs up on weekends and during the summer. Consider the pint-sized auto ferry ($2–$3) from Balboa Peninsula as an alternative; though you’ll hit some traffic there, too, it might be the preferable option if you plan on riding the Ferris wheel or taking a whale watching tour by the Balboa Fun Zone.

Discover the best things to do in Newport Beach

1hr 15mins by car, 1hr 50min by train

A few years ago, I’m not sure that I would’ve thought there was enough in Ventura to fill an entire day trip—but a pedestrian-friendly makeover of the coastal city’s downtown has made me completely change my mind. Ventura closed Main Street to car traffic in 2020, and those six blocks of beautiful brick and stone buildings have since been turned into a permanent pedestrian-only space lined with lively dining patios—and I can’t think of a single other major downtown in the L.A. area that’s stayed committed to such an effort.

I’d actually start outside of downtown, though, and grab breakfast at Café Nouveau, where you can gobble up delectable dishes inside or on the patio of a cozy bungalow. Then venture toward the coast and along the paved promenade and out onto the lengthy Ventura Pier, which dates back to the late 1800s (and now boasts a remarkably scenic MadeWest taproom). Stroll into town and along Main Street and reward yourself with a scoop from Rori’s Artisanal Creamery, located on the same block as the city’s beautiful 1782 mission. For dinner, grab seafood and bar bites in the courtyard at Rumfish y Vino.

Time Out tip: There’s a free parking garage on Santa Clara Street, next to Lure Fish House, but it fills up on busy weekends and you often won’t realize that until you’ve tailgated your way to the very top. Instead, try one of the eight other lots with free all-day parking.

1hr by boat from Long Beach

Island vibes and stiff drinks are just a boat ride away. Accessible aboard the Catalina Express ($92 round trip)—with ferry launches in Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point—the rugged isle sports two landings: Two Harbors beckons overnight backpackers, while the walkable main port Avalon is suitable for a single-day visit. (You can still get a taste of the interior if you book a tour through the Catalina Island Company.)

Back in town, nosh on egg-topped avocado toast at Cafe Metropole before following the beachfront path to the Catalina Casino, an Art Deco auditorium whose ambience is mostly accessible via walking tours. Sink into the sand and take in the ocean views with a frosty Buffalo Milk cocktail at the nearby Descanso Beach Club, where you can legally drink on the beach. The classy Catalina Island Museum dives into the century-old vacation destination’s fascinating history, which includes Chicago Cubs spring training and proto- CIA military exercises. For dinner, savor seafood dishes on thedockside patio at Bluewater Grill Avalon. Before you leave island life, grab a sticky cinnamon bun from the Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co. for the ride back.

Time Out tip: Some folks will suggest that you spend the night in Avalon, but given how expensive the ferry fares already are, I think that moves this clearly out of spontaneous day trip territory. A one-day visit is admittedly exhausting, so if you can afford the $40 round-trip upgrade to the Commodore Lounge on the Catalina Express, I’d highly suggest it. You’ll be sitting in a comfy, more private cabin with a complimentary cocktail in hand while the rest of the ship is still lining up to board.

Discover the best things to do on Catalina Island

2hrs by car

A visit to Palm Springs is better as a weekend trip, but those who don’t mind waking up early and getting home late will find that it’s an excellent place for an action-packed day trip. Start with a couple of bagels from Townie Bagels or an early meal at Cheeky’s, one of the only brunch options in town that I think is actually worth waiting for. In the winter months, I love the area hikes; there’s the beginner-friendly two-mile loop with a waterfall at Tahquitz Canyon, which requires an entry fee and a full water bottle (trust me, it’s for your own good). For more of a workout, look to the longer, more challenging trails nestled in the Indian Canyons, some of which lead to a breathtaking palm oasis. If you want to avoid getting sweaty altogether, you can escape the heat and take the Aerial Tramway ($35) to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains for gorgeous views of the desert and, sometimes, enough snow for sledding in the winter.

For a full day of relaxation, there’s nothing more luxurious than the Spa at Séc-he. Located in the heart of downtown, the spa draws from the original water source that gave Palm Springs its name and offers bodywork, mineral baths and more. For more budget-friendly options, drive half an hour to Desert Hot Springs for a day pass at the Spring Resort & Spa or Azure Palm Hot Springs. Of course, the touristy downtown area offers incredible shopping, as well as the Palm Springs Art Museum, which features a sculpture garden and a permanent collection that includes works from world-renowned contemporary artists like Marina Abramović and Anish Kapoor. The Palm Springs Air Museum and quirky Moorten Botanical Garden also make for kid-friendly, fairly educational afternoon activities. For vintage clothing lovers, the estate sales in the desert are gold mines—but if you’d rather let someone else do the bulk of curation, shops like Melody Note Vintage and the Frippery offer beautifully curated racks of midcentury clothing for easy (though pricey) browsing.

By the time sunset rolls around, you’ll probably be hungry. Avoid the glut of middling, touristy eateries downtown by planning ahead (even by a few days!) and making a reservation. There’s the unassuming, fairly casual appeal at Johannes, a longtime Austrian locals’ favorite; the seasonally inspired menu at Workshop Kitchen + Bar, which also offers a charming patio; and if you can snag a reservation at Bar Cecil (which drop on Resy at midnight, 14 days in advance), you should absolutely go. If you’re not able to plan ahead, you can also try your luck for a seat or two at the bar right before Cecil opens. For classic steaks and bona fide retro vibes, look to Mr. Lyons and Copley’s on Palm Canyon. Other great, more spontaneous walk-in options include Chef Tanya’s, one of Southern California’s best vegan restaurants and Alice B., a new seasonal restaurant from the longtime culinary duo behind L.A.’s award-winning Border Grill.

Time Out tip: For a light breakfast, another excellent alternative is a cup of coffee and a buttery croissant from Peninsula Pastries. Just note they close in the summer, when the extreme heat makes it impossible to keep the ovens on.

Discover the best things to do in Palm Springs

2hrs by car

There’s a reason Coronado has topped lists of the country’s best beaches: Its wide shores never feel overcrowded, the soft, fine-grained sand is easily walkable and the weather is practically perfect. Just a quick ferry ride ($9) or bridge drive from San Diego, this wealthy peninsula has the feel of a resort town with the amenities that come from being near a major city.

The beachfront grounds of the regal, red-roofed Hotel del Coronado are a must-visit, even if you can’t foot its pricey room reservations. Back in town, stop into hole-in-the-wall diner Clayton’s Coffee Shop for a quick meal or MooTime Creamery for frozen treats. Coronado is also home to a sizable naval base, and while you can’t exactly visit, you can spot fighter jets coming in for landings and submarines surfacing off the coast.

Time Out tip: Traffic on the 5 can easily double the length of the drive and stretch this more into a weekend-long San Diego visit (Amatrak’s Pacific Surfliner offers a much more pleasant alternative, but you’re still looking at a three-hour ride). That said, if you leave L.A. by 8am and stick around until sundown, it’s absolutely feasible to keep each leg to two hours.

2hrs 30mins by car

Joshua Tree is where the hip crowd goes to get away from L.A., even though when you arrive in the vast, silent desert, it’s easy to believe you’re the first who’s had the idea. It’s often an overnight destination—the number of Airbnbs in Joshua Tree is disproportionate to full-time residences—but if you get an early start, you can fit in lunch, shopping and some hiking, then head back to L.A. after sunset.

On the way, make the most of the drive and stop at the Cabazon Dinosaurs, the quintessential roadside attraction made famous in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. Also worth a stop is the Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum of Assemblage Art, an open-air wonderland of found-object sculptures that’s free to explore.

Once you arrive in JT, wander along its small town’s main stretch with eateries, shops and eclectic spots like the free World Famous Crochet Museum and Beauty Bubble Salon and Museum. Some of my favorites are Sun of the Desert, art gallery-slash-bookstore HeyThere Projects and newer entry JT Trading Post, where you can find non-cheesy souvenirs from local vendors (it also hosts an outdoor marketplace on weekends). And if you want to lean into the desert vibes and charge up some crystals to take home, Joshua Tree Rock Shop is a must-visit.

For sustenance, there’s Crossroads Cafe, a classic diner with vegan options, and across the street pizza place Sky High Pie and Joshua Tree Coffee Company, where you can perk up before heading into the park. If you visit between Thursday and Sunday, drive to La Copine for arguably the area’s best food (think sunchoke latke with smoked salmon and crispy papas with lemon mayo), though it shifts to a nighttime spot in the summer to avoid the worst of the desert heat.

If it’s not unbearably hot, venture into Joshua Tree National Park ($30 per car) for a hike amid the gnarly namesake Joshua trees (make sure to bring plenty of water), or at least pull over and soak in the desert landscape. For a free alternative with no crowds, you can check out Giant Rock (be mindful of the bumpy dirt road as you drive up)—a freestanding boulder to the north toward past Landers that some claim is the biggest in the world. Afterward, head to local-frequented pizza place Giant Rock Meeting Room (don’t sleep on the Cheezzzey Baguette with tomato confit). Then—unless you’ve scheduled your trip around a concert at Pappy & Harriet’s in nearby Pioneertown—you can begin the trek home.

Time Out tip: If you want to visit the dome-shaped Integratron ($60), a popular destination about a 20-minute drive from Joshua Tree, be sure to book online way before your trip—time slots for its public sound baths from Thursdays to Sundays get snatched up weeks in advance. (And note that it’ll be closed for most of the summer offseason, from June 30 to September 10, 2025.)