Los Angeles, as you may have heard, is not the easiest city to visit. Its enormous size, travel distances, great variety of urban landscapes, and sheer volume of attractions can be a major headache for visitors when they are trying to plan a comprehensive itinerary of the city, which can be a daunting task. Our guides on what to do in Los Angeles, its neighborhoods and districts, and how many days to devote to the city, try to provide tips and suggestions to help you create a detailed itinerary that you can personalize depending on the days you have available.
However, what I am about to share with you in this article may make the task of narrowing down what to see even more challenging. This will be a comprehensive overview of things to see in the area around Los Angeles. This information may be useful to those who have decided to stay a few days in Los Angeles and want to use it as a base for day trips in the surrounding area without necessarily embarking on a road trip.
Contents
Day Trips from Los Angeles
This article will be subdivided into sections that address different types of attractions, so you can choose based on your interests. Since Los Angeles is very large, it would be hard to list travel times starting from each individual district and neighborhood, so I have decided to indicate the distances and time required for each day trip (one way) starting from Downtown Los Angeles.
Cities Outside of Los Angeles
While there may be many small towns and neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area to delve into, it may be worth considering the larger and smaller cities that are nearby. In some cases, you can take a day trip, but there are other cases in which you may need to stay overnight before returning back to Los Angeles. Keep in mind that some of these locations are within Greater Los Angeles, but they are still far enough from downtown Los Angeles to require some planning.
San Diego
Distance: 120 miles (about 2 hours)
While San Francisco is farther away and it would be complicated to visit it in a limited amount of time, San Diego is a perfect destination for a day trip for those who want to see another major California coastal city without traveling a long distance. The drive from Los Angeles to San Diego by car is not very long (traffic permitting), and some may think they can get away with a quick visit and return to Los Angeles late in the evening, by focusing on a couple of neighborhoods or the famous Balboa Park. However, as you can read in this article, a city as vibrant and interesting as San Diego deserves at least 2 days, so ideally you would want to spend at least one night in San Diego before heading back.
Santa Barbara
Distance: 96 miles (about 1 hour 40 minutes)
Los Angeles is along Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, which is a road trip enthusiast’s dream. Just over an hour north of Malibu, there is a glamorous seaside resort beloved by Los Angeles VIPs. It is none other than Santa Barbara, a pleasant city overlooking the Pacific Ocean that not only offers a relaxing waterfront and beach life but also has traces of California history. In fact, Santa Barbara’s wooden pier is the oldest in the entire state. There is also an ancient mission that was part of the Camino Real and some interesting Spanish colonial-style buildings.
Our tips on where to stay in Santa Barbara
Palm Springs and Pioneertown
Distance: 172 – 124 miles (1 hour 40 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes approx.)
Palm Springs is a completely different city. It is rightfully described as an oasis in the desert because, if you didn’t know, the mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest to the east and the Angeles National Forest to the north separate Los Angeles from rugged desert. In short, if during your vacation in Los Angeles you want a radical change of scenery, in about 1 hour and 40 minutes you can reach this unique town that was once the residence of many celebrities during the Rat Pack years. Some VIPs built their very lavish villas below the palm trees, which still contribute to the worldly charm of this otherwise desolate location. There are a couple of natural attractions near this town that you definitely need to visit. I will talk about them shortly.
If this is your first time visiting the Southwest and you have not planned a long drive from Los Angeles, you may risk missing out on one of the main points of interest, such as ghost towns, which are spooky, shabby abandoned Wild West towns. Don’t worry, though! If you have decided to visit Palm Springs, you will find one just over 30 minutes away called Pioneertown. It is not actually a historic town; rather, it is a movie set built to shoot Western movies. However, the atmosphere is really authentic, as the houses and rooms for the film crew were also built on site.
Barstow and Calico
Distance: 118-124 miles (1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours)
While Palm Springs and Pioneertown are east of Los Angeles going towards Phoenix, Barstow and the ghost town Calico lie to the north heading towards Las Vegas. Barstow and Palm Springs are more or less equidistant, but the latter has more charm than the former.
However, Barstow has a remarkable ace up its sleeve: it is one of the major towns on Route 66 in California! If you read our article, you’ll see that Barstow is home to several Mother Road-themed museums and quite a number of attractions that fully reflect its spirit, including Calico, a ghost town (alas, also a sham) that can reawaken the passion of Wild West lovers.
Ideally, it would be best to reach Barstow by staying on Route 66 after departing from Los Angeles, so what could be considered a simple day trip can turn into an adventure!
Recommended places to stay in Barstow
Typical Small Towns in Northwest Los Angeles
Northwest of Los Angeles, as you head to San Francisco, are some rustic small towns near the coast that would merit the attention of those who want a bit of a break from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. A day trip to one of these small towns will provide a radical change of atmosphere by driving just over two hours (one way). You may decide to limit yourself to visiting one or two of the small towns I will mention, but their relative proximity makes a full day trip possible.
Ojai
Distance: 83 miles (about 1 hour 25 minutes)
I will start by talking about Ojai, the town closest to Los Angeles. This small and historic town is located east of Ventura, a coastal city halfway between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Ojai is a word in the Chumash language that means “valley of the moon,” which is a nice way of describing the town’s fortunate location, nestled among the Topatopa Mountains in a sun-kissed valley full of orchards, vineyards, and farmland.
It’s worth it to take a walk through the town to admire the Spanish Colonial Revival buildings, visit the farmers markets, typical restaurants, art workshops, independent bookstores, vintage stores…
Solvang
Distance: 127 miles (about 2 hours)
About 65 miles west from Ojai and east of Santa Barbara there is a unique little town in the Santa Ynez Valley wine region called Solvang. What is so special about this town? It so happens that Solvang is a Danish town in California, complete with windmills and attractions dedicated to the great Danish author Hans Christian Andersen!
You don’t believe me? Here is our article about this unusual town founded by Danish pioneers.
Los Alamos
Distance: 133 miles (about 2 hours 20 minutes)
About 20 minutes from Solvang, in the northern area of the Santa Ynez Valley, there is another town worth visiting called Los Alamos. Originally this was a Mexican “rancho” that was purchased by San Francisco investor Thomas Bell in 1876. It is said that in the surrounding hills, the bandit Salomon Pico, known as Zorro, took refuge.
Los Alamos may be small and it may remind you of Ojai, but I assure you that a stroll down Bell Street, the main thoroughfare of Los Alamos, will be worth the effort of getting here. In addition to the various places to sample wine and local food, don’t miss the splendid, historic Union Hotel (dated 1880), an old caravan stop, and the far more upscale Victorian Mansion Bed & Breakfast, built in an old Victorian house from 1864, where you can also stay.
Orange and environs
Distance: Varies (35 minutes – 1 hour)
Those unfamiliar with the geography of the Greater Los Angeles Area will find it hard to believe that Orange and Anaheim (the latter famous for being home to Disneyland) could be considered for all intents and purposes parts of Los Angeles. In fact, going from West Hollywood to Orange, for example, can take even more than an hour when there’s traffic, which is not all that short of a drive when considering a day trip.
For this reason, day trips around Los Angeles also include Orange County (which actually extends beyond the Los Angeles metropolitan area). In addition to Disneyland, these are other attractions in the area:
- Old Towne Orange, the historic heart of the city of Orange, with its vintage stores and other shops;
- San Juan Capistrano, a small town on the way to San Diego known for preserving the remains of one of California’s oldest missions (1776);
- Huntington Beach, where you can see surfers in action!
- The quiet man-made Balboa Island is right between Newport Beach and the Balboa Peninsula. I recommend taking a nice walk along Marine Avenue or the waterfront, where you will see the prettiest houses on this residential islet…
- … and much more! Read our article about Orange County.
Los Angeles Desert Day Trips
As we mentioned earlier, Los Angeles is close to both the Mojave Desert and the Colorado/Sonora Desert, and there is no shortage of parks and attractions to visit in these huge regions.
Joshua Tree National Park
Distance: 147 miles (2 hours 30 minutes)
Undoubtedly one of the most popular day trip destinations from Los Angeles is Joshua Tree National Park. California’s famous national park is not far from Palm Springs and its surreal rocky wilderness is dotted with yucca trees. You can get around the park by car and make stops to walk to the major attractions.
After a 3-hour tour you may be thinking of heading back, but it is worth it to take it slow and combine a visit to the park with a visit to Palm Springs, Pioneertown and surrounding areas, and staying overnight near the park or right in Palm Springs.
Our tips on where to stay near Joshua Tree
Indian Canyons
Distance: 112 miles (1.50 hours)
Located on the outskirts of Palm Springs on the Cahuilla Indian Reservation, Indian Canyons is another beautiful park with incredible hiking trails. This area is distinguished by its lush California palm plantations. It is ideal for those coming from Los Angeles who do not have a lot of time to hike. Once you arrive in Palm Springs, you can do a couple of short trails and be done in a little over an hour without driving too many miles to get from one point to another in the park, as is the case in Joshua Tree.
Our recommendations for an overnight stay in Palm Springs
Red Rock Canyon State Park
Distance: 118 miles (1 hour 50 minutes)
Very rarely do tourists vacationing in Los Angeles decide to go as far as Cantil to see Red Rock Canyon State Park. It is somewhat out of the way and not well known. However, it tends to attract those traveling from Sequoia to Death Valley. In reality, the distance traveled to reach this park is no greater than that traveled to get to the other parks mentioned so far. Moreover, it is a unique opportunity, especially for those who will not be traveling to the parks in Utah known for red rock formations. It is the only park with red rocks in California.
If you are interested in doing some short trails while you are here, plan for a little more than half a day.
Accommodations around Red Rock Canyon State Park
Vasquez Rocks
Distance: 43 miles (about 45 minutes)
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is significantly closer to Los Angeles compared to the other places mentioned so far and is an excellent and relaxing alternative to longer and more strenuous hikes. Relatively unknown, Vasquez Rocks is located near the Agua Dulce, nestled in the Sierra Pelona Ridge. The strange, slanted, pointed rock formations of this desert are famous for being featured in Star Trek.
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
Distance: 67 miles (1 hour 25 minutes)
Just under an hour and a half away from Downtown Los Angeles, in Lancaster, lies an incredible landscape, where the desert turns red! Imagine a vast barren expanse dotted with poppies! The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve protects this flower species that grows here in this special microclimate. Near the main parking lot there are several scenic spots, and throughout the reserve there are easy trails weaving their way through the poppy fields.
Two Pines Chapel
Distance: 93 miles (1 hour 35 minutes)
On a remote side street in the eastern suburbs of Lancaster, whereas Antelope Valley is on the western side, lies a place that Kill Bill lovers will not want to miss. There is a small white church where the massacre takes place during Beatrix’s wedding, an event that will provoke vengeance throughout the story.
The little church is called Two Pines Chapel and is so far out of the way from all other destinations that you will have to make a point to go see it! The address is 19857 E Ave G, Lancaster (see map).
Accommodations available in Lancaster
Mojave National Preserve
Distance: Varies (211 miles approx.). 3 to 4 hours
Due to the inclement weather and its location off the beaten path, the Mojave National Preserve remains one of the less visited areas of the Mojave Desert. The distance from Los Angeles is significant, so I would not recommend a day trip to the Kelso Dunes and other areas of the park. However, if you like desert vistas and fascinating “singing dunes,” you can plan a two-day trip and spend the night in Barstow.
Recommended accommodations in Barstow
Salton Sea and Slab City and Anza Borrego Desert
Distance: variable (150 – 186 miles). 2 hours 40 minutes – 3 hours
Besides Palm Springs and Joshua Tree (close to both the Colorado Desert and Mojave Desert), so far, we have only mentioned the Mojave Desert. The Colorado Desert, located southeast of Los Angeles, is also a good distance from the city, but it has places that are worth seeing. The first ones that come to mind are:
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: California’s largest State park has a beautiful trail system among the barren desert mountains near Borrego Springs;
- Galleta Meadows: Come and see strange dinosaurs and metal dragons popping out of nowhere in the desert;
- Salvation Mountain and Slab City: The man-made mountain with “God is Love” written on it, created by Leonard Knight and immortalized by the movie “Into the Wild.”
- Salton Sea: the largest lake in California has a truly unique history and some curious attractions to discover.
To learn more, read this in-depth overview of deserts in California.
All accommodations in the area
Nature Day Trips from Los Angeles
Los Angeles’ great geographic diversity is one of its strengths. In addition to the deserts, there are beautiful mountains around the city. Our favorites are in the northwest (the Santa Monica Mountains), northeast (the San Bernardino Mountains), and southeast toward Palm Springs (Mount San Jacinto State Park).
Santa Monica Mountains
Distance: 53 miles (1 hour 10 minutes)
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is located at a reasonable distance from Los Angeles and is also not far from Malibu. This is ideal for those who want to do some hiking trails without straying too far from Los Angeles. The park is quite large, but we recommend focusing on the area around Circle X Ranch, a former Boy Scout camp tucked into the canyons below Boney Mountain (Point Mugu State Park, see in the chapter on beaches).
Several trails start from here. I recommend the one leading to Sandstone Peak (3111 ft), the highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains, which offers remarkable views of the Pacific Ocean and the valleys surrounding the mountain. Click here to see the location of the parking lot for the trailhead. If you have time, you can also continue walking on the Mishe Mokwa Trail to see, among other things, Balanced Rock, which looks like it is about to drop down into the canyon. A list of the trails can be found on this website.
The Lakes of the San Bernardino Mountains
The city of San Bernardino, east of Los Angeles, is the starting point for several interesting hikes in what are called the Alps of Southern California. The best way to spend a day without suffering the summer heat of Los Angeles in our opinion is to head to one of the large mountain lakes nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest.
Lake Arrowhead
Distance: 80 miles (about 1 hour 30 minutes)
The closest lake to Los Angeles is Lake Arrowhead, located near the quiet, tourist town named after the lake. The lake is located at an elevation of 5174 ft above sea level, and can be conveniently viewed from Village Point, a commercial area that also offers various recreational opportunities, including an amusement park (Lollipop Park), stores and restaurants.
Arrowhead Queen Boat Tours depart from a small pier on the eastern side of the town. This is a great way to visit the lake surrounded by pine, cedar and dogwood forests reflected in the water.
Big Bear Lake
Distance: 97 miles (about 2 hours)
Due to its size and the amount of activities that it offers, Big Bear Lake attracts many more tourists and locals. The ski facilities on nearby Bear Mountain and Snow Mountain make it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. If you want to get to this lake, plan for more than half a day, because the drive from Los Angeles is significant and there are quite a few things to see.
Situated at an elevation of 6752 ft above sea level, Big Beak Lake is perfect for those who love hiking. One of the most popular trails is the Castle Rock Trail, a short but steep trail that leads to an exceptional overlook with a view of the entire lake. It can be difficult to find parking, since the trailhead is along the road.
An easier and more affordable option is the Alpine Pedal Path, a paved trail along the lakefront that leads to the Solar Observatory. Also on this trail there is the Big Bear Discovery Center, a great place to get advice on the right hike around the lake.
Idyllwild hikes
Distance: 109 miles (about 2 hours)
Idyllwild and Pine Cove are small mountain resorts in the valley below San Jacinto Peak, the highest peak in the San Jacinto Mountains, which is also visible from Palm Springs (located to the east of the mountain range). At the top of the mountain (10,833 ft) there is an exceptional view. Even the famous naturalist John Muir said, “The view from San Jacinto is the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth.” How do you get there? Thanks to a very long trail (a strenuous 13-mile hike that will take an entire day) starting from Marion Mountain Campground, about 20 minutes from the town.
Given the distance from Los Angeles and the level of difficulty of the hike, the latter trail is recommended only for those who have the right gear and would like to spend a couple of days in the mountains while staying overnight in the area.
Alternatively, if you want to take an easier but still impressive hike, take the Deer Spring Trail to Suicide Peak, a beautiful granite monolith where you can look out over the valley. The trail starts here. It is 7.5 miles long and can be done in about 4 hours. If you plan well, you can also return to Los Angeles to spend the night there.
Accommodations available in Idyllwild
Beaches and Islands Near Los Angeles
Los Angeles beaches and seaside resorts are a must when visiting L.A.-no one should leave the city without admiring the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, Venice or Malibu.
Yet, in addition to the aforementioned Santa Barbara and Newport Beach (not to mention the beaches of San Diego, which are gorgeous!), there are other places on the water nearby that are worth visiting, especially Point Mugu State Park, Laguna Beach, and Channel Islands National Park. The islands are unique and can provide a change of scenery that is different from the city’s classic beach spots.
Point Mugu State Park
Distance: 60 miles (1 hour 10 minutes)
Point Mugu State Park borders the Santa Monica Mountains, and further inland, they offer very similar views of the ocean. This state park boasts some canyon trails (Sycamore Canyon and La Jolla Canyon. Don’t expect something like the slot canyons of Utah and Arizona, though!) and mountains (Boney Mountain and Mugu Peak).
The reason we mention Point Mugu State Park in this section is because of the coastal views. Go to Point Mugu State Beach to see the picturesque beaches around the impressive Mugu Rock, which is the main landmark on this stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway north of Los Angeles.
Our recommendations for where to stay in Malibu
Laguna Beach
Distance: 50 miles (about 1 hour)
Laguna Beach is a beach town located in the southern part of Orange County. Unlike the long beaches that characterize Los Angeles, Laguna Beach’s most beautiful beaches are coves and bays sheltered by tall cliffs with striking views. In the article linked above you will find the beaches worth going to.
Our tips on where to stay in Laguna Beach
Channel Islands
Distance:Â Varies (2 to 7 hours, including navigation)
Across from Long Beach there is Catalina Island, one of the Southern Channel Islands. The island is not part of the Channel Islands National Park. In fact, it is the only island with a sizable population, and can be reached by boat from San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point.
There are only two small towns on the island, each with its own inimitable charm, including Avalon, which is the largest town and receives the most tourists, and Two Harbors is quieter. Avalon is ideal for those with little time to devote to exploring the island thanks to its beaches that are easily accessible. At the same time, both Avalon and Two Harbors are also good starting points for trails and guided hikes to truly pristine beaches on the western side of the island.
Our tips on where to stay in Long Beach
As an alternative to Catalina Island, if you are looking for solitude by the sea, all you have to do is…leave Los Angeles behind. The Northern Channel Islands are located off the coast of Ventura and Santa Barbara. On the 5 islands that are part of the national park there are pristine beaches waiting to be discovered. The Channel Islands National Park can only be reached by taking a boat departing from either Ventura or Oxnard.
Where to stay
You may have noticed that below each destination I have put links with tips and suggestions for accommodations in the area, in case you want to spend more time in a particular place or plan a longer itinerary. In some cases, it is highly recommended if not mandatory to stay overnight, especially San Diego, the area around Mount St. Jacinto and Big Bear Lake, or the Mojave National Preserve.
If, on the other hand, you want to stick to day trips, you will need some tips to help you choose accommodations in Los Angeles, which is never easy. Click on the link below to find out more.
