Los Angeles has plenty to see, but at some point you want out of the traffic. The good news is that deserts, beaches, mountains, and islands all sit within a few hours of the city. The hard part is picking one, because the best day trips from Los Angeles are not equally easy to do in a single day.
Here is the short answer. For beaches and coastal towns, go to Santa Barbara or Catalina Island. For desert scenery, choose Joshua Tree or Palm Springs. San Diego in a day works if you leave early and accept a long day. Drive times range from about 1 hour to nearly 3, and we list the real numbers for each trip.
Below you will find 10 destinations, each with the drive time from LA, the top things to do, and the best season to go. We have guided visitors around Los Angeles for over a million completed tours, so we know how much a good plan matters. Use this list to match a trip to your time and interests.
1. Santa Barbara
Drive time and getting there
Santa Barbara sits about 95 miles up the coast, which makes it one of the easiest day trips from Los Angeles. With clear roads, the drive on US-101 takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Add 45 minutes if you hit rush hour.
| Option | One-way time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drive | 1.5 to 2 hours | Most flexible, parking downtown |
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | About 3 hours | Leaves from Union Station, ocean views |
Best things to do in one day
The town is compact, so you can cover the highlights on foot after parking once. Plan a morning of sights, a long lunch, and an afternoon by the water.
- Climb the Santa Barbara County Courthouse clock tower for free city views.
- Tour Old Mission Santa Barbara, the "Queen of the Missions."
- Walk Stearns Wharf, then relax on East Beach.
- Taste local wines in the Funk Zone, a walkable cluster of tasting rooms.
Who it’s best for
Couples, foodies, and first-timers will like it most. If you want a polished coastal town without a big itinerary, this is one of the best day trips on the list. It also suits wine lovers who would rather not drive far.
Tips to plan your day
Leave Los Angeles by 8 a.m. so you beat the 101 traffic and still have a full day. Do the same in reverse. Heading home after 4 p.m. on a Friday can add an hour or more.
Leave by 8 a.m. and Santa Barbara gives you a full day instead of a rushed afternoon.
Spring and fall are the sweet spots. Summer mornings often start with June gloom, a marine layer that burns off by lunch. If you plan to taste wine, take the train or assign a designated driver.
2. Joshua Tree National Park
Drive time and getting there
Joshua Tree’s west entrance sits about 130 miles east of LA. Expect 2.5 to 3 hours each way via I-10 and CA-62, and more on Friday afternoons. There is no practical public transit, so plan to drive. Cell service fades inside the park, so download offline maps first.
Best things to do in one day
This is one of the best day trips from Los Angeles for desert scenery. The park is huge, so pick three or four stops along Park Boulevard.
- Walk the 1-mile Hidden Valley loop through boulder-strewn canyons.
- Scramble around Skull Rock, an easy roadside stop.
- Drive to Keys View, at 5,185 feet, for sweeping Coachella Valley views.
- Finish at the Cholla Cactus Garden near sunset.
Who it’s best for
Hikers, photographers, and stargazers get the most out of it. Families with kids who like climbing rocks will also have a great day.
Skip it if you dislike long drives or extreme heat. Travelers who want restaurants and shopping will be happier in Palm Springs, the next stop.
Tips to plan your day
Leave by 6 a.m. to beat the heat and the entrance lines, which back up on spring weekends. You will want the daylight, because the drive eats half your day.
Joshua Tree is a long drive, so arrive early and carry more water than you think you need.
- Bring 1 gallon of water per person.
- Fill your tank in Yucca Valley or Joshua Tree town, because there is no gas in the park.
- Entry runs about $30 per vehicle, so confirm current fees with the National Park Service.
- Go between October and May. Summer highs often top 100°F.
3. Palm Springs
Drive time and getting there
Palm Springs sits about 110 miles east of LA. The drive on I-10 takes 2 to 2.5 hours without traffic, and Friday afternoons or Sunday evenings can push it past 3. Take a car, because public transit is slow and a poor fit for a day trip from LA.
Best things to do in one day
Start with the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which climbs from the desert floor to 8,516 feet in about 10 minutes. Spend the afternoon in town, which makes this one of the best day trips from Los Angeles for a relaxed pace.
- Stroll Palm Canyon Drive for shops and lunch.
- Look at the city’s famous mid-century modern homes.
- Hike the palm oases at Indian Canyons.
- Stop at the Cabazon dinosaurs on the way out.
Who it’s best for
Design fans, couples, and anyone who wants desert scenery with good restaurants will enjoy it. It also suits people who like views more than long hikes.
Skip it in July and August. Highs often pass 105°F, and most outdoor stops become miserable by noon.
Tips to plan your day
Book timed tram tickets ahead, since weekend slots sell out. The top is 30 degrees or more cooler than the valley, so bring a jacket.
Visit between October and April, and Palm Springs gives you desert sun without the heat.
Leave LA by 7 a.m. and start home before 3 p.m. to dodge the I-10 crawl near Banning and Redlands. Check current ticket prices on the tramway’s official site.
4. Santa Catalina Island
Drive time and getting there
Catalina sits 22 miles offshore, so this trip is part drive and part boat. You drive to a ferry terminal, then cross to Avalon in about 1 to 1.5 hours. It is one of the best day trips from Los Angeles for island scenery without a long road trip.
| Departure port | Drive from downtown LA | Crossing |
|---|---|---|
| San Pedro | 30 to 45 minutes | About 1 hour |
| Long Beach | 30 to 45 minutes | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Dana Point | 1 to 1.5 hours | About 1 hour 30 minutes |
Best things to do in one day
Avalon is small, so you can walk almost everything from the ferry dock.
- Tour the Catalina Casino, an Art Deco landmark from 1929.
- Snorkel at Lover’s Cove marine preserve.
- Stroll the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden.
- Join an inland tour to spot Catalina’s bison.
Who it’s best for
Families, snorkelers, and couples get the most from it. Anyone who wants a beach day with no car will be happy here. Skip it if you get seasick, since the crossing can be choppy.
Tips to plan your day
Book ferry tickets early in summer and on holiday weekends, because popular sailings sell out. Take a morning boat and note the last return time before you go. Missing it means paying for a hotel.
Catch a morning ferry and Catalina gives you about six unhurried hours on the island.
Bring a light jacket for the crossing. Spring through fall has the best weather and water clarity, and cars are restricted on the island, so plan to walk or rent a golf cart.
5. San Diego
Drive time and getting there
San Diego sits about 120 miles south of LA on I-5. It is the longest coastal drive among the best day trips from Los Angeles, so plan your timing carefully.
| Option | One-way time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drive | 2 to 2.5 hours | Add 1 hour or more at rush hour |
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | About 3 hours | Union Station to downtown San Diego |
Best things to do in one day
Do not try to see everything. Pick two or three areas and give each real time.
- Walk Balboa Park and its museums, or visit the San Diego Zoo inside it.
- Cross to Coronado and see the Hotel del Coronado.
- Tour the USS Midway Museum on the downtown waterfront.
- Eat dinner in the Gaslamp Quarter before you head home.
Who it’s best for
Families, history buffs, and anyone who likes a real city with a beach feel will enjoy it. The zoo and the Midway make it an easy win with kids.
Skip it if you hate long drives. If you want a short and easy escape, Santa Barbara or Malibu fits better.
Tips to plan your day
Leave LA by 7 a.m. to clear Orange County traffic before it builds. Start the drive home by 3 p.m., or plan to stay for dinner and travel after 7:30 p.m.
San Diego is a long day, so choose one or two neighborhoods and skip the rest.
Buy zoo and Midway tickets online to save time at the gate. Parking downtown and at Balboa Park costs extra, so budget for it or take the train and use rideshares.
6. La Jolla
Drive time and getting there
La Jolla sits about 125 miles south of LA, just north of downtown San Diego. The drive on I-5 takes 2 to 2.5 hours in light traffic and can pass 3 hours at rush hour. Take a car, because transit is slow and the town’s best spots are spread out.
Best things to do in one day
Spend the day on the water and along the bluffs. It is one of the best day trips from Los Angeles for ocean scenery at a smaller-town pace than San Diego.
- Watch sea lions and harbor seals at La Jolla Cove and Children’s Pool.
- Kayak the sea caves on a guided tour.
- Hike the cliffside trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
- Browse Prospect Street for galleries and a lunch with ocean views.
Who it’s best for
Couples, nature lovers, and photographers get the most out of it. If you want wildlife and coastline more than theme parks, this is your stop.
Skip it if you want nightlife or big attractions. Travelers who like city sights will do better in nearby San Diego, and you can pair the two if you start early.
Tips to plan your day
Parking is the real challenge. Arrive before 10 a.m., especially on weekends, or you will circle for a spot near the Cove. Street parking is time-limited, so read the signs.
In La Jolla, an early arrival matters more than any other planning step.
Book kayak tours ahead on summer weekends. Seals pup at Children’s Pool in winter and spring, so keep your distance from the animals and follow posted rules. Bring a layer, since sea breezes cool the bluffs even on sunny days.
7. Malibu
Drive time and getting there
Malibu starts about 30 miles west of downtown LA and stretches along 21 miles of coast. The drive on Pacific Coast Highway takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and how far up the coast you go. It is the shortest trip on this list, so you can sleep in.
Take a car. Transit is slow, and the beaches sit miles apart.
Best things to do in one day
This is one of the best day trips from Los Angeles if you want sand without a long drive. Pick two or three of the best things to do in Malibu.
- Tour the Getty Villa, a free museum of ancient art. Timed tickets are required, so reserve ahead.
- Walk down to El Matador State Beach for sea stacks and tide pools.
- Spread out at Zuma Beach, the widest stretch of sand.
- Eat seafood near Malibu Pier and watch the surfers at Surfrider Beach.
Who it’s best for
Beach lovers, photographers, and anyone short on time will enjoy it. It also works as a half-day add-on to a Santa Monica or Hollywood visit.
Skip it if you want big attractions or nightlife. Travelers who like lively towns will prefer Santa Barbara.
Tips to plan your day
PCH slows to a crawl on summer weekends. Arrive before 10 a.m. and leave after sunset, when the road clears.
In Malibu, the road is the bottleneck, so beat the weekend traffic and the day opens up.
Parking lots fill early and street spots have strict rules, so read every sign. Wildfires and landslides have closed parts of PCH, so check Caltrans road conditions before you go.
8. Ojai
Drive time and getting there
Ojai sits about 80 miles northwest of LA in a valley ringed by mountains. The drive on US-101 and CA-33 takes 1.5 to 2 hours, and weekend traffic near Ventura can add 30 minutes.
Most visitors drive. Public transit is not practical for a single day, so plan on a car.
Best things to do in one day
Downtown is small, so you can park once and walk. It is one of the best day trips from Los Angeles for a slow, quiet pace, with no timed tickets or crowds to manage.
- Browse Bart’s Books, a famous open-air bookstore.
- Stroll the Spanish-style arcade along Ojai Avenue for shops and cafes.
- Walk the paved Ojai Valley Trail.
- Catch the Pink Moment, when the Topa Topa Mountains glow at sunset.
- Visit the Sunday farmers market if your day falls on a weekend.
Who it’s best for
Couples, bookworms, and anyone who wants a relaxed small-town day will like it most. It also suits spa lovers, since the valley is known for wellness retreats.
Skip it if you want beaches or big attractions. Travelers who want sand and surf will be happier in Malibu.
Tips to plan your day
Plan to leave LA by 8:30 a.m. and stay through sunset. The Pink Moment is the best part of the day, so do not head home early.
In Ojai, the sunset glow is the reason to stay late, so build your day around it.
Summer afternoons often top 95°F, so go between October and May if you can. Spring brings blooming orchards and cooler air, and the drive back after dark is quiet.
9. Big Bear Lake
Drive time and getting there
Big Bear Lake sits about 100 miles east of LA in the San Bernardino Mountains, at roughly 6,750 feet. The drive takes 2 to 2.5 hours via I-10 and CA-330 or CA-38. It is the top mountain pick among the best day trips from Los Angeles.
The last stretch is steep and winding. Snow can trigger chain controls in winter, so check Caltrans before you leave. There is no practical transit, so plan to drive.
Best things to do in one day
Summer is for the water and winter is for snow. Pick activities for your season and stay near Big Bear Village to save drive time between stops.
- Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or pontoon boat on the lake in summer.
- Hike the Cougar Crest Trail for lake views.
- Ski, snowboard, or go snow tubing in winter.
- Browse the shops and cafes in the Village.
Who it’s best for
Families, skiers, and anyone craving cool mountain air will enjoy it. It is also the easiest way to see snow in one day without leaving Southern California.
Skip it if you dislike mountain driving. Travelers who want warm sand will be happier in Malibu.
Tips to plan your day
Leave by 7 a.m. on winter weekends to beat the ski traffic up the mountain, and start down before 3 p.m. Many trailheads require a National Forest Adventure Pass, so buy one in advance.
Check road conditions and chain rules before you climb, because the mountain road decides your day.
Carry chains from November through March. Drink extra water too, since the altitude dehydrates you faster than you expect.
10. Laguna Beach
Drive time and getting there
Laguna Beach sits about 55 miles south of downtown LA in Orange County. The drive on I-405 or I-5 and CA-133 takes 1 to 1.5 hours without traffic, and rush hour can double it. Take a car, since transit is slow and the coves sit far apart.
Best things to do in one day
This is one of the best day trips from Los Angeles for a beach and art combo. Pick three or four stops and skip the rest.
- Walk the bluff trail at Heisler Park for cove views.
- Explore the tide pools at Crystal Cove State Park at low tide.
- Visit the Laguna Art Museum downtown.
- Climb down to Victoria Beach and its pirate tower.
Who it’s best for
Couples, artists, and photographers will like it most. If you want small coves and galleries over long surf beaches, this is your stop.
Skip it if you need a wide, open beach for kids to run. Families will have an easier day at Zuma Beach in Malibu.
Tips to plan your day
Parking is tight and pricey, so arrive before 10 a.m. or use a paid lot and the city trolley. Check the current trolley schedule, since service changes by season.
In Laguna Beach, park once and let your feet or the trolley do the rest.
Check a tide table before you visit Crystal Cove, because pools only show at low tide. July and August weekends get packed during the arts festivals, so go midweek or in fall.
Picking the right day trip for you
Start with time, then scenery. The best day trips from Los Angeles for a short drive are Malibu and Laguna Beach, both about an hour away. Santa Barbara and Ojai reward a 1.5 to 2 hour drive with a full, relaxed day.
Desert and mountain trips cost more road time. Joshua Tree and Palm Springs need a 6 or 7 a.m. start, and Big Bear Lake depends on road and snow conditions. San Diego, La Jolla, and Catalina suit travelers who want ocean views and don’t mind an early alarm.
Whatever you choose, leave early and book timed tickets ahead. If you would rather skip the driving and see the coast and city with a local expert, try a private Los Angeles tour with your own guide. You get the stories and the views, and someone else handles the traffic and parking.
