Day Trips & Weekend Escapes Near Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles offers one of the most varied day trip landscapes in the United States. Within two hours you can be skiing in the San Bernardino Mountains, surfing in Santa Barbara, exploring Joshua Tree's alien desert, or wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley. MyNearEscape maps out every adventure near LA with live weather forecasts so you always know what to expect when you arrive.
Popular Escapes Near Los Angeles
Santa BarbaraJoshua Tree National ParkBig Bear LakeCatalina IslandPalm SpringsMalibu
Top Day Trip Destinations Near Los Angeles, CA
- Santa Barbara (90 miles) — The American Riviera — a stunning coastal city with Spanish colonial architecture, wine country, and pristine beaches.
- Joshua Tree National Park (140 miles) — A surreal desert landscape where two ecosystems meet, famous for rock climbing, stargazing, and unique Joshua trees.
- Big Bear Lake (100 miles) — A mountain resort town at 6,752 feet elevation offering skiing in winter and hiking and water sports in summer.
- Catalina Island (22 miles offshore) — A scenic island 22 miles off the LA coast with snorkeling, zip-lining, and a charming harbor village.
- Palm Springs (110 miles) — A desert oasis known for mid-century modern architecture, hot springs, and the aerial tramway to Mt. San Jacinto.
Beach Day Trips from Los Angeles Besides Malibu
Los Angeles has dozens of beaches beyond the famous Malibu strip, many of which are far less crowded and just as beautiful. Laguna Beach (1 hr south) is a stunning artist community with tide pools, sea caves, and crystal-clear water that feels more like the Mediterranean than Southern California. Carpinteria State Beach (1.5 hrs north) is consistently rated one of the safest swimming beaches in California, with calm waters and a charming small-town atmosphere. Crystal Cove State Park (1 hr south) preserves a stretch of undeveloped coastline with historic beach cottages and excellent snorkeling. Leo Carrillo State Park (35 min northwest) has sea caves, tide pools, and a campground right on the beach. Use MyNearEscape to discover these hidden LA-area beaches and check surf and weather conditions before you go.
Day Trips from Los Angeles Without a Car
Despite its car-centric reputation, Los Angeles has several excellent car-free day trip options. Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner connects LA to Santa Barbara (2.5 hrs), San Diego (3 hrs), and San Luis Obispo (4 hrs) — all scenic coastal routes with multiple daily departures. The Metrolink commuter rail reaches Ventura (1.5 hrs) and San Bernardino (1.5 hrs). Catalina Island is accessible by ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro in about 75 minutes — a car-free island paradise with snorkeling, hiking, and bison roaming wild. The LA Metro's Gold Line reaches Pasadena in 30 minutes, where the Huntington Library and Gardens and Old Town Pasadena await. MyNearEscape helps car-free Angelenos find the best transit-accessible escapes.
Hiking Day Trips from Los Angeles Under 2 Hours
The mountains surrounding Los Angeles offer some of the most accessible hiking in any major American city. Mount Baldy (1.5 hrs east) rises to 10,064 feet and offers challenging trails with panoramic views of the LA basin, the desert, and on clear days, the Pacific Ocean. Malibu Creek State Park (45 min northwest) was the filming location for M*A*S*H and offers beautiful canyon hiking with a natural swimming hole. Eaton Canyon Natural Area (45 min northeast in Pasadena) has a popular waterfall hike accessible to all fitness levels. Solstice Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains (45 min northwest) combines waterfall hiking with the ruins of a historic estate. Point Mugu State Park (1.5 hrs northwest) offers dramatic coastal bluff hiking with sweeping Pacific Ocean views. Use MyNearEscape to find the best hiking conditions near LA.
Day Trip Guides for Los Angeles
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best day trips from Los Angeles?
- Top day trips from LA include Santa Barbara wine country (1.5 hrs), Joshua Tree National Park (2.5 hrs), Big Bear Lake skiing and hiking (2 hrs), Catalina Island by ferry (1 hr), and Palm Springs desert resort town (2 hrs).
- Can I go skiing on a day trip from Los Angeles?
- Yes! Big Bear Mountain Resort and Mountain High are both within 2 hours of LA. Snow season typically runs December through April, and both resorts offer day passes for skiing and snowboarding.
- What are the best beaches near Los Angeles?
- Beyond Santa Monica and Venice, great beach day trips from LA include Malibu (30 min), Laguna Beach (1 hr), Santa Barbara (1.5 hrs), and the Channel Islands National Park accessible by boat from Ventura.