Los Angeles, the American film capital, is definitely a destination worth visiting at least once in your lifetime! Rich in amazing attractions and activities, between museums, theme parks, and behind-the-scenes tours, it’s also an ideal base for exploring nearby locations via day trips. From coastal towns to desert landscapes, passing through nature reserves and parks! Let’s discover together which are the best day-trip destinations from Los Angeles!
1. Long Beach: A Coastal Gem with an Aquarium
Long Beach is a wonderful coastal California city, located in the Greater Los Angeles Area. It’s about 40 km away from Downtown LA.
- Distance: 40 km
- Getting there: By car via I-110 S (35 min). By public transportation, Metro A Line (Blue) from Downtown to Downtown Long Beach (50 min).
- Hours and prices: Long Beach and beaches are always open / Aquarium of the Pacific is open every day 9:00-18:00. Free / $36.95 (€31.80), reduced price $26.95 (€23.20). Recommended: Priority ticket for Aquarium of the Pacific.
Long Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, perfect spots for water sports like surfing or simply soaking up the California sun. But most importantly, Long Beach is home to the amazing Aquarium of the Pacific, a must-visit aquarium that kids will love (recommended to buy priority tickets).
2. Disneyland Park: A Magical World of Wonder
Located just 44 km from Los Angeles, this was the first Disney theme park opened by Walt Disney himself in 1955!
- Distance: 44 km
- Getting there: By car via I-5 S (45 min). By public transportation, bus line 460 from Flower to 7th Street and Disneyland Employee’s Entrance (2 hours) or train Pacific Surfliner to Fullerton Amtrak Station, then bus 43 or 543 to Harbor-East Shuttle Area (total 1 h 10 min).
- Hours: Open every day. Generally summer 8:00-24:00, winter 10:00-20:00. Check the official website.
- Prices: Varying prices depending on the period and package. $97.00 (€83.50) to $135.00 (€116.30).
Disneyland Park is divided into eight themed areas! You won’t want to miss Main Street, recreated to resemble an early 20th-century American town, but also Tomorrowland, which will transport you to the future. Fantasyland is a must-visit for kids, while Frontierland is a nostalgic tribute to America’s past. And don’t forget Hollywood Land, New Orleans, and Adventureland! It’s the perfect place to spend a day of fun!
3. Malibu: A Coastal Town with Celebrities
Malibu is a famous coastal California town, located in the Greater Los Angeles Area.
- Distance: 52 km
- Getting there: By car via I-10 W and CA-1 N (55 min). By public transportation, Metro E Line from Santa Monica Downtown to Malibu (45 minutes) and then bus line 534 to Malibu (50 minutes).
- Hours and prices: Free.
Long Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, perfect spots for water sports like surfing or simply soaking up the California sun. But most importantly, Long Beach is home to the amazing Aquarium of the Pacific, a must-visit aquarium that kids will love (recommended to buy priority tickets).
4. Newport Beach: A Whaling Paradise
Leaving Long Beach behind and heading south along the coast, you’ll arrive at Newport Beach.
- Distance: 76 km
- Getting there: By car via I-405 S (1 hour).
- Hours and prices: Newport Beach Pier is always open / Whale-watching tour: $27.56.
Newport Beach is famous for its whale-watching tours! From the port, various tour boats depart daily to spot whales, including the humpback whale in summer and fall, the blue whale in winter and spring, and the gray whale in winter and spring. You can also enjoy a walk along the Newport Beach Pier, offering stunning sunset views!
5. Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve: Nature’s Beauty
Lastly, heading north from Los Angeles, you’ll reach the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.
- Distance: 111 km
- Getting there: By car via I-5 N and San Francisquito Canyon Road (1 hour 30 minutes).
- Hours: Always open from dawn to sunset.
- Prices: $10.00 (€8.60) for vehicle entrance / Annual pass for National Parks: $80.00 (€68.90).
The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve hosts the largest poppy bloom in California! The poppy is California’s official flower, and this display usually takes place between late February and mid-May, but April is considered the most beautiful time to visit. There are several trails for hiking, including the Hagen Canyon Trail, Ricardo Campground Nature Trail, and Red Cliff Trail.
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6. Santa Barbara: A Coastal Town with Spanish Heritage
Santa Barbara is a beautiful coastal California town, surrounded by the stunning Santa Ynez Mountains on the backdrop.
- Distance: 153 km
- Getting there: By car via US-101 N (1 hour 50 minutes). By public transportation, bus company Greyhound, line San Francisco to Santa Barbara (2 hours 5 minutes).
- Hours and prices: Stearns Wharf is always open / Santa Barbara Zoo: $19.95 (€17.20), reduced price $14.95 (€12.90) / USS Midway Museum: $22.00 (€19.00), reduced price $12.00 (€10.35).
Santa Barbara presents itself with a lovely historic center in Mediterranean style, which is an inheritance of the Spanish colonial era. State Street is definitely one of the most famous streets in the city, rich in shops, high-end restaurants, and bars! If you’re traveling with kids, you absolutely can’t miss the Santa Barbara Zoo, located near East Beach.
One of the main attractions is Stearns Wharf, a historic wooden pier on the sea, offering breathtaking views and hosting restaurants and shops.
7. Palm Springs: A Desert Oasis
From the ocean, we move on to the desert! California is famous for its many landscapes, and Palm Springs is located about 173 km from Los Angeles in the interior.
- Distance: 173 km
- Getting there: By car via I-10 E (1 hour 45 minutes). By public transportation, bus company Flixbus, line Palm Springs Downtown to Palm Springs (2 hours 15 minutes).
- Hours and prices: Free / Palm Springs Art Museum open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. $14.00 (€12.10), reduced price $11.00 (€9.50).
Palm Springs has many spas, wellness centers, and golf courses, making it a perfect destination to relax! The main street is Palm Canyon Drive, which features the historic center with shops like design boutiques, vintage stores, restaurants, and bars! Don’t miss exploring the Coachella Valley by horseback!
8. San Diego: A City with Parks and a Mild Climate
San Diego is undoubtedly one of the most famous cities in California!
- Distance: 195 km
- Getting there: By car via I-5 S (2 hours and 10 minutes). By public transportation, bus company Greyhound, line Tijuana Central Bus Terminal to San Diego (3 hours and 15 minutes).
- Hours and prices: Stearns Wharf is always open / Santa Barbara Zoo: $19.95 (€17.20), reduced price $14.95 (€12.90) / USS Midway Museum: $22.00 (€19.00), reduced price $12.00 (€10.35).
San Diego is known for its beautiful parks and mild climate, thanks to its proximity to Mexico.
One of the main attractions in San Diego is Balboa Park, which spans an impressive 485 acres, featuring numerous museums like the world-famous San Diego Zoo (a must-visit with kids), seventeen local restaurants, many playgrounds, and several golf courses! Take a harbor cruise to admire the city from another perspective!
One of the most famous attractions in San Diego is indeed the USS Midway Museum, an aircraft carrier turned museum. Recommended to buy priority tickets for entry.
9. Red Rock Canyon State Park: A Hidden Gem
Next, let’s continue to explore the nearby national parks to Los Angeles. We highly recommend visiting Red Rock Canyon State Park!
- Distance: 197 km
- Getting there: By car via CA-14 N (2 hours).
- Hours: Always open from dawn to sunset.
- Prices: $6.00 (€5.20) for vehicle entrance / Annual pass for National Parks: $80.00 (€68.90).
Red Rock Canyon State Park is a lesser-known park located close to Nevada and other famous parks, but its unique landscape makes it unmissable!
10. Joshua Tree National Park: A Desert Wonderland
If you want to spend just one day in the desert, let’s make a stop at Joshua Tree National Park!
- Distance: 205 km
- Getting there: By car via I-10 E (2 hours and 10 minutes).
- Hours: Always open.
- Prices: $30.00 (€25.80) for vehicle entrance / Annual pass for National Parks: $80.00 (€68.90).
Joshua Tree National Park hosts two unique deserts: Colorado Desert and Mojave Desert. Its landscape is truly surreal, so it’s best to visit during the interseasonal periods when temperatures are not too high.
There are various trails to explore, starting with the main path that goes from West Entrance Station to Cottonwood Springs Road, allowing you to visit the entire park! Remember to always carry water, food, and enough gasoline. Recommended to stop for fuel at Palm Springs!
Which one will be your next destination?
