You could go out and try a new activity every single day just in the city of Los Angeles and never run out of awesome choices.
But if you are lucky enough to live in LA you are even more fortune then just the access to the amazing activities available in the city alone.
Los Angeles is 2 hours or less from some other pretty amazing Southern California cities.
I personally believe this is one of the most underappreciated perks to living in LA.
There are dozens of incredible cities and towns to explore less than 2 hours from Downtown Los Angeles. This makes taking day trips one of the most popular activities for adventure-seeking Angelenos.
For those looking for an extended weekend getaway or just a quick one-day road trip here are 8 of our favorite day trips less than 2 hours from LA.
1. La Jolla Shores
DESCRIPTION:
La Jolla is a wealthy and breathtakingly beautiful suburb in San Diego County. And a drive along its spectacular coastline will have you dreaming of pulling over and staying forever.
The La Jolla coastline varies dramatically and has a bit of awesomeness for everyone, from 300-foot sea cliffs to wide, golden sand beaches to rocky reefs.
The variety of the coast provides for a picturesque landscape that has to be up there with the best in the world. The entire area of La Jolla Shores runs along this beautiful coastline making for eye-popping views everywhere you turn.
Location:
La Jolla Shores is approximately 2 hours South on I-5 (with light traffic) from Downtown Los Angeles.
hack:
Yes, there is a hidden swing in La Jolla CA! For years San Diego locals have heard rumors of the hidden tree swings with amazing views of the cove.
At one time there were three swings but now there is only one and it’s very hidden, in fact not a lot of people know where to find it or can actually find it, that’s why it’s our little “secret”.
Here is how to get to this fantastic outdoor swing. From the Birch Aquarium, find the southern end of the parking lot. Look for a narrow trailhead, it begins with a wooden walkway. Make the climb up these steps until you spot the swing.
Hike up a steep but very short incline (probably less than a 100 feet) and you should see the La Jolla secret swing.
Approximately 8500 El Paseo Grande, San Diego, CA 92037
2. Ojai
DESCRIPTION:
Its only about an hour and a half away, but Ojai is truly a world away from big city LA in setting, attitude, and general vibe.
This beautiful little valley town is in the heart of central coast California and is packed with so many cute boutiques and fun things to see you may never want to leave.
Ojai is an artist enclave, that you can come to relax and enjoy the hot springs and meditation or delight yourself in a variety of more strenuous outdoor activities including rock climbing and mountain biking.
Location:
Ojai is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes North on the 101 (with light traffic) from Downtown Los Angeles.
hack:
Ojai is an earthy back to nature type of trip. So why not skip the hotel and stay in the outdoors? And the good news? You don’t even have to give up all the comforts you have been spoiled with in LA!
Ojai has an awesome glamping experience available. Its called The Caravan Outpost and it features almost a dozen pimped out Airstream trailers for your total comfort!
If you are looking for a place to stay that’s a bit different and fits that Ojai vibe, then you should consider staying at the Caravan Outpost.
This is not an ordinary hotel, there are a total of 11 caravans for daily or weekly staying and the caravans are very plush and comfortable.
My idea of roughing it! LOL
317 Bryant St. Ojai CA 93023
3. Santa Barbara
DESCRIPTION:
Santa Barbara is a world-class destination, also known as The American Riviera, and its located on a pristine stretch of gorgeous California central coastline.
Coming here you can enjoy wide sandy beaches, beautiful sunsets, delicious food, and amazing wine.
Surfing, boogie boarding and paddle boarding are also popular activities in Santa Barbara and if you have your dog with you, head to Arroyo Burro Beach where you and your canine companion can have the time of your life!
Location:
Santa Barbara is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes North on the 101 (with light traffic) from Downtown Los Angeles.
hack:
A trip to Santa Barbara just does not seem to be complete without a wine tour. There are shuttles that will drop you off at various wineries. You drink as much as you like and they pick you up when you’re ready to go to the next one.
Shuttles full of wine drinking adults can get as crazy and fun as you are probably imagining. So if you love wine tasting in a party like atmosphere this would be the activity for you.
4. Palm Springs
DESCRIPTION:
When thinking Palms Springs think of boutiques, shopping, locally owned restaurants, hiking, swimming, world-class golf, modern architecture and of course luxury vacation options at their finest.
Since the 1920s Palm Springs has been the desert playground of the Hollywood elite and it still holds onto plenty of those glamorous vibes.
With its hot springs, stylish hotels, galleries, swimming pools and hundreds of gorgeous mid-century modern homes, it’s also a welcome oasis for fun and relaxation for the average Angeleno.
Location:
Palm Springs is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes East on the 1-10 (with light traffic) from Downtown Los Angeles.
hack:
You have to do the famous Aerial Tram at least once. This tramway’s the worlds largest aerial tram car, and with your ride, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Chino Canyon. The cars rotate slowly during your 10-minute ride. At the mountain station, there are two restaurants, observation decks, and hiking trails. Enjoy the ride!
1 Tram Way Palm Springs, CA 92262
5. Catalina Island
DESCRIPTION:
Catalina Island is the perfect romantic getaway! The island possesses so many amazing, serene and breathtaking views. There are also plenty of secluded spots throughout the Island making it the perfect romantic destination for those looking for a little privacy.
Catalina is also a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and includes adventurous activities such as zip lining, scuba diving, parasailing, paddleboarding, kayaking.
It can’t get any better than this, or as the popular Descanso Beach Club says “Feet in the sand and a drink in your hand”.
Location:
You can take a ferry to Catalina from the ports of Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach and it typically takes about an hour.
hack:
If you want to turn your trip into a “bucket list adventure” we have 2 suggestions to make this trip next level epic!
- You can take a helicopter to the island instead of a ferry! This makes for an incredibly romantic and unforgettable experience gift for that special someone. The ride is only about 15 minutes from their Long Beach or San Pedro locations but its one hell of a trip!
Click below for more information.
https://www.catalinatours.com/helicopter-flights-to-catalina-island/
- Are you the outdoor adventure type? Well, add ziplining to your Catalina vacation getaway! You will find yourself speeding at up to 30 mph down 5 separate zip lines dropping from 600 feet above sea level with one run that is 1,100 linear feet long all on its own!
Click below for more details.
https://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/activities-adventures/land/zip-line-eco-tour
6. Temecula
DESCRIPTION:
Beautiful and sunny Temecula isn’t talked about much by Angelenos as a day trip option but its slowly gaining reputation as an amazing town to get in some fun relaxing activities.
Consistently ranked as one of the 10 best wine destinations in the world Temecula is of course very popular with visitors interested in wine.
But they also have an amazing casino, dozens of antique shops and as the city has grown so has its choices of premier bars and restaurants.
Besides its reputation as wine lovers paradise the special event this town is best known for is their 3-day Hot air balloon fest.
You can read all about it in our hack below.
Location:
Temecula is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes via I-10 East & I-15 South (with light traffic) from Downtown Los Angeles.
hack:
The Temecula Valley Wine & Balloon Festival is a once a year event that should be on every Wine loving Angelenos bucket list!
This year (2019), the city is having the 36th year balloon and wine festival on May 31, June 1 and June 2.
This event offers sunrise balloon launch, evening balloon glow, wine tasting, craft beers, food court, kids fair and the commercial court with over 150 vendors. Get your tickets and plan your trip!
37701 Warren Rd, Winchester, CA 92596
7. Palm Desert
DESCRIPTION:
Palm Desert is near Palm Springs, it’s another of our favorite destinations for its luxury shops and fine dining which makes it a hit for couples looking for a special getaway.
It’s also family friendly with plenty of outdoors activities, resorts, theaters, golf courses etc.
Every first weekend of the month you can enjoy special events in Palm Desert like a local.
On February 2nd go to El Paseo to hop and jive at the Swing ‘N Hops Street Party. In March 2nd the Coachella Valley Wildflower celebrates its festival. Striking wildflower viewing, beautiful art, kids zone, and a 5k trail fun run!
Remember there is a special event like this on the first weekend of every month.
Stay tuned with us on Instagram to find more upcoming events each month.
Location:
Palm Desert is approximately 2 hours via I-10 East (with light traffic) from Downtown Los Angeles.
hack:
Go visit the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens! Feed giraffes, ride camels
8. Coronado Island
DESCRIPTION:
This magnificent and luxurious resort city is located in a peninsula in the San Diego Bay. From it, you can sit back and enjoy beautiful views of the downtown San Diego skyline.
The precious white soft sandy beaches on this island have been recognized as among the top ten beaches in the USA.
Take a stroll through the charming Downtown Coronado, it has many fun shops and plenty of places to eat.
The lovely and expensive homes in the neighborhoods near it are lovely with cute flower gardens that will captivate you for sure.
Location:
Coronado Island is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes South on I-5 (with light traffic) from Downtown Los Angeles.
hack:
Of course, if you go to Coronado Island a visit to the famous Hotel del Coronado is a must. The beautiful historical hotel is breathtaking and you don’t have to check in to enjoy it!
Hit the beach right in front of the hotel, top some ice cream with candy and sprinkles at the Moo Time Creamery, rent bikes or go to the tide pools also right in front of the hotel.
You can also book spa treatments or go ice skating in the winter, the Windsor lawn is transformed into a beautiful ice skating rink.