13 Best Day Trips from Los Angeles

Los Angeles lives up to all its monikers with so much to offer a starry-eyed visitor. From gawking at celebrities to sampling some excellent cuisine and photographing beautiful landscapes, there is much to do within the city. If you are visiting LA for the first time, the good idea is to sign up for the best day trip in Los Angeles so that you don’t miss out. Whilst there is plenty to explore within the city, you will also find other interesting places not too far away. The best day trip from LA will take you to fantastic beaches, wineries, amusement parks, and lots more. With so many excellent locations in and around Los Angeles to explore, you’ll definitely want to extend your stay.

If you’ve signed up for the best day trip from LA, a good idea would be to base yourself at one of the best hotels in Los Angeles, or better still, why not rent a villa? Once you’ve settled in, you can browse our list of the best day trips from Los Angeles

LA Grand Tour

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Before heading out on one of the best day trips from Los Angeles, a good idea would be first to check out all the city offers. While you will find plenty of things to do in Los Angeles, where to begin can often be confusing. However, all this planning will be taken care of on the LA Grand Tour. With four convenient stops and a narrated tour on board a bus, this could be rated as the best day trip in Los Angeles.

The tour begins from the famed Sunset Boulevard, which runs from downtown to the Pacific Ocean. Your first stop on tour will be at Santa Monica Pier. This scenic pier is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks that traces its roots to 1908. There is plenty to explore at the pier itself, with an aquarium, a vintage carousel, and the Pacific Park amusement park. Combine all this fun with some gorgeous ocean views, and you’ll probably want to hang on for more than the allotted hour.

Next on this best-day trip in Los Angeles is a stop at an outdoor farmer’s market where you can enjoy a delicious lunch. During this stop, you get to enjoy some family-friendly activities and shop at The Grove. If you are someone who loves shopping, you’ll definitely enjoy this renowned shopping, dining, and entertainment destination.

Other highlights of this tour are a visit to the Griffith Observatory, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, the Dolby Theater, and a walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

• Tour duration: 7 Hours
• Distance from nearest city/town: N/A
• Transportation: Open Bus

The 420 Experience Cannabis Tour

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If you’re looking to do something different within the city, the best day trip in Los Angeles would be the 420 Experience Cannabis Tour. And no, it’s not going to be a marijuana party on this tour, but information and insights into this booming industry.

The half-day tour begins at MMD, a high-end dispensary famed for its wide variety of cannabis products. You can browse or pick up something of interest, from edible flowers to wax and much more. You’ll swing by a grow house from the dispensary to understand the cultivation process.

Another stopover on tour is a blowing demo of the AMG (American Made Glass). For those interested in the process of how glass is made, this is an excellent chance to get up close. At The System, the factory warehouse for AMG, you can enjoy a generous discount on in-house items. Also included in the tour is a bake session.

• Tour duration: 4.5 Hours
• Distance from nearest city/town: N/A
• Transportation: Bus/Coach/Van

Channel Islands

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The best day trip from LA for nature enthusiasts is a visit to the Channel Islands. While there are eight small islands, the national park comprises five of these and also includes a marine sanctuary. From stunning beaches to diving experiences and boating between islands, seafaring fans will have the time of their lives.

The sea is not all the islands have to offer, though. You’ll also find excellent hiking opportunities on the islands and an established campground. If you’re a history buff, the park’s almost 13,000 years of human history are sure to pique your interest.

Avalon on Santa Catalina Island is a popular destination for its unique cultural history and cuisine. You can explore the area on a Private Guided Golf Cart Tour. Another alternative is to hop aboard the Nautilus, a semi-submarine on an exploratory mission through Lover’s Cove, a marine sanctuary.

• Tour duration: 6 to 8 hours
• Distance from nearest city/town: An hour by high-speed ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro harbor. These harbors are under an hour from downtown Los Angeles.
• Transportation: Bus/car/train

Santa Barbara, Solvang Wineries

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Feel like a star for a day with a visit to the balmy beach town of Santa Barbara, one of the favorite getaways for Hollywood stars. It is the best day trip from LA for those interested in historic Spanish-style buildings and fun. One of the most iconic buildings is the Old Mission Santa Barbara which dates back to 1820.

This landmark that spreads over a 15-acre ground is filled with colonial-era artwork. It also has beautiful gardens. Other interesting locations that you will stop by are the Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor.

This trip includes a Californian vineyard where you can sip on some delectable wines. You can also taste wines at Presidio Park or sample craft beers at the Funk Zone brewery. What makes this the best day trip from LA to Santa Barbara is that you can customize your tour.

• Tour duration: 8 Hours
• Distance from nearest city/town: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes from LA to Santa Barbara
• Transportation: Van

Famous Neighbourhood and Celebrity Homes Tour

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Hoping to get a glimpse of a celebrity? Well, you may just get lucky on this day trip to famous neighborhoods. It’s the best day trip in Los Angeles for celebrity spotting. What makes this tour even more fun is you also get to tour the rest of the city.

The first stop on tour is at The Hollywood Walk of Fame. From there, the bus will take you to The Sunset Strip, where you may catch your favorite celebrity hanging out at a restaurant. It’s onto West Hollywood and Beverly Hills next.

Don’t worry if you still haven’t caught a glimpse of a star. You may just bump into one at Rodeo Drive, the famous shopping district in Beverly Hills. Included in the tour is an hour’s stop at Santa Monica Pier, lunch at The Grove, Griffith Observatory, and finally, on to a tour of celebrity homes in an open-air bus.

• Tour duration: 7.5 hours
• Distance from nearest city/town: N/A
• Transportation: Bus/Open Air Bus

San Diego

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The best day trip from Los Angeles is to head to ‘America’s Finest City,’ San Diego. Just a two-hour drive away, this harbor city makes for an amazing day trip. With its pristine stretches of white sandy beaches and sunny weather to match, a trip to San Diego is definitely worth it.

There is plenty to do in San Diego, from whale and dolphin-watching to cruising the harbor or visiting a world-famous zoo. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is one of the largest zoos in the world and is the perfect place for a family outing.

Apart from this, you can also take a 3-hour sightseeing tour which will take you to some of San Diego’s iconic locations. As part of the tour, you will visit the city’s historic Gaslamp Quarter and the historic Hotel del Coronado. Also included in this tour is a visit to the greenery, gardens, and museums of Balboa Park. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that San Diego is considered one of the best day trips from Los Angeles.

• Tour duration: About 8 Hours, depending on your interests
• Distance from nearest city/town: Approximately 2 hours if driving from LA. The trains arrive in under three hours, and the bus takes four hours
• Transportation: Private vehicle/bus/train

Santa Monica

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You’ll find the popular Santa Monica beach town to the west of Los Angeles. With its iconic Pier, clean water, and golden sands, Santa Monica ranks as one of the best day trips from Los Angeles. The fact that you can reach the town in under half an hour by car makes it even more appealing.

You’ll find enough to keep you busy in Santa Monica, beginning with the iconic Santa Monica Pier. This double-jointed pier at the foot of Colorado Avenue is popular for its views, fishing, and amusement park with its historic carousel.

Other attractions in Santa Monica include Ocean Park and Palisades Park, another great place to take in the views and also catch up on a bit of history. And while you are in Santa Monica, why not do something different on a spooky tour? The Ghosts of the Coast Haunted Walking Tour lasts for over an hour. On this tour, you’ll get a chance to cozy up to the ghosts of old Hollywood and unearth Santa Monica’s ties to the gold rush.

• Tour Duration: 4-6 hours
• Distance from nearest town/city: 20 minutes by car from LA
• Transportation: Private vehicle/bus/train

Malibu Beach: Surf Tour

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Are you done with the regular sightseeing and looking to do something different? So why not hop into a vintage VW campervan and try your skills on the waves? The Malibu Beach Surf Tour is the best day trip from Los Angeles for those who want a relaxed day at the beach.

After a drive up the beautiful Southern California coastline, you’ll stop at Malibu Pier for a quick tour before heading to the water. You can enjoy the beach or boogie board if you’re not up for surfing. And if you’re worried about never having surfed before, don’t let that kill your joy. The guides are professional surf instructors who will be more than happy to get your bearings.

This tour is all about surfing and relaxing, but that’s not all you’ll enjoy. Once you’re done with the water, you’ll feast on a scrumptious lunch cooked at the VW campervan before heading back.

• Tour duration: 6 hours
• Distance from nearest city/town: You’ll be picked up anywhere in the Venice/Santa Monica areas. It’s a little over half an hour from here to Malibu Pier.
• Transportation: VW Campervan

Hollywood Film Studios & TMZ Private Day Tour

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A trip to Los Angeles is all about the glamour and the stars. Movie buffs will love the Hollywood Film Studios & TMZ Private Day Tour. It’s definitely one of the best day trips in Los Angeles that allows you to glimpse the world-famous studios.

The tour begins from your hotel with a private van and tour guide. As part of the tour, you’ll stop at some of the iconic studios, such as Universal, Paramount, Sony, and Fox. After being dazzled by these big names, you’ll also get to stop by the infamous TMZ studios, where you can take photos, browse, or shop.

It’s all about Hollywood on this tour, so the next stop will be at the renowned Hollywood sign in the Beachwood Canyon area. From there, it’s on to the Walk of Fame, Sunset Strip, the Grove, and Rodeo Drive. And, of course, you’ll get to ogle at famous celebrity mansions as you drive from one destination to the next.

• Tour duration: 8 hours
• Distance from nearest city/town: N/A
• Transportation: Private van

Knott’s Berry Farm

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For families looking for a fun day trip from LA, a visit to Knott’s Berry Farm should definitely be on the cards. Located in Buena Park, it’s a short drive to the park from downtown LA. This family theme park began as a small berry farm but now showcases attractions for all ages.

There are four themed areas inspired by the history and culture of California. Whether you’re braving mammoth roller coasters at the Old West, looking for adventures in the 1800s Ghost Town, or letting your kids run riot at Camp Snoopy, you can be sure you’re going to have the best day trip in Los Angeles.

However, if getting your insides churned on a roller coaster is not your thing, you could head to Knott’s Soak City Waterpark. The 15-acre water adventure park boasts 23 speed, tube, and body slides. In addition to this, you’ll find six different waterslide experiences and a thrilling family raft ride, among other fun things to do.

• Tour Duration: 4-6 hours, depending on your interest
• Distance from nearest town/city: About 20 minutes by car from LA
• Transport: Car/Bus/Train

5-Day Wild West Tour

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Rather than looking for the best day trip from LA, why not club a few places together if you have time on your hands? For those with time to spare and looking to do something more adventurous, we recommend the 5-Day Wild West Tour from Los Angeles. While this is more than a day trip, you will get to experience many iconic places before heading back to LA.

The first day of the trip covers Santa Barbara with a visit to the Spanish Mission. From there, you will continue on to Solvang, often referred to as the ‘Danish capital of America.’ Capture some of the Danish-style architecture or enjoy browsing the local shops and restaurants. The final pit stop on the first day is a relaxed stroll around the town of Carmel before heading to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 2 covers San Francisco, beginning with a tour of the Fisherman’s Wharf followed by a bay cruise. You’ll get to see all the iconic sights of San Francisco, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, on this cruise. After a day exploring the iconic sights of San Francisco, you’ll have an overnight stay before heading out to Yosemite National Park on the third day.

Also included in the tour is a stop at Las Vegas and Hoover Dam before heading back to Los Angeles.

• Tour duration: 5 days
• Distance from nearest city/town: N/A
• Transportation: Bus

Malibu Wineries Private Group Tour

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If you’re looking for something more exclusive with your group, the best day trip from LA is a trip to Malibu. However, this private tour is specifically for the wineries in Malibu. On this Private Group Tour of Malibu Wineries, your group will get to travel in a luxury vehicle and enjoy the beautiful sights and tastes.

Beginning at the Pacific Coast Highway, your first stop will be at the Rosenthal Tasting Room. One of the first producers in the area, Rosenthal is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon. Later, as you head north, up the coastline, you’ll be able to marvel at some of the most scenic and iconic canyon roads.

Next on the itinerary is a stop at Cielo, a private estate and vineyard that sits high atop the Santa Monica Mountains. Here you will not only enjoy a private tasting paired with delectable sides, but you will also enjoy a guided walk to a scenic overlook of the 18-acre property.

And if you’ve not had enough, there is one more stop just 15 minutes farther into the mountains. The Cornell Tasting Room has an excellent choice of wines from all the local vineyards and a few surprises too! On the trip back, you can be sure you’ll be whipping out your camera to capture some spectacular scenery on one of the most beautiful sections of the Mulholland Highway.

• Tour duration: 6 hours
• Distance from nearest city/town: A little over an hour’s drive from LA to the Santa Monica Mountains
• Transportation: Luxury vehicle

Disneyland

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No guesses for what’s at the top of our list for the best day trip from LA. Imagine being in LA and not visiting the mecca of fun, Disneyland! Located 25 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, Anaheim is where the crowds descend for the best day trip in Los Angeles.

Disneyland Resort is divided into three areas: The theme park area, Downtown Disney District, and the Disney Hotels area. Unless you want to extend your stay for over a day, we presume you’ll already have checked into one of the best family hotels in Los Angeles. If it is your first time here, it’s important to note that there are two different entrances, one for Disneyland Park and the other for Disney’s California Adventure.

Disneyland Park is the original park where you will find more rides. There are seven sections to this part of the park, each with its own unique vibe. On the other hand, Disney’s California Adventure is a more modern version with fewer rides. However, that does not make it any less enjoyable. You’ll find six themed areas within this section, along with Buena Vista Street, the entrance venue.

Since you’ll probably be hopping from one ride to the other and enjoying whatever you want to within the park, there are no customized tours. However, for a convenient trip to the park, you could take advantage of a private transfer to Anaheim.

• Tour duration: 4-6 hours, depending on the fun you’re having
• Distance from nearest city/town: About 30 minutes by car from LA
• Transportation: Car/Bus/Train

Just So You Know

• Today Los Angeles is synonymous with the movie industry. However, it wasn’t this industry that built the city. Rather surprisingly, LA was one of the largest producers of the world’s oil in the 1930s. Oil played a big role in the city’s development.
• Santa Monica’s Pier may not have the largest Ferris wheel in the world, but the Ferris wheel at the pier is the world’s first and only solar-powered Ferris wheel.
• Car chases are so commonplace in LA that watching a car chase is something of a pastime here. So if you’re out on the best day trip from LA, don’t be surprised if you hear the sirens and spot a car racing down the street.