Five Awesome Day Trips to Take Soon: Southern California

Southern California encompasses ten counties and the well-known cities of Los Angeles and San Diego. The diverse travel regions include amazing beach communities, mountains teaming with outdoor activities, and desert adventures to the south and west. One of the most popular road trips in the United States takes CA Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) to travel north through Santa Monica, Malibu, and into the Central Coast region. Our recommendations highlight a wide range of day trip options that are available year-round and just a short distance from greater Los Angeles.

Visit California / Myles McGuinness

Big Bear Lake (Outdoor Recreation) 

The four-season destination of Big Bear Lake is located 112 miles east of Los Angeles and is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and winter sports. Take the family for some fun at Big Bear Speedway & Ropes Course or Action Zipline & Segway Tours before going full-speed down the Mindshaft Coaster. After an adrenaline-filled start to the day, unwind on a lake cruise. We highly recommend the Big Bear Pirate Ship— it’s a family favorite. During the winter months, Big Bear Mountain Resort, which includes Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, is the place to be for boarding, skiing, and an unforgettable day on the mountain. 

Catalina Island (Small Town Experience)

Catalina Island is located 22 miles off the coast of southern California. Board a high-speed ferry from one of four ports in southern California: San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach or Dana Point. The trip takes about an hour and docks in the small town of Avalon. Another option is to arrive in the west end of the island in the town of Two Harbors using the San Pedro ferry service. Once you arrive, head over to the Green Pleasure Pier and choose an excursion that interests you. We highly recommend both the Bison Expedition to get you off the beaten path and discover wildlife or, for general sightseeing, the Discover Avalon tour. Spend the rest of the day along Crescent Avenue, a charming area with a nice selection of boutique stores and restaurants. For lunch on the beach, try the Descanso Beach Club.

Palm Springs (Tours & Experiences)

The desert resort city of Palm Springs is located 105 miles east of Los Angeles in Coachella Valley. The town is a popular with snowbirds— the population more than doubles during the winter months. There is no shortage of art and cultural activities as well as outdoor recreation to enjoy. This unique day trip is an interactive and educational experience. The Palm Springs Windmill Tour takes you through the first commercial wind farm in the United States. After the tour, head over to the Uptown Design District to get a feeling for the mid-century modern side of Palm Springs. The area attracts midcentury modern collectors, artisans, retailers, architects, and designers from all over the world. On your next trip to this desert oasis, book a mid-century modern architectural tour and visit some of the unique properties in the area. 

Santa Barbara (Museums & Attractions)

The coastal city of Santa Barbara, located 95 miles northwest of Los Angeles, is sometimes referred to as the “American Riviera” due to the Mediterranean-style climate. The town has an amazing arts and culture scene, and one of the best places to start your experience is with a tour of Old Mission Santa Barbara. Originally established in 1786, the 15-acre grounds include a museum, cemetery, mausoleum, and beautiful historic gardens. Extend your visit at the Mission Historical Park, a related site that includes a filter house, Spanish grist mill, sections of aqueduct, and two reservoirs that diverted water to the Mission. With your new understanding of the history of Santa Barbara, complete your day trip exploring unique shops, cafes, and restaurants in the downtown area along State Street and Stearns Wharf.

Temecula (Food & Drink)

The small town of Temecula is located about 85 miles southeast of Los Angeles. This popular destination offers visitors a fantastic blend of cultural and culinary opportunities. Spend the day tasting locally grown grapes; the warm weather in the region is great for Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay varieties. After visiting a few of the over 50 wineries, take a walk or carriage ride through Old Town and choose one of the highly rated restaurants along Old Town Front Street. Carriage rides are available from Temecula Carriage Ride Company and a top suggestion for dinner is Guadalajara Mexican Grill and Cantina. For an extra special experience, book a room at one of the local luxury hotels and wake up early for a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon experience.