Los Angeles, often called the "City of Angels," is famous for its beaches, film studios, and larger-than-life attractions like the Hollywood Sign and Santa Monica Pier. But it's also a major hub for education, with more than 100 colleges and universities in the region, including USC and UCLA.
For students and young travelers, LA offers an exciting mix of culture, entertainment, and opportunity. Still, life in a sprawling city can feel overwhelming at times. Whether you're studying in Los Angeles or simply visiting, it's easy to need a break from traffic, crowds, and busy schedules.
The good news is that some of Southern California's best destinations are just a short drive away. From desert landscapes and mountain lakes to charming coastal towns, these day trips from Los Angeles make it easy to recharge and explore beyond the city.
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LA Day Trips
Joshua Tree National Park: The Best Desert Day Trip from Los Angeles
Distance from Los Angeles: 130 miles (about 2.5 hours)
Best way to get there: Drive
Joshua Tree National Park is one of Southern California's most unique landscapes. The park sits where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, creating an extraordinary environment filled with twisted Joshua trees, massive boulder formations, and wide-open desert views.
It's an excellent destination for outdoor lovers. Popular hikes in Joshua Tree include Hidden Valley, Ryan Mountain, and Arch Rock. Photographers also love the park for its dramatic rock formations and incredible sunsets.
If you're looking for a day trip that feels like a true getaway into nature, Joshua Tree is hard to beat.
Palm Springs
Distance from Los Angeles: 106 miles (about 2 hours)
Best way to get there: Drive
Palm Springs is famous for its desert scenery, midcentury modern architecture, and laid-back resort atmosphere. The city has long been a weekend getaway for Angelenos who want to relax by the pool, enjoy the sunshine, and explore the desert.
For sweeping views of the Coachella Valley, ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up into the San Jacinto Mountains. You can also explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens or stroll through Moorten Botanical Garden to see a fascinating collection of desert plants.
Palm Springs combines outdoor beauty with art, culture, and excellent restaurants. When you're ready for a break from sightseeing in Los Angeles, head to Palm Springs for a weekend.
Santa Barbara: A Classic Coastal Escape
Distance from Los Angeles: 93 miles (about 2 hours)
Best way to get there: Drive or Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
Santa Barbara offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere with beautiful beaches, Spanish colonial architecture, and a thriving food and wine scene.
Spend the day walking along the waterfront, visiting Stearns Wharf, or exploring the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. The city's historic downtown is also worth exploring, especially the courthouse and the charming streets nearby.
Just outside the city lies the Santa Ynez Valley, where you'll find wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, and scenic countryside. Whether you come for the ocean views or the wine tasting, Santa Barbara is an easy and rewarding getaway from LA.
Big Bear Lake
Distance from Los Angeles: 100 miles (about 2 hours)
Best way to get there: Drive
Big Bear Lake offers a mountain escape that feels far from the busy pace of Los Angeles. Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, the area is known for year-round outdoor recreation.
In winter, visitors come to ski and snowboard at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. During warmer months, the lake becomes a playground for kayaking, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking.
You can also visit the Alpine Zoo, take a walk through Boulder Bay Park, or relax and enjoy the mountain scenery.
Catalina Island
Distance from Los Angeles: 22 miles (about 1 hour by ferry)
Best way to get there: Ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro
Santa Catalina Island feels like a Mediterranean getaway just off the Southern California coast. The ferry ride is part of the adventure, offering views of the Pacific Ocean and, sometimes, dolphins along the way.
Once you arrive in Avalon, you'll find colorful buildings, waterfront restaurants, and scenic hills rising above the harbor. Popular activities include snorkeling, kayaking, zip lining, and glass-bottom boat tours that reveal the island's marine life.
Because of its relaxed island atmosphere, Catalina Island is one of the most unique day trips from Los Angeles.
Ojai
Distance from Los Angeles: 81 miles (about 1.5 hours)
Best way to get there: Drive
Ojai is a small town known for its artistic character, scenic mountain setting, and relaxed pace of life. Surrounded by the Topatopa Mountains and Los Padres National Forest, it's a perfect place for travelers to unwind.
Visitors often spend their day browsing local galleries and boutiques, visiting Bart's Books - the largest outdoor bookstore in the world - or stopping by the local farmers market.
The surrounding hills also offer excellent hiking opportunities, and the area is especially beautiful during sunset when the mountains glow pink in a phenomenon locals call the "Pink Moment."
Solvang
Distance from Los Angeles: 121 miles (about 2.5 hours)
Best way to get there: Drive
Solvang is a charming Danish-style village located in the Santa Ynez Valley. Windmills, half-timbered buildings, and traditional bakeries give the town a distinctive European feel.
Many visitors come to explore the town's bakeries and shops selling Danish pastries, cookies, and specialty foods. You can also visit the Elverhøj Museum to learn about the area's Danish heritage or tour wineries throughout the Santa Ynez Valley.
Solvang's unusual architecture and relaxed atmosphere make it one of the most interesting day trips from Los Angeles.
San Diego
Distance from Los Angeles: 118 miles (about 2.5 hours)
Best way to get there: Drive or Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
San Diego offers beautiful beaches, great weather, and a lively waterfront, all just a few hours from Los Angeles.
Spend your day exploring Balboa Park, home to museums, gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The historic Gaslamp Quarter is another popular area filled with restaurants, bars, and historic buildings.
Suppose you prefer the coast, head to La Jolla or Coronado for scenic beaches and ocean views. With so many things to do, San Diego easily ranks among the best Southern California day trips.
Balboa Island
Distance from Los Angeles: 53 miles (about 1.5 hours)
Best way to get there: Drive
Balboa Island in Newport Beach is known for its charming harbor, waterfront homes, and relaxed beach-town atmosphere.
Visitors often spend the day walking the island's scenic waterfront path, browsing local shops, or taking a short ferry ride across the harbor. The nearby beaches are also excellent for swimming, boating, and surfing.
Don't leave without trying a famous Balboa Bar - a frozen banana dipped in chocolate and covered with toppings - one of the island's most popular treats.
Malibu
Distance from Los Angeles: 31 miles (about 1 hour)
Best way to get there: Drive
Malibu is one of the easiest and most scenic day trips from Los Angeles. The drive along the Pacific Coast Highway offers beautiful ocean views, with plenty of beaches and hiking trails to explore.
El Matador State Beach is known for its dramatic sea stacks and coastal cliffs, making it a favorite spot for photographers. Malibu Pier offers classic California coastal scenery along with restaurants and small shops.
For a more active day, head inland to hike Solstice Canyon or explore Leo Carrillo State Park.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know some of the best day trips from Los Angeles, where will you go first? Whether you're a student looking for a quick weekend escape or a traveler eager to explore Southern California, these destinations offer something for everyone.
For students studying in LA, having the right place to live can make it even easier to explore the region. Platforms like amber, which help students find accommodation around the world, connect travelers with student housing in more than 250 cities and over one million beds globally.
With a comfortable home base in Los Angeles, it's easier to focus on what matters most: studying, meeting new people, and discovering places like these incredible day trips throughout Southern California.
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This story was published in partnership with amber.
