Bucket Listers rounded up some of our favorite day trip destinations near Los Angeles. With experiences ranging from coastal hikes to water adventures, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. Check out our picks below:

Santa Barbara

Another iconic coastal town making the list is Santa Barbara, situated on the central California coast alongside the dramatic Santa Ynez Mountains. With its Mediterranean-style buildings topped with red-tile roofs, you’ll instantly feel transported to a quaint Spanish town. With plenty of scenic beaches for a casual afternoon, elevate your evening plans by ambling through the city’s upscale boutiques and restaurants. 

Activity Highlight: Head to Butterfly Beach for a laid-back day on the sand. Feeling more active? The beach’s pristine shoreline is ideal for swimming and surfing while its unique east-to-west orientation makes for some exceptional sunrises and sunsets.

Distance from LA: 1 hour 50 minutes 

Oak Glen

For a day trip that’s a little more off the beaten path, find your way to Oak Glen, nestled between the San Bernardino Mountains and the Little San Bernardino Mountains, at an elevation of 4,734 feet. While this eastern town can be enjoyed any month of the year, we recommend visiting in the fall to catch apple picking season in its prime.

Activity Highlight: Oak Glen’s five-mile loop of orchards and ranches is the perfect place to spot fall foliage and take part in a classic pastime – apple picking. 

Distance from LA: 1 hour 30 minutes

Solvang

If you’d like to forget that your destination is just a car ride away from LA, head to the Danish Village of Solvang. The architecture is enough to transport you to Denmark (think wooden windmills, rural houses, and even a replica of Copenhagen’s Round Tower) – the many wineries and art museums are simply the cherry on top.

Activity Highlight: While not directly in Solvang, Nojoqui Falls Trail is just a short distance away and more than worth it. This 0.8-mile, heavily trafficked out-and-back trail is perfect for hiking, features an impressive waterfall, and most importantly, allows for furry friends to accompany you. 

Distance from LA: 2 hours 30 minutes

Joshua Tree

California is no stranger to national parks, with Joshua Tree being a fan-favorite amongst Angelinos. The desert landscape with sky-high rock formations and its namesake tree make Joshua Tree an outdoor playground of sorts year-round. With hiking trails varying in difficulty and accessibility, there’s truly something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Activity Highlights: After your 2 1/5 hour car ride, get out and stretch your legs along the Indian Cove Nature Trail. While this loop is only 0.6 miles long, you’ll get a look at everything from flora and fauna to the history of the area. Along the trail, you’ll find signs expressing the diversity of the desert region.  

Distance from LA: 2 hours 15 minutes

Temecula

You don’t need to make the trek up to Napa to enjoy some world-class vineyards. Temecula in Riverside County has something for everyone with its gorgeous wineries, Old-West themed downtown area, and even some incredible hiking trails — especially during the wildflower super bloom in the spring. 

Activity Highlights: From March-May, nearby Lake Elsinore boasts some of the most incredible poppy-viewing in the area. Take a peek on your drive by, and then pick one of the many vineyards to enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting. 

Distance from LA: 1 hour 45 minutes

Agua Dulce

Vasquez Rocks may look like something straight out of a movie — and that’s because they are! The massive rock formations and natural area park in Agua Dulce, CA, have been featured in The Flintstones, several Star Trek films and shows, Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, The Muppet Movie, and many, many more. Here you can enjoy some hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, or just a casual picnic while you take in the views! The best part? It’s less than an hour outside of LA. 

Activity Highlights: After working up a sweat at the park, stop by Agua Dulce Vineyards to relax with a wine tasting session and do a little shopping. 

Distance From LA: 45 minutes

Balboa Island

For a day on the water, head to this harborside community in Newport Beach. Accessible via bridge, ferry, and various public docks, the community is bordered by a boardwalk open only to pedestrian traffic. This man-made treasure hosts some of the chicest coastal shops on Marine Avenue, quaint restaurants serving up local fresh seafood, and plenty more.

Activity Highlight: Water sports are the name of the game on Balboa Island, with everything from kayaking and paddleboarding to the extremes of parasailing and more.

Distance from LA: 1 hour

Ojai

Oh hi, Ojai! This small city in Ventura County is nestled in the Topatopa Mountains. With a village-like city center lined with art galleries and New Age shops, Ojai is high on the list of trendy locales. Downtown Ojai is just a quick saunter away from the city’s scenic urban wineries, where you can select wine flights and explore various tasting rooms.

Activity Highlight: The Los Padres National Forest Hike is a must-see stop in Ojai with its expansive trails. We recommend the Rose Valley Falls hike, leading to a magnificent two-tier, 300-foot waterfall located on the west end of the Topatopa Mountains. It’s a slight adventure to reach the impressive upper-tier fall, but with the hike being only a 150-foot elevation gain and less than a mile roundtrip, we think you have it in you.

Distance from LA: 1 hour 20 minutes

Laguna Beach

Nestled between seven miles of hidden coves and stunning canyons, Laguna Beach is a small coastal town and a household name thanks to a particular ‘00s TV show. Known for its art galleries and expansive beaches, Laguna's short distance from LA makes it a premier destination for a day out in the sun. Some popular stops include Main Beach with its tide pools and boardwalk, Beach Park for surfing, and various trails through the coastal canyons in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

Activity Highlights: Water Tank Trail is a 3-mile out-and-back trail beginning in Irvine Bowl Park. You’ll head straight up past the water tank, which we highly recommend stopping at to catch the sunset. Another incredible option is the B.F.I. Trail in Crystal Cove State Park. BFI, standing for “Big Fat Incline,” takes you directly up Moro Ridge from the beach. It’s a short 0.5-mile hike with stunning views – but it is a pretty strenuous route, so make sure to bring some water.

Distance from LA: 1 hour