10 Best Day Trips From Los Angeles


Los Angeles, CA is a city known for its entertainment, beaches, and nightlife. While there are many activities to do in the City of Angels, you may have the urge to escape the city borders to explore something new. There are many unique day trips you can take – whether a longer trip to a national park or a shorter trip to an amusement park. Any of which are sure to pique your interest. To help you get started, we compiled a list of the 10 best day trips from Los Angeles. Keep reading to see what trips made the list.

1. Coronado, CA

Approximate distance: 130 miles
Estimated travel time: 3 hours

Just 3 hours and 130 miles south of Los Angeles lies Coronado, CA, a beautiful resort city located across the Big Bay from downtown San Diego, CA. Coronado, a name derived from the Coronado Islands, bears the nickname, “The Crown City.” There are many activities to do in Coronado such as visiting the USS Midway Museum, lounging at Coronado Beach, or going boating along the bay. If you find yourself wanting to stay for the weekend, book a room at the Hotel del Coronado, the second largest wooden structure in the United States.

2. Joshua Tree National Park

Stone rocks

Approximate distance: 130 miles
Estimated travel time: 3 hours

Known for its distinct plants and starry nights, there is no shortage of adventure at Joshua Tree National Park. The park comprises two desert ecosystems, the Mojave and Colorado, and encompasses about 790,000 acres making it the second-largest national park in California, second only to Death Valley National Park. There are many things to do at Joshua Tree such as trying out the various climbing routes, hiking the many trails like the Arch Rock Nature Trail and Ryan Mountain Trail; or taking in the views at Barker Dam. It takes approximately 3 hours to get to Joshua Tree National Park so make sure to wake up early for this day trip from Los Angeles.

3. San Diego, CA

San Diego harbor

Approximate distance: 120 miles
Estimated travel time: 3 hours

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