There are some days when you just need to get out of the city and reconnect with nature. Fortunately, living in Los Angeles, there’s no shortage of hidden gems just a short drive away. From the coastal hills to the inland deserts, here is a collection of six of the best day trips from Los Angeles.
Grab a friend, pack a picnic lunch, and go soak in some of nature’s healing vibes at one of the beautiful spots below. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a seaside wonderland or a jurassic moonscape and back in just one day.
Please remember to enjoy the outdoors responsibly! Don’t step on or trample local plants, bring a reusable water bottle and never leave trash on the trails.
ON THE COAST
1. Topanga State Park
Address: 20829 Entrada Rd, Topanga, CA 90290
Topanga State Park is one of the easiest day trips from Los Angeles, and the world’s largest wildland within the boundaries of a major city. This laidback coastal woodland is the perfect place to bring a lunch and spend the day exploring the trails and taking in the endless views.
Here you’ll find beautiful vistas with views of the valley and the beach, green forests, and desert mountains that lead to lush green fields. There’s even a dreamy waterfall and a hidden cave.
There is all day parking fee of $10, and plenty of parking by the main entrance. Water bottle filling areas and bathrooms are located throughout the park.
2. Point Dume
Address: Cliffside Dr & Birdview Ave, Malibu, CA 90265
This dreamy coastal area features coastal trails & bluff viewpoints, plus rocky coves and ancient sand dunes for exploring. There’s really interesting native California chaparral plants and lush coastal foliage. It’s the perfect short day trip from Los Angeles to come play by the sea.
The beach is here excellent for spotting seals, and you can see dolphins and even whales frolicking in the water off the shore. Parking is limited, so definitely carpool.
After a day at Point Dume, you can keep venturing up the coast for five miles and you’ll come across secluded El Matador Beach with its dramatic and Instagram worthy rock formations. Come here to catch a magical sunset to end your beach day.
3. Point Mugu
Address: 9000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
If you’re willing to drive just a bit further up the coast, you can take a day trip to Point Mugu State Park, a coastal wonderland nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains. Less crowded than the beaches a little to the south, Point Mugu has a gorgeous giant sand dune right on the water and a dreamy relaxing feel.
You can easily spend the whole day here swimming, body surfing, or exploring some of the 70 miles of hiking trails. There are rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, and grassy valleys with sycamores and oak trees. You can go sledding in the sand dunes, or just lay out a blanket and picnic overlooking the water.
INLAND DAY TRIPS
4. Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve,
Address: 15101 150th St W, Lancaster, CA 93536
With the super bloom in full effect this year, you’ll be treated to miles of orange dappled fields on your day trip from Los Angeles to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.
The Poppy Reserve is a state-protected area located about 15 miles west of Lancaster. The blooming season is usually from mid-February to mid-May every year. Please don’t go off-trail for selfies – it can leave scars on the landscape!
Once you leave the poppy reserve, you can continue seven miles west to the Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park. This woodland is a haven for local wildlife, plus you’ll also be able to see native Joshua Trees.
Admission to the Woodland is free; park on Lancaster Road and enter through the pedestrian walk-through gate on the north side of the road.
5. Angeles National Forest
Address: 701 N. Santa Anita Ave, Arcadia, CA 91006
Craving that deep in the woods feeling? Than a day trip to the Angeles National Forest will be perfect for you. The air here is crisp and fresh, there are trees everywhere, and you’ll feel a world away from the city below.
The drive in through the park is scenic and beautiful, and once inside you’ll be transported into a lush green landscape with a big clear lake and seasonal creeks.
Enjoy the miles of trails, gorgeous views, and local wildlife spotting. Switzer Falls is an easier trail which leads to a pretty little waterfall. Please remember to respect the trails and pack out any trash you bring in!
6. Vasquez Rocks Natural Area
Address: 10700 W Escondido Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA 91350
For all the desert dreamers, a day trip to the Vasquez Rocks is in order. Located in the high desert near Agua Dulce Springs, this gem of a park features 932 acres of spectacular rock formations, a treasure trove of trails, and a seasonal stream.
The dramatic rocks have been featured in movies and commercials, including the original Star Trek. The rocks were named after Tiburcio Vasquez, a notorious California bandit, who used these rocks to elude capture by law enforcement.
The park is a popular hiking, picnicking, and horse riding area, and there are clean restrooms located throughout the area, and a cute little visitor center.
