| California Day Trips at a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Best Island Escape | Catalina Island (ferry from Long Beach/Dana Point) |
| Best Wine Trip | Napa/Sonoma (from SF), Santa Barbara (from LA) |
| Best Coastal Town | Sausalito (from SF), Laguna Beach (from LA) |
| Best Nature | Muir Woods (redwoods), Joshua Tree (desert) |
| Best Small Town | Julian (mountain apple pie town), Solvang (Danish village) |
California has more day trip variety within driving distance of its major cities than almost any other state. Islands, wine country, redwood forests, desert parks, coastal towns, and mountain villages are all reachable in 1 to 2 hours from Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego. This guide covers the best day trips from each city.
For more trip planning resources, see our how to plan a trip guide.
Day Trips from Los Angeles
Catalina Island
A 76-square-mile island 26 miles offshore that feels like a different world. The town of Avalon has Mediterranean charm, crystal-clear water for snorkeling, and no cars. Take the Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point (1 hour, $75 to $80 round trip). Snorkel at Lovers Cove, tour the Casino building, rent a golf cart, and hike the interior for bison spotting.
Don’t miss: Snorkeling at Lovers Cove, glass-bottom boat tour, golf cart cruise around Avalon.
Santa Barbara
The American Riviera, about 1.5 hours north of LA on US-101. Spanish colonial architecture, Stearns Wharf, excellent wineries in the Funk Zone, and beautiful beaches. The courthouse has a free observation tower with panoramic views. Wine tasting on the Urban Wine Trail is walkable from downtown.
Malibu
Beach, hike, and eat in one day. Surfrider Beach for watching surfers, Point Dume for a coastal hike, the Getty Villa (free, reservation required) for Greek and Roman art, and Nobu or Malibu Seafood for lunch. About 45 minutes from downtown LA without traffic (longer with).
Solvang
A Danish village in the Santa Ynez Valley, about 2 hours from LA. Windmills, Danish bakeries (aebleskiver are the local specialty), and surrounding wine country (Pinot Noir from the region featured in the movie Sideways). Combine with a stop in Santa Barbara.
Day Trips from San Francisco
Sausalito
A waterfront town just across the Golden Gate Bridge. Take the ferry from the Ferry Building (30 minutes) or bike across the bridge and ferry back. Houseboats, galleries, restaurants with bay views, and the Bay Area Discovery Museum for families. One of the easiest and most scenic day trips from any major US city.
Muir Woods
Old-growth coast redwood trees, some over 250 feet tall, just 30 minutes from San Francisco. Easy trails through the forest floor (Cathedral Grove is the highlight). Parking reservations required ($9). Combine with a stop in Sausalito or Stinson Beach.
Napa and Sonoma Valley
World-famous wine country about 1 hour north of San Francisco. Napa is more upscale and formal; Sonoma is more laid-back and affordable. Tastings range from $20 to $75 at Napa estates and $10 to $25 at Sonoma wineries. A designated driver, tour company, or the Napa Valley Wine Train keeps everyone safe.
Half Moon Bay
A coastal town about 45 minutes south of SF with rugged beaches, a charming main street, and excellent seafood. The Coastal Trail offers clifftop walking. Mavericks, one of the biggest wave surf breaks in the world, is nearby (competitions in winter). Great for a foggy morning walk with coffee and a seafood lunch.
Day Trips from San Diego
Julian
A mountain town about 1 hour east of San Diego at 4,200 feet. Famous for apple pie (Julian Pie Company and Mom’s are the contenders), gold mine tours, cider tasting, and a main street of antique shops. Fall apple picking season (September through November) is peak time. The drive through the Cuyamaca Mountains is scenic.
Dana Point and Laguna Beach
Two coastal Orange County towns about 1 hour north of San Diego. Dana Point has whale watching from the harbor (December through April for gray whales). Laguna Beach has art galleries, cove beaches, and tide pools. The 1,000 Steps Beach is a local favorite.
Tijuana, Mexico
Walk across the border from San Diego for some of the best tacos and craft beer in North America. Avenida Revolucion has been revitalized with cocktail bars and galleries. The food scene is world-class and incredibly affordable ($1 to $2 tacos). Bring your passport. See our Tijuana guide for border crossing tips.
Temecula Wine Country
Southern California’s wine region, about 1 hour north of San Diego. Over 40 wineries spread across rolling hills. Less famous than Napa but more affordable and relaxed. Many wineries have restaurants and live music on weekends. Balloon rides over the vineyards are a popular splurge ($200 to $250).
Planning Tips
Traffic matters. LA traffic can double your drive time. Leave early (before 8 AM) and return late (after 7 PM) for the least painful experience. Weekend mornings are better than Friday afternoons.
Reservations: Muir Woods requires parking reservations. Catalina Island ferries sell out on summer weekends. Hamilton Pool and other popular natural sites need advance booking. Wine country is walk-in friendly at most Sonoma wineries but appointment-only at many Napa estates.
Combine trips: Sausalito + Muir Woods, Santa Barbara + Solvang, Julian + Anza-Borrego Desert, Catalina Island (full day on its own).
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