13 Amazing California Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive
Top cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco make California one of the most visited states in the country. Their unmatched glitz and glamor attract millions of tourists annually. However, some of the Golden State's best gems lie just outside these urban hubs, awaiting discovery on memorable day trips. If you need a break from the choking crowds and constant chaos in the big metropolises, several amazing day trips offer easy escapes within a few hours' drive.
Blending breathtaking natural scenery, small-town appeal, and abundant outdoor activities, these worthwhile California day trips refresh the mind and soul. Here are amazing ideas to consider away from the city for discovering California's diverse beauty up close on relaxing one-day adventures.
Big Bear Lake
A little less than three hours from Los Angeles, this beautiful rural community provides the perfect reprieve from the bustling city. Big Bear Lake boasts terrific natural landscapes punctuated by forests, mountains, and lakes. Endless trails run through the town, allowing you to discover the region comfortably. The 5.2-mile Alpine Pedal Path Trail is an excellent paved option that accommodates bikers, walkers, and hikers and allows rare sightings of bald eagles.
The secluded banks of Big Bear Lake are a popular summer destination. People come to cool off from the southern California sun with a refreshing dip in the water or an easygoing picnic on the grassy shores. On the other hand, winters are reserved for fun down the snowy slopes of Big Bear Mountain Resort.
Joshua Tree National Park
A nearly three-hour drive east of Los Angeles brings you to Joshua Tree National Park, which introduces you to the majesty of California's desert country. The reserve mixes the Mojave and Colorado desert ecosystems, defined by rugged rock formations, bristled Joshua trees, and other desert landscapes. Hiking is one of the best ways of exploring the vast wilderness. Out of the 300 miles of pathways available, you can pick the relatively easy 0.25-mile Bajada Trail to discover unique flora in the Colorado desert.
Heralded as a top rock climbing destination, Joshua Tree challenges adventurers with over 8,000 climbing routes and at least 2,000 boulder problems. Also, remember to take advantage of the numerous photo ops, especially of the iconic Joshua tree, wildlife, and blooming wildflowers in spring.
Catalina Island
Reaching Catalina Island takes about an hour by high-speed ferry from the California mainland. This secluded destination is the ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle, offering a more laid-back atmosphere. The Catalina Museum for Art and History makes for a great starting point, allowing you to uncover the island's past by browsing historic exhibits dating back over 60 years. Catalina Island is endowed with beautiful landscapes, from sea to land, and the best way to take it all in is to book a session with Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour. As you zigzag several feet in the air, the sweeping ocean views prove to be an unforgettable experience.
The island tour isn't complete without sampling the sumptuous seafood, which you can do at Bluewater Avalon. You can select delicacies on the menu, like panko fried shrimp and beer-battered fish and chips.
Point Reyes National Seashore
The big cities in the Bay Area can easily overwhelm the uninitiated with their fast pace. Luckily, an hour's drive northwest of San Francisco is what you need to escape the madness and embrace the tranquility of Point Reyes National Seashore. Boasting over 80 miles of shoreline, beaches like Limantour Beach and Drakes Beach have an isolated setting to unwind and meditate. Hikers can access 150 miles of trails to discover the coastal wilderness, and if you fancy a challenge, you can take on the moderate Woodpecker Nature Trail.
Meanwhile, Point Reyes is a habitat for a variety of wildlife on land, in the air, and in the water. Some species you will encounter include basking elephant seals, grazing Tule elk, and swimming whales, so bring a camera to record their footage.
Laguna Beach
Los Angeles has beautiful beaches, but jostling for a picnic space to lounge comfortably is where many people draw the line. An hour-long drive south of the city lets you enjoy as much beach space as possible in Laguna Beach. This seaside haven in Orange County provides numerous options without the crowds, from Crystal Cove State Park to Aliso Beach Park. The clear blue skies, sugar-white shores, and turquoise waters are designed for you to let loose and relax.
But Laguna Beach is known for more than its shores. The art scene here easily rivals big cities. You can immerse yourself in over 3,500 artifacts inside the world-class Laguna Art Museum. Alternatively, catch a moving stage performance at the Laguna Playhouse.
Solvang
If you crave good-natured interactions that seem to be lacking in Los Angeles, you can drive 3 hours north of the city to the quaint village of Solvang. This adorable community in the Santa Ynez Valley is famous for its Danish heritage and a strong sense of community. Residents warmly welcome visitors, encouraging them to discover the town's European roots at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art. This Scandinavian-like building exhibits chronicling Danish culture and Slvang's rich beginnings.
You can learn more about local culture by catching a play or musical inside the family-friendly atmosphere of Solvang Theaterfest. Finally, cap off the visit with delicious Danish pastries at Olsen's Danish Village Bakery.
Sausalito
Sausalito offers a wonderful small-town getaway and a reprieve from the busyness of San Francisco. Situated about 31 minutes north of the city, this tiny waterfront village is famous for its floating homes, built by artisan settlers after World War 2. These iconic landmarks are visible and accessible at Waldo Point Harbor, and you snap exquisite photos of the colorful houseboats. Sausalito also provides unprecedented vistas of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, best viewed from the Battery Spencer overlook at Fort Baker.
Alternatively, you can stroll through the Sausalito Boardwalk to enjoy the vistas and shop at the different souvenir outlets lining the vibrant corridor. Also, stop by Salito's Crab House & Prime Rib to savor a scrumptious crab dish.
Mount San Jacinto State Park
Mount San Jacinto State Park sits less than three hours from the City of Angels. It is one of the best California day trips if you appreciate rich natural surroundings. This 14,000-acre sanctuary in the San Jacinto Mountains presents countless outdoor adventures amid raw natural beauty. A 50-mile trail network traverses the park, and those keen on a hiking challenge can take on the well-marked Peak Trail to Round Valley. Meanwhile, an expedition to the San Jacinto Peak rewards with 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding landscapes and unbeatable photo ops.
Look out for diverse wildlife when walking along the isolated trails of Mount San Jacinto State Park, from soaring red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, and Copper's hawks in the skies to mule deer and rarely spotted mountain lions on land.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
The sprawling California desert country harbors a slew of fun surprises for ardent outdoorsmen, including the site-rich Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. You need to drive for about an hour and a half from San Diego to reach this dry wilderness traversed by endless routes. The 3.5-mile Palm Canyon Trail, a short distance from the Visitor Center, is an excellent starting point for hikers and leads to a picturesque oasis of palm trees. The Badlands are a stunning park feature that makes for a rare experience for nature photographers.
Finally, you don't want to miss out on the picturesque Galleta Meadows Sculpture, which consists of over 100 metal sculptures created by artist Ricardo Breceda. Most visitors pick the Serpent as their favorite, but you will also be impressed by the Scorpions and Tortoises.
Julian
A short drive from San Diego, lasting about an hour and twenty minutes, allows road trippers to discover rare gold mining heritage in Southern California. Designated as a California Historical Landmark, Julian boasts a colorful history that newcomers can learn about at the Julian Pioneer Museum. The facility exhibits an assortment of relics and memorabilia as a window to the formative years, including old clothing, rustic furnishings, and antique fold mining artifacts. Julian is also famous for its apple pies, which visitors can savor by touring the Julian Pie Company.
Meanwhile, a vast wilderness surrounds the town, inviting adventurers to explore the 900 acres of William Heise County Park for countless recreational activities, such as picnicking, hiking, and camping.
Nevada City
If you are up for an immersive journey exploring California's Gold Rush heritage, Nevada City is the perfect road trip from San Francisco. The trip takes approximately two hours and fifty minutes and culminates at this well-preserved Victorian village of Nevada County. Its rustic allure shows in the old-world buildings dominating its downtown skyline, such as the Nevada Theatre. You can stop by the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum to peruse relics and artifacts from the mining heydays, including old train cars.
Meanwhile, the Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park presents a more vivid look into Nevada City's gold mining past. Several miles of trails meander through the defunct mine, which at its peak was the state's largest hydraulic mining center.
Sonoma
Those who love craft wineries in a small-town atmosphere can drive one and a half hours north of San Francisco to this lovely community in the Sonoma Valley winemaking region. Sonoma is home to numerous vineyards and wineries. You can choose from a long list to sample homegrown sweet wines, such as Buena Vista Winery. Besides the wine, you can discover rich history at the Sonoma State Historic Park. The site houses a historic Franciscan mission established in 1823, which brings back memories of the infant years.
Alternatively, you can walk around Sonoma Plaza, notable for its cobblestone streets and old buildings dating back to the 1800s. Apart from admiring the unique architecture, you can browse the on-site restaurants, cafes, and wineries to meet the locals.
Palm Springs
If you want to escape the noise and crowds in downtown San Diego, consider driving just over two hours northeast of the city to the small town of Palm Springs. Known for its vibrant art scene and beautiful desert scenery, travelers will enjoy discovering its diverse attractions. The Palm Springs Art Museum is a great start and exhibits Native American and European works in the middle of the desert. You will also be intrigued by the antique aircraft displayed by the Palm Springs Air Museum, featuring World War 2 bombers and fighters.
Be sure to explore the town's desert landscapes with a hike along the Indian Canyon Trail. This picturesque route passes unique rock formations and palm trees, and visitors can spot several desert wildlife, including bighorn sheep.
Final Thought
Whether you crave scenic coastal routes, lush wine country roads, or towering Sierra escapes, California day trips promise a wealth of options for brief yet rejuvenating breaks from urban realities. Exploring lesser-known places with less crowded parking lots gives a truer sense of the natural riches beyond the city noise in the United States. Memorable and worthwhile adventures abound just a drive away from major hubs. Investigating the diverse hidden gems on your own schedule is an unforgettable way to experience the varied jewels of the Golden State.
