6 best day trips from Los Angeles

Day trips from LA mean either the desert (Joshua Tree, Palm Springs) or up the coast (Santa Barbara) — both 2 hours by car.

How: 2h 30m drive Travel time: 2h 30m When to go: Oct-Apr (summer extreme heat)

Mojave + Colorado deserts meet — alien rock formations and dark skies

How: 2h drive Travel time: 2h When to go: Oct-Apr; summer brutal

Mid-century modern architecture + aerial tram up Mt. San Jacinto

How: 2h drive or 2h 30m Amtrak Travel time: 2h When to go: Year-round

Mediterranean climate, wineries, Spanish architecture

How: 1h ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro Travel time: 1h When to go: Year-round; warmest summer

Avalon village, snorkeling, golf-cart island exploration

How: 2h drive Travel time: 2h When to go: Year-round

Mountain lake — skiing in winter, hiking + boating in summer

How: 2h 30m drive or Pacific Surfliner train Travel time: 2h 30m When to go: Year-round

Balboa Park, the zoo, La Jolla beaches

Best day trips from Los Angeles