Day Trips from Los Angeles: Catalina, Santa Barbara & Joshua Tree
The best day trips from Los Angeles point in three directions. West across the water: Catalina Island, an hour by ferry from Long Beach, with Avalon’s harbour, golf-cart tours and the semi-submarine. North up the coast: Santa Barbara’s mission and harbour, the Danish village of Solvang and Santa Ynez wine tasting, or simply the Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu. East into the desert: Joshua Tree National Park’s boulder fields and Palm Springs. Small-group tours include hotel pickup; self-guided audio tours start from $13 if you have a car.
221 tours · prices per person, book with partner
Day Trips from LA in Los Angeles — FAQ
What are the best day trips from Los Angeles?
Catalina Island, Santa Barbara and Solvang, Joshua Tree National Park, Malibu and the Pacific Coast Highway, and Palm Springs. Each is under three hours from the city and has guided tours with pickup.
How do you get to Catalina Island from Los Angeles?
Catalina Express ferries leave Long Beach and San Pedro and take about an hour to Avalon; island tours such as the Mount Ada scenic drive start from $41, and packages combine the ferry with a tour.
Is Joshua Tree doable as a day trip from LA?
Yes — it is about 2.5 hours each way. Small-group day tours (from about $192) do the driving; with your own car, a self-guided audio tour from $13 covers the park’s main stops.
