The types of day trips Los Angeles residents favor take them out of the city. In most cases, day trips out of Los Angeles target nature; in other cases, these excursions stay closer to home, but offer opportunities for learning and exercise. Which is right for you?
Joshua Tree National Park (2.5 Hours From Los Angeles)
74485 National Park Drive in Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
760-367-5500
Open daily
Do you love nature and need to get out of the building jungle that is L.A.? As Los Angeles day trips go, this one takes a bit of driving. Get on the I-10 East and head about 144 miles toward Joshua Tree National Park. Fall and spring are perfect seasons to visit the park, where 12 nature trails allow for exploration and vigorous hikes. Dirt roads are apportioned to mountain bikes, and rock climbing is another favorite pastime. This is a great day trip to undertake with a group of friends; just get started early, pack in plenty of water, and realize that you might be late getting home.
Palomar Observatory (2.5 Hours Away)
35899 Canfield Road in Palomar Mountain, CA 92060
760-742-2119
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
San Diego County’s Palomar Observatory is an active research facility owned and operated by the California Institute of Technology. The main attraction is the 200-inch Hale telescope. The surrounding area is perfect for picnicking. Hobby astronomers love this site; if you are lucky, you may be able to find a weekend docent on site to talk a little bit about the fascinating research going on. While outside, be sure to enjoy the vistas and take some nature walks.
Big Bear Lake (About 2 Hours Away)
Carol Morrison Public Launch is at 41911 N. Shore Drive in Big Bear City, CA 92314
909-866-5200
Open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the early season, until 7 p.m. during peak season, and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the late season. The launch site is closed during the winter
In winter there is ice on the lake; in spring and summer, the fishing is undeniably the best around. Located about 97 miles east of L.A. via the CA-210E, Angelenos with boats love to kick back for a day at this lake. Tow the boat with the RV; park at one of the great lakefront sites for easy access. Get the family outfitted for a day of fishing, pack the RV or car, get the boat ready, and head to the lake.
Mission San Juan Capistrano (1 Hour Away)
26801 Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949-234-1360
Open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The best trips from Los Angeles take you also to historic sites around the state. The Mission in San Juan Capistrano is a wonderful locale to walk around, enjoy well-kept gardens, and learn about the life of the padres in the 18th century. Check out the $2 audio tour for kids in fourth grade and up; it helps youngsters get a good handle on the state’s history while at the same being fun and entertaining. Walk through the city afterwards; plenty of boutique stores offer whimsical arts and crafts. Then again, you might just want to stay close to nature and enjoy the mission gardens.
Sand Dune Park (About 30 Minutes Away)
33rd and Bell Avenue in Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
310-802-5410
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
One of the shortest day trips Los Angeles area residents take introduces them to Manhattan Beach’s 100 foot-tall sand dune. It is a kid-friendly location. Nearby trails allow for leisurely walks, while picnic areas invite an outdoor meal. There is a catch: Adults have to make a reservation to actually access the dune. Children 12 and under can play on the dune to their hearts’ content; adults aged 13 and over must reserve their access time, which may be limited to certain slots. Angelenos in the know price their hour on the dune for the great workout it provides. Don’t believe me? Try climbing it a few times!
