The 10 Best Weekend Day Trips From Los Angeles for Families
One of LA's most underappreciated advantages is what's within a 2-hour drive. You can be at the beach, in the mountains, in the desert, in wine country, or on a harbor island without leaving Southern California. When your neighborhood starts feeling too familiar and the kids are bouncing off the walls, these 10 day trips reset the family meter.
1. Catalina Island (1 hour by ferry from San Pedro)
Catch the Catalina Express from San Pedro and you're on a Mediterranean-feeling island in an hour. In Avalon, families can take the undersea tour (glass-bottom boat), rent golf carts (the island's primary transport), hike to the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, or go snorkeling at Lover's Cove. The interior tours reveal bison (yes, bison — brought for a 1924 film shoot and never removed). Pack a lunch or eat seafood on the waterfront. Pro tip: Book the first ferry (morning) and last return (evening) for maximum island time.
2. Big Bear Lake (2 hours from the Valley)
The San Bernardino Mountains offer a genuine mountain-lake experience just 90 minutes from Porter Ranch or Woodland Hills. In summer, Big Bear Lake has kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and hiking. In winter, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain offer skiing and snowboarding with reliable snowmaking. The Village in Big Bear is walkable with family-friendly restaurants and shops. Pro tip: Take the scenic route via Highway 18 for stunning ridgeline views.
3. Joshua Tree National Park (2.5 hours)
The otherworldly landscape of Joshua Tree — twisted trees, massive boulder formations, and expansive desert — is one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Families love the Hidden Valley Nature Trail (1-mile loop through a rock-enclosed "valley"), Skull Rock (kids love it), and the Cholla Cactus Garden (surreal at golden hour). Bring LOTS of water, sunscreen, and snacks. Pro tip: Enter from the west entrance (Joshua Tree town) and exit east toward Twentynine Palms for the best circuit.
4. Santa Barbara (1.5–2 hours via 101)
"The American Riviera" makes an ideal family day trip from LA. Stearns Wharf is walkable with a sea center, ice cream, and harbor views. State Street has shops and restaurants. The Santa Barbara Zoo is compact, well-designed, and perched on a cliff with ocean views. The courthouse is a Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece with a free clock tower observation deck. Pro tip: Leave Sherman Oaks or Encino by 8am to beat 101 traffic through Ventura County.
5. Malibu Creek State Park (30–45 minutes from the Valley)
If you just need a quick escape, Malibu Creek State Park — located in the Santa Monica Mountains between the Valley and the ocean — offers hiking, a rock pool swimming hole (seasonal), and the iconic M*A*S*H filming location. The 4-mile round trip to the Rock Pool is the most popular family hike. From Studio City or Woodland Hills, you're there in under 45 minutes via Mulholland or Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon Road.
6. San Diego (2–2.5 hours via I-5)
A longer day trip, but worth it. The San Diego Zoo is arguably the best in the world. Balboa Park has 17 museums and beautiful gardens. Old Town has historic buildings and Mexican food. Coronado Beach is stunning. With an early start and a late return, families can hit 2-3 attractions. Pro tip: Skip the zoo if you've been recently and spend the day at the Fleet Science Center (kids love it) and Coronado Beach instead.
7. Ojai (1.5 hours via 101/33)
This small, artsy valley town northwest of LA has an almost mystical quality — the Topa Topa Mountains glow pink at sunset (the "Pink Moment"), the downtown is walkable with bookstores, art galleries, and the famous Ojai Valley Inn. Families enjoy Libbey Park (playground + weekend farmers market), the Ojai Olive Oil Company (tastings), and the easy trail to the Meditation Mount viewpoint. Pro tip: Combine with a stop at Ventura Beach on the way back.
8. Temecula Wine Country (1.5 hours via I-15)
Not the obvious family pick, but many Temecula wineries are surprisingly kid-friendly — with picnic lawns, games, and views of rolling vineyards. Families pair a winery stop (many offer non-alcoholic options and snacks) with a visit to Old Town Temecula for antique shops and restaurants, or the nearby hot air balloon rides (seasonal). Pro tip: Wilson Creek Winery has a great family lawn area with food service.
9. Channel Islands National Park (1.5 hours + 1-hour boat ride)
The "Galapagos of North America." Island Packers boats depart from Ventura Harbor to Anacapa and Santa Cruz islands. Families can hike coastal bluffs with views of sea caves, watch for dolphins and whales on the crossing, and explore tide pools. Santa Cruz Island's Scorpion Anchorage has an easy 2-mile trail to Cavern Point with jaw-dropping views. Pack everything you need — there are no services on the islands. Pro tip: Book well in advance; boats sell out, especially on weekends.
10. Idyllwild (2 hours via I-10 and Highway 243)
A tiny mountain village in the San Jacinto Mountains that feels like a different world. At 5,400 feet elevation, Idyllwild has pine forests, clean air, and temperatures 20-30 degrees cooler than the Valley in summer. The town has a nature center with live animals, art galleries, a charming downtown with pizza and ice cream, and easy hiking trails (Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail is a great family option). Pro tip: Stop at the Idyllwild Bake Shop for cinnamon rolls that are worth the drive alone.
Day Trip Planning Tips
- Gas up before you leave. Mountain and desert gas stations charge premium prices.
- Pack more water than you think. California sun dehydrates fast, especially at altitude or in the desert.
- Check road conditions. Mountain roads (to Big Bear, Idyllwild, Ojai) can have winter closures or require chains.
- Leave early, return late. LA traffic is worst between 10am-noon outbound and 4-7pm inbound. Beat it by leaving before 8am and returning after 7pm.
- Bring layers. Mountain destinations can be 30°F cooler than your LA neighborhood, even in summer.