The best thing about living in Southern California is, of course, the nice weather. But the second best thing is being able to wake up in the city and be in the mountains or at the beach before lunch.
Don't get us wrong, we love Los Angeles, but it’s a perk that we live near so many great destinations you can visit in a day.
We compiled a short guide of two-to- three hour road trips from L.A. you could travel to get some fresh air, or enjoy a new excursion (and we have food recommendations too!).
Santa Cruz Island
Road time: 1.5 hours from L.A. to Ventura Harbor (or less in the morning), then a two hour ferry ride to the island.
This scenic island is part of the Channel Islands National Park that offers different expeditions — kayaking, snorkeling, hiking and camping. It’s perfect for a family road trip or a cute date. The two-hour kayak journey I did was not cheap — $205 for adults, $187 for kids — but it’s long been on my bucket list and, believe me, it's worth it. We explored sea caves and learned about the history of the island. While traveling there, dolphins might swim right next to you while on the ferry, which is amazing to see, and you may even catch a glimpse of a whale passing by. While you’re in Ventura, try to hit up the Channel Island National Park Visitors Center. And before you leave the island, after kayaking, take the short, yet slightly steep Cavern Point Loop Hike. There are amazing views. Pro-tip: leave Los Angeles early in the morning or maybe consider spending the night before in town.
— Megan Larson
Idyllwild/Pine Cove
Road time: 2 hours from L.A. or San Diego
This mountain community sits in the San Bernardino National Forest and was home to the Cahuilla Tribe of Indians. I visited this area when I wanted to escape the summer heat of Palm Springs (when I lived there) and feel some fresh air. Beware of the windy road (Highway 74) up the mountain. There are plenty of hikes — Tahquitz Peak and Suicide Rock — along the way to the downtown area. There’s also Lake Fulmor where you can practice your fishing skills or just do a nature walk around it. Downtown Idyllwild has several shops, eateries, a wine bar and brewery. But my pitch to you is to go to Idyllwild Pizza and go wild on the toppings. If you want a fancier meal, reserve a dinner spot at FERRO, an Italian restaurant. Don’t forget your camera — there are a lot of photo opportunities. Fun fact: The mayor of Idyllwild is Max III, a beautiful golden retriever.
— Brian De Los Santos
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Anaheim (but not Disneyland)
Road time: An hour or so from L.A.
There are more things to see in Anaheim than just Disneyland — not a lot, but some! I’d recommend a brewery tour, there are a lot of good ones: Radiant Brewery on Lincoln Avenue (check their food truck schedule, if it’s a day without trucks grab some food at Cortina’s Italian Market or Kareem’s Falafel nearby); then in the Packing District area: Unsung Brewing (superhero theme), Villains Brewing Co., Monkish Brewing, plus more in more industrial parts of town. For wine head to Colony Wine Merchant, which has a great wine selection and really good small bites. If you’re a cocktail drinker, Poppy & Seed, Strongwater (tiki bar) or Hammer Bar in the Packing House are good spots.
If booze isn’t your thing, at Founders Park you can see a couple of the oldest homes in Anaheim and a huge fig tree that’s been there since the 1800s — it was used as the model for the Swiss Family Robinson/Tarzan treehouse in Disneyland.
Free activity: At nearby Pearson Park there are cover band concerts on Saturdays in the summers, and family friendly shows at the amphitheater on Friday nights.
— Monica Bushman
Burro Schmidt’s Tunnel, Mojave Desert
Road time: 3 hours away
This may not be the typical road trip idea, but it’s definitely something to check out if you find yourself in the Mojave Desert. Burro Schmidt’s Tunnel is a man-made cave that’s a little over 2,000 feet deep. William “Burro” Schmidt burrowed through Copper Mountain in the early 1900s when California mining was booming. He wanted to create a shortcut through the mountain and spent 33 years digging through the rock. I visited the tunnel the first time because I wanted to cool down from my West Adams apartment during a scorching heatwave. And yes, it was way cooler in that cave.
Once you’ve cooled off, drive another half hour or so North up the 394 to find Fossil Falls, the remnants of where the Owens River used to flow during the end of the last glacial period. The Mojave desert floor suddenly opens into a wide ravine, revealing a massive and beautifully carved basalt canyon. Its smooth gray surface is in such stark contrast with the field of sharp lava rock and dry desert sand around it. It’s like wandering onto the moon!
— Evan Jacoby
From How to LA listeners
Big Bear Lake
Road time: 2 hours
I know many people coincide Big Bear Lake with the snow and winter, but it’s also a good time during the summer. Rent a boat and spend some time in the water — cruising down the lake can be a very relaxing experience.
Food recommendations: The Grizzly Manor Cafe for lunch, and Fire Rock Burgers and Brews to grab a pilsner.
— Abraham Marquez
Ojai
Road time: 2 hours
Traveling to Ojai, from the 101 or the 5 freeways, is an experience in itself — small little forests, fields of orange trees, a setting outside the city. It’s a small town surrounded by a valley. There are a lot of family-owned businesses that make up Ojai Avenue. And the region was featured in Easy A, the movie featuring Emma Stone. My recommendations for food and drinks are Osteria Monte Grapa for delicious Italian and Majestic Oak Vineyard for some wine tasting.
Must do: Catch the sunset in Ojai, it’ll make the day trip outside of L.A. worth it.
— Pedro Lemus
