ONE-DAY CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES
Our day-trip itineraries allow you to explore California’s most stunning destinations, one memorable stop at a time, with no research required.
Each itinerary includes a Trip Essentials Checklist and four recommended stops for a quintessential California road trip.
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This day trip has you exploring two small, historic beach towns known for fresh seafood, craft beer and wine, stunning sunsets and a penchant for relaxation. A quick drive from downtown San Diego and Orange County, and approximately two hours south of Los Angeles.
This little jaunt up the California coast from Los Angeles will have you fully immersed in Malibu’s beach and surf culture, with lots of natural beauty thrown in for good measure. A 30-minute drive from Santa Monica, and an easy day trip from Orange County to the south and Santa Barbara to the north.
Tucked in a valley at the southern edge of a national forest, this road trip showcases many of the culinary delights native to California. Situated in Ventura County, this is an easy day trip from Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, or a weekend getaway from Orange County, San Diego or Palm Springs.
Best known for its beaches, there is so much more to “the OC” than meets the eye.. Loaded with fun for the entire family, this day trip has you exploring local favorites and hidden gems in Irvine, Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. How does a day at the beach sound? Located half-way between Los Angeles and San Diego, this is an easy day trip from either city.
This full-day excursion takes you to unexpected places in the most unforgiving of environments—the desert in and around Joshua Tree. Palm Springs is a two-hour drive from both Los Angeles and San Diego. If traveling from Santa Barbara or further north, recommend making this trip a weekend getaway.
On this day trip, you will enjoy a full day at a stunning seashore only a 1.5 hour drive from San Francisco. Don’t be mistaken though, this is not your typical day at the beach. You will discover historical sites, enjoy a lunch worthy of the Michelin Guide, and meander through a beach town known only to locals. Best enjoyed from San Francisco and the Bay Area.
This day trip is full of adventure - from hiking to hot springs to cultural, culinary and mindfulness experiences — in one of the prettiest sections of coastal California—the American Riviera. A 90-minute drive from Los Angeles makes this an easy day trip.
This road trip highlights the beauty and serenity of the region made famous in the cult wine movie, Sideways. Hike to a waterfall, indulge in delicious local food and wine, and travel back in time to a small European village. Solvang is a 40 minute drive from Santa Barbara in the heart of Santa Ynez wine country, and can be enjoyed from Los Angeles or Ojai in day.
Have you ever wondered what life was like during the Old West or even earlier? This day trip offers a glimpse into the past as you explore native art that is well-preserved in a sacred place, a stagecoach stop turned tavern, a small western town making modern waves in California’s culinary landscape, and more. Located in Santa Barbara Wine Country, a 40-minute drive from Santa Barbara and 2.5 hours from Los Angeles.
This culinary escape to Sonoma County is both picturesque and delicious. Yes, there will be wining and dining as you might expect in these parts, but there are plenty of unexpected delights along the way as well. Best enjoyed from San Francisco and the Bay Area, or make it a weekend getaway from Southern California.
Three of our best-selling Los Angeles day trips—Malibu, Ojai and Santa Barbara—bundled up in one convenient package for you to enjoy at your leisure.
*For more information about each destination, please reference the individual day trips in the shop.
Three of our best-selling San Diego day trips—Anza Borrego, Orange County and Joshua Tree—bundled up in one convenient package for you to enjoy at your leisure.
*For more information about each destination, please reference the individual day trips in the shop.
Our best-selling San Francisco day trips to Sonoma County and Point Reyes bundled up in one convenient package for you to enjoy at your leisure.
*For more information about each destination, please reference the individual day trips in the shop.
On this journey you will discover an incredible living laboratory that includes thousands of cultural and historic sites in the desert. A great day trip from San Diego and Orange County, or a fun weekend getaway from Los Angeles or Santa Barbara.