You’re close to a bunch of amazing day trips that feel far away—think dramatic coastlines, serene wine country, rugged mountains, and stark desert landscapes. You can surf or stroll in Malibu, sip in Solvang, hike Big Bear, or wander Joshua Tree, all within a day’s reach. Each option offers distinct scenery and easy logistics, so you can pick the vibe you want and go—here’s how to make the most of a single, satisfying getaway.
Coastal Escapes: Malibu, Santa Monica, and Laguna Beach
If you’re craving sun, surf, and scenic drives, coastal escapes to Malibu, Santa Monica, and Laguna Beach deliver—each spot packs its own blend of beach time, hiking, shopping, and dining along the Pacific. You’ll find Malibu’s iconic beaches and rugged cliffs perfect for morning hikes and shoreline laps, with coastal views that push you to breathe deeper and move freer along the Pacific Coast Highway. In Santa Monica, the lively pier and Third Street Promenade invite you to stroll, shop, and catch a sunset from the sand—there’s playful energy if you want entertainment, quiet corners if you want to unplug. Laguna Beach offers crystalline tide pools and winding coves dotted with galleries where you can savor art and tide-sourced discovery. All three are easy drives from Long Beach, so you can claim a full day without overplanning. Mix outdoor recreation, seaside dining, and boutique browsing to craft a liberating, invigoratingly simple escape.
Wine Country and Small-Town Charm: Santa Ynez, Solvang, and Los Olivos
Rolling vineyards and storybook towns make the Santa Ynez Valley an inviting day trip from Long Beach — about a two-hour drive that rewards you with wine tasting, Danish charm, and laid-back small-town life. You’ll arrive ready to wander vineyard-lined roads, taste crisp chardonnays and bold pinot noirs, and soak up the open air that feels like freedom. In Solvang, let yourself be charmed by windmill-topped storefronts, boutique finds, and flaky, authentic Danish pastries that invite slow enjoyment. In Los Olivos, hop between tasting rooms, meet passionate vintners, and sample varietals you won’t find back home. The rolling hills and quiet backroads beg for a bike ride or a short hike, offering postcard views and room to breathe. Plan around seasonal wine festivals to connect with local culture and makers. Whether you crave quiet reflection or spirited exploration, the Santa Ynez Valley gives you small-town warmth and vineyard escapes that liberate your senses.
Mountains and Trails: Big Bear Lake and Mount Baldy
When you need fresh air and big views, head about two hours inland to Big Bear Lake and nearby Mount Baldy, where year‑round trails, boating and winter slopes meet cozy village shops and mountain dining. You’ll find freedom in wide water and high ridgelines: rent a boat or cast a line on the lake, stroll the village for local eats, then stretch your legs on trails that push you toward clarity.
- Paddle or picnic on Big Bear for a peaceful, family-friendly escape.
- Browse rustic shops and sit down for mountain dining in the village.
- Tackle Baldy Bowl for a rewarding, moderately difficult hike and sweeping panoramas.
- Challenge yourself on Devil’s Backbone for steep terrain and bold views.
You’ll leave the coastal bustle behind and reclaim space to breathe, move, and choose your pace—easy lakeside calm or strenuous summit triumph—making this day trip a deliberate act of liberation.
Desert Adventures: Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego
Though the landscape may look spare at first glance, Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego reward curiosity with surreal rock formations, windswept vistas, and bursts of life you won’t expect in the desert. Drive three hours and you’ll find Joshua Tree’s iconic boulders and twisted yuccas calling you to climb or simply sit and breathe. Tackle Arch Rock or Barker Dam on trails that suit beginners and seasoned hikers alike; each route delivers wide-open skies and startling geology that reset perspective.
Anza-Borrego, also about three hours away, opens differently: in late February to March, carpeted wildflowers explode across washes, and Slot Canyon offers narrow, shadowed passages for exploration. Keep an eye out for over 130 art installations — giant metal sculptures that punctuate the wilderness and invite playful pause. Both parks provide camping options if you want to extend the escape overnight. You’ll leave feeling untethered, refreshed, and ready to carry the desert’s quiet, untamed energy back with you.
Cultural Day Trips: Pasadena, The Getty, and Historic Downtown LA
After soaking in the desert’s quiet and wide-open skies, swap sparse horizons for a day of art, architecture, and flavorful eats just a short drive west. You’ll feel liberated strolling Pasadena’s walkable streets, where museums, diverse restaurants, and nearby scenic trails invite you to linger. At the Getty Center you can lose track of time among panoramic LA views, Meier’s luminous architecture, curated galleries, and sculpted gardens that calm and inspire.
Downtown LA pulses with layered history: study the Bradbury Building’s ornate ironwork, sample global flavors at Grand Central Market, and wander The Last Bookstore’s inventive stacks. Don’t miss Olvera Street’s vibrant Mexican traditions, Union Station’s grand deco spaces, and the flavor lanes of Chinatown.
Plan your time—spend several hours at each stop to fully taste the art, architecture, and cuisine. These cultural day trips give you freedom to choose depth or variety, turning one day into a richly unconfined adventure.
- Pasadena: walkable culture and dining
- Getty Center: views, art, gardens
- Bradbury & The Last Bookstore
- Olvera St, Union Station, Chinatown
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Dog on These Day Trips?
Yes — you can often bring your dog, but rules vary by spot. Check leash laws, pet-friendly beaches, and transit policies ahead. Pack water, waste bags, and treats; keep them close so both of you enjoy freedom responsibly.
Are There Budget-Friendly Transport Options Besides Driving?
Yes — you can take affordable buses, commuter trains, ride-shares split with friends, bikes for short routes, or discounted regional transit passes; embrace low-cost, liberating travel choices that free you from parking hassles and high gas expenses.
What Are the Best Months for Avoiding Crowds?
Aim for January through March and late September through November; you’ll dodge peak summer crowds, enjoy milder weather, and move more freely, embracing spontaneous escapes, quieter beaches, and liberated, uncrowded sightseeing without sacrificing charm or views.
Are These Destinations Stroller- and Wheelchair-Friendly?
Mostly yes — many spots have paved paths, accessible beaches, ramps, and wheelchair-friendly attractions, though some trails and historic sites are uneven. You’ll want to check individual sites for restroom access, parking, and rental options.
Do I Need Reservations for Restaurants or Tours?
Yes — you’ll often need reservations for popular restaurants and guided tours, especially on weekends and holidays. Plan ahead, book online when possible, and stay flexible so you can seize spontaneous, liberating detours when they arise.
Conclusion
You’ve got endless one-day options from Long Beach, so pick what fits your mood—surf in Malibu, sip wine in Solvang, hike Big Bear, or wander Joshua Tree’s strange rock gardens. For example, last summer a couple drove to Laguna Beach at dawn, surfed, ate breakfast at a seaside café, then caught sunset cliffs—back home by evening, refreshed and inspired. These trips prove a single day can recharge you and spark new adventures.