Outstanding excursions to embark on from Los Angeles

Embrace the splendor of Southern California with these extraordinary day trips around LA, each offering a unique taste of the region.

1. Uncover the enchanting Spanish colonial beauty of Santa Barbara

Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes

Stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage await you in Santa Barbara. Bask in its Mediterranean-style architecture that seamlessly complements the Santa Ynez Mountains.

For foodies and wine enthusiasts, Santa Barbara is a dream come true! Start your day with a visit to Cajé Coffee Roasters, where you'll find an array of delicious, Instagram-worthy drinks. Next, indulge in delectable tacos from La Super-Rica, a popular spot even Julia Child herself adored. And don’t miss out on Bibi Ji for their twist on modern Indian cuisine.

Wine tasting is a must, and Grassini Family Vineyards' downtown tasting room is a go-to spot with an estate flight for just $25. Right next door, you'll find Salt Cave, home to the largest Himalayan salt cave in North America. Relax and unwind with a 45-minute meditation session while you're there.

Take a leisurely stroll down State St, which ends at Funk Zone, where you can explore more tasting rooms, cafes, galleries, and shops. History and architecture lovers won't want to miss the Old Mission or the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

If you plan to stay overnight or depart later in the evening, try to catch a show at the iconic Santa Barbara Bowl, a spectacular outdoor amphitheater with panoramic ocean sunset views.

Traveling to Santa Barbara: Hop on US-101 N for a 90-minute drive if traffic-free, or take the Amtrak train, which offers a scenic, two-and-a-half-hour coastal ride from Union Station in Los Angeles.

2. Relish in Solvang's Danish wine country charm

Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes

Experience the charm of Solvang, the Danish capital of America, with its delightful Danish bakeries, food, wine, and lovely European-style architecture.

Start by exploring Copenhagen Dr and indulge in authentic Danish delicacies, like aebleskiver (pancake balls). Visit Solvang Bakery, the mastermind behind the Kardashian’s annual lavish gingerbread houses, for a taste of Christmas year-round.

Wine tasting is a must, and Cali Love's tasting room offers karaoke and DJ sets during your tasting. During the holiday season, Jule Hus sells handcrafted Scandinavian ornaments.

Cultural enthusiasts will appreciate the Hans Christian Anderson Museum, while the town's trolley tour provides a delightful way to explore.

Getting to Solvang: Travel north on US-101 N for approximately 90 minutes, then follow CA-154 W/San Marcos Pass Rd for the rest of the journey. Public transportation is available but may take over 5 hours, so it's recommended to drive.

3. Explore the coastal delights and hidden gems of Newport Beach

Duration: Approximately 1 hour

Newport Beach provides a rich tapestry of water and land activities, delicious food, and entertainment. Don't miss the chance to explore Balboa Island, a miniature paradise with its iconic Shake Shack (not to be confused with the fast-food chain) or the upscale Mexican cuisine at Javier’s.

For a dose of outdoor adventure, hike the Back Bay Loop Trail, which offers stunning views of the ocean. Dogs are welcome on leashes.

Traveling to Newport Beach: Newport Beach is just a 50-minute (45-mile) drive from Los Angeles, regardless of traffic. Public transportation is not recommended, as it requires multiple modes and takes over 3 hours.

4. Restore your spirit and find tranquility in Ojai

Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes

Nestled in a small valley north of Ventura and east of Santa Barbara, Ojai offers a calming energy, making it ideal for recharging the soul. Treat yourself to a luxurious day of pampering at the Garden Spa at the Lavender Inn or wander downtown for a delectable lunch at Harvest Moon or Ojai Rotie.

Explore the town's charming shops, galleries, and organic food scene, and remember to stop by the Ojai Olive Oil Company for a delightful tasting. On Sundays, don't miss the lively weekly farmer's market.

Traveling to Ojai: The 80-mile journey takes approximately 90 minutes along US 101 N and CA-33 N. Public transportation is possible through Amtrak, which will take approximately 3 hours.

5. Satisfy your taste buds in Torrance, the ramen capital of Southern California

Duration: Approximately 35 minutes

Torrance is a haven for food lovers, boasting a variety of international cuisines. Boasting the largest concentration of Japanese residents in the US, the city is well-known for its ramen, with popular spots like Matsui, Hakata Ikkousha Ramen, Ko-Ryu Ramen, and the Shin-Sen-Gumi drive-thru.

Torrance offers more than 400 eateries, including Rascals Teriyaki Grill, King's Hawaiian Bakery and Restaurant, and Piccini Italian Takeout.

Community spirit thrives in Torrance, with an annual Summer Nights festival running from June to September at the Wilson Park Amphitheater. Art enthusiasts won't want to miss the Torrance Art Museum, which showcases contemporary artwork.

Traveling to Torrance: Torrance is a quick, 30-minute drive (20 miles) from Los Angeles via I-110 S, or you can take the J-Line Metro from downtown LA and change for a bus at the Harbor Gateway Transit Center. The trip should take around 90 minutes.

Bonus: Consider visiting Catalina Island, Angeles National Forest, or Temecula for additional day trip ideas.

[1] "25 Best Day Trips from Los Angeles," USA Today, https://traveltips.usatoday.com/25-best-day-trips-los-angeles-107131[2] "Best Things to Do in Los Angeles - Top Attractions & Tourist Traps to Avoid," Tripsavvy, https://www.tripsavvy.com/best-things-to-do-in-los-angeles-2781125[3] "9 Best Day Trips From Los Angeles, CA," Travel Awaits, https://www.travelawaits.com/1977941/day-trips-los-angeles-ca/[4] "15 Best Day Trips from Los Angeles," Planetware, https://www.planetware.com/los-angeles-ca-us/best-daytrips-la-ca-us-ls.htm[5] "The Insider's Guide To Santa Barbara For First Timers," Only In Your State, https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/california/santa-barbara-first-timers/[6] "The Best Places To Visit In Torrance, California," Hipmunk, https://hipmunk.com/guides/best-places-visit-torrance-california[7] "5 Best Things to Do in Ojai, California," USA Today, https://traveltips.usatoday.com/5-best-things-do-ojai-california-10730386[8] "12 Best Things to Do in Solvang, California," USA Today, https://www.10best.com/interests/american-west/solvang/[9] "Newport Beach, California, Beach Guide: 10 Best Beaches in Newport Beach," USA Today, https://traveltips.usatoday.com/newport-beach-california-beach-guide-10-best-beaches-newport-beach-20198.html

In Santa Barbara, enjoy the exfoliating effects of a relaxing session in North America's largest Himalayan salt cave, Salt Cave, after a day of wine tasting at Grassini Family Vineyards.
After indulging in Danish delicacies in Solvang, elevate your lifestyle with a detoxifying spa treatment at a local establishment, perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape.
Post-hiking the Back Bay Loop Trail in Newport Beach, unwind by savoring a delectable meal at Javier's, known for its upscale Mexican cuisine.
In Ojai's lively farmer's market, discover fresh produce to prepare a health-conscious meal that fits seamlessly into your food-and-drink lifestyle.
To satisfy your culinary cravings in Torrance, spend an afternoon hopping from one ramen hotspot to another, such as Matsui, Hakata Ikkousha Ramen, Ko-Ryu Ramen, and Shin-Sen-Gumi drive-thru.