10 Ultimate LA Escapes: Questing for Best Day Trips from LA with Sarah

Embark with Sarah on a voyage of day trips from Los Angeles. Explore iconic landscapes in lush green trees and relax on serene beaches. Let Sarah assist you beyond LA’s energy, leaving a permanent mark on your travel memories.

Experiences Beyond the Best Day Trips from Los Angeles

Welcome to the ultimate guide on the best day trips from Los Angeles, where we uncover the secrets to transform your normal days into an exotic adventure. Our conclusive selection of Los Angeles day trips is designed to cater to all your dreams for a surreal vacation. Bid farewell to your chaotic city as we lead you on a journey beyond the urban symphony. 

1. Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory is a tourist observatory destination and science hub, perfect for day trips from Los Angeles. It offers free-of-cost seeing telescopes, planetarium shows, and exotic events.

• How to approach: 

• Griffith Observatory is nestled on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park. You can reach there via public transportation, hiking, biking, taking a shared ride vehicle, or walking up from parking elsewhere in the park.

• Major Attractions:

• Griffith Observatory is one of the most renowned attractions in Los Angeles and visiting this realm costs no money, thus it is a budget-friendly option for day trips from Los Angeles. Tourists can observe different showcases on astronomy, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and cherish the beautiful sights of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. Some of the major attractions including Zeiss telescopes, Coelostat and solar telescopes, Planetariums, and Free-standing telescopes are a great source of lifelong learning infused with amusement. This is all compensated within a single-day trip from Los Angeles, which is a groundbreaking deal.

• Picturesque Spots:

• You can click some of the most beautiful panoramic views of Griffith Observatory while visiting places like Front Entrance, West Terrace, and East Observatory Trail. Here you will get to witness the most enchanting sights of Griffith’s buildings and skyline.

Tourist Favorite Activity: 

The Griffith Observatory recurrently observes Star Events which grants you an opportunity to glimpse the paradise through the observatory’s telescopes. They also feature activities for eclipses and meteor showers.

Meals: 

The Cafe at the End of the Universe is located within the Griffith Observatory and features a diverse range of culinary delights. From tempting burgers to mouth-watering hot dogs, this place has a lot to offer.

Souvenirs: 

You can shop for books, clothing, and astronomy-related items from the Griffith Observatory Gift Shop, to carry back a variety of souvenirs purchased during day trips from Los Angeles.

Starline Tours is the largest tour operator company in Los Angeles, which will assist you throughout the day trip from LA. 

2. Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame consists of more than 2,765 five-pointed terrazzo-and-brass stars infused in the sidewalks followed by 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street.

How to approach: 

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is situated on Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Hollywood, Los Angeles. You can travel there by car, bus, or metro. The Hollywood and Highland Station is the nearest station to the Walk of Fame.

Major Attractions: 

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a famous tourist destination, ideal for day trips from Los Angeles. It features some of the most beautiful spots, including. Stars on the Walk of Fame which features 26’000 starts praising different artists from the entertainment industry. You can also visit the TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Wax Museum, and the renowned Madame Tussauds Hollywood. 

Picturesque Spots: 

The Hollywood Walk of Fame allows some of the most beautiful captures, featuring major picturesque spots like Hollywood and Highland Centre, TCL Chinese Theatre, and Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. These locations offer a perfect view of the Walk of Fame that deserves to be preserved within your camera.

Tourist Favorite Activity: 

The Hollywood Walk of Fame features a guided tour of the Walk of Fame for tourists. Other activities that visitors enjoy experiencing, include visiting the TCL Chinese Theatre and exploring the Hollywood Wax Museum and Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Meals:

Many restaurants in the Hollywood area offer a variety of food and drinks. The eateries that top the list, include Musso & Frank Grill which has been serving authentic American cuisine since 1919. If you are a fast-food enthusiast, In-N-Out Burger will be your favorite go-to dining spot.

Souvenirs: 

The Hollywood Walk of Fame offers many souvenir shops where you can buy signature Hollywood-themed artifacts. 

Starline Tours tour company will arrange a full guided tour, including a visit to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

3. TCL Chinese Theatre

The TCL Chinese Theatre has splendid Chinese-themed architecture, accompanying a huge red Chinese pagoda. The theatre is famous for its concrete forecourt, which showcases the handprints, footprints, and signatures of former and current cinema stars. 

How to approach: 

The TCL Chinese Theatre is situated at 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, United States. You can travel via any public transport or book a cab. If you plan to take the bus, you can take Bus 212 or 217. From there, it is a 2-minute walk. By Subway, you can take the Metro B Line, red. From there, it is a 2-minute walk to the theatre.

Major Attractions: 

The TCL Chinese Theatre is known as the historical movie world in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. Some of the major attractions, this destination has to offer, include the Forecourt of the Stars and IMAX Theatre. This theatre houses the largest IMAX auditorium in the world.

Picturesque Spots: 

Some of the best spots to photograph the theatre, include Forecourt of the Stars and TCL Chinese Theatre.

Tourist Favorite Activity: 

Visitors can enjoy surveying the theatre, watching a movie in the largest IMAX theatre in the world, and exploring the Forecourt of the Stars. The TCL Chinese Theatre also observes over 50 events in a year, including premieres and film festivals.

Meals: 

Many restaurants in the Hollywood area feature mouth-watering delights to elevate your day trip from the LA experience. If you want to experience classic American cuisine, you should visit Musso & Frank Grill, and if you want to enjoy rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, Hard Rock Cafe has got your back.

Souvenirs: 

The TCL Chinese Theatre Gift Shop offers a variety of souvenirs, like books, clothing, and astronomy-related items.

Starline Tours is the largest tour company in Los Angeles and offers a full range of tours, including tours to the TCL Chinese Theatre.

4. Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Hollywood Forever Cemetery is a funeral home, crematory, and cultural events hub that recurrently observes community parties such as live music and exhibits summer movies. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, thus qualifies as the destination standing ideal for a splendid day trip from Los Angeles.

How to approach: 

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is located on Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood, Los Angeles. You can travel there by car, bus, or metro. The surrounding area is a parking district, which condemns parking by non-residents. 

Major Attractions: 

Some of the major attractions of Hollywood Forever Cemetery include the Forecourt of the Stars and IMAX theatre. Here people can watch movies and relax, escaping from their routine chaos and hustle.

Picturesque Spots: 

The best spots for appealing photography include the Lake where you can capture the beautiful geese, swans, and ducks.

Tourist Favorite Activity: 

Hollywood Forever Cemetery being a renowned destination for tourist’s theatre hosts several summer music nights on the Fairbanks Lawn.

Meals:

Cinespia contracts with local food trucks to provide tourists with a wide range of culinary options, including gourmet burgers, tacos, pizzas, and even vegan choices. Few parties observed at the cemetery, like the Dia de los Muertos event, may have pop-up vendors or food stands offering snacks and refreshments.

Souvenirs:

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery Gift Shop offers t-shirts, books, crafts sold by local artisans, postcards, and maps so you won’t get lost while locating the grave of your loved one.

Companies like Cimarron Tours and LA Foodie Tours offer private tours so that you can make the most out of your day trips from Los Angeles.

5. Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier is a massive pier located in Santa Monica, California, United States. It is famous for its beautiful sunsets, amazing fishing opportunities, and the Ferris wheel that lights up the darkness of the night.

How to approach:

The Santa Monica Pier is located at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, California. You can travel there by walking, car, bike, or public transportation. If you’re using a car, take the ramp located at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue down to the Pier. If you’re walking to the Pier, you can choose the same route by the pedestrian access sidewalk.

Major Attractions:

Some of the major attractions include the Pacific Park, which is the coast’s only amusement park. Other attractions include an ocean-side rollercoaster, food, games, and shopping. You can also visit Heal the Bay Aquarium. The aquarium has touch tanks with hermit crabs and sea urchins, a kelp forest, and aquariums accommodating jellyfish and sharks.

 Picturesque Spots:

One of the picturesque spots at the Santa Monica Pier is Palisades Park. You can also capture breathtaking scenic views of the ocean, astounding coastline, and beautiful city skyline. Main Street Murals offers a dynamic and colorful backdrop for your photos. 

Tourist Favorite Activity:

Santa Monica Pier offers thrilling opportunities for enjoyment for all age groups. Visiting Pacific Park is one of them, but Pier’s featured amusements don’t stop here. The park being California’s Best Amusement Park also owns the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, the Pacific Wheel, and an ocean-side rollercoaster. 

Meals: 

The Santa Monica Pier offers a variety of dining options, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end restaurants. Some of the popular restaurants, include Mariasol offering Mexican cuisine. If you are a seafood enthusiast, then Bubba Gump Shrimp Company will serve you right.

Souvenirs:

The Santa Monica Pier has several souvenir shops that offer a diverse range of gifts and mementos. Some shops like Route 66 Last Stop Shop sell Route 66 souvenirs, and bait and tackle.

Go City is one the famous tour operator agencies that allows you to experience multiple attractions at a discounted price.

6. Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach is a major highlight of Southern California state beaches. With beaches, bike trails, and several other things to offer.

How to approach:

Santa Monica Beach is located just west of Downtown Los Angeles. It can be traveled by car, bus, or bike. If you’re driving, take I-10 west to where it ends at Pacific Coast Highway. Several large paid public parking lots along Pacific Coast Highway are at beach level. You can also park downtown which is about 110 feet above the beach.

Major Attractions: 

Some of the major attractions nestled within Santa Monica Beach include Annenberg Community Beach House which is a historic pool house turned community centre. Tourists also enjoy visiting Palisades Park, which serves the eyes of people with its serene scenic.

Picturesque Spots:

Some of the picturesque spots at Santa Monica Beach include Palisades Park, renowned for its lush green palms, enticing coastline, and tranquil landscapes. If you are interested in visiting a peaceful spot to rejuvenate your stressed soul while capturing memorable memories, Santa Monica Pier is the right choice.

Tourist Favorite Activity:

One of the most popular activities at Santa Monica Beach is visiting the Santa Monica Pier. The pier has an amusement park, aquarium, Ferris wheel, shops, and exotic eateries. 

Meals: 

Some of the popular restaurants of Santa Monica Beach include FIG Restaurant Offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and The Lobster which features high-end dining with beautiful coastal views.

Souvenirs: 

Santa Monica Beach has several souvenir shops where you can buy gifts and mementos. Some of the popular shops include Santa Monica Pier Shop which sells a variety of souvenirs, including t-shirts, hats, and magnets.

For a reliable tour operator, you can opt for Big Blue Bus Day. The Big Blue Bus runs many routes that stop at or near Santa Monica Beach.

7. Venice Beach

Venice Beach is home to a chaotic boardwalk, where street performers and vibrant characters make an appearance. The beach is also known for its beautiful sunsets and the Venice Breakwater.

How to approach:

Venice Beach is in the western part of Los Angeles. You can reach the beach via car, bus, or bike. If you’re driving, take I-405 to the Venice Boulevard exit and head west. There are many minimal-fee public parking lots near the beach. You can also park downtown on top of the bluff, which is about 110 feet above the beach.

Major Attractions: 

Some of the major attractions of Venice Beach include the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The boardwalk is followed by several street performers, vendors, and shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and jewelry. If you are a fitness freak, then Muscle Batch which is an open-air gym will help you maintain your health even during a vacation.

Picturesque Spots:

Some of the major picturesque spots at Venice Beach that are the ultimate highlights of the destination are the Venice Canals. Lined with vibrant beach huts, vaulted pedestrian bridges, sweet-smelling flowers, and a panoramic view, this place is the perfect stop to rest and click some beautiful pictures.

Tourist Favorite Activity:

One of the most popular activities to do at Venice Beach during a day trip from Los Angeles is to exercise at Muscle Beach. The gym houses several weightlifting equipment, a gymnastics apparatus, and a climbing rope. Visitors can see the bodybuilders grinding or even join them to burn some extra calories.

Meals:

Venice Beach is nestled with several dining choices. From ordinary to exotic restaurants, Venice Beach accommodates every traveler’s preference. Some of the popular restaurants include The Rose Venice and The Venice Whaler, where fresh, rich-in-taste seafood is at your service. If you are an organic food lover, Venice Ale House stands ideal for you.

Souvenirs:

Venice Beach has several souvenir shops where you can purchase gifts for your loved ones. Some of the popular shops include Venice Beach Gift Shop and Venice Beach Bazaar, which Sells handmade jewelry, clothing, and accessories.

For complete guided tours, you can hire the Venice Beach Walking Tour.

8. Getty Centre

The Getty Center is famous as an art museum that holds a massive collection of European paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photographs within its walls.

How to approach: 

The Getty Centre is located at 1200 Getty Centre Drive, Los Angeles, California. You can reach the center via car, bus, or bike. If you’re driving, take the I-405 to the Getty Centre Drive exit and follow the signs to the parking area. Parking is $20 per car, but free after 3 pm on Saturdays and for visitors arriving after 6 pm on weekdays.

Major Attractions: 

Some of the major attractions of this place include The Getty Centre Museum, this museum owns a collection of pre-20th century European paintings, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, sculpture, and decorative arts. The Getty Centre Gardens is also a center of attention for many, the gardens contain various kinds of floras and faunas. In addition to this, the Getty Centre Architecture is a hub that houses creatively carved architectural masterpieces.

Picturesque Spots: 

Some of the picturesque spots at the Getty Centre include The Getty Centre Gardens and The Getty Centre Architecture. They feature a modern and unique backdrop for your clicks. 

Tourist Favorite Activity: 

One of the most famous activities enjoyed by tourists at the Getty Center is surveying the museum. The museum features a vast collection of European-themed pictures, paintings, and sculptures. 

Meals:

The Getty Centre offers a variety of dining options, ranging from casual to high-end restaurants. Some of the popular restaurants include The Restaurant, which offers mouthwatering delights surrounded by a beautiful view. If you are craving something authentic, The Getty Cafe is the right stop. From sandwiches, salads, and snacks, this restaurant caters to all.

Souvenirs:

The Getty Store features a variety of souvenirs, including books, jewelry, and home decor.

For tours, you can check out Museum Hack LA, which assists tourists with guided tours of the Getty Centre.

9. Hollywood Bowl

The Hollywood Bowl is famous for arranging the world’s best concerts. It has been the venue of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 1922. 

How to approach: 

The Hollywood Bowl is located at 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068. You can travel here by car, bus, or bike. If you’re driving, parking is available on-site. It is recommended to either park at Ovation Hollywood and take the shuttle or walk or use the Bowl shuttle from the L.A. Zoo.

Major Attractions:

People visiting the Hollywood Bowl are majorly attracted by its concerts and events. The Bowl organizes several concerts and events within a single year. Hollywood Bowl Museum is also appreciated by many as it showcases the history of the Hollywood Bowl, including photographs and artifacts.

Picturesque Spots: 

You can find many picturesque spots at the Hollywood Bowl, which showcases panoramic sights of Los Angeles from over The Hollywood Bowl. The Hollywood Bowl also features 14 beautiful picnic areas, you can capture some stunning clicks with this beautiful background.

Tourist Favorite Activity: 

One of the most popular activities at the Hollywood Bowl is enjoying concerts and events. The Bowl hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year. From classical music to rock and pop, this place is perfect for all types of music lovers.

Meals: 

The Backyard is one of the major culinary highlights of this place, featuring an open-air restaurant nestled against the huge screens. It is recommended that make an early reservation at this restaurant for a high-quality experience.

Souvenirs: 

The Hollywood Bowl accommodates many souvenir shops where you can buy gifts and mementos. Some of the popular shops include the Hollywood Bowl Shop and Hollywood Bowl Museum Store.

10.  Universal City Walk

Universal City Walk offers a blend of entertainment and exotic dining, located adjacent to the theme parks of Universal Destinations & Experiences.

How to Approach:

City Walk stands adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood. Parking options include garages and surface lots within Universal City Walk or nearby Hollywood locations. Public transportation by Metro Red Line to Universal City Station is also a good option. No admission fee is required for City Walk itself. 

Major Attractions:

The major attractions of this place include Movie-Themed Restaurants and Bars, and thrilling rides like Experience the Walking Dead. Hollywood City Walk also features opportunities for live entertainment. Watching a movie at the IMAX Experience Theatre is also an immersive encounter with the big pictures that a lot of tourists cherish.

Picturesque Spots:

This tourist destination grants several opportunities to click some beautiful pictures, the most enticing spots include the Fountain of Stars, California’s Walk of Stars, and Movie Props and Set Replicas, where you can pose for beautiful pictures.

Tourist Favorite Activity:

Many tourists contrast their tour with a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, discovering movie-themed destinations and amazing rides. It is highly recommended that you purchase a City Walk Entertainment All-Access Pass for infinite power to choose rides, shows, and exhibits as per your preferences.

Meals:

You will never be disappointed with the dining options this place has to offer. From Quick Bites where you can grab burgers, tacos, and pizzas to Sit-Down Restaurants like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. where you are served sea-fresh fish and shrimp.

Souvenirs:

You can purchase a diverse range of gifts as Souvenirs, including official movie merchandise, apparel, and collectibles to preserve your memorable trip.

Famous tour Operators of this place include Klook and GetYourGuide.pier

LA Best Day Trips Uncovered

Concluding our quest for the best day trips from LA bid farewell to LA’s energy and let these handpicked Los Angeles day trips guide you to an ever-cherished voyage. Consider this guide your gateway to the best day trips from LA. Capture California’s beauty in these short and memorable journeys, carving travel memories worth remembering.