Best Day Trips from Los Angeles

By Go City Expert

The LA area is filled with fun things to do and famous attractions including Universal Studios, Hollywood, and movie-star spotting on Rodeo Drive. While Los Angeles is the perfect place to visit, there's plenty to see in and around Southern California too. If you've seen all of city's best bits, why not take a day trip out of Los Angeles to see something new? Check out our recommendations for fun LA day trips, including...

  • San Diego Zoo
  • Santa Monica
  • Malibu
  • Palm Springs
  • Huntington Beach
  • Thousand Oaks
  • Mt San Antonio
  • Ventura

San Diego Zoo

Image of Animal, Ape, Mammal, Wildlife, Monkey, Gorilla, San Diego Zoo is a top attraction, especially for families. There are over 4,000 animals in spacious enclosures that replicate their natural settings. Many of the 800 species represented are endangered, including rare animals not found in other city zoos. The panda exhibit is a crowd-pleaser and the koalas are always charming. There are plenty of different kinds of apes -- and the orangutans are quite popular! They live in a setting that looks like a beautiful forest, which is very lush. A great overview of the zoo can be enjoyed from a ride in the Skyfari Aerial Tram. Or, take a guided tour on a double-decker bus that lasts for 35 minutes and covers most of the areas of the zoo. Then, there is the Kangaroo bus that comes by every 15 minutes to make it easy to go from one part of the zoo to another. Visitors can enjoy a 4-D Theater presentation that surrounds you with beautiful images and stimulates the senses. Kids can take a short ride on the Balboa Park Miniature Railroad through part of the adjacent Balboa Park and also enjoy the petting zoo and four play areas. Getting In: Admission to the San Diego Zoo is included on the Go Los Angeles pass. Getting There: San Diego Zoo is a two-hour drive from Los Angeles.

Santa Monica

Driving from West Los Angeles into Santa Monica is seamless. The only physical marker is the 405 interstate freeway, which runs on the eastern edge of Santa Monica. By the time you get to downtown Santa Monica, you'll notice a wonderful difference in the cityscape. The Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica is a pleasant walking street, closed to vehicles. In the evenings and on weekends, excellent street performers entertain the crowds. There are restaurants offering delicious food and shopping is fun with a great mixture of brands and interesting boutiques. Go a few blocks further west to enjoy the Santa Monica beach with the famous Santa Monica Pier that extends out into the Pacific Ocean. On the pier is Pacific Park, with funfair rides including the famous Pacific Wheel. Later, stroll along Ocean Avenue is along the beach and it has nice seafood restaurants. A smooth concrete sidewalk runs down the beach. You can cycle or roller-blade up and down the beach for miles. Will you head south to Venice Beach or north to Malibu? Getting In: Admission to Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is included with the Go Los Angeles Pass. Getting There: Santa Monica is a 25-minute drive from Los Angeles.

Malibu

Image of Water, Waterfront, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Beach, Coast, Sea, Shoreline, Hotel, Resort, Pier, Malibu is just north of Santa Monica. It is a nice drive up the 27-mile long coastline on California Highway-1. Malibu is a favorite place for movie stars to have their multi-million dollar homes -- luxury mansions in Malibu cost $20 million or more. If you want to spot a movie star, you may catch a glimpse of someone famous dining at the tasty Malibu bistros or having a drink at one of the trendy Malibu hangouts. You can tour to see the stars’ homes that live or used to live in Malibu. These stars’ homes include Barbara Streisand, Leonardo DiCaprio, Courteney Cox, Mel Gibson, Miley Cyrus, Bill Murray, Jack Nicholson, Ellen DeGeneres, Bruce Willis, and many more. Later, visit Malibu Pier and watch the surfers. Why not go for a swim and get some sun on Malibu Beach? Also, make sure to visit the Getty Villa: In 1954, part of the Getty Villa was converted into a public art museum and used to display some of the art collection of the richest man in America at that time, J. Paul Getty. Getting In: The Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour is included with the Go Los Angeles pass. Getting There: Malibu is a one hour drive from Los Angeles.

Palm Springs

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzgDu_gnTGw/ This LA day trip is great for a round of golf or to enjoy some time at a day spa. Although Palm Springs is in the desert, it happens to sit on top of a giant underground aquifer filled with fresh water. This is why the golf courses in Palm Springs are so perfectly green. Palm Springs has an aerial tramway that has a spectacular view of the entire valley. Like Malibu, there are many movie stars who make Palm Springs their home. Take a tour of celebrity homes to see the abodes of famous celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Suzanne Somers, Brad Pitt, Robert Downey Jr., and many others. Bob Hope, Liberace, and even Marilyn Monroe all had houses in Palm Springs. There's also the Palm Springs Air Museum that's chockfull of vintage airplanes used in WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. This air museum is rated as one of the top aviation museums in the world. Getting There: Palm Springs is a one hour and 45-minute drive from Los Angeles.

Huntington Beach

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by US Open of Surfing (@usopenofsurf) on Jul 8, 2019 at 5:59pm PDT

Surf's up! Visiting Huntington Beach is living the California dream. Downtown is a street that parallels the ocean -- it has plenty of shops and fine restaurants located on the water’s edge with outstanding ocean views. Huntington Beach Pier is a nice place to walk to get a good view of the surfers out in the ocean. Fishing is allowed off the pier for those that want to try to catch their dinner. Bolsa Chica State Beach is fun for swimming and sunbathing. Bring a portable MP3 music player loaded with vintage Beach Boys surfer music to play -- perfect for seaside vibes. There's a beautiful park to explore in Huntington Beach called the Secret Garden. Beer lovers will enjoy drinking a handcrafted ale from the Four Sons microbrewery. There are ocean excursion tours and it may be possible to see whales depending on the time of year. For those who like sailing, there are sailboats available to rent, and there are also many other water sports to enjoy. Getting There: Huntington Beach is a one hour drive from Los Angeles.

Thousand Oaks

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bze9CuanzxD/ Thousand Oaks is northwest of Los Angeles and it is a nature lover’s paradise. One favorite park is called The Gardens of the World, but there is also the Wildwood Regional Park with hiking trails that have wonderful mountain views. Another beautiful garden is the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden. Natural history buffs, and those interested in Native American history and culture, will enjoy the Chumash Indian Museum. Taking a day trip from Los Angeles to Thousand Oaks is a relaxing way to get away from the congestion of the big city. Go out to the outskirts of the metropolitan area where there is more open space to enjoy. A must-see experience is a visit to the Paradise Falls, which are found by taking a nice hike up a hill that ends at the beautiful falls. Getting There: Thousand Oaks is a 45 minute drive from Los Angeles.

Mt San Antonio

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzW4tpOgObR/ Mt San Antonio is east of the city of Los Angeles -- it is the tallest peak in the San Gabriel mountains and has the highest altitude in Los Angeles County. This is the closest ski and snowboarding area to Los Angeles and the snow-capped peaks are visible for miles. During warm weather, you can hike to the summit for breathtaking views. It's really beautiful in the warmer months - many enjoy its hiking trails and spectacular mountain bike runs. Nature lovers will enjoy this area! Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with the marvelous views from the mountain trails. In Mt. Baldy Village, you can visit the Mt. Baldy Lodge or the Buckhorn Lodge to have a drink with the locals. Getting There: Mt San Antonio is a 30 minute drive from Los Angeles.

Ventura

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzgEv9xFgOX/ Ventura is northwest of Los Angeles on the Pacific Ocean, just south of Ojai, California. There is a paved bicycle path between Ventura and Ojai that is a pleasant journey for bike riders. The Ventura Pier and Promenade is on the ocean and has great views of the surfers and the sunsets. There is a restaurant on the pier for those who like fish tacos. Ventura is peaceful and a pleasant place to go for a long walk on the beach. Popular nature walks include the Ventura Botanical Gardens, Serra Cross Park, Marina Park, and Surfers Point Park. The Mission San Buenaventura, in downtown Ventura, was founded by the famous California missionary, Father Serra. It has been kept in perfect condition and Catholic church services of daily mass are offered in the charming chapel. There's a small museum with historic artifacts from centuries past, magnificent sculptures, and a gift shop. It's the perfect place to enjoy a moment of respite, solace, and serenity while listening to the calming trickle of the water fountain in the garden courtyard. Getting There: Ventura is a one hour and 10-minute drive from Los Angeles.

Summary

Each one of these day trips from LA will enhance your visit to Los Angeles. We hope you consider adding a few of these day trip ideas to your LA itinerary. Purchase a Go Los Angeles Pass in advance to save up to 50% on top attractions and to enjoy a stress-free vacation in LA.

Continue reading

Blog

Los Angeles Staycation - Ideas to Plan a Fun Weekend at Home

We all love a good vacation. But sometimes, life gets in the way and we can’t get out of town for a variety of reasons. That’s where the idea of a Los Angeles staycation comes in handy. Explore your local city with fresh eyes, seeing and doing things you’ve never done, or only done once. You could even stay in a hotel to make it seem like more of an escape from daily life. If you’re in Los Angeles looking for some ways to explore your hometown, then check out this list of our favorite things to do in L.A. for a fun staycation. Our top staycation ideas include: Aquarium of the Pacific OUE Skyspace L.A. Natural History Museum California Science Center Newport Landing Whale Watch Cruise L.A. Zoo & Botanical Gardens Roller-Skating in Santa Monica The Huntington Library & Gardens Griffith Park Save on Admission Looking to save on tickets to your favorite Los Angeles staycation ideas? Pick up a Go Los Angeles® Card to save up to 50% on top area museums, tours, activities, and more. See all available attractions and prices – here. Aquarium of the Pacific For the animal lovers, this is one attraction that shouldn’t be missed as part of a delightful and educational staycation for the whole family. This particular aquarium’s unique focus on the creatures of the vast Pacific makes it an ideal way to learn more about the natural world in your very own backyard, too! They also host periodic special events and programming that you can take advantage of as a local, so be sure to check out the website before your visit. Getting In: Aquarium of the Pacific tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles Card. OUE Skyspace L.A. & Skyslide You may have lived in L.A. for quite some time, but have you ever taken the opportunity to see your home city from a bird’s-eye perspective? Head to OUE Skyspace, at the top of the US Bank Tower, for unparalleled views of the city in all directions, from the ocean to the mountains. An extra fun element of this attraction is the Skyslide option – an add-on activity that allows you to slide down from the 70th to the 69th floor of the building in an all-glass exterior slide. It’s a heck of a trip and is quite a thrill. Getting In: OUE Skyspace LA tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles Card. Skyslide is available for an upgrade fee paid directly to the attraction. Natural History Museum If you’re a history buff or a big fan of the natural world, then this museum is for you. This was actually the first museum in L.A. (the more you know...) and today boasts an impressive collection of natural and cultural artifacts from around the globe. You’ll find everything from dinosaur fossils to Aztec art and artifacts. They also boast rotating special exhibits on various topics, so there’s always something new to explore! Getting In: Natural History Museum tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles Card. California Science Center This is a great attraction for families, and is conveniently located in Exposition Park right next to the Natural History Museum –so make a day of it! They have well over 100 interactive exhibits, including fascinating and informative displays of live animals in their famed “Ecosystems” galleries. The big draw, however, is the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which has recently arrived in California. You could also see an IMAX film on a relevant topic, which will make the afternoon just that little bit extra special. Getting In: The California Science Center is free to explore; California Science Center IMAX tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles Card. Newport Landing Whale Watch Cruise In search of something truly special for your staycation? Then a whale watch cruise it is! This delightful and educational excursion is an excellent way to not only see more of your city via the water, but also to appreciate the natural environment in a way you might not have before. Come here to see these majestic creatures in the wild, from Giant Blue Ways to smaller Minke Whales. The kind of whales you’ll see varies seasonally, so be sure to ask your captain what to expect! Getting In: Whale watch tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles Card. L.A. Zoo & Botanical Gardens Image credit: L.A. Zoo & Botanical Gardens. While you may have taken the kids to the zoo a time or two, have you really spent time exploring the Botanical Gardens? Head to this combo attraction to not only enjoy a visit to your favorite critters, but a chance to stroll through some of the most beautiful gardens around. You’ll also learn about the vital connections between plant and animal life in the world’s ecosystems, and see how both depend upon one another for survival. Getting In: LA Zoo & Botanical Gardens tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles Card. Roller-Skating in Santa Monica If you’re in search of some old-fashioned fun, why not try your hand at roller-skates after all these years? Cruise around the Santa Monica Boardwalk on your skates, and enjoy the fresh air and exercise. Adults and kids alike will delight in this fun activity. You can rent skates easily from Perry’s Beach Café, which also doubles as an excellent place for some tasty lunch or snacks (see above - doesn't it look relaxing?) Getting In: Perry’s Beach Café rentals are included with the Go Los Angeles Card. The Huntington Library & Gardens Another option for you horticultural enthusiasts is the Huntington. This distinctive attraction combines the appeal of some glorious gardens with the that of an art gallery/research library all into one amazing package. After your leisurely stroll through the gardens, check out the paintings and rare books within, including a Gutenberg Bible and a printing of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Getting In: Huntington Library & Gardens tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles Card. Griffith Park Image credit: Griffith Park Facebook page. Last but certainly not least, be sure to visit your hometown park! This massive urban park is filled with fun things to do, from the usual outdoor fare like picnics, hikes, runs, and bike rides to informative attractions like the Observatory, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the above-mentioned zoo & botanical gardens. You could easily spend an entire day enjoying this massive park, but you could also make a few hours here part of a larger itinerary. Either way, it’s good to support your local parks! Getting In: Griffith Park is free to explore; attractions inside the park may charge admission. Don’t Forget to Save There you have it – our favorite suggestions for Los Angeles staycation ideas. Whether you’re the type that loves to explore and learn new things, or just love to kick back and relax, we’re sure you’ll be able to create that perfect staycation plan. Remember, if you’re looking to spend wisely while enjoying your local attractions, pick up a Go Los Angeles® Card today!
Katie Sagal
Blog

Warner Bros. Studio Tour - Discounts & Insider's Guide

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is a rare chance to go behind the scenes of an active, working studio and see how movie magic really works. Get closer to the entertainment you love. Unlike other studio tours, this one really emphasizes your presence in the midst of a bustling community of ongoing filming and production. Looking for Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Discount Tickets? We’ve got you covered – Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood admission is available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that’s right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to dozens of attractions. 2. Build Your Own Pass – Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. What to Bring Comfortable shoes for walking A camera or other recording device Some money for souvenirs or gifts from the Studio Store Hats or sunscreen on hot, sunny days Tips for Visiting Warner Bros. Studios Because this is a working studio, only visitors 8+ are permitted on the tours. Plan accordingly if you have younger family members. Visit the Warner Bros. website and follow them on social media for the most up-to-date information on current exhibits and any special activities or events. Keep in mind that current production schedules may limit your access to certain areas of the studio, including various soundstages and backlots. Save on admission to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour with a Go Los Angeles® Card. Tour is available by reservation only, so be sure to call ahead to reserve your desired time. Parking is available for a fee at 3400 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, CA 91505. What's on the studio tour? This comprehensive studio tour will take you through several different areas, many of which are likely to be engaged in real production activities. Here are a few highlights. The Picture Car Vault At the moment, this family favorite exhibit has been transformed into a life-size Batcave in honor of the Batman movies. See all of the different transformations of the Batmobile, from Bat-Pod to Bathammer and beyond. The Archive A glimpse inside the archives; image copyright Warner Bros. Studio. Two floors of movie and TV memorabilia, the Archive features real costumes, props, and other artifacts from all your favorite shows. Some highlights include props and costumes from the Harry Potter franchise and the Batman films. The Prop Department This is where you’ll really get to see behind the scenes into the treasure vaults of Warner Bros. extensive collection of 450,000(!) artifacts and props. Trace the history of cinema from Casablanca to the Hangover films with these rare and wondrous objects. Backlots & Soundstages An example of the sets you may see on your tour; image copyright Warner Bros. Studio. Here’s where the working part of the working studio comes in. Scope out exterior sets for iconic films such and TV shows such as Casablanca, Gilmore Girls, Friends, and more. You’ll get a chance to see some of the 10 different soundstages and 30 backlots that make up the studio’s filming space. When to Visit The iconic symbol of the studio; image copyright Warner Bros. Studio. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour takes approximately 3 hours, and the studio opens for tours at 8:00 am. Because reservations are required, you can visit anytime you’re able to get a reservation. If you have a specific time in mind and are able to plan ahead, we recommend calling about a week in advance to reserve a spot on your desired tour. Nearby Attractions "Griffith Park welcome sign" by Coolcaesar Because of Warner Bros. Studio’s central location, there are a number of other great Los Angeles attractions within an easy drive so you can incorporate the Studio Tour into part of a larger itinerary. Here are a few examples: Griffith Park, a great place to stroll, have a picnic, ride a bike, take a hike, and more. You can even hike to the Hollywood sign! L.A. Zoo & Botanical Gardens, a delightful two-in-one attraction combines an extensive collection of domestic and exotic animals with varied, beautiful flora from around the world. The Griffith Observatory, a historic structure in Griffith Park that provides multiple shows, demonstrations, exhibits, and more astronomically-themed activities. Hollywood Boulevard, which features a plethora of attractions like the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Walk of Fame, and other historic buildings. Madame Tussauds Hollywood, one of the finest wax museums in the world and a family-favorite attraction. The Hollywood Museum, home to an extensive collection of props, costumes, photographs, and artifacts from movie history – a good complement to a visit to Warner Bro.s Studio. Places to Eat Nearby Again, because of its great location, you have many dining options when considering a snack or a meal after leaving the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. You have options both at the attraction and in the surrounding areas. Warner Bros. Studio Plaza Café serves breakfast, lunch, and beverages. Starbucks, located inside the studio, serves its usual fare of caffeinated drinks and pastries. Claim Jumper, a family-friendly locale known for American fare. CiaoChristina!, for tasty, casual Italian. El Carpintero, for authentic, affordable Mexican. Bob’s Big Boy, an American diner chain with a wide variety of options. Morton’s The Steakhouse, if you happen to catch the last tour of the day and are looking for a great steak dinner. Need to Know Hours 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (Extend hours during spring and summer) Directions & Address 3400 West Riverside Drive Burbank, CA 91505 Driving Directions: The Tour Welcome Center is located on the corner of Riverside Drive and Avon Street in Burbank, CA conveniently off the 134 or 101 freeways. Parking is available at Lima St. & Warner Blvd for a fee. Public Transportation: The Metro Lines 96, 155 and 163 are located at the corner of Riverside and Hollywood Way. Save on Admission Remember, with the Go Los Angeles® Card you can save up to 55% on combined admission to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, plus many more top L.A. attractions.
Katie Sagal
Blog

Things to do in Venice Los Angeles

Headed to Los Angeles and looking for interesting things to do in Venice? You’ve come to the right place! A world-famous neighborhood set right along the Pacific Ocean, Venice is well-recognized for its unique history and laidback bohemian atmosphere. Offering the perfect combination of artsy and natural attractions, Venice is a fantastic hidden gem well worth exploring. Most people will have heard Venice Beach, but scratch just beneath the surface and you’ll find that the area has so much more to offer its visitors. From grabbing a bite to eat at the Venice Farmers’ Market to visiting the unique Mosaic Tile House, there’s a lot to choose from here. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best stops in the area to add to the travel bucket list. Note them down, check off your favorites and you’re sure to have a blast! Hit the Classics Venice Beach is not only one of the most famous beaches in Los Angeles, but also one of the most well-recognized attractions of its kind in the world. A popular visitor hotspot and emblematic symbol of SoCal, this place is perfect for soaking up the sun and people-watching. Stretching for 3 miles along the Western coastline, this spot has practically everything going for it: an impressive sweep of sand, turquoise soft surf, and a vibrant atmosphere to match. This place is a flurry of activity every day of the week, with countless fun things to choose from. Take a dip in the sea, try your hand at surfing, or get active on one of the site’s many sports courts. And of course, since this is one of L.A.’s more popular draws, the beach is bordered by great eateries, funky boutiques, and outdoor bars. With so much to see and do here, it’s impossible to be bored. Another one of our favorite things to do in neighborhood is of course heading over to the Venice Farmers’ Market. For those looking to grab a bite and take in the atmosphere of the area at the same time, this spot is perfect. Nestled between Centennial Park and the Venice Mall, this spot operates all year round, slinging delicious eats of all kinds. Seasonal fruit and vegetables are sold alongside freshly-popped kettle corn, locally roasted coffee, and empanadas hot straight from the oven. You’ll also find original artworks, jewellery and souvenirs being punted. True to the nature of the area, this spot harnesses a fun yet laidback-cool atmosphere - walking through the market, you’ll often catch cooking demos, live music, and painters as you go. We especially love this place because every trip is an experience in itself. Try Something Different For those looking to incorporate a little bit of education into their travel experience, Venice Oceanarium is the place to be. Billed as ‘’The Museum Without Walls’’, this unique outdoor classroom situated right along the seashore on Venice Pier works to provide a better understanding of underwater life. Offering an impressive array of educational and engaging exhibits, this spot is perfect for those of all ages. Discover more about the natural world through this museum’s unique collection of stunning shells, dried crabs, and preserved shark jaws. Though this stop is small, its collection is constantly rotating, meaning that there’s always something new to learn here. Whether you’re a hardcore animal lover or an impassioned nature geek, we couldn’t think of a better way to get to know more about the briny deep. Where Barcelona has Gaudi’s Sagrada Família, Venice has the Mosaic Tile House. Okay, okay - this funky spot isn’t as grand as any of Gaudi’s masterpieces. Still, we’d argue that this large-scale artwork-in-progress echos the vibrant energy and artistry of his works. Once a bland, beige home with few distinguishing features, this project took off after owners Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran began a weekend project to install bathroom tiles. Not long after, Pann and Duran were shattering tiles and covering every inch of their home with them. Today, visitors can take guided tours to see this unique project in all its over-the-top glory. Relax! Little known fact: Venice was built on a system of channels way back in 1905 by the young entrepreneur Abbot Kinney. Today, the neighborhood is known for its beautiful Venice Canals, which run between the Venice Boardwalk and of course, the Abbot Kinney. Undoubtedly peaceful and scenic, this spot offers a little spot of Italy right in the center of Los Angeles. Strolling through this charming area, visitors can enjoy quaint bridges, landscaped yards, and an extremely wide variety of architecture. Keep your eyes peeled as you’re walking, since the area is home to a lot of wonderful wildlife - visitors can expect to see ducks, herons, egrets and even the occasional seal. Amongst the picturesque beach houses, you’ll also find eclectic markets, sidewalk cafes, fun bars and more. Offering a quiet respite from the city, this spot is perfect for taking some time to yourself and soaking up the sun. Unarguably, there are countless interesting things to see and do in Venice. For just a small fraction of the city, the area is characterized by beautiful sands, quirky hidden gems, and only-in-L.A. attractions. Really, there’s no better place to experience the free-spirited nature of the West Coast. Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

  • Thick check Icon