Must-do Day Trips in California
California is full of cool places to see, from beautiful nature spots to exciting towns and cities. There’s something fun for everyone!
Local’s Guide to California: Nature & Adventure
- Yosemite National Park (from San Francisco or Sacramento): See giant cliffs, waterfalls, and fun trails.
- Big Sur (from Monterey or San Francisco): Check out awesome ocean views and big trees.
- Joshua Tree National Park (from Los Angeles or Palm Springs): Discover cool desert views and stars at night.
- Point Reyes National Seashore (from San Francisco): Look for animals, beaches, and cliffs.
Day Trips in California: Beach & Coastal Towns
- Santa Cruz (from San Jose or San Francisco): Enjoy the boardwalk, surfing, and forests.
- Laguna Beach (from Los Angeles or San Diego): Explore art galleries, tide pools, and pretty coves.
- Malibu (from Los Angeles): Visit pretty beaches, hike mountains, and eat yummy seafood.
Wine & Food Fun
- Napa Valley (from San Francisco): Taste great wines, eat fancy food, and ride a hot air balloon!
- Paso Robles (from San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara): Relax with wine and hot springs.
- Solvang (from Santa Barbara or LA): Visit a town that looks like Denmark with wines and bakeries.
Explore History & Culture
- San Juan Capistrano (from LA or San Diego): See an old mission, cute shops, and lovely gardens.
- Sacramento (from the Bay Area): Check out the State Capitol, Old Sacramento, and learn about the Gold Rush.
- Hearst Castle (from San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara): Tour a big fancy house with ocean views.
Unique & Cool Spots
- Salvation Mountain & Slab City (from Palm Springs): See colorful art in the desert.
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (from San Diego): Look at desert flowers, canyons, and sculptures.
Fun in Northern California
- Muir Woods National Monument: Walk among huge redwoods near San Francisco.
- Lake Tahoe: Have fun at the beach in summer or go skiing in winter.
- Bodega Bay: Relax in a calm town with seafood, beaches, and whales.
Central California’s Charms
- Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea: Visit an aquarium and walk through cute streets.
- Pinnacles National Park: Spot special rock shapes and big birds.
- Morro Bay: Kick back in a chill beach town with kayaking and cute sea otters.
Adventures in Southern California
- Catalina Island (from LA or OC): Try snorkeling, zip-lining, and enjoy the island.
- Ojai: Check out this artsy town with trails and hot springs.
- Julian (from San Diego): Visit an old gold town famous for its apple pie.
Budget-Friendly Trips in California
You don’t need a lot of money to have big fun. Here are some cheap day trips all over California.