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The best places to visit near Los Angeles provide a refreshing break from the city’s fast pace, offering scenic landscapes, charming towns, and cultural attractions. Nestled among mountains, deserts, and the Pacific coastline, these destinations are ideal for quick day trips or relaxing weekend getaways. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful beach, a scenic coastal drive, a wine country retreat, or a mountain hiking adventure, Southern California has plenty to explore. Each spot offers a unique way to unwind and experience something new just beyond the city.
Top 10 Places To Visit Near Los Angeles
Here is the list of the top 10 places to visit near Los Angeles that you can’t miss.
1. Laguna Beach
Photo: inkknife_2000 / Wikimedia Commons
Laguna Beach is one of the coolest spots around, situated along the ocean in Orange County and just an hour’s drive from Los Angeles. With nine miles of rugged coastline featuring 36 distinct beaches, this classic California seaside town is all about soaking up the sun, riding the waves, exploring upscale art galleries, and admiring the luxurious multimillion-dollar homes.
Location: Orange County, Southern California
Distance From Los Angeles: 80 km
Nearest Railway Station: San Juan Capistrano
Nearest Airport: John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana
Average Cost: $250 – $400 / ₹22,000 – ₹35,000
2. Santa Catalina Island
Photo: Nilina / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Santa Catalina Island (known simply as Catalina by the locals) has everything you would want from an island retreat: white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, swaying palms, exciting watersports, and melt-your-heart sunsets. Nowadays, it has been attracting visitors with its star-studded history (Marilyn Monroe lived here for a year with her first husband, James Dougherty), top-notch seafood restaurants, and thriving wine estate.
Location: Southwest of Los Angeles, in the Pacific Ocean
Distance From Los Angeles: 35 km
Nearest Railway Station: The nearest major railway stations are in Los Angeles or Long Beach
Nearest Airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Average Cost: $400 – $800 / ₹35,000 – 70,000
3. Carlsbad
Photo: Irina / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The coastal gem of Carlsbad, affectionately referred to as “The Village by the Sea,” captivates visitors with its stunning seven miles of shoreline, a vibrant craft beer scene featuring nine breweries, and a delightful farm-to-table culinary landscape. Outdoor enthusiasts irrespective of age can indulge themselves in a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, diving, fishing, surfing, and even rock hunting.
Location: Northern San Diego County, Southern California
Distance From Los Angeles: 140 km
Nearest Railway Station: Carlsbad Village Station and Carlsbad Poinsettia Station
Nearest Airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Average Cost: $150 – $350 / ₹13,000 – ₹30,000
4. Torrey Pines State Reserve
Photo: Jpt004 / Wikimedia Commons
The Torrey Pines State Reserve is where you’ll find one of Southern California’s wildest stretches of coastal land, complete with pine forests, sandstone canyons, and a network of dirt hiking trails on bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. As you would expect from a 1,750-acre reserve dedicated to preserving its namesake, there are approximately 3,000 Torrey Pines across the area.
Location: La Jolla, a community within San Diego, California, USA
Nearest Railway Station: Sorrento Valley Station
Nearest Airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Average Cost: $230 / ₹20,000
5. San Diego
San Diego, known as “America’s Finest City,” offers a staggering number of attractions that include bright sunshine, amazing beaches, excellent craft breweries, eclectic shops, and a rather famous zoo. Must-dos include working your way around the unique neighbourhoods. You can also visit the San Diego harbour cruise, enjoy the sparkling white sands at Coronado Island, and take a stroll at Balboa Park.
Location: Southern California, in the southwestern corner of the United States
Nearest Railway Station: Santa Fe Depot (Amtrak)
Nearest Airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Average Cost: $900 – $970 / ₹77,000 – ₹83,000
6. Palm Springs
Photo: Jonathan Schmer / Pexels
Palm Springs, a glamorous desert escape, is perfect for an overnight stay. Its vibrant design district, stylish hotels, vintage boutiques, and lush golf courses reflect its Hollywood legacy. With just a weekend, visitors can hike the scenic Indian Canyons, discover the diverse ecosystem of the Coachella Valley Preserve, and admire iconic artworks at the Palm Springs Art Museum.
Location: located in the Sonoran Desert in southern California
Nearest Railway Station: Palm Springs Amtrak Station (PSN)
Nearest Airport: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
Average Cost: $220 / ₹19,000
7. Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake, a historic mountain town just two hours from Los Angeles via Highway 330, offers year-round adventure. Winter invites skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at Bear Mountain. Spring and summer bring hiking, biking, kayaking, and more. At its core lies Big Bear Village which is a lively hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment that keeps the energy alive in every season.
Location: a small city located in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California
Distance From Los Angeles: 156 km
Nearest Railway Station: San Bernardino Depot (Amtrak Station)
Nearest Airport: Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Average Cost: $250 – $450 / ₹22,000 – ₹39,000
8. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a surreal desert landscape of Los Angeles where the Mojave and Colorado deserts converge. It features striking forests of uniquely shaped Joshua Trees (Yucca brevifolia), named by Mormon settlers after a biblical figure. The park also boasts an incredible diversity of plant life, with around 800 different species thriving in this otherworldly and dramatic natural environment.
Location: Southeastern California, USA
Nearest Railway Station: Palm Springs Amtrak Station
Nearest Airport: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
Average Cost: $120 – $200 / ₹11,000 – ₹18,000
9. San Gabriel Mountains National Monument
Photo: Jazmine Film / Pexels / Image For Representation Only.
San Gabriel Mountains is the well known, adored “backyard” that stretches the length of the Los Angeles metropolitan area from Santa Clarita to San Bernardino County. Granted National Monument status by Barack Obama in 2014. This protected land offers a wealth of outdoorsy attractions: mighty waterfalls, photogenic valleys, iconic formations, and two famous peaks; Mount Baldy and Mount Wilson.
Location: Southern California
Distance From Los Angeles: 56 – 80 km
Nearest Railway Station: Covina Metrolink Station (on the San Bernardino Line)
Nearest Airport: Ontario International Airport
Average Cost: $55 – $ 110 / ₹4700 – ₹10,000
10. Ojai
If LA feels loud, Ojai is your soft-spoken escape. Just a short drive away, this tiny town is rich in good vibes and artistic flair. Whether you’re into yoga, vintage shops, or simply slowing down, Ojai has something magical for everyone. Most of the action happens on Ojai Avenue; cozy cafes, local treasures, and a laid-back rhythm you’ll want to stay in.
Location: Ventura County, Southern California
Distance From Los Angeles: 129 km
Nearest Railway Station: Ventura Station (Amtrak)
Nearest Airport: Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)
Average Cost: $475 – $850 / ₹41,000 – ₹73,000
Just outside Los Angeles, there’s something for every traveller, from hiking trails, relaxing spas, to hidden gems. These places to visit near Los Angeles offer inspiring escapes without the need for a long flight. Sometimes, the best adventures are right in your backyard. So this weekend, skip the routine, hit the road, and discover the beauty around Los Angeles. Book now with TripXL for a refreshing getaway to the hidden gems near Los Angeles.
Cover Photo: Salewskia / Wikimedia Commons
