LA is a place rich in entertainment and culture and just about the best for sightseeing too. Traveling to LA makes little sense if one cannot take out time to explore all the wonders and gems this city is hiding within its many folds. Unfortunately, there is the issue of time when traveling is concerned, and regardless of how much we’d like to, some trips just cannot happen because of feasibility.

A lack of extended time does not mean that any LA sights and treats cannot be made their way to. In fact, there are amazing one-day trips that can be taken from LA, especially if you’re in dire need of a change of scenery. We’re rounding up the best day trips that you can make in a day from LA and providing all the reasons why each one of them deserves your consideration.

Malibu.

The fact that this place has a Miley Cyrus song dedicated to it is enough to warrant a trip from you. But it also has a stretch of gorgeous beaches that will take your breath away at early or late times of the day. Malibu makes sense because it lies just on the outskirts of LA and is the perfect LA getaway when you don’t have much time at your disposal. There’s also a little something for everyone in this city.

Nature lovers can find all the sights and hikes of their dreams across Malibu Creek State Park. While beaches and landscapes are what Malibu has a reputation for, there are also great spots if you enjoy luxury shopping. You’ll also find great food spots regardless of whether you enjoy beach street foods or sophisticated eateries. Malibu is definitely one of the best day trips to take in LA.

Address: 24056 Malibu Road Malibu, CA

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Santa Barbara.

If you’re a social butterfly, then Santa Barbara is the perfect day trip for you to make from LA. Everything from shopping to people-watching is what Santa Barbara is known for. If you’ve had some popular spots on your bucket list for a while now, like the Four Seasons or the Pacific, then this is the place to be. You can also make a reservation at ridiculously famous eateries and enjoy the best they have to offer.

If your day trip is more of a family situation, then heading over to Santa Barbara Zoo is also an excellent option. All in all, Santa Barbara has a little something for everyone, especially if you want to extract the most out of your day trip in LA. Don’t forget to also pop by the various tasting rooms to have some of the most delicious wines and drinks you can imagine!

Address: Santa Barbara 93101

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Coronado.

Sure, you can find a bunch of beaches strewn all across the glory that is LA, but there is a reason why this particular one is so loved and well-known. You’ll never find this stretch of sand feeling overcrowded, and you’ll certainly never see it littered. Its location makes it so that the weather always seems perfect, and the best part is that you’ll have to take a short ferry ride to get there, so it’s almost sort of a hidden gem. The little adventure adds to the thrill of it all.

This peninsula is really diverse. While the beachfront is nice and luxurious and not a place where everyone can afford a reservation, the cafes and diners back in town are more than amazing for nice local meals. Make sure Coronado is on your list for the best day trips you can make while in LA.

Address: 1100 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118

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Knott’s Berry Farm.

Despite its humble beginnings as a tiny family-owned restaurant, Knott’s Berry Farm fully qualifies as a complete amusement park. Its many rides and attractions pretty much speak for themselves in this regard. The fact that it is branded a ghost town says much about its size and all that it holds on its own. You’ll find this to be a fun, family-oriented outing too.

The fact that it’s only a half an hour’s ride from LA makes it a good no-fuss trip, even if you have a house full. This is probably an LA day trip where the saying ‘the more the merrier’ applies truthfully. You’ll also really enjoy the homemade pie and chicken dinners they’re famous for, not to mention they still use their very first recipes from where their journey first began!

Address: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

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Disneyland.

If you’re planning an LA day trip that is absolutely phenomenal, then there’s really no spot that can top the happiest place on Earth! At a quarter of an hour from LA, you’ll find yourself at an amusement park that is downright legendary for all the fun rides and food it offers and, overall, just the amazing experience it has to offer. You’ll find a nice blend of age-old classic rides and a bunch of new additions too.

If you’ve already been here, trust us when we say that the experience will not be diluted in any way, and you’ll still end up having a more than exciting time. If you’re into very Insta-worthy foods that taste like heaven and are Disney-themed, Disneyland is not short on those either. This is only a short drive from LA, which means it’s a day trip, but make sure to reserve the whole day because you won’t want to be getting out anytime soon!

Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802

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Six Flags Magic Mountain.

If you’re a thrill and adrenaline-seeking person, then Six Flags is not something you want to be slacking on. This amusement park takes the cake for the best and most exciting rides that your mind couldn’t even whip up. It has well over thirty rides, the majority of which are— you guessed it— rollercoasters! In fact, this amusement park has a whole world record for that exact number, which is nineteen, in case you’re wondering.

All in all, there are a variety of extremely scenic and exciting places, just a manageable drive away from LA, that make for the most fun and memorable day trips one could think of!

Address: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355

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