Los Angeles is already one of those places everyone’s heard about. But what really makes LA extra fun are all the tours and easy day trips you can add to your plans. There’s always a new corner to check out in the city or a quick escape just outside of it. That’s what makes exploring LA feel like a new adventure every time. Here, I’ve made a list of all the top tours and day trips you can take while in LA.
In a Hurry? Here Are Our Top 4 Los Angeles Tours and Day Trips Picks
Before We Escape…
While you most definitely can let your inner, spontaneous adventurer self out, taking trips are supposed to be relaxing (unless, you want the adrenaline rush of traveling unprepared, because kudos to you then). I highly recommend booking the things you need to book in advance. This includes tickets and admission fees.
You can also join organized day trips for a more relaxed experience. Some of the tours offer multiple stops that I recommend here, so it’ll be killing two, or more, birds with one stone.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Best For: Behind-the-scenes movie magic, set tours, classic TV nostalgia
If you’re curious about how movies and TV shows come to life, I think the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a must-do day trip while you’re in Los Angeles. It’s one of the best ways to get an insider’s look at real working sets, soundstages, and iconic filming locations. Located in Burbank, it’s about 20 minutes from central LA by car, so it’s super easy to fit into your itinerary.
One highlight is the Studio Tour itself. You’ll ride around the backlots where countless films and series have been shot, from classics like Friends to modern hits like The Big Bang Theory and Gilmore Girls. I also recommend spending time at Stage 48: Script to Screen, an interactive exhibit where you can sit on the famous Central Perk couch, see real costumes, and learn how a show is made from start to finish. If you’re a superhero fan, then definitely check out the DC Universe exhibit and the Batmobiles collection. And for Harry Potter fans, you can even get “sorted” into your Hogwarts House.
Getting There: A Classic Hollywood Tour in Los Angeles
It’s easy to visit Warner Bros. Studio on your own. Just book your Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood tickets online in advance to secure your spot. You’ll join a small group and a guide to explore legendary backlots, soundstages, the famous Central Perk café, and behind-the-scenes movie magic.
The studio is in Burbank, about 20 minutes from central LA by car, with on-site parking available for a fee.
Quick Tips
- Book your studio tour tickets ahead of time. Popular time slots can sell out, especially on weekends and during holiday seasons.
- Bring a valid photo ID; you’ll need it to enter the studio.
- Large bags and filming on the tour are not allowed, but you can take photos at designated spots.
Santa Catalina Island
Best For: Island adventure, ocean views, laid-back coastal charm
Travel Time: ~2 hours from Los Angeles (including the ferry)
Just a short hop from LA, Catalina Island is like a whole new world. I think it’s one of the best day trips if you want to swap city streets for turquoise water and breezy island vibes. Catalina mixes SoCal cool with a touch of the Mediterranean, making it perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, or just soaking up Avalon’s harbor charm.
Out on the water, you can paddle through sea caves, snorkel in clear coves, or spot dolphins right from the ferry. Back on land, golf carts are the fun way to explore Avalon’s streets, hidden corners, and famous spots like the Catalina Casino. And if you’re a foodie, Catalina’s local bites are worth the trip alone. You can enjoy fresh seafood, sweets, and island history in one tasty stroll.
Getting There: A Coastal Day Trip from Los Angeles
Catalina is easy to reach. Just drive or rideshare to Long Beach and catch the Catalina Express ferry (this one’s from San Pedro to Avalon). Most people reach Avalon in about an hour once they’re onboard. I recommend booking tickets early, especially in summer or on weekends.
Once you’re there, there are some great ways to see the island. Out on the water, kayaking through sea caves is a must. Or you can stay dry but still see under the waves; I really recommend the Yellow Semi-Submarine tour. It’s quick, fun, and lets you watch schools of fish without getting wet.
Back in Avalon, golf carts are the way to explore. For the easiest adventure, I suggest booking this private guided golf cart tour. You’ll roll past the Catalina Casino, Pebbly Beach, and Wrigley Memorial with local stories along the way.
And if you’re craving local flavor, a food tour is the way to go. Taking a Catalina food tour is a tasty stroll along the waterfront with fresh seafood, sweets, and island history mixed in.
Quick Tips
- Bring layers. The ocean breeze can surprise you!
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen if you plan to snorkel or kayak.
- If you want to see dolphins, grab a seat on the ferry’s top deck for the best chance.
Joshua Tree National Park
Best For: Surreal desert scenery, rock formations, and stargazing
Travel Time: ~2.5–3 hours from Los Angeles
Just about 130 miles southeast of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best ways to trade city traffic for wide-open desert skies. I think it’s the perfect pick if you want to see a desert with strange, beautiful views: spiky Joshua trees, giant boulders, and sunsets that glow over the rocks.
The park’s otherworldly scenery is a dream for photographers and rock climbers alike. Even if you’re not into climbing cliffs, there are plenty of giant rock piles you can scramble up for fun and panoramic views. I suggest the Hidden Valley Trail for an easy, family-friendly 1-mile loop that shows off classic Joshua Tree sights. For more adventure, the 49 Palms Oasis Trail is a 3-mile trek to a surprise palm oasis tucked in the middle of the desert.
Getting There: A Desert Day Trip from Los Angeles
Start your adventure by either driving yourself or booking a tour that picks you up right from your hotel. It’s about a 2.5–3 hour drive from Los Angeles, so it’s totally doable as a day trip if you plan ahead.
If you’d rather not navigate on your own, I suggest this Joshua Tree National Park scenic tour. You’ll ride in a comfy van or an open-air Hummer with a small group and a guide who knows all the best viewpoints and geology stories. It’s perfect for families or first-time visitors who want an easy half-day escape.
For those who want to go at their own pace, try this self-guided driving audio tour. It follows a curated route with fun facts and hidden highlights along the way, plus a bonus stop at the Hidden Valley Nature Trail.
For adventure lovers, I recommend an off-road 4×4 tour that takes you deep into Joshua Tree’s rugged backcountry and lesser-seen valleys. Or you can try the open-air Hummer adventure, which adds a bit of thrill while you explore desert oases, spot wildlife, and snap photos of dramatic rock formations.
Quick Tips
- The drive takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes from LA, but plan for a full day (or longer) to truly appreciate what the park offers.
- Arrive early to beat both crowds and desert heat, especially during summer months.
Iconic Sights of Los Angeles Tour
Best For: First-timers, city highlights, classic LA photo ops
Travel Time: Full-day city tour (approx. 7–8 hours)
If you want to see all the highlights that make LA special in just one day, I think this full-day tour is a great choice. You’ll visit Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, the legendary Sunset Strip, the palm-lined streets of Beverly Hills, and the relaxed beaches around Santa Monica without the stress of planning every stop yourself.
Then, you can snap a photo at the Hollywood Sign, wander along Rodeo Drive, and soak up the ocean breeze at Venice Beach or the Santa Monica Pier. If you’re short on time, grouping a few highlights in one day is a fun way to get a good feel for what makes the city so iconic.
Getting There: A Must-Do City Tour in Los Angeles
Seeing LA’s biggest highlights can be tricky if you’re short on time. So, I recommend this full-day tour of the iconic sights of Los Angeles to make it easy. I really recommend it if you want to check off Hollywood, Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip, Venice Beach, and Santa Monica Pier all in one day without the stress of driving or parking.
If you’re really tight on time, there’s also a half-day tour available. You’ll ride in an air-conditioned mini coach with a live guide, stop at top spots like the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, and Santa Monica Pier, and enjoy fun insider gossip along the way, plus audio guides in 11 languages if you depart from Hollywood.
Or, for the ultimate overview, I recommend the Grand City Tour of Los Angeles, Hollywood and Beverly Hills. It’s perfect if you want a comprehensive look at LA in one trip, with convenient hotel pickup, drop-off, and free time for lunch or shopping in between iconic stops.
Quick Tips
- Charge your phone. You’ll want it ready for snapping photos at all the famous spots, plus you might need maps or rideshare apps afterward.
- Plan for traffic. Even on a guided tour, LA traffic is real. Bring water, snacks, and something to keep you entertained while you’re on the road.
Malibu
Best For: Coastal road trips, iconic beaches, oceanfront dining
Travel Time: ~45 minutes from downtown Los Angeles (33 miles)
Just under an hour from LA, Malibu is a classic day trip when you want ocean views and beach vibes without going far. The Pacific Coast Highway alone is worth the drive. There are dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and photo stops at every turn.
Malibu’s beaches are some of SoCal’s best. I recommend El Matador for sea caves and sunset shots, Zuma for wide open sand and swimming, and Malibu Lagoon for surf culture and celeb spotting. If you have extra time, hike scenic canyon trails, browse the Malibu Country Mart, or grab tacos and picnic right on the sand.
Getting There: A Seaside Day Trip from Los Angeles
Malibu is one of the easiest and most rewarding escapes from LA. Just jump on the Pacific Coast Highway and head west. In about 45 minutes, you’ll get ocean cliffs, beach pull-offs, and breezy coastal views make the drive part of the adventure.
If you’d rather let someone else handle the driving, you’ve got some great ways to explore. One good option is the Malibu: Exclusive Beautiful Beach and Celebrity Lifestyle Tour. You’ll ride in an open-air van, take in stories about Malibu’s celebrity history, and stop at classic spots like Malibu Pier, Point Dume’s ocean cliffs, and the Adamson House. You’ll also have time to browse the Malibu Country Mart for a snack or a quick shop.
For something more laid-back, this private vintage VW bus tour is a fun twist! It mixes local wine tasting with a mellow cruise through Malibu’s canyons and coastal roads. It’s definitely a relaxed way to see hidden lookouts and maybe spot some local wildlife along the way.
If you want to stretch your legs, I recommend the guided vineyard hike. It’s an easy loop through Malibu’s rolling hills with stops for local history and even a look at Chumash cave paintings. It wraps up with a couple cans of local wine to enjoy after your walk, which is a nice way to combine a bit of nature with something to sip.
Or, if you’re up for a bit of everything, try this Malibu Wine, Food & Beach Tour. It covers scenic roads, tucked-away nature preserves, and a stop at a private beach for photos. You’ll ride in an open-air bus with snacks and wine on board.
Quick Tips
- Leave early. The Pacific Coast Highway is beautiful but can get busy fast, especially on weekends.
- Bring layers and sunscreen. Pack a light jacket and plenty of sunblock.
Hollywood
Best For: Movie magic, famous landmarks, pop culture history
Travel Time: Right in the heart of Los Angeles
While Hollywood pops up in most city tours, this spotlight trip is all about soaking in everything that makes Tinseltown iconic. Hollywood is where LA’s movie magic really comes alive.
You can spend your day tracing the footsteps of legends at the TCL Chinese Theatre, hunting for your favorite stars on the boulevard, or even catching a glimpse of the Hollywood Sign perched above it all. If you love old-school glamour mixed with pop culture, a deep dive into Hollywood’s streets, studios, and behind-the-scenes stories is a must while you’re in LA.
Getting There: A Star-Studded Hollywood Tour in Los Angeles
One of the best things about exploring Hollywood is that you’re already in LA so no long drive is needed. Once you’re there, you can easily hop on a sightseeing tour or set out on foot to soak up the neighborhood’s most iconic spots.
For a fun overview without the parking headaches, I think an open-air bus is the way to go. The Hollywood open bus tours cruise past all the classics like the Walk of Fame, Dolby Theatre, Rodeo Drive, and those famous movie star homes you’ve always heard about. If you’d like a mix of Beverly Hills mansions and Hollywood landmarks, there’s also this Hollywood and Celebrity Homes Bus Tour hits the highlights and keeps an eye out for celebrity sightings too. There’s also the same tour plus Beverly Hills, but this time on an open air bus.
But if you’d rather explore on foot (and get closer to that iconic sign), I recommend lacing up for this Hollywood Sign Tour with comedians & their dogs. It is a unique experience! It’s a guided walk through Griffith Park with plenty of laughs, history, and epic skyline views. Or go all in on a classic LA bucket list moment with the original 2.5-Hour Hollywood sign hike, which gets you as close as possible to the sign (and helps you snap those envy-inducing shots without getting lost in the hills).
Quick Tips
- Bring water and sunscreen if you’re doing a hike. Griffith Park gets hot, especially midday.
- Keep cash handy for quick snacks or small souvenirs along Hollywood Boulevard.
- If you’re hoping to spot a celeb, hang out near trendy cafes or head up to the hills. You never know who you’ll see!
Griffith Observatory
Best For: Skyline views, stargazing, classic LA scenery
Travel Time: ~20–30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles
Perched high above the city in Griffith Park, Griffith Observatory is one of LA’s most beloved landmarks for good reason. It’s where locals and visitors alike come to soak up sweeping views of the city skyline, the Hollywood Sign, and the endless SoCal sunsets that make this spot a must.
Once you step inside, check out the free space exhibits, peer through historic telescopes, or catch a live show in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. If you’re more into fresh air than star charts, the trails around the observatory lead to some of the best lookout points in LA. It’s perfect for snapping skyline photos or just soaking up that classic Southern California sunset.
Getting There: A Breathtaking Tour in Los Angeles
Griffith Observatory is just a quick drive from downtown Los Angeles, but part of the fun is getting there, especially if you love a good view along the way. Parking at the top can get tight on busy days, so a lot of visitors combine their trip with a scenic hike through Griffith Park instead.
One of the best ways to do it is on a guided walk, like this guided hiking tour through Griffith Park up towards the observatory. You’ll follow an expert local guide along a 3.5-mile route through the Hollywood Hills, learn fun bits of LA history, and get those must-have photos of the Hollywood Sign. The hike ends right at the Observatory, so you can explore inside or just relax and take in the sweeping skyline views. Morning and sunset departures mean you can pick your favorite vibe, be it golden light or city lights!
Quick Tips
- Bring a light jacket as it can get breezy up at the Observatory, especially after sunset.
- The planetarium shows aren’t free. Check the schedule and grab tickets early if you want to catch one.
- Stay after dark if you can! Telescopes on the lawn offer free public viewing on clear nights.
Big Bear Lake
Best For: Mountain escapes, fresh alpine air, year-round outdoor fun
Travel Time: ~2 hours from downtown Los Angeles
Just two hours from the bustle of Los Angeles, Big Bear Lake sits high in the San Bernardino Mountains at over 6,700 feet. This alpine village feels like a world away, with cool mountain breezes and pine forests that offer a refreshing break from the city’s heat.
Big Bear is fun to visit any time of year. In summer, rent a boat and spend time on the water. When spring arrives, the hills bloom with colorful wildflowers. Fall brings bright leaves and crisp air, while winter turns the area into a snowy playground for skiing and snow fun. Even though it’s so close to the city, it has completely different vibes that you will like if you’ve had enough of the bustle of LA.
Getting There: A Scenic Mountain Day Trip from Los Angeles
Reaching Big Bear Lake from Los Angeles is pretty straightforward. Most visitors take Highway 330 or Highway 18, winding through scenic mountain roads with sweeping views of the San Bernardino National Forest. It’s about a two-hour drive, but plan extra time to stop at overlooks or snap photos along the way.
Once you’re up there, you don’t have to stick to the usual trails or crowded spots. For something fun and local-approved, I recommend trying this locals’ favorite hike with lake swimming experience. You’ll get a short guided hike through the forest and then cool off at a secret swimming dock. It’s really the kind of hidden perk you’d only find with a local.
Or if you’d rather keep things laid-back, you can combine the mountain views with a little gourmet twist on the with this Big Bear Lake jeep tour with light lunch. It’s part scenic ride, part storytelling session, and ends with a stylish pop-up picnic in a forest spot known mostly to locals. It’s perfect for a quiet lunch surrounded by fresh mountain air.
Quick Tips
- Check the weather. It can change fast in the mountains.
- Fill up on gas early. There aren’t many gas stations up in Big Bear, so top off before you start driving up the mountain roads.
- Take it slow on the roads. The mountain highways are beautiful but winding. Drive carefully and enjoy the views along the way.
More Fun Little Adventures Around Los Angeles
Echo Park Swan Boats
If you feel like swapping the city noise for something chill, I think paddling a swan boat around Echo Park Lake is a cute idea. It’s easy, affordable, and you can pick daytime or even go at night when the skyline’s all lit up. Nice way to just float, talk, and enjoy a break.
Ultimate LA Bike Tour
For something more active, you might like this full-day bike ride through West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Venice. I like that it mixes cycling with little stories, celeb house sightings, and a stop at Greystone Mansion. It’s a fun way to cover a lot of ground without feeling rushed.
Universal Studios Hollywood: VIP Tour
If you’re into theme parks but hate standing in line all day, this VIP Universal pass could be worth it. You skip the lines, get a behind-the-scenes peek at real movie sets, and there’s even valet parking and a good meal thrown in. Not bad if you want to make the most of your day there.
Your Perfect LA Escape Awaits
Before you head out, keep a few things in mind to make the most of your LA day trips. Always check the weather, pack layers and sunscreen, and wear comfy shoes since you might hit a beach, a canyon, and a city street all in one day. If you’re driving, plan for traffic and parking fees, and start early when you can to avoid crowds.
It’s also worth keeping your energy up with some local bites. LA’s food scene is too good to skip! If you need ideas, I suggest browsing these famous Los Angeles foods for must-try eats along the way. And if you’re still building your plan, this list of things to do in Los Angeles can help round out your adventures. Enjoy exploring!
