posted on July 12, 2026
Long Beach is one of Southern California’s best-positioned cities, with beaches, mountains, deserts, wine country, and world-famous locations all within easy reach.
From coastal escapes and island adventures to mountain hikes and desert landscapes, the variety of day trips near Long Beach, CA, is remarkable. While some destinations can be reached by public transportation, having a car opens up the full range of possibilities, giving you the freedom to explore Southern California’s most memorable destinations on your own schedule.
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Day trips from Long Beach under 30 minutes
- Day trips from Long Beach under 1 hour
- Day trips from Long Beach under 2 hours
- Day trips from Long Beach under 3 hours
- Tips for planning a day trip from Long Beach
Day trips from Long Beach: Quick reference
Before diving in, here’s a quick guide to some of the best day trips from Long Beach. Whether you’re chasing beaches, mountains, desert scenery, harbor cruises, or iconic Southern California attractions, these destinations are all close enough to enjoy in a single day.
| Destination | Drive time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Palos Verdes Peninsula | ~30 min | Coastal scenery, hiking, lighthouse views |
| Los Angeles (Hollywood, Venice, Santa Monica) | ~30–45 min | City sights, beach, culture |
| Anaheim (Disneyland) | ~30 min | Families, theme parks |
| Laguna Beach | ~45 min | Art, beaches, tide pools |
| Huntington Beach | ~30 min | Surf culture, pier, boardwalk |
| Santa Barbara | ~1.5–2 hrs | Wine, coastal charm, architecture |
| San Diego | ~1.5–2 hrs | City beaches, zoo, food |
| Catalina Island | ~1 hr by ferry | Island escape, snorkeling, golf carts |
| Joshua Tree National Park | ~2–2.5 hrs | Desert landscapes, hiking, stargazing |
Note: Drive times are estimates from central Long Beach and vary significantly with traffic. Always check conditions before departing, especially on weekdays.
Day trips under 30 minutes from Long Beach
Palos Verdes Peninsula
Just west of Long Beach, the Palos Verdes Peninsula offers a side of Southern California that many visitors never see. Dramatic ocean cliffs, rugged coastal trails, secluded coves, and sweeping Pacific views make it feel worlds away from the city’s busy waterfront. Highlights include the Point Vicente Lighthouse and Interpretive Center, the scenic hiking trails of the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, and the rocky tide pools and shoreline around Portuguese Bend. The drive itself is part of the appeal, winding past clifftop parks, luxury estates, and some of the most spectacular coastal viewpoints in Los Angeles County. For a quick escape from the city, it’s hard to beat.
- Drive time from Long Beach: ~25–30 minutes
- Best for: Coastal scenery, hiking, whale watching, and quiet ocean views
- Don’t miss: Point Vicente Lighthouse, Portuguese Bend, and the scenic coastal drive along Rancho Palos Verdes
Tip from the author: The cliffside trails along Rancho Palos Verdes are best in the morning before coastal clouds burn off, and from December through March, this is one of the best whale-watching vantage points on the coast.
Huntington Beach
Known as “Surf City USA”, Huntington Beach is one of Southern California’s classic beach towns and an easy day trip from Long Beach. The long stretch of sandy coastline, iconic pier, and consistent surf breaks create the laid-back atmosphere the area is famous for. Spend the day walking the beachfront path, shopping around Main Street, dining at restaurants, or learning about the city’s surfing heritage at the International Surfing Museum. Just north of town, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve offers a quieter side of the coast, with walking trails, wetlands, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
- Drive time from Long Beach: ~25–35 minutes
- Best for: Beaches, surfing, cycling, and classic Southern California coastal culture
- Don’t miss: Huntington Beach Pier, Main Street, and the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Los Angeles: Hollywood, Venice Beach, and Santa Monica
Los Angeles may technically be Long Beach’s neighbor, but its most famous attractions feel like a completely different destination. For a classic first-time LA experience, focus on three iconic areas. In Hollywood, explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame, take in the views from Griffith Observatory, and look out over the city from the Hollywood Hills. Head west to Venice Beach for its colorful boardwalk, Muscle Beach, street performers, and historic canals. Finish in Santa Monica, where the famous pier, wide sand beach, and pedestrian-friendly Third Street Promenade make for a quintessential Southern California afternoon. Just be mindful that traffic can be heavy; leaving early makes a big difference, especially if you want time to make a breakfast stop.
- Drive time from Long Beach: ~30–45 minutes (traffic-dependent)
- Best for: First-time visitors, iconic landmarks, beaches, and classic Los Angeles experiences
- Don’t miss: Griffith Observatory at sunset, the Venice Beach Boardwalk, and Santa Monica Pier
Tip from the author: Drive to Griffith Observatory for one of the best free views of the LA skyline and the Hollywood sign — arrive early to beat the crowds and snag parking.
Day trips under 1 hour from Long Beach
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is one of Southern California’s most picturesque coastal towns, reached via a beautiful drive south along the Pacific Coast Highway. Known for its dramatic rocky coves, crystal-clear water, and artistic character, it’s an easy day trip that feels far removed from the urban sprawl of Los Angeles County. Spend time exploring the tide pools and coastal paths at Heisler Park, browsing galleries along the walkable downtown strip, and visiting the Laguna Art Museum. Grab dinner and stay into the evening if you can; Laguna’s blufftop viewpoints offer some of the most memorable sunsets on the California coast, and the scenic PCH drive is part of the experience.
- Drive time from Long Beach: ~40–50 minutes
- Best for: Coastal scenery, art galleries, beaches, and sunset views
- Don’t miss: Heisler Park, the Laguna Art Museum, and sunset from the coastal bluffs
Anaheim
Anaheim is best known as the home of Disneyland Resort, the original Disney theme park and one of the most visited attractions in the world. Most visitors come for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, which can easily fill an entire day. Beyond Disney, Anaheim is also home to Angel Stadium, where the Los Angeles Angels play, while nearby Knott’s Berry Farm offers roller coasters and family-friendly entertainment for those looking for a fun theme park experience beyond Disney.
- Drive time from Long Beach: ~25–35 minutes
- Best for: Families, theme parks, and classic Southern California attractions
- Don’t miss: Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, and Knott’s Berry Farm
San Pedro and the Ports O’ Call area
Just north of Long Beach, San Pedro offers a different side of Los Angeles, shaped by its working waterfront and maritime heritage. The standout attraction is the USS Iowa Museum, where visitors can explore a decommissioned battleship that served in World War II and beyond. Other highlights include the Korean Bell of Friendship, perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, and the waterfront redevelopment around the former Ports O’ Call Village. It’s an easy, low-key half-day trip with great harbor views and a strong connection to Southern California’s seafaring history.
- Drive time from Long Beach: ~20–25 minutes
- Best for: Maritime history, waterfront walks, and harbor views
- Don’t miss: The USS Iowa Museum, the Korean Bell of Friendship, and the San Pedro waterfront
Day trips under 2 hours from Long Beach
Catalina Island
Catalina Island is the most distinctive day trip from Long Beach; a genuine island escape just 22 miles off the Southern California coast. Reached via the Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach, the crossing takes around an hour and delivers you to the harbor town of Avalon. Once there, spend the day exploring the waterfront, renting a golf cart to tour the island, snorkeling in the clear waters of Lover’s Cove, or taking a glass-bottom boat tour to see marine life below the surface. Don’t miss the historic Catalina Casino, one of the island’s most recognizable landmarks. Unlike every other destination on this list, Catalina doesn’t require a car once you arrive, only to get you to the ferry terminal.
- Ferry time from Long Beach: ~1 hour (Catalina Express)
- Best for: Island scenery, snorkeling, waterfront charm, and a complete change of pace
- Don’t miss: Avalon, Lover’s Cove, a golf cart tour of the island, and the historic Catalina Casino
Tip from the author: Book the earliest ferry possible. Morning crossings are calmer and give you maximum time on the island before the afternoon crowds arrive. Book tickets in advance, especially in summer.
Santa Barbara
A drive north along the Pacific Coast leads to Santa Barbara, one of California’s most elegant and picturesque coastal cities. Known for its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, red-tiled roofs, and palm-lined streets, the city has a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Highlights include the historic Santa Barbara Courthouse, which offers free entry and panoramic views from its clock tower, the waterfront atmosphere of Stearns Wharf, and the Funk Zone, where former warehouses now house craft breweries, wineries, galleries, and cafés. For some beach time, head to Arroyo Burro Beach. Santa Barbara also serves as the gateway to the Santa Ynez Valley, making it easy to extend the day with wine tasting if time allows.
- Drive time from Long Beach: ~1.5–2 hours (traffic-dependent)
- Best for: Coastal charm, food and wine, architecture, and relaxed city exploring
- Don’t miss: The Santa Barbara Courthouse, Stearns Wharf, the Funk Zone, and Arroyo Burro Beach
San Diego
San Diego is the longest drive on this list, but it packs in enough attractions to justify the journey. The city offers an impressive mix of beaches, culture, wildlife, and food, making it easy to fill an entire day. Focus on a couple of key areas rather than trying to see everything. Balboa Park is home to world-class museums, gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo, while the waterfront offers harbor views and maritime attractions. Further north, La Jolla Cove is known for its dramatic coastline, clear water, and resident sea lions. San Diego easily justifies an overnight stay, but a well-planned day trip is still highly worthwhile.
- Drive time from Long Beach: ~1.5–2 hours (traffic-dependent)
- Best for: Beaches, wildlife, museums, food, and a full-day city adventure
- Don’t miss: Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, La Jolla Cove, and the waterfront harbor district
Day trips under 3 hours from Long Beach
Joshua Tree National Park
A drive east from Long Beach leads to one of Southern California’s most extraordinary landscapes. Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its twisted namesake trees, enormous granite boulders, and wide-open desert scenery that feels almost otherworldly. Some favorite spots to stop include the Skull Rock nature trail, the panoramic viewpoint at Keys View overlooking the Coachella Valley, and the Cholla Cactus Garden, which glows beautifully in the late afternoon light. The park is vast, so an early start is highly recommended, particularly during summer when temperatures can become extreme by midday, and visitor numbers are at their highest.
- Drive time from Long Beach: ~2–2.5 hours
- Best for: Desert landscapes, hiking, photography, and stargazing
- Don’t miss: Skull Rock, Keys View, and the Cholla Cactus Garden at sunset
Tip from the author: Joshua Tree is one of the best stargazing destinations in Southern California. If you can time your visit around a new moon, staying until after dark turns a day trip into something extremely memorable.
Tips for planning a day trip from Long Beach
A little planning goes a long way when exploring Southern California from Long Beach.
Factor in LA traffic: The greater Los Angeles area is notorious for traffic congestion, especially during weekday mornings and late afternoons. For destinations north of Long Beach (Hollywood, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara), leaving before 8 am makes a significant difference. Use real-time navigation and always add in buffer time.
Book a car in advance: Several of the best day trips from Long Beach, Palos Verdes, Laguna Beach, Santa Barbara, and Joshua Tree require a car. Browse Turo for a wide range of vehicles in Long Beach with flexible pick-up options.
Start early: Most of these destinations are more enjoyable before midday crowds peak, particularly beaches, hiking trails, and national parks during summer.
Pack for the coast and beyond: Southern California microclimates are real. A cool, foggy morning on the coast can turn into a hot afternoon inland, while desert destinations like Joshua Tree may be significantly warmer than Long Beach. Bring layers, sunscreen, water, and comfortable walking shoes.
Check ferry bookings ahead of time: For Catalina Island, ferry tickets can sell out on busy days, so book online in advance.
Frequently asked questions about day trips from Long Beach
What is the best day trip from Long Beach?
The best day trip depends on what you’re looking for. Catalina Island offers the most unique experience, Laguna Beach is ideal for a scenic coastal escape, Joshua Tree delivers unforgettable desert landscapes, and Los Angeles is perfect for iconic attractions and beach neighborhoods. For a quieter, underrated option, it’s hard to beat the ocean views and cliffside scenery of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. And for families looking to ride the Ferris wheel and more, check out local theme parks.
How far is Long Beach from Los Angeles?
Long Beach is approximately 25–30 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. Driving usually takes around 30–45 minutes outside of peak traffic, though travel times can increase significantly during morning and evening rush hours. Public transportation via the Metro A Line also provides a direct connection between Long Beach and downtown LA.
Can you do a day trip to Catalina Island from Long Beach?
Yes, Catalina Island is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Long Beach. The Catalina Express ferry reaches Avalon in around one hour, giving you plenty of time to explore the island before returning the same day. Booking ferry tickets in advance is strongly recommended, especially during weekends and summer. If you’re after a longer trip and want to stay the night, there are plenty of hotels available.
Is San Diego worth a day trip from Long Beach?
Absolutely. While the drive takes around 1.5–2 hours each way, depending on traffic, San Diego offers enough attractions to justify the journey. Focus on one or two areas, such as Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo or La Jolla Cove and the waterfront, rather than trying to see everything in a single day.
Start planning your Long Beach day trip with Turo
Long Beach is one of the best-positioned cities in Southern California for exploring beyond the city limits. Whether you’re chasing dramatic coastal scenery, heading into the desert, discovering beach towns, or catching a ferry to Catalina Island, the variety of destinations within a two-hour journey is genuinely impressive.
Ready to hit the road? Browse Turo for car rental in Long Beach, with flexible pick-up options and a wide selection of vehicles. Whether you need a compact car for a coastal drive or an SUV for a longer adventure, you’ll find plenty of options to help make the most of your Southern California getaway.
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Maddison Stewart
Maddy Stewart is a Sydney-based writer originally from Aotearoa, New Zealand, with a love for road trips and discovering places off the beaten track. Having driven the length of New Zealand many times, her favourite journeys are through the bottom of the South Island - especially Central Otago, which she considers a dream. She’s also explored parts of Australia by car and is currently looking forward to discovering Europe’s best vintage shops, seaside towns, and hidden gems on her next adventure.
