Discover fun day trips just a few hours, or less, away from Orange County!
One of my favorite parts about living in Southern California is how easy it is to make a quick day trip. Sure, the freeways can be a nightmare, but the destinations are always worth it. From beautiful beaches to exciting adventures, a few hours in the car can go a long way in Orange County. There are so many options that it might be hard to decide.
You could head north to Los Angeles and spend a day sightseeing in Hollywood. From the incredible museums to the restaurant scene, it’s easy to spend a whole day in the city. Or, you could pop down to San Diego and spend time at the zoo. Craving wine? Temecula is only a short drive away, and its vineyards are waiting for you. As summer approaches, it’s time to start planning fun day trips to soak up the sun.
1. San Diego Zoo
Location: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m
There are few places more magical for animal lovers than the San Diego Zoo. Originally opened in October 1916 by Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth, the institution has become a staple in the city. People travel from all over the world to see one of the world’s highest-rated zoos.
For those in Orange County, the zoo is roughly a 1.5-hour car ride. What makes this zoo so special is the effort they put into the exhibits. Each animal’s enclosure mimics what they would experience in the wild. If you don’t see an animal, it’s likely because the zoo gives them the option to escape the public eye when needed.
Some people may have a negative view of zoos. That’s understandable, as there are seriously bad ones out there. However, you can feel good about visiting the San Diego Zoo. They offer a wide range of species. From lions and tigers to elephants and rhinos, you’ll see the expected zoo critters and some rarer and more exciting ones.
If the San Diego Zoo has been on your to-visit list, now is the time to make the trip. They are currently the home of two giant pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, from China. Join the conversation on these beautiful creatures and get the rare opportunity to see them in person! Braving the traffic from Orange County to San Diego is well worth the trip.
The zoo is big, so plan to spend the entire day there to get the full experience. Tickets start at $78 for adults with the option of special add-on experiences.
2. Catalina Island
Orange County has beautiful beaches, and just off the coast is Catalina Island. If you’ve never been, it’s worth a visit. The beautiful landscape and quick ferry ride make for the perfect day trip.
To get to the island, Orange County residents can take the Catalina Flyer, a ferry that takes about 75 minutes to arrive at the island from Newport Beach. Once you reach Catalina, you’ll experience an adorable little town with restaurants and nightlife.
There are endless opportunities for summer fun on Catalina Island. You can rent paddleboats or kayaks and spend time on the beautiful water. If you’d rather stay dry, there are glass-bottom boat tours to give you a glimpse of life inside the water without having to get in it.
Is staying on land more your speed? Catalina has several museums, restaurants, botanical gardens, and even a casino. A trip to the island is the perfect day for everyone in the family, or a quick getaway for the adults.
3. Temecula’s wine country
Temecula is the hub of Southern California’s wine scene. Located just an hour’s drive away from Orange County, if you need a break from the kids this summer, you may want to take a trip to wine country.
The city’s biggest tourist attraction is its wine tours, and you have many to choose from. You can ride in a trolley from one winery to the next, or grab a glass and float away in a hot air balloon, getting the perfect view of the rolling vineyards. The options are endless. You can even hop on a 16-wheeler to be escorted around the city’s wineries.
Once you pick your mode of transportation, you’ll get to experience a full day of wine tasting. It’s best to bring along a designated driver on this day trip!
4. Joshua Tree
Craving the desert sun? Joshua Tree National Park is roughly two hours away from Orange County, and this day trip is perfect for nature lovers.
Whether you’re looking for a good hike or a picturesque landscape to take Wild West-inspired Instagram photos, Joshua Tree has what you are looking for. While hitting the trails or climbing the rock formations, you may get a look at the park’s animal residents, including Desert Bighorn sheep and bobcats.
Make sure you take a drive to Pappy & Harriets. Not only can you dine on-site, but you can also explore the pioneer town on the property. Make sure you check the event calendar, as the restaurant also serves as a concert venue. You never know who you’ll see—artists like Paul McCartney have done surprise performances on the grounds.
5. Hollywood
About 1.5 hours away from Orange County is the city that entertainment dreams are made of. Hollywood offers so many experiences that anyone can find something exciting to do—from dining at some of the area’s best restaurants to experiencing the incredible nature in Griffith Park. But when we picture Hollywood, we likely picture movie studios and celebrities.
If you are a movie lover, I have the perfect day trip for you. You can kick off the day with a studio tour: Paramount, Warner Bros, and Sony Studios all offer chances to see their lots. A knowledgeable guide will drive you through the backlot where you’ll see the sets from some of your favorite movies and TV shows, and you may even run into a celebrity or two if you’re lucky.
Want to make the most of your day trip following your studio tour? Take a visit to the Academy Museum, which is relatively close to each studio. Whether you love classic films or more modern flicks, the museum has artifacts to please every cinephile. Coming this summer, there will be a new exhibit dedicated to Marilyn Monroe that you will not want to miss.
The cost of the tours varies depending on which studio and experience you are looking for. The Academy Museum is open Wednesday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and tickets start at $25 for adults.
Whether you want to head north, south, or somewhere in between, these destinations are only a few hours away and always worth the trip.
