Day Trips In California: Your Guide to a Quick Escape
Here are the best day trips in California for your holiday. If you want to know where’s good to see in one day in California, then here’s everywhere you need to know.
California is full of diverse ecosystems ranging from deserts to beaches to mountaintops. If you’re looking to take in relaxing destinations, you can take a trip to small charming towns. Alternatively, large national parks will allow you to get close to varied wildlife and lush nature.
If you’re looking to recharge your batteries, California offers plenty of one-day getaways – let’s look at a few of them.
1. Day trip to Monterey and Carmel
The Monterey Peninsula is close to San Jose and offers picturesque beaches with plenty of attractions to keep you occupied for the day. You get to enjoy pristine beaches, the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, eat delicacies at both fine dining restaurants and homely places to enjoy casual eats as well.
Stroll down Cannery Row, John Steinbeck’s haunt, for a leisurely walk.

If you like exploring on two wheels, you can rent bikes and follow the coast around the peninsula on your way to Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove, and the scenic 17-Mile Drive. The southside of Monterey’s Peninsula gives you the chance to explore Carmel-by-the-Sea, a small town that is known for its art galleries, romantic homes, and shopping. You can get plenty more stunning destination ideas on Viator.com.
2. Day trip to California Living Museum, Bakersfield
Bakersfield houses the California Living Museum (CALM) that opened to the public in 1983, even though it was founded three years ago.
The Museum interprets and displays native California plants and animals for the purpose of research, conversation, and education. More than 20,000 Kern County students get a chance to be educated here and experience indigenous flora and fauna that are native to California. Bakersfield is a great destination, whether you choose it for a day trip or as a stop on a Las Vegas to Yosemite road trip.
3. Day trip to Hollywood
Hollywood has rightfully gained a reputation for being the centre of American moviemaking. It’s been the home of many starry-eyed actors, with a few hitting global renown. It offers people lots to do as a day trip destination, starting with the famous Walk of Fame. It’s also the home to the Dolby Theatre, which is the host to the Academy Awards.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-visit destination for both LA locals and tourists. It’s a working movie studio that comes with a theme park. You can experience the well-known Studio Tour to enjoy thrilling rides and see movies being made with your own eyes.
4. Day trip to Oak Glen in the San Bernardino Mountains
Oak Glen can be visited throughout the year, even though it stands out in its resplendent beauty during the fall apple harvest season from September to November. Located in the foothills of the statuesque San Bernardino Mountains, Oak Glen offers a unique apple-picking experience to visitors on a day trip.
