Beverly Hills, California: 10 Short Day Trips to Love
10 Easy Road Trips from Beverly Hills, California for a Fun Day Out
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| Trade polished city streets for tide pools, harbor breezes, mission charm, and mountain tram views on these easy day trips from Beverly Hills. |
Need a quick escape from Beverly Hills, California? You’re in a great spot for it. When city life feels a little too polished, busy, or just plain packed, a short drive can take you to beaches, mountains, deserts, and charming small towns in just a couple of hours.
This guide covers 10 short out-of-county road trips near Beverly Hills that are perfect for a day trip or a simple weekend trip. Best of all, every idea here takes you outside Los Angeles County and into nearby places in Orange County, Ventura County, Kern County, and San Bernardino County.
So, where should you go first? That depends. Want ocean views? A mountain breeze? A little shopping and lunch by the water? There’s a nearby getaway for that.
1. Spend the Day at Crystal Cove State Park, Orange County
If you want that classic Southern California beach day, Crystal Cove State Park is hard to beat. It has scenic bluffs, sandy beaches, tide pools, and walking trails that make it feel like a real break from the city.
From Beverly Hills, this road trip is usually around 55 to 65 miles, depending on your route. It’s close enough for a day trip, but it feels like you went much farther.
I always think places like this are the travel version of pressing a reset button. One walk along the coast, and suddenly everything slows down.
- Take an easy bluff-top walk with ocean views
- Look for tide pools at low tide
- Pack a towel and enjoy the beach
- Grab a bite near the historic beach cottages
This is one of the best day trips from Beverly Hills, CA if you want nature without a huge drive.
2. Explore Balboa Island and Newport Harbor, Orange County
Looking for a more relaxed nearby getaway? Head to Balboa Island in Newport Beach. It’s known for cute shops, waterfront homes, calm harbor views, and an easygoing atmosphere.
This makes a great road trip when you don’t want to overplan. Just stroll, snack, and enjoy the breeze. Sometimes those are the best trips, right?
- Walk the scenic island loop
- Try a famous frozen banana or Balboa Bar
- Watch boats pass through Newport Harbor
- Browse local boutiques
For travelers searching for things to do near Beverly Hills California, this one is simple, pretty, and always enjoyable.
3. Visit the Mission at San Juan Capistrano, Orange County
If you like history, gardens, and beautiful old architecture, take a day trip to Mission San Juan Capistrano. This spot is full of California history and has a peaceful feel that’s very different from Beverly Hills.
The grounds are lovely to explore, and the town around it is charming too. It’s one of those places where you can wander at your own pace and still feel like you saw something special.
- Tour the historic mission buildings
- Enjoy the gardens and fountains
- Walk around the town’s local shops and cafes
- Learn more about early California history
This is a smart pick for a weekend trip from Beverly Hills if you want culture mixed with a little small-town charm.
4. Wander Through Downtown Ojai, Ventura County
Ojai is one of those towns people talk about with a little sparkle in their eye. And once you go, you’ll get it. Surrounded by hills and known for its artsy, laid-back vibe, Ojai is ideal for a short road trip.
It’s about 75 to 85 miles from Beverly Hills, making it very doable for a full day out. The downtown area is easy to explore on foot, and there’s a nice mix of local shops, cafes, and galleries.
- Browse art galleries and bookstores
- Shop local boutiques
- Stop for coffee or brunch in town
- Enjoy the mountain views all around you
If your idea of a nearby getaway includes a slower pace and a little personality, Ojai is a great fit.
5. Relax at Ventura Pier and the Beachfront, Ventura County
For a classic California coastal day, drive to Ventura Pier and the nearby shoreline. Ventura feels more casual than some of the bigger beach cities, and that’s part of the charm.
You can take a long beach walk, watch surfers, and enjoy the kind of ocean air that makes you forget your phone for a while.
- Walk out on Ventura Pier for wide ocean views
- Spend time on the sand
- Ride bikes along the coast if you want extra fun
- Explore nearby spots for lunch or ice cream
This is one of the easiest road trips from Beverly Hills, California for beach lovers who want something low-key and refreshing.
6. Take in the Views at Channel Islands Harbor, Ventura County
If you want a waterfront day without the bigger crowds, try Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. It has marina views, walking paths, dining, and easy access to the coast.
It’s a nice middle ground between a beach trip and a harbor town stroll. Think of it like getting two day trips in one.
- Walk along the harbor and watch the boats
- Rent a paddleboard or kayak if you’re feeling active
- Enjoy seafood or casual lunch by the water
- Head over to nearby beaches afterward
For anyone planning short day trips near Beverly Hills, this is a fun option that doesn’t feel rushed.
7. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, San Bernardino County
Want a dramatic change of scenery? Drive out to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. In one trip, you go from desert floor to cool mountain air. It’s one of the most memorable nearby getaways you can do in Southern California.
The tram climbs up into the San Jacinto Mountains, and the views are incredible. It’s almost like flipping the channel from desert to alpine forest.
- Ride the tram for amazing views
- Enjoy cooler temperatures at the top
- Walk the mountain trails if the weather is right
- Take photos of the huge landscape below
This is a standout day trip from Beverly Hills California when you want something truly different.
8. Explore Lake Arrowhead Village, San Bernardino County
Lake Arrowhead Village offers mountain scenery, lake views, and that cozy getaway feel without needing a long vacation. It’s a favorite for people who want fresh air and a change from city streets.
This road trip works well in every season. Summer is great for lakeside walks. Fall adds color. Winter can bring that cabin-trip feeling. Spring is crisp and quiet.
- Walk around the village shops
- Enjoy the lake views
- Have lunch with a mountain backdrop
- Take a relaxing stroll and enjoy the cooler air
Sometimes the best weekend trip is simply trading traffic for pine trees.
9. Discover the Desert Beauty of Red Rock Canyon State Park, Kern County
For something more rugged and scenic, head to Red Rock Canyon State Park in Kern County. The desert cliffs and rock formations here are striking, especially if you’ve mostly been used to city and beach views.
It’s a little farther than some of the other options, but still very doable as a long day trip if you start early. And honestly, the landscape feels so bold that it’s worth the extra drive.
- See colorful cliffs and desert formations
- Take short walks for great photo spots
- Enjoy wide-open views and dark blue skies
- Pack snacks and water for a comfortable visit
If you’re searching for unique road trips near Beverly Hills, this one brings serious wow factor.
10. Tour the Tehachapi Loop Area, Kern County
One of the most unusual short road trips from Beverly Hills is a visit toward the Tehachapi Loop area. This famous railroad engineering site is well known for its sweeping mountain setting and the way long trains curve around the loop.
You don’t have to be a train expert to enjoy it. Watching a massive train bend through the hills is surprisingly fascinating. It’s the kind of stop that sticks with you because it’s different.
- See one of California’s famous rail landmarks
- Enjoy mountain and high desert scenery
- Take photos from public viewing areas
- Pair the drive with other Tehachapi area stops
This is a great pick for travelers who want a road trip with something a little offbeat.
Tips for Planning Your Beverly Hills Day Trip
Before you hit the road, keep a few simple things in mind:
- Start early to avoid heavier traffic leaving the Los Angeles area
- Check weather, especially for mountain and desert spots
- Bring layers since temperatures can change fast
- Pack water and snacks for longer drives
- Use a flexible plan so the day stays fun, not rushed
A good day trip should feel easy. Not like a chore with better views.
Final Thoughts on Road Trips from Beverly Hills, California
One of the best things about living in or visiting Beverly Hills, CA is how many quick escapes are within reach. In just a few hours, you can be walking on the beach, riding a tram into the mountains, exploring a historic mission, or staring out at desert cliffs.
These 10 day trips and nearby getaways from Beverly Hills, California offer something for every kind of traveler. Some are calm. Some are scenic. Some surprise you. And that’s the fun of a great road trip.
Have you tried any of these spots yet? If so, which one was your favorite? Share this post with a friend who loves a quick escape, and leave a comment with your top pick for a weekend trip or day drive.
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