2-3 Hour Drive
Category
Exploring the Trona Pinnacles, Mojave Desert
Just three hours north of Los Angeles, the Trona Pinnacles National Natural Landmark is a unique, other-worldy landscape of towering tufa pinnacles against the starkly beautiful backdrop of the Mojave Desert.
Weekend in Lone Pine – Exploring Alabama Hills and Onion Valley
In mid-February, we spent a weekend in Lone Pine exploring the Alabama Hills Recreation Area and hiking in nearby Onion Valley. The surrounding area is beautiful, with soaring peaks, mountain lakes, rolling hills, and desert flats. There are endless opportunities for adventure.
La Jolla Cove Kayaking, San Diego
The San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park spans 6,000 acres of ocean bottom and tidelands to the north of La Jolla. The Underwater Park conta..
Mt Baldy Summer Hiking
A day trip to Mt Baldy is more than the typical day trip “hike” into the mountains that surround Los Angeles. There’s a visitor center, a ski lift, hikes to 8,500-10,000 ft elevations, 360 degree views, and a lodge on the mountain to sit for lunch. It’s a real adventure.
Ocean Institute and Kayaking, Dana Point
The Ocean Institute is an ocean education organization located in Dana Point that’s only open to the public on the weekends. The Ocean Institute has aquaria, displays, activities, and a gift shop, and is located next a kid-friendly beach and a kayak/SUP rental facility.
Joshua Tree National Park Day Trip
The Joshua Tree National Park day trip from Los Angeles is completely doable and worth the effort, even if you’re driving to and from LA the same day. There’s really no other place like it.