August 28, 2025

Explore Family-Friendly Road Trip Destinations Near Los Angeles

News Summary

Families seeking to escape the hustle of Los Angeles can find a variety of exciting road trip options just a few hours away. From the charming Santa Barbara with its beaches and zoo to sprawling San Diego known for its attractions and parks, there’s something for every family. Del Mar, Carlsbad, and Dana Point also offer unique experiences, while Ojai and Palm Springs provide relaxing retreats. Discover these diverse destinations perfect for weekend getaways that cater to children’s activities and outdoor fun.

Los Angeles

Families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles have numerous road trip options within just a few hours. Destinations less than two hours away provide a mix of kid-friendly activities and beautiful scenery, making them ideal for unforgettable family adventures. From mountain getaways to beachside retreats, these locations promise fresh air and wide-open spaces.

Santa Barbara

Located approximately 2 hours by car, Santa Barbara blends small-town charm with coastal glamour. The area features golden beaches and stunning mountain views, providing families with ample opportunities for outdoor fun. Kids can build sandcastles at East Beach, feed giraffes at the Santa Barbara Zoo, explore the aquarium at Stearns Wharf, or engage in interactive science exhibits at MOXI.

Montecito, a nearby neighborhood, offers oceanfront strolls, family-friendly shopping, and dining options with shaded patios. Recommended accommodations include:

Rosewood Miramar: This hotel provides direct beach access, lawn games, spacious suites, and an ice cream shop.
San Ysidro Ranch: Nestled on 550 acres, this hotel features storybook cottages surrounded by gardens, hiking trails, and a heated pool.
Hilton Santa Barbara: Located close to the Funk Zone, it has new pickleball courts with ocean views and a luxury spa.

San Diego

About 2.5 hours from Los Angeles, San Diego is famous for its renowned attractions, including the San Diego Zoo and the lush gardens of Balboa Park. Families can enjoy paddleboarding at Mission Bay and carousel rides at Seaport Village. Recommended hotels include the Omni San Diego Hotel, boasting baseball-themed rooms with views of Petco Park, and the Gaylord Pacific Resort, which features multiple pools and slides.

Del Mar

Just a 2-hour drive from Los Angeles, Del Mar offers wide sandy beaches and parks perfect for family outings. The city hosts annual events including the Del Mar Harvest Festival and the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a recommended hotel with kid-friendly pools and horseback riding trails.

Carlsbad

Carlsbad, reachable in about 2 hours by car, is home to LEGOLAND California and beautiful beaches. The city also hosts family-friendly events such as the Carlsbad Village Oktoberfest. Recommended accommodations include the LEGOLAND Hotel and the Castle Hotel, both offering themed rooms and kids’ amenities.

Dana Point

Only an hour away from Los Angeles, Dana Point features ocean-centric adventures like whale watching and kayaking. Baby Beach offers a safe swimming area for young children. Families can stay at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, which features a kids’ club and splash pools perfect for young guests.

Coronado

Coronado is a 2.5-hour drive and boasts golden beaches and bike rentals for recreational fun. Families can explore its scenic beauty and enjoy leisurely activities.

Laguna Beach

Located an hour from Los Angeles, Laguna Beach is an excellent destination for beach activities and tide pool exploration. Visitors can enjoy casual dining spots, while the Montage Laguna Beach offers kids’ activities and direct ocean access.

Ojai

About 2 hours away, Ojai offers vibrant farmers’ markets, biking trails, and art galleries. A family-friendly hotel option is the Ojai Valley Inn, which features a kids’ camp.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a 1.5-hour drive and is known for outdoor adventures such as hiking. Visitors can explore the Palm Springs Air Museum. The Omni Rancho Las Palmas is a recommended hotel featuring water slides and a lazy river.

Big Bear

Big Bear is a 2-hour drive from Los Angeles, making it a popular destination for both winter sports and summer activities such as hiking and lake fun. The area is recognized for its family-oriented accommodations.

Additional Tips

Check local tide charts for the best times to encounter marine life during beach visits.
Look for kid-friendly movie screenings or events organized by hotels like Rosewood Miramar or The Del.
Seek out local dining options for authentic culinary experiences throughout the trip.

These family-friendly road trip destinations within two hours of Los Angeles offer diverse activities that cater to children and adults alike, making them perfect for a weekend getaway.

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Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD

The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD

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