5 Best Day Trips from LA (For Families & Pet Parents)
So, you’ve been staring at your dog and thinking, “Wow, we both really need to get out more.” First off—good call. Second—where to?
Lucky for you, Los Angeles isn’t just about traffic and overpriced lattes (shocking, I know). It’s also surrounded by a ton of amazing spots perfect for a quick escape—and yep, your furry BFF can come too. 🐶
Grab the leash, gas up the car, and let’s get into the 5 best day trips from LA that are totally dog-friendly (and human-friendly too, FYI).
1. Santa Barbara – Because You Deserve to Feel Fancy
Alright, real talk: Santa Barbara is basically LA’s more sophisticated, chill cousin. It’s about a 90-minute drive (depending on how much LA’s traffic gods hate you that day), but once you’re there, it’s like a whole different world.
Why it’s awesome:
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- Tons of outdoor cafés that don’t give you the side-eye for bringing a dog.
- Wine tasting rooms that actually encourage you to bring your pet. (Because drunk dog petting is a thing.)
Pro tip:
Walk along State Street. It’s super pretty, your dog will love all the smells, and you can pretend you’re fancier than you actually are. Win-win.
IMO, this is a perfect trip if you want a little bit of bougie without the full commitment of “spending my life savings.”
2. Malibu – Beach Day, Baby
If you haven’t been to Malibu yet, what have you even been doing with your weekends? Malibu isn’t just for celeb sightings and $25 smoothies—it’s also home to some gorgeous dog-friendly beaches.
Top picks:
- Leo Carrillo State Beach: Dogs allowed on leash in designated areas. Your dog can channel their inner Baywatch star.
- Zuma Beach: While most parts are technically no-dog zones, the nearby trails? Total playground.
Why it rocks:
You get sunshine, ocean breezes, and sand everywhere (yes, even in your car for the next two months)—but it’s so worth it. Plus, your pup will crash HARD on the ride home, and who doesn’t love a passed-out pupper? 🙂
3. Big Bear Lake – For When You Need Actual Seasons
Sometimes you just want to pretend LA has seasons, right? Enter: Big Bear. About a two-hour drive (give or take), this alpine town is basically what Hallmark movies dream about.
What’s great:
- Dog-friendly hiking trails like Castle Rock Trail (short and sweet, but with epic views).
- Kayaking and paddleboarding? Yeah, your dog can ride along and look cooler than you.
- Cozy cafés that are more than happy to serve you AND your four-legged friend.
FYI, Big Bear in the fall or winter? Absolutely magical. Snow, crisp air, and your dog trying to figure out what the heck this cold, white powder is? 10/10 entertainment.
One quick heads-up:
Some trails and spots have leash rules, so keep one handy unless you feel like explaining yourself to a very unimpressed park ranger.
4. Ojai – Vibes Only
Ojai is the place you go when you need to recharge your soul… or at least your Instagram feed. It’s about 90 minutes from LA, tucked into a beautiful valley, and it feels like a legit retreat.
Reasons it slaps:
- Chill, artsy vibes everywhere.
- Dog-friendly hiking in places like Shelf Road Trail (easy, pretty, and you’ll feel
one with nature). - Patio restaurants that basically hand you a dog bowl the second you sit down. (Bless them.)
Pro tip:
Hit up the Ojai Olive Oil Company. They let dogs wander the groves while you pretend to be a classy olive oil connoisseur. (Spoiler: They all taste like olive oil.)
Honestly, Ojai is perfect for a low-key day when you and your dog just want to vibe and eat good snacks. Which, let’s be real, is every day.
5. Joshua Tree – Get Weird, Get Wonderful
Wanna feel like you landed on Mars without the whole, you know, dying in space thing? Joshua Tree is your jam. It’s a little bit of a haul (about 2–2.5 hours), but the drive is half the fun. Crank up the tunes, roll the windows down, and let your dog’s ears flap in the breeze. Pure joy.
Why it’s awesome:
- Dogs are allowed on certain trails and all paved roads. (Because hiking on Mars = goals.)
- The surreal landscape will have you both tripping out—in a good way.
- Epic photo ops. Your dog on a giant rock? Insta gold.
But beware:
Dogs aren’t allowed everywhere inside the national park. Stick to approved areas unless you enjoy angry ranger lectures (and fines).
Bonus tip:
Head out early or late to avoid the brutal heat, especially in summer. Nobody (human or dog) wants to melt into the desert floor.
Final Thoughts (and a Pep Talk)
Look, you and your dog are basically living in one of the coolest spots in the country. You owe it to yourselves to explore beyond the 405. These day trips from LA are perfect for those days when you need a quick reset—and when your dog’s giving you that “I’m bored” side-eye.
Pack water, bring snacks (for both of you), and don’t forget the poop bags.
(Seriously. Don’t be that person.)
And hey, if you end up stopping for an extra snack or two along the way? Totally counts as “carb-loading” for your adventure. 😉
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉