Los Angeles is an amazing city with endless activities, and it’s not like there isn’t enough to do here on the weekends. But sometimes, you just need to escape from reality and to embrace the great outdoors for a few hours or days. Sometimes, you need a change of pace or a chance of scenery. Luckily, we happen to be surrounded by beautiful landscapes and small towns with a variety of activities available, all of which serve as the perfect place for weekend getaways or day trips from Los Angeles. Here are some of the best day trips from Los Angeles that are worth taking.
Day Trips from Los Angeles:
Lake Arrowhead
If you’re itching for an out-of-town adventure but are a bit short on time, we know the perfect place that is only 89 miles, a short hour and a half drive, without traffic, from Los Angeles. Just up the hill, Lake Arrowhead provides a city escape closer than you think. Here, you can enjoy a variety of activities, all year round. Situated at 5,100 feet and tucked away in the pine forest of the San Bernardino Mountains is the majestic Lake Arrowhead. This small resort town is the perfect place to enjoy nature and relax without all of the stresses of city living in Los Angeles. Full of A-Frames, diner food, thrift stores, and fresh air, Lake Arrowhead is a must-do when seeking an escape and planning day trips from Los Angeles.
Shop at Antique and Thrift Stores in Lake Arrowhead Village
Lake Arrowhead is home to some pretty unique antique and thrift stores. Plan a thrift shopping day trip from Los Angeles and visit Lake Arrowhead.
Cedar Station Antiques & Interiors – This historic 1940s art deco gas station turned antique shop houses rugs, furniture, glassware, jewelry, and basically everything your thrift-store-loving heart could want. This is a prime store to visit as it’s located within a block of more thrift and antique shops. Thus, you can hit more than one spot at a time.
Leroy’s Board Shop – For those looking for fashion items, souvenirs, or action sports apparel and gear, make sure to stop by Leroy’s Board Shop. Whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall, Leroy’s is always up to date with the current fashion trends. They are constantly updating the store with new items and designs. Moreover, Leroy’s has been a staple in the action sports industry since its establishment in 1949. With action sports gear from the best brands and equipment rentals, Leroy’s is a favorite amongst visitors.
Mountain Arts Gallery and Network – For the art lovers out there, Lake Arrowhead has something for you too! Enjoy the work of renowned artists of the West and Southwest at the Mountain Arts Gallery. They have an amazing selection of art pieces with an emphasis on western and native american art. The Mountain Arts Gallery is located in the Lake Arrowhead Village in a lovely lake-front location next to the Belgian Waffle Works restaurant.
Sondras – Specializing in women’s and children’s fashion, Sondra’s is located in the Lake Arrowhead Village.
Embrace all that nature has to offer in Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead is stunningly beautiful, cozy, and charming mountain town. It features countless outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, backpacking, bicycling, water skiing, fishing, snow shoeing, and more. With stunning scenery and wildlife, comes a natural peacefulness.
Snow Valley Mountain Resort, which lies just a few miles southeast of Lake Arrowhead, is a great place to go for skiing and snowboarding. Rental equipment is available, and if you’re inexperienced, licensed instructors offer lessons. If you’re looking for easier winter fun, you can also go sledding or build snowmen. This is the perfect destination for winter day trip from Los Angeles.
Enjoy the spectacular views of the great outdoors in Lake Arrowhead on the Arrowhead Queen Boat Tour. This is a one hour narrated boat ride that will take you on a historic journey.
Learn more about all of the amazing outdoor adventures here.
Silverwood Lake
Silverwood Lake, one of the most popular lakes in Southern California, is set high in the heart of San Bernardino National Forest. This is the perfect location for a day trip from Los Angeles. As part of the State Recreation Area, Silverwood Lake features recreational activities for the whole family to enjoy. You can enjoy swimming, boating, water skiing, fishing, and more water-based fun! Silverwood Lake features 3 miles of shoreline and plenty of outdoor space. The Pacific Crest Trail, also known as “the jewel in the crown of America’s scenic trails,” passes through the Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, with trailheads for short or long hikes. The various outdoor activities available make Silverwood Lake the perfect destination for a day trip from Los Angeles.
Green Valley Lake
Nicknamed the “Hidden Gem” of the San Bernardino Mountains, Green Valley Lake is a 9-acre lake situated at 7,000ft in elevation. Less than four miles away from State Highway 18, and tucked away in a secluded National Forest it is known as the “best-kept secret on the mountain”. You can enjoy the many wildflower and bird watching opportunities at this picturesque location. Green Valley Lake is the ideal place for a quiet family outing. It also includes a small swimming beach and a family picnic area!
Lake Gregory
Lake Gregory Regional Park has 84 acres of pines, trails, and picnic areas that surround it’s a spectacular lake. For a day of family fun in the sun, hop on over to Lake Gregory! This lake boasts a beautiful swimming beach, inflatable water slides, on-water pedal and paddle boats, and fishing.
Take a hike on the fitness trail that surrounds the lake. Splash the day away at Lake Gregory’s Waterpark. This huge, inflated water-play structure has slides, swings, jumps, diving platforms, and more. Rent a rowboat, electric motor boat, belly board, aqua cycle, pedal boat,kayak, or stand-up paddle board. Whatever your favorite outdoor activity may be, Lake Gregory is one of the best day trips from Los Angeles.
What are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Lake Arrowhead and enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures and attractions. To learn more about where to stay and where to eat, visit our website today!
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