For families traveling with younger children, winter break can be the perfect opportunity to explore tide pools, ride a Ferris wheel, or visit a zoo. Families with teens might prefer surfing, hiking, shopping, rock climbing, or exploring a walkable downtown filled with restaurants and live music. And for parents, there is something especially appealing about discovering a charming coastal town, enjoying a scenic drive along the Pacific Ocean, and still making it home before bedtime.
Here are 15 of the best places to consider for your family’s winter break itinerary, along with specific attractions, practical tips, and ideas for making the most of every stop.
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1. Laguna Beach: Tide Pools, Art, and Beautiful Beaches
Approximate drive: 1–1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Laguna Beach is one of the most appealing destinations in Orange County for a relaxed family outing. This coastal town combines beautiful beaches, quirky art galleries, scenic walking paths, and a compact downtown that’s easy to get around on foot. Start at Main Beach, right beside downtown, where the boardwalk, basketball courts, and ocean views welcome you. On a clear winter day, the Pacific Ocean can look spectacular, even when the water is too cold for an extended swim.
For kids and teens who enjoy exploring nature, tide pools are among the best things to discover along the coast. Parents love tidepooling because it’s free entertainment! At protected areas such as Shaw’s Cove and Treasure Island Beach, low tide is a treasure trove of sea anemones, crabs, and other marine life. Check tide charts before leaving, and I suggest wearing shoes with good traction or water shoes.
Art-loving families can stop at the Laguna Art Museum, which focuses on California art, or browse the galleries and public art installations throughout downtown. When everyone gets hungry, grab lunch at a casual café before wandering through local shops for a souvenir.
Laguna Beach is a great place to slow down during the busy holiday season. It is especially enjoyable when your family wants a mix of outdoor activities and culture without committing to a packed itinerary.
Family tip: Plan around low tide and leave time for a leisurely walk along the coast. Winter sunsets can be beautiful, but layering for the cooler ocean breeze is a must.
2. Newport Beach and Balboa Island: Classic Coastal Fun
Approximate drive: 1–1.5 hours.
If your family enjoys waterfront walks, casual restaurants, and old-fashioned seaside attractions, Newport Beach makes an easy winter break escape. Balboa Island is one of those places that makes you want to slow down, grab an ice cream, and pretend you live in a million-dollar waterfront cottage. This charming little island is packed with colorful beach cottages, beautiful harbor views, quirky boutiques, and a scenic waterfront path that circles the island.
Hop on the Balboa Island Ferry and enjoy island time in 3 minutes flat! Photo by: David Mcelwee @ Pexels.
For a little extra adventure, hop aboard the Balboa Island Ferry for a quick ride across the harbor to the Balboa Fun Zone, where arcade games, waterfront attractions, and the giant Ferris wheel await. And don’t leave without trying a famous frozen banana or Balboa Bar from Sugar ‘n Spice, these two local treats have become part of the island’s identity, and you won’t get far without a perfect stranger asking if you’ve tried a Balboa Bar. Between the boats, sweet treats, and endless things to look at, even the kids who consider a five-minute walk an extreme sport might forget to complain.
For families with older kids and teens, renting beach cruisers and hitting the waterfront path is a must. It’s a fun way to explore the peninsula, soak up the ocean views, and give everyone’s feet a break from walking (because apparently, vacation is exhausting when you’re under 16). Stop by 20th Street Beach & Bikes near Newport Pier or Newport Cruisers to rent bikes for the ride. Both offer beach cruiser options, making it easy to get the whole crew rolling (pun intended).
Have a few aspiring surf pros in the family? Head toward The Wedge, famous for its perfect hang 10 waves and impressive surf action. It’s a great place to watch experienced surfers take on the breaks, even if your family’s idea of surfing is more along the lines of staying safely on the sand. Spread out a beach blanket, unpack some snacks, and keep an eye out for sea lions popping up offshore. One of Newport Beach’s biggest perks is how much you can squeeze into a single day without spending half of it buckled into the car. Between biking, beach hopping, surfing, and snack stops, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained!
Family tip: Check ferry, attraction, and rental hours before visiting during the holiday period. If you are hoping for a quieter outing, arrive earlier in the day.
Vacation is better with beach cruisers and besties. Photo by: David Brown @ Pexels.
3. Long Beach: Aquariums, Harbor Views, and Maritime History
Approximate drive: 30–60 minutes.
Long Beach is one of the easiest Los Angeles day trips to pull off, especially when the weather has other plans and a beach day suddenly sounds less appealing. Start at the Aquarium of the Pacific, where kids and teens can get up close with sharks, rays, penguins, and playful sea otters. Between interactive exhibits and feeding presentations, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained and convince the kids they’re destined to be marine biologists.
Next, wander over to Shoreline Village, a colorful waterfront spot with quirky shops, waterfront dining, and great harbor views. For a little history (and a few goosebumps), visit the Queen Mary, the legendary ocean liner permanently docked in the harbor. Beyond its glamorous Art Deco interiors and fascinating history, it’s famous for ghost stories, with visitors reporting mysterious footsteps and unexplained activity. Apparently, some passengers never checked out! Long Beach is an easy win for families looking to mix indoor adventure, waterfront exploring, and a little spooky fun without spending the day in the car.
Family tip: Reserve aquarium tickets in advance during school holidays, and allow at least two to three hours for the exhibits if your children enjoy reading displays and interacting with hands-on features.
4. Huntington Beach: Surf Culture and Wide-Open Sand
Approximate drive: 1–1.5 hours.
Known as Surf City USA, Huntington Beach is a dream day trip for families who would rather be outside than trapped in the car. The wide stretch of sand is perfect for beach games, kite flying, and watching surfers catch waves. Even in winter, sunny days can be gorgeous, although swimming without a wetsuit is best left to the brave (or those who have temporarily lost feeling in their toes). Take a stroll along the Huntington Beach Pier, where you can watch surfers below, spot dolphins offshore, and soak up sweeping coastal views. Stop at Duke’s Huntington Beach for oceanfront dining or grab a treat at Cold Stone Creamery near Main Street.
For teens, Huntington Surf & Sport is worth a stop for surf gear and beach-town browsing, or book a surf lesson if the waves and weather cooperate. Prefer keeping your hair dry? Head to Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve for easy walking trails, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. Huntington Beach is an easygoing family day with plenty of fresh air, ocean views, and good food—no elaborate itinerary required.
Family tip: Bring a windbreaker, sunscreen, and a towel. Winter beach days can feel warm in the sunshine but chilly once the breeze picks up.
Tis the sea-son to hang out at the pier for waves, and endless California coast vibes. Photo by: Kelly @ Pexels.
5. Santa Monica Pier: Ferris Wheels and Ocean Views
Approximate drive: 20–60 minutes.
For a classic Southern California outing without traveling far from Los Angeles, Santa Monica is hard to beat.
The Santa Monica Pier is the star of the show, and for good reason. Home to Pacific Park, the iconic oceanfront amusement park, the pier has a Ferris wheel overlooking the Pacific, roller coaster rides, arcade games, carnival-style food, and enough excitement to make you forget you promised the kids you’d only stay an hour. Check ride hours before visiting, as schedules vary.
Afterward, head down to Santa Monica State Beach for some sand time or stroll along Ocean Front Walk to catch the street performers, cyclists, and classic Southern California beach scene. Older kids and teens can explore Third Street Promenade, packed with shops, restaurants, and plenty of people-watching. Feeling energetic? Rent bikes and cruise along the beachfront Marvin Braude Bike Trail.
During winter break, expect holiday crowds and sunny-weekend traffic, but the short drive and endless waterfront entertainment make Santa Monica an easy family favorite. Just be prepared: getting everyone to agree it’s time to leave may be the hardest part of the day.
Family tip: Parking and traffic can take longer than expected. Arrive early, choose a parking location before leaving home, and consider making the pier your first stop.
6. Malibu: Coastal Scenery and Nature at the Lagoon
Approximate drive: 45–90 minutes.
Growing up in Northern California, I always pictured Malibu as a place where Malibu Barbies roamed freely among the palm trees. After my first visit, I realized I wasn’t too far off! LOL. In all seriousness, Malibu is pretty close to paradise in my book.
Malibu offers a different kind of beach day, with dramatic ocean views, rugged coastline, celebrity-worthy homes, and plenty of opportunities to get outside without standing in line for an attraction. Take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, roll down the windows (traffic permitting), and enjoy some of Southern California’s prettiest coastal scenery. Just remember, the best views sometimes come with a little PCH traffic.
One worthwhile stop is Malibu Lagoon State Beach, right beside the historic Adamson House. Explore the wetlands, watch for herons and other shorebirds, then wander toward the beach for tide-pool exploring and ocean views. For a classic sandy beach day, head to Zuma Beach, where wide stretches of sand make it easy to spread out, play beach games, watch surfers, or simply let the kids burn off some energy.
Nature-loving families can venture inland to Solstice Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains, where family-friendly trails lead through beautiful scenery to the ruins of an old ranch house and a small seasonal waterfall. Pack a picnic, bring binoculars, and leave room for spontaneous stops. Malibu is best enjoyed at a slower pace, preferably with sandy feet and absolutely no one asking what’s next.
Family tip: Winter weather can bring rain, rough surf, or temporary trail closures. Check road conditions and park advisories before departing.
7. Griffith Park: Hiking, Animals, and Space Exploration
Approximate drive: 15–45 minutes.
You don’t even have to leave Los Angeles to enjoy a full day of family adventures. Griffith Park is a massive urban playground packed with outdoor activities, attractions, and enough things to do to wear out even the most energetic kids.
Start at the iconic Griffith Observatory, where interactive exhibits explore space and astronomy, and the outdoor terraces deliver incredible views of the city, Hollywood Sign, and surrounding mountains. Check out the planetarium shows (separate tickets required), especially if you have a budding astronaut in the family.
Next, choose your adventure: hike the popular Fern Dell Nature Trail, visit the Los Angeles Zoo to meet its animal residents, or take a spin on the historic Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round when it’s operating. Teens can tackle the trails toward Hollywood Sign viewpoints or capture some seriously Instagram-worthy city views. Griffith Park is perfect for families who like options: make it a budget-friendly outdoor adventure or pack in enough attractions to have everyone asking for a vacation from their vacation.
Family tip: Parking fills quickly around popular attractions. Use official parking guidance, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water even during cooler weather.
See more stars than Hollywood with a short drive to Griffith Observatory. Photo By: Christiane Doffini @ Pexels.
8. San Pedro: Maritime Adventures and Harbor History
Approximate drive: 30–60 minutes.
For a family outing with a little history, ocean air, and seriously impressive ships, head to San Pedro, a waterfront community that often flies under the Los Angeles tourism radar.
The Battleship IOWA Museum is a must for school-age kids and teens. Explore the massive historic battleship, climb aboard, check out the crew’s living quarters, and imagine life at sea. It’s part history lesson, part adventure, and a great way to discover whether your kids have what it takes to live on a Navy ship (spoiler: probably not).
Next, visit Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, where exhibits showcase Southern California marine life, from tide-pool creatures to fascinating kelp forest habitats. If the weather cooperates, stroll along Cabrillo Beach, watch massive cargo ships navigate the harbor, or grab lunch along Ports O’ Call Village waterfront area. You can also look into whale-watching excursions departing from the harbor. San Pedro is an underrated family day trip that delivers history, marine life, and waterfront adventures without the usual theme-park crowds.
Family tip: Choose one main attraction and leave time for a relaxed harbor walk. A battleship tour can involve stairs, ladders, and uneven surfaces, so check accessibility details before bringing younger children.
9. Mission San Juan Capistrano: A History Lesson That Feels Like an Adventure
Approximate drive: 1–1.5 hours.
History is a whole lot more fun when kids can actually explore old buildings, gardens, and courtyards instead of just hearing about them in a classroom (bonus points if nobody has to take a history test afterward!).
Mission San Juan Capistrano is a beautiful historic Spanish mission in Orange County, filled with preserved architecture, peaceful gardens, fountains, and fascinating exhibits. It’s also famous for its annual swallows’ return in March, when the birds make their seasonal comeback. Apparently, even the swallows know a good winter escape when they see one! The mission is worth visiting any time of year, especially during winter break.
Explore the historic courtyards, see the iconic ruins of the Great Stone Church, and discover what life was like in early California. Audio tours and interactive displays help older kids connect the dots between what they’re seeing and what they’ve learned in school.
Afterward, wander down Los Rios Street Historic District, one of California’s oldest residential neighborhoods, where you’ll find charming cottages, little boutiques, garden cafés, and the popular Hidden House Coffee. It’s a lovely way to round out the afternoon with a little culture, a little exploring, and perhaps a much-needed caffeine stop for the parents.
Family tip: Pair the mission with lunch and a stroll through the historic district. Check admission, tour availability, and special holiday programming before leaving home.
10. La Jolla: Sea Lions, Coastal Walks, and Ocean Exploration
Approximate drive: 2–3 hours.
La Jolla is one of the most rewarding coastal destinations for families willing to make the longer drive south from Los Angeles. Start at La Jolla Cove, where impossibly blue water, dramatic cliffs, and rocky shoreline create a postcard-worthy scene. Keep an eye out for sea lions lounging on the rocks or barking at one another like they own the place—which, judging by their confidence, they clearly believe they do. You can often spot them from shore, but keep your distance, stay outside marked closures, and resist the urge to get too close for that perfect photo.
For a little hands-on exploring, check out the La Jolla tide pools at low tide. Kids can search for tiny crabs, sea anemones, and other fascinating creatures tucked into the rocks. Just watch your footing: the rocks can be slippery, and the ocean doesn’t care if you’re wearing your favorite sneakers. Check tide times and posted safety guidance before heading down.
Older teens looking for more adventure can explore kayaking, snorkeling, or scuba diving, depending on conditions and operator availability. Winter water temperatures are chilly, so a wetsuit is a must, and guided outings are the best bet for anyone without experience. For everyone else, a walk along the coastal paths, browsing the boutiques and galleries in La Jolla Village, or grabbing lunch with an ocean view is a pretty excellent consolation prize.
Family tip: Because the drive can be substantial, leave early and choose two or three activities rather than attempting to cover the entire San Diego area in one day.
Spend the day kayaking and explore sea life from a different perspective. Photo by: Thun Sothea @ Pexels.
11. Balboa Park and Downtown San Diego: Museums, Gardens, and City Exploring
Approximate drive: 2–3 hours.
If your family enjoys museums, impressive architecture, and outdoor exploring, Balboa Park is one of the best places to spend a winter day in San Diego. It’s practically a city within a city, with enough to see and do that the kids may forget about the fight they started in the car!
The park is home to museums, gardens, performance spaces, and beautiful walking paths. Depending on your children’s interests (or current obsession), visit the Fleet Science Center for hands-on experiments, the San Diego Natural History Museum for dinosaurs and fossils, or the San Diego Air & Space Museum for planes and space exploration. There’s something for curious minds of all ages—and plenty to keep everyone off their phones for a little while.
Families could easily spend the entire day in Balboa Park, but arrive early and choose one major museum if you want time to explore downtown, too. The USS Midway Museum, along the waterfront, is another hit with aviation enthusiasts, although this massive aircraft carrier deserves a generous chunk of time (and comfortable shoes).
Downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter serves up historic architecture and plenty of restaurants, while the Embarcadero offers easy waterfront walks and harbor views. Choose your own adventure based on your family’s interests—and how much sightseeing your kids can handle before declaring they’ve officially had enough culture for one day.
Family tip: San Diego is at the longer end of a Los Angeles day trip. Pick a central area and resist the temptation to add too many attractions, especially if you want to avoid a late-night drive home.
12. Big Bear Lake: A Mountain Escape With the Possibility of Snow
Approximate drive: 2–3 hours or longer in winter conditions.
For families dreaming of a winter wonderland, Big Bear Mountain resort offers a welcome change of scenery from the coast. Think towering pine trees, crisp mountain air, and the possibility of waking up to a blanket of snow instead of another sunny beach day.
When conditions cooperate, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain offer skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels, with lessons and beginner-friendly terrain for first-timers. Ride the chairlifts up for mountain views, then spend the day cruising down the slopes—or take a break at the lodge to warm up, grab a bite, and watch the action. Not everyone has to become a ski champion to enjoy the mountain!
Non-skiers can look for designated snow-play areas or explore the village and lake. Big Bear Village has cozy cafés, little shops, and restaurants where a hot chocolate after a chilly morning feels like a well-earned trophy, especially for kids seeing snow for the first time.
Big Bear is also appealing outside major snowfall events, with hiking and lakeside walks possible when conditions allow. Just remember, snow isn’t guaranteed simply because it’s winter.
Family tip: Check road conditions, chain requirements, weather forecasts, and resort operations before leaving. Carry appropriate winter clothing and allow significantly more travel time if snow is expected.
If your dream winter break vacay is a powder day, Big Bear Mountain has your back! Photo by: Parveen @Pexels.
13. Joshua Tree National Park: Otherworldly Landscapes and Family Hiking
Approximate drive: 2–3 hours or more, depending on the entrance and traffic.
Joshua Tree National Park feels like another planet—and not a bad place to escape the usual winter-break routine. With its giant rock formations, quirky spiky Joshua trees, desert plants, and endless skies, this is California at its wonderfully weird best.
Winter is a great time to visit, with milder daytime temperatures that make hiking much more enjoyable than in the summer. Just pack layers because desert nights get seriously cold, and wind or storms can change conditions quickly.
Start with the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, an easy loop surrounded by massive boulders that kids will love scrambling around. Barker Dam offers another short hike through classic desert scenery, while Keys View rewards families with sweeping valley views on clear days. Older teens may even enjoy watching rock climbers tackle the park’s famous formations.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. Cell service is limited, and services inside the park are sparse, so don’t count on finding a quick snack stop when someone inevitably announces they’re starving. Joshua Tree is perfect for families ready to ditch their screens, explore unusual landscapes, and discover a side of California that feels worlds away from the coast.
Family tip: Start early, choose short trails suitable for your family, and check official park alerts before departure. Avoid climbing on unstable rock or exploring remote areas without preparation.
14. Palm Springs: Desert Art, Gardens, and Aerial Views
Approximate drive: 1.5–2.5 hours.
For a winter break getaway that feels like a mini vacation, Palm Springs is hard to beat. This sunny desert destination serves up midcentury architecture, mountain views, public art, and plenty of family-friendly fun—without requiring anyone to dig out their snow boots.
The star attraction is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which whisks you from the desert floor up into the mountains of Mount San Jacinto State Park. The rotating tramcars deliver incredible views, and temperatures at the top can be dramatically cooler, with snow even possible. One minute you’re in the sunshine, the next you’re wondering why you didn’t pack a jacket! Check operating conditions and trail access before visiting.
Back in town, explore the Palm Springs Art Museum or wander through Moorten Botanical Garden, a fascinating little desert garden filled with cacti and unusual plants. Downtown is also fun to explore, with palm-lined streets, shops, restaurants, and colorful public art. Older teens will love the architecture and photo ops, while younger kids may be more impressed by the giant cactus collection.
For more outdoor adventure, visit nearby Indian Canyons, where trails wind through dramatic desert scenery and beautiful palm oases. Check access and weather before heading out.
With pleasant winter temperatures and plenty to explore, Palm Springs is a great alternative to a snowy mountain getaway—especially if your family prefers sunshine over ski boots.
Family tip: If you plan to ride the tramway, check ticket availability and upper-mountain weather first. Bring layers because temperatures at the top can be far colder than in downtown Palm Springs.
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15. Santa Barbara: A Coastal Town With Gardens, Animals, and Art
Approximate drive: 1.5–2.5 hours.
Santa Barbara is a fantastic day trip for families who want a little bit of everything: beautiful beaches, a charming downtown, cultural attractions, and plenty of outdoor fun. For all these reasons, it’s my favorite mini vacay. It’s basically a mini vacation without the hotel bill.
Start at the Santa Barbara Zoo, a manageable-sized zoo with animals, gardens, and ocean views. Its compact layout makes it easy to explore with younger kids, while the animal exhibits keep older ones entertained. Check the schedule for feeding times and special activities before visiting.
Next, head downtown to State Street, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, ice cream stops, and pedestrian-friendly stretches perfect for wandering. Art lovers can visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, while outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, filled with California native plants and scenic trails.
If the weather cooperates, spend the afternoon at East Beach, walking the shoreline, watching boats, or taking in views toward the Channel Islands. Teens may also enjoy the Funk Zone, known for colorful murals, independent shops, and creative food spots. Just check age policies, since some businesses focus on wine tasting.
With its Spanish-style architecture, coastal scenery, and laid-back atmosphere, Santa Barbara makes it easy to feel like you’ve escaped for the day. And the best part? You can be home by bedtime!
Family tip: Leave Los Angeles early and choose two main attractions, such as the zoo and downtown, rather than trying to fit in every museum, garden, and beach.
Bonus: Santa Catalina Island
Travel time: Ferry crossing plus travel to the departure terminal.
If your family is looking for something that feels more like an island vacation, consider Santa Catalina Island, particularly the town of Avalon. Unlike the other destinations on this list, Catalina Island requires a ferry ride, so it takes a little more planning than hopping in the car. But the boat trip is part of the fun, and suddenly your winter break day trip feels like a real island vacation!
Once you arrive in Avalon, stroll the waterfront, browse local shops, hit the beach, or book a seasonal boat tour to spot marine life. Glass-bottom boat excursions are especially fun for families, letting you peek at the underwater world without getting so much as a toe wet.
Avalon Harbor is the heart of Catalina Island, home to the Catalina Casino and views for days! Photo by: Michael McGarry @ Pexels.
Older teens may enjoy guided outdoor adventures, while younger kids can be perfectly happy watching boats in the harbor and enjoying lunch with a view. Just check winter ferry schedules and ocean conditions before you go, and leave plenty of time to catch your ride back. Nobody wants their island getaway to turn into an unplanned overnight stay!
Family tip: Book round-trip ferry tickets in advance for popular holiday dates. Build your day around the actual sailing schedule rather than assuming you can return whenever you are ready.
The best day trips from Los Angeles combine memorable experiences with manageable travel times. Depending on traffic, weather, and your family’s interests, you can spend the day exploring Orange County, heading toward San Diego, escaping to the mountains, or discovering the desert’s unusual landscapes.
. I am a master brand storyteller, creative ringleader and kick-a content creator, based in Park City, Utah, where I live with my three incredible kiddos, my guy, and three of the goofiest doodle doggies you’ll ever meet. My specialties include copywriting, content creation, word smithing, editing, proofreading, SEO marketing, brainstorming, and picking brains. I’m also very good at multitasking, single-tasking, and “I’ll just do it myself” tasking. Last, but certainly not least, I specialize in spontaneous bursts of sheer brilliance. I traded life near the Pacific Ocean for mountain town living in Park City, which actually feels like a chill beach town…so, it’s a pretty even trade, except for the snow – obvi!