12 Best Day Trips From Anaheim, California - Updated 2024

day trips from anaheim
Joyce
Joyce 
Updated
| 5 min read

Anaheim is an amazing city located in Orange County. It features plenty of hotels with free parking and hotels with in-room kitchen to suit every traveler’s needs. Also one of the reasons why this place is a very common destination is because it is home to one of California’s largest Disneyland theme parks. Of course, there’s more to this place than just fun rides and your favorite Disney characters. In fact, if you’re coming from Anaheim, you’ll find that there are numerous tourist day trip destinations for most families in the surrounding areas. Thus, people coming from this place often opt for a good ol’ road trip. If you’re skeptical, continue reading as we’ll show you some of the best day trips from Anaheim, California.

1. Laguna Beach, CA (from USD 95.0)

Embark on a fascinating kayak tour at Laguna Beach, California, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the coastal paradise. Paddle through crystal-clear waters, exploring hidden coves, sea caves, and stunning rock formations. Marvel at the vibrant marine life, including dolphins, seals, and colorful fish. Glide along the rugged coastline, taking in the picturesque beaches and cliffs that define this scenic area.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker, this adventure offers an opportunity to connect with nature and experience the coastal wonders of Laguna Beach from a unique perspective.

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Laguna Beach Guided Kayak Tour with Sea Lion Viewing

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

53 reviews

2. San Bernardino

San Manuel Stadium (San Bernardino, California)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Spatms used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Immerse yourself in the charm of San Bernardino, California, where natural beauty seamlessly blends with vibrant urban life. Explore the stunning landscapes surrounding the city, from the majestic San Bernardino Mountains to the serene shores of Silverwood Lake. Dive into the area’s rich history at the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum, where captivating exhibits bring the past to life.

Indulge your taste buds in the city’s diverse culinary scene, sampling delicious dishes from local eateries and immersing yourself in the region’s flavors. Immerse yourself in the lively downtown atmosphere, where you’ll find an array of boutiques, art galleries, and entertainment venues.

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3. San Diego, CA

A road trip to San Diego from Anaheim, California may just be the thing to make your summer vacation a little more interesting. If by chance you are visiting San Diego, be sure to pack heavy. The best part about this tour is that it’s very convenient. You are provided with a pick-up and drop-off service to San Diego from Orange County. While here, be sure to admire the majestic beauty of the beaches of La Jolla, Downtown San Diego, Seaport Village, and of course, the iconic Coronado Island.

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The San Diego Tour from S.OC

Duration: 8 to 10 hours

7 reviews

4. Los Angeles, CA (from USD 99.0)

If you want to experience what Los Angeles, California has to offer, then planning a road trip to this iconic Los Angeles is your best bet. This place near Anaheim is known as the home of Hollywood stars and those who dream to be on the big screen. Take a stroll along the streets of Hollywood and explore various locations and sites, such as the Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, Memorial Coliseum, and the famous Hollywood sign.

On this featured tour, there will never be a dull moment. In fact, just by simply walking along the streets of Los Angeles, California, you are bound to run into Hollywood celebrities or a number of TV stations doing “On the Street” interviews. Here, your chances of seeing a movie star are particularly high - this makes LA already worth the trip!

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The Best of LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Griffith Park +More

Duration: 7 to 9 hours

572 reviews

5. Catalina Island, CA (from USD 200.0)

You may have already heard of the place known as Catalina Island. In fact, it is possible you have heard your colleagues and friends talk about how breathtaking this place is. Well, if you are in a bit of a time crunch, you can take a trip from Anaheim to Catalina Island by reserving your slot on this day cruise. Here, you can enjoy the scenic views of the coast of Southern California.

There will also be a ferry ride along the iconic Gulf of Santa Catalina. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can even try their optional zipline tour, which will truly take your breath away.

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Catalina Island from Anaheim with Upgrades

Duration: 9 hours

24 reviews

6. Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach (from USD 89.0)

If you are coming from Anaheim, California, then what better way to experience some road trip fun than to explore the southern part of California. A full-day tour around Orange County, which offers some of the best beaches near Anaheim, may just be the thing you need to unwind from your busy life. While there, you may want to spend your holiday in a beach house rental for a splendid time soaking up the sun.

Lots of family-friendly tourist attractions can also be enjoyed here. Some of which include Heisler Park, Crystal Cove State Park, and Balboa Fun Zone.

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Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour

Duration: 9 hours

29 reviews

7. Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico

Edit -1-4
Source: Photo by Flickr user Dane used under CC BY 2.0

Tijuana, Mexico is situated just north of the Baja California Peninsula. If you’re having trouble imagining where Tijuana is on the map, it’s simply north of the United States border. If by chance, you want to book a day trip to this gorgeous and aesthetically pleasing city, then be sure to expect a lot of beer- and wine-tasting activities. Also, don’t forget to visit Tijuana Cultural Center and admire its architectural design. Here are a few reminders to ensure that your trip is hassle-free: US dollars are accepted in Tijuana. Try brushing up on your Spanish as it’ll be helpful when you’re here. Lastly, don’t forget to pack your passport as well as other identification cards.

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8. Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs - Indian Canyons - Trail (12.2010) - panoramio - Martin Haeusler
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Martin Haeusler used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you’re seeking a different scene from the theme parks in Anaheim, you can go and enjoy a lot of outdoor activities in Palm Springs, CA. Anyone who is planning to visit Palm Springs must ensure that they’re physically fit for all of the activities lined up. First and foremost, we have the must-see Palm Springs Indian Canyons. You can either ride a bike or opt for a quick hike. There are also various locations in Palm Springs where you can zipline. If you want to explore Joshua Tree National Park, then it’s best to book a jeep tour. We’ll talk more about this in the succeeding point.

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9. Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Scene from Joshua Tree National Park
Source: Photo by Flickr user Don DeBold used under CC BY 2.0

From the previous point, the amazing Joshua Tree National Park is also located in Palm Springs, CA, which makes the idea of booking for a jeep tour a convenient and fun way to end your day. Joshua Tree National Park boasts one of the most unique and uncanny landscapes in all of the United States of America. In one day, you can fit in two hikes. You can either learn about the desert landscapes within the surrounding area or you can take a gentler trail and simply observe the park’s wildlife.

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10. Santa Ana, CA

Old Orange County Courthouse, Santa Ana, California
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ken Lund used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Santa Ana City is located in the state of California and it is a popular spot for day trips coming from Anaheim. This is a great place for when you’d like to have a relaxing trip together with your family or friends. You can visit Bowers Museum if you’d like to get to know more about the history of the city. Moreover, if you are an adrenaline junkie, you can enjoy some of the rides at Adventure City. You can also visit Discovery Cube Orange County where you can experience various interactive exhibits.

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11. Santa Monica

Santa Monica Pier
Source: Photo by Flickr user Thank You (21 Mil... used under CC BY 2.0

Santa Monica is a city located on the coast of Los Angeles, California. When you’re here, you can visit Santa Monica State Beach, which offers a scenic view of the Pacific Ocean. You can also take your family or friends to Pacific Park, which offers a seaside view complete with so many amazing rides and booths. This city is a great place for families to go around and enjoy doing different activities under the sun.

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12. Malibu

Malibu Beach
Source: Photo by Flickr user Thank You (21 Mil... used under CC BY 2.0

Widely popular amongst the rich, the city of Malibu in California is well-known for its beaches and numerous homes owned by famous celebrities. The city signs describe the city as “21 miles of scenic beauty”. This place is a great spot for those who enjoy visiting beautiful beaches, especially the beautiful sands of Zuma Beach and Malibu Lagoon State Beach, which are famous spots for surfers due to its waves.

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Amazing road trips from Anaheim, California

With steakhouses and shopping malls abound, Anaheim makes a great destination for tourists. While Anaheim, California is amazing in itself, its neighboring cities and towns are just as intriguing. If you’re feeling a little bit adventurous, then we hope that browsing through this list has given you an idea of where you want to travel to next. With that in mind, good luck and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions about day trips from Anaheim, California


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Joyce Gonzales has always had the case of wanderlust. She was a former financial analyst who took a leap of faith and started writing about her travels. She is intrigued by the existence of...Read more

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