Sometimes the best family adventures start with just a few hours on the road. From mountain escapes to beachside retreats, these destinations make it easy to swap city life for fresh air, wide-open spaces and plenty of kid-friendly fun. Check out (and check in at) these top family road trip destinations from Los Angeles that deliver big memories.

Looking for even more Labor Day travel inspiration? Check out our favorite day trips and farther-flung road trip ideas.

Santa Barbara

Distance: 2hrs by car, 3hrs by train (Amtrak Pacific Surfliner)

Santa Barbara blends small-town charm with a touch of glamour, all framed by golden beaches and mountain views. Spend mornings building sandcastles at East Beach, feeding giraffes at the Santa Barbara Zoo, exploring the historic Stearns Wharf’s aquarium or letting little ones loose in kid-centric MOXI’s hands-on science exhibits. Montecito adds a more serene touch with oceanfront strolls, boutique shopping and plenty of shaded patios for family lunches. If a stop is needed, take a quick detour off the 101 in Ventura to stroll the pier or grab fish tacos from Spencer Makenzie’s before continuing up the coast.

Where to stay: The Rosewood Miramar in Montecito offers direct beachfront access, lawn games and roomy suites—including standalone bungalows that provide a sense of privacy with the littlest of travelers. There’s even an ice cream shop on-property and the railway passes through the property, which would delight any train-obsessed toddler. Just a stone’s throw away is the famous and ultra-private San Ysidro Ranch. The idyllic hotel is set up with storybook cottages set against the Santa Ynez Mountains and across 550 acres. Families could explore the blooming gardens, hike around the property or splash in the heated pool. Alternatively (and far more affordably), Hilton Santa Barbara is steps from the Funk Zone’s dining and galleries. With six new pickleball courts that sport sweeping ocean views and a new luxury spa, the coastal getaway checks the box for kids and adults. Plus, less than a mile away from the Hilton is the SB Zoo—try to spot the flamingo named Hilty in honor of the resort.

Time Out tip: The Pacific Surfliner drops you just two blocks from the beach—kids will love watching the ocean roll by from their seat. When staying at the Rosewood Miramar, watch the train zoom by every 2 to 3 hours from 10am to 8pm. On Thursdays catch a kid-friendly movie under the stars by the Manor Pool. The hotel has also partnered with nearby Godmothers Bookstore in Summerland for a monthly storytime. Check their website for details.

San Diego

Distance: 2.5hrs by car, 3hrs by train (Amtrak Pacific Surfliner)

San Diego is a playground for all ages, from the world-famous San Diego Zoo to Balboa Park’s sprawling gardens and interactive museums. Mission Bay’s calm waters are perfect for beginner paddleboarders, while Seaport Village offers old-fashioned carousel rides and sweet treats. Evenings are made for strolling Little Italy’s lively streets, where the food scene ranges from casual pizza to fresh seafood.

Where to stay: Located in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, the Omni San Diego Hotel has baseball-themed rooms overlooking Petco Park (and connected to the hotel via a pedestrian skywalk), while the new Gaylord Pacific Resort promises multiple pools, slides and on-site dining for every craving. For the biggest Padres fans, book the 33 Series rooms or suites on floors 16 through 19 for unique vantage points looking into the ballpark.

Time Out tip: Many Balboa Park museums rotate free-admission Tuesdays—plan ahead and you could explore for free.

Del Mar

Distance: 2hrs by car, 3hrs by train (Amtrak Pacific Surfliner to Solana Beach + short ride share)

Del Mar’s wide sandy beaches and easy-going vibe make it the perfect spot to slow down. Kids can run free at the grassy, ocean-overlooking Powerhouse Park before heading down to the shoreline to play in the sand or hunt for seashells. If you’re visiting in early October, check out the Del Mar Harvest Festival & Original Craft Show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The world-famous Del Mar Racetrack wraps up their summer season in early September with family-friendly programming; the fall season (Oct 30–Nov 30) culminates with the prestigious Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

Where to stay: Fairmont Grand Del Mar has kid-friendly pools, horseback riding trails and plenty of green space for kids to run free. While Del Mar is located more inland, venture closer to the quaint, coastal neighborhood of La Jolla for stays at the Lodge at Torrey Pines, La Valencia and Hilton La Jolla.

Time Out tip: Arrive at Powerhouse Park early—it’s the best way to snag a picnic spot with an ocean view.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Distance: 5.5hrs by car

Carmel-by-the-Sea feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with whimsical cottages, white-sand beaches, and cobblestone streets with cafes and quaint shops made for exploring. Upon arrival, kids can splash in tide pools at Carmel Beach, or take a quick drive inland to the sunshine and greenery of Carmel Valley for family-friendly wineries with lawn games and picnic tables. The longer road trip to California’s central coast inevitably requires a stop—opt for a quick bite in San Luis Obispo at Madonna Inn’s over-the-top pink dining room. 

Where to stay: With 500 acres, Carmel Valley Ranch offers a sprawling playground of activities—from feeding llamas and learning archery to visiting the on-site bee apiary or cooling off in the newly renovated pool and splash zone—set against rolling hills and oak trees. The sprawling resort has launched a partnership with Nuna to offer premium strollers, booster seats, playards, high chairs and baby carriers to make your stay more comfortable. There’s also a special Munchkin Menu with everything from coloring books to bottle warmers, daily s’mores, plus house-made baby food for the youngest guests at Valley Kitchen. Within actual Carmel there are plenty of more affordable accommodations as well—from sleepy inns and smaller boutique hotels to seaside hotel chains. 

Time Out tip: In Monterey (15 minutes from Carmel), the monarch butterfly sanctuary is at its peak from October to February, but it’s still a beautiful place to connect with nature and walk year-round.

Carlsbad

Distance: 2hrs by car, 3hrs by train (Amtrak Pacific Surfliner)

Carlsbad is practically built for families thanks to LEGOLAND California, miles of beaches and a walkable downtown lined with ice cream shops and casual cafes. In the fall, the town is dotted with pumpkin patches and harvest fun: Check out the Carlsbad Village Oktoberfest on September 20 with live music, German food and family activities in October; and in November, Carlsbad Village Street Faire (the next one is on November 2), one of the largest in the U.S. It’s an easy blend of activity and relaxation, with something to keep every age group happy.

Where to stay: Connected to the theme park, LEGOLAND Hotel or LEGOLAND Castle Hotel bring the fun indoors with themed rooms, character meet-and-greets and kid-sized amenities.

Time Out tip: Book LEGOLAND tickets online for the lowest prices—and go midweek to avoid long lines. For a midway stop, hit San Clemente for a pier stroll and a doughnut from Sur Coffee before continuing south.

Dana Point

Distance: 1hr by car

This laid-back harbor town is a hub for ocean adventures, from whale watching and kayaking to learning about marine life at the Ocean Institute. Baby Beach’s calm, shallow waters make it ideal for young kids to splash safely. The waterfront is lined with casual spots for fish tacos or ice cream, perfect after a day on the water. For restless travelers, make a pit stop at Laguna Niguel Regional Park for a quick playground break and shaded picnic tables.

Where to stay: The beachfront Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort offers a kid’s club, splash pools and even junior golf clinics. The hotel also houses the Ahma & Co. prenatal retreat for specialized postpartum care, focusing on mothers and newborns. Nearby in Dana Point Harbor, there are more budget-friendly options such as the Blue Lantern Inn, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Dana Point Marina Inn.

Time Out tip: Dana Point Harbor dubs itself the Whale Watching Capital of the U.S., and for good reason. From fall to winter, it’s a great time to catch gray whale migrations on a boat tour—fun, educational and immersive for families. There’s also the Festival of Whales, typically held over a weekend in early March, when the whole harbor transforms into a celebration of the migration season.

Coronado

Distance: 2.5hrs by car, 3hrs by train (Amtrak Pacific Surfliner + 15-minute ride)

Connected to San Diego by its iconic bridge, Coronado is a charming getaway with wide, golden beaches and gentle surf (though sometimes referred to as an island, it’s technically a peninsula). Rent a surrey bike to cruise along the waterfront, stop into local shops for beach gear and grab lunch with a view. It’s a place where the pace slows down and family time takes center stage. The entire peninsula is only about 7 miles long and 1.5 miles across at its widest point. Pop into the Living Coast Discovery Center for hands-on wildlife encounters in nearby Chula Vista.

Where to stay: Hotel del Coronado just underwent a $550 million renovation—the National Historic Landmark built in 1888 combines historic charm with beachfront cabanas and seasonal kids’ programming. The six-year revamp has restored its original Victorian building to its full glory. Ideal for families or large groups traveling together, the hotel-within-a-hotel Shore House at the Del offers residential-style villas and modern beach houses. Plus, there’s underwater virtual reality snorkeling (yes, seriously, it’s a thing) or a family surf lesson at the new Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience—the only surf school founded by the pro surfer in the mainland U.S. Be sure to reserve your spot for Movies on the Beach, where you can enjoy classic films from June to October, on an inflatable screen, toes in the sand and s’mores in hand. Movie night is open to the public, but reservations are required.

Time Out tip: The Del’s Ocean Explorers kids camp is more like a fun classroom with a curriculum and experiences designed to help children learn about ocean life.

Laguna Beach

Distance: 1hr by car

This sleepy coastal town gained notoriety in the early 2000s thanks to the teen-drama–filled reality show Laguna Beach—but today Laguna Beach is where coastal beauty meets an artsy soul. Spend the morning exploring tide pools or lounging in secluded coves, then head into town for galleries, street art and casual lunch spots. Heisler Park offers ocean-view walking paths and plenty of green space for a family picnic. Make a pit stop at Crystal Cove State Park for a quick beach walk or milkshake from the Crystal Cove Shake Shack.

Where to stay: Montage Laguna Beach has a dedicated Paintbox kids’ club, craft activities and direct beach access. Don’t miss the afternoon poolside s’mores every day, plus check the Paintbox calendar for movie nights and a packed schedule of events to entertain kids of all ages. Studio Mediterranean, the hotel’s latest dining outpost, transports you to Mykonos with stunning Mediterranean flair and delectable eats. The best part? Every corner of the hotel has kids in mind, including at this restaurant where toddlers are given micro stuffies and Etch A Sketch type toys to keep them entertained. Another option is to stay at the nearby Surf & Sand Hotel and enjoy the beach and family dining outlets at Montage.

Time Out tip: Hop on the free Laguna Beach Trolley for an easy, scenic way to explore without moving the car.

Newport Beach

Distance: 1hr by car (no direct train)

This harbor town offers classic SoCal fun with a touch of polish. Spend the day at Balboa Fun Zone riding the Ferris wheel, taking a harbor cruise or trying your luck at the arcade. Wide sandy beaches make it easy to set up for a full day by the water. Take a shopping break at the open-air Fashion Island, where lush lawns and a serene koi pond keep kids entertained while parents explore the stores. Lido Marina Village, dotted with upscale boutiques and restaurants, is another family-friendly spot to spend the day. Rent a Duffy electric boat from Lido Marina or Balboa Island for a calm cruise and memorable boat picnic. 

Where to stay: The Resort at Pelican Hill offers bungalow and villa-style stays with pools, kid’s cooking classes and Juniors on Course golf lessons. Boasting one of the world’s largest circular pools, the expansive property is ideal for big groups. The larger format private villas are perfect for multifamily vacations. For kids, there are toys in a chest presented to them at check-in, and you can also prebook a teepee in the room. Be sure to call ahead for a teepee to be set up in the room—the resort also provides bath buckets, LEGO bricks or mermaid tales to surprise even the youngest guests. Though on the pricier side, the resort rents cabanas to non-guests, perfect if you just want to lounge by the pool and enjoy a leisurely lunch.

Time Out tip: Take the short, scenic Balboa Island Ferry ride—it’s a hit with kids and costs just a few dollars.

Solvang + Los Olivos

Distance: 2.5hrs by car

Escape to Solvang’s Danish-inspired streets lined with windmills, pastry shops and plenty of charm. Families can hop on a horse-drawn trolley, sample aebleskiver (fluffy pancake balls) or wander into quirky gift shops. Just down the road, Los Olivos offers sprawling lawns at family-friendly wineries and shaded picnic spots.

Where to stay: Experience a luxury dude ranch at Alisal Ranch with horseback riding, fishing, a rodeo, farm animals, ropes course and s’mores nights, all set against 10,500 acres, making it a true family retreat. Make sure to experience the cowboy breakfast, a morning horseback ride to breakfast in the canyons. Closer to Los Olivos is the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, another luxe Western cabin themed hotel. Splash in the pool and don’t miss the special backyard BBQ on Thursdays. Hotel Inez is a rustic nearby option as well.

Time Out tip: Stop by Ostrichland USA on the edge of town to feed the giant birds—just beware they could get aggressive (but don’t worry, there’s a fence that separates you from the dinosaur-like birds). If you want a calmer animal experience, head to Zaca Creek Ranch to visit the llama farm.

Palm Springs

Distance: 2hrs by car (limited train service; Amtrak Thruway bus service available)

Palm Springs isn’t just for poolside lounging—though there’s plenty of that, too. Sip a date shake from a roadside stand, explore the kid-friendly Palm Springs Air Museum or hike through the palm-filled canyons for a dose of nature. The desert sunsets are worth the trip alone. For a fun stop en route, pull over at Cabazon Dinosaurs (the T. Rex and brontosaurus sculptures of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure fame) for a kitschy photo op and quick snack break. Just southeast of Palm Springs, head to Palm Desert’s Living Desert Zoo and Gardens to see more than 150 species of desert animals from all over the world—sign up for the giraffe feeding experience. During the cooler half of the year, take a toddler-friendly hike in the Indian Canyons (follow the Andreas Canyon Trail) with shady palm groves, gentle seasonal streams and an approximately one-mile loop.

Where to stay: In nearby Rancho Mirage, Omni Rancho Las Palmas has a 425-foot lazy river, water slides and plenty of space for little ones to play. The hotel’s Splashtopia water park features two 100-foot slides, a  sandy beach and water-play zones. There’s also a gaming cabana with arcade favorites, Ping-Pong, air hockey, foosball and a cotton candy machine.

Time Out tip: Arrive on Thursday for the weekly Village Fest, when downtown turns into a lively open-air market.

Palos Verdes

Distance: 45mins by car

South Bay residents may think of Palos Verdes as home turf, but for most Angelenos it’s a nearby getaway that delivers cliffside views, peaceful beaches and tide pools teeming with life. Families can hike coastal trails or simply enjoy a picnic overlooking the Pacific. It’s an easy escape that feels miles from the bustle of L.A. For a quick detour, stop at the Korean Bell of Friendship in San Pedro for sweeping views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Where to stay: Terranea Resort offers oceanfront suites, a kid’s club and activities like archery, kayaking and paddleboarding. The kid’s club has an interactive lineup of activities including tie-dye, shell art, a meet-a-mermaid experience and painting classes.

Time Out tip: Check tide charts before heading to Abalone Cove—low tide reveals the best marine life.

Ojai

Distance: 1.5hrs by car

Ojai’s small-town charm is all about slowing down. Wander through the Sunday farmers’ market, bike under leafy oak trees or browse the town’s art galleries and bookshops. With its mountain backdrop and citrus-scented air, it’s a refreshing reset for the whole family.

Where to stay: Sprawling across 220 scenic acres, Ojai Valley Inn offers a kid’s camp, art classes and four pools set in a serene valley. Here, it’s all about reconnecting with nature—from horseback riding and beekeeping experiences to tie-dye and beaded jewelry workshops, there’s something for every age. The property also offers Camp Oak, a year-round service designed for kids ages 4 through 12 with full-day, half-day and night camp programming.

Time Out tip: Take a quick drive to Lake Casitas, a rugged reservoir just to the west. Time your visit for the “pink moment” at sunset, when the surrounding mountains glow in soft pastel hues.

Big Bear

Distance: 2hrs by car

Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear offers a refreshing alpine retreat just a couple of hours from Los Angeles. In winter, it transforms into a snowy playground ideal for skiing, snow tubing and building snowmen. During the warmer months, the mood shifts to hiking trails, lake adventures and mountain biking. Families can stroll the flat Alpine Pedal Path, a stroller-friendly trail winding along the northern shore of Big Bear Lake—perfect for little ones to take in the views. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo, a rescue and rehabilitation center, brings wildlife encounters up close in a peaceful setting. Over at the ski resort, the Sky Chair at Snow Summit treats families to panoramic lake and forest vistas. At the town’s center, the village charm comes alive with toy stores, cafés and sweet shops—making it an ideal spot to warm up after alpine adventures.

Where to stay: Check into the Gold Mountain Manor, a historic bed-and-breakfast with cozy suites, or opt for family-sized vacation rentals and cabins around the lake that provide plenty of space for kids to play. Some higher-end options include private lakefront homes or chalet-style lodges with hot tubs and game rooms. For standout accommodations, opt for Chateau Big Bear, a recently renovated boutique hotel. The tranquil lodge offers a heated pool, game room and complimentary breakfast. Blending midcentury modern style with alpine charm, the lakefront Hotel Marina Riviera features a year-round heated pool, sauna and lakeside firepits. Families can book a room with cozy built-in bunk beds, or choose one of the two standalone cabins for extra space and privacy.

Time Out tip: For a more relaxed break, head to Boulder Bay Park, a scenic, grassy lakeside spot with gentle shores and a playground, ideal for toddlers to run and splash even outside ski season.

The idea of a race car that can be a beast on the tracks and civilized on regular roads has always been a dream. A sort of Pentacostal in the sheets, Presbyterian on the streets sort of thing, if you’ll allow me to use my poorly-understood grasp of mainstream Christian denominations as an analogy. Or maybe a Walt Disney in the sheets, Walt Whitman on the streets? Is that Walt-spectrum one any better? It doesn’t matter, you know what I mean, and I think the car that best exemplifies this idea available right now has to be the Mustang GTD.

I say this because it’s a no-joke track monster that ran the Nürburgring in 6:52 and yet it’s also shockingly comfortable for a normal, multi-hour road trip that won’t leave you feeling like you spent five hours in an industrial washing machine when it’s done. I’m not speculating when I say this, either: I know from experience, because I rode in Autopian co-Founder Beau Boeckman’s brand-new Mustang GTD as we drove over 300 miles from Los Angeles to Monterey.

Beau’s GTD is a pretty special one, as it’s a one-of-one color, Beau’s signature shade of vivid purple-pink called Beauberry. I assume there are berry scientists at work right this minute attempting to create actual beauberries in some lab somewhere, furiously cross-pollinating raspberries with maybe grapes and Hubba Bubba DNA.

Now, we took this trip with the intent of taking the First Ever Real Road Trip in a Mustang GTD, and I believe we did just that. However, little-known Opel collector Richard Hammond has just recently made a similar claim of his own, taking a road trip in France in a Mustang GTD, from what seems to be Reims-Gueux to the Circuit Chambley racetrack. It looks like they had some fun on the track as well as on the roads, and you can see the whole thing here:

Okay, sure, that looks like a pretty good time. That “road trip” is distinctly European-fun-sized, as it would have taken (depending on route) anywhere from just under two hours to two and a half hours, covering a distance between about 105 to 109 miles. Two hours! That’s not a road trip! Here in America, we call that a “commute.”

Now, when Beau and I did our road trip, we went from Los Angeles to Monterey, California, and while I don’t remember our exact route, the shortest way we could have gone would be 318 miles or so, taking around five and a quarter hours. We made a little video of it, too:

We did our trip on, let’s see August 13? I have no idea when Hammond took their GTD on their little micro-road triplet, but I know Beau’s GTD was only number three, and among the first delivered. Hammond’s was provided by Ford, it seems, so I’m not sure how that affects when it may have been shot. I suspect our run happened first, though.

Also, the break-in period for the GTD is 250 miles, which we passed during the trip. Was Hammond’s already broken in? Because the number of miles they traveled in that car would not be enough to get out of the break-in period, which I think would devalue any “road trip” claims, too. Though they did track the car, which would suggest it’s already broken in? Maybe this was a Ford car that already had some miles on it?

But still, when it comes to the first road trip in an honest, customer-purchased Mustang GTD, I think we did it, not Mr.Hammond. I mean, we met all the crucial road trip criteria: snacking in the car – not only did we polish off a huge bag of jerky, I think Beau was the first to actually eat a sandwich in the driver’s seat of a customer-delivered GTD:

I took the time to appreciate the sequential front indicators at a gas stop, also a road trip hallmark:

…and I know this has to be the first GTD to be in such close proximity to a Nissan Murano CrossCab:

So, you know, beat that, Hamster.

I guess there’s really two takeaways here: first, the GTD is a shockingly civilized road trip car. It feels about as comfortable as any modern Mustang, and you’re not lacking for features or comfort. This thing had fantastic A/C, comfortable seats, lane keeping and cruise control, and all that, and while the trunk was now the domain of those amazing suspension bits you can see through that window, the former rear seat area looks like it can handle a good bit of luggage. This is genuinely a race car that can be used for road trips without compromise.

And the second takeaway? We road tripped it before Hammond, even if he shot his little video before we did, because two hours does not a road trip make. Four is the minimum. I looked it up at the International Bureau of Standards. Feel free to call them and confirm.