🐾 5 Best Day Trips from Los Angeles (For Families & Pet Parents)
So, you’ve been staring at your dog thinking, “We both need out before we chew the couch.” Great news: LA is surrounded by epic spots that are perfect for spontaneous road trips—with kids, canines, or both in the backseat.
Whether you’re chasing beach vibes, forest air, or alien-like deserts, these dog-friendly escapes will give you a much-needed reset—minus the stress of overnight packing.
🚗 Quick Overview: Where to Go & Why
| Destination | Drive Time (One Way) | Best For | Dog-Friendly Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Barbara | 1.5–2 hrs | Beachy & Bougie Vibes | Hendry’s Beach, wine patios, State St strolls |
| Malibu | 45–75 mins | Classic Coastal Escapes | Leo Carrillo Beach, trails, seaside cafes |
| Big Bear Lake | 2–2.5 hrs | Mountain Getaways | Hiking, snow play, pet-friendly cabins |
| Ojai | 1.5 hrs | Artsy & Low-Key Adventures | Olive groves, hikes, patio dining |
| Joshua Tree | 2–2.5 hrs | Surreal Desert Exploration | Scenic drives, rocks, sunrise hikes |
🌴 1. Santa Barbara – Fancy but Chill
Drive Time: 90–120 minutes (Longer on weekends. Bring snacks. And patience.)
Why It’s Perfect:
Santa Barbara is LA’s more elegant sibling—less smog, more ocean breeze, and plenty of dog- and kid-friendly options that feel like a mini vacation.
Dog-Friendly Highlights:
- Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry’s Beach): Leashed dogs welcome; off-leash zone nearby. Water bowls and rinse stations available!
- Douglas Family Preserve: Adjacent to the beach, this bluff trail offers cliffside views and off-leash freedom.
- State Street Walks: Window shop, people-watch, and dine al fresco with your pup at places like Handlebar Coffee Roasters or Brophy Bros.
Pro Tips:
- Stop by Chapala Market for quick tacos (many outdoor seats are pet-friendly).
- Pack a towel—your pup will be sandy.
- Most wine tasting rooms (like Carr Winery) allow leashed dogs. Sip responsibly!
🏖 2. Malibu – The Quintessential Beach Day
Drive Time: 45–75 minutes depending on traffic and time of day.
Why You’ll Love It:
Sun, surf, sea breezes—and endless opportunities to tire out your four-legged friend before they crash in the car ride home.
Dog-Friendly Spots:
- Leo Carrillo State Beach: Dogs allowed on leash north of Lifeguard Tower 3. Tide pools + gentle waves = doggy heaven.
- Malibu Bluffs Park: A great stop with scenic views, grassy fields, and walking paths.
- Solstice Canyon Trail: A shaded, family- and dog-friendly hike with small waterfalls and ruins to explore.
What to Bring:
- Extra water—coastal hikes can sneak up on you.
- A pet-safe paw balm if walking on hot sand or rocks.
- Poop bags (trust us, rangers are watching).
🏔 3. Big Bear Lake – LA’s Seasonal Fantasyland
Drive Time: 2–2.5 hours (Add time during snow season; chains may be required.)
Why It’s Worth It:
Want real seasons? Crisp air? Pine trees? Your dog figuring out what snow is? Welcome to Big Bear.
Must-Do’s:
- Castle Rock Trail: Short 2.6-mile roundtrip hike with panoramic lake views. Leashed dogs welcome.
- Alpine Pedal Path: Paved and stroller-friendly—great for all ages and energy levels.
- Big Bear Lake Kayaking: Rent from pet-friendly vendors and let your dog co-pilot.
Pet Perks:
- Many cabin rentals on Airbnb and Booking.com allow pets.
- Dog-friendly restaurants like Grizzly Manor Café offer outdoor seating and water bowls.
🌿 4. Ojai – Vibes, Views, and Very Good Dogs
Drive Time: 90 minutes (unless you’re stuck behind a kombucha truck).
Why Go:
Ojai is where LA goes to chill. Think small-town charm with hiking trails, organic snacks, and art everywhere. And yes—your dog can come too.
Favorite Stops:
- Shelf Road Trail: Easy, scenic, and perfect for dogs and kids. Cactus and citrus trees galore.
- Ojai Olive Oil Company: Dogs allowed in the groves. You’ll learn way more about olives than you ever expected.
- Ojai Certified Farmers’ Market (Sundays): Outdoor, fresh, and super pet-friendly.
Don’t Miss:
- Grab pastries from Knead Baking Company and enjoy on their dog-welcoming patio.
- Sunset at Meditation Mount (dogs allowed on leash; limited parking).
🪐 5. Joshua Tree – Desert Magic with Your Dog
Drive Time: 2–2.5 hours
Best Season: October to April (Summer heat can be dangerous for pets)
Why It’s Wild:
Alien-like rock formations. Open skies. That strange silence only the desert offers. It’s weird, it’s beautiful, and it’s a photographer’s dream—especially with a dog posing on a boulder.
Where Dogs Are Allowed:
- Bajada Trail, Keys View Road, and all paved roads and campgrounds
- Outside the park, check out Pioneertown (historic and dog-welcoming) or Hicksville Trailer Palace (quirky glamping fun)
Important Notes:
- Bring LOTS of water (for both of you)
- Stick to early morning or late afternoon visits to avoid paw burns and heat exhaustion
- Dogs are not allowed on unpaved hiking trails inside the national park
🧭 Bonus Tips for a Smooth Day Trip
✅ Pack Smart:
- Portable water bowls
- Pet-safe sunscreen (yes, that’s a thing)
- Extra leash, treats, toys, and poop bags
- Pet first-aid kit for hikes
✅ Know Before You Go:
- Check for trail closures, fire warnings, or weather advisories (especially in Big Bear & Joshua Tree)
- Download trail maps ahead of time—cell service can be spotty
- Verify if your dog needs to be leashed (many parks strictly enforce this)
✅ Apps to Download:
- AllTrails – for dog-friendly trail filters
- BringFido – for restaurants, hotels, and attractions that welcome pets
- Pet First Aid by American Red Cross – just in case
🐕 Final Thoughts (And a Little Pep Talk)
You and your dog aren’t just roommates—you’re co-adventurers. And lucky for you, Los Angeles is surrounded by landscapes that feel like whole new worlds, all within a few hours’ drive.
So don’t waste another sunny weekend stuck in traffic or staring at your ceiling fan. Grab that leash, load the snacks, and hit the road.
And remember: if your dog ends up more photogenic than you? Just accept it. You’ll still be the one driving.