Travel Deals: Low-cost Day Trips Near Los Angeles

For people who love exploring, California truly has it all! From snowy peaks to soaking in the sun, there is something fun and interesting to do no matter what part of the state you visit. The Los Angeles area, in particular, is full of new places to see--and many of them cost little to nothing.

The following destinations are excellent examples:

Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802

The Aquarium of the Pacific is located along the stunning beaches of Long Beach, California. Here, see colorful exhibits of ocean life from Southern California and Baja, the cold waters of the North Pacific, and reefs and sea life from the Tropical Pacific. Children and adults alike enjoy hand feeding lorikeet birds, plus the chance to touch safe marine life in the SharkLagoon--including sea anemones and many other species.

Make this day trip a true adventure by taking a Behind-the-Scenes tour, a Harbor Cruise, or watching the onsite film "Turtle Vison" with animation and 4D technology to give audiences an authentic account of life on land and sea for various wildlife species.

Cost: adult $24.95 and children (3-11): $12.95.


Catalina Island

The only problem with taking a day trip to Catalina Island is that you inevitably want to stay more than a day. Just 22 miles from the shoreline around Los Angeles, this island is a true escape--yet takes less than an hour to reach from the mainland. The round-trip price of a ferry to Catalina from Long Beach costs about $65 depending on the time of year you go.

Once on the island, individuals, couples, and families have plenty of activities to choose from like glass bottom boats tours, scuba diving and snorkeling, surfing the waves along Shark Harbor and Ben Weston Beach, or a visit to the Catalina Island Museum with over 100,000 cultural and historical items covering over 7,000 years of Native American history. Other activities include a 2,100 yard, 18-hole golf course, a well-known mini golf course, movies, kayaking, fishing and shopping.

Cost: $65 for the round-trip ferry and other costs vary with the activity you choose.


Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Drive
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

For Los Angeles locals and visitors who love natural settings, there are few place of solace quieter or more beautiful than Descanso Gardens. This is a natural sanctuary where visitors can spend an entire day strolling and marvelling at the beauty of local flora and fauna, small ponds and intricate gardens.

The flora and fauna span acres and include a five-acre Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Nature's Table Garden with edibles like apples and squash, Oak Forest, the California Garden and others. Other attractions include the Tram tour at $4 a ride, the Full Moon Tea house, the Bird Observation Station and lake--and on weekends, tours of the Boddy House, home of founder E. Manchester Boddy.

Cost: $8 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12.


Eaton Falls
Canyon Park & Nature Center
1750 N Altadena Dr.
Pasadena, CA 91107

One of the best day-long trips from Los Angeles for nature lovers, a hike to Eaton Falls will challenge beginners but will be a pleasant visit for experienced hikers as well. The hike begins at the Eaton Canyon Park and Nature Center just twenty minutes outside of Los Angeles. At the end of the hike, visitors are rewarded by a waterfall that cascades into a natural pool about three feet at its deepest. Lucky hikers might see deer, lizards, rabbits, and other wildlife as they climb hills, cross creeks, and climb over the occasional boulder.

The hike takes thirty minutes to an hour there, and the same amount of time on the way back. Thrill seekers may want to take a detour along the way to a slightly larger set of falls that require a steeper climb (ask for details at the Nature Center).

Cost: Free.


Malibu

Malibu is another oasis natural beauty that borders Los Angeles, yet feels like it's hundreds of miles away. First hit the beach at Point Dume, Zuma or any other Malibu beach (since they're all pristine). Then, visit a historic site like the Adamson House  at 23200 Pacific Highway, which was built in 1929 and transformed into a museum in 1983. Besides its historical significance, the home offers amazing views of Malibu Lagoon, along with the beach and pier. Be sure to save enough time for a visit to Malibu Creek State Park for hiking, fishing, bird watching and horseback riding.

Cost: 17 years and older $5, ages 6-16 years $2, and 5 years and under: Free.
Beach cost: $5-10 for parking.

Finally, stop for inexpensive (and absolutely delicious) fresh seafood of all kinds--clams, shrimp, oysters, tuna, or whatever you like--at Malibu Seafood located at 25653 Pacific Coast Highway. Highlights include outside seating in coves and pleasant walking trails around the hills alongside the restaurant.

Cost: Lunch about $15.


Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead
www.bigbearmountainfun.com

With all the Los Angeles area has to offer, one thing it lacks is snow! Luckily for winter sports enthusiasts, one needs to drive only two hours outside of LA proper for skiing, snowboarding, and more in the Big Bear mountain area. The two area ski resorts are Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. This is a year-round resort area, so summers are also great fun around the lakes with water skiing, water slides, fishing, zoos and wildlife centers, camping and more.

A smaller area nearby, even closer to Los Angeles (just 1.5 hours drive) is Lake Arrowhead and Crestline, each with its own lovely lake, boating, and shops. There is also a ski resort in this area called Snow Valley Ski.

Cost: Big Bear ski resorts ski lifts full day $55 or holiday $75, while Snow Valley Ski is $55 on regular days and $65 for holidays.

Boat rides: $20-$60 depending on the location and length of time.

Have you taken any inexpensive day trips in and around Los Angeles? What are nearby places you enjoy visiting?