Cities outside of Los Angeles

Here are some interesting cities outside of Los Angeles, along with their distances from down town LA your various travel options, and highlights of what to see and do in each city:

1. San Diego

  • Distance: Approximately 120 miles south of Los Angeles.
  • Travel Options:
    • Car: About a 2-hour drive via I-5 S.
    • Train: Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner (2.5 to 3 hours).
    • Bus: Several bus services including Greyhound and FlixBus (2 to 3 hours).
  • Highlights:
    • Balboa Park: Home to museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo.
    • Gaslamp Quarter: Known for vibrant nightlife, dining, and Victorian architecture.
    • USS Midway Museum: A historic naval aircraft carrier museum.
    • La Jolla Cove: Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and seeing sea lions.
  • History:
    • Early Settlement: Originally inhabited by the Kumeyaay people. The area was first visited by Europeans in 1542 when Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo claimed it for Spain.
    • Spanish Period: The establishment of Mission San Diego de Alcalá in 1769 marked the first European settlement.
    • Mexican Rule: Became part of Mexico in 1821 following Mexican independence from Spain.
    • American Era: Became part of the United States in 1848 following the Mexican-American War. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s spurred growth.
  • Growth:
    • 20th Century: Significant military presence due to the Navy and Marine Corps bases. The Panama-California Exposition in 1915 and the California Pacific International Exposition in 1935 boosted development.
    • Modern Era: Growth driven by biotechnology, healthcare, and telecommunications industries.

2. Santa Barbara

  • Distance: About 95 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
  • Travel Options:
    • Car: Around a 1.5-hour drive via US-101 N.
    • Train: Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner (approximately 2 hours).
    • Bus: Options include Greyhound and FlixBus (around 2 hours).
  • Highlights:
    • Stearns Wharf: Historic pier with restaurants and shops.
    • Santa Barbara Mission: Historic Spanish mission with beautiful grounds.
    • State Street: Main thoroughfare with shops, cafes, and theaters.
    • Santa Barbara Botanic Garden: Featuring California native plants and scenic views.
  • History:
    • Native American Era: Chumash people inhabited the area for thousands of years.
    • Spanish Period: Mission Santa Barbara was established in 1786, playing a central role in the local community.
    • Mexican Rule: Became part of Mexico in 1821 and saw the secularization of missions in the 1830s.
    • American Era: Joined the United States in 1848. The 1925 earthquake led to rebuilding in a unified Spanish Colonial Revival style, shaping the city’s architectural identity.
  • Growth:
    • Early 20th Century: Became a popular resort destination for the wealthy. The oil industry and agriculture also played roles in the economy.
    • Modern Era: Known for tourism, higher education institutions like UC Santa Barbara, and a thriving arts scene.

3. Palm Springs

  • Distance: Approximately 107 miles east of Los Angeles.
  • Travel Options:
    • Car: Around a 2-hour drive via I-10 E.
    • Bus: Greyhound and FlixBus services (2.5 to 3 hours).
  • Highlights:
    • Aerial Tramway: Cable car ride to the top of Mt. San Jacinto for hiking and views.
    • Palm Springs Art Museum: Contemporary art and cultural exhibits.
    • Joshua Tree National Park: Nearby for hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing.
    • Mid-Century Modern Architecture: Take a tour of iconic homes and buildings.
  • History:
    • Native American Era: Originally inhabited by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
    • Early Development: Became popular as a health resort in the early 20th century due to its hot springs.
    • Hollywood Era: In the mid-20th century, it became a fashionable getaway for Hollywood celebrities, contributing to its growth.
  • Growth:
    • Mid-20th Century: Known for its mid-century modern architecture and as a retreat for celebrities.
    • Modern Era: Tourism remains key, with attractions like golf courses, spas, and festivals such as Coachella in nearby Indio driving the economy.

4. Santa Monica

  • Distance: About 15 miles west of downtown Los Angeles.
  • Travel Options:
    • Car: Approximately a 20-minute drive via I-10 W.
    • Public Transit: LA Metro’s Expo Line (about 45 minutes).
  • Highlights:
    • Santa Monica Pier: Amusement park, aquarium, and restaurants.
    • Third Street Promenade: Outdoor shopping and dining.
    • Santa Monica State Beach: Popular for swimming, sunbathing, and biking.
    • Pacific Park: Small amusement park with a Ferris wheel and games.
  • History:
    • Early Settlement: Initially inhabited by the Tongva people.
    • Spanish and Mexican Eras: Named by Spanish explorers in the 18th century. Became part of Mexico in 1821.
    • American Era: Developed as a town in the late 19th century, with a focus on tourism and recreation due to its coastal location.
  • Growth:
    • Early 20th Century: The construction of the Santa Monica Pier in 1909 and the development of amusement parks boosted tourism.
    • Mid to Late 20th Century: Became known for its vibrant cultural scene and as a hub for the entertainment industry.
    • Modern Era: Significant tech industry presence, particularly with the rise of “Silicon Beach.”

5. Laguna Beach

  • Distance: About 50 miles southeast of Los Angeles.
  • Travel Options:
    • Car: Around a 1-hour drive via I-405 S and CA-133 S.
    • Bus: Bus services are available but less frequent.
  • Highlights:
    • Main Beach: Iconic beach with volleyball courts and tide pools.
    • Heisler Park: Oceanfront park with walking trails and public art.
    • Laguna Art Museum: Focus on California art.
    • Pageant of the Masters: Unique art performance held annually in the summer.
  • History:
    • Early Settlement: Initially inhabited by the Tongva people.
    • Early Development: Attracted artists and was established as an artist colony in the early 20th century.
    • Incorporation: Officially became a city in 1927.
  • Growth:
    • 20th Century: Known for its arts festivals, including the Festival of Arts and the Pageant of the Masters.
    • Modern Era: Tourism and the arts remain central, with luxury real estate and conservation efforts maintaining its charm.

6. Ventura

  • Distance: About 70 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
  • Travel Options:
    • Car: Around a 1.5-hour drive via US-101 N.
    • Train: Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner (approximately 2 hours).
    • Bus: Options include Greyhound and FlixBus (around 2 hours).
  • Highlights:
    • Ventura Pier and Promenade: Ideal for a scenic stroll or fishing.
    • Mission San Buenaventura: Historic Spanish mission.
    • Channel Islands National Park: Accessed via boat trips for hiking and wildlife viewing.
    • Ventura Harbor Village: Shops, restaurants, and boat rentals.
  • History:
    • Native American Era: Originally inhabited by the Chumash people.
    • Spanish Period: Mission San Buenaventura was established in 1782, central to the community.
    • Mexican Rule: Became part of Mexico in 1821, and later the United States in 1848.
  • Growth:
    • Early 20th Century: Agriculture, particularly citrus and oil, drove economic development.
    • Modern Era: Tourism, agriculture, and the arts contribute to the local economy, with a focus on preserving its historic and natural resources.

Each of these destinations offers a unique experience and is accessible via multiple travel options, making them great for day trips or weekend getaways from Los Angeles.

General growth factors of cities outside LA

  • Transportation: The development of highways, railroads, and later freeways significantly spurred growth in these cities, making them accessible from Los Angeles and beyond.
  • Tourism and Recreation: Coastal cities like Santa Monica and Santa Barbara thrived as tourist destinations, while Palm Springs capitalized on its desert climate and hot springs.
  • Military Presence: San Diego’s growth was heavily influenced by its military bases, shaping its economy and demographics.
  • Arts and Culture: Cities like Laguna Beach and Ventura have grown around vibrant arts communities, drawing residents and visitors alike.
  • Economic Diversification: Many of these cities have diversified their economies with industries such as technology, healthcare, education, and the arts, contributing to sustained growth and development.