Disneyland Resort in California is having a moment. The 70th Anniversary Celebration starts May 16th. The news from D23 2024 is that the park is expanding in the next few years to offer several new rides. And, brand new ticket offers make it foolish NOT to go to the original Disney theme park! But when you go, you don’t want to miss out on all that SoCal has to offer. Contact me or another Disneyland Specialist at Kingdom and Cruise Travel to help you plan your trip to the parks AND help you explore the region. Here are the Top 5 Day Trips from Disneyland California so you can have your very own California adventure…
Top 5 Day Trips from Disneyland California
1. Los Angeles and Hollywood (45 min – 1 hr drive)
Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis in Southern California known for its diverse culture, entertainment, and beautiful landscapes. It’s the second-largest city in the U.S. and home to Hollywood, making it the center of the film and television industry. You can easily do a day trip here to see these top sights!
- Hollywood and the Chinese Theatre – See the stars of your favorite celebrities on the Walk of Fame and check out their handprints and footprints in concrete at the Chinese Theatre.
- Beverly Hills – Do a little shopping on Rodeo Drive and have brunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
- Griffith Observatory – Take a hike around the Observatory to enjoy views of LA and the Hollywood Sign.
- Santa Monica Pier – Enjoy some classic pier fun with rides, food, and shopping.
2. San Diego (1.5 – 2 hr drive)
Head to this stunning coastal city for a mix of adventure and relaxation. Known for its beaches and beautiful weather, San Diego is a perfect family-friendly day trip from Disneyland California.
- San Diego Zoo – Visit one of the most famous and respected zoos in the world. This zoo spans 100 acres and is home to over 12,000 animals from more than 650 species, making it one of the most diverse zoos globally.
- Balboa Park – Take your pick among when strolling among 1200 acres of museums, gardens, trails, and Spanish-style architecture.
- La Jolla Cove – Head to this picturesque beach surrounded by cliffs where you can spot sea lions!
- USS Midway Museum – Explore this retired aircraft carrier turned museum to see what life was like on this vessel.
3. Beaches – Spend a day at one of the many beaches near Disneyland
Just a half hour away from Disneyland sit some of the world’s most famous beaches. Take a day to enjoy stretches of sand miles long, a surf culture for newbies and pros alike, and a vibrant boardwalk scene at every beach.
- Huntington Beach (30 min drive) The original “Surf City USA” is famous for its surf culture and pier. You can even visit the International Museum of Surfing here. Check out the many restaurants, bars, and shops along Main Street.
- Newport Beach (30 min drive) Newport Beach is a stunning up-scale beach area with restaurants, luxury shopping, rooftop bars and a large harbor.
- Laguna Beach (40 min drive) Known as the Riviera of the Americas, Laguna Beach is known for its stunning 9 coves, tide pools and abundant sealife. This coastal gem should not be missed!
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After your beach day at Laguna Beach, check out the museums, galleries, restaurants and more that this city by the sea has to offer. (photo cred: wwwvisitlagunabeach.com)
4. Temecula Wine Country (1 hr drive)
Known for its rolling vineyards, award-winning wineries, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a top destination for wine lovers looking for a charming, less crowded alternative to Napa Valley. There are over 40 wineries from boutique family-owned to large estates with beautiful vineyard views. The Old Town has charming shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
5. Joshua Tree National Park (2 – 2.5 hr drive)
Joshua Tree National Park is a breathtaking desert wilderness in Southern California known for its otherworldly landscapes, iconic Joshua trees, and incredible stargazing. It’s where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet creating a rugged, surreal terrain. Kids will love scrambling over giant boulders and checking out iconic rock formations like skull rock and heart rock. Just be sure to bring lots of water because this is the desert!
Each of these trips offers something unique, from city adventures to beach relaxation to nature escapes. Which of these Top 5 Day Trips from Disneyland California sounds most exciting to you? Let us know in the comments where else in SoCal you want to explore when you visit Disneyland.
- By Kingdom and cruise Travel Advisor, Alli Matthews
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