Weekend Day Trips from AV & SCV
One of the best things about living in the Antelope Valley or Santa Clarita is how much is within a short drive. Beaches, mountains, wine country, and desert parks are all reachable in under two hours. Here are some of the best day trips from the area.
Featured Local Ideas
Malibu / Zuma Beach
About 1.5 hours from the AV. Wide sandy beach, great surfing, and plenty of seafood restaurants along PCH. A classic SoCal beach day.
Wrightwood / Mountain High
Mountain village just 45 minutes from Lancaster. Skiing and snowboarding in winter, hiking and mountain biking in summer. Small-town charm with big views.
Big Bear Lake
About 2 hours east. Lake activities in summer (kayaking, paddleboarding), skiing in winter, and a charming village with shops and restaurants year-round.
Solvang (Danish Village)
Charming Danish-themed town about 2 hours northwest. Wine tasting, bakeries with fresh pastries, unique architecture, and boutique shopping.
Ojai
Artsy mountain town about 1.5 hours away. Known for art galleries, spas, farm-to-table dining, and beautiful hiking trails. Very relaxing pace.
Joshua Tree National Park
About 2 hours east. Desert hiking, rock climbing, stargazing, and unique Joshua tree landscapes. Best visited in cooler months (October through April).
Angeles National Forest / Mt. Wilson
Just an hour south. Mountain trails, the historic Mt. Wilson Observatory, and scenic drives through pine forests. A quick escape from the desert heat.
Camarillo Premium Outlets
About an hour west on the 126/101. Over 160 outlet stores with significant discounts. A solid option when you want a shopping day trip.
This Weekend Nearby
In summer, head to the beach or mountains early to beat traffic. Winter weekends are perfect for Wrightwood or Big Bear (check road conditions). Spring and fall are ideal for Joshua Tree, Ojai, or Solvang.
Looking for this week's events? Check the official city calendars for the most up-to-date listings:
Helpful Local Tip
When people ask about living in the AV or SCV, one of the first things I mention is the access. You're close enough to the beach, mountains, desert, and wine country to do any of them in a single day. That kind of variety is hard to find anywhere else in California.
— Sam Urban, REALTOR® | DRE 02027092
Events, hours, pricing, and availability may change. Always confirm details directly with the venue or official source before making plans. This page is provided as a helpful local resource and is not affiliated with the venues listed.