Newport, CA, offers not only an incredible coastal lifestyle but also proximity to some of Southern California’s most exciting destinations. Whether seeking a quick beach getaway, a cultural experience, or an outdoor adventure, there are plenty of places to explore—all within a few hours of home.
From stunning ocean views to vibrant cityscapes, here are some of the best day trips from Newport.
1. Laguna Beach – A Coastal Art Haven
Distance: 20 minutes
For those seeking a mix of coastal beauty and artistic culture, Laguna Beach is a must-visit. This seaside town is famous for its breathtaking cliffs, sandy coves, and thriving art scene. Visitors can browse galleries, explore the Laguna Art Museum, or experience one of the area’s many art festivals, like the Sawdust Art Festival.
Outdoor lovers will appreciate Crystal Cove State Park, where scenic hiking trails lead to panoramic ocean views. The park’s historic district, with its charming beach cottages, provides a glimpse into California’s coastal past.
For those seeking a mix of coastal beauty and artistic culture, Laguna Beach is a must-visit. This seaside town is famous for its breathtaking cliffs, sandy coves, and thriving art scene. Visitors can browse galleries, explore the Laguna Art Museum, or experience one of the area’s many art festivals, like the Sawdust Art Festival.
Outdoor lovers will appreciate Crystal Cove State Park, where scenic hiking trails lead to panoramic ocean views. The park’s historic district, with its charming beach cottages, provides a glimpse into California’s coastal past.
2. Catalina Island – A Scenic Escape Across the Water
Distance: 1-hour ferry ride from Newport Beach
Catalina Island is a world away from the mainland but easily accessible via the Catalina Flyer ferry from Newport Beach. Known for its crystal-clear waters and relaxed island atmosphere, Catalina offers activities like snorkeling, zip-lining, and kayaking.
For a unique experience, visitors can take a glass-bottom boat tour, where they can see colorful marine life without getting wet. Those looking for adventure can rent a golf cart and explore the island’s scenic overlooks and hidden beaches.
Catalina Island is a world away from the mainland but easily accessible via the Catalina Flyer ferry from Newport Beach. Known for its crystal-clear waters and relaxed island atmosphere, Catalina offers activities like snorkeling, zip-lining, and kayaking.
For a unique experience, visitors can take a glass-bottom boat tour, where they can see colorful marine life without getting wet. Those looking for adventure can rent a golf cart and explore the island’s scenic overlooks and hidden beaches.
3. Los Angeles – Iconic Landmarks and Endless Entertainment
Distance: 1 hour
A trip to Los Angeles provides access to some of the world’s most famous attractions. Whether walking along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visiting the Griffith Observatory for panoramic views, or exploring the high-end shops of Rodeo Drive, LA has something for everyone.
For a cultural experience, the Getty Center showcases an extensive art collection with breathtaking city views. Food lovers can explore the diverse culinary scene, from authentic taco stands to Michelin-starred restaurants.
A trip to Los Angeles provides access to some of the world’s most famous attractions. Whether walking along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visiting the Griffith Observatory for panoramic views, or exploring the high-end shops of Rodeo Drive, LA has something for everyone.
For a cultural experience, the Getty Center showcases an extensive art collection with breathtaking city views. Food lovers can explore the diverse culinary scene, from authentic taco stands to Michelin-starred restaurants.
4. Temecula – Wine Country Just a Drive Away
Distance: 1 hour 15 minutes
For a more relaxed day trip, Temecula’s rolling vineyards and award-winning wineries offer a perfect getaway. Visitors can take a wine-tasting tour at top wineries like Wilson Creek Winery or Ponte Winery, both known for their beautiful estates and premium selections.
Beyond wine, the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival is a highlight for those who enjoy a mix of wine, live music, and hot air balloon rides. Old Town Temecula also offers charming boutique shopping, historic buildings, and local dining.
For a more relaxed day trip, Temecula’s rolling vineyards and award-winning wineries offer a perfect getaway. Visitors can take a wine-tasting tour at top wineries like Wilson Creek Winery or Ponte Winery, both known for their beautiful estates and premium selections.
Beyond wine, the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival is a highlight for those who enjoy a mix of wine, live music, and hot air balloon rides. Old Town Temecula also offers charming boutique shopping, historic buildings, and local dining.
5. San Diego – Beaches, Culture, and Family Attractions
Distance: 1.5 to 2 hours
San Diego is known for its laid-back coastal vibe, world-class attractions, and beautiful beaches. Balboa Park, home to the famous San Diego Zoo, offers stunning gardens, museums, and cultural institutions.
For a waterfront experience, visitors can explore Seaport Village, take a harbor cruise, or visit the historic USS Midway Museum. Beachgoers can relax in La Jolla Cove, where sea lions and breathtaking ocean views make for a memorable visit.
San Diego is known for its laid-back coastal vibe, world-class attractions, and beautiful beaches. Balboa Park, home to the famous San Diego Zoo, offers stunning gardens, museums, and cultural institutions.
For a waterfront experience, visitors can explore Seaport Village, take a harbor cruise, or visit the historic USS Midway Museum. Beachgoers can relax in La Jolla Cove, where sea lions and breathtaking ocean views make for a memorable visit.
6. Joshua Tree National Park – A Desert Adventure
Distance: 2.5 hours
For those who love the outdoors, Joshua Tree National Park provides a striking desert landscape perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and photography. The park is famous for its namesake Joshua trees, unique rock formations, and scenic trails like Hidden Valley and Barker Dam.
Visitors can also explore Pioneertown, a historic Old West-style town originally built as a movie set. With its rustic charm and desert backdrop, it’s a great stop before heading back to Newport.
For those who love the outdoors, Joshua Tree National Park provides a striking desert landscape perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and photography. The park is famous for its namesake Joshua trees, unique rock formations, and scenic trails like Hidden Valley and Barker Dam.
Visitors can also explore Pioneertown, a historic Old West-style town originally built as a movie set. With its rustic charm and desert backdrop, it’s a great stop before heading back to Newport.
7. Palm Springs – A Desert Oasis With Luxury and Relaxation
Distance: 2 hours
Palm Springs is an ideal day trip for those looking to unwind in a resort-style setting. This desert city is known for its hot springs, luxury spas, and mid-century modern architecture. Visitors can relax at high-end resorts, take a scenic ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, or explore the trendy shops and restaurants along Palm Canyon Drive.
Outdoor enthusiasts can also hike in the nearby Indian Canyons, where palm-lined trails and waterfalls provide a refreshing escape from the desert heat.
Palm Springs is an ideal day trip for those looking to unwind in a resort-style setting. This desert city is known for its hot springs, luxury spas, and mid-century modern architecture. Visitors can relax at high-end resorts, take a scenic ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, or explore the trendy shops and restaurants along Palm Canyon Drive.
Outdoor enthusiasts can also hike in the nearby Indian Canyons, where palm-lined trails and waterfalls provide a refreshing escape from the desert heat.
8. Santa Barbara – The American Riviera
Distance: 2.5 hours
Santa Barbara’s Spanish-style architecture, ocean views, and fine dining make it one of the most picturesque coastal towns in California. A visit to Stearns Wharf offers stunning views of the Pacific, while the Santa Barbara Mission provides a look at the area’s history.
For wine lovers, the Santa Ynez Valley, just outside the city, is home to some of the region’s best wineries. Visitors can also explore State Street, known for its boutique shopping and upscale restaurants.
Santa Barbara’s Spanish-style architecture, ocean views, and fine dining make it one of the most picturesque coastal towns in California. A visit to Stearns Wharf offers stunning views of the Pacific, while the Santa Barbara Mission provides a look at the area’s history.
For wine lovers, the Santa Ynez Valley, just outside the city, is home to some of the region’s best wineries. Visitors can also explore State Street, known for its boutique shopping and upscale restaurants.
9. Big Bear Lake – A Year-Round Mountain Retreat
Distance: 2.5 to 3 hours
For a mountain escape, Big Bear Lake offers year-round outdoor activities. In winter, it’s a top destination for skiing and snowboarding at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking around the lake.
The town of Big Bear also features cozy lodges, local breweries, and family-friendly attractions, making it a great place to relax before heading back to the coast.
For a mountain escape, Big Bear Lake offers year-round outdoor activities. In winter, it’s a top destination for skiing and snowboarding at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking around the lake.
The town of Big Bear also features cozy lodges, local breweries, and family-friendly attractions, making it a great place to relax before heading back to the coast.
Reach Out to The File Group
Newport’s prime location and luxurious real estate make it a sought-after place to call home. Whether looking for a waterfront property, a modern estate, or an investment opportunity, The File Group provides expert guidance in finding the perfect home.
For personalized service and unmatched local expertise, contact The File Group today and take the first step toward living in one of California’s most desirable coastal communities.
For personalized service and unmatched local expertise, contact The File Group today and take the first step toward living in one of California’s most desirable coastal communities.
