A day trip from the city

LA is a brilliant base for day trips. The big-ticket options are the theme parks, Disneyland in nearby Anaheim and Universal Studios within the city, both memorable but a significant spend, so book ahead and budget carefully. For a free alternative, head to the mountains or canyons for spectacular hikes, or drive up the coast towards Malibu for quieter beaches. Each shows a different side of Southern California. We'll help you weigh a theme-park splurge against the free outdoor options and explain how to reach each.