Catalina Island

A short boat journey will bring you to the island atmosphere and strong cocktails. The untamed isle is reachable by the Catalina Express, with ferry launches in Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point. While the accessible main port of Avalon is ideal for a day trip, Two Harbors beckons overnight backpackers. Drive to Avalon to take the Ridgetop Eco Adventure ($84.95), an off-road tour in an open-air biofuel Hummer, to explore the spectacular, secluded interior. Back in town, chow down on egg-topped avocado toast at Cafe Metropole before strolling along the beachside promenade to the Catalina Casino, a building with an Art Deco interior best experienced on foot.

At the nearby Descanso Beach Club, where you are able to legally consume alcohol on the beach, you can sink into the sand while admiring the ocean vistas while sipping a cold Buffalo Milk cocktail. The elegant Catalina Island Museum delves into the rich past of the century-old vacation spot, which includes proto-CIA military operations and Chicago Cubs spring training. Dine on seafood specialties at Bluewater Grill Avalon on the dockside patio. Grab a gooey cinnamon bun from the Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co. before you depart from island life for the return trip. Keep reading to discover more best car-free day trips from Los Angeles.

Location: Santa Catalina Island, California