San Diego

You have a ton of possibilities for a fast getaway with approximately a dozen roundtrip trains running south daily. The state's first European settlement, Old Town Station, where you can exit, welcomes you with folkloric dancing, restaurants, ghost tours, and an adobe house from the 1830s. If you want to see something a little more contemporary, get off the train in Santa Fe Depot, where you may find the Museum of Contemporary Art ($10). Take a horse-drawn carriage or a pedicab to Little Italy for breakfast, lunch, or supper at the upbeat café Herb & Eatery-don't miss the house-made ice cream sandwiches-or grab a reservation for dinner at the acclaimed fine-dining establishment Juniper & Iv. y.

You can take the trolley to Balboa Park if you want to visit another museum or to Petco Park if you want to watch a Padres game. 17 museums are located on the lush grounds, several of which were constructed for two early 20th-century expositions. If you really want to go wild, the renowned San Diego Zoo is only next door. San Diego is definitely one of the best car-free day trips from Los Angeles.

Location: San Diego, California