Living in Brentwood offers more than just upscale homes and a serene atmosphere. It places you in proximity to some of Southern California's most captivating attractions. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat, a cultural experience, or outdoor adventures, there are incredible day trips to explore within a short drive from this luxurious neighborhood. Here are some of the top destinations for a memorable day out.
1. Malibu: A Coastal Paradise
Just a 30-minute drive from Brentwood, Malibu is a haven for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. This iconic coastal city offers breathtaking ocean views, pristine beaches, and an array of activities to enjoy.
Start your day at Zuma Beach, one of Malibu's most popular spots, known for its expansive shoreline and calm waves. If you're more adventurous, consider hiking at Point Dume, where scenic trails lead to stunning cliffs overlooking the Pacific.
For lunch, visit a beachfront restaurant like Malibu Farm, where fresh, locally sourced dishes are served with panoramic views of the ocean.
What’s the bottom line? Malibu combines relaxation and natural beauty, making it a perfect day trip destination.
Start your day at Zuma Beach, one of Malibu's most popular spots, known for its expansive shoreline and calm waves. If you're more adventurous, consider hiking at Point Dume, where scenic trails lead to stunning cliffs overlooking the Pacific.
For lunch, visit a beachfront restaurant like Malibu Farm, where fresh, locally sourced dishes are served with panoramic views of the ocean.
What’s the bottom line? Malibu combines relaxation and natural beauty, making it a perfect day trip destination.
2. Santa Barbara: The American Riviera
A bit farther but well worth the 90-minute drive, Santa Barbara offers a unique blend of Mediterranean-style charm and California luxury. Its picturesque downtown is lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
Spend the day exploring the Santa Barbara Mission, a historic landmark known for its Spanish colonial architecture and lush gardens. Stroll along Stearns Wharf to enjoy views of the harbor, or rent a bike to cruise along the scenic Cabrillo Bike Path.
Wine lovers can indulge in tastings at nearby vineyards, such as those in the Santa Ynez Valley, which is just a short drive from Santa Barbara.
Spend the day exploring the Santa Barbara Mission, a historic landmark known for its Spanish colonial architecture and lush gardens. Stroll along Stearns Wharf to enjoy views of the harbor, or rent a bike to cruise along the scenic Cabrillo Bike Path.
Wine lovers can indulge in tastings at nearby vineyards, such as those in the Santa Ynez Valley, which is just a short drive from Santa Barbara.
3. Ojai: A Tranquil Retreat
For a peaceful escape, head to Ojai, a charming town nestled in a valley surrounded by rolling hills. Just 80 minutes from Brentwood, Ojai offers a slower pace of life and a focus on wellness.
Begin your visit with a stroll through the Ojai Valley Trail or explore the town’s unique boutiques and art galleries. Stop by the Ojai Olive Oil Company for a tasting and learn about their sustainable farming practices.
If relaxation is your goal, book a spa treatment at one of Ojai's luxurious retreats, such as the Ojai Valley Inn. End the day with a glass of wine while watching the famous "Pink Moment," a stunning sunset that casts the mountains in hues of pink and orange.
Begin your visit with a stroll through the Ojai Valley Trail or explore the town’s unique boutiques and art galleries. Stop by the Ojai Olive Oil Company for a tasting and learn about their sustainable farming practices.
If relaxation is your goal, book a spa treatment at one of Ojai's luxurious retreats, such as the Ojai Valley Inn. End the day with a glass of wine while watching the famous "Pink Moment," a stunning sunset that casts the mountains in hues of pink and orange.
4. Laguna Beach: Coastal Art and Natural Wonders
Located about 90 minutes south of Brentwood, Laguna Beach is renowned for its artistic flair and stunning coastal scenery.
Start your visit at the Laguna Art Museum, which celebrates California art and history. Next, head to Heisler Park, a picturesque blufftop park with walking trails, tide pools, and panoramic views of the Pacific. For a more adventurous outing, Crystal Cove State Park offers hiking trails and opportunities to explore tide pools.
Laguna Beach is also famous for its annual art festivals, so check the calendar for events like the Pageant of the Masters or the Sawdust Art Festival.
Start your visit at the Laguna Art Museum, which celebrates California art and history. Next, head to Heisler Park, a picturesque blufftop park with walking trails, tide pools, and panoramic views of the Pacific. For a more adventurous outing, Crystal Cove State Park offers hiking trails and opportunities to explore tide pools.
Laguna Beach is also famous for its annual art festivals, so check the calendar for events like the Pageant of the Masters or the Sawdust Art Festival.
5. Temecula: Wine Country Adventures
For wine enthusiasts, Temecula Valley is a fantastic day trip destination. Approximately two hours from Brentwood, this region is home to more than 40 wineries, each offering unique tasting experiences.
Spend the day touring top vineyards like Wilson Creek Winery, known for its sparkling wines, or Callaway Vineyard & Winery, which boasts incredible views of the rolling hills. If you're visiting on a weekend, don’t miss the Old Town Temecula Farmers Market, where you can shop for local produce, artisanal goods, and handcrafted items.
For a truly memorable experience, book a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the vineyards for spectacular views of the valley.
Spend the day touring top vineyards like Wilson Creek Winery, known for its sparkling wines, or Callaway Vineyard & Winery, which boasts incredible views of the rolling hills. If you're visiting on a weekend, don’t miss the Old Town Temecula Farmers Market, where you can shop for local produce, artisanal goods, and handcrafted items.
For a truly memorable experience, book a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the vineyards for spectacular views of the valley.
6. Pasadena: A Cultural Escape
Just 45 minutes from Brentwood, Pasadena is a treasure trove of cultural and historical landmarks.
Visit The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, which feature extensive art collections, rare manuscripts, and 120 acres of beautifully curated gardens. For architecture enthusiasts, the Gamble House offers guided tours of its stunning Arts and Crafts design.
Old Pasadena, the city's historic downtown district, is perfect for dining and shopping. From trendy cafes to high-end boutiques, it’s an ideal way to end your day.
Visit The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, which feature extensive art collections, rare manuscripts, and 120 acres of beautifully curated gardens. For architecture enthusiasts, the Gamble House offers guided tours of its stunning Arts and Crafts design.
Old Pasadena, the city's historic downtown district, is perfect for dining and shopping. From trendy cafes to high-end boutiques, it’s an ideal way to end your day.
7. Catalina Island: A Seaside Escape
For a truly unique day trip, take a ferry from Long Beach to Catalina Island, located about 90 minutes from Brentwood (including ferry time). This charming island offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and stunning views of the Pacific.
Upon arrival in the town of Avalon, explore the quaint streets lined with shops and cafes. Rent a golf cart to tour the island’s scenic roads, or take a guided tour of the Catalina Casino, a historic art deco landmark.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on Descanso Beach. For a touch of adventure, try the zip line eco-tour, which offers breathtaking views as you glide over the island’s lush terrain.
Upon arrival in the town of Avalon, explore the quaint streets lined with shops and cafes. Rent a golf cart to tour the island’s scenic roads, or take a guided tour of the Catalina Casino, a historic art deco landmark.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on Descanso Beach. For a touch of adventure, try the zip line eco-tour, which offers breathtaking views as you glide over the island’s lush terrain.
Reach Out to Peter Mac
Living in Brentwood means having access to the best of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas, including these incredible day trip destinations. Whether you're looking for a new home in the neighborhood or planning to sell your luxury property, Peter Mac is the Realtor you can trust to guide you through every step of your real estate journey.
With extensive knowledge of Brentwood and the surrounding areas, Peter ensures that every transaction is seamless and personalized to your goals. Contact Peter Mac today.
With extensive knowledge of Brentwood and the surrounding areas, Peter ensures that every transaction is seamless and personalized to your goals. Contact Peter Mac today.