By Aaron Kirman
Beverly Hills sits within striking distance of some of California's most polished coastal towns and quiet mountain retreats, each reachable without giving up an evening back home. A short drive north or south trades the city's pace for a beach, a vineyard, or a private island depending on the mood.
I send clients toward these same escapes often enough that a few have become regular weekend habits.
Key Takeaways
- Santa Barbara: Offers Spanish colonial architecture and coastal elegance about an hour north.
- Malibu: Delivers dramatic coastline and refined dining within a short drive of the city.
- Ojai: Provides a quiet, spa-focused retreat tucked into a mountain valley.
- Catalina Island: Adds a private, boat-accessible escape well worth the extra planning.
Head North to Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara sits just over an hour's drive from Beverly Hills, offering Spanish colonial architecture alongside some of the state's most polished coastal scenery. Stearns Wharf anchors the waterfront with dining and views, while the 1786 Mission and the city's botanic garden add real cultural depth to an otherwise beach-focused day.
Santa Barbara Highlights Worth Planning Around
- Stearns Wharf: Combines waterfront dining with sweeping harbor views.
- The Santa Barbara Mission: Adds centuries of history to an otherwise coastal itinerary.
- The Botanic Garden: Houses thousands of plant species across a quiet, walkable setting.
Day trips from Beverly Hills luxury travelers plan most often tend to start with Santa Barbara, given how easily culture and coastline combine here. A late-morning departure still leaves plenty of time for lunch and a walk before heading back.
Head to Malibu for Coastline and Refined Dining
Malibu sits close enough to Beverly Hills for a half-day trip built entirely around the coastline itself. Zuma Beach and El Matador State Beach both offer dramatic Pacific views, while the Getty Villa adds a classical art collection unlike anything else in the immediate area.
Malibu Highlights Worth Planning Around
- Zuma Beach: Draws surfers and sunbathers to one of the area's widest stretches of sand.
- The Getty Villa: Displays a classical art collection inside a recreated Roman estate.
- Malibu Pier dining: Pairs fresh seafood with an unobstructed ocean view.
Day trips from Beverly Hills luxury travelers take along the coast rarely feel rushed, since Malibu's main attractions sit close enough together for an easy, unhurried pace. A late-afternoon drive back usually catches the coastline at its most photogenic.
Retreat to Ojai for a Quieter Pace
Ojai trades coastline for a quiet mountain valley about an hour beyond Malibu, known for its art galleries, boutiques, and a noticeably slower pace than the coast. The Ojai Valley Inn offers hiking trails and spa amenities that turn a simple day trip into something closer to a proper retreat.
Ojai Highlights Worth Planning Around
- Meditation Mount: Provides sweeping valley views in a genuinely peaceful setting.
- The Ojai Valley Inn: Combines hiking access with spa services built for a slower day.
- Local art galleries: Fill the town's compact downtown with work from regional artists.
A visit timed for a weekday tends to feel even quieter than a weekend trip here. Ojai rewards travelers looking for a real change of pace rather than another version of the coast.
Escape to Catalina Island for a Private Getaway
Catalina Island sits offshore, reachable by ferry or private yacht for travelers who want an escape that feels genuinely removed from the mainland. The town of Avalon anchors the island with water sports, spa experiences, and a pace that slows down almost immediately after arrival.
Catalina Highlights Worth Planning Around
- The town of Avalon: Combines waterfront dining with easy access to the harbor.
- Water sports and diving: Take advantage of some of the clearest water along the coast.
- Private yacht access: Shortens the trip considerably compared to the public ferry schedule.
A full day here still leaves guests wanting more, which is exactly why many travelers turn it into an overnight stay instead. Catalina rewards those willing to plan a little further ahead than a typical spontaneous outing.
FAQs
What Are the Best Day Trips from Beverly Hills Luxury Travelers Should Prioritize First?
Santa Barbara and Malibu both work well for a first outing, given their short drive times and easy mix of culture, coastline, and dining. Ojai and Catalina Island suit a traveler ready for something quieter or more removed from the mainland.
How Far in Advance Should a Catalina Island Trip Get Planned?
A public ferry schedule should be booked at least a few days ahead during busier travel seasons. Private yacht access offers more flexibility but still benefits from planning a day or two
Which of These Trips Works Best for a Half-Day Outing?
Malibu suits a half-day trip especially well, given how close its main attractions sit to one another. Santa Barbara and Ojai both reward a fuller day, while Catalina Island often turns into an overnight stay.
Contact Aaron Kirman Today
A property near any one of these routes puts a completely different kind of weekend within easy reach. Reach out to me, Aaron Kirman, and let's talk about how you like to spend a weekend, whether that means a coastline drive or an island crossing, to help narrow a Beverly Hills search fast.
