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Day Trips - Los Angeles Hotels .com

Whether your idea of a great day trip is one filled with physical activity and adventure, or a laid-back afternoon soaking up sun on the beach and ambling through coastal towns, LA and vicinity have something for you.

For active travelers who want to experience the wonder and beauty of California's varied foliage and terrain, there is nothing quite like the Joshua Tree National Park with its cactus gardens, lakes, and cliffs marked with Native American petroglyphs. Trails appropriate for all ages and skill levels, from kid-friendly to strenuously challenging, are represented here.

From land, move next to sea: Catalina Island, 22 miles west of LA, is the place to dive, snorkel, and sea kayak. The pristine waters at Casino Marine Park offer glimpses into the marine life that are among the best in the country. Catalina Island also offers various excursions for those who prefer a less aerobic approach: Try the undersea tour in a semi-submerged boat to observe the amazing kelp forest.

Santa Barbara is an all-around great town if you're traveling with children or want to do a little bit of everything. There are plenty of places to scuba dive and snorkel, and a wealth of activities for children such as the Zoological Gardens and Kid's World, a community-designed playground. Santa Barbara also offers some of the best beaches in country -- East Beach on East Cabrillo Boulevard is outstanding -- and a number of award-winning wineries are within driving distance.

Don't overlook California's coastal towns for a sense of history and natural beauty. Some of these, such as Ventura, through which the new 31-mile Scenic Coastal Drive winds, are gems.