Looking to switch up your scenery this summer? The PV Magazine team has rounded up our favorite day trips just beyond the Palos Verdes Peninsula—perfect for exploring the greater L.A. area without the need for overnight plans. From hidden gems to iconic hotspots, these daycations are ideal for a quick reset, a little adventure, or just something fun to do with friends and family. All within driving distance, all worth the ride.
Eagle Rock: A “Reel” Adventure
Melani Morose Edelstein, Writer
There’s something magical about stepping out of the coastal calm of Palos Verdes and diving into a different slice of Los Angeles, especially when that slice comes with a side of buttery popcorn and a blast of cinematic nostalgia. For a summer day trip adventure, we’re heading northeast to the delightfully quirky, retro-loving heart of Eagle Rock, where a revitalized cultural gem is spinning stories and rewinding time: Vidiots.
The legendary video store-turned-film haven is alive and thriving once again. Reopened in 2023 inside the historic Eagle Theatre, this nonprofit cinema collective is more than just a movie house or a vintage rental spot. It’s a film-fueled time machine, a pop culture playground, and a community space where cinephiles, casual viewers, and curious explorers all find something to fall in love with.
What started back in 1985 as a labor of love by founders Cathy Tauber and Patty Polinger has morphed into a mission with muscle: to keep film culture alive, inclusive, and accessible. At Vidiots, you’ll find over 60,000 DVDs, Blu-rays, and even some glorious old-school VHS tapes, many of them rare, all of them part of a living archive designed to ignite conversations and connections through cinema.
And it’s not just about what you can rent. Vidiots now boasts a 271-seat theater hosting everything from indie debuts and global classics to affordable community screenings and filmmaker Q&As. It’s a space that celebrates storytelling in all its forms, especially those voices that Hollywood too often leaves on the cutting room floor.
Here, diversity isn’t a buzzword, it’s the projector beam illuminating every frame. Whether you’re a die-hard film buff, a director in the making, or just someone looking for a cool, air-conditioned escape from the summer sun, Vidiots offers a warm, welcoming vibe where everyone’s part of the scene.
So pack your tote, cue up your favorite movie soundtrack, and make a day of it. Grab a coffee on Colorado Boulevard, browse the stacks, catch a matinee, and let the power of film remind you why L.A. in all its sprawling, screen-loving glory is worth exploring one neighborhood at a time. Eagle Rock’s calling. And at Vidiots, the reels are always rolling.
Little Tokyo: Visit Japan, Just Up the Road
Kristin Borden, Founder & Editor-in-Chief
One of my favorite day trips from PV is just 45 minutes north—Little Tokyo in Downtown LA. This colorful neighborhood feels like a quick escape to Japan, with culture, cuisine, and charm around every corner.
Start your visit at Japanese Village Plaza, where red lanterns sway overhead and the scent of fresh mochi fills the air. Grab a matcha latte or iced yuzu drink from Café Dulce and stroll through shops offering everything from anime merch to imported Japanese snacks.
For lunch, you can’t go wrong with Daikokuya, known for its rich, flavorful ramen that’s well worth the wait. Or opt for Marugame Udon, where you can build your own bowl and add crispy tempura on the side.
Spend the afternoon browsing Kinokuniya Bookstore—a must for lovers of Japanese literature, manga, and gorgeous stationery. Then step into the Japanese American National Museum to explore exhibits on culture, history, and resilience.
Before heading home, stop by Fugetsu-Do, a family-run shop that’s been crafting traditional Japanese sweets for over 100 years. Grab a box of colorful mochi to take a little piece of Tokyo back to the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Laguna Beach: A Seaside Escape
Sophia Walter, Digital, Website, Ad Traffic
Take a quick day trip from PV and drive 1.5 hours down to Laguna Beach for a beautiful seaside escape! We recommend heading to Wood’s Cove, a small, stunning beach known for its crystal-clear turquoise water. It’s the perfect spot to relax with friends or family, while the beach is on the smaller side, it’s easy to keep an eye on little ones while enjoying the sun.
For lunch, stop by Active Culture, a local favorite offering bowls, smoothies, and breakfast burritos made with high-quality, whole ingredients. Their dishes are both healthy and full of flavor, perfect after a late morning at the beach.
While you’re int town, take a stroll down the streets and explore some of Laguna’s charming boutique shops. Be sure to visit The Shop, TWIG, Laguna Exchange, Soulshine Laguna, and The Bead Shop, among many others. At The Bead Shop (899 S Coast Hwy), you can even make your own bracelet or pick out permanent jewelry for a fun, crafty souvenir.
Active Culture Cafe: https://activeculturecafe.com
The Bead Shop (899 S Coast Hwy): https://beadshoplaguna.com
Pasadena: Feeding Mind and Body
Cindy Donnelly, Community Calendar, Special Advertising Section, Content Creation
Pasadena is the Donnelly family’s favorite day trip, sometimes there is so much to do there, we have been known to stay over night! We love to visit The Huntington, it is easy to imagine you are on an overseas holiday as you wander the art galleries, library and gardens including spectacular Chinese and Japanese Gardens . Plan your visit in advance and make tea reservations in the Rose Garden Tea Room for the ultimate splurge!
While in the Pasadena area be sure to stop by Old Pasadena and explore Colorado Boulevard for unique shops and great places to eat. Our favorite places include Noodle Street for amazing hand-pulled Chinese noodle dishes in a modern setting, or Mama Lu’s Dumpling House for delicious traditional Chinese family style dining set in a historical building with antique decor and crystal chandeliers. Another family favorite is Urth Caffé, which has a beautiful and eclectic vibe and offers breakfast lunch and dinner or coffee, tea and amazing desserts.
After eating stroll the streets and walk past amazing buildings such as the historic First United Methodist Church opened in 1924 and known for its beautiful stained glass windows, many of which were made in Los Angeles. Around the corner you will come across the impressive First Church of Christ, Scientist built between 1907 and 1909 with a Neo-classical temple and central dome.
Finally, do not miss a visit to Vroman’s Bookstore, Southern California’s largest and oldest Independent bookstore since 1894! Find the perfect summer read, or shop for amazing gifts, cards, souvenirs and more. The best part of this get-away, you can often make it home in under an hour if coming home after 8pm.
Melrose Avenue: Funky Fun
Lane Bullard, Creative Director
One place that always calls me back when I need my fix of LA is Melrose Avenue, a melting pot of urban culture a little over an hour from Palos Verdes.
I start my adventure with breakfast at Fratelli Café, then arm myself with their Lavender Mocha Latte and hit the avenue. Famous for mural and graffiti art that decorates store fronts and alleyways, it’s an open air gallery with a myriad of expressive styles—it’s ever-changing, so I always make sure to take a few pictures. 
Melrose hosts clothing for all tastes, from punk and funk to chic, being on of the best streets in LA if you’re looking for something unique. Wasteland, an institution of the avenue, is known not only for it’s vintage clothing, but also a not-so-secret go-to for rock stars and celebrities. For a fresh look I head to Le Joli or Posers Hollywood.
At lunchtime, Crossroads Kitchen offers a bit of everything with a hint of Italian, or LALA’s Argentine Grill for classic regional fare. There’s so many choices packed on the avenue—Thai, Mexican, French—you can’t go wrong by choosing what your tastes buds want. Then I hit the book stores. Mega City One is everything comic book related. Architecture Books feels more like a gallery than a book store, the shelves filled with both beautiful and hard to find books from art to literature. You can also get a sweet nibble, coffee or tea for the ride back to the Peninsula.
Long Beach: An Eclectic Day
Natalie Cortez, Graphic Design Intern
Here in Socal we are blessed with a multitude of attractions, restaurants, activities, and just all out fun! Just 30 minutes away from PV we find ourselves in the city of Long Beach, CA. One of Socal’s most underrated gems, offering an unbeatable mix of attractions, diverse foods, and fun activities that make it a must-visit destination.
Personally, I love walking along Shoreline Aquatic Park and taking in the beautiful views of the city, Lions Lighthouse, and the Queen Mary before visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific.
For lunch and drinks, I like going to this cool spot, The 4th Horseman. Their pizza is to die for literally! If you’re into bold visuals, horror-themed decor, heavy music, eclectic brews, and over-the-top-pizzas, including various vegan options then this spot is right up your alley.
