The 14 Best Day Trips from El Monte

How far each place is, what to see there, and a plan for the day.

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There are 14 good day trips from El Monte, United States, led by Los Angeles, Anaheim, Santa Ana. The closest is Los Angeles, about 30 min by car, and 7 of them fit into half a day. Below: drive times, distances, what to see, and a sample day plan.

Built from 14 nearby places, with sights from real traveler trips, on Packy AI. Last updated November 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.

Day trips from El Monte

  1. 1

    Los Angeles, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 30 min by car20 km west of El Monte

    Known for Hollywood Sign.

  2. 2

    Anaheim, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 40 min by car28 km south of El Monte
  3. 3

    Santa Ana, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 45 min by car39 km south of El Monte
  4. 4

    San Bernardino, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 20 min by car68 km east of El Monte
  5. 5

    Oxnard, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 40 min by car107 km west of El Monte
  6. 6

    Moreno Valley, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 25 min by car75 km east of El Monte
  7. 7

    Huntington Beach, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 50 min by car45 km south of El Monte
  8. 8

    Santa Clarita, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 10 min by car59 km north-west of El Monte
  9. 9

    Rancho Cucamonga, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 45 min by car40 km east of El Monte
  10. 10

    Escondido, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 2 hr 10 min by car137 km south-east of El Monte
  11. 11

    Torrance, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 45 min by car39 km south-west of El Monte
  12. 12

    Van Nuys, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 45 min by car41 km west of El Monte
  13. 13

    Thousand Oaks, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 25 min by car75 km west of El Monte
  14. 14

    Simi Valley, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 25 min by car73 km west of El Monte

A sample day: El Monte to Los Angeles

  1. 08:30Leave El Monte
  2. 09:00Arrive in Los Angeles (30 min drive)
  3. 09:15Hollywood Sign
  4. 11:15Lunch
  5. 12:30Explore the old town, markets and cafes of Los Angeles
  6. 15:00Head back to El Monte
  7. 15:30Home in El Monte

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What are the best day trips from El Monte?
The best day trips from El Monte are Los Angeles, Anaheim, Santa Ana, San Bernardino, Oxnard. The closest is Los Angeles, about 30 min away by car.
What is the closest day trip from El Monte?
Los Angeles is the closest, 20 km west of El Monte, roughly 30 min by car. Best as a half-day trip.
Where can I go within an hour of El Monte?
7 places are within about an hour's drive of El Monte: Los Angeles (30 min), Anaheim (40 min), Santa Ana (45 min), Torrance (45 min), Rancho Cucamonga (45 min), Van Nuys (45 min).
Where can I go for a weekend from El Monte?
For a weekend away from El Monte, pick the places far enough to be worth a night: Escondido (137 km, 2 hr 10 min), Oxnard (107 km, 1 hr 40 min). Closer places on this list work better as a single day.
How far is too far for a day trip from El Monte?
Up to about two hours each way keeps the day relaxed. The farthest place on this list is Escondido at 137 km, around 2 hr 10 min by car.

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