12 Tropical Destinations Less Than 8 Hours From California You’ll Want To Escape To
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California may have nice weather, but if you want tropical beaches and warm water, you’ll have to travel. Fortunately, the state is close to some amazing tropical destinations under eight hours away.
In under eight hours from Los Angeles, you can find yourself hiking through tropical forests and seeing endangered animals and waterfalls. Or, you’ll be sitting on a warm beach, taking in the rays and letting all your cares melt away.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is connected to most warm-weather destinations. Below are 12 tropical destinations close to California that you can reach in under eight hours.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
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Cabo San Lucas is one of the most popular destinations for Californians looking to experience the tropics. This warm-weather vacation destination is only two hours and twenty minutes direct flight from LAX.
When you arrive, check into an all-inclusive or coastal rental and head to the beach. Grab fresh ceviche or fish tacos and watch as the fishing boats cruise the harbor.
There are world-class golf resorts and adventures like deep-sea fishing to enjoy. At night, the city turns into a world-class party destination with live music, events, and bar-hopping.
Read also: Must-Visit Tropical Spots in the United States
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta is in the state of Jalisco and is one of the country’s most popular coastal resort destinations, just under four hours from LA. Head to the Zona Romántica or one of the all-inclusive resorts to put down your bags and get settled into the laid-back city.
At Los Muertos Beach, you can enjoy fantastic street food before taking a dip in the warm water. Then, shop at the many boutique restaurants serving renowned seafood and traditional dishes.
Nearby, you can hike up mountain trails to check out fantastic views. You can drive up the coast to surf, scuba dive, or snorkel before ending the day celebrating in town.
Read also: Best Beach Destinations Along the West Coast
Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca is a Mexican city steeped in culture and history. It also has some of the best food on the planet. This renowned destination is under four hours from LA.
When you get to Oaxaca, you’ll have endless experiences to look forward to. From historical monuments such as the pyramids of Monte Albán to the colonial architecture of downtown, there is plenty of history to experience.
Don’t miss going on a food tour through the countryside or dining at one of the city’s renowned restaurants. This city is hard to beat for foodies wanting a warm-weather vacation from LA.
If you want tropical beaches, you can drive or fly to one of the state’s tropical getaways, such as Mazunte and Puerto Escondido. In these towns, you’ll find resorts and hotels full of beautiful beaches and luxurious amenities.
Read also: Popular East Coast Beach Towns
Guatemala
Guatemala is just under five hours from Los Angeles and offers plenty of tropical beaches and historical places. You’ll arrive in Guatemala City and have a short drive to beach resorts and historical towns.
In Antigua, you can see towering volcanoes and some of the most striking architecture in Latin America. Check out historical monuments such as Tanque La Unión and the vibes around Parque Central de Antigua.
Near the cities are world-famous hiking areas where you can climb to the top of a volcano. There are plenty of options for room and board, including resorts and timeless inns. Guatemala is the place to be for a getaway with plenty of adventure.
Read also: Unmissable White Sand Beaches Across the US
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is Hawaii’s stunning capital city, and just under six hours to get there. You can find plenty of resorts and all-inclusive hotels either by the coast or near a golf course. There are also plenty of short-term rentals and historical inns right by the water.
The city has famous beaches where you can learn to surf, scuba dive, or kayak. Venture to the famous Waikiki Beach or stroll downtown to shop and dine.
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If you rent a car, you can be in the Hwaiian countryside in no time. Visit the North Shore to see the birthplace of professional surfing or explore the mountain trails that take you through tropical forests and some of the best views on the planet.
Read also: Budget-Friendly Beaches Across America
Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai is a Hawaiian island that’s just under six hours from LA. The island is a must-visit if you love nature, beautiful views, and cultural destinations.
When you arrive, you’ll immediately notice how green it is. Its valleys are some of the rainiest places on the planet, making it feel like the opposite of LA.
Drive around the island to find hidden beaches and coves perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Or, head up the mountain trails to experience endless views and wildlife. After your adventures, come back to your resort or hotel to relax under the stars and let your daily stress melt away.
Read also: Unmissable US Beach Getaways
Miami, Florida
Miami is just over six hours from Los Angeles. This tropical East Coast city has all the nightlife and entertainment of LA but with a tropical twist.
Head to South Beach to take in the glitzy vibes and soak in the rays on the beach. Or, find your slice of paradise by exploring the beaches north of the city.
You’ll find world-class shopping and nightlife downtown and try the best Cuban food of your life in Little Havana. Nearby, you can drive to natural areas such as the Everglades and see alligators and other wildlife. In Miami, it’s hard not to have a good time.
Read also: Must-Visit Islands in the US for Beach Lovers
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is just over six hours flight from LAX, but when you arrive, you’ll feel a million miles away. After landing in the bustling capital of San Jose, you can head to the coast.
On the Caribbean side, you can explore the hidden jungles and beaches. Find a hotel or resort on a tucked-away stretch of sand and let your cares disappear.
On the Pacific Coast, you’ll find protected rainforests with zipline adventures and coffee farms with the best coffee on earth. In the town of Tamarindo, you can find world-class surfing and amazing resorts overlooking the sea.
Read also: Top U.S. Islands for Your Next Escape
Key West, Florida
Key West is only six hours and 45 minutes from Burbank Airport. The island sits at the southernmost point in the continental US and has many beautiful resorts, inns, and historic hotels.
Check out the architecture downtown and see historical sights such as the former home of writer Ernest Hemingway. Then, visit landmarks such as Fort Taylor and the Southernmost Point marker.
On the island, you can bike around and enjoy restaurants and boutique stores. Or, experience a deep sea adventure or even go scuba diving in the offshore reefs. At night, the island becomes ground zero for tropical beach parties, so bring your dance shoes and lose yourself on the sand.
Read also: Ultimate Guide to US Summer Trips
La Paz, Mexico
La Paz is a quiet destination in Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. It takes a little over seven hours to get there, including a connecting flight.
Once you arrive, you’ll experience plenty of cultural attractions, fantastic beaches, and amazing food. Check out educational destinations like the Museo de la Ballena y Ciencias del Mar. Then, head downtown to the La Paz sign to sample mouth-watering fish tacos.
You can stay in a luxurious resort near the coast and relax all day by the beach. Or, go on a fishing tour or a boat adventure to see the magnificent whale sharks and other wildlife that live off the coast.
Read also: Must-Visit Harbor Towns in the United States
Hilo, Hawaii
Even with a connection in Oahu, Hilo is under eight hours from Los Angeles. The city is on the east coast of the Big Island of Hawaii and has plenty to see and experience.
You can rent a car and drive around the verdant coast, checking out hidden beaches and fun towns. There are also amazing hiking trails and plenty of adventures, such as surfing, boating, and deep-sea fishing.
You can find all-inclusive resorts and small, locally run hotels along the coast. In town, you can shop till you drop in the boutiques or explore Hilo’s art galleries and amazing restaurants.
Read also: Unforgettable Lakes to Explore in the US
Maui, Hawaii
Maui is one of the most popular tropical getaways for Californians. It is just under six hours direct from LA. It has coastal all-inclusive resorts, small boutique inns, and short-term rentals right on the shoreline.
As tropical Islands go, it’s hard to find a more inviting location. Maui is famous for its sunsets and sunrises. It also has endless natural highlights, such as coral reefs and forest preserves.
Besides lounging on the beach and exploring nature, you can learn about Hawaiian culture and visit historical locations. Try local cuisine and even go on a cultural experience run by a local. This will be an experience you’ll never forget.
Read also: Must-Visit Coastal Spots Across America
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