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Day trips from South Gate

20 nearby parks, towns and places to explore, ordered by straight-line distance.

Los Angeles ZooThings to do

Los Angeles Zoo

15 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 25 min by car (22 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Public zoo and botanical garden.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Outdoors

Cabrillo Beach

17 miles south · straight-line distanceAbout 30 min by car (21 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Public beach in San Pedro, Los Angeles, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

DisneylandThings to do

Disneyland

18 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 30 min by car (24 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

American theme park in California owned by The Walt Disney Company.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Getty CenterThings to do

Getty Center

18 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 30 min by car (24 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Campus of the Getty Museum and other programs of the Getty Trust in Los Angeles.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Yorba LindaTown

Yorba Linda

22 miles east · straight-line distanceAbout 35 min by car (33 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

City in Orange County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Santa AnaTown

Santa Ana

23 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 40 min by car (33 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

County seat and city of Orange County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

OrangeTown

Orange

23 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 35 min by car (31 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

City in Orange County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

PomonaTown

Pomona

26 miles east · straight-line distanceAbout 45 min by car (37 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

City in Los Angeles County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

State park

Chino Hills State Park

28 miles east · straight-line distance

State park in Southern California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

IrvineTown

Irvine

29 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 45 min by car (39 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

City in Orange County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

State park

Malibu Creek State Park

31 miles west · straight-line distance

State park of California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Crystal Cove State ParkState park

Crystal Cove State Park

33 miles southeast · straight-line distance

State park on the coast of California, USA.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Mount Baldy Ski LiftsSki area

Mount Baldy Ski Lifts

40 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 15 min by car (54 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Ski resort in Southern California.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Santa Catalina IslandOutdoors

Santa Catalina Island

41 miles south · straight-line distance

Island in Los Angeles County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Outdoors

Bonita Falls

44 miles northeast · straight-line distance

Waterfalls on Bonita Creek in San Bernardino County, California.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Snow Valley Mountain ResortSki area

Snow Valley Mountain Resort

69 miles east · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 45 min by car (93 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Ski resort in Running Springs, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Channel Islands National ParkNational park site

Channel Islands National Park

85 miles west · straight-line distance

National park of the United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Black's BeachOutdoors

Black's Beach

91 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 50 min by car (106 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Beach in San Diego County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Cesar E. Chavez National MonumentNational park site

Cesar E. Chavez National Monument

91 miles north · straight-line distance

U.S. National Monument in Keene, Kern County, California.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Joshua Tree National ParkNational park site

Joshua Tree National Park

132 miles east · straight-line distance

National park of the United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Driving times are typical estimates from the city center without live traffic, Powered by Geoapify · © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Distances are straight-line measurements from the city, not driving distance. Saved road estimates have no consistently recorded source date and are not current traffic; estimates to park centers, water locations or inconsistent routes are omitted. Named-destination route links are not verified entrances. Place descriptions come from Wikidata; photo credits below include recorded capture dates when available. A photograph does not show current conditions.

Outdoor places near South Gate

40 recreation areas and campgrounds within 90 miles, from Recreation.gov. Filter by what you want to do.

Recreation area

Whittier Narrows Dam

10 miles northeast · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

This project is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and the City of Pico Rivera. Whittier Narrows has no permanent pool.

BikingBoatingHorseback ridingPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Brea Dam

16 miles east · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

The recreation facilities at this project are managed by the City of Fullerton (CA) Community Services. Golf and tennis are main attractions at this project, located among the picturesque rolling hills in the City of Fullerton.

BikingHikingHorseback ridingHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedPicnicking

Recreation area

Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge

16 miles southeast · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service

Established in 1972, Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to protect vital coastal habitats for rare and endangered species.

Ranger programs

Recreation area

Angeles National Forest

17 miles northeast · straight-line distanceUSDA Forest Service

BikingCampingFire Lookouts/Cabins OvernightHikingHorse CampingHorseback ridingOff-highway vehiclesPicnicking

Recreation area

Santa Fe Dam

17 miles northeast · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

Facilities at Santa Fe are operated by Los Angeles County Parks. Swimming, fishing, non-power boating, hiking and picnicking are available. Of interest are the five distinct biological communities within the area.

BoatingFishingPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Fullerton Dam

18 miles east · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

Managed by Orange County, CA, there are facilities fishing, picnics, nature exhibits, handball and field sports. No permanent pool.

PicnickingWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Carbon Canyon Dam

20 miles east · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

Managed by Orange County, there is no permanent pool, but varied facilities such as fishing, picnic areas, a nature trail, and tennis. The site of the historic oil boom town of Olinda. Adjoins Chino Hills State Park.

FishingHikingPicnickingWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Sepulveda Dam

22 miles northwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

The Sepulveda Dam's recreation facilities are managed by the City of Los Angeles Parks.

BikingBoatingPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Hansen Dam

24 miles northwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

The City of Los Angeles manages the extensive day-use facilities, including golf and riding stables, are available at this site in the San Fernando Valley.

BoatingHikingHorseback ridingPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing

Campground

Coulter Group Campground

28 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 20 min by car (61 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Nestled within the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Coulter Group Campground offers a secluded forest setting ideal for family reunions, youth groups, scout troops, and other organized gatherings.

BikingCampingHiking

Campground

Meadow Group Campground

28 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 20 min by car (61 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Meadow Group Campground is located off State Highway 2 between the Manzanita Loop of the Chilao Campground and the Chilao Ranger Station, 26 miles north of the 210 Freeway in La Canada, California.

BikingBirdingCampingHikingRanger programsWildlife viewing

Campground

Bandido Group Campground

30 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 30 min by car (65 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Located along Santa Clara Divide Road in the Angeles National Forest, Bandido Group Campground sits among fragrant Jeffrey pines in the upper montane zone of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.

BikingCampingHikingHorseback ridingMountain Biking

Campground

Lightning Point Group Campground

30 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 55 min by car (60 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Lightning Point Campground sits at an elevation of 6,100 feet, about 25 miles southeast of Palmdale and roughly 35 miles north of the San Fernando Valley.

BirdingCampingHikingHorse CampingHorseback ridingMountain Biking

Campground

Coldbrook Campground

31 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 10 min by car (46 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Coldbrook Campground offers 22 shaded campsites* at the intersection of Coldbrook and Soldier Creeks that are open year round.

CampingPicnickingRecreational Vehicles

Recreation area

Prado Dam

32 miles east · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

This San Bernardino County Parks managed area is an oasis within one of the fastest growing areas of Southern California. Riverside County and the City of Corona also provide recreation facilities.

BoatingCampingHorseback ridingPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing

Campground

Crystal Lake

33 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 25 min by car (54 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Crystal Lake is open, however, campsites are no longer available for reservation on Recreation.gov. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

CampingFishingHiking

Campground

Deer Group Camp

34 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 30 min by car (56 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Deer Group Campground is a great place to bring an extended family or large group.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingSwimmingWater sports

Recreation area

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

35 miles west · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails.

BikingCampingClimbingHikingHorseback riding

Campground

Jackson Flats

37 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 35 min by car (80 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Jackson Flats is a group camping facility located next to beautiful Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, which holds numerous nature programs, hikes and activities on Saturdays during the summer.

BirdingCampingHiking

Campground

Southfork Campground

38 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 2 hr 5 min by car (80 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

At a Glance: 4,500-foot elevation 21 sites RV's up to 16' No water Vault toilets Campsites are first-come, first-served What to Expect South Fork Campground on the backside of the San Gabriel Mountains is a hidden gem in the Mojave Desert.

CampingPicnicking

Campground

Sycamore Flat Campground

39 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 50 min by car (78 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Sycamore Flat Campground is a small, developed campground located in the Big Rock Creek Recreation Area of the Angeles National Forest.

BirdingCampingPhotographyScenic DriveWater Access

Campground

Appletree Campground

41 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 40 min by car (88 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Nestled in a scenic canyon just off the Big Pines Highway, Apple Tree provides a scenic and relaxing destination for camping, hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing.

BikingCampingHikingMountain Biking

Campground

Lake Campground

41 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 40 min by car (89 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Lake Campground offers an excellent escape from the city, just a short drive northeast of the Los Angeles metro area.

BikingCampingHikingMountain Biking

Campground

Mountain Oak

41 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 45 min by car (89 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Escape to Mountain Oak Campground in the Angeles National Forest for a restful, refreshing getaway from city life.

BikingBirdingBoatingCampingCanoeingFishingHikingMountain Biking

Campground

Peavine Campground

41 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 40 min by car (88 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Just northwest of the Los Angeles metro area, Peavine provides a scenic and relaxing destination for camping, hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing.

BikingCampingHikingMountain Biking

Campground

Peavine Campground

41 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 40 min by car (88 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

6.100-foot elevation. 4 tent sites. No water. Vault toilets. Adventure Pass required for vehicles parked at campground. First come - first served. Usually inaccessable during the winter months. The area has heavy use during snow play.

CampingPicnicking

Campground

Zuni Campground

42 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 5 min by car (58 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Closed. Please call the Acton Work Center at (661) 269-2808 for information.

CampingPicnicking

Recreation area

Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge

51 miles northwest · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service

A high mountain valley encircled by deep canyons, steep ridgelines, and rocky pinnacles, Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge is the gateway into California condor country.

Ranger programs

Recreation area

San Bernardino National Forest

54 miles east · straight-line distanceUSDA Forest Service

BikingCampingClimbingFishingHikingHorse CampingHorseback ridingHunting

Recreation area

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

56 miles east · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail covers over 1200 miles through the homelands of 70+ Tribal communities. It follows the historic route of the 1775-76 Spanish colonizing expedition from Sonora, Mexico to San Francisco, CA.

HikingHistoryHorseback riding

Recreation area

El Mirage OHV Area

60 miles northeast · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

BikingCampingHikingOff-highway vehicles

Recreation area

Mojave River Dam

61 miles northeast · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

San Bernardino County Parks manages this project in the high desert wilderness at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains. No permanent pool, but camping and picnicking facilities are available. Access to the Pacific Crest Trail.

Hiking

Recreation area

Juniper Flats

66 miles northeast · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

Juniper Flats covers 101,272 acres of mixed public and private lands. Located between the Mojave Desert and the forests of the San Bernardino Mountains, Juniper Flats hosts a unique mixture of plants from both environments.

BikingCampingHikingHorseback ridingHuntingNature educationOff-highway vehiclesPhotography

Recreation area

Lake Casitas

73 miles northwest · straight-line distanceBureau of Reclamation

Lake Casitas is formed by Casitas Dam , which is a feature of the Ventura Project . Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers one of the nations best bass fishing areas.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingNature educationPicnickingRanger programs

Recreation area

Agua Tibia Wilderness

79 miles southeast · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

The Agua Tibia Wilderness now contains a total of 17,979 acres and is managed by the BLM's Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office and the Forest Service. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California.

Wilderness

Recreation area

Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness

85 miles northeast · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

The Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness now contains a total of 33,610 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California.

CampingHikingHuntingPhotographyWildernessWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Harper Dry Lake

90 miles northeast · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

Harper Lake Subregion covers nearly 115,000 acres of mixed public and private lands.

HikingNature educationPhotographyRanger programsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Los Padres National Forest

90 miles northwest · straight-line distanceUSDA Forest Service

BikingCampingClimbingHikingOff-highway vehiclesPicnickingSwimmingWater sports

Recreation area

San Gorgonio Wilderness

90 miles east · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

This wilderness is part of the eastern slope of the San Bernardino Mountains with topography rapidly changing from low, rolling foothills and canyons to steep, rugged mountains. Elevations range from 2,300 to 5,500 feet.

CampingHikingHorseback ridingHuntingPhotographyWildernessWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Sand to Snow National Monument

90 miles east · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

Accessible SwimmingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingPhotographyWildlife viewingWinter sports

Recreation areas and campgrounds from Recreation.gov's directory, checked October 9, 2026. Listings are not live availability: check Recreation.gov or the managing agency for open dates, fees, reservations and conditions. Directions go to the listed coordinates, which may not be the entrance. Campground driving times: Powered by Geoapify · © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Questions

What day-trip ideas are near South Gate?

This guide includes Los Angeles Zoo, Cabrillo Beach, Disneyland, Getty Center, Yorba Linda. Places are ordered by straight-line distance. Confirm visitor access, opening hours and current travel conditions before choosing a trip.

How far is Los Angeles Zoo from South Gate?

Approximately 15 miles north in a straight line; driving takes about 25 min over 22 road miles in typical traffic (Geoapify, checked October 2026). This is not current traffic or a route to a verified visitor entrance. Use the named destination and confirm the appropriate entrance or transport.

How far is Cabrillo Beach from South Gate?

Approximately 17 miles south in a straight line; driving takes about 30 min over 21 road miles in typical traffic (Geoapify, checked October 2026). This is not current traffic or a route to a verified visitor entrance. Use the named destination and confirm the appropriate entrance or transport.

How far is Disneyland from South Gate?

Approximately 18 miles southeast in a straight line; driving takes about 30 min over 24 road miles in typical traffic (Geoapify, checked October 2026). This is not current traffic or a route to a verified visitor entrance. Use the named destination and confirm the appropriate entrance or transport.

Where can I camp near South Gate?

Recreation.gov lists 16 campgrounds within 42 miles, including Coulter Group Campground (28 miles north), Meadow Group Campground (28 miles north), Bandido Group Campground (30 miles north). Check Recreation.gov for current availability, seasons and reservations.

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