One of the best parts about living in Los Angeles is getting out of Los Angeles. With an unending supply of beaches, mountains, deserts, and historic highways just a short distance away from the city, there’s always an excuse for a day trip. But what are the options if you’re looking to leave cars out of the equation and travel by train to your favorite SoCal destination? Here are a few of the best spots Angelenos can get to by rail and still be home by bedtime.

Looking for something to do with the kids that’s outside of the box—and without the usual upsell for overpriced novelties? Then maybe it’s time to give Culver City's Museum of Jurassic Technology a try. Equal parts whimsical and educational, there’s nothing else in Los Angeles quite like this modern day cabinet of curiosities. But be forewarned—the less you know about its secrets, the more fun it is to explore.

Note: Happy Place is currently closed due to city zoning issues; it is due to reopen later this month at LA Live. More information is available on its Instagram page.

Move over Disneyland; there’s a new happiest place on Earth. Following in the exceedingly Instagrammable footsteps of the Museum of Ice Cream, here comes Happy Place, a pop-up art installation with a serious commitment to putting a smile on your face—and a selfie on your phone.