Most Scenic Road Trips in Riverside, California, United States

Riverside, United States, Riverside, Activity-Based Travel Pages, Most Scenic Road Trips

Most Scenic Road Trips in Riverside, California, United States

1. Palm Springs to Joshua Tree

Journey through desert landscapes dotted with palm oases and giant Joshua trees.
  • Desert Scenery: Experience diverse desert ecosystems, from sandy dunes to rocky outcrops.
  • Stargazing Opportunities: Enjoy some of the darkest skies in Southern California for unparalleled stargazing.
  • Hiking Trails: Discover numerous hiking trails among these unique geological formations.

2. Lake Arrowhead Scenic Byway

Wind through pine forests and mountain vistas en route to picturesque Lake Arrowhead.
  • Mountain Landscapes: Enjoy breathtaking views of the San Bernardino Mountains.
  • Lake Activities: Partake in water sports, fishing, or simply enjoy the lake's serene beauty.
  • Seasonal Attractions: Experience winter snow activities or summer festivals at Lake Arrowhead.

3. Ortega Highway (SR-74)

Cruise through winding mountain roads with stunning views of the Santa Ana Mountains.
  • Winding Roads: Enjoy the thrill of driving on a scenic, winding mountain road.
  • Hiking Opportunities: Stop at various trailheads for hiking and exploring the mountains.
  • Scenic Viewpoints: Pull over at viewpoints to capture stunning photos of the landscape.

4. Silverwood Lake

Travel along the picturesque Silverwood Lake Road for a scenic route amidst rolling hills and vineyards.
  • Vineyard Scenery: Pass by numerous vineyards in Temecula Wine Country.
  • Recreational Activities: Enjoy boating, fishing, and camping at Silverwood Lake.
  • Historic Sites: Visit nearby historic sites like the Temecula Old Town.

5. Ramona Bowl Loop

Explore winding roads through scenic valleys and hillside vineyards in the Ramona area.
  • Wine Country Vistas: Pass by numerous vineyards, offering wine tastings and tours.
  • Scenic Overlooks: Pull over at scenic overlooks for breathtaking views of the Ramona Bowl.
  • Historic Sites: Visit the historic Ramona Outdoor Play and nearby heritage sites.

6. Perris Valley Boulevard (SR-74)

Travel along SR-74 through Perris Valley, featuring scenic views of the San Jacinto Mountains.
  • Mountain Landscapes: Enjoy breathtaking views of the San Jacinto Mountains.
  • Lake Perris: Stop by Lake Perris for boating, fishing, and camping activities.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Spot local wildlife like hawks, eagles, and deer in the valley.

7. Corona Hills Scenic Byway (SR-60)

Journey through rolling hills and scenic landscapes along SR-60 in Corona.
  • Rolling Hills: Drive through picturesque rolling hills dotted with oak trees.
  • Scenic Viewpoints: Pull over at scenic viewpoints for stunning photos of the landscape.
  • Historic Sites: Visit nearby historic sites like the Richard Nixon Library & Museum.

8. Sunrise Highway (SR-79)

Travel along SR-79 for stunning views of Temecula Wine Country and the Santa Ana Mountains.
  • Wine Country Vistas: Pass by numerous vineyards in Temecula Wine Country.
  • Mountain Landscapes: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Santa Ana Mountains.
  • Scenic Viewpoints: Pull over at scenic viewpoints for stunning photos of the landscape.

9. Idyllwild-Pine Cove Scenic Byway

Travel through pine forests and mountain vistas en route to Idyllwild and Pine Cove.
  • Mountain Landscapes: Enjoy breathtaking views of the San Jacinto Mountains.
  • Hiking Opportunities: Discover numerous hiking trails among these unique geological formations.
  • Seasonal Attractions: Experience winter snow activities or summer festivals in Idyllwild.

10. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Journey through desert landscapes dotted with palm oases and stunning geological formations.
  • Desert Scenery: Experience diverse desert ecosystems, from sandy dunes to rocky outcrops.
  • Stargazing Opportunities: Enjoy some of the darkest skies in Southern California for unparalleled stargazing.
  • Hiking Trails: Discover numerous hiking trails among these unique geological formations.

11. Pacific Coast Highway (SR-1)

Travel along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, passing through scenic coastal towns and stunning cliffs.
  • Coastal Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and its rugged coastline.
  • Scenic Coastal Towns: Stop in picturesque coastal towns like Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and San Clemente.
  • Recreational Activities: Enjoy surfing, fishing, or simply relaxing on the beach.

12. Orange County Coast Highway (SR-55)

Travel along SR-55 for stunning views of Newport Beach and its coastal communities.
  • Coastal Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and its rugged coastline.
  • Scenic Coastal Towns: Stop in picturesque coastal towns like Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Corona del Mar.
  • Recreational Activities: Enjoy surfing, fishing, or simply relaxing on the beach.

13. Big Bear Lake Loop

Travel around Big Bear Lake, taking in stunning views of the San Bernardino Mountains.
  • Mountain Landscapes: Enjoy breathtaking views of the San Bernardino Mountains.
  • Lake Activities: Partake in water sports, fishing, or simply enjoy the lake's serene beauty.
  • Seasonal Attractions: Experience winter snow activities or summer festivals at Big Bear Lake.

14. Cleveland National Forest

Explore the Cleveland National Forest, featuring scenic drives, hiking trails, and picturesque vistas.
  • Mountain Landscapes: Enjoy breathtaking views of the San Bernardino Mountains.
  • Hiking Opportunities: Discover numerous hiking trails among these unique geological formations.
  • Scenic Viewpoints: Pull over at scenic viewpoints for stunning photos of the landscape.

15. San Gorgonio Wilderness

Journey through the San Gorgonio Wilderness, featuring stunning mountain vistas and challenging hikes.
  • Mountain Landscapes: Enjoy breathtaking views of the San Bernardino Mountains.
  • Hiking Opportunities: Challenge yourself with strenuous hikes to mountain peaks.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Spot local wildlife like bears, cougars, and eagles in the wilderness.