Most Scenic Road Trips in Los Angeles, California, United States
1. Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
Drive along the iconic California coastline with stunning ocean views, passing through Malibu and Santa Monica.
- Coastal Views: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean
- Iconic Landmarks: See famous landmarks like Malibu Pier and the Santa Monica Pier
- Beach Access: Stop at numerous beaches along the way for swimming, picnicking, or surfing
2. Palos Verdes Peninsula
Explore rugged cliffs and pristine beaches while discovering charming coastal towns.
- Nature Preserves: Visit the Point Vicente Interpretive Center to learn about local wildlife
- Architecture: Marvel at the beautiful homes and estates in Palos Verdes Estates
- Golf Courses: Try your hand at golfing on world-class courses like Trump National Golf Club
3. Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area
Discover the diverse landscapes of the Santa Monica Mountains, from canyons to beaches.
- Hiking Trails: Explore numerous hiking trails for all skill levels
- Wildlife Viewing: Spot local wildlife like coyotes, bobcats, and deer
- Scenic Viewpoints: Stop at scenic viewpoints for panoramic vistas of the mountains and coastline
4. Angeles Crest Highway (SR-2)
Experience the beauty of the San Gabriel Mountains with endless mountain vistas.
- Mountain Peaks: Drive past towering peaks like Mount Wilson and Mount Baldy
- Camping Sites: Find campsites for overnight stays at beautiful locations like Vincent Gap
- Historical Landmarks: Visit historical landmarks like the Mount Wilson Observatory
5. San Gabriel Valley Scenic Loop
Discover the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of San Gabriel Valley.
- Historical Sites: Visit historic sites like the Mission San Gabriel Arcangel
- Local Cuisine: Savor delicious Asian cuisine in Monterey Park and Alhambra
- Parks and Gardens: Relax in beautiful parks and gardens like the Huntington Botanical Gardens
6. Ojai Valley Road
Drive through charming Ojai with its unique architecture and stunning landscapes.
- Architecture: Admire the unique architecture in downtown Ojai
- Nature Preserves: Explore nature preserves like the Matilija Canyon Wilderness Park
- Wineries: Taste delicious wines at local wineries like Topa Mountain Winery
7. Santa Ynez Valley
Drive through picturesque vineyards and charming towns in the Santa Ynez Valley.
- Wineries: Taste wines at world-class wineries like Fess Parker Winery
- Cattle Country: See sprawling cattle ranches and charming rural towns
- Hiking Trails: Explore hiking trails in Los Padres National Forest
8. Highway 395
Discover the beauty of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains with stunning lake views.
- Lake Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of lakes like Mono Lake and Crowley Lake
- Natural Wonders: Visit natural wonders like Devils Postpile National Monument
- Fishing Spots: Find great fishing spots along the way
9. Big Sur Coast Highway (CA-1)
Drive along one of the most scenic highways in the world with breathtaking ocean views.
- Coastal Views: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean
- Scenic Spots: Stop at scenic spots like Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls
- Beach Access: Stop at numerous beaches along the way for swimming, picnicking, or surfing
10. Lake Arrowhead
Drive through the stunning San Bernardino Mountains to arrive at beautiful Lake Arrowhead.
- Mountain Vistas: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the mountains
- Lake Activities: Participate in lake activities like boating and fishing
- Cabin Rentals: Rent a cabin for a picturesque getaway
11. Mojave National Preserve
Drive through the stunning desert landscapes of Mojave National Preserve.
- Desert Scenery: Experience the unique beauty of the desert landscape
- Hiking Trails: Explore numerous hiking trails
- Natural Wonders: Visit natural wonders like the Kelso Dunes and the Cinder Cone
12. Death Valley National Park
Drive through one of the hottest, driest places on earth with stunning desert scenery.
- Desert Scenery: Experience the unique beauty of the desert landscape
- Natural Wonders: Visit natural wonders like Badwater Basin, Dante's View, and Zabriskie Point
- Star Gazing: Enjoy some of the darkest skies in the country for star gazing
13. Joshua Tree National Park
Drive through stunning desert landscapes filled with unique rock formations and Joshua trees.
- Desert Scenery: Experience the unique beauty of the desert landscape
- Hiking Trails: Explore numerous hiking trails
- Rock Climbing: Try your hand at rock climbing on some of the park's famous formations
14. Kings Canyon National Park
Drive through breathtaking canyons and forests with stunning mountain vistas.
- Mountain Vistas: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the mountains
- Hiking Trails: Explore numerous hiking trails, including the famous General Sherman Tree
- Scenic Spots: Stop at scenic spots like Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls
15. Sequoia National Park
Drive through a breathtaking forest filled with giant sequoia trees.
- Giant Sequoias: Experience the world's largest trees up close
- Hiking Trails: Explore numerous hiking trails, including the famous General Sherman Tree
- Scenic Spots: Stop at scenic spots like Moro Rock and Cascadelia Falls