Most Scenic Road Trips in Los Angeles, 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