
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.