10 Los Angeles, California Road Trips for a Weekend Adventure

Buckle up and hit the gas—Here’s your guide to the ultimate road trips from the City of Angels. From rugged coastal highways to expansive deserts and serene mountain retreats, Southern California offers a wide array of adventures just a tank of gas away. Whether you’re longing for the salty breeze of the Pacific, the tranquil silence of the desert, or the charm of quaint small towns, these ten incredible drives are sure to spark your wanderlust. With iconic stops, breathtaking views, and a vibe perfect for a road trip playlist, each route tells a story worth sharing. Are you ready to hit the road?

Mulholland Highway, Santa Monica Mountains

Mulholland Highway twists and turns through the Santa Monica Mountains, making it an epic road trip destination in Los Angeles. Along the route, there are numerous points of interest to explore.

This road trip begins at Pacific Coast Highway and Leo Carrillo State Park. From there, the road winds through the coastal mountains, passing by wineries and luxurious mansions. After you pass the world-famous Rock Store, Mulholland Highway descends a section known as “the Snake.”

Next, you’ll enter the “Three Magical Miles of Malibu,” where attractions include Paramount Ranch, the scenic Peter Strauss Ranch, and Cornell Winery & Tasting Room. From this point, it’s an easy ride to Calabasas and the 101 Freeway.

Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is approximately a 2-3 hour drive from downtown Los Angeles along Highway 101, depending on the traffic. Once you reach Ventura, the road follows the coastline to Santa Barbara. Numerous exciting stops along the route make it easy to get sidetracked. Popular attractions in Santa Barbara include its beautiful zoo, miles of stunning beaches, Mission Santa Barbara, and various dining options. However, traffic can be an issue when traveling to Santa Barbara. An alternative way to reach the city is by taking the Pacific Surfliner train, which runs alongside Highway 101 for much of the journey. Website.

Angeles Crest Highway San Gabriel Mountains

The Angeles Crest Highway runs through the San Gabriel Mountains, starting in La Cañada and extending for 66 miles until it reaches Route 138 near Wrightwood. Along the route are several points of interest, including Newcomb’s Ranch Roadhouse (currently closed), Mount Waterman, and the Pacific Crest Trail. Numerous turnouts are available for visitors to pull over and enjoy the breathtaking views. An exciting side trip is the Mount Wilson Observatory, accessed via Mt. Wilson Red Box Road. Plan to spend 3 to 4 hours for this road trip.

Lake Arrowhead San Bernardino Mountains

Lake Arrowhead is a charming resort town, perfect for a getaway from Los Angeles. Often referred to as “the Alps of Southern California,” it offers numerous outdoor adventures and peaceful relaxing spots. Although the 782-acre lake is private property, visitors can enjoy the water aboard the Arrowhead Queen Tour Boat. Lake Arrowhead Village provides various dining and shopping options for road-trippers. Lake Arrowhead Resort is a great choice for a weekend escape. Nearby, Big Bear Lake offers plenty of dining options and is an alternative for a road trip destination. The drive from the Los Angeles area to Lake Arrowhead takes approximately three hours. Website.

Heritage Valley Highway 126 to Ventura, California

The Heritage Valley, located north of Los Angeles, offers a nostalgic trip back in time, making it an excellent route for a road trip. This scenic drive connects the Santa Clarita Valley in Los Angeles County to Ventura in Ventura County, passing through the beautiful Santa Clara River Valley. The valley is filled with citrus, avocado orchards, and roadside produce stands. One of the area’s highlights is Bennett’s Honey Farm, where visitors can taste honey for free. Another interesting stop is the town of Filmore, a popular filming location due to its well-preserved historic downtown, which often stands for small-town America.

Palm Springs, California – Weekend Adventure

This beautiful desert oasis is about a two-hour drive from downtown Los Angeles. Palm Springs is a fantastic road trip destination known for its spectacular resorts, top-notch shopping, and exciting outdoor adventures. Popular attractions in Palm Springs include the Palm Springs Tramway, the Living Desert Zoo, and Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, one of Southern California’s most unusual buildings. With so many things to do and see in Palm Springs, one day is not enough. Consider a weekend getaway.

Oak Glen U-Pick Apple Orchards

Oak Glen is an excellent choice for a family road trip close to the city but still offers a small-town atmosphere. This charming community is located 15 miles east of San Bernardino, at the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. The best time to visit Oak Glen is during the autumn, which is the peak season because of the apple-related festivities. However, Oak Glen has its unique charm year-round, with different fruits coming into season at various times and the area’s natural beauty. The travel time from Los Angeles is just under two hours. Website.

Escape to Ojai Valley, California

Ojai is situated in the heart of an east-west mountain range, creating a unique sunset often called the “Pink Moment.” Ojai Valley, located in Ventura County, California, is a picturesque area renowned for its stunning natural beauty, small-town charm, and vibrant cultural scene. Surrounded by the Topatopa Mountains, the valley enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful escape. Visitors can enjoy both local flavors and scenic beauty in this lovely region. Website.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission Capistrano is the perfect destination for a family road trip. You can easily reach the mission by train or car. A self-guided tour of the historic mission will take approximately two hours, leaving plenty of time to explore the surrounding area. Just a short walk from the mission is the Los Rios Historic District. Doheny State Beach, where you can enjoy a picnic and soak up the sun, is a short drive from the mission. Consider driving along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) through Laguna Beach for your return trip. The travel time from the Los Angeles area is about 1.5 hours each way.

San Diego Road Trip from Los Angeles

Traveling from Los Angeles to San Diego is a leisurely road trip that typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops you make. Your journey will primarily be along Interstate 5, where you’ll pass through the heart of Orange County and catch a glimpse of Disneyland, including the iconic Matterhorn Bobsleds ride. The last town you will drive through in Orange County is San Clemente, after which you’ll enjoy an uninterrupted view of the Pacific Coast until you reach Oceanside. Beyond Oceanside, the area becomes more developed until you finally arrive in San Diego.

We recommend parking downtown near the train station, as there are many attractions and dining options to enjoy before you head back to Los Angeles.