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Jan 15, 2021 · The 11 Most Scenic Drives in Southern California. Admire the scenery as you cruise past majestic mountains, lush forests, and pristine beaches on the best scenic drives in SoCal. By Rebecca T. 6 min read.
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- Pacific Coast Highway. Make your way up scenic route 1 on the Pacific Coast Highway for one of the best Southern California road trips. Spend a few days or take a whole week to drive up the coast from Southern California to San Francisco starting in Los Angeles or even farther south in Dana Point or San Diego.
- San Francisco. End your Pacific Coast Highway road trip in the Golden City! Stop by Fisherman’s Wharf to dine, shop, and check out the famous sea lions at Pier 39.
- Yosemite National Park. Gigantic granite cliffs, mighty waterfalls, and plentiful wildlife all make up the beautiful park of Yosemite. Driving here from the south will be a bit long, but it will surely be a Southern California scenic drive once you get off the long-and-straight 5 freeway!
- Rim of the World Scenic Byway. One of the most scenic southern California road trips is the 110 mile Rim of the World Scenic Byway. Head east from any Southern California city and find yourself cruising along the cliffs of the San Bernardino Mountains.
- Angeles Crest Highway. 30 miles. Are you searching for an enjoyable and fast road trip near Los Angeles? Look no further than the Angeles Crest Highway! Beginning at the City of La Canada, this highway traverses the rugged terrain of the San Gabriel Mountains and reaches a height of over 10,000 feet at its peak.
- Highway 39 San Gabriel Canyon. The distance for a round trip from the San Gabriel Canyon Gateway Center to Crystal Lake is almost 45 miles. We recommend buying an Adventure Pass, which costs only five dollars.
- Ortega Highway 74. 60 miles. California Route 74, or Ortega Highway, stretches just over 21 miles from beautiful San Juan Capistrano in the west to growing Lake Elsinore Valley in the east.
- Highway 126 Heritage Valley. 70 miles. State Route 126 connects Interstate 5 in Santa Clarita to U.S. Route 101 in Ventura. Highway 126 passes through the towns of Piru, Fillmore, Santa Paula, and the national landmark of Spanish Rancho Camulos, all bursting with citrus and avocado orchards, roadside stands, as well as historic landmarks, antique airplanes, and railroad history.
- Highway 395 (Sierra Nevada Mountains) Highway 395 on the backside of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California is such a fantastic road trip to do and harkens back to old western California.
- Hwy 190 through Death Valley. Highway 190 not only dissects Death Valley and is the main access road through the national park, but several of the most popular and spectacular places to visit, and things to do in Death Valley are right next to the road.
- Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway. Set just a few hours from Los Angeles, the Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway is a gorgeous drive that cuts through the Cuyama, the San Joaquin Valleys, and up to summits over 5,000 feet tall.
- LA to Big Sur. Taking the sunny coastal drive up Highway 1 from Los Angeles to Big Sur is one of the most scenic drives in Southern California. There are shortcuts along this route to shorten the time, but if you’re looking to take the most scenic route, plan for about 6 hours total driving time.
- Angeles Crest Scenic Byway. Why you should go:A short drive with amazing views of the Mojave Desert. Distance: 66 miles. Drive time without stops: Approx.
- Bradshaw Trail Backcountry Byway. Why you should go:A historical drive through some of California’s most remote terrain. Distance: 70 miles. Drive time without stops: Approx.
- Cabrillo Freeway. Why you should go: A short drive through one of San Diego’s most beautiful attractions. Distance: 1 mile. Drive time without stops: Approx.
- Chimney Peak Backcountry Byway. Why you should go: A rugged drive through stunning mountain terrain. Distance: 39 miles. Drive time without stops: Approx.
There are charming small towns scattered throughout Southern California, and this weekend road trip will take you to eight stunning locations including quaint towns like Idyllwild and Sierra Madre. It offers scenic overlooks into verdant valleys and mountain roads through lush forests.
The Best Stops On A Mega Southern California Road Trip. 1. San Diego. 2. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. 3. Joshua Tree National Park. 4. Palm Springs, California. 5. Mojave National Preserve. 6. Death Valley National Park. 7. Kings Canyon National Park. 8. Sequoia National Park. 9. San Luis Obispo. 10. Big Sur. 11. Santa Barbara. 12. Los Angeles.
