LA seems to have it all! But something to consider is that Los Angeles can also be a great jumping off point for adventures on the road. It’s hard to believe that within fairly short drives you can reach everything from the Grand Canyon to the great sequoias, and even Sin City.
For anyone who loves visiting the stunning national parks in the USA you’ll find over 10 national parks within easy reach of LA. Ready for a spectacular road trip adventure?
To help you plan for your next epic journey, this list has 25 of the best road trips from Los Angeles. You’ll find destinations that will take you along the coast, out into the desert, to Northern California, and beyond.
This post may contain affiliate links and Solo Trips and Tips may receive a commission for purchases made through links. See our disclosure about affiliate links
1. Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur
Number one on this list of fun road trips from LA is the one and only Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
This classic coastal byway is world-renowned. And the best way to do it is to set your sights on Big Sur, nature’s paradise.
If you plug it into your GPS it looks like the drive will take about 5 hours, give or take the traffic. But the reality is, you don’t want to go too fast.
The beauty of the Pacific Coast Highway is to soak in the amazing views along the way.
And stop at any number of wonderful seaside towns like Santa Barbara and San Simeon.
Read my list of best places to stop on the PCH for some itinerary inspiration on places to see on the way to Big Sur.
September through November and late spring around April and May is the best time of year for a Big Sur road trip. Summer brings the biggest crowds, and December through February is the rainy season.
NOTE ON HWY 1 ROUTE BIG SUR: This area often has landslides, so be sure to check the Big Sur highway conditions website for more information.
READ MORE: 28 Best USA Road Trips
Bixby Bridge Big Sur California
2. Las Vegas
Next up, The City of Sin, Las Vegas.
Everyone knows Las Vegas is a major destination with its incredible nightlife, fun entertainment, world-class restaurants, and high-end shopping.
There’s so much more to do in Vegas besides the casinos!
If you’re planning to drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas it should take you just over four hours (270 miles) to get there.
But if you’re interested in enjoying the sights along the way, there’s quite a bit to see.
Two easy stops along the Las Vegas freeway are Mojave National Preserve and the Seven Magic Mountains.
READ MORE: 11 Best Day Trips from Las Vegas
Yes, that’s me hanging out with Las Vegas showgirls!
3. Palm Springs
Palm Springs has always been a favorite among the rich and famous. But the truth is, this destination is one of the fun road trips from LA everyone can enjoy.
In less than a two-hour drive (107 miles) you can enjoy all of the amenities of this wonderful desert town.
Spas and resorts are ready to help you relax by soaking in hot springs and getting a full-body massage. In downtown Palm Springs check out the antique stores, thrift shops, and unique boutiques on Palm Canyon Drive.
Also downtown the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza and Museum welcomes visitors to experience and learn about the culture, history, and traditions of the Agua Caliente people.
If you love the outdoors, Palm Springs has tons of hiking and biking trails. I highly recommend the ranger-led interpretive hikes at Indian Canyons.
And when you want a unique experience, you can ride the tram from the desert to the top of Mt San Jacinto for some cooler mountain air. Grab some lunch, hike the trails, or simply take in the panoramic views.
You can also explore the wonders of nature at Joshua Tree National Park, one of many cool day trips from Palm Springs.
September through April is the best time to visit Palm Springs.
READ MORE: 18 Fab Boutique Hotels in Palm Springs
Hike the Tahquitz Canyon in Palm Springs
4. Phoenix
Phoenix is another fun road trip from LA, where the destination has great nightlife, tons of things to do, and a restaurant scene to satisfy any foodie. Budget travelers will love the fun, free things to do in Phoenix.
Taking I-10 East, the road to Phoenix passes through Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park and takes about 5.5 hours to drive this stretch of 375 miles.
So instead of rushing to get to your final destination, why not stop off and enjoy these wonderful destinations along the way there or on the way back to LA.
Taking a slightly longer route, you can head up north on I-40 East, which will go through the Mojave National Preserve and past Lake Havasu.
November through April is the best time of year to visit Phoenix. And you can explore a lot in the surrounding area with day trips and weekend trips from Phoenix.
Camelback Mountain in Phoenix has fabulous hiking trails
5. Bryce Canyon National Park
A definite must-see, Bryce Canyon has some of the coolest land formations, including red rocks, pink limestone cliffs, and the largest concentration of hoodoos in the entire world!
With spectacular sunrise and sunset viewing points and wonderful short scenic walking trails, you’ll see why Bryce is such a magical place.
The eight-hour drive on I-15 North to Bryce Canyon doesn’t really seem that long if you consider all the places you can enjoy along the way.
Options for stops on the way to/from Bryce include Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park, and Zion National Park.
The best time of year to visit Bryce Canyon is spring or fall for fewer crowds and lovely weather. Summer is hotter and more crowded, while winter is magical with the snow and fewer people. Just remember sometimes there are road closures during (and after) winter storms while plows clear the roads.
READ MORE: Bryce Canyon One Day Itinerary
Bryce National Park Utah
6. Zion National Park
One of the most popular national parks in the entire country, Zion, has become a major destination that can’t be missed.
Lucky for us, Zion is only about seven hours away, and it’s one of the best road trips from LA for nature lovers.
Stay at Cliffrose Springdale (Curio Collection by Hilton) for an ideal location with gorgeous views and an onsite restaurant.
Before you hit up Angel’s Landing and The Narrows in Zion National Park, enjoy the drive and all the many things to see and do along the way.
On this road trip from Los Angeles, it’s easy to make a stop at the Mojave National Preserve, Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon, or Valley of Fire State Park.
And if you’re not into doing the challenging hikes at the park, don’t worry; there are plenty of easy hikes at Zion suitable for all types of hikers.
Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Zion National Park. If you plan your trip for April to May or September to October, you’ll most likely have pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer months are very hot (over 100 F), and winter months bring cold weather with an increased possibility of rain and snow.
READ MORE: Best Things to Do in Zion National Park
Canyon View Trail at Zion National Park
7. Havasupai (Arizona)
An absolutely unique experience for any avid hiker is to visit Havasupai and the blue and green waters of Havasu Falls.
Reaching the final destination tends to be quite difficult, so the road trip from LA may be the easiest part of all.
Located in the Havasupai Reservation, access is only granted to those with a permit and lodging reservation, which are hard to come by.
Then it’s a strenuous multi-day hike to/from the Havasu Falls but absolutely worth it.
The hiking season is from February through November, but also remember that in the summer months the trail may close due to extreme heat or flooding.
Best of luck if you have this one on your bucket list!
READ MORE: 12 Beautiful Places that Are Hot in February
8. Death Valley National Park
We’ve all heard of the famous Death Valley, which is why so many of us are curious to experience it firsthand.
One of the most popular road trips from Los Angeles, you’ll reach the park in just about 3.5 hours (315 miles).
Now this is not a destination for a summer road trip due to extreme heat, but with exceptional wildflower blooms in spring, it’s a great place to visit.
It’s also on my list of the best national parks to visit in winter.
And it’s one of the best places to stargaze as an International Dark Sky Park.
READ MORE: 12 National Parks Near Las Vegas
Death Valley National Park is best to visit during winter months
9. Salton Sea + Salvation Mountain + Slab City
One of the most interesting road trips from Los Angeles includes Salton Sea, Salvation Mountain, and Slab City. This trip takes about 3 hours via I-10 East and then hang a right onto Hwy 111 at Indio.
The best time to do the LA to Salton Sea road trip is from October through May, when the weather is more comfortable. June through September is too hot, with the potential for temps well above 100 degrees. I visited in December, and it was perfect weather.
The Salton Sea was formed when spring flooding on the Colorado River in 1905 breached a canal, and the water flowed in for about a year and a half.
With a state recreation area and National Wildlife Refuge, it’s a great place to camp and enjoy the great outdoors. There’s some good birdwatching here too; I saw burrowing owls!
Thought of as the last place to live for free in the US, Slab City is home to squatters who have created makeshift homes on the slabs left from a WWII marine base.
Located at the entrance to Slab City, you’ll know you’ve reached Salvation Mountain when you see it. This brightly colored hill is the work and devotion of Leonard Knight, which took almost 30 years to create.
READ MORE: 18 Weekend Getaways from Las Vegas
Visit Salvation Mountain, Slab City, and Salton Sea for a unique road trip adventure
10. San Francisco
One of the greatest road trips of all time has to be from Los Angeles to San Francisco.
Nowadays it’s easy to get from one big city to the next using fast forms of transportation, but to truly enjoy the landscape of California, you’ve got to consider going by car.
Driving straight on I-5 you can reach the city in about six hours. But traveling along the coast on the Pacific Coast Highway will take you through wonderful towns like Santa Barbara, Morro Bay, San Simeon, and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
READ MORE: 10 Best Free Things to Do in San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco
11. Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is a great choice when you want to do a multi-day drive from Los Angeles and get out of California.
This 11-hour car ride doesn’t have to be done in one shot. Instead, consider stopping to see the beautiful California landscape along the way in places like Fresno, Sacramento, and the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.
And not to worry, after this road trip, your final destination will be just as incredible as the journey to get there.
READ MORE: Portland to Oregon Coast Road Trip
12. Portland + Columbia River Gorge
If you’re down for some of the coolest road trips from LA, definitely consider heading up to Portland and the Columbia River Gorge.
This multi-day road trip will take you through the majestic California and Oregon landscapes.
Consider three different routes:
- I-5 will take you through major cities like Sacramento and Eugene
- US-395 N will take a bit longer, but you’ll be closer to major destinations like Yosemite and Lake Tahoe
- The last option is the Pacific Coast Highway, then continue on Hwy 101 on the Oregon coast until Tillamook or Cannon Beach, then head east to Portland. Yes, the longest of all, but so worth it!
READ MORE: 3 Day Portland Oregon Itinerary
Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful road trip at the Oregon and Washington border
13. Olympic National Park
Keep going north! If you’re headed up to the Portland area, why not just keep going north to reach the amazing Olympic National Park.
Although it takes a few days to get there, it’s one of the most epic road trips from Los Angeles. Save this one for when you have at least a couple of weeks to enjoy the journey.
The fastest route is 1,123 miles, but the most scenic route will take you along the PCH and continue along the Oregon and Washington coastlines on Hwy 101.
At this incredible national park, you’ll get to see it all: glaciers, old growth forest, beaches, and even lush rain forest. And the wildlife watching opportunities are great, with deer, elk, black bears, and beavers, to name a few.
July and August are the warmest (and busiest) months to visit Olympic National Park. For fewer crowds, plan on visiting in May, June, or September. The rainy season starts around mid-October and continues through April.
READ MORE: Best Things to Do in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park sunset at Rialto Beach
14. Yosemite National Park
Major bucket list item: Yosemite National Park is one of the most magnificent places to visit in the US. Conveniently it’s one of the totally doable road trips from LA.
To get there quickly just head on I-5 North, which should take about 5 hours.
But if you’re interested in taking a little bit more of a scenic route, consider US-395 N instead. You’ll pass Death Valley National Park, Sequoia National Forest, through Inyo National Forest, and Mammoth Lakes.
At Yosemite plan for spectacular waterfalls, giant sequoia trees, and stunning mountain landscapes like El Capitan and Half Dome.
Plan to spend 3 to 5 days to see the highlights of Yosemite, such as Yosemite Valley, Tioga Road, Tuolumne Meadows, Wawona, and Tunnel View.
The best time to visit Yosemite is from May through September.
READ MORE: 15 Best Weekend Getaways in California
Take an epic road trip to Yosemite National Park
15. San Diego
Visiting San Diego from LA is a no-brainer. You’ll reach this fun city to the south in just over 2 hours, depending on traffic.
I-5 South will bring you along the Pacific Coastline through great towns like San Clemente and Del Mar.
Once you arrive, you’ll be living the SoCal life, watching surfers hang-ten, seeing the sea lions sunbathe, and eating the best fish tacos of your life.
Spring, summer, and fall are the best seasons for a trip to San Diego, but avoid May Gray and June Gloom when skies are typically cloudy most days. Unless you’re into moody, cloudy skies!
READ MORE: Best Things to Do in San Diego
San Diego sunset
16. Joshua Tree National Park
There’s no denying that Joshua Tree National Park is a major destination for folks heading out on road trips from Los Angeles.
With only 130 miles that separate us from this majestic park, there’s really no reason not to go.
So, when you need an escape from the city, get into nature at Joshua Tree. Surround yourself with beautiful cacti, wildly charismatic Joshua trees, and maybe see some wildlife on the numerous hiking trails.
READ MORE: 25 Warm Places to Visit in December
Joshua Tree National Park California
17. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
A stellar road trip from LA is definitely Red Rock Canyon. This breathtaking landscape has over 30 miles of hiking trails, great rock climbing, a scenic 15-mile drive, and camping.
Remember to make a timed entry reservation if you plan to visit between October and May.
Located less than 20 miles from Las Vegas, you could plan a road trip that hits up both. That way you can balance glitz and glam with serenity and nature.
On the other hand, if you’re all about escaping the city lights, then make reservations for camping at Red Rock Canyon in advance.
READ MORE: 15 Best Places to Travel in November
Take a road trip to the Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas
18. Santa Barbara
Located a short distance up the coast from LA, Santa Barbara is the perfect getaway and road trip from LA.
You’ll love its picturesque beaches and notable architecture with red tile rooftops. If you’re into surfing, be sure to stop at Carpinteria and Rincon Beach Park for some epic waves.
The climate in Santa Barbara will make you feel like you’re on the Mediterranean coast. Nearby San Ynez Mountains offer tons of outdoor activities.
Santa Barbara is also a great place to do a bit of wine tasting, as it’s home to over 200 wineries. You can do wine tastings in town, but if you want the best experience, this wine tasting tour to San Ynez Valley includes lunch and snacks along with visits to 3 wineries.
READ MORE: 10 Best Small Beach Towns in California
Hit the road to Santa Barbara for a change of scene
19. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Want to see the largest tree in the world? Then head to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park to see “General Sherman”.
Visiting these two sister parks, you’ll also be able to visit Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous US.
Camping and lodging are pretty abundant in and around the parks, making it easy to spend a night (or several nights) after the three-to-five-hour drive from LA.
20. Napa
The ideal getaway in California is seriously one of the best road trips from Los Angeles. Located just north of San Francisco, the direct drive will take at least 5.5 hours.
But who says you need to rush? Instead, make a real trip out of it. Traveling up along the Pacific, you’ll love the views and all of the small seaside towns, like Carmel-by-the-Sea along the way.
Besides wine tastings, you can also experience Napa from above with this magnificent hot air balloon tour for the best view of the vineyards.
Napa Valley is an easy road trip from Los Angeles
21. Sonoma Valley
Another fabulous destination just north of San Francisco is the wonderful Sonoma Valley. A wine lover’s paradise, this is the place to come to sample some of California’s best wines.
Since the popular activities in Sonoma involve sampling the local wines, it’s all the more reason to make a real trip out of it.
Spend a couple of days enjoying the local wine and checking out the shops in historic downtown Sonoma. Foodies will love this walking, food, wine, and history tour with a local guide.
Sonoma Valley is one of the most fun road trips from Los Angeles, especially if you drive along the Pacific Coast Highway.
22. Antelope Canyon (Page Arizona)
We all know that magical photo of someone basking in sunlight as it streams into a gorgeous red canyon. Spoiler: It’s Antelope Canyon. And to get there it’s one of the best road trips from LA so you can stand in that same spot.
Now, to drive directly from the city it’s going to take you over eight hours. So, it’s recommended to make some stops along the way. Easy ones are Lake Havasu and Flagstaff if you take the I-40 route, or Las Vegas via I-15.
Remember that you’ll want to make a reservation in advance for the tours. For a chance to see the sunlight streaming down through the red sandstone, book the Upper Antelope Canyon tour around midday. This is also the easiest tour because it’s basically flat with no stairs to climb and no ladders.
You can also tour Lower Antelope Canyon which is a bit more narrow and requires climbing a couple of staircases and some ladders inside the canyon.
I did both tours, and I preferred the lower canyon because I felt it had more photo opportunities, but both tours were fantastic, well organized, fun, and informative.
Read my list of best things to do in Page Arizona and make sure to put Horseshoe Bend on your must-do list too!
READ MORE: 7 Indian Ruins Near Flagstaff AZ
LA to Antelope Canyon in Page Arizona is a fabulous road trip
23. Paso Robles
Interested in visiting wine country but not in the seriously long drive to Napa or Sonoma Valley? Consider Paso Robles.
In about three hours you’ll be sipping the latest vintage.
To visit a few wineries without driving you can book this wine tour so you can enjoy the vino with no worries about having to get behind the wheel.
Besides wine tasting in Paso Robles, you can enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs, go horseback riding, or take a hot air balloon ride.
Paso Robles is a great choice for a quick weekend getaway from Los Angeles.
24. Grand Canyon National Park
Yet another one of our awesome life bucket list items is within a reasonable drive of Los Angeles. At just over 500 miles (around 8 hours away), the Grand Canyon is considered one of the top road trips from LA.
If it seems like a bit much to make the drive in one go, think about breaking it up with stops in Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Havasu, Williams, or Flagstaff.
While at the Grand Canyon the first thing you’ll want to do is take in the majestic views from overlooks along the South Rim.
Hikers will want to spend some time on the trails. Rim Trail is an easy hike, while Bright Angel and South Kaibab are steep hikes.
Other key attractions at the Grand Canyon South Rim include several buildings by the amazing architect Mary Colter, including Desert View Watchtower, Hopi House, Lookout Studio, Hermits Rest, and Bright Angel Lodge.
Learn all about how the Grand Canyon was formed at the Yavapai Geology Museum. Here you’ll find great views of the canyon and a cool gift shop, as well as informative displays including a large topographic relief map.
When you get hungry there are several hotel and lodge restaurants, as well as casual cafes and snack bars.
Once you arrive at the South Rim you can utilize the free shuttle buses to get around, so you don’t need to drive.
Whether you’re an avid hiker and plan to do the Rim-to-Rim Trail or simply want to enjoy the grandeur of nature, a trip to the Grand Canyon from LA is one of those lifetime experiences you’ll want to plan ahead. Hotel rooms are often booked 13 months in advance, so make sure you check hotel availability for your travel dates.
READ MORE: 17 Best Day Trips from Flagstaff AZ
Grand Canyon South Rim
25. Redwood National (and State) Parks
There’s no better thing to do in California than see the Redwoods. Naturally occurring in the state, they are the tallest trees in the world.
But there’s no better place to see them than at Redwood National Park and State Parks.
Plan to spend the night on the way there. A couple of good options are Petaluma or Santa Rosa just north of San Francisco.
Although the drive will take over 11 hours even on the fastest route (but over 18 hours via PCH), it’s one of the coolest road trips from LA.
As you travel north you can explore the beauty of the state along the Pacific Coast (a much longer route but also much more scenic) or inland (the fastest route) via Interstate 5 and Hwy 101.
On the way, stop in Humboldt Redwoods State Park (north of Garberville) and drive the Avenue of the Giants, for 31 miles of coastal redwoods towering over the roadway.
Be sure to visit Prairie Creek Redwoods and drive Newton B. Drury Parkway. There are rustic cabins and campgrounds at the park.
Continuing north on Hwy 101 to the Crescent City area (about 25 miles), you can also visit Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park for more hiking and scenic drives.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like a great American road trip, and this list has 25 of the best and most fun road trips from Los Angeles. It’s hard to believe there’s so many extraordinary choices within driving distance of this great city. With so many great places to see, it’s easy to set your sights on a few road trips from LA. Remember, it’s best to buy your park passes in advance and also make your lodging reservations as soon as you know your travel dates. Always check the road conditions and weather before and during your road trip. Have Fun!
Save this to Pinterest for later!
