Southern California is renowned for its diverse landscapes, offering a variety of scenic drives that extend beyond its famous beaches and Hollywood glamour. Travelers can explore dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, and unique desert environments, providing a distinct adventure for every preference. These routes offer an escape from urban life, revealing the region's natural beauty.
Key Takeaways
- Southern California features seven distinct scenic drives.
- Options range from coastal highways to mountain and desert routes.
- Each drive offers unique natural beauty and attractions.
- Best times to visit vary by location, often spring or fall.
Pacific Coast Highway: Iconic Coastal Views
The southern stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, is a classic California experience. This drive spans from San Simeon down to Malibu, showcasing dramatic cliffs and expansive sandy beaches. It is an unforgettable journey, particularly pleasant during spring or fall when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller.
Travelers along the PCH have numerous opportunities to stop and explore. Near Cambria, a detour leads to the opulent Hearst Castle, a significant historical landmark. Further south, the striking Morro Rock in Morro Bay stands as a giant volcanic plug rising from the ocean.
Continuing southward, the charming city of Santa Barbara welcomes visitors with its Spanish Colonial architecture and the historic Stearns Wharf pier. The drive concludes in Malibu, famous for its pier, long-standing surfer culture, and excellent body surfing at Zuma Beach. This route embodies the quintessential California coastal experience.
Quick Fact
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) extends roughly from Leggett in the north to Dana Point in the south, covering a significant portion of California's coastline.
Angeles Crest Highway: Mountain Escape Near Los Angeles
For a change of scenery from ocean breezes to crisp mountain air, the Angeles Crest Highway offers a refreshing escape just outside Los Angeles. This approximately 66-mile stretch, designated as State Route 2, winds through the San Gabriel Mountains. It connects La Cañada Flintridge with Wrightwood, providing a spectacular drive throughout the year.
While parts of the highway may close due to snow in winter, spring brings vibrant wildflowers, summer offers cooler temperatures, and fall boasts changing leaves. The journey provides stunning views of dense forests, deep canyons, and expansive valleys, creating a sense of remoteness from the urban sprawl below.
Several pull-over spots allow visitors to absorb the scenery. The Mount Wilson Observatory offers incredible panoramic views that stretch for miles. For those seeking a short hike, the Switzer Falls Trail leads to a seasonal waterfall, ideal for a picnic. More ambitious hikers can ascend Mount Baden-Powell for an even more rewarding vista. The Mountain Top Cafe serves as a convenient lunch stop, completing the mountain experience.
"The Angeles Crest Highway provides a dramatic shift from city life to wilderness, all within a short drive. The views from Mount Wilson are truly unparalleled."
Mulholland Drive: Hollywood Glamour and Cityscapes
Mulholland Drive offers a unique blend of Hollywood glamour and breathtaking cityscapes. This legendary road snakes for about 21 miles through the Hollywood Hills and Santa Monica Mountains. It provides distinct perspectives of the sprawling city below and the tranquil valleys beyond.
The late afternoon or early evening are ideal times to experience this drive, as the setting sun paints the sky and city lights begin to illuminate the landscape. The drive is relatively short, making it perfect for a spontaneous cruise. Numerous overlooks provide opportunities to capture incredible photos.
Historical Context
The Nike Missile Control Site, now an overlook on Mulholland Drive, was once part of a Cold War-era anti-aircraft missile defense system designed to protect Los Angeles.
The Jerome C. Daniel Overlook is a popular spot for classic views of the Hollywood Bowl and Downtown LA. The Universal City Overlook offers a fantastic panorama of the San Fernando Valley and the famous studio lots. For a less crowded experience with equally stunning views and picnic facilities, the Nike Missile Control Site is an excellent choice. Neptune's Net, a casual spot known for fresh seafood, burgers, and ocean views, serves as a great starting or ending point for the drive.
Death Valley Scenic Byway: Otherworldly Desert Landscapes
Death Valley National Park presents a landscape of immense scale and unique beauty. While known as one of the hottest places on Earth, the Death Valley Scenic Byway, which includes several roads within the park, is best explored during the cooler months, from late fall to early spring. During springtime, especially after winter rains, the desert floor can burst into vibrant wildflowers, creating a surreal spectacle.
This drive reveals a stark, powerful beauty that often feels otherworldly. Visitors encounter incredible geological wonders. The Badwater Basin is a must-see, marking the lowest point in North America. For epic panoramic views of the entire basin, Dante's View offers an elevated perspective.
Zabriskie Point is famous for its sculpted badlands, which glow in golden hues during sunrise or sunset. Artist's Drive/Palette, a one-way scenic loop, showcases hills painted with natural mineral colors, resembling a natural art gallery. For adventure, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are perfect for photography or sandboarding.
Rim of the World Scenic Byway: Alpine Majesty
The Rim of the World Scenic Byway offers an escape to the San Bernardino Mountains. This stunning route, part of State Route 18, provides sweeping views that truly live up to its name. Starting near Cajon Pass and extending towards Big Bear Lake, it is a winding drive that impresses year-round.
Fall brings stunning foliage, winter covers peaks in snow (check for road closures), and spring and summer are ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Along this high-altitude highway, visitors encounter several beautiful alpine destinations. Big Bear Lake is a major draw, suitable for boating, fishing, or relaxation. Nearby, Lake Arrowhead offers a quaint, European village atmosphere.
- Heaps Peak Arboretum: Offers easy walking trails through diverse plant life.
- Castle Rock Trail: A popular choice for hikes with incredible views.
- SkyPark at Santa's Village: A unique themed adventure park nestled in the forest, ideal for families.
Joshua Tree's Park Boulevard: Desert Wonderland
Exploring the surreal landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park is best done via Park Boulevard. This main artery, approximately 25 miles long, connects the park's West and North entrances, facilitating access to major highlights. The best time to visit is during spring or fall when temperatures are mild, and the unique Joshua Trees stand out against the clear sky. Every turn on this drive reveals an otherworldly vista of desert flora and fascinating rock formations.
Along Park Boulevard, visitors will encounter iconic sights. Skull Rock, a favorite, features erosion-carved rock resembling a giant skull. A detour into Hidden Valley offers a popular hiking spot with a short loop trail showcasing the park's diverse plant life and climbing areas. The easy walk to Barker Dam, when it holds water, provides a glimpse into the park's vital water sources and attracts various wildlife. The Cholla Cactus Garden, a dense concentration of unique succulents, glows golden in the sunlight. For a grander perspective, Keys View offers panoramic sights extending to the Coachella Valley and the Salton Sea on clear days.
17 Mile Drive: Coastal Luxury and Golf Icons
The 17 Mile Drive offers an experience of pure coastal luxury, a private scenic route through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. While there is a small toll for entry, the stunning ocean vistas, pristine golf courses, and iconic landmarks make it worthwhile. This drive is spectacular at any time of year, but a clear, sunny day enhances the sparkle of the Pacific. Allow a couple of hours to fully appreciate the numerous photo opportunities and scenic stops.
This drive is packed with memorable sights. The Lone Cypress, a Monterey Cypress tree standing solitarily on a granite outcrop, is perhaps the most famous and photographed spot. Visitors can walk the white sand beach at Spanish Bay, an ideal location for kayaking. Bird Rock often hosts marine wildlife, including seals, sea lions, and various seabirds. The Cypress Point Lookout provides dramatic, expansive views of the rugged coastline. The legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links, one of the state's premier golf courses, offers a once-in-a-lifetime sight even for non-golfers, with its iconic setting against the ocean backdrop.
Did You Know?
The Lone Cypress on 17 Mile Drive is over 250 years old and is one of California's most enduring landmarks.
Time to Explore Southern California's Roads
Southern California offers much more than its major cities, as these seven scenic drives demonstrate. From the dramatic coastal beauty of the Southern Pacific Coast Highway, with its ocean air and stops in Santa Barbara and Malibu, to the otherworldly desert landscapes of Death Valley, each route provides unique adventures and unforgettable views. Whether a local seeking a weekend escape or a visitor wanting a different side of Southern California, these roads await exploration. Fuel up the car and discover the diverse beauty of the open road.
