Southern California Road Trip: Your Guide to Unreal Destinations

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Dreaming of warmer weather? Are you yearning to feel the soft sand under your toes, hear the rhythmic crash of waves, or watch palm trees sway in the golden breeze? This Southern California Road Trip could be exactly the getaway you’re craving!

Southern California holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, family trips to Pasadena became an annual tradition, and I’d always beg my parents to extend our stay so we could explore more of California’s magic. Those moments sparked my love for road trips and discovering hidden gems along the way.

Over the years, I’ve returned more than seven times, each trip revealing something new and unforgettable—from iconic beaches to charming small towns, desert oases, and coastal cliffs. Now, I’m excited to share my ultimate Southern California itinerary with you—a collection of my favorite stops and experiences, all wrapped into one epic adventure!

Table of Contents:

1. Road Tripping Southern California FAQ: When To Go, Why, Best Route

2. Southern California Road Trip Map

3. Road Trip Tips

4. Must See Stops On A Southern California Road Trip

5. Sample Itineraries

Disclaimer: This blog post does have affiliate links in it- if you buy through any of the links I get a little kickback- at no extra cost to you!

Road Tripping Southern California: FAQ

Why Take A Southern California Road Trip?

Southern California offers an incredible blend of outdoor adventures, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes. It’s the ultimate escape for anyone craving warm weather, endless sunshine, and the charm of swaying palm trees and crashing ocean waves.

This Southern California Road Trip has something for every type of traveler. Are you a thrill-seeker? Joshua Tree’s iconic rock formations are perfect for climbing and exploring. Prefer a more relaxed vibe? San Diego and Malibu invite you to stretch out on the sand with a good book. Feeling adventurous? You can climb towering sand dunes or wander across surreal salt flats.

Whether you’re chasing sunsets, seeking outdoor thrills, or simply in need of a break from the cold, Southern California is calling your name.

Why is Southern California So Famous?

Whenever I travel outside the United States, it’s almost guaranteed that someone will mention their dream of visiting the States. And when I ask where they’d like to go, the answer is almost always the same: Los Angeles.

Southern California is famous for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and diverse attractions. It’s home to Hollywood and the entertainment industry, world-class theme parks like Disneyland, and iconic landmarks like the Santa Monica Pier and the Hollywood Sign.

What Is The Best Month To Take A Southern California Road Trip?

The best month to take a Southern California Road Trip depends on what you’re looking for, but September is often ideal:

• Weather: Warm temperatures linger, with less of the midsummer heat and humidity. Coastal areas are sunny, and the ocean is still warm for swimming.
• Crowds: Summer tourists have mostly gone home, so beaches, attractions, and roads are quieter.

Other great options:

• Spring (March to May): Mild weather, blooming wildflowers, and smaller crowds make this a great time, especially for hiking or visiting Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego.
• Winter (December to February): Perfect for those seeking lower travel costs, fewer crowds, and access to both beach days and snowy mountains for skiing.

How Many Days Do You Need For A Southern California Road Trip?

A Southern California Road Trip can range from 5-14 days depending on how many locations you want to hit. You can find full itineraries for a few different lengths below!

What Is The Best Route For A Southern California Road Trip?

The best route for a Southern California road trip starts in Los Angeles. From LA you can choose the route that best fit’s the locations you are most excited to hit! 

Whether that is heading South down the Coast to San Diego and then circling back up through Palm Springs and Joshua Tree or heading North through Malibu and Santa Barbara and circling shooting up to Death Valley and Alabama Hills! There are many routes you can take- each one personal to you.

I would highly recommend marking the top spots you find in this blog post on a map and then planning your route from there!

Where To Start Your Southern California Road Trip?

I would plan to start in Los Angeles, California.

Los Angeles is the most central location on this list and has the largest airport. Making it easy to fly in, rent a car and head in any direction!

Southern California Road Trip Map

Road Trip Tips

Road Trip Essentials

There are a few things that will make a road trip extra comfortable.

My Road trip Favs:

Insulated Mug: I love having a warm coffee or tea each morning, this one is perfect!

Camp Stove or Backpacking Stove: Having the ability to make tea, lunch or dinner while on the road is one of my favorite things! Pick a backpacking stove for a small version or level up with a cute camp stove!

Hammock: Give yourself the ability to just hangout and relax in this double nest hammock!

Lantern: Having access to light is essential! I personally love this inflatable lantern or this pro lantern!

Compressible Pillow: Car ride naps anyone?! Bring along a pillow to stay comfy.

Camp Chair: Collapse these cute little chairs and hangout under the stars or watch the sunset!

Down Booties: Stay warm with camp slippers.

Apps To Download For Your Road Trip

For a Southern California road trip, certain apps can make your journey smoother, safer, and more enjoyable by helping you navigate, find sights, locate campsites, and discover the best spots for food and fuel!

Here’s a list of must-have apps:

Navigation Apps

Google Maps- My go to maps app for reliable navigation

Roadtrippers- Great for planning your route with recommended stops along the way!

Gas Buddy– Finds the cheapest gas stations nearby!

Camping & Accomodation

The Dyrt– Helps you find and book campgrounds & RV Sites

Hipcamp- The Airbnb for camping, offering access to unique campsites, private lands, and glamping options in scenic spots.

Booking.com or AirBNB– Great for booking hotels and cabins

Nature and Outdoor Activities

All Trails- My go to app for trail information and offline maps

iNaturalist– For nature lovers this app helps you identify plants, animals and birds along the way.

Food & Attractions

Yelp- Helps you find top places to eat and drink!

Must- See Stops On A Southern California Road Trip

Los Angeles

Los Angeles, the heart of Southern California, is the perfect starting point for any Southern California road trip. Known as the entertainment capital of the world, it’s home to iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and the sun-soaked Venice Beach boardwalk.

I would recommend spending at least two days in Los Angeles to fully soak in the city’s diverse attractions and iconic experiences. However, if you’re anything like me and prefer to avoid the urban hustle, you can hit a few must-see spots like the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach, snap a picture of the Hollywood Sign, and then make your escape to the next destination on your Southern California road trip!

Here are a few of my top things to do while in Los Angeles:

Enjoy The Santa Monica Pier

A quintessential LA experience, the Santa Monica Pier offers stunning ocean views, a lively atmosphere, and iconic attractions like the Pacific Park amusement rides and the historic carousel. It’s also the perfect spot for sunset photography or a casual stroll by the beach!

Stroll Venice Beach

Famous for its fun, bohemian vibe, Venice Beach is a haven for artists, skaters, and sun-seekers. Explore the colorful Venice Beach Boardwalk, watch street performers, and check out the iconic Muscle Beach outdoor gym. The nearby Venice Canals provide a quieter escape with picturesque walking paths.

Hollywood Sign Hike

Get up close to one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world by hiking to the Hollywood Sign. The trails through Griffith Park offer various difficulty levels, with the Mount Hollywood and Brush Canyon routes providing stunning views of Los Angeles from above.

Enjoy the Griffith Observatory

Perched on the slopes of Mount Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory combines breathtaking views of the city skyline with fascinating exhibits on space and science. Visit at dusk to see the city lights come alive and take in the stars through the observatory’s public telescopes.

Where To Stay

Malibu & Santa Barbara

Malibu and Santa Barbara are my personal favorite areas near Los Angeles. While LA can feel overcrowded and a bit stifling, these charming coastal towns have perfected the art of luxury and relaxation. With their stunning beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and a touch of sophistication, they offer the quintessential California escape you dream of when heading to the Golden State.

Here are a few of my top things to do while in Malibu & Santa Barbara:

Relax at Malibu’s Beaches

Malibu is home to some of California’s most stunning beaches. Visit Zuma Beach for wide sandy shores perfect for swimming and sunbathing, or explore El Matador State Beach with its dramatic sea caves and rock formations, ideal for photography and peaceful strolls.

Dine at Malibu Farm Restaurant

Located at the end of the Malibu Pier, Malibu Farm Restaurant offers farm-to-table dining with ocean views. Enjoy fresh, locally sourced dishes like avocado toast and seafood tacos while taking in the relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Explore the Malibu Pier

After dining at Malibu Farm, take a leisurely walk along the Malibu Pier. It’s a great spot to watch surfers, enjoy ocean views, or simply soak in the quintessential SoCal vibes.

Dine at Santa Barbara Shellfish Company

Located on Stearns Wharf, this iconic seafood spot is a must-visit for fresh, locally caught crab, lobster, and more. Pair your meal with stunning views of the ocean and mountains while enjoying the laid-back coastal vibe.

Explore Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone

Santa Barbara’s artsy Funk Zone is packed with tasting rooms, art galleries, and quirky shops. Sip on local wines, sample craft beers, or simply wander through this vibrant, creative district.

Where To Stay

Check Out My California Wall Art!

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a gorgeous desert wonderland- I have returned to this park again and again for it’s stunning views and amazing landscapes. It is such a cool experience driving through this park and the night skies here are incredible.

Joshua Tree is a haven for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers. The rock here has an amazing, gritty texture making it perfect for climbing and the interesting rock formations and Joshua tree’s make it a perfect spot for photography of all kinds.

The best things to do in Joshua Tree National Park Include:

Rock Climbing at Hidden Valley

Known as a climber’s paradise, Hidden Valley features towering rock formations perfect for both beginners and experienced climbers. It’s a great spot to test your skills while soaking in the park’s desert beauty.

Hike The Barker Dam Trail

This easy 1.3-mile loop offers stunning desert scenery, fascinating rock formations, and a glimpse of a historic water reservoir built by cattle ranchers. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Photography at Arch Rock

For an iconic Joshua Tree photo op, head to Arch Rock. This unique natural arch set among massive boulders is especially beautiful during golden hour, making it a must-visit spot for photographers.

Where To Stay

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is an outdoor lover’s paradise nestled in the California desert, offering stunning mountain views, desert landscapes, and endless sunshine!

The city’s natural beauty extends to its golf courses, bike trails, and the nearby Coachella Valley, making it the perfect destination for outdoor activities while enjoying a relaxing desert retreat.

A few of my favorite things to do in Palm Springs:

Explore the Cactus Garden

The Moorten Botanical Garden is home to a stunning cactus garden that offers fantastic photo opportunities!  Wander through rows of unique cacti and desert plants, you can even buy your own little succulent or cactus to bring home!

Hike The Palm Canyon Trail

This 2-mile trail takes you deep into the desert’s natural beauty, leading you to the hidden oasis of Palm Valley. With towering cliffs, desert palms, and a peaceful stream, it’s the perfect escape for nature lovers and hikers.

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway & Go Hiking

Take a scenic 10-minute ride up the San Jacinto Mountains on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. At the top, enjoy panoramic views, hiking trails, and cooler temperatures—making it a perfect spot for hiking or just taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Rent Bikes & Bike to See Mid- Century Modern Houses

Palm Springs is renowned for its mid-century modern architecture. Rent a bike and cruise through neighborhoods like Old Las Palmas and Deepwell to admire the iconic homes and their sleek, retro designs. It’s a great way to explore the city’s architectural history and enjoy the outdoors!

Where To Stay

San Diego

On a Southern California road trip, San Diego is the ultimate coastal destination, where surf culture and outdoor adventure come to life. With perfect weather, endless coastline and cute cafe’s and boutiques San Diego offers the perfect blend of surf, sand, and outdoor exploration on your road trip down the coast.

Some of my favorite things to do in San Diego include:

Explore Balboa Park

A cultural oasis in the heart of San Diego, Balboa Park is home to beautiful gardens, world-class museums, and the famous San Diego Zoo. Wander through its lush green spaces, admire Spanish-style architecture, and take in the vibrant atmosphere.

La Jolla Scenic Walk

Stroll along the stunning La Jolla coastline, taking in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The La Jolla Coast Walk Trail offers a peaceful escape, with picturesque cliffs, rocky coves, and opportunities to spot seals and sea lions basking in the sun.

Surf in Encinitas

Encinitas is one of Southern California’s best surf spots, known for its consistent waves and laid-back surf culture. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, this beach offers some of the best conditions to catch waves and embrace the surf lifestyle.

Hike at Torrey Pines

Just north of San Diego, Torrey Pines offers stunning coastal trails with panoramic views of the Pacific. Hike through unique desert landscapes and spot the rare Torrey Pine trees, or take in the scenery from the reserve’s cliffs overlooking the ocean.

Visit Scripps Pier

Scripps Pier is one of the most iconic landmarks in San Diego. Located in La Jolla, it’s perfect for a scenic walk, photography, or just taking in the stunning ocean views. You can often spot surfers and marine life around the pier, making it a must-see spot on your coastal adventure.

Where To Stay

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

On a Southern California road trip, a stop at Anza-Borrego Desert is a must for those seeking an unforgettable desert experience. Just a few hours from San Diego, this expansive desert park offers dramatic landscapes, from towering sand dunes and rugged rock formations to hidden oases and wildflower blooms in the spring.

Perfect for hiking, stargazing, and exploring its unique canyons, Anza-Borrego provides a peaceful and stunning contrast to the coastal sights of your journey, offering a true taste of Southern California’s desert beauty.

Here are a few of the best things to do in Anza-Borrego:

Hike The Slot Canyon Trail

This short but stunning trail takes you through narrow, winding canyons with towering walls, creating a surreal and peaceful desert experience. The vibrant red and orange rock formations make it a favorite for photographers and adventurers alike.

Explore Fonts Point

Known for its panoramic views, Fonts Point offers one of the most breathtaking overlooks in Anza-Borrego Desert. From here, you can see the vast badlands and the Salton Sea in the distance—perfect for both sunrise and sunset photography.

Visit the Borrego Palm Canyon

This scenic 3-mile hike leads to a lush oasis of palm trees in the heart of the desert. Along the way, enjoy the striking desert landscape and spot wildlife such as bighorn sheep and desert birds.

Take Photos of Wildflowers at Coyote Canyon

If you’re visiting in spring, head to the Coyote Canyon area, where the desert comes alive with colorful wildflowers. The vibrant blooms against the backdrop of the desert’s rugged terrain make for incredible photo opportunities.

Where To Stay

Death Valley National Park

On a Southern California road trip, a detour to Death Valley National Park is a must for those seeking an extreme and unforgettable desert experience. While the park is definitely out of the way, it is well worth the drive. The landscapes here are incredible and you will find an amazing variety of experiences in such a small area.

My top recommendations for Death Valley National Park:

Visit Badwater Basin Salt Flats

At 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America. The expansive salt flats stretch for miles, creating an otherworldly landscape perfect for photos and exploring.

Photograph the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

These iconic sand dunes are one of the most photographed spots in the park- and for good reason! The vast, golden sands are ideal for hiking and capturing stunning desert photos, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light plays on the dunes.

Admire the Colors at Artist’s Palette

This breathtaking viewpoint is known for its vibrant, multi-colored hills. The mineral deposits in the area create hues of pink, turquoise, and gold, making it a must-see while in Death Valley.

Take in the Views from Dante’s View

Located at 5,475 feet, Dante’s View offers a panoramic view of Death Valley, from the vast salt flats to the surrounding mountains. It’s a cool escape from the valley floor and provides one of the best vantage points in the park.

Where To Stay

Alabama Hills

Alabama Hills, located just outside of Lone Pine in Eastern California, is a stunning area known for its dramatic rock formations set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The rugged, almost surreal landscape has been a popular filming location for Western movies and offers excellent opportunities for hiking, photography, and stargazing. Here you can find some of the best photography opportunities of Southern California mountains!

Here are a few of the top things to do in Alabama Hills:

Climb or Hike Mt. Whitney

Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous U.S., offers both a challenging hike and a technical climb. Whether you’re summiting via the trail or tackling a more advanced route, the views from the top are unparalleled, stretching across the Sierra Nevada and beyond.

Camp on Movie Road

Movie Road is a popular spot for camping in Alabama Hills, offering stunning views of the unique rock formations and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s a great base for exploring the area and photographing the starry desert skies at night.

Explore the Rock Formations & Arches

Alabama Hills is famous for its striking rock formations and natural arches. Take a hike or drive along the scenic routes to discover iconic spots like the Mobius Arch, where you can capture stunning photos with the Sierra backdrop.

Where To Stay

Sample Itineraries

Southern California 5 Day Road Trip: The Coast & Desert

This 5-day itinerary is perfect for those who want a more relaxed pace while exploring iconic Southern California destinations like Malibu, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, and Joshua Tree. You’ll experience beautiful beaches, desert landscapes, and breathtaking mountain views along the way.

This plan is designed around starting in Los Angles though it can be easily adapted based on your starting location.

Day 1: Land in LA & visit the Santa Monica Pier and take a walk along Venice Beach. At lunch head to Malibu for lunch at Malibu Farms & to spend the afternoon relaxing at the beach. Watch sunset at Point Dume!

Day 2: Drive up the coast to Santa Barbara. Spend the day exploring and taking photos.

Day 3: Drive to Palm Springs and explore the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway or go for a hike.

Day 4: Head to Joshua Tree and enjoy a beautiful night camping under the stars.

Day 5: Head back to LA to complete your road trip!

Southern California 14 Day Road Trip: See It All!

This 12-day itinerary allows for more time in each location, letting you fully soak in the diverse landscapes, from the beaches and coastal beauty of Malibu and Santa Barbara to the vast deserts of Joshua Tree and Death Valley, while enjoying the iconic sights and outdoor adventures along the way

Day 1: Land in LA- Explore Venice Beach & Santa Monica Pier. Drive to Malibu at Lunch.

Day 2: Explore Malibu

Day 3: Drive up the coast to Santa Barbara

Day 4: Santa Barbara to San Diego- Drive down the coast.

Day 5: Explore San Diego

Day 6: Explore San Diego

Day 7: San Diego to Anza Borrego

Day 8: Anza Borrego to Joshua Tree

Day 9: Explore Joshua Tree

Day 10: Joshua Tree to Palm Springs

Day 11: Palm Springs to Death Valley

Day 12: Explore Death Valley & Drive to Alabama Hills

Day 13: Explore Alabama Hills

Day 14: Drive back to LA to complete your road trip!

Conclusion: Embracing The Southern California Road Trip Experience

A Southern California road trip is the perfect way to experience the diverse landscapes and unique destinations that make this region so iconic!

From the bustling city vibes of Los Angeles to the serene beaches of Malibu, the otherworldly beauty of Death Valley, and the rugged charm of Alabama Hills, each stop offers something unforgettable.

Whether you’re chasing adventure in the mountains, soaking in coastal views, or exploring desert landscapes, Southern California is a road trip lover’s dream. So pack up the car, hit the open road, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget!

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