Los Angeles, a sprawling metropolis known for its glamour and entertainment, also serves as a gateway to some of California's most breathtaking scenic drives. From coastal highways to mountain roads, the city's surroundings offer a diverse range of landscapes that beg to be explored. By opting for a car rental in LA, you can embark on unforgettable journeys through iconic routes that showcase the natural beauty and cultural richness of Southern California.
These scenic drives not only provide a respite from the urban hustle but also offer opportunities to discover hidden gems, from pristine beaches to historic landmarks.
Pacific Coast Highway: Malibu to Santa Barbara
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is arguably one of the most famous scenic drives in the world. Stretching along the California coastline, the section from Malibu to Santa Barbara offers a particularly stunning experience. This route combines dramatic ocean vistas, charming beach towns, and opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Iconic stops along PCH: El Matador State Beach and Point Dume
As you cruise north from Los Angeles, make your first stop at El Matador State Beach. Known for its unique rock formations and secluded coves, this beach provides excellent photo opportunities and a chance to dip your toes in the Pacific. Further along, Point Dume offers panoramic views of the coastline and, if you're lucky, you might spot migrating whales during the right season.
Navigating the winding roads of Topanga Canyon
For a brief detour from the coast, take Topanga Canyon Boulevard inland. This winding road cuts through the Santa Monica Mountains, offering a stark contrast to the coastal scenery. The drive is characterized by dense vegetation, bohemian communities, and breathtaking vistas of the canyon. It's a testament to the diverse landscapes you can experience within a short distance from LA.
Exploring Santa Barbara's historic state street and Stearns Wharf
As you reach Santa Barbara, often called the "American Riviera," park your car and explore the charming downtown area. State Street, lined with Spanish-style architecture, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants, invites a leisurely stroll. End your journey at Stearns Wharf, California's oldest working wharf, where you can enjoy fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the Pacific.
The Pacific Coast Highway offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions, making it an essential drive for anyone visiting Southern California.
Angeles Crest Highway: San Gabriel Mountains expedition
For those seeking a mountainous adventure, the Angeles Crest Highway provides a stark contrast to the coastal drives. This scenic route winds through the San Gabriel Mountains, offering cooler temperatures and alpine scenery just a short drive from Los Angeles.
Mount Wilson observatory: stargazing and cosmic history
One of the highlights along this route is the Mount Wilson Observatory. Perched at an elevation of 5,715 feet, this historic site has played a crucial role in astronomical discoveries. Visitors can tour the facilities, learn about the 100-inch Hooker telescope, and on clear nights, participate in stargazing sessions. The observatory offers a unique opportunity to connect with the cosmos and appreciate the vastness of space.
Hiking trails at Buckhorn Campground and Chilao
The Angeles Crest Highway provides access to numerous hiking trails that cater to various skill levels. Buckhorn Campground serves as a starting point for several trails, including the picturesque Burkhart Trail. For a more relaxed experience, the nature trail at Chilao Visitor Center offers interpretive signs about local flora and fauna, making it perfect for families and casual hikers.
Winter sports at Mount Waterman ski resort
During winter months, the Angeles Crest Highway transforms into a gateway for snow enthusiasts. Mount Waterman Ski Resort, one of Southern California's oldest ski areas, offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities just 34 miles from downtown Los Angeles. It's a surprising winter wonderland that many visitors don't expect to find so close to the city.
Mulholland Drive: Hollywood Hills and beyond
Mulholland Drive, immortalized in films and songs, offers a quintessential Los Angeles experience. This winding road along the ridgeline of the Hollywood Hills provides unparalleled views of both the Los Angeles Basin and the San Fernando Valley.
Panoramic views from Hollywood bowl Overlook
One of the most popular stops along Mulholland Drive is the Hollywood Bowl Overlook. This vantage point offers sweeping views of the Hollywood Bowl amphitheater, the Hollywood Sign, and the sprawling cityscape beyond. It's an ideal spot for capturing the essence of Los Angeles in a single photograph.
Celebrity homes and architectural marvels in Beverly Hills
As you continue along Mulholland Drive, you'll pass through some of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Los Angeles. While many celebrity homes are hidden behind gates and hedges, you can still catch glimpses of impressive mansions and architectural wonders. The road itself is a showcase of mid-century modern and contemporary design, with several homes by renowned architects visible from the street.
Jerome C. Daniel overlook: Griffith observatory vistas
Near the eastern end of Mulholland Drive, the Jerome C. Daniel Overlook offers a different perspective on Los Angeles. From here, you can see the Griffith Observatory perched on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, with downtown Los Angeles rising in the distance. It's a particularly magical spot at sunset, as the city lights begin to twinkle below.
Mulholland Drive encapsulates the allure of Los Angeles, combining natural beauty with the glamour and mystique of Hollywood.
Palos Verdes Peninsula: coastal cliffs and hidden beaches
The Palos Verdes Peninsula, located southwest of Los Angeles, offers a scenic drive that combines dramatic coastlines, lush vegetation, and upscale communities. This less-traveled route provides a peaceful alternative to the busier coastal highways.
Whale watching at point Vicente interpretive center
The Point Vicente Interpretive Center is a must-visit stop along the Palos Verdes drive. This clifftop location offers prime whale-watching opportunities, especially during the gray whale migration season from December to May. The center also features exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the peninsula, making it both educational and scenic.
Exploring tide pools at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is a hidden gem along the Palos Verdes coastline. Here, you can explore rocky tide pools teeming with marine life, including sea stars, anemones, and small crabs. The park also features hiking trails with stunning ocean views, perfect for a break from driving.
Golfing with ocean views at Trump National Golf Club
For golf enthusiasts, the Trump National Golf Club offers a chance to play on a world-class course with breathtaking ocean views. Even if you're not a golfer, the clubhouse restaurant is open to the public and provides a luxurious setting for lunch or dinner with panoramic vistas of the Pacific.
Joshua Tree National Park: desert landscapes and rock formations
While a bit further from Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park is well worth the drive for its otherworldly desert landscapes. The park's unique ecosystem, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, creates a surreal environment that has inspired artists and adventurers for generations.
Climbing and bouldering at Hidden Valley
Hidden Valley is a popular destination for rock climbers and boulderers of all skill levels. The massive granite formations offer countless routes and problems, set against a backdrop of Joshua trees and desert scrub. Even if you're not a climber, the one-mile loop trail through Hidden Valley provides an excellent introduction to the park's distinctive geology.
Stargazing at Pinto Basin's dark sky preserve
Joshua Tree National Park is renowned for its dark skies, making it an ideal location for stargazing. The Pinto Basin area, in particular, offers some of the darkest skies in Southern California. On a clear night, the Milky Way stretches across the sky in a dazzling display that's increasingly rare in our light-polluted world.
Flora and fauna at Cholla Cactus Garden and Ocotillo Patch
To fully appreciate the park's unique ecosystem, visit the Cholla Cactus Garden and Ocotillo Patch. The Cholla Cactus Garden features a dense concentration of "teddy bear" cholla, creating an almost otherworldly landscape. The Ocotillo Patch showcases the distinctive ocotillo plant, which bursts into vibrant red blooms after rare desert rains.
Exploring these scenic routes around Los Angeles offers a diverse range of experiences, from coastal beauty to mountain vistas and desert landscapes. By renting a car in LA, you gain the freedom to discover these natural wonders at your own pace, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply a change of scenery, these drives showcase the best of Southern California's diverse and breathtaking landscapes.