When you need a dose of Southern California’s natural beauty, there’s nothing better than heading out on the open road and taking a long scenic drive on some of SoCal’s most picturesque back roads for a break from the city. Here are some of the best scenic drives in Southern California that you’ll want to see for yourself. Some of them even rank among the best scenic drives in the USA!

1. Angeles Crest Highway
yelp/frank s.
Angeles Crest Highway, Angeles Crest Hwy, La Cañada Flintridge, CA, USA
flickr/david brooks
As one of the most beautiful drives in Southern California, Angeles Crest Hwy is a scenic rural mountain route along California State Route 2 that stretches approximately 66 miles. It will take you through the San Gabriel Mountains and the Angeles National Forest for a magnificent and relaxing drive you won't soon forget. Expect lots of twists and turns over a long section of this route as it climbs up into the mountains.

Read our full coverage for more information on Angeles Crest Highway.

Follow along on this road trip on the Angeles Crest Highway :

2. Pacific Coast Highway
flickr/demarcq
California 1, CA-1, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
flickr/holly clark
One of the most famous scenic drives in all of California, the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway stretches along Highway 1 for 655 miles, connecting Northern California and Southern California. You'll be treated to stunning ocean views right outside your car window on this must-see SoCal drive that should be at the top of everyone's bucket list.
3. Palm to Pines Scenic Byway
Palm Desert, CA, USA
San Juan Capistrano, CA, USA
flickr/ken lund
Palm to Pines Scenic Byway will take you on one of the most scenic day trips in Southern California from Riverside County to Orange County starting in Palm Desert and ending in San Juan Capistrano.

Read our full coverage for more information on Palm to Pines Scenic Byway.

See what it’s like to drive on this scenic byway:

4. Live Oak Canyon Road
Live Oak Canyon Road, Live Oak Canyon Rd, Redlands, CA, USA
flickr/don graham
Live Oak Canyon Road, in South Redlands, is the kind of drive that makes you want to roll down your windows and breathe in that fresh country air. You'll pass by old farmhouses and rolling hills for a perfect Sunday drive.

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5. Mulholland Drive
yelp/Anne N.
Nothing's more classic than taking a ride along Mulholland Drive to see soaring views of Los Angeles and experience a scenic overlook that provides a magnificent view of the area. It's one of the most beautiful drives in Southern California.

Read our full coverage for more information on Mulholland Drive.

Take a trip on the legendary Mulholland Drive:

6. Sunrise Highway to Mt. Laguna
Laguna Summit, California 91962, USA
Lake Cuyamaca, California 92036, USA
flickr/ecparker
Located in San Diego County, this 34-mile country highway will take you toward the summit of Mt. Laguna on a relaxing drive that will make you long for more time out in the country.

Visit the webpage to learn more about Sunrise Highway.
7. Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA, USA
Palm Desert, CA, USA
flickr/ken Lund
This stretch of Highway 74, also known as the Ortega Highway, is the perfect route for experiencing the lush beauty of SoCal between Lake Elsinore and San Juan Capistrano.
8. Palos Verdes Drive
Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274, USA
San Pedro, Los Angeles, CA, USA
yelp/MV
The 10-mile section of Palos Verdes Drive between Torrance and San Pedro is the best way to experience epic ocean views along this magnificent road. Between this scenic drive and Pacific Coast Highway, you'll be reminded why you can't get enough of SoCal's breathtaking scenery.
9. Highway 76 to Palomar Mountain
Palomar Mountain, CA, USA
flickr/joe wolf
You can experience a slice of peace and quiet along Hwy 76 heading toward Palomar Mountain. You'll be treated to a peaceful drive out in the country, where you'll be surrounded by towering trees, picturesque farmland, and nothing but fresh air.

There's much more to learn more about Palomar Mountain's scenic drive.
10. Camp Bonita Road
Camp Bonta Prairie Forks Road, Camp Bonita Rd, California, USA
flickr/brian altmeyer
Last on our list of the best scenic drives in Southern California is Camp Bonita Road. It's nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains, and you can take a leisurely drive on Camp Bonita Road in Shoemaker Canyon where you'll be surrounded by trees, mountains, and rolling hills.

Have you had a chance to take one of the best scenic drives in Southern California? What do you think are the best drives in Southern California? Let us know in the comments which ones are your favorite. I bet you’re itching to head out on a road trip right now!

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More to Explore

Best Scenic Drives In Southern California

Melissa M. | September 08, 2021

Where can I stop along the Pacific Coast Highway?

Places to stop along the Pacific Coast Highway include:

  • San Diego
  • Santa Barbara
  • Point Dume
  • Encinitas

Let’s face it, the PCH takes you through some of the most beautiful spots in Southern California from San Diego through Santa Barbara. You can always stop along the way and take a hike someplace like Point Dume in Malibu where you’ll see some even better views than what you get while sitting in the car. You can also stop and explore one of the coastal towns like Encinitas. The choices are endless along this scenic highway!

What are some of the most scenic day trips in Southern California?

The most scenic day trips in Southern California include:

  • a ride on the Pacific Surfliner
  • Balboa Park
  • Whitewater Preserve

For something different, you can take a scenic day trip by train in Southern California. Just relax as you watch the scenery go by while traveling along one of the many routes on the Pacific Surfliner. You can take a day trip to the incredibly scenic Balboa Park in San Diego or explore one of the preserves like Whitewater Preserve. You can find more scenic day trip ideas in this article. 

What are some of the best road trips in Southern California?

The best road trips in Southern Californi include:

  • Castles Road Trip
  • Waterfalls Road Trip

SoCal is perfect for day trips as there are so many places to see! If you would like to try one of our themed road trips, check out these 9 road trips in Southern California. From a castles road trip to a small town road trip, a waterfalls road trip, and more, you’ll have your choice of some of the best road trips you can take in SoCal. 

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