If you’re searching for scenic drives in Southern California, this gorgeous road trip around the San Bernardino National Forest is the one for you! It’s a perfect trip to take when the weather starts warming up a little more in the spring, and it highlights many of the fun things to do in SoCal. Beginning with some outdoor activities during the day and ending in a lively theater experience, you’ll be glad you spent the day traveling along this nice loop. Start early in the morning to fit in all the fun on this road trip in Southern California! If you feel like you would prefer to lengthen your trip but not feel overwhelmed, be sure to use our ultimate road trip packing list to make this trip or any other adventure easy to prepare for!

Check out this interactive map to see more details about the route along this road trip in SoCal.

Google Maps
1. Rim of the World Scenic Byway, San Bernardino
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Rim of the World Highway, Rim of the World Hwy, San Bernardino, CA, USA
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The first destination of your journey is the amazing mountain road known as the Rim of the World Highway. This scenic drive is the best place to look at the striking views of the San Bernardino National Forest. You will feel like you’re up in the sky when you see the gentle mist over the mountaintops and the panoramic views that include the impressively high Mount Gorgonio and the lush greenery of the forest. This road is the perfect way to enjoy the area without even leaving your car. Visit the San Bernardino National Forest website for more information and a link to a detailed Rim of the World Scenic Byway map.
2. Mission Creek Preserve, Desert Hot Springs
Robby G C/TripAdvisor

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60550 Mission Creek Rd, Whitewater, CA 92282, USA
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Mission Creek Preserve is a unique Wildlands Conservancy nature preserve that is a great way to see the desert landscape of the area. It’s a fascinating place! Two of the standout features are the wide open spaces and the stone houses that you can walk through. The structures are so interesting that they will inspire your imagination. The house area of the preserve is a great place for a picnic in the late morning sunshine. You’ll feel like a part of the natural neighborhood in no time. Learn more at at Mission Creek Preserve's website.
3. Wolf Mountain Sanctuary, Lucerne Valley
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Wolf Mountain Sanctuary, 7520 Fairlane Rd, Lucerne Valley, CA 92356, USA
Jo R/TripAdvisor
Wolf Mountain Sanctuary is an incredible experience. It is educational as well as exciting. Not only can you learn about the conservation of these majestic animals, but you also get to interact with them! You can enjoy the wolves’ company and even get to pet them. The caretakers are dedicated to saving wolves from extinction and encourage visitors to spend time with them so they can share their appreciation with others. Visit Wolf Mountain Sanctuary's website for more information.
4. Center Stage Theatre, Fontana
Center Stage Theatre/Facebook
8463 Sierra Ave, Fontana, CA 92335, USA
Center Stage Theatre/Facebook
Finish your loop with dinner and a show at Center Stage Theatre in Fontana. It’s an amazing dinner theater experience and always has new and exciting shows. You can have a three-course dinner and drinks right there in the audience. After a fun, busy day, you’ll be glad to take your seat and enjoy some fantastic entertainment and a delicious meal. Read more about Center Stage Theatre and get your tickets at its website.

This day of fun is a great adventure to take in Southern California. The road trip has a little of everything to please all the members of your group. From outdoorsy types to animal lovers to theatergoers, everyone will have a wonderful time. Have you had the chance to go to these fun and interesting destinations? What are some other scenic drives in Southern California that we should know about!

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More to Explore

Places To Go In Southern California

Katie Feldkamp | December 05, 2022

What are some of the best scenic drives in Southern California?

Southern California is simply gorgeous, and one of the best ways to take in its beauty is to go on a scenic drive in Southern California. While you can make up your own route, here are a few favorite drives that have already been mapped out:

  • Angeles Crest Highway
  • Pacific Coast Highway
  • Palm to Pines Scenic Byway
  • Live Oak Canyon Road
  • Sunrise Highway to Mt. Laguna

These are just a few stunning options for scenic drives in Southern California.

What are some things to do in Southern California?

There’s always something going on in Southern California to keep you busy and entertained. But after a while, you may think you’ve exhausted everything there is to do. When that happens, be sure to check out this list of things to do in Southern California, and make sure you’ve also crossed these activities off your list as well:

  • Take a day trip to the town of Fillmore.
  • Hike up Pumpkin Rock Trail.
  • Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the countryside.
  • Splash around at Waterfront Park.
  • Stroll the San Clementine Beach Trail.

 

What are some other road trips to take in Southern California?

If you enjoy hopping into your car and hitting the road for adventure, here are some road trips in Southern California to inspire you to get out and go:

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