Take In The Beauty Of Southern California Year-Round With These 12 Scenic Drives
By Natasha Kayes|Updated on August 31, 2023(Originally published December 20, 2022)
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
Chances are, you are already thinking about next year, setting goals, and making plans. You may be thinking about places you want to go and things you want to do, and there are certainly many options to consider. To help you get started, we have curated a list of some of the most spectacular scenic drives in Southern California so you can enjoy a bit of our state’s natural beauty each month of the year.
As suggested by the name, the Rim of the World Scenic Byway climbs up into the San Bernardino Mountains to provide sweeping views over some of the most beautiful areas in Southern California. It is a stunning drive worthy of starting off your year. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to Catalina Island. January is also ideal for this drive because it goes through the delightfully snowy towns of Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead. Keep in mind, chains may be required if there is snow. This can easily be a day trip, but it is also a great road to work in an overnight or two.
San Diego’s southern locale means longer daylight hours and gently warmer temps than areas farther north and an escape from the rain. The 59-mile scenic drive shows you the best of this charming part of the Golden State, including the downtown skyline, Gaslamp Quarter, Harbor Island, Mexico, Balboa Park, Seaport Village, La Jolla Cove, and so much more. Of course, the drive is also full of panoramic mountain and ocean views.
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3. March - Angeles Crest Scenic Byway
Angeles Crest Highway, Angeles Crest Hwy, La Cañada Flintridge, CA, USA
Just minutes outside of the city, the Angeles Crest Scenic Byway is arguably one of the most beautiful drives in Southern California. Early spring is a perfect time to make this drive where you will enjoy the new growth of yucca and wilderness flowers, as well as patches of snow on the rugged tree-covered slopes. The drive through the San Gabriel Mountains generally takes less than 2 hours from one end to the other, but there are many options to stop and take a little hike, where you may even see a lovely waterfall.
The Death Valley Scenic Byway is the best way to see Southern California’s vast desert, and to find yourself in the hottest and lowest spots on the continent. Fortunately, in the spring, temperatures are still low enough to enjoy the trip and as a bonus, wildflowers bloom throughout the arid landscape.
Just before Southern California’s infamous "June gloom" and the subsequent summer heat, take this lovely drive from Santa Barbara on the coast up through the Santa Ynez Mountains. Take in panoramic views on the sweeping curves then head into the backcountry. Along the way, you can take the short side road to see an ancient Chumash painted cave, pause at various vista points to take photos, and enjoy a picnic at the crystal blue Cachuma Lake Recreation Center. If you continue past the lake, you can visit wineries in Santa Ynez and the adorable Danish town of Solvang.
The Sunrise Scenic Byway is a designated National Forest Scenic Byway providing striking contrasts of lush pine forests, wide meadows, California’s expansive Anza-Borrego Desert, and even snow-capped mountains. You will want a wide-angle lens to capture the awesome views as you pass through a variety of environments, climates, and topographies. There are plenty of trails and vista points to make even more of your trip.
The San Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway takes you up through the hills north of Ojai in Ventura County. This road is driveable all year long, but summer temperatures make the creek, waterfalls, and swimming holes along the drive all the more inviting. This drive also offers amazing views of the white sandstone formations of Piedra Blanca, vibrant wetlands, the sparkling Pacific Ocean, and tunnels through the bedrock hills.
The stretch of what is locally called PCH which runs from Point Mugu in
Ventura County to Santa Monica is a windows-down, music-up kind of summer dream. Steep hills and canyons on one side and the deep blue sea on the other make this a uniquely scenic drive. Surfers, dolphins, and pelicans populate the gorgeous waves and beyond. The road leads through the iconic Los Angeles community of Malibu, with its hillside mansions and waterfront restaurants, and brings you to the famous Santa Monica pier.
Visiting Southern California’s Mojave desert at the beginning of fall means enjoying these unusual landscapes with fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures. The scenic Artist’s Drive takes you past a mountainside that has been named "the Artist’s Palette" due to its mineral-rich and vibrantly-colored soil. In addition to this main attraction, the drive provides several turnouts with expansive views of the Badwater Basin, salt flats, and more.
10. October - Escondido to Julian, San Diego County
One of Southern California’s most enjoyable autumn drives is the road from Escondido to Julian. Whether you plan your stops ahead of time or let the road surprise you, this drive to the old mining town of Julian will charm and inspire you. Soak in the natural beauty and fall colors of the trees that line the road, and the old-timey shops and restaurants along the way. Don’t head back until you grab a classic fresh apple pie from the renowned Julian Pie Company.
Oak Glen is one of the best places in Southern California to immerse yourself in all things fall, from the most amazing fall foliage to apple and pumpkin picking to fresh cider. Oak Glen Road has been nicknamed "the Scenic Loop," and it does not disappoint, leading you through apple orchards, fruit stands, a cider mill, meandering streams, and graceful pine trees. Get to know this picturesque town in our article on Oak Glen.
12. Palomar Mountain Loop
Palomar Mountain View Road, Palomar Mountain View Rd, California 92065, USA
Southern California snowfall in the mountains varies from year to year but, with or without snow, the Palomar Mountain Loop is an exhilarating drive. When there is snow, chains are required and a four-wheel drive is recommended. This route is not for the faint of heart due to the hairpin twists and switchbacks, in addition to ice that can accumulate on the road, but this fascinating drive rewards intrepid explorers with some of Southern California’s best scenery.
There are scores of scenic drives in Southern California, but we think these 12 routes really capture some of the best the state has to offer throughout the year. What do you think? Have you already experienced any of these drives? What is your favorite scenic drive in Southern California? We would love to hear from you.
Before you head on a road trip or scenic drive in California, make sure you have the right snacks! Check out our list featuring the 50 best road trip snacks. And, if you are looking for even more Southern California adventures, check out the following Only In Your State video.
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Scenic drives in southern California
Courtnie Erickson|August 31, 2023
What are some of the best road trips in Southern California to take?
There is nothing quite like a scenic drive in Southern California. The beautiful roads in this part of the state take you to destinations that are going to leave you impressed. While we always love a scenic drive, we also love a road trip. Here at Only In Your State, we have created dozens of road trip itineraries to help you experience Southern California like never before. Check out some of our favorite road trip ideas:
Of course, if you are planning a road trip, you must be prepared. Check out our ultimate road trip packing list featuring must-have items for your upcoming adventure.
What are some bucket-list-worthy attractions in Southern California to visit?
Scenic drives and road trips in Southern California often take you to incredible and unforgettable attractions. While there are hundreds of places you could explore and visit in this part of the state, we are here to help you narrow down your options. The following are just a few of our favorite bucket-list-worthy attractions in Southern California:
