In the mood for a fun adventure in Southern California, but don’t want to hike to see the views? You’re in luck with these 7 beautiful backroads that you can drive! From San Diego to the desert to Los Angeles, there is a drive that will please everyone. Get your cameras ready! Because scenery and natural beauty along these beautiful Southern California backroads are about to whizz by your window.
1. Angeles Crest Highway
Angeles Crest Highway, Angeles Crest Hwy, La Cañada Flintridge, CA, USA
Angeles Crest Highway, which is also known as SR2, is a 66-mile road that begins in La Cañada-Flintridge to the Mountain Top junction at SR138. This road takes you through the beautiful Angeles National Forest. You’ll also have a chance to see views of the most scenic part of the San Gabriel mountain range. Knowing that its construction took almost 30 years to complete will make you appreciate the Angeles Crest Highway that much more!
This road winds through the desert and climbs up the Santa Rosa Mountains and the San Jacinto Mountains for lovely views from above. You’ll also get the chance to see animal habitats and a wide range of landscapes. There are lots of amazing parts of this drive, including a desert environment, the San Bernardino National Forest, mountain ranges, and a reservoir!
If you’re looking for a real off-roading experience, head out to Joshua Tree National Park for an adventure on a dirt road. You’ll be able to see a combination of open land and mountain ranges that Southern California is famous for having!
Pull off the 11.5 mile-long road on Chimney Peak for the amazing views at all of its elevations. From the mountains to the valleys, you’re sure to want to snap some photos to remember your drive on this byway. It’s generally considered a fairly easy off-road drive, so if you have an SUV, you should be just fine off the beaten path.
For a back road excursion with a touch of glamour and fame, take the scenic Mullholland Drive. This road is more city-focused, with views of both greenery and many different neighborhoods in Los Angeles. The city views are exciting and are the perfect way to see lots of classic Los Angeles sights, including the downtown area and the Hollywood sign.
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6. Sunrise National Scenic Byway
Sunrise National Scenic Byway, County Rte S1, Julian, CA 92036, USA
Mount Laguna, California is a major point of interest on this gorgeous road. Its elevation rises to 2,208 feet and the road stretches for 23.8 miles. You’ll get to see the Cleveland National Forest as well, and from above the trees are picture-perfect. The Sunrise National Scenic Byway is truly beautiful in all four seasons, so if you’re in the mood for some winter beauty, this is a great place to see some snow in Southern California.
If you’re a fearless driver who is comfortable with a challenging route filled with twists and turns, the Palomar Mountain Loop is for you! Located in the San Diego area, this road is harrowing at times, but it’s worth it for the epically beautiful views. You’ll see sights you won’t soon forget, including the beautiful Lake Henshaw.
With so many different choices for where to drive, you will definitely find one that suits your taste, whether you like roads that will give you a thrill or a relaxing afternoon. Have you taken any of these fun drives? We’d love to hear about it in the comments section! Or if you have any more beautiful Southern California backroads you think we should know about, shout them out, too.
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