In the mood for a road trip, but only have one day to spend? We’ve got you covered with a fantastic one-day scenic road trip in Southern California. You’ll start in beautiful Malibu and make your way south until you reach the coast of San Diego, and you’ll catch some of the best sunrises in Southern California if you get up early enough. Check out our interactive map for an easy route and enjoy a day full of outdoor adventures, from the beach to the mountains, on a scenic day trip in Southern California.

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1. Malibu
Annie Mole/Flickr
Malibu, CA, USA
Lagusa/Flickr
There are many wonderful attributes to love about Malibu. With fantastic restaurants and one of the most stunning natural environments in the state, you will love your time here. Start your day at sunrise on the pristine beach. There’s nothing quite so magical as watching the sky light up at dawn and reflect in the ocean. Listen to the waves or even take a swim if you’re feeling like braving some brisk water temperatures. Finish your morning by taking a peaceful walk in the sunshine before hopping in the car to head to your next outdoor destination.
2. Glendale Peak Trail
Krishna Kosgi/AllTrails

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Glendale Peak Trail Head, 2715 N Vermont Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
Kelley Brandt/AllTrails
After about an hour of driving, you’ll reach Glendale Peak Trail in gorgeous Griffith Park. The trail is just over 3.5 miles long. It will take you about 2 hours to complete, so it’s the perfect length to really immerse yourself in nature while also keeping things short and sweet enough to have plenty of time left in your day of outdoor fun. You’ll get to see some amazing views, including a particularly memorable one of the city of Los Angeles from miles away.

See what it's like to hike this gorgeous trail:

3. Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
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Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, 27901 Glenn Ranch Rd, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679, USA
OCParks_CA/Flickr
Your next stop is Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park in Orange County, just another hour’s drive south. It’s a lovely regional park that has multiple types of landscapes for you to explore. From grassland to coastal sage scrub, you’ll be able to see canyons and pretty vistas from the tops of the hills. The wildlife here is definitely worth watching, so keep an eye out for the sweet Wilson’s Warbler and listen for its peaceful song.
4. Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Virginia Hill/Flickr
Cardiff, Encinitas, CA 92007, USA
Pacific Coast Grill/Facebook
Your final stop of the day is one final hour south to Cardiff-by-the-Sea, a beach neighborhood in Northern San Diego that will make you want to stay until well past the sunset. This area is not only beautiful but also features some very well-known restaurants in the city. Check out Pacific Coast Grill or Chart House for an elegant dinner after a day of adventures, and watch the sunset on the beach.

At the end of the day, you’re sure to be tired and happy and have plenty of memories made in all the outdoor locales. Any one place highlighting Southern California’s natural beauty is enough to make anyone’s day complete. With this scenic day trip in Southern California, you’ll get to see four incredible places all packed into one day, starting with gorgeous Southern California sunrises. Enjoy the trip, and be sure to take a look at these eleven unique scenic road trips in Southern California.

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More to Explore

Road Trip-Worthy Destinations in Southern California

William Suphan | February 07, 2023

What are the best bucket list destinations in Southern California?

The best bucket list destinations in Southern California include:

  • Pelican Cove at Rancho Palos Verdes. Locals love to come here to hike, paint, and take in the gorgeous clifftop ocean views.
  • Joshua Tree. This area’s namesake trees are an otherworldly wonder to behold and you won’t find a better sunset.
  • Death Valley National Park. Be sure to bring lots of water and shade because this area is as hot and dry as it is awe-inspiring.
  • Palisades Park in Santa Monica. If you’re looking for the quintessential Southern California style and vibe, this park has it, with palm trees and lovely ocean views.

Find out more about the best bucket list destinations in Southern California. 

What are the most underrated attractions in Southern California?

The most underrated attractions in Southern California include:

  • The Living Zoo and Gardens. Located in the Palm Desert, this wondrous place allows you to feed majestic giraffes by hand.
  • Torrey Pines State Reserve. Southern California’s natural beauty is on full display here, with cliffside trails overlooking the Pacific Ocean. 
  • Gardens of the World. This little-known gem in Thousand Oaks has several gardens in Japanese, French, Italian, and other styles.
  • Prospect Park. The Redlands area is home to this peaceful park that is filled with lush trees, wildlife, and nature trails.

Discover more about the most underrated attractions in Southern California. 

What are some must-see destinations in Southern California?

Must-see destinations in Southern California include:

  • The Victoria Beach Pirate Tower. This medieval-looking tower is nestled against the cliffs where the waves crash into it creating a wondrous sight.
  • El Dorado Nature Center. This verdant nature center has several gorgeous trails ranging from one to three miles in length.
  • La Jolla Tidepools. La Jolla Cove has stunning cliffs and ocean views as well as tide pools filled with tiny marine life. 
  • Idyllwild. This charming and picturesque small town is a refreshing and beautiful day trip with quaint shops, mountain views, and delicious restaurants.

Learn more about these and other must-see destinations in Southern California. 

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