Road Trips from Anaheim, CA
Planning a drive out of Anaheim? You've got options ranging from quick escapes to longer hauls. The selection includes several destinations within a 7-hour drive that feature hilly terrain and access to national recreation areas or monuments. For those looking to go further, there are also long-haul drives over 12 hours that offer a different mix of park access and high-altitude driving, with some recommending an overnight stay.
Total Routes
270
Shortest
0.2h
With Parks Nearby
228
Under 2 hours
57 total in this range
Hemet, CA
1h 30m64.9 mi one way
Chino Hills, CA
29m19.3 mi one way
Perris, CA
1h 5m48.9 mi one way
Walnut, CA
26m16.9 mi one way
Citrus, CA
38m27.2 mi one way
Full-day getaway
8 total in this range
East Porterville, CA
3h 44m188.9 mi one way
Mojave, CA
2h 20m120.3 mi one way
Kettleman City, CA
3h 48m200.8 mi one way
Imperial Beach, CA
2h 14m109.5 mi one way
Santee, CA
2h 3m100.4 mi one way
Weekend trip
155 total in this range
Fresno, CA
4h 36m244.6 mi one way
Salida, CA
6h 30m344.4 mi one way
Twain Harte, CA
7h 19m367.6 mi one way
This 7.3-hour drive to Twain Harte offers a high-drive score of 10, featuring high-altitude sections and notable climbs. It's a solid choice if you're looking for a challenging route, and it provides access to parks like the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, similar to other shorter options.
Angels Camp, CA
7h 21m368.2 mi one way
Angels Camp is a 7.4-hour drive with a perfect drive score of 10. The terrain involves hilly areas with moderate elevation changes. Like many of the closer destinations, it includes nearby park access to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and César E. Chávez National Monument.
Kingsburg, CA
4h 12m223.2 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
50 total in this range
Brooktrails, CA
10h 16m540.1 mi one way
Susanville, CA
11h 31m596.6 mi one way
Willows, CA
9h 4m493.1 mi one way
Biggs, CA
8h 50m470.3 mi one way
For a longer day trip, Biggs is 8.8 hours away with a drive score of 8. This route is mostly highway with hilly terrain. It's one of the options that recommends an overnight stay, unlike many of the shorter, higher-rated drives.
Alturas, CA
13h 18m657.6 mi one way
This 13.3-hour drive to Alturas is a true long-haul, offering mountain driving with significant elevation changes and a drive score of 8. It's the furthest option and includes access to national parks like Devils Postpile and Yosemite, making it ideal for an overnight trip.
Browse by Mood
Fresno, CA
4h 36m244.6 mi one way
Salida, CA
6h 30m344.4 mi one way
Twain Harte, CA
7h 19m367.6 mi one way
Angels Camp, CA
7h 21m368.2 mi one way
Fresno, CA
4h 36m244.6 mi one way
Salida, CA
6h 30m344.4 mi one way
Twain Harte, CA
7h 19m367.6 mi one way
Angels Camp, CA
7h 21m368.2 mi one way
Fresno, CA
4h 36m244.6 mi one way
Salida, CA
6h 30m344.4 mi one way
Twain Harte, CA
7h 19m367.6 mi one way
Angels Camp, CA
7h 21m368.2 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring drives can leverage the high-altitude terrain and park access, ideal for experiencing the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
Summer
Summer is suitable for the longer drives, including mountain terrain and park access like Yosemite National Park.
Fall
Fall offers opportunities for drives with high-altitude sections and climbs, with nearby parks remaining accessible.
Winter
Winter conditions might affect the high-altitude sections and mountain driving, making shorter, less extreme routes preferable.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Anaheim, CA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.