Road Trips from Anza, CA
Anza's location means you can hit the road for a quick afternoon trip or a multi-day adventure. You have options for short, 2-hour drives to major cities with high drive scores, or you can head north for longer hauls that involve some interesting terrain. Several routes offer park access, making it easy to add a nature stop to your drive. Think about whether you want to get somewhere fast, explore parks, or tackle a longer journey with elevation changes.
Total Routes
7
Shortest
4.6h
With Parks Nearby
7
Weekend trip
Fresno, CA
6h 29m335.1 mi one way
This is your longest drive within California, clocking in at 335.1 miles and 6.5 hours, with a high drive score of 9. The terrain is described as hilly with moderate elevation changes, offering a different driving experience than the coastal routes.
Bakersfield, CA
4h 33m227.7 mi one way
Reaching Bakersfield takes about 4.6 hours and covers 227.7 miles. The drive score is a solid 8, and it’s mostly highway. This is a good mid-distance option if you're looking to head inland.
Long-haul ideas
Oakland, CA
9h 14m486.6 mi one way
This is a significant haul at 9.2 hours and 486.6 miles, but it comes with a respectable drive score of 7. The route is mostly highway and offers access to several parks, including San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and Golden Gate National Recreation Area, making it a good candidate for an overnight trip.
Laguna, CA
9h 19m491 mi one way
This route to Laguna is one of the longest, spanning 491 miles and 9.3 hours, with a drive score of 7. It’s mostly highway, but offers access to parks like the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Consider this for an overnight journey.
San Francisco, CA
9h 29m498.1 mi one way
Heading to San Francisco is a 9.5-hour drive covering 498.1 miles, with a drive score of 7. It's predominantly highway, and you'll pass by several national parks, including Golden Gate National Recreation Area, making it a suitable option for an overnight stay.
San Jose, CA
8h 47m456.4 mi one way
This drive to San Jose is 8.8 hours and 456.4 miles, with a drive score of 7. It's mostly highway, and the nearby parks include Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. This is a long trip, best suited for an overnight adventure.
Sacramento, CA
9h 26m500.3 mi one way
This is the longest drive on the list, 500.3 miles and 9.4 hours, rated a 7 for drive score. It's labeled as a long-haul drive and mostly highway. You'll have opportunities to visit parks such as Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, making it an overnight destination.
Browse by Mood
Fresno, CA
6h 29m335.1 mi one way
Bakersfield, CA
4h 33m227.7 mi one way
Oakland, CA
9h 14m486.6 mi one way
Laguna, CA
9h 19m491 mi one way
Fresno, CA
6h 29m335.1 mi one way
Bakersfield, CA
4h 33m227.7 mi one way
Oakland, CA
9h 14m486.6 mi one way
San Francisco, CA
9h 29m498.1 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
With nearby parks accessible on shorter drives, spring offers pleasant conditions for outdoor exploration before the summer heat.
Summer
Longer drives to the north are feasible, though the terrain on some routes might become quite warm.
Fall
The hilly terrain on the route to Fresno could offer scenic fall colors, and the longer drives remain viable.
Winter
Shorter drives to the coast are generally mild, and the longer inland routes avoid potential mountain snow.
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 Anza, CA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.