Road Trips from Chula Vista, CA
You're in Chula Vista and looking for a drive. We've got options ranging from quick 1-2 hour hops to longer hauls up the state. Many of these routes offer access to parks, including Cabrillo National Monument, and the terrain varies from flat coastal stretches to more challenging mountain passes. Whether you want a short day trip or a multi-day adventure, there's a route that fits.
Total Routes
125
Shortest
0.3h
With Parks Nearby
106
Under 2 hours
6 total in this range
San Onofre, CA
1h 21m65.2 mi one way
For a short, easy drive, head north to San Onofre. It's only 1.4 hours and mostly highway, with a drive score of 7. You'll encounter mostly flat terrain, and Cabrillo National Monument is nearby if you want to explore.
Tustin, CA
1h 54m94 mi one way
Laguna Beach, CA
1h 42m79.3 mi one way
Costa Mesa, CA
1h 54m95.3 mi one way
North Tustin, CA
1h 56m95 mi one way
Full-day getaway
9 total in this range
Ontario, CA
2h 20m119.1 mi one way
Yucca Valley, CA
2h 55m142.4 mi one way
Huntington Park, CA
2h 33m126.9 mi one way
South El Monte, CA
2h 32m125.2 mi one way
La Cañada Flintridge, CA
2h 49m136 mi one way
Weekend trip
27 total in this range
Lompoc, CA
5h 31m278.8 mi one way
Kingsburg, CA
6h 12m324.6 mi one way
Planning a longer trip? Kingsburg is 6.2 hours away, covering 324.6 miles. It has a high drive score of 9 and features gently rolling terrain. This route provides access to Cabrillo National Monument, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and César E. Chávez National Monument.
Winton, CA
7h 51m410.7 mi one way
This is a substantial trip at 7.9 hours and 410.7 miles. With a drive score of 9, it's designed for covering distance. The terrain is gently rolling. You'll pass by Cabrillo National Monument, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and César E. Chávez National Monument.
Hanford, CA
6h 12m322.6 mi one way
Hanford is another long-haul option, covering 322.6 miles in 6.2 hours. It boasts a drive score of 9 and features gently rolling terrain. Access to Cabrillo National Monument, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and César E. Chávez National Monument is available.
Atwater, CA
7h 46m407.8 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
83 total in this range
Susanville, CA
13h646.3 mi one way
If you're looking for a significant journey, Susanville is 13 hours and 646.3 miles away. This long-haul drive has a score of 8 and involves mountain driving with considerable elevation changes. Nearby parks include Cabrillo National Monument, Devils Postpile National Monument, and Yosemite National Park. An overnight stay is recommended.
Salida, CA
8h 30m445.8 mi one way
Salida is a longer drive at 8.5 hours and 445.8 miles, with a drive score of 8. Expect hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes. This route passes by Cabrillo National Monument, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and César E. Chávez National Monument. An overnight is advised.
Gonzales, CA
8h 1m413 mi one way
Gonzales is 8 hours and 413 miles away, rated with a drive score of 8. The terrain is hilly with moderate elevation changes. Parks accessible include Cabrillo National Monument, Pinnacles National Park, and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Consider an overnight stay.
Salinas, CA
8h 21m430.7 mi one way
This 8.4-hour trip covers 430.7 miles and has a drive score of 8. The terrain is hilly with moderate elevation changes. You can access Cabrillo National Monument, Pinnacles National Park, and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. An overnight stop is recommended.
Rancho Calaveras, CA
9h 30m473 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Lompoc, CA
5h 31m278.8 mi one way
Kingsburg, CA
6h 12m324.6 mi one way
Winton, CA
7h 51m410.7 mi one way
Hanford, CA
6h 12m322.6 mi one way
Lompoc, CA
5h 31m278.8 mi one way
Kingsburg, CA
6h 12m324.6 mi one way
Hanford, CA
6h 12m322.6 mi one way
Atwater, CA
7h 46m407.8 mi one way
Lompoc, CA
5h 31m278.8 mi one way
Kingsburg, CA
6h 12m324.6 mi one way
Winton, CA
7h 51m410.7 mi one way
Hanford, CA
6h 12m322.6 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers good driving conditions across varied terrain, with parks like Cabrillo National Monument accessible.
Summer
Summer is suitable for most drives, from short highway runs to longer routes with gently rolling terrain.
Fall
Fall provides pleasant driving conditions for all routes, including those with hilly terrain and moderate elevation changes.
Winter
Winter driving is generally feasible, though mountain routes may present more challenging conditions.
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 Chula Vista, CA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.