Road Trips from Fontana, CA
Fontana sets you up well for a variety of quick escapes. You've got options ranging from under an hour to the coast or inland valleys, to longer hauls that get you to national parks and monuments. There are plenty of shorter, high-drive-score routes perfect for a day trip, plus a few longer adventures that might make you consider staying overnight. Whether you're looking for a fast drive through rolling hills or a longer journey with park access, Fontana is a solid starting point.
Total Routes
63
Shortest
4.1h
With Parks Nearby
63
Weekend trip
43 total in this range
Salida, CA
6h 53m364.4 mi one way
Fresno, CA
4h 58m264.5 mi one way
Marina, CA
6h 58m358.8 mi one way
This 7-hour drive to Marina, CA, is a significant undertaking, scoring a 10 for its driving experience. It includes access to Pinnacles National Park, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and César E. Chávez National Monument, distinguishing it from shorter trips.
Salinas, CA
6h 43m349.3 mi one way
Riverbank, CA
7h 2m364.4 mi one way
A 7-hour journey to Riverbank, CA, with a perfect drive score of 10. This mostly highway route also offers access to Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and César E. Chávez National Monument, similar to the Marina trip.
Long-haul ideas
20 total in this range
Susanville, CA
10h 53m533.6 mi one way
Shasta Lake, CA
10h 56m596.3 mi one way
Anderson, CA
10h 35m577.9 mi one way
Arcata, CA
13h 28m696.7 mi one way
Ukiah, CA
10h 2m533.1 mi one way
The longest option at 10 hours, this drive to Ukiah, CA, scores an 8 but is recommended for overnight stays. It includes access to Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.
Browse by Mood
Salida, CA
6h 53m364.4 mi one way
Fresno, CA
4h 58m264.5 mi one way
Marina, CA
6h 58m358.8 mi one way
Salinas, CA
6h 43m349.3 mi one way
Salida, CA
6h 53m364.4 mi one way
Fresno, CA
4h 58m264.5 mi one way
Marina, CA
6h 58m358.8 mi one way
Salinas, CA
6h 43m349.3 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers good conditions for the gently rolling terrain of southern California drives. Park access for longer trips remains consistent.
Summer
Summer is suitable for all routes, with longer drives potentially benefiting from overnight stays to enjoy park access.
Fall
Fall weather is ideal for the varied terrain across all destinations. Longer drives with park access are particularly pleasant.
Winter
Winter conditions are generally favorable for these California routes, including the longer drives with park access.
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 Fontana, CA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.