Road Trips from Livermore, CA
Looking for a quick escape or a longer weekend? Livermore sets you up for drives with varied terrain, from flat stretches to hilly routes, often with national park access within reach. You've got options like a half-day drive to Bakersfield with minimal elevation changes, or longer journeys south that include multiple park choices. Several of these trips are primarily highway, making them straightforward drives for a day trip, though the longest ones might benefit from an overnight stay.
Total Routes
8
Shortest
4.5h
With Parks Nearby
8
Weekend trip
6 total in this range
Los Angeles, CA
6h 15m339.6 mi one way
This 6.3-hour drive to Los Angeles is a solid highway option, similar in profile to other southern California destinations. It covers 339.6 miles with hilly terrain. You'll have access to parks like the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area along the way.
Long Beach, CA
6h 44m363.7 mi one way
Clocking in at 6.7 hours and 363.7 miles, this trip to Long Beach offers a comparable highway experience to Los Angeles. The drive features hilly terrain. Like many southern routes from Livermore, it provides proximity to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
Bakersfield, CA
4h 27m241.5 mi one way
For the shortest drive on this list, head to Bakersfield. It's only 241.5 miles and 4.5 hours, with a mostly flat terrain, making it a distinct option from the hillier southern routes. It still offers access to parks like the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial.
Anaheim, CA
6h 46m365.6 mi one way
This 6.8-hour, 365.6-mile route to Anaheim is another highway-focused trip. It navigates hilly terrain and offers access to significant park areas, including the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, similar to the Los Angeles and Long Beach options.
Riverside, CA
7h 20m390.9 mi one way
Driving to Riverside takes about 7.3 hours over 390.9 miles. This route is characterized by hilly terrain and a 'mostly highway' profile. It shares park access with other southern California destinations, such as the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
Long-haul ideas
San Diego, CA
8h 39m460.6 mi one way
This 8.7-hour drive to San Diego is one of the longer options at 460.6 miles, and it's recommended as an overnight trip. The terrain is gently rolling, a slight difference from some of the hillier southern routes. You can access parks like Cabrillo National Monument and the Santa Monica Mountains.
Chula Vista, CA
8h 48m467.7 mi one way
At 8.8 hours and 467.7 miles, Chula Vista is the furthest destination. This trip is flagged for an overnight stay and features hilly terrain. It provides access to parks including Cabrillo National Monument and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, similar to the San Diego route.
Browse by Mood
Los Angeles, CA
6h 15m339.6 mi one way
Long Beach, CA
6h 44m363.7 mi one way
Bakersfield, CA
4h 27m241.5 mi one way
Anaheim, CA
6h 46m365.6 mi one way
Los Angeles, CA
6h 15m339.6 mi one way
Long Beach, CA
6h 44m363.7 mi one way
Bakersfield, CA
4h 27m241.5 mi one way
Anaheim, CA
6h 46m365.6 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring drives offer mild weather for exploring the hilly terrain and accessing parks like the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
Summer
Summer is ideal for highway driving to southern California destinations, with parks like César E. Chávez National Monument accessible.
Fall
Fall conditions are favorable for the varied terrain, with opportunities to visit national monuments before winter weather.
Winter
Winter drives can be wet, but the mostly highway routes are generally manageable for reaching destinations 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 Livermore, CA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.