Road Trips from Long Beach, CA
Looking for a weekend escape from Long Beach? You've got options ranging from quick, 1-hour hops to nearby towns with gently rolling terrain, to ambitious 10-hour journeys to the state's northern reaches. Several routes offer park access, including some with national park designations, while others focus on highway efficiency. Consider if you want a scenic drive with hills and climbs, or a more direct route. There are a few destinations that are best tackled as an overnight trip given their distance.
Total Routes
98
Shortest
0.9h
With Parks Nearby
97
Under 2 hours
Weekend trip
76 total in this range
Salida, CA
6h 29m342.4 mi one way
Salinas, CA
6h 19m327.4 mi one way
San Andreas, CA
7h 36m379.9 mi one way
This 7.6-hour drive offers a higher drive score (10) and varied terrain, including hills with moderate elevation changes. It's a substantial trip that also includes access to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and César E. Chávez National Monument.
Ahwahnee, CA
5h 41m292.2 mi one way
For a serious drive with climbs and high-altitude sections, Ahwahnee is a 5.7-hour option. It boasts a perfect drive score of 10 and includes park access, making it a solid choice for those seeking a challenging route to a natural destination.
Mariposa, CA
6h 13m313.4 mi one way
This 6.2-hour route to Mariposa features high-altitude sections and notable climbs, paired with a high drive score of 10. It's comparable in drive time and terrain to Ahwahnee, also offering proximity to significant park areas.
Long-haul ideas
21 total in this range
Nice, CA
9h 46m506.8 mi one way
At 9.8 hours and 506.8 miles, this is a long-haul drive with hilly terrain that requires an overnight stay. It offers park access, including Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, and provides a different terrain profile than the high-altitude climbs.
Shasta, CA
10h 33m573.8 mi one way
This 10.6-hour drive to Shasta is a significant undertaking, suitable for an overnight trip. It features hilly terrain and provides access to Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, among other parks, making it a destination for those seeking distance and natural attractions.
Willits, CA
10h 7m533 mi one way
Fortuna, CA
12h 30m650 mi one way
Willow Creek, CA
12h 23m667.1 mi one way
Covering 667.1 miles over 12.4 hours, this is the longest option and requires an overnight stay. The terrain involves high-altitude sections and climbs, with nearby access to national recreation areas, making it a true road trip adventure.
Browse by Mood
Salida, CA
6h 29m342.4 mi one way
Salinas, CA
6h 19m327.4 mi one way
San Andreas, CA
7h 36m379.9 mi one way
Ahwahnee, CA
5h 41m292.2 mi one way
Salida, CA
6h 29m342.4 mi one way
Salinas, CA
6h 19m327.4 mi one way
Mariposa, CA
6h 13m313.4 mi one way
Ceres, CA
6h 15m331.3 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Consider routes with high-altitude sections for spring, as lower elevations might still be damp. Park access is available on many longer drives.
Summer
Longer drives with high-altitude terrain are ideal for summer, offering cooler temperatures. Park access is readily available on most routes.
Fall
The hilly terrain and moderate elevation changes on longer drives could be stunning in the fall. Park access remains a feature on many of these routes.
Winter
Shorter, mostly highway drives with gently rolling terrain are best. Park access is still possible on some of these quicker routes.
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 Long Beach, CA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.