Road Trips from Long Beach, CA
Looking for a road trip from Long Beach? You've got options ranging from quick, easy drives to longer adventures. Many routes offer access to parks and varied terrain, from gentle hills to higher altitudes with climbs. There are a few destinations under two hours, perfect for a day trip, and several longer drives that are recommended for overnight stays. You can choose between mostly highway routes or those with a mix of highway and surface roads.
Total Routes
27
Shortest
0.9h
With Parks Nearby
26
Under 2 hours
Weekend trip
17 total in this range
San Andreas, CA
7h 36m379.9 mi one way
This trip takes you into hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes. It's a longer haul than Kinneloa Mesa, but offers 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 trip with significant climbs and high-altitude sections, Ahwahnee is a good choice. It's a longer drive, over five hours, and includes access to major park areas like the Santa Monica Mountains.
Mariposa, CA
6h 13m313.4 mi one way
Similar to Ahwahnee, Mariposa features high-altitude sections and notable climbs. This drive is over six hours and also provides access to the Santa Monica Mountains and César E. Chávez National Monument.
Del Rey Oaks, CA
6h 38m341.3 mi one way
This route offers hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes. It's a longer drive, over six hours, and gives you access to Pinnacles National Park, along with the Santa Monica Mountains.
Auberry, CA
5h 13m264.6 mi one way
Auberry is a good option if you're looking for a drive with high-altitude sections and climbs. It's about a five-hour trip, and you'll pass by the Santa Monica Mountains and César E. Chávez National Monument.
Long-haul ideas
9 total in this range
Nice, CA
9h 46m506.8 mi one way
This is one of your longest options, nearly ten hours. The terrain is hilly with moderate elevation changes. It's a recommended overnight trip and includes access to Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial and Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park.
Shasta, CA
10h 33m573.8 mi one way
Consider Shasta for a long-haul drive, over ten hours, with hilly terrain. This trip is recommended for an overnight stay and includes Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
Willow Creek, CA
12h 23m667.1 mi one way
This is the furthest destination, over twelve hours, and involves high-altitude sections with climbs. It's a recommended overnight trip and offers access to Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
Tahoe Vista, CA
9h 47m522.1 mi one way
Choose Tahoe Vista for a longer drive, nearly ten hours, featuring mountain driving with significant elevation changes. This is a recommended overnight trip, offering a distinct change in scenery.
Monte Rio, CA
8h 59m470.7 mi one way
This is a nearly nine-hour drive with gently rolling terrain, recommended for an overnight stay. It offers access to Muir Woods National Monument and Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park.
Browse by Mood
San Andreas, CA
7h 36m379.9 mi one way
Ahwahnee, CA
5h 41m292.2 mi one way
Mariposa, CA
6h 13m313.4 mi one way
Del Rey Oaks, CA
6h 38m341.3 mi one way
Mariposa, CA
6h 13m313.4 mi one way
Del Rey Oaks, CA
6h 38m341.3 mi one way
San Juan Bautista, CA
6h 18m335.1 mi one way
Walnut Grove, CA
7h 13m387.2 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers opportunities for drives with varied terrain and access to several National Recreation Areas and Monuments.
Summer
Summer road trips can take advantage of all available routes, including those with high-altitude sections and climbs.
Fall
Fall drives provide access to parks and varied terrains, with longer routes recommended for overnight stays.
Winter
Winter trips can explore hilly terrain and access National Recreation Areas, with longer drives suitable for overnight stays.
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.