Road Trips from Los Angeles, CA
Thinking about a quick escape from Los Angeles? You've got options for short day trips with park access, or longer hauls that take you into higher altitudes and different terrains. The mix of destinations means you can find something for a few hours or a solid weekend adventure, with several routes offering access to national recreation areas or monuments.
Total Routes
14
Shortest
6.3h
With Parks Nearby
14
Weekend trip
11 total in this range
Cedar Ridge, CA
6h 57m344.4 mi one way
This 7-hour drive is the longest trip under 10 hours, taking you to high-altitude sections with notable climbs. It offers more park access than the other longer drives, including Santa Monica Mountains and César E. Chávez National Monument.
Mountain View, CA
6h 56m373.4 mi one way
A 6.9-hour drive, this route offers hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes. It's similar in length to Walnut Grove but provides access to different historical parks like Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park.
Walnut Grove, CA
6h 45m363.5 mi one way
This 6.8-hour drive offers a mostly highway experience through gently rolling terrain. It's comparable in time to Mountain View but has different park proximity.
Byron, CA
6h 17m336.9 mi one way
A 6.3-hour drive on mostly highway, this route features hilly terrain. It's closer than Saranap and offers access to multiple historical sites.
Saranap, CA
6h 44m363.7 mi one way
This 6.7-hour trip takes you through hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes. It's a slightly longer drive than Byron but offers similar park access.
Long-haul ideas
San Antonio, TX
22h 57m1353.9 mi one way
The longest haul at 23 hours, this drive is recommended for an overnight stay. It includes high-altitude sections and offers access to Joshua Tree National Park.
Redwood Valley, CA
9h 21m495.7 mi one way
This 9.4-hour drive is a good option for an overnight trip, featuring hilly terrain. It's a longer option than the northern California routes like Byron or Saranap, with different park access.
Portola, CA
10h 2m532.2 mi one way
A 10-hour drive with significant elevation changes, this route is best for an overnight stay. It offers mountain driving and park access, making it a more involved trip than the longer drives to Northern California.
Browse by Mood
Cedar Ridge, CA
6h 57m344.4 mi one way
San Antonio, TX
22h 57m1353.9 mi one way
Mountain View, CA
6h 56m373.4 mi one way
Walnut Grove, CA
6h 45m363.5 mi one way
San Antonio, TX
22h 57m1353.9 mi one way
Mountain View, CA
6h 56m373.4 mi one way
Walnut Grove, CA
6h 45m363.5 mi one way
Byron, CA
6h 17m336.9 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers access to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, with generally mild terrain suitable for day trips.
Summer
Summer drives can feature high-altitude sections with notable climbs, especially on longer routes.
Fall
Fall is ideal for drives with gently rolling or hilly terrain, offering moderate elevation changes.
Winter
Winter drives can encounter high-altitude sections with climbs, making them more challenging.
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 Los Angeles, CA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.