Road Trips from Los Angeles, CA
Looking to escape LA this weekend? You've got options that range from quick half-day excursions to longer, overnight adventures. Several routes offer access to national recreation areas and monuments within a few hours' drive, featuring varied terrain from hilly landscapes to high-altitude climbs. If you're up for a more substantial trip, there are also cross-state possibilities that include an overnight stay, pushing further into different park systems.
Total Routes
126
Shortest
4.1h
With Parks Nearby
126
Weekend trip
92 total in this range
Modesto, CA
5h 53m311.8 mi one way
Salinas, CA
5h 52m303.7 mi one way
Turlock, CA
5h 38m298.6 mi one way
Madera, CA
4h 28m239.4 mi one way
Marina, CA
6h 7m313.1 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
34 total in this range
San Antonio, TX
22h 57m1353.9 mi one way
For a significant escape, consider San Antonio, TX. This is a long-haul drive of 1353 miles, requiring 23 hours and an overnight stay. It features high-altitude sections with notable climbs and offers access to Joshua Tree National Park.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
9h 11m441.9 mi one way
Red Bluff, CA
9h 24m513.7 mi one way
Orland, CA
8h 52m483.5 mi one way
Humboldt Hill, CA
12h 22m640.1 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Modesto, CA
5h 53m311.8 mi one way
Salinas, CA
5h 52m303.7 mi one way
Turlock, CA
5h 38m298.6 mi one way
Madera, CA
4h 28m239.4 mi one way
Modesto, CA
5h 53m311.8 mi one way
Salinas, CA
5h 52m303.7 mi one way
Turlock, CA
5h 38m298.6 mi one way
Madera, CA
4h 28m239.4 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers mild conditions for drives with hilly terrain and moderate elevation changes, ideal for exploring parks like the Santa Monica Mountains.
Summer
Summer is suitable for highway driving to various California destinations, though high-altitude sections may be warmer.
Fall
Fall's cooler temperatures are good for routes with significant elevation changes and mountain driving, like the trip to Portola.
Winter
Winter weather could impact high-altitude sections and mountain driving, making routes with gently rolling terrain potentially more reliable.
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.