Road Trips from Riverside, CA
Riverside sets you up for a range of drives, from quick escapes to longer hauls. You've got options that keep you in hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes, some with access to national recreation areas and monuments. There are also longer trips that lean more towards highway driving, some of which are recommended overnights. Whether you're looking for a day trip with park access or a multi-day journey, Riverside is a solid starting point.
Total Routes
48
Shortest
4.2h
With Parks Nearby
48
Weekend trip
27 total in this range
Salida, CA
7h 5m369.7 mi one way
Tarpey Village, CA
5h 15m270.9 mi one way
This 5.3-hour drive to Tarpey Village is a good mid-range option at 270.9 miles. It features hilly terrain and offers access to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and César E. Chávez National Monument, like many other routes from Riverside. It’s a shorter trip than heading to Planada or Carmel Valley.
Mono Vista, CA
7h 46m389 mi one way
Clocking in at 7.8 hours and 389 miles, Mono Vista offers a longer day trip. The drive navigates hilly terrain and includes access to notable parks such as the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. It’s a more substantial drive than to Squaw Valley or Tarpey Village, but still manageable in a single day.
Planada, CA
6h 15m319.9 mi one way
This 6.3-hour trip to Planada covers 319.9 miles. Expect hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes. Like several other destinations, this route provides access to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and César E. Chávez National Monument. It's a longer drive than to Squaw Valley but shorter than the haul to Cloverdale.
Morro Bay, CA
5h 13m254.7 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
21 total in this range
Susanville, CA
11h 8m547.7 mi one way
Cloverdale, CA
9h 39m509.9 mi one way
This 9.7-hour, 509.9-mile drive is a long-haul option and is recommended for an overnight stay. The terrain is hilly. It offers access to unique parks like Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial and Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, distinguishing it from the predominantly mountainous park access elsewhere.
San Francisco, CA
8h 10m432.9 mi one way
Suisun, CA
8h 22m445.1 mi one way
Sacramento, CA
8h 7m435.1 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Salida, CA
7h 5m369.7 mi one way
Susanville, CA
11h 8m547.7 mi one way
Tarpey Village, CA
5h 15m270.9 mi one way
Mono Vista, CA
7h 46m389 mi one way
Salida, CA
7h 5m369.7 mi one way
Susanville, CA
11h 8m547.7 mi one way
Morro Bay, CA
5h 13m254.7 mi one way
Dinuba, CA
4h 53m248.6 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers mild driving conditions for hilly and rolling terrains, with parks like the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area accessible.
Summer
Summer heat is a factor for longer drives; prioritize routes with park access like the Santa Monica Mountains or Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
Fall
Fall provides pleasant driving temperatures, ideal for the mixed highway and surface routes, with park access remaining a highlight.
Winter
Winter conditions are generally mild for these routes, though hilly terrain may warrant caution, and park access remains available.
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 Riverside, CA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.