Road Trips from San Bernardino, CA
Planning a weekend escape from San Bernardino? You've got options ranging from quick half-day drives to longer excursions. The terrain is mostly hilly with moderate elevation changes, making for engaging drives. You can easily reach destinations with nearby parks for a breath of fresh air, or opt for a more extended trip that requires an overnight stay. Consider a short 2.6-hour drive for a quick change of scenery, or plan for a full day's journey to explore further afield in California.
Total Routes
19
Shortest
2.6h
With Parks Nearby
19
Full-day getaway
Weekend trip
9 total in this range
Selma, CA
4h 48m255.8 mi one way
A 4.8-hour drive covering 255.8 miles, this route offers a good balance of distance and accessibility. It's rated a 10 for drive score and includes access to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and César E. Chávez National Monument. The terrain is hilly with moderate elevation changes.
Turlock, CA
6h 38m351.5 mi one way
This 6.6-hour drive to Turlock spans 351.5 miles. It's a mostly highway route with a drive score of 10. Like Selma, it offers nearby access to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and César E. Chávez National Monument. The terrain is characterized by hills and moderate elevation changes.
Lindsay, CA
4h 19m223.7 mi one way
Morro Bay, CA
5h 10m256.6 mi one way
Milpitas, CA
7h 31m398.2 mi one way
Covering 398.2 miles and taking 7.5 hours, this option also features a mostly highway profile with a drive score of 8. You'll find parks like the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and César E. Chávez National Monument accessible along the way. Expect hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes.
Long-haul ideas
9 total in this range
Murray Field, CA
13h 29m698.9 mi one way
This is a significant long-haul drive of 13.5 hours and 698.9 miles, recommended for an overnight trip. It has a drive score of 8 and passes near Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial and Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park. The terrain is hilly with moderate elevation changes.
Fortuna, CA
13h 2m679.2 mi one way
A lengthy 13-hour drive covering 679.2 miles, this option is marked as a long-haul drive and recommends an overnight stay. It boasts a drive score of 8 and proximity to national historical parks like Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial. The terrain features hilly sections with moderate elevation changes.
San Francisco, CA
8h 7m434.8 mi one way
Clearlake, CA
9h 49m514 mi one way
This long-haul drive takes 9.8 hours and covers 514 miles, suggesting an overnight stop. It has a drive score of 7 and passes near several national parks. The terrain is hilly with moderate elevation changes, offering a varied driving experience.
Shasta Lake, CA
11h 5m603.5 mi one way
Plan for an overnight stay on this 11.1-hour drive that spans 603.5 miles. It's a long-haul route with a drive score of 7. You'll find Whiskeytown National Recreation Area nearby, alongside other parks. The terrain is hilly with moderate elevation changes.
Browse by Mood
Selma, CA
4h 48m255.8 mi one way
Turlock, CA
6h 38m351.5 mi one way
Lindsay, CA
4h 19m223.7 mi one way
Morro Bay, CA
5h 10m256.6 mi one way
Selma, CA
4h 48m255.8 mi one way
Turlock, CA
6h 38m351.5 mi one way
Morro Bay, CA
5h 10m256.6 mi one way
Milpitas, CA
7h 31m398.2 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers pleasant driving conditions with hilly terrain and moderate elevation changes, ideal for exploring nearby parks.
Summer
Summer is suitable for longer drives, with most routes featuring hilly terrain and moderate elevation changes.
Fall
Fall provides good driving weather for exploring destinations with nearby parks and varied terrain.
Winter
Winter drives are feasible, though the hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes might require extra caution.
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 San Bernardino, CA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.