CA City
Road Trips to Los Angeles
Driving to Los Angeles makes sense if you're coming from within a 5-hour radius, as the closest routes take just over 3 hours. For those further out, like from Washington D.C. at 46.9 hours, the drive itself becomes a significant part of the experience, offering control over your itinerary and the chance to see more of the country. Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis, known as a global hub for business, media, and international trade, attracting people from around the world.
73 routes from 5 states, grouped by origin region. Closest: 8 mi.
First-time tip
Be prepared for significant traffic. Los Angeles is known for its extensive freeway system and heavy congestion, so factor in extra travel time between locations, especially during peak hours.
About Los Angeles
Frank Lloyd Wright is said to have quipped, "Tip the world over on its side and everything loose will land in Los Angeles," a quote that has since been repeated both by those who love and hate L.A. The "City of Angels" is home to people who hail from all parts of the globe and an important center of culture, business, media, and international trade. However, it's most famous for being a major center of the world's television, motion picture, and music industry, which forms the base of the city's status and lures visitors for its show business history and celebrity culture. Visitors are also dr...
From Wikivoyage under CC BY-SA 4.0.
From the Mid-Atlantic
The drive from the Mid-Atlantic, such as Washington D.C., is a substantial 46.9-hour commitment covering 2672 miles. This long haul rewards drivers with a cross-country perspective, allowing ample time to explore diverse landscapes en route to the West Coast.
From the Midwest
Embarking from the Midwest, like Cincinnati, OH, involves a 38.2-hour drive spanning 2173.8 miles. This route offers a deep dive into America's heartland, showcasing a changing scenery as you traverse the continent towards California.
From the Texas
Coming from Texas, for example Houston, TX, takes about 26.4 hours and covers 1545.8 miles. This journey allows you to experience the vastness of the American Southwest, transitioning from the plains to the desert terrain approaching Los Angeles.
From the Mountain West
The drive from the Mountain West, like Phoenix, AZ, is relatively short at 6.7 hours and 372.6 miles. This quick trip offers a scenic transition through desert landscapes, making for an efficient and visually interesting approach to the city.
From the Pacific
69 total in this region
With 196 routes, the Pacific region offers the most accessible drives. Trips from places like Selma, CA, take around 3.8 hours for 202.7 miles, and from Easton, CA, it's 4.1 hours for 215.6 miles, highlighting the ease of reaching Los Angeles from within California itself.
From Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to Los Angeles
Drive score 9/10
From Sky Valley, CA
Sky Valley, CA to Los Angeles
Drive score 9/10
From Thermal, CA
Thermal, CA to Los Angeles
Drive score 9/10
From Richgrove, CA
Richgrove, CA to Los Angeles
Drive score 9/10
From Alpaugh, CA
Alpaugh, CA to Los Angeles
Drive score 9/10