Chances are, you are already thinking about next year, setting goals, and making plans. You may be thinking about places you want to go and things you want to do, and there are certainly many options to consider. To help you get started, we have curated a list of some of the most spectacular scenic drives in Southern California so you can enjoy a bit of our state’s natural beauty each month of the year.
- January - Rim of the World Scenic Byway
SanDiego.org As suggested by the name, the Rim of the World Scenic Byway climbs up into the San Bernardino Mountains to provide sweeping views over some of the most beautiful areas in Southern California. It is a stunning drive worthy of starting off your year. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to Catalina Island. January is also ideal for this drive because it goes through the delightfully snowy towns of Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead. Keep in mind, chains may be required if there is snow. This can easily be a day trip, but it is also a great road to work in an overnight or two. 23270 CA-18, San Bernardino, CA 92404, USA
- February - San Diego’s 59-Mile Scenic Drive
SanDiego.org San Diego’s southern locale means longer daylight hours and gently warmer temps than areas farther north, and an escape from the rain. The 59-Mile Scenic Drive shows you the best of this charming part of the Golden State, including the downtown skyline, Gaslamp Quarter, Harbor Island, Mexico, Balboa Park, Seaport Village, La Jolla Cove, and so much more. Of course, the drive is also full of panoramic mountain and ocean views. San Diego, CA, USA
- March - Angeles Crest Scenic Byway
Person-with-No Name/Flickr Just minutes outside of the city, the Angeles Crest Scenic Byway is arguably one of the most beautiful drives in Southern California. Early spring is a perfect time to make this drive where you will enjoy the new growth of yucca and wilderness flowers, as well as patches of snow on the rugged tree-covered slopes. The drive through the San Gabriel Mountains generally takes less than 2 hours from one end to the other, but there are many options to stop and take a little hike, where you may even see a lovely waterfall. Angeles Crest Highway, Angeles Crest Hwy, La Cañada Flintridge, CA, USA
- April - Death Valley Scenic Byway
Steve Calcott/Flickr The Death Valley Scenic Byway is the best way to see Southern California’s vast desert, and to find yourself in the hottest and lowest spots on the continent. Fortunately, in the spring, temperatures are still low enough to enjoy the trip and as a bonus, wildflowers bloom throughout the arid landscape. Death Valley National Park, United States
- May - San Marcos Pass/California 154
Kelly Lane/Moment via Getty Images Just before Southern California’s infamous “June gloom” and the subsequent summer heat, take this lovely drive from Santa Barbara on the coast up through the Santa Ynez Mountains. Take in panoramic views on the sweeping curves then head into the backcountry. Along the way, you can take the short side road to see an ancient Chumash painted cave, pause at various vista points to take photos, and enjoy a picnic at the crystal blue Cachuma Lake Recreation Center. If you continue past the lake, you can visit wineries in Santa Ynez and the adorable Danish town of Solvang. Chumash Highway, CA-154, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
- June - Sunrise Scenic Byway
Andrew Stanick/Google Local This is a designated National Forest Scenic Byway providing striking contrasts of lush pine forests, wide meadows, California’s expansive Anza-Borrego Desert, and even snow-capped mountains. You will want a wide-angle lens to capture the awesome views as you pass through a variety of environments, climates, and topographies. There are plenty of trails and vista points to make even more of your trip. County Route S1, County Rte S1, California, USA
- July - San Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway
wanderingnome/Flickr The San Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway takes you up through the hills north of Ojai in Ventura County. This road is driveable all year long, but summer temperatures make the creek, waterfalls, and swimming holes along the drive all the more inviting. This drive also offers amazing views of the white sandstone formations of Piedra Blanca, vibrant wetlands, the sparkling Pacific Ocean, and tunnels through the bedrock hills. California 33, CA-33, Ojai, CA, USA
- August - Pacific Coast Highway/California 1
Posnov/Moment via Getty Images The stretch of what is locally called PCH which runs from Point Mugu in Ventura County to Santa Monica is a windows-down, music up kind of summer dream. Steep hills and canyons on one side and the deep blue sea on the other make this a uniquely scenic drive. Surfers, dolphins, and pelicans populate the gorgeous waves and beyond. The road leads through the iconic Los Angeles community of Malibu, with its hillside mansions and waterfront restaurants, and brings you to the famous Santa Monica pier. Point Mugu, California 90265, USA
- September - Artist’s Drive, Mojave Desert
bullsiphoto/iStock via Getty Images Plus Visiting Southern California’s Mojave desert at the beginning of fall means enjoying these unusual landscapes with fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures. The scenic Artist’s Drive takes you past a mountainside that has been named “the Artist’s Palette” due to its mineral-rich and vibrantly-colored soil. In addition to this main attraction, the drive provides several turnouts with expansive views of the Badwater Basin, salt flats, and more. Artists Drive, Artists Dr, Furnace Creek, CA, USA
- October - Escondido to Julian, San Diego County
Ray Tan/iStock via Getty Images One of Southern California’s most enjoyable autumn drives is the road from Escondido to Julian. Whether you plan your stops ahead of time or let the road surprise you, this drive to the old mining town of Julian will charm and inspire you. Soak in the natural beauty and fall colors of the trees that line the road, and the old-timey shops and restaurants along the way. Don’t head back until you grab a classic fresh apple pie from the renowned Julian Pie Company. California 78, CA-78, Escondido, CA, USA
- November - Oak Glen
Don Graham/Flickr Oak Glen is one of the best places in Southern California to immerse yourself in all things fall, from the most amazing fall foliage to apple and pumpkin picking to fresh cider. Oak Glen Road has been nicknamed “the Scenic Loop,” and it does not disappoint, leading you through apple orchards, fruit stands, a cider mill, meandering streams, and graceful pine trees. Get to know this picturesque town in our article on Oak Glen. Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA, USA
- Palomar Mountain Loop
Miguel Aguilar/Google Loop Southern California snowfall in the mountains varies from year to year but, with or without snow, the Palomar Mountain Loop is an exhilarating drive. When there is snow, chains are required and a four-wheel drive is recommended. This route is not for the faint of heart due to the hairpin twists and switchbacks, in addition to ice that can accumulate on the road, but this fascinating drive rewards intrepid explorers with some of Southern California’s best scenery. Palomar Mountain View Road, Palomar Mountain View Rd, California 92065, USA
There are scores of scenic drives in Southern California, but we think these 12 routes really capture some of the best the state has to offer throughout the year. What do you think? Have you already experienced any of these drives? What is your favorite drive? We would love to hear from you.
SanDiego.org
As suggested by the name, the Rim of the World Scenic Byway climbs up into the San Bernardino Mountains to provide sweeping views over some of the most beautiful areas in Southern California. It is a stunning drive worthy of starting off your year. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to Catalina Island. January is also ideal for this drive because it goes through the delightfully snowy towns of Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead. Keep in mind, chains may be required if there is snow. This can easily be a day trip, but it is also a great road to work in an overnight or two.
23270 CA-18, San Bernardino, CA 92404, USA
San Diego’s southern locale means longer daylight hours and gently warmer temps than areas farther north, and an escape from the rain. The 59-Mile Scenic Drive shows you the best of this charming part of the Golden State, including the downtown skyline, Gaslamp Quarter, Harbor Island, Mexico, Balboa Park, Seaport Village, La Jolla Cove, and so much more. Of course, the drive is also full of panoramic mountain and ocean views.
San Diego, CA, USA
Person-with-No Name/Flickr
Just minutes outside of the city, the Angeles Crest Scenic Byway is arguably one of the most beautiful drives in Southern California. Early spring is a perfect time to make this drive where you will enjoy the new growth of yucca and wilderness flowers, as well as patches of snow on the rugged tree-covered slopes. The drive through the San Gabriel Mountains generally takes less than 2 hours from one end to the other, but there are many options to stop and take a little hike, where you may even see a lovely waterfall.
Angeles Crest Highway, Angeles Crest Hwy, La Cañada Flintridge, CA, USA
Steve Calcott/Flickr
The Death Valley Scenic Byway is the best way to see Southern California’s vast desert, and to find yourself in the hottest and lowest spots on the continent. Fortunately, in the spring, temperatures are still low enough to enjoy the trip and as a bonus, wildflowers bloom throughout the arid landscape.
Death Valley National Park, United States
Kelly Lane/Moment via Getty Images
Just before Southern California’s infamous “June gloom” and the subsequent summer heat, take this lovely drive from Santa Barbara on the coast up through the Santa Ynez Mountains. Take in panoramic views on the sweeping curves then head into the backcountry. Along the way, you can take the short side road to see an ancient Chumash painted cave, pause at various vista points to take photos, and enjoy a picnic at the crystal blue Cachuma Lake Recreation Center. If you continue past the lake, you can visit wineries in Santa Ynez and the adorable Danish town of Solvang.
Chumash Highway, CA-154, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Andrew Stanick/Google Local
This is a designated National Forest Scenic Byway providing striking contrasts of lush pine forests, wide meadows, California’s expansive Anza-Borrego Desert, and even snow-capped mountains. You will want a wide-angle lens to capture the awesome views as you pass through a variety of environments, climates, and topographies. There are plenty of trails and vista points to make even more of your trip.
County Route S1, County Rte S1, California, USA
wanderingnome/Flickr
The San Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway takes you up through the hills north of Ojai in Ventura County. This road is driveable all year long, but summer temperatures make the creek, waterfalls, and swimming holes along the drive all the more inviting. This drive also offers amazing views of the white sandstone formations of Piedra Blanca, vibrant wetlands, the sparkling Pacific Ocean, and tunnels through the bedrock hills.
California 33, CA-33, Ojai, CA, USA
Posnov/Moment via Getty Images
The stretch of what is locally called PCH which runs from Point Mugu in Ventura County to Santa Monica is a windows-down, music up kind of summer dream. Steep hills and canyons on one side and the deep blue sea on the other make this a uniquely scenic drive. Surfers, dolphins, and pelicans populate the gorgeous waves and beyond. The road leads through the iconic Los Angeles community of Malibu, with its hillside mansions and waterfront restaurants, and brings you to the famous Santa Monica pier.
Point Mugu, California 90265, USA
bullsiphoto/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Visiting Southern California’s Mojave desert at the beginning of fall means enjoying these unusual landscapes with fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures. The scenic Artist’s Drive takes you past a mountainside that has been named “the Artist’s Palette” due to its mineral-rich and vibrantly-colored soil. In addition to this main attraction, the drive provides several turnouts with expansive views of the Badwater Basin, salt flats, and more.
Artists Drive, Artists Dr, Furnace Creek, CA, USA
Ray Tan/iStock via Getty Images
One of Southern California’s most enjoyable autumn drives is the road from Escondido to Julian. Whether you plan your stops ahead of time or let the road surprise you, this drive to the old mining town of Julian will charm and inspire you. Soak in the natural beauty and fall colors of the trees that line the road, and the old-timey shops and restaurants along the way. Don’t head back until you grab a classic fresh apple pie from the renowned Julian Pie Company.
California 78, CA-78, Escondido, CA, USA
Don Graham/Flickr
Oak Glen is one of the best places in Southern California to immerse yourself in all things fall, from the most amazing fall foliage to apple and pumpkin picking to fresh cider. Oak Glen Road has been nicknamed “the Scenic Loop,” and it does not disappoint, leading you through apple orchards, fruit stands, a cider mill, meandering streams, and graceful pine trees. Get to know this picturesque town in our article on Oak Glen.
Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA, USA
Miguel Aguilar/Google Loop
Southern California snowfall in the mountains varies from year to year but, with or without snow, the Palomar Mountain Loop is an exhilarating drive. When there is snow, chains are required and a four-wheel drive is recommended. This route is not for the faint of heart due to the hairpin twists and switchbacks, in addition to ice that can accumulate on the road, but this fascinating drive rewards intrepid explorers with some of Southern California’s best scenery.
Palomar Mountain View Road, Palomar Mountain View Rd, California 92065, USA
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