10 Best Scenic California Road Trips That Are Under 3 Hours from LA

Ahhh, Cali. The land of glitz, glamour, and the most gorgeous landscapes.

While LA may bring in most of the people, thanks to its endless list of theme parks, vibrant nightlife, and award-winning restaurants, the state has way more to offer beyond the City of Angels. Just a few hours away, you can marvel at the pristine blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, eye-catching Joshua trees, golden beaches, and even snow-capped mountains (yes, you read that right!).

Here are 10 of the most picturesque California road trips to make the most out of your Los Angeles car rental:

Don’t have a lot of time on your Los Angeles trip? You can still squeeze in a nice day out of the city with a visit to the nearby Laguna Beach. With kilometres of sand, sun, and the South California coastline, you’ll see why it’s one of the locals’ most popular holiday destinations. Once you’ve arrived, you can go hiking, try sunbathing at the beach, or go shopping at the heart of bohemian chic.

Take your rental car from Los Angeles and hit  one of the world’s most iconic roads—Route 66. See for yourself why the highway became the subject of plenty of songs, TV series, and movies over the years with a leisurely drive. Stop by retro service stations, fascinating ghost towns, and local diners for the full experience.

No Los Angeles travel guide is complete without mentioning the Pacific Coast Highway. The sprawling road connects the best of California, from sunny San Diego in the south to the commercial powerhouse that is San Francisco in the north. You don’t have to drive through the entire highway (almost 3,000-kilometre long!) to enjoy the views, though. Highway 1 in LA County has great spots to watch the sunset!

If you want to escape the concrete jungle of LA, head to Dana Point’s this easy road trip. With its laid-back charm, drive down south and take in the views of palm trees and dramatic cliffs along the way. At the quaint city, you can experience the best of SoCal surfing, enjoy watching whales, and view local artworks at the parks for free.

Still on the fence about getting a rental car in Los Angeles? Let Palm Springs’ incredible landscapes convince you. Located less than two hours away from Tinseltown, the desert city boasts cactus gardens, palm trees, and vibrant wildflowers that contrast against the brown horizons for picture-perfect sceneries. Stop at Palm Springs and admire the modern architecture, relaxed vibe, and great shopping scene!

Once you’ve had your fill of beaches and deserts, go on a road trip to the snowy slopes of Big Bear Lake for a nice change of scenery. From LA, you’ll pass desolate landscapes and shady palm trees before seeing the cosy cabins, towering pine trees, and snow-covered mountains. No matter the time of year, the town’s vibrant city is still worth a visit.

Before arriving at Big Bear Lake, make sure to drive along the Rim of the World Scenic Highway. The highway offers heaps of impressive views at every turn—dramatic cliffs on one side and bewitching ribbons of roads on the other. Time your drive before the sun sets to get the best vistas on this side of Cali.

Get a taste of the countryside on a trip to Mission Trails Regional Park. Leave behind LA’s twinkling lights and modern buildings and enjoy landscapes of grassy mountains, rocky pathways, and untouched waterways. As one of the biggest urban parks in the US, there are heaps of things to do at the park. Go on a hike, try your hand at fishing, or have a nice picnic!

Take your rental car from Los Angeles and experience the best of both worlds at Joshua Tree National Park, where two types of deserts (Mojave and Colorado) meet. The trip along the way acts like a precursor to the unique park. You can admire the dinosaur attractions of Cabazon and the desert landscapes of Palm Springs before seeing the other-worldly Joshua trees of the national park.

Have nothing but great times and sunshine at San Diego, one of South California’s best treasures. On your drive from LA, you can stop at one of the dozen beaches to grab some food and take in the oceanside scenery. Once at the charming city, you can take your time and explore the manicured parks, historic monuments, and mom-and-pop eateries.

Wondering how to reach the different California destinations? Sort out your Los Angeles car rental with Klook. You can choose the model and the brand of the car that best suits your needs. Whether you’re travelling solo or with the entire fam, you can tick off all the places you want to see without the stress and hassle of public transportation.

Unsure of the travel restrictions for your trip to the US from AusOz? Check out this handy guide. to help you out.