Southern California is a perfect place for a Sunday drive. Although there are many magnificent places to see by car, there is one route that is worth adding to your bucket list that is quite underappreciated. Filled with a variety of scenery that will completely relax you and leave you feeling in awe of the beauty that surrounds our state, this is one scenic drive you'll want to experience for yourself.
The Palms to Pines Scenic Byway is a 67-mile route that will take you through some of SoCal's most beautiful settings between Palm Desert and San Juan Capistrano.
Starting at Highway 74 in Palm Desert and heading to the Banning Pass on Hwy 243, you'll discover a picturesque scenic drive that is filled with beauty in every direction.
You won't want to rush this trip, as the many twists and turns along the route call for some slow driving. Especially when you're heading around one of the many bends.
Even though this is a scenic drive, you'll want to carve out some time to get out of the car and stretch your legs as you take in the splendid views that you'll find along the route.
But the best part of this scenic drive is having the open road all to yourself. There's something so serene about driving toward the mountains with nothing but a big blue sky all around you.
Where's your favorite back road for a scenic Sunday drive in Southern California? If you're looking for another car trip to take that will show you SoCal's best scenery, you may want to head out on this epic road trip that will take you to the seven wonders of Southern California.
It may surprise some to know that you do not have to wander far from the beaten path in the Golden State to find tiny towns full of history, culture, and the small-town charm we often crave. In fact, several of my favorite small towns in Southern California are located within a few miles of each other and close to major highways. But, make no mistake about it, each of these places will envelope you in a little world of its own.
The route to visit these five charming towns is only 85 miles in total and is beautiful to drive. It requires less than two hours of actual driving time (give or take), leaving plenty of time for exploration. Click on the map above for detailed directions and to customize your trip - there are plenty of fun stops you could add along the way!
We start things off in the Old West town of Los Alamos. The tiny downtown is packed with character, from its historic buildings to its popular antique mall to some pretty great restaurants. And of course, being in the Santa Ynez Valley - known for its wine country - Los Alamos has several wonderful wineries you can visit.
You’ll definitely want to consider having breakfast or brunch at the French-inspired bistro, Bell’s Restaurant. You would probably not expect a Michelin-star restaurant in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town like Los Alamos, but here it is. If you’d like to get an early start on your small-town road trip, you could come and stay the night before in one of the town’s cool historic hotels such as the 1880 Union Hotel or book one of the fantastical themed rooms at Victorian Mansion Bed and Breakfast.
Los Olivos is located in Santa Barbara County, California. Lost Olivos is one of five communities that make up the Santa Ynez Valley. The town is very near route 154, a scenic road from Santa Barbara over the San Marcos Pass, through the coastal Santa Ynez Mountains. Los Olivos is renowned for its wineries and tasting rooms. The town is also home to two expensive college prep schools, Dunn School and Midland School. Various celebrities have called this area home. The town is also surrounded by many ranches.
From Los Alamos, it’s less than 12 miles to our next stop, another tiny Santa Ynez town called Los Olivos. Anyone who knows this town that began its history along a stagecoach route in 1861 knows it is an excellent place for winetasting. There are over 25 stunning wineries and tasting rooms in and around the town. Zaca Mesa Winery, just north of town, is one of my personal favorites.
What many don’t realize, although the town’s name is a huge hint, is that Los Olivos is the olive capital of the state, known for its many olive trees and olive oil production. In fact, you can enjoy gourmet olive oil tastings and balsamic vinegar pairings at Olive Hill Farm. You may just discover something new.
Street view picture of the city of Solvang during a road trip in California. The buildings are colorful. The sky is partly cloudy.
Nearby Solvang is widely known and a very popular tourist town, but it also happens to be one of the most charming European towns in the state and it would be a shame to pass through the area without exploring. There are so many things to do in Solvang, from shopping to wine tasting to sampling yummy Danish treats and pastries. I highly recommend visiting Vinhus for wine, cheeses, chocolates, and much more.
You could rush through this road trip and try to catch a glimpse of each town in one long day, but you should really consider taking at least a weekend to explore and enjoy these visit-worthy towns. To that end, might I suggest a stay at The Landsby - an elegant yet affordable European-style hotel that also happens to house one of the best restaurants in town?
From Solvang, we take one of my favorite scenic drives down through the San Marcos Pass to Santa Barbara. Just south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria is a relaxed beach town populated with palm trees and cool local businesses. I always stop at the Lucky Llama Coffee House for a Mayan Mocha, and right next door is the cutest shop, Heritage Goods and Supply, that I can never keep myself from popping into while I’m here.
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There are tons of great little shops and places to eat on the two main cross streets, Carpinteria and Linden Avenues. You’ll find breakfast, burgers, tacos, pizza, and nearly anything else you’re craving, as well as the awesome Island View Brewing Company, in this laid-back, walkable beach town. Of course, the beach itself is also a major reason to visit Carpinteria. I highly recommend a walk through the peaceful Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve to enjoy gorgeous ocean views, a walk on the sand below the bluffs, a seal sanctuary, and natural tar pits.
Landscape shot of the Ojai valley with snow on the mountains.
Another pretty drive through the mountains and around Lake Casitas leads to our last stop in Ojai. Tucked between the scenic mountains in Ojai Valley, this friendly town is full of art, history, culture, and gorgeous architecture. Explore, shop, grab a snack or some coffee, and wander through the shelves of the wonderful outdoor bookstore, Bart’s Books. Then drive up about a mile to the hidden Ojai Valley Scenic Overlook for stunning views of the entire valley.
End your trip with a fantastic comfort-food dinner at Boccali’s Pizza and Pasta. You cannot go wrong with any of the mouthwatering Italian dishes (the lasagna is huge and amazing) and you will fall in love with the classic red and white checkered decor. It might be a challenge, but if you can manage it, save room for the spectacular Strawberry Shortcake - it’s big enough to share.
How many of these sweet little Southern California towns have you explored? Which are your favorite? We would love to hear from you in the comments. If your favorite way to explore this state is by driving through it, be sure to check out another of our favorite Southern California road trip ideas!
If you’ve lived in Northern California for a long time, it’s probably been a while since you’ve headed to some of the places you absolutely had to see when you moved there. But if you’re looking to revitalize your love of one of the most beautiful areas in California, you’ll have a great time on this scenic road trip through some of the best sites in nature and the city. With only two and a half hour hours of driving, you'll get to spend most of your day truly taking in all the sights and sounds. This Northern California road trip is an amazing way to kill some time.
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Check out this California scenic drives map for a detailed look at the road trip. After your day of exploration, you’ll be more amazed than ever by the beauty of Northern California!
Buckle up, buckaroos — it's time for a California coast road trip!
Go for a gorgeous hike with ocean views to die for at Point Reyes National Seashore. With the sea right next to you, you’ll fall in love with the scenic location and want to come back again and again. There are also plenty of different choices depending on what you are looking to do, whether that is a quick walk or a longer hike along the shore and through the open spaces running alongside it. Point Reyes National Monument is unlike anything you'll have ever experienced, hands down.
Check out this delightful video tour of Point Reyes and all the must-see spots while you're here:
Take a break from city life and absorb the enchanted feeling of being in the old-growth redwood forest. There is something magical about these trees, and you will know it when you walk through the quiet forest. You won’t be able to believe it’s only 12 miles away from bustling San Francisco. There are 554 acres of protected land at this national monument, and you will be so thankful that it is preserved when you see how beautiful it is. The Muir Woods National Monument is not an experience you'll soon forget.
This monument is an amazing overlook of San Francisco, especially if you are a fan of the city’s one-of-a-kind architecture. It’s also a good place to go if you’re a history buff, as you’ll get to see interesting murals dating back to 1934. This is also a fabulous place to see a stunning sunrise or sunset, as you’ll see so much of the sky turning pastel colors.
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Check out this relaxing view of San Francisco from Coit Tower:
Twin Peaks is a conveniently located lookout point that is well worth the 20-minute drive from downtown San Francisco. With panoramic views of the city up here at this high point, you will be so glad you made the trip. If you and your group are fans of city views, this is the spot for you!
Conclude your day at the stunning Pacifica State Beach for some relaxation and whale watching. The misty beach is a tranquil place to remind yourself of the amazing natural environment that surrounds you in Northern California. If you’re patient, you’ll have the chance to observe whales playing in the gentle waves past the break. This experience is a truly unique one, so don’t forget to bring your camera!
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Fall in love with Pacifica State Beach in this mesmerizing 4k video:
Enjoy your newfound appreciation of the great place you call home. Have you taken this Northern California road trip yet? What are your picks for the most scenic places in Northern California? Let us know what you think!
