Southern California
Southern California Road Trips: Desert, Coast and Mountains
Southern California road trips by season: desert loops through Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego, the coast to San Diego, and mountain weekends in Julian.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 2 min read
Laguna Beach to Julian is about 2 hours, Julian to Borrego Springs under an hour, and Palm Springs about 2 hours from downtown Los Angeles.
This hub covers desert, coastal and city trips, plus mountain towns.
In This Guide
Southern California Desert Road Trips
The deserts are best from about October to April. After wet winters, wildflowers bloom in Anza-Borrego and parts of Joshua Tree.
Palm Springs, Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego
The Southern California desert loop links Palm Springs, Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego in about 5 days. For a weekend, see 2 days in Joshua Tree.
Route 66 Across the Mojave
California’s Route 66 runs from Santa Monica to Needles, past Roy’s in Amboy. Allow 2 to 3 days in the cooler months.
Coastal Road Trips From Orange County to San Diego
The Orange County to San Diego coastal drive covers Laguna Beach coves, Torrey Pines and the La Jolla sea caves.
Catalina Island is about an hour by ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro or Dana Point. See the Catalina Island weekend guide.
Los Angeles as a Road Trip Base
Do one or two neighborhoods a day and drive outside rush hour.
Griffith Park, the Santa Monica Mountains and the Palos Verdes coast have hiking inside the metro area.
Mountain Escapes: Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead and Julian
Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead get winter snow and cool summers. Julian, east of San Diego, is known for apple pie; see the Julian weekend guide.
- Carry chains in winter and check Caltrans chain controls
- Book fall weekends in Julian and winter weekends in Big Bear early
- Summer is for lake days and mountain hikes
Best Time for a Southern California Road Trip
May and June bring coastal overcast (May Gray, June Gloom). September and October are sunniest at the beach, deserts are best fall to spring, mountains in summer and after snow.
Avoid leaving Los Angeles on Friday afternoons and add buffer time for metro drives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Southern California road trip?
The Palm Springs, Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego desert loop in winter and spring. The Orange County to San Diego coastal drive year-round.
How long does it take to drive from LA to Joshua Tree?
About 2.5 to 3 hours. Weekend traffic on I-10 can add an hour or more.
When is the best time to visit the Southern California desert?
October to April. Summer is dangerously hot.
How long is the drive from Orange County to San Diego?
Laguna Beach to La Jolla is 1 to 1.5 hours on I-5 without traffic. Coast roads take a full day.
Is June a good time to visit the Southern California coast?
Mornings are often overcast, usually clearing by midday. September and October are sunnier.
