Los Angeles, California, is renowned for its splendor, warmth, and famous monuments. Yet many people are unaware that it also has some of the most beautiful roads in the country. Los Angeles offers a variety of driving experiences, from winding mountain passes to meandering coastal roads. The best five picturesque drives in Los Angeles are listed below:
The Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway, sometimes known as Highway 1, is one of the most breathtaking and dramatic drives in the whole world. It runs from Malibu to San Diego. You’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean, the untamed coastline, and breathtaking sunsets while traveling. Make pit stops at well-known locations like Point Mugu State Park or Zuma Beach.
Directions:
CA-1, Castroville, CA 95012, USA
Mulholland Drive
Mulholland Drive is a meandering Hollywood Hills route from Laurel Canyon Boulevard to Vanowen Street. It provides breathtaking views over Los Angeles and some of Hollywood’s most recognizable structures, including The Hollywood Sign and Runyon Canyon Park. Plan your travel carefully or consider going at dawn or sunset, when it’s less busy but still gorgeous, as the road may get pretty packed during peak hours.
Directions:
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Angeles Crest Highway
Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2): For those seeking a more thrilling drive, the Angeles Crest Highway, which runs from the La Canada-Flintridge Interchange on Interstate 210 to Pearblossom Highway (SR-138), offers plenty of curves as well as breath-taking views of the San Gabriel Mountains, Big Tujunga Canyon, Sulphur Springs Valley, and more. To get a better understanding, make sure you pause at any overlooks!
Directions:
CA-2, California 92397, USA
Malibu Canyon Road
Malibu Canyon Road: From Piuma Road/Malibu Canyon Road Interchange (US-101) to Las Virgenes Road/Malibu Canyon Road Interchange (CA-1), this winding road passes through Malibu Creek State Park and provides panoramic views of rolling hillsides dotted with oak trees as well as lovely views of Malibu Lake and Century Lake Reservoirs. Take your time, as the drive has many hairpin twists.
Directions:
California, USA
Topanga Canyon Road
Topanga Canyon Road: Topanga Canyon Road is ideal for a more urban trip. It begins near the Santa Monica Boulevard/Topanga Cyn Boulevard Intersection (US-101). It winds through Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, providing breathtaking vistas of dense woods, sandstone cliffs, and babbling brooks. It peeks inside celebrity houses tucked away in this tranquil haven and finishes near Grand View Dr/Topanga Cyn Blvd Intersection (SR-27).
Directions:
CA-27, California, USA
In Los Angeles, there is a beautiful drive waiting for you, no matter what sort of landscape you choose! You won’t regret picking up your car keys and taking them to the open road.
