10 Day Southern California Road Trip Itinerary
Planning your first Southern California road trip and not sure how to connect the beaches, deserts, mountains, and vibrant cities into one smooth route? This 10 Day Southern California Road Trip Itinerary is designed to give you an immersive, scenic loop starting and ending in Los Angeles with minimal backtracking.
From coastal sunsets in Laguna Beach to desert landscapes in Joshua Tree, from charming Danish style streets in Solvang to palm lined boulevards in Palm Springs, this itinerary balances iconic highlights with relaxed exploration. It is first time visitor friendly, easy to follow, and built around realistic daily driving distances so you can enjoy the journey instead of rushing through it. By the end of these ten days, you will have experienced the best of Southern California’s coastline, mountain towns, creative cities, and wide open desert scenery in one unforgettable loop that you can do solo, with friends, with kids and more.
Overview
- Start and end in Los Angeles
- Total distance approximately 700 to 800 miles depending on detours
- Best for spring and fall, but enjoyable year round
- Mix of coastal highways, desert roads, and mountain drives
Gallery
Southern California road trip map
10 Day Southern California Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Los Angeles
Ease into your trip in Los Angeles with a blend of city energy and ocean views. After checking into your hotel, head toward the coast to stretch your legs and soak in the Pacific breeze. Venice Beach offers a lively introduction while Santa Monica Pier delivers classic California nostalgia. As evening falls, drive up to Griffith Observatory for sweeping views over the skyline and the Hollywood sign glowing in the distance.
Things to do
- Walk Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park
- Stroll along Venice Beach Boardwalk
- Visit Griffith Observatory for sunset views
- Explore Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive
- Enjoy dinner in West Hollywood
Day 2: Los Angeles to Laguna Beach
Drive time approximately 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. Follow the coast south toward Laguna Beach. The scenery shifts to dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and turquoise water. Laguna feels more intimate and artistic compared to the big city energy of Los Angeles. Spend the afternoon wandering coastal trails and relaxing on sandy beaches tucked beneath rugged bluffs.
Things to do
- Walk the trails at Heisler Park
- Relax at Thousand Steps Beach
- Explore the galleries in downtown Laguna
- Catch sunset at Crescent Bay Point Park
- Optional kayak tour along the coastline
Day 3: Laguna Beach to San Diego
Drive time approximately 1.5 hours. Continue south toward San Diego. As you approach, the pace slows and the city feels open and breezy. San Diego blends beach culture with history and waterfront charm.
Spend your afternoon in La Jolla watching sea lions lounge on the rocks before heading into Old Town for a relaxed evening.
Things to do
- Visit La Jolla Cove
- Walk through Balboa Park gardens
- Explore Old Town San Diego
- Watch sunset at Sunset Cliffs
- Stroll the Gaslamp Quarter
Day 4: Explore San Diego
Dedicate a full day to San Diego’s variety. Start the morning along the waterfront, then choose between cultural exploration or beach time. Coronado Island offers wide sandy beaches and views back toward the skyline. If you enjoy nature, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve provides scenic coastal hiking with dramatic ocean backdrops.
Things to do
- Relax at Coronado Beach
- Hike Torrey Pines coastal trails
- Visit the USS Midway Museum
- Bike along Mission Bay
- Sunset walk along Harbor Drive
Day 5: San Diego to Palm Springs
Drive time approximately 2.5 hours. Leave the coast and head inland toward the desert. The landscape changes quickly as ocean breezes give way to palm trees and open desert skies. Palm Springs is known for its mid century architecture, boutique hotels, and mountain backdrop. In the afternoon, ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for cooler temperatures and panoramic views over the Coachella Valley.
Things to do
- Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
- Walk Palm Canyon Drive
- Visit Moorten Botanical Garden
- Relax poolside at a desert resort
- Explore local art galleries
Day 6: Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park
Drive time approximately 1 hour. Head deeper into the desert to Joshua Tree National Park. The surreal rock formations and twisted Joshua trees create a landscape unlike anywhere else in California. Take your time exploring short trails and scenic viewpoints. The light here is especially beautiful in late afternoon as shadows stretch across the boulders.
Things to do
- Visit Hidden Valley
- Hike to Barker Dam
- Drive to Keys View for panoramic vistas
- Explore Skull Rock
- Stargaze after sunset
Day 7: Joshua Tree to Big Bear Lake
Drive time approximately 2 hours. Climb from desert floor to alpine forest as you head into the San Bernardino Mountains. Big Bear Lake feels like a completely different world with pine trees, fresh air, and calm blue water. Spend the afternoon kayaking or walking along the lakeshore. The cooler mountain air is a refreshing contrast after several desert days.
Things to do
- Walk the Alpine Pedal Path
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard
- Explore Big Bear Village
- Scenic drive around the lake
- Short hike in the San Bernardino National Forest
Day 8: Big Bear Lake to Santa Barbara
Drive time approximately 3 hours. Descend from the mountains and head toward the Central Coast. Santa Barbara welcomes you with white stucco buildings, red tile roofs, and ocean views framed by the Santa Ynez Mountains. The pace here is relaxed and refined. Spend the evening walking along Stearns Wharf as the sun dips below the horizon.
Things to do
- Walk Stearns Wharf
- Visit the Santa Barbara Mission
- Explore State Street
- Relax at East Beach
- Wine tasting in the Funk Zone
Day 9: Santa Barbara to Solvang and Malibu
Drive time approximately 2.5 hours total including stops. Start the morning with a short inland drive to Solvang, a charming Danish inspired town surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. Wander the windmills, bakeries, and quiet streets before returning toward the coast. In the afternoon, follow the scenic coastal highway through Malibu. Dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean views make this one of the most iconic drives in Southern California.
Things to do
- Explore Solvang windmills and bakeries
- Visit local wine tasting rooms
- Drive the Pacific Coast Highway
- Relax at El Matador Beach in Malibu
- Watch sunset along Zuma Beach
Day 10: Malibu to Los Angeles
Drive time approximately 1 hour. Enjoy a relaxed morning in Malibu before returning to Los Angeles to complete your loop. Consider a final coastal walk or brunch overlooking the ocean before heading back into the city. If time allows, explore neighborhoods you may have missed earlier in the trip such as Silver Lake or Manhattan Beach.
Things to do
- Morning walk along the Malibu coastline
- Visit Manhattan Beach Pier
- Explore Silver Lake
- Last minute shopping in Santa Monica
- Enjoy a farewell dinner with skyline views
Best Times to Go
Spring and fall are ideal for this 10 Day Southern California Road Trip Itinerary. From March through May and September through November, temperatures are comfortable along the coast and in the desert, and crowds are generally lighter than peak summer.
Summer is excellent for beach time but can be hot in Palm Springs and Joshua Tree. Winter brings mild coastal weather and fewer visitors, though mountain areas like Big Bear may see snow, adding a different kind of beauty to your journey.
If you want the best overall balance of scenery, comfort, and accessibility, late April through early June and October are particularly enjoyable.
Where to Stay
| Region | Check Hotels |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Check Hotels |
| Laguna Beach | Check Hotels |
| San Diego | Check Hotels |
| Palm Springs | Check Hotels |
| Joshua Tree Area | Check Hotels |
| Big Bear Lake | Check Hotels |
| Santa Barbara | Check Hotels |
| Malibu | Check Hotels |
Related
- Things to do in San Francisco
- Things to do in Sacramento California
- California National Parks road trip
Final Thoughts
This 10 Day Southern California Road Trip itinerary brings together everything that makes this region special. Coastal cliffs and sandy beaches. Desert landscapes filled with sculpted rock formations. Cool mountain air and charming European inspired towns. Vibrant cities and peaceful sunset viewpoints.
By following this loop from Los Angeles and back again, you experience the diversity of Southern California without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Each day builds naturally on the last, creating a road trip that feels immersive and balanced.
If this is your first visit, use this itinerary as your foundation. If you’re doing this Southern California road trip with kids, adjust the pace where needed, add an extra beach afternoon or desert hike, and let the scenery guide you. Southern California is best experienced slowly, with the windows down and the next horizon always just ahead.
