Palm Springs is absolutely an ideal option over the weekend as it is a quick and simple journey from Los Angeles. It is one of the best road trips from L.A. Pass miles of wind farms to the east, where the turbines' intimidating shadows breathe life into what would otherwise be lifeless countryside. Watch out for prehistoric animals on the side of the road; the 50-foot Cabazon Dinosaurs, which are actually a Brontosaurus and a T. Rex, are a well-liked roadside attraction. You can browse the gift shop (located within the brontosaurus), but if you want to climb to the top of the T. Rex and sit in his mouth like Pee-wee during his big adventure, you'll need to pay $13 and navigate a fascinating, though inaccurate, dino park.

For a self-guided tour of the town's architecture, pick up a map of modernist structures at the Albert Frey-designed Palm Springs Visitors Center when you get there.

Miles from L.A.: ~105
Suggested round-trip time: 2 days min

Location: Palm Springs, California

One of California's most magical locations is Joshua Tree. During leisurely drives, the national park's diverse and alien sceneries, which are primarily caused by gnarled, old Joshua Trees and massive boulders scattered randomly, provide striking beauty. If you plan an overnight camping excursion, the starlight is excellent here, and wild coyotes might howl you to sleep. On the way, eat lunch at Pappy & Harriet's and stay for live music and a tour of a ghost town. Purchase a fresh houseplant at the Cactus Mart, or go to the Integratron for a futuristic sound bath and a shaded hammock snooze (reservations required). The park, which is named after the area's twisted, bristling Joshua trees, sits between the Mojave Desert, which is higher and colder, and the cactus-dotted Colorado Desert.

The town of Joshua Tree itself also has some entertaining attractions, such the World Famous Crochet Museum, which is brimming with the kind of eccentric public art that is unique to small, warm-weather towns. The journey to this destination is one of the best road trips from L.A.

Miles from L.A.: ~130
Suggested round-trip time: 2–3 days min

Location: California, United States

If you love trees, you must visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to witness the enormous redwoods. It is only possible to enjoy driving through and under such gentle giants on the approach to and within these parks. With fascinating sights like the General Sherman Tree, the largest living thing in the world, Tunnel Log, a fallen, hollowed-out Sequoia that you can drive through, and Moro Rock, a dome-shaped peak reachable via a few hundred stairs, Sequoia is a little more drive-and-look friendly.

Every hiker's bucket list also includes exploring the Kings Canyon's meandering roads and backcountry trails (the journey to the end of Highway 180 is worthwhile even if you don't intend to exert yourself physically on foot). Just be cautious to check the weather before you travel: After the summer, several routes are closed, and there is always a chance of wildfires in the region. Keep reading to discover more best road trips from L.A.

Miles from L.A.: ~235
Suggested round trip time: 3 days min

Address: 47050 Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271, United States

First, check out Calico Ghost Town. Although it's not the most authentic of ghost towns, it's still worth the journey to learn more about Wild West history. Watch out for exit 23 on the 15 since it will take you to the remains of the former Zzyzx Mineral Springs and Health Spa, which is something a little unusual. Curtis Howe Springer, a crook radio evangelist, built the resort in 1944, tricking tourists into believing they were soaking in therapeutic natural hot springs when in fact all the pools were boiler-heated. (The FBI eventually ended this small operation.) A sighting of an alien at Alien Jerky, a kitschy, alien-themed convenience store seven miles away in Baker that sells flavored jerky, olives, nuts, and candies, will make things even wackier. Don't miss the Mad Greek, a surprisingly tasty Greek fast food restaurant, if you're in the mood for something more substantial.

Due to the life-sized plaster statues and Parthenon patio, you shouldn't miss it. Get a gyros plate so you can continue traveling to Sin City with energy. Once you get to Vegas, you may take a loop through Red Rock Canyon, including a 13-mile scenic loop that follows the canyon walls, if you're itching for some open road time.

Miles from L.A.: ~270
Suggested round trip time: 3 days min.

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Take the scenic Route 395, and you'll spend the majority of this lovely drive admiring the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountain range. When you get to Big Pine, eat at Copper Top BBQ, a fiery red smokehouse that serves tri-tip and ribs. As you go to or from Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States at 14,505 feet, you might wind up making friends with some hungry alpine climbers. Take a short trip to the east to visit the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, which contains some of the world's oldest trees, some of which date back more than 4,000 years. Further north, visit Erick Schat's Bakery in Bishop for some freshly baked loaves or pastries.

You should visit Mahogany Smoked Meats, which is located up the road, and choose some road snacks from a vast array of gourmet beef, turkey, elk, buffalo, boar, and fish jerkies. There is no official address, but if you look hard enough (or are prepared to ask a local), you can find a collection of conveniently located hot springs just off the 395, south of Mammoth Yosemite Airport.

Miles from L.A.: ~310
Suggested round trip time: 3 days min
Location: Mammoth Lakes, Sierra Nevada mountains, California

There are several ways to ascend the Bay; you can take the picturesque path along the Pacific Coast Highway or the rapid and nasty ascent up the 5. Highway 1 is recommended for a relaxed road journey. For a huge slice of cake or a look inside one of the themed guest rooms, stop by the Madonna Inn. If you have more time, you should visit the expansive estate Hearst Castle, which will reopen on May 11, 2022. It has 56 beds, various pools, 127 acres of grounds, and even grazing zebras.

Keep an eye out for Gilroy, the world's garlic capital, as you go farther north. Visit the Winchester Mystery House, just outside of San Jose, for some more interesting residential design. This house is allegedly haunted by the ghosts of people who were killed by Winchester rifles, which inspired Sarah Winchester to keep adding to it until her death in an effort to confuse the wandering spirits.

Miles from L.A.: ~390
Suggested round trip time: 3–4 days min
Location: San Francisco, California

Wine Country offers so much exploration. Enjoy a scenic drive along the coast before turning inland and traveling through miles of pastoral, lush hills filled with farms and wineries. As you draw near, you must choose a direction: west for Sonoma, or east for Napa. You can't go wrong, but it's difficult to go back and forth between the two, so if you don't have time for both, pick either more sparsely populated and touristic Napa or sprawling, rural Sonoma. If you can, invest in a hot air balloon flight or drive early in the morning to catch a glimpse of them.

Compared to Napa, Sonoma has more family-owned, more intimate, and smaller wineries. Consider Sonoma as your main visit if you're looking for a more relaxed wine tasting experience. On the other hand, Napa is home to some of the most well-known vineyards in the world. Wineries are the major attraction in this area, so drive carefully or leave the driving to Lyft for the day.

Miles from L.A.: ~415
Suggested round trip time: 5 days min

Location: Sonoma, northern California

One of California's most picturesque routes is Route 395. Along the journey, stop in the little communities of Lone Pine, Big Pine, and Bishop for charming strolls and delectable side trips (try Copper Top BBQ in Big Pine and the renowned Schat's Bakery in Bishop). The region is ideal for exploring by automobile; pick any road heading west to ascend into the mountains, where you'll find pine forests, glacial lakes with pristine clarity, and little settlements. To relieve sore muscles following a hard day of driving, ask the locals where to find one of the many natural hot springs.

You can also stop at one of the world-famous bouldering and climbing locations like the Happys, Sads, or Owens River Gorge. Mono Lake's "tufas," slender spires of accumulated limestone, reflect over the salty waters, creating unearthly waterscapes. A visit to Yosemite National Park and a hike or stroll (or ski day) in Mammoth are essentials if you have the time. Bodie, one of the most real and well-preserved ghost towns in America, is another excellent (though lengthy) side trip.

Miles from L.A.: ~465
Suggested round trip time: 4–5 days min

Location: Sierra Nevada Mountains

The Big Sur region is a road tripper's dream and is arguably one of the most recognizable pieces of coastline in the entire globe. A small road dug into the cliffside offers breathtaking views and little vertigo at this location, where redwood-covered mountain sides tumble into the roiling ocean. Before traveling too far north, take a break at Morro Bay or Pismo Beach (both close to San Luis Obispo) for a swim or some sun, and then keep an eye out for the sign warning you about the elephant seals that congregate along the shore. Then prepare yourself for a few hours of curves; each one is worthwhile for the upcoming scenery.

One of the best ways to see Big Sur is to simply drive along Highway 1, park your car wherever it looks cool (essentially everywhere), and then descend toward the beach on a likely unmarked route while being cautious of poison oak. Try the touristic but nonetheless completely worthwhile McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach for even more breathtaking vistas if you're looking for more mappable locations. Are you itching to stray from the path? Go up Nacimiento Road to Mission San Antonio de Padua, which is located in a rural valley and can be all to yourself.

Miles from L.A.: ~350
Suggested round trip time: 3 days min

Location: California’s central coast

At the southernmost point of the U.S. state of California, in Riverside and Imperial counties, there lies a shallow, landlocked body of water known as the Salton Sea. It is situated on the San Andreas Fault within the Salton Trough, which extends to Mexico's Gulf of California.

You would never imagine that the lake was a well-liked holiday destination in the 1950s, with resorts dotting its eastern bank, if you were driving south on a lonely stretch of the 111. However, rising salinity and pollution brought on by agricultural runoff have converted what was once a luxurious getaway into a place only those with a penchant for the abandoned and decaying will find appealing. Fish bones crunch underfoot as you explore abandoned constructions along the shore. The Ski Inn, one of the last remaining restaurants in the area, is your best choice if you grow hungry. Make sure to see Salvation Mountain, a rainbow-colored slope bearing the inscription "God is Love," the enormous folk art monument created by the late local Leonard Knight.

Miles from L.A.: ~165
Suggested round trip time: 2 days

Location: California