Palm Springs

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