Ditch the 405 for the open road: L.A.'s top road trip destinations

With Summer right around the corner, life opens up many fun weekend getaways, many of which are just a short drive from Los Angeles. From the calming vibe of Palm Springs to the misty redwood groves of Big Sur, the Golden State offers a wide range of possibilities. With such a diverse range of choices spanning the region, venturing out of the city provides the perfect opportunity to escape to the congestion and commotion of urban living.

The drive is just long enough to reach a trip to Ventura, a perfect weekend gateway and an unhurried beach community with small-town charm located 90 miles up the coast. The sand there boasts sandy dunes and ample space to unwind on the oceanside. For those inclined to venture inland, the oak groves and bubbling streams of Harmon Canyon Preserve offer shady respite. At the same time, the Emma Wood State Beach area provides over six miles of trails to explore, including a winding river estuary teeming with wildlife and birds. Kayak, boat, and stand-up paddleboard rentals abound for getting out on the water.    

Meanwhile, thrill-seekers of extreme sports may prefer the heart-pumping adventures Big Bear has on tap in the elevated climes of the San Bernardino National Forest. "You can try a zipline tour in the pines or put those ski area chairlifts to warm weather at the bike park at Snow Summit. Boating, kayaking, swimming, and fishing on Big Bear Lake or neighboring Lake Arrowhead provide tamer alternatives for those less inclined to court adrenaline. But with outdoor adventures galore, the mountain hamlet shines come spring.

Another alluring spring fling destination lies just across the Mexican border in Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California’s blossoming wine country. The destination has witnessed an explosion of excellent vineyard restaurants and hotels catering to Californian gourmands and oenophiles in recent years. “In the last decade, the Valle has just burst onto the scene to become Mexico’s answer to Napa. Lush vines now fill once dusty hills and arroyos, with trendy eateries like Fauna and Animalón drawing culinary pilgrims,” shared one travel blogger and Valle enthusiast. Yet she cautions that with popularity comes problems. “The growth has taxed the region’s limited infrastructure and challenged its ecological resources. Water access poses issues. So I encourage tourists to come, but be sensitive, lawful visitors.” Nonetheless, the adventurous will find amazing tacos, tropical fruits, singular seafood dishes, and fantastic local vintages to savor around every desert bend of the Guadalupe Valley.

For those seeking less precipitous terrain, North County San Diego beckons as a family-friendly spring getaway option just two hours south down the 5, combining kid fun with sophisticated adult amenities. “If you’re into theme parks with the tykes, Legoland is right there. You can also find San Diego Zoo Safari Park, formerly called the Wild Animal Park, half an hour's distance,” shared one father of two. Yet grown-ups needn’t endure kiddie outings only. “The area boasts blossoming craft brewery and distillery scenes to rival any in California,” the dad continued. Recent additions like Burgeon Beer Company, Rouleur Brewing Company, Gulf Beach Brewing, and Cool Cat Cellars keep the area on the adult beverage map. Local establishments like Carlsbad Aquafarm organize sustainable oyster farm tours and bountiful tastings. And county beaches like Del Mar, Solana, Cardiff, Leucadia and more offer plenty of soothing surf and sand when you need a break from the brood.  

Speaking of adventures in nature, few rival the Kern River Valley for accessing California's spectacular outdoor offerings. "Spring is the perfect season for exploring nature, and there is no better location for outdoor activities than Kernville," a visitor remarked. Located at the southern terminus of the Sequoia National Forest, the Sierra Nevada community provides a gateway to some of the state’s best whitewater rafting. The Kern River churns with Class IV and V rapids sure to get hearts pumping. For those who prefer wind in their hair to water up their nose, Lake Isabella offers superb sailing, wakeboarding, and windsurfing just minutes away. Scenic mountain biking trails crisscross the terrain, tempting dirt bikers and cross-country riders. Rock climbing routes appeal to others. Even history buffs can get their fix touring Silver City Ghost Town’s restored gold rush structures. 

And while most small towns in remote areas lack culinary temptations, Kernville claims most underrated breweries in California,” declared one tipsy patron of Kern River Brewing Company. Former Olympians Eric and Rebecca Giddens, who swapped medals for malt after retiring from competitive kayaking and canoeing, now produce critically acclaimed craft beers like their Citra double IPA. It impressively garnered gold at Denver’s renowned Great American Beer Festival. Their taproom by the river quenches post-adventure thirsts.

Northern Baja offers but one example of Mexican wine riches accessible from Southern California. Heading northwest from LA instead leads to Santa Barbara County's thriving Santa Ynez Valley viticultural area. As the closest confirmed wine region to Los Angeles, its relative obscurity proves puzzling. “People making the long trek to Napa or Sonoma overlook world-class wineries practically in their backyard,” one frustrated Santa Barbara vintner relayed. “The Santa Ynez area represents California’s third largest wine producing region and the influencer of a globally ascendant Central Coast wine style.” He enthusiastically endorsed the pinot noirs and syrahs from relative newcomers like Dragonette Cellars and Story of Soil Vintners as indicative of the boundary-pushing bottlings emerging.  

Yet the region holds appeal beyond oenology. “The nearby town of Los Alamos serves inspired European-California cuisine at Bell’s, while Ballard and Los Olivos offer great bakeries like Bob’s Well Bread,” added a fan of the area’s food scene. Travelers with more carnivorous cravings can sink teeth into massive oak-grilled steaks at old school red meat temples like Jocko’s in Nipomo or The Hitching Post II in Buellton instead. Either way, the Santa Ynez Valley's vibrant vineyard culture and vibrant victuals make it an alluring escape from Los Angeles.

For those seeking a peaceful, off-the-grid forest getaway from Los Angeles, the Lost Coast-like solitude of Big Sur calls. Henry Miller, Jack Kerouac and their ilk put the 90-mile rustic Central Coast region stretching from Point Lobos down to Hearst Castle on the literary map. Now, it lures outdoorsy and spiritually inclined visitors keen to unplug. "That bohemian ethos collides with a recent spate of luxury hotels and glamping outfitters, not to mention a loose collective of rugged individualists who migrated to Big Sur to live free-spirited lifestyles closer to nature,” one longtime resident explained. Thus, activities range from privative backpacking and camping along the cliffs and waterfalls of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to sybaritic multi-course feasts served with award-winning local wines at the Post Ranch Inn’s Sierra Mar restaurant. The rugged expanse offers adventure styles for all types.  

Finally, verdant Ojai Valley presents springtime visitors with hot springs, olive groves, wineries and farm-fresh feasts only 90 minutes northwest of the city. “Sample the stellar local extra virgin olive oils, then grab a bottle or three to go to the family-owned Ojai Olive Oil Company, followed by flights of Rhone-style wines next door at Casa Barranca Tasting Room,” shared one Ventura resident familiar with the area. She added that Bart’s Books boasts the world’s largest outdoor bookstore should literary diversions call. The natural splendor of the Los Padres National Forest, punctuated by scenic slopes like Creek Fire-scarred Nordhoff Ridge, cries out for exploration via boot, bike or horseback. Return from the wilderness to dip into legendary underground hot springs or nosh on market-driven small plates and natural wines at Porch. Ojai soothes souls with its proliferation of spas, galleries and Zen hideaways. 

As the new season stirs, consider succumbing to spring’s clarion call to adventure with a quick Los Angeles area road trip this year. Behold mighty waterfalls racing with runoff in the Sierras, traceries of grape vines awakening with sap under the warming Central Coast sun, neon-hued desert wildflowers carpeting Anza-Borrego, or Pacific breakers crashing with thundering vitality. A wealth of natural splendor, gourmet tastes and experiences stimulating to body and spirit lies just over the horizon. Heed nature’s siren song.