Los Angeles has a reputation for traffic, but it also has some of the best driving roads in the country within an hour of downtown. Here are five routes we like, with notes on distance, timing and what to know before you fill up. Distances are approximate, so check current conditions before you leave.
1. Pacific Coast Highway: Santa Monica to Leo Carrillo
This is the classic. Starting at the Santa Monica Pier and heading north on PCH (Highway 1) takes you past Pacific Palisades and Malibu’s beaches and canyon mouths to Leo Carrillo State Park, roughly 30 to 35 miles one way. Go early on a weekday for open road, or time your return for sunset. Weekends are busy, and parking at popular beaches fills up.
- Best for: convertibles, coupes and anything with a good view.
- Good to know: public charging exists in Malibu and Santa Monica but is sparse along the route, so EV drivers should start with a healthy charge.
2. Angeles Crest Highway (State Route 2)
From La Cañada Flintridge, this winding mountain road climbs into the San Gabriel Mountains with sweeping views back over the basin. It rewards smooth driving and good brakes. Sections close from time to time for weather, rockfall and wildfire recovery, so check Caltrans for current status before heading up. Take a jacket: the high country is noticeably cooler than the city.
- Best for: sports sedans, hot hatches and anything with confident handling.
- Good to know: start with a full tank or a full charge, because services on the climb are limited.
3. Topanga Canyon Boulevard to the coast
Starting near Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills, State Route 27 winds down through Topanga Canyon to meet PCH, about 10 miles of curves, oak woodland and small-town character. Pair it with Mulholland Highway for a longer loop through the Santa Monica Mountains. Keep to the limit and watch for cyclists.
- Best for: compact, nimble cars and anything that likes a twisty road.
- Good to know: the canyon is narrow and shaded, and cell service can drop out.
The best drive in Los Angeles is rarely the longest. It is the one you start before the traffic does.
4. Palos Verdes Peninsula loop
Palos Verdes Drive wraps the peninsula on clifftop curves with views toward Catalina Island on a clear day. A loop that starts in Torrance or Redondo Beach, passes Point Vicente and Terranea and continues toward San Pedro covers roughly 25 to 30 miles at a relaxed pace. It is one of the easiest ways to combine coastline and quiet streets, and it is popular with cyclists, so patience pays.
- Best for: convertibles, EVs and anyone who wants a scenic, low-stress drive.
- Good to know: morning marine layer often burns off by late morning.
5. Mount Baldy Road
From Claremont or Upland, Mt. Baldy Road follows San Antonio Canyon up to Mount Baldy Village, roughly 12 to 15 miles on a climbing, curving road with a very different feel from the coast. Stop in the village for a coffee or a trailhead walk. Snow can reach the upper road in winter, so check conditions first and carry chains if they are required.
- Best for: all-wheel-drive SUVs and wagons, especially in winter.
- Good to know: the road is a favorite with cyclists and motorcyclists, so give them room.
Practical tips for any of them
- Check road status on the Caltrans QuickMap before you leave. Mountain roads can close with little notice.
- Start with a full tank or a full charge, and treat a scenic loop as longer than its mileage suggests.
- Tires and brakes matter more than horsepower on canyon roads, so a quick pre-trip check is worth a few minutes.
- Go early. The first two hours after sunrise are the sweet spot for light, traffic and parking.
If you are shopping with a particular road in mind, filter by body style on Driveway and ask for a test drive that includes a few curves and a hill. A car that feels great on the 10 may feel very different on a canyon road.
