Scenic Road Trips Near Los Angeles for Beginners (Easy, Safe & Beautiful)

21/01/2026

If you’re new to road tripping, scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners are the perfect way to start. Southern California offers incredible views without long drives, steep mountain passes, or stressful navigation. You don’t need advanced driving skills or extreme planning to enjoy these routes.

This guide focuses only on scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners that are simple, clearly marked, and enjoyable. These trips are ideal for first-time drivers, couples, solo travelers, or anyone who wants a relaxed experience.

Why Los Angeles Is Perfect for Beginner Road Trips

One reason scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners work so well is variety. Within a few hours, you can reach beaches, mountains, deserts, and charming towns.

Beginner-friendly benefits include:

Short driving distances
Smooth highways and scenic byways
Plenty of rest stops and food options
Cell service on most routes

These factors make scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners stress-free and fun.

1. Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu

This is the most popular choice for scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners.

Drive Time: 1–2 hours
Road Type: Coastal highway, easy navigation

Malibu offers nonstop ocean views with minimal driving pressure.

Why It’s Beginner-Friendly

Straightforward coastal road
Frequent pullouts for photos
No mountain driving

Don’t Miss

Malibu Pier
Point Dume viewpoints
Beachside cafes

If you’re nervous about your first drive, this is one of the safest scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners.

2. Los Angeles to Santa Barbara

A slightly longer option, but still one of the best scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners.

Drive Time: About 2 hours
Road Type: Highway with coastal sections

Santa Barbara combines ocean views with a relaxed downtown.

Why Beginners Love It

Smooth freeway driving
Clear road signs
Walkable destination

Highlights

Stearns Wharf
Waterfront walks
Spanish-style architecture

This route feels like a full vacation while remaining one of the easiest scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners.

3. Los Angeles to Solvang (Via Santa Ynez Valley)

If you want something different, this is a charming choice among scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners.

Drive Time: About 2.5 hours
Road Type: Highway + gentle countryside roads

Solvang feels like a European village in California.

Why It’s Easy

Light traffic once you leave the city
Flat, open roads
Easy parking

What to Do

Walk the village streets
Local bakeries
Nearby wineries

This trip is calm and slow-paced, perfect for scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners.

4. Los Angeles to Lake Arrowhead

This mountain option proves that scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners don’t have to be flat.

Drive Time: About 2.5 hours
Road Type: Mountain roads, well-maintained

Lake Arrowhead offers forest views and cooler weather.

Why It’s Still Beginner-Friendly

Wide, paved mountain roads
Gradual elevation gain
Clear lane markings

Best Experiences

Lake views
Village walks
Quiet forest drives

This is one of the gentlest mountain-style scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners.

5. Los Angeles to Joshua Tree (Desert Introduction)

For beginners curious about desert driving, this is one of the most manageable scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners.

Drive Time: About 2.5 hours
Road Type: Straight desert highways

Joshua Tree National Park offers wide-open landscapes and clear roads.

Why Beginners Can Handle It

Long, straight roads
Minimal traffic
Easy navigation

Tips

Drive during daylight
Carry water
Fuel up before entering the park

Among scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners, this one feels adventurous without being risky.

6. Los Angeles to Ventura

Ventura is one of the most relaxed scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners.

Drive Time: About 1.5 hours
Road Type: Coastal highway

Ventura offers beaches without crowds.

Why It’s Ideal

Easy drive
Walkable downtown
Simple beach access

This is a great warm-up if you’re just starting with scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners.

Beginner Road Trip Tips That Actually Matter

To enjoy scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners, keep these tips in mind:

Avoid rush hours (7–10 AM, 4–7 PM)
Start with daytime drives
Use GPS but also follow road signs
Stop often to stay relaxed

These habits make all scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners safer and more enjoyable.

Best Time of Year for Beginner Road Trips

The best seasons for scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners are:

March to June
September to November

These months offer clear weather, fewer crowds, and comfortable driving conditions.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need experience or confidence to enjoy scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners. With short distances, beautiful routes, and easy roads, LA is one of the best places in the USA to start road tripping.

Choose one route, drive slow, and enjoy the view. The best scenic road trips near Los Angeles for beginners are about the journey, not the speed.