Looking for the best road trips from Los Angeles for 3 days? You’re in one of the best starting cities in the USA for quick, unforgettable drives. In just three days, you can reach beaches, deserts, mountains, wine country, or iconic national parks without rushing.
This guide covers the best road trips from Los Angeles for 3 days that are realistic, scenic, and actually enjoyable. These routes are designed for real travelers—not marathon driving days.
Why 3-Day Road Trips From Los Angeles Work So Well
Los Angeles sits close to wildly different landscapes. That’s why the best road trips from Los Angeles for 3 days feel like full vacations, not short breaks.
You get:
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Less driving, more exploring
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Affordable hotels and gas costs
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Flexible plans for couples, friends, or solo travel
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Year-round road trip options
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1. Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur (Classic California Drive)
One of the best road trips from Los Angeles for 3 days, hands down.
Route: Los Angeles → Santa Barbara → Monterey → Big Sur
Day-by-Day Plan
Day 1: Drive to Santa Barbara. Walk the pier, enjoy oceanfront dining.
Day 2: Continue north to Big Sur. Stop at McWay Falls and coastal viewpoints.
Day 3: Relax in Monterey or Carmel before returning south.
Insider Tips
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Start early to avoid coastal traffic
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Book hotels in advance—Big Sur fills fast
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Fog is common; mornings are best for views
This route defines what people imagine when they think of the best road trips from Los Angeles for 3 days.
2. Joshua Tree + Palm Springs Desert Escape
If you want something unique, this is one of the best road trips from Los Angeles for 3 days with minimal driving.
Route: Los Angeles → Palm Springs → Joshua Tree National Park
Day-by-Day Plan
Day 1: Palm Springs pools, mid-century architecture, desert sunsets.
Day 2: Explore Joshua Tree—Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, stargazing.
Day 3: Brunch, outlet shopping, drive back.
Insider Tips
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Visit Joshua Tree early morning for fewer crowds
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Summer is extremely hot—spring and fall are ideal
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Gas up before entering the park
For nature lovers, this is one of the most peaceful best road trips from Los Angeles for 3 days.
3. Las Vegas + Hoover Dam
Yes, Vegas works perfectly for a short getaway and remains one of the best road trips from Los Angeles for 3 days.
Route: Los Angeles → Las Vegas → Hoover Dam
Day-by-Day Plan
Day 1: Drive to Vegas, enjoy the Strip at night.
Day 2: Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, evening shows.
Day 3: Brunch, short shopping stop, return to LA.
Insider Tips
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Leave LA before 7 AM to avoid traffic
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Midweek hotel rates are cheaper
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Red Rock Canyon offers a quiet break from crowds
This trip balances entertainment and scenery, making it one of the most flexible best road trips from Los Angeles for 3 days.
4. San Diego Coastal Road Trip
If you prefer beaches and city vibes, this is one of the easiest best road trips from Los Angeles for 3 days.
Route: Los Angeles → San Diego
Day-by-Day Plan
Day 1: La Jolla Cove, coastal walks, sunset views.
Day 2: Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter, beaches.
Day 3: Coronado Island, relaxed drive back.
Insider Tips
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Stay near the coast to save time
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Parking is easier early mornings
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Great year-round weather
This is one of the most relaxed best road trips from Los Angeles for 3 days, perfect for first-time road trippers.
5. Yosemite National Park (For Adventure Lovers)
If you want a dramatic change of scenery, this is one of the boldest best road trips from Los Angeles for 3 days.
Route: Los Angeles → Yosemite National Park
Day-by-Day Plan
Day 1: Drive to Yosemite area, stay near the park.
Day 2: Yosemite Valley, waterfalls, scenic overlooks.
Day 3: Sunrise views, return drive.
Insider Tips
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Check seasonal road access
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Book lodging months ahead
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Carry food and water
It’s a longer drive, but for many travelers, this is the most rewarding of all best road trips from Los Angeles for 3 days.
How to Choose the Right 3-Day Road Trip
When picking from the best road trips from Los Angeles for 3 days, think about:
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Driving tolerance: Under 5 hours is ideal
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Season: Desert in winter, coast in summer
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Travel style: Relaxing vs adventure
Planning around these factors makes short trips feel much longer.
Final Thoughts
The best road trips from Los Angeles for 3 days offer incredible variety without burnout. Whether you want coastal cliffs, desert silence, city energy, or national park beauty, LA gives you unbeatable access.
Pick one route, plan smart, and enjoy the drive. Sometimes, three days is all you need for a perfect escape.
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