Top Scenic Drives In Los Angeles
From the beach to the mountains, Los Angeles has it all. So, when you want to take a drive and take in the beautiful scenery, there's certainly no shortage of spots to take your car and go.
Pacific Coast Highway
For hundreds of miles, the Pacific Coast Highway, otherwise known as PCH (not 'The' PCH'), runs along the ocean offering stunning views of the ocean on one side and mountains on the other. In Los Angeles, the stretch of PCH that is most popular begins in Santa Monica and goes north until you hit the Ventura county line. From Santa Monica to Malibu, you'll want to drop the top if you're lucky enough to have a convertible, as the weather is absolutely incredible almost year around and the sights are equally amazing. You can even stop along the way at some of the best seafood restaurants in the country!
Mulholland Drive
Named after William Mulholland who was responsible for bringing water to Los Angeles, Mulholland Drive is one of the longest mountainous roads Los Angeles has to offer. Spanning from Calabasas to the Hollywood Hills, the twists and turns of this route in the Santa Monica Mountains offer breathtaking views of not only the L.A. basin, but the San Fernando Valley as well. Along the way, there are several lookout spots as well. And, it happens to be area where some of the wealthiest Angelenos live.
Angeles Crest Scenic Byway
Situated in La Canada, you wouldn't think this drive was just minutes from Downtown Los Angeles. As you enter the large forest known as Angeles National Forest, you'll be delighted to take a drive on the scenic byway here. Climbing up to almost 8,000 feet, the drive will take you on twists and turns as you take in the views of the Mojave Dessert. The peaceful drive will have you thinking you're nowhere close to a major metropolitan city.
Griffith Observatory Loop
Most Angelenos tend to forget, but the Griffith Observatory is not the only attraction within Griffith Park. In fact, aside from a zoo, hiking trails and more, its the site of one of the best scenic drives right here in the city. If you start at the east end of the park, you'll find yourself between the Roosevelt Golf Club and the Greek Theatre. Tunnels dot the drive, and you'll eventually reach the Griffith Observatory. The drive will take you through canyons and mountainous scenery that are rich with beauty.
Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard is widely known for its glitz and glamour, but if you drive the entire length from the Pacific Ocean through Hollywood and beyond, you'll soon realize how truly scenic and beautiful it really is. Beginning from the ocean, you'll wind up and down curved streets through the cities of the Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Westwood, Bel Air, Holmby Hills and Beverly Hills. But, once you've hit the Beverly Hills city limits as you head east, you'll soon be on the Sunset Strip. Famous for its small rock venues, and unique culture, you'll get to experience a wide variety of scenery on this drive.