An Awesome Los Angeles to Palm Springs Road Trip
Head out on the Californian desert highways through world-famous stretches of city, nature, and some of the best golf courses in the state. The road trip from Los Angeles to Palm Springs is for road trippers who love exploring the history and relaxing vibes of Southern California.
This laid-back road trip takes you 110 miles with 2 hours 45 minutes of driving time. You'll pass Californian landmarks like San Bernadino, Cabazon Dinosaurs, Newport Beach, San Juan Capistrano, Huntington Beach, Mt San Jacinto, and the beautiful inland paradise of Palm Springs.
On this incredible road trip, head off to experience the vintage glamor, mid-century modern architecture, world-class golf, luxurious resorts and year-round sun of Southern California. Read on below to learn more about our recommended routes, when to make the drive, where to stay, and what to do along the way.
How far is Palm Springs from Los Angeles?
The most direct route possible between Palm Springs, and Los Angeles is only 110 miles. However, by taking the longer 175-mile route, you'll get to see even more of this fabulous corner of America. Both routes should take 4 hours or less.
Palm Springs is located just east of Los Angeles, in the middle of the desert. The city is sandwiched between Joshua Tree National Park and Mt. San Jacinto. Oasis, mountains, and vast deserts surround the city and make it one of the most strikingly beautiful places in California.
Between Los Angeles and Palm Springs are smaller cities, filled with cultural landmarks. The further you get out of LA, the more relaxing the drive becomes. Once you're around Palm Springs, you feel like you're in the California countryside.
How long is the road trip from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, and how many days will it take?
| Route | Distance | Driving Time | Recommended Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| The San Bernardino Route | 110 miles | 2 hours 45 minutes | 1-2 Days |
| The Ortega Highway Route | 175 miles | 4 hours | 2 Days |
A road trip from Los Angeles to Palm Springs will take you under 200 miles and 4 hours to complete. There are two excellent routes that are full of highlights and beautiful landscapes.
The first route is the San Bernardino Route. This more direct drive takes you 110 miles with 2 hours and 45 minutes driving time. We recommend taking 1-2 days to complete this route, allowing enough time to relax and take in the sights along the way.
The second route is the more scenic Ortega Highway Route. This beautiful drive will take you 175 miles with 4 hours of driving time. We recommend taking 2 days to complete this journey.
Whichever route you choose, you'll have plenty to discover along the way, from cultural landmarks to vast desert landscapes. Read on to learn more about these two fantastic routes, when to make this journey, and what to do along the way.
What is the best road trip route from Los Angeles to Palm Springs?
There is no best route from LA to Palm Springs, just the best route for you. This is how our two routes stack up against each other.
| The San Bernardino Route | The Ortega Highway Route | |
|---|---|---|
| Easy Driving | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
| Scenery | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Facilities | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Things to do | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Traffic Flow | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Driving from Los Angeles to Palm Springs via San Bernardino
The San Bernardino Route is fairly easy to navigate, with plenty of freeway driving and rest stops along the way to relax at. There will still be plenty of traffic though, which can be stressful.
The scenery on this route is generally less interesting than the alternative route. If you stop off at San Bernardino, you'll have more opportunities to take in the epic views. Other than that, there's not much until you near Palm Springs and Mount San Jacinto.
There are, however, plenty of attractions. You'll get to visit museums, theme parks, and outdoor activities, including hiking near San Bernardino and golfing in Palm Springs as you're passing through the sprawl of LA.
This route is very direct, and will get you to Palm Springs as quickly as possible. However, be prepared for slow-moving traffic, and do your best to avoid peak times because this interstate gets very busy.
Driving from Los Angeles to Palm Springs via the Ortega Highway
This route is incredibly beautiful, with plenty of ocean and mountain scenery on the way. One thing to keep in mind is that the Ortega Highway (Highway 74) can be challenging to drive, and this is not a route for hesitant or nervous drivers. Just be extra careful and make sure you drive during the daytime and stick to the speed limit.
This route has a great mix of beachside communities, mountain stops, historical architecture (San Juan Capistrano), and natural beauty as you take the Ortega Highway through mountains and forest.
Plan your stops and consider doing a “virtual drive” on Google Maps before taking the Ortega Highway. There are fewer facilities on this route, so make sure to do a little extra planning.
There are plenty of sights and things to do along the first half of this route, especially around the coastal resorts and at San Juan Capistrano. There's less to do along the Ortega Highway, but the scenery will make up for it.
Traffic will be slow along the coast, and there can be congestion along the Ortega Highway, as it's a single-lane (undivided) highway, and traffic can build up. However, most of the year, this traffic won't be overwhelming and you'll still have long stretches to yourself.
Driving Route from Los Angeles to Palm Springs
Whichever route you choose to take on your road trip from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, be sure to check local traffic and weather conditions on your day of travel. To give you an idea of the directions, however, we've set out an overview below.
Taking the San Bernardino Route
From LA, make your way through Chino Hills State Park. Then, drive to the California Citrus State Historic Park, dedicated to the booming California citrus industry.
Take the interstate to San Bernardino. Then, continue on to Beaumont. From here, drive further into Cabazon.
After Cabazon, continue on to the towering and beautiful Mt San Jacinto, one of the tallest mountains in the area. Then, make your way to your destination of Palm Springs.
Taking the Ortega Highway Route
From LA, drive south in Orange County. Continue through the beautiful coastal zones of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach.
Drive to the stunning San Juan Capistrano and see some of Orange County's most luxurious properties. Drive onto the Ortega Highway, Highway 74, and continue on through the winding mountains.
You'll pass the mesmerizing Ortega Falls and tons of nature along the way. Make your way to the striking Lake Elsinore, then continue on to Perris.
Head into Beaumont and get on the I-10. Finally, continue on to your destination of Palm Springs.
Where to stop overnight on a road trip between Los Angeles and Palm Springs
This is a wonderful road trip with plenty of exciting destinations to see on your way. You'll definitely want to break this trip up. Below are our recommended stops along the way so you can take in this ultimate Southern California destination.
History and nature in San Bernardino
About halfway on the San Bernardino Route is the city of San Bernardino. This small community is surrounded by incredible forest and mountains.
Home to some of the most famous hiking trails in Southern California, if you love the great outdoors, you'll love this beautiful area.
The city itself is full of small-town charm. There are tons of fantastic restaurants and museums, including the world's first McDonalds.
Once you reach San Bernardino, we recommend staying at the quirky and characterful Wigwam Motel. You'll enjoy the friendly and fun vibe. The rooms are shaped like wigwams with spacious interiors and a lovely pool.
The motel has friendly staff and tons of amenities, so you can relax easily. You'll also be sure to love the motel's fun style and aesthetic, complete with vintage memorabilia.
Historically, this motel is near the gateway to California on Route 66. If you go in October, you could catch the annual Rendezvous Back to Route 66 Car Show, with classic cars and vintage-inspired entertainment.
This beautiful motel is also close to the San Bernardino National Forest and hiking trails. Some go all the way to the peak of Mount San Gorgonio, 11,502 feet above sea level.
Also nearby is the Original McDonald's Site and Museum and the Kelso Train Depot, a historical museum about life in the area and the original rail yards.
Explore old California in San Juan Capistrano
Just under halfway on the Ortega Highway Route is San Juan Capistrano. This town is famous for its historical mission, founded in 1776 by the Spanish, and lovely natural surroundings.
While you're here, sample a bottle of wine made from the Mission Grape, the first wine grape planted in the Americas. It was first planted in San Juan Capistrano in 1779 and is still one of the oldest wineries in North America.
Once you reach San Juan Capistrano, we recommend staying at the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection. This gorgeous hotel is located on tranquil grounds with tasteful decor and relaxing settings.
With plenty of amenities and friendly service, you'll feel right at home. Nearby, there are plenty of fabulous restaurants and bars to visit during your stay.
The hotel is near the Mission San Juan Capistrano and very close to the Basilica. You can also explore the nearby Los Rios Historic District.
Where to stay in Palm Springs
Once you reach Palm Springs, your best option for a luxury stay is The Hideaway. This beautiful hotel is located within walking distance to several premier restaurants and cafes. It's an adults-only hotel, so you'll be sure to have peace and quiet.
You'll enjoy the retro California style and feel like you've traveled back in time. The amenities, friendly staff, and hotel grounds are one-of-a-kind and will surely help you relax after a long drive. Your rooms even come with a vinyl player so you can dance the night away in the comfort of your own room.
Just nearby are some of Palm Springs' most famous sights. Enjoy the Palm Springs Desert Museum and the Palm Springs Art Museum.
For incredible views, make the nearby trek to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. It's the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world!
Best time to go from Los Angeles to Palm Springs on a road trip
Because this is California, Palm Springs is a perfect year-round destination. However, there are seasonal changes, so make sure to plan ahead for rain and hot weather.
Traveling to Palm Springs from LA in summer
Summer in LA and Palm Springs is hot, especially as you travel inland from the coast. The mountains and inland desert areas often reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so once you're in Palm Springs, make a dash for the pool.
The coastal areas and tall mountain lakes and parks offer welcome solace from the heat. Swimming in the cool Pacific or places like Big Bear Lake can be incredibly refreshing.
This is also one of the busiest times of the year for travelers from other parts of the country to come to LA. Make sure to be careful in the extra traffic.
Traveling to Palm Springs from LA in winter
Winter is a very popular time in this region for winter sports. Big Bear Mountain is one of the region's premier ski resorts and thousands of visitors descend on its slopes every week.
Down near the coast and inland valleys, wintertime temperatures remain very pleasant and can even get into the 70s. During the winter rains, you'll see the plant life come alive with green hills and flowing rivers.
Traveling to Palm Springs from LA in the shoulder seasons
Spring and fall are for many people the best seasons to visit. The weather is warm and pleasant, with little rain and either fall colors or spring flowers.
Visiting Palm Springs in spring is wonderful because of the flower blooms that envelop the surrounding hills. You'll also get the chance to see music festivals like Coachella or the Swing'n Dixie Jazz Festival, where Jazz musicians perform for dancing crowds of all ages.
In the fall, you can see the Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, one of the largest German Oktoberfests in California. Enjoy the German music, food, and dancing and make sure to bring an appetite.
The best things to see and do on a road trip from Los Angeles to Palm Springs
There's plenty to see and do on this relaxing journey through Southern California. Below, we've listed our favorite sights along the way so you can experience Southern California stress-free and with plenty of options to help you plan.
On the San Bernardino Route
Marshall Canyon Golf Course: Visit this incredible 18-hole course tucked within the scenic foothills above La Verne. If you love gold, this is the course for you while making this journey.
Claremont, CA: You'll love this quaint college town nestled within a beautiful setting. Enjoy its charming vibe, beautiful architecture, and hip selection of bars, restaurants, and shops.
Mount Baldy: For ski aficionados, this is a must visit, especially in winter. You can have all sorts of adventurous experiences all year long as well, including zip-lining, disc golfing, and many other incredible opportunities.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA: Visit this historic city on the world-famous Route 66. Here, you can visit the famous Sapphire Falls, Joseph Filippi Winery, and the Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail.
Diamond Valley Lake: Check out this large man-made lake full of recreational activities like fishing, hiking, and picnicking.
Box Spring Mountain Reserve Park: Enjoy this stunning 3400-acre park, located on the edge of a mountain near Riverside and Moreno Valley.
San Bernardino National Forest: For nature lovers and hikers, this is hard to beat. Close to a million acres of untouched wilderness spans across the high desert mountains. You can hike, fish, and lose yourself in nature.
Wildwood Park: Another great park with plenty of hikes, biking, and even horseback riding. Visitors love coming here to kick back and relax under the SoCal sky.
The Arrowhead Springs Hotel: Come visit this former meet up point of 1940s Hollywood elite like Judy Garland, Charlie Chaplin, and Clark Gable.
Rim of the World Viewpoint: Enjoy this beautiful scenic outlook by driving up the Rim of the World Scenic Byway. You'll get unparalleled views of the valleys and forests below.
Big Bear Lake: This is Southern California's biggest lake for recreation. Enjoy paddle boarding, swimming, skiing, and other outdoor sports in the natural paradise.
Oak Glen Preserve: At the base of the San Bernardino Mountains is this wonderful preserve. It features a botanical garden and a popular children's outdoor discovery center that's connected to wetlands and hiking trails.
On the Ortega Highway Route
Huntington Beach: This long beach is known as “surf city USA.” Come here and see the waves break near the famous pier or go shopping and restaurant touring in its classic downtown.
Newport Beach: This city is known for its luxury boutique stores, fine dining options, and beautiful beaches. Come here to go shopping, sunbathing, or swimming.
Huntington Library, Museum and Botanical Gardens: Check out this expansive library full of historic books and papers including some works by Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.
Mission San Juan Capistrano: The mission is referred to by many as the “Jewel of Californian Missions.” Established in 1776 by Saint Junipero Serra, this building and grounds are full of architecture and relics from old Spain.
Ortega Falls: Come see this beautiful waterfall near the Ortega Highway. The hike to the seasonal fall is only ⅓ of a mile and parking is free.
Lake Elsinore: City on the shores of a natural, freshwater lake with the same name. The area around the lake plays host to the infamous “super bloom” of wildflowers in spring, a spectacular sight to behold!
On both routes
Cabazon Dinosaurs: Check out the famous vintage roadside attraction that has several massive dinosaur replicas standing near the interstate. You can only buy tickets at the door so arrive early.
Mt. San Jacinto State Park: Enjoy this popular hiking spot known for having one of the best trails in the region. The peak is very tall, so make sure you have plenty of hiking experience under your belt before trying.
