A Perfectly Well-Rounded 5 Day Southern California Road Trip Itinerary with a Map

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Southern California has some of the most diverse landscapes, ecosystems, culture, history, and people creating a beautiful travel destination where you really can sample a lot in a short time.

If you only have 5 days, it’s worth taking a road trip around the area to see the big cities, desert towns and a national park, and even the lake covered mountains, which transform into a snow sport haven in the winter!

With this well-rounded 5 day Southern California road trip itinerary, I’ll share exactly how to see it all with the top things to do, recommended stops along the way, where to stay, best places to eat, and of course, a map that you can consult.

Summary

Map of Your Road Trip Through Southern California

Southern California 5 Day Road Trip Itinerary

While Southern California is certainly a diverse and expansive area, you can see a lot in 5 days.

As a Los Angeles native, I wrote this with the intention of it being a fast paced itinerary to get a taste of the various regions in Southern California, from the beaches to the desert to the mountains.

It’s also a loop. So whether you are flying or driving in to begin the trip, you can really start on any day in any location and make the loop.

I’ll assume that you’ll begin in Los Angeles since it’s the most accessible nationwide for flights. But, of course, adjust this itinerary as necessary.

For example, if you’re driving in from Phoenix, Arizona, you can start on “Day 2” in Palm Springs and loop around so you start and finish this itinerary closest to your point of origin (Phoenix).

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Day 0  – Fly to Los Angeles

If you’re not already in Los Angeles, I recommend taking an extra day if you can to get there, whether that’s flying or driving. 

If you end up with an extra day to get acquainted with Los Angeles, I’ve written some detailed itineraries for how to spend 1 day in LA all around the city and also specifically a 1 day itinerary for downtown LA. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and have endless recommendations, so these itineraries are great to get started, or consult my local’s mega map with over 150 spots pinned!

Some of my favorite things to do are:

• Griffith Observatory – This free attraction has great views of the city and Hollywood sign, stellar exhibits, and world-renowned planetarium, which you may recognize from La La Land.
• Original Farmers Market – This market has been around since 1934 and while some vendors have come and gone, you’ll still find some of the city’s best food here. Bring cash!

• Olvera Street – Take a step back in time to Los Angeles’ first street that has a Mexican marketplace, small diverse museums, and great food. Plus the oldest home in Los Angeles that’s free to visit.
• Miracle Mile – If you’re looking to knock out some of LA’s best museums, Miracle Mile is an area with several including LA County Museum of Art (LACMA), Petersen Automotive Museum, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, and the La Brea Tar Pits.

Day 1 – Los Angeles to San Diego

It’s time to embark on an epic SoCal road trip starting in Los Angeles.

Morning in Santa Monica

I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t include breakfast, so start your day off at Blue Daisy where you’ll find breakfast staples like breakfast burritos, avocado toast, and french toast with some Mediterranean fusion options like Za’atar eggs and shakshuka.

Then, go to the Santa Monica Pier to explore one of the most iconic places in Los Angeles.

You’ll likely recognize Pacific Park, the theme park at the end of the pier with a ferris wheel and roller coaster. If you want to ride, you can pay per ride, so no need to commit to a full attraction pass.

Don’t miss the arcade, historic carousel, and views from the end of the pier.

It’s free to visit the pier, but parking can be pricey at up to $18. I recommend staying for a maximum of 2 hours and parking at the short term lot at 1640 Appian Way, Santa Monica, where the maximum cost is $2 ($1 per hour).

Palos Verdes

To get to San Diego (the end goal of the day), I’m taking you through my favorite route along the coast. I’ve done this coastal road trip myself, and while you can get from LA to San Diego in 2 hours, realistically, it will take longer with stops and traffic. 

There’s truly so much to see along the way, so I’ll pick out a couple favorites. Still, keep the time in mind to try to make it to San Diego for a late lunch. 

Drive south along the coast to Palos Verdes. 

In my (not so) humble opinion, the Palos Verdes coast is some of the most beautiful and rugged in Los Angeles County.

As you navigate, try making Point Vicente Lighthouse your destination to ensure that your GPS is taking you along the coast, because without it, your GPS will likely opt for the faster route toward San Diego, which is inland at this point.

Of course, you can explore the lighthouse and you’ll also notice parking lots on the right side of the road (ocean side). Feel free to pull over to get out and look at the incredible views!

There’s even trails if you want to explore more on foot. 

Korean Bell of Friendship

Keep driving south to the Korean Friendship Bell in San Pedro. In 1976, the Republic of Korea gifted Los Angeles with this beautifully intricate bell to honor Korean War veterans, commemorate the bicentennial of US independence, and mark friendship between the two countries.

Now, you can visit for free and get a look at the stunning 17-ton bell. Be sure to read the signs surrounding it to learn about the meaning, imagery, and representations you’ll see depicted.

For example, the twelve pillars represent the twelve Oriental zodiac signs.

It sits atop a seaside hill, so on a clear day, you can look out and see Catalina Island in the distance.

Lunch in Mission Beach

Continue your journey south to Mission Beach for lunch at a seafood restaurant. Dockside 1953 and Pacific Beach Fish Shop both come highly recommended.

Cabrillo National Monument and Point Loma Tide Pools

For your final coastal activity this afternoon, visit Cabrillo National Monument and the Point Loma Tide Pools. The cost to enter is $20 per vehicle or if you have one, you can use your America the Beautiful (National Park) Pass.

This national monument commemorates the first European, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, to set foot on the West Coast in 1542.

In my opinion, the star of the show is really the tide pools and the ecosystem that thrives within them. Could be the scientist in me…so call me biased.

But the magic of the tide pools is that during low tide, especially in fall and winter, you can see all sorts of sea creatures like anemones, starfish, crabs, and small fish.

You’ll want to check the tide where at 0.7 feet or under you’ll have the best conditions for seeing the tide pools close up.

You can walk all along the cliffs, so be careful and monitor the tide frequently.

Should the tide be too high to explore in this way, you can still enjoy the scenic walk along the cliffs, just higher up. You might even spot some Harbor seals!

Check-in to your hotel

For the convenience of this itinerary, I’ve loved a few hotels within walking distance to the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego’s best area for nightlife.

The Horton Grand Hotel ($171+ per night) is a stunning historic boutique hotel with charm and modern amenities. Each room has a gas-burning fireplace and some even have a balcony or courtyard views.

For a luxury experience, the Marriott Marquis ($348+ per night) along the harbor is a fantastic choice. You’ll feel like you’ve escaped to a resort with the lavish pools, 24-hour fitness center, and modern amenities in your room.

Dinner and Night Out in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter

Make your way to the Gaslamp Quarter for dinner. There are a number of fantastic foodie options here, but you truly can’t leave San Diego without trying tacos.

Tacos El Gordo are the gold standard. This local taco spot has become so popular that they’ve expanded to multiple locations in San Diego, and even Las Vegas.

I’ve also loved the potato tacos from El Chingon!

For dessert, you can stop by Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, which is technically a San Francisco staple, but it’s fitting for a California road trip nonetheless. 

The Gaslamp Quarter is the entertainment hub of San Diego. If you have the energy/desire, I encourage you to indulge in the nightlife.

Prohibition Lounge is a popular 1920s themed speakeasy. Look for the Law Office door to enter and try a Kentucky Tippler with bourbon, lemon, honey, bitters, and grapefruit zest.

Alternatively, see a comedy show at the highly rated American Comedy Co. They have shows Thursday through Saturday and open mic nights on Tuesdays!

Related read >> How to spend 1 day in San Diego

Day 2 – San Diego to Joshua Tree

Breakfast at Cafe 222

Drumroll please for potentially my favorite breakfast place EVER. It’s Café 222 and as a waffle over pancakes kinda gal, this breakfast spot has my heart.

My family (who are based in LA) have been going to Café 222 for decades and for good reason.

These waffles are to die for! My favorites are the pumpkin waffles and the corn waffles. They even sell their mixes for when you’re craving them at home 3 months from now.

If you see a line, please wait because your world is about to be forever changed.

Balboa Park

Once you’re full and happy, make your way to Balboa Park. This is arguably San Diego’s most prominent attraction aside from theme parks.

The park was developed in the late 1800s, namely by a woman named Kate Sessions, who agreed to plant trees and other plants in exchange for 32 acres of the land to be used for her commercial nursery. 

After decades of improvements to the park, it became an urban cultural hub with pathways, gardens, museums, and even a world showcase called the International Cottages.

To explore the area, I recommend choosing one museum and one garden to get a sample of the best of both worlds.

As a scientist, I’m a fan of the San Diego Air and Space Museum and the San Diego Automotive Museum. But they also have great museums on photography, Comic Con, natural history, contemporary art, and more!

For gardens, choose between cacti, California natives, Japanese, Australian, or even the Zoro Garden, which is a butterfly garden that was once a nudist colony…yepp, you read that right.

Drive to Palm Springs with a Classic Lunch Stop

Time to wave goodbye to San Diego and head to Palm Springs. It’s a 2.5 hour drive, so I’m encouraging you to indulge in this California classic on the way: In-N-Out.

We Californians love our In-N-Out and even if you grew up with Five Guys, Steak ‘n Shake, or Cook Out, you have to try In-N-Out while you’re touring Southern California.

There’s a location in Temecula that’s on the way to Palm Springs, but you can likely find other locations on your route by searching your maps app.

In-N-Out has a simple menu, but the secret menu is where the fun comes in. For example, you can make fries or a burger “animal style” which includes mustard cooked burgers (or fries) with grilled onions and thousand island dressing. 

You can also order a flying dutchman (just a plain, unseasoned patty) for dogs traveling with you, protein style burgers to eliminate the bun, and even a neapolitan shake!

Afternoon in Palm Springs

Depending on your timing, you may have some time this afternoon for an activity in Palm Springs.

While this city is known for desert relaxation with lavish pools and unique lodging, it’s also a hub for arts and culture.

That said, if you have time, you can check out one of two top tier museums in Palm Springs – either the Palm Springs Art Museum or Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. The former has interesting rotating art exhibits including art of the West, LGBTQ+ collections, and glass works. The latter tells the story of the Agua Caliente People and the Cahuilla Nation that they and eight other bands of Cahuilla Indians occupy.

Tickets are $20 for the Palm Springs Art Museum and $10 for adults for the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum with discounts for students at both locations. 

Another idea is to go up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for incredible views of the desert! This is a great low-energy activity especially if the weather is clear!

Dinner at Farm or Tac/Quila

For dinner, visit the Southern France inspired restaurant, Farm, where you’ll love their French menu but even more so the space with outdoor patio seating and beautiful floral landscaping.

Alternatively, the people who brought you Farm also have a Michelin-rated Mexican restaurant called Tac/Quila if you’re craving pozole soup or stuffed guerito peppers!

Stay in Palm Springs or Joshua Tree

I have two options for hotels tonight depending on how much driving you want to do (or not do).

If you’d like to stay the night in Palm Springs, the Ace Hotel and Swim Club is a great choice for the perfect retro, modern vibes that Palm Springs does so well. Prices per night start at $250.

Tomorrow you’re headed to Joshua Tree, which is an hour from Palm Springs. So you can also make that drive tonight to stay closer to Joshua Tree and get a head start in the morning.

They’re known for some crazy properties, but one of the most fun in my opinion is Hicksville Trailer Palace. They have a multitude of themed trailers like the Pee Wee, as seen in the Big Top Pee Wee movie, The Pony dedicated to spaghetti Westerns, and The Sweet, a nod to 70’s rockers.

Prices range from $188+ per night depending on which trailer you select. I recommend staying here two nights as your base for exploring Joshua Tree National Park.

Day 3 – Joshua Tree National Park

Start your morning bright and early to head to Joshua Tree National Park. But first…

Breakfast with a Picnic Lunch To Go

One thing to note is that there are no food or drink facilities within the park. It’s best to pack some sandwiches from in town.

The Dez packs picnic lunches for park goers. They open at 6:30 am so you can easily swing by before entering the park for the day, grab breakfast to eat there, and purchase a picnic lunch to go!

Highlights of Joshua Tree National Park

There are lots of wonderful trails, scenic viewpoints, and culturally and environmentally significant things to see here. You can do a lot in just one day at Joshua Tree National Park.

Some of the highlights include:

• Cholla Cactus Garden – the most unique spot in the park because it has a combination of ecosystems that’s not found anywhere else in the world!
• Lost Horse Mine Trail – remnants of the Old West mining can be seen on this trail
• Skull Rock – a fun rock formation that looks like a skull (no hike necessary, it’s right off the road)
• Barker Dam Trail – a must do in the park to see the iconic Joshua trees, Barker dam, and most importantly, petroglyphs!
• Keys View – the best scenic view of the desert valley below

Related read >> One day Joshua Tree itinerary

Dinner at a Historic Western Movie Set

Stay in Joshua Tree for the night and get ready for a change in the desert scenery tomorrow.

For dinner, there are lots of great restaurants from pizza at Sky High Pie to a classic saloon experience at The Red Dog, which was built in 1946 as part of the Western movie set Pioneertown.

Day 4 – Joshua Tree to Big Bear Lake

Would you believe it’s only an hour and a half to the mountains from Joshua Tree?

On to Big Bear

But first breakfast (always). Crossroads Cafe in Joshua Tree is a local favorite where they have everything from the classics like eggs, hash browns, and bacon to vegan options like a tofu scramble with peanut ginger sauce. Yum!

Once you’re fueled up from your breakfast and have your car literally fueled up, hit the road and make for Big Bear.

This mountain and lake town is one of the best to discover California’s diverse landscape.

What to do in Big Bear by Season

However, what to do for the day really depends on what season you’re visiting.

Big Bear is prone to snow and is a fantastic snow sports destination in the winter.

In the winter, ski or snowboard at Big Bear Mountain Resort with 33 runs including night riding. I recommend spending the night in Big Bear, so you can capitalize on the night riding if you’re up for it!

Blauer Board Shop is a popular ski and board rental shop with rates around $35 per day. They don’t take same day reservations, but you can walk-in!

In the summer, you can enjoy the lake and hiking.

One of my favorite walks is Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve. It has wooden bridges that go over the water and from here you can observe the wildlife that frequent the lake.

The Big Bear Discovery Center also has some trails, nature exhibits, and even eco-tours.

Regardless of season, consider a visit to Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain. During winter they have tubing at $45 per day and in summer they have a coaster and luge.

Where to stay in Big Bear + Dinner Rec’s

The best stays in Big Bear are cabins and lodges, which complete the mountain and lake aesthetic. I’ve actually only stayed at my in-laws’ properties, so I don’t have a personal recommendation. But honestly, there are so many highly rated cabins, I don’t think you can go wrong!

I’d choose Big Bear Frontier, which is a lodge at $109+ per night in a good location!

For your meals, pop into the downtown area where there are a number of great restaurants. Peppercorn Grille and Fire Rock Burgers & Brew are highly recommended.

Day 5 – Big Bear Lake to Los Angeles

For breakfast, Teddy Bear Restaurant is a popular pick in town! They’ve been around since 1944 and have breakfast staples like waffles and pancakes, omelets, and even cinnamon cornbread.

Time to head back to Los Angeles to round out this trip, but not without a few notable stops.

Explore Route 66

Namely, you can explore part of historic Route 66 on your way back because it runs through Southern California all the way to the Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Ocean.

Route 66, also called “The Mother Road”, was commissioned in 1926 to serve travelers across the country through periods of great migrations including the Dust Bowl, Great Depression, and World War II. 

It was made obsolete by the creation of a more robust network of highways that were needed after Frank D. Eisenhower observed the efficiency of the German Autobahn system in World War II.

Now there are remnants of historic Route 66 found throughout the country and some of them are in the Inland Empire area of Southern California, which you’ll pass through from Big Bear to Los Angeles.

First Original McDonald’s Museum

As you make your way, stop at the First Original McDonald’s Museum in San Bernardino. 

There is some debate if this is the *true* original McDonald’s location because technically Ray Kroc opened the first location in Des Plaines, Illinois in 1955. And the oldest originally standing McDonald’s is in Downey, California.

Still, this location in San Bernardino has been transformed into a museum full of historic memorabilia and it’s free to the public.

It’s a fun marker of nostalgia and Route 66 icons.

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Cucamonga Service Station

On that note, the Cucamonga Service Station is a historic gas and service station in Rancho Cucamonga.

It was built in 1915 and restored to its original look in the 2010s after neglect warranted a restoration and renovation. 

The station is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. It’s free to visit and no longer an operating gas station, so if you need true service and facilities, look to neighboring businesses.

The Original In-N-Out Burger Museum

Finally, make a stop at the Original In-N-Out Burger Museum, which is a replica of the first In-N-Out location in Baldwin Park, California that opened in 1938.

It’s a great spot to learn the history of the California chain and see some historic artifacts like menus, a potato washer, and even a cigarette machine.

If you’re looking for lunch, the museum doesn’t sell food, but you can certainly stop at In-N-Out across the freeway here.

Alternatively, 626 Pho is also nearby and very popular! All types of Asian food are incredibly well done in Los Angeles, especially, so this is a good choice.

FAQ’s about this SoCal road trip

How much does this road trip cost?

How to do this trip on a budget?

Depending on if you’re flying or driving in, camping can be a great option.

If you have your own vehicle with camping gear already, it can be much more cost effective to camp.

Another option is to rent a camper van. There are a few companies that you can rent from at LAX directly like Escape Camper Vans.

Other things to keep in mind is that you can spend as much or as little as you want on activities for this trip.

There are numerous trails, scenic viewpoints, and free activities that cost nothing.

You can reduce your cost by avoiding high admission museums and costly nightlife experiences.

Finally, bringing your own food really helps. If you can carve out some time on Day 1 (or 0) to get a cooler, ice, and food, you’ll save a lot on lunches, especially, when driving from place to place.

I’m also a big fan of bringing camping meals that you can rehydrate with an electric kettle or hotel’s coffee maker. I used these in the Maldives on my honeymoon to save thousands on food!

How to get around Southern California?

A car is a must for this itinerary. Not only is public transit not available for this route, but you’ll be infinitely more comfortable in your own space.

Be sure when renting a car that you are covered with insurance – whether that’s through the rental company, privately with your own car insurance, or with a travel credit card (you must book using that card for coverage).

Also check the mileage policy that you have unlimited miles.

I’d opt to fill your own gas tank upon returning the car, especially in Southern California, because the cost per gallon the rental car companies offer you is typically higher than what you can find on your own (GasBuddy is a great app for finding cheap gas).

Finally, you don’t need to pay for an FasTrak pass, which is a paid express lane on freeways within Los Angeles. It’s not on the freeways/highways that are relevant for this itinerary beyond the first and last 30 minutes of your trip.

How much driving is this road trip?

This Southern California road trip itinerary is 502 miles, which takes approximately 9.5 hours to drive.

That might seem like a lot, but it’s actually only around 2 hours per day and includes lots of fun stops.

Where is best to start and end this road trip?

I highly recommend starting in Los Angeles if you’re flying to give you the best access to cheaper airfare, inexpensive rental cars, and a well-serviced base to start from.

Can I start and end elsewhere?

As always, it’s your itinerary and trip, do what you want! But yes, 100%.

I suggested Los Angeles because it’s the biggest city on this loop, meaning that’s where the majority of people will fly into and out of.

If you’re driving in though, it might make more sense to start this loop elsewhere.

I’m short on time, what can I cut?

I’d opt to pick up your rental car from San Diego and return it in Los Angeles. That way you can start in San Diego and end in Los Angeles, cutting out Day 1 of this itinerary (from Los Angeles to San Diego).

Alternatively, you can do that in reverse and reverse the whole itinerary – starting in Los Angeles and going clockwise to Big Bear, Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, and San Diego. Then return your car in San Diego and fly out from there.

I have extra time, what should I add?

I’d honestly do the same itinerary just slower. If you have more time, you can take this at a much more leisurely pace.

I’d definitely opt for Day 0 in Los Angeles to explore the city a bit more. Or consider adding a day to explore Palm Springs fully, then spend the night there, and do Joshua Tree the next day.

One more idea is to add a day trip to Calico Ghost Town to your itinerary between Days 3 and 4 or 4 and 5. It’s northeast of Big Bear Lake. 

Calico is an old West silver mining town that gives an interesting albeit eerie look at how quickly these towns sprung up in the late 1800s and were abandoned when the gold or silver dried up.

When is the best time to drive around Southern California?

The two locations on this itinerary that are our extremes are Joshua Tree and Big Bear.

Joshua Tree runs hot…and I mean really hot! In the summer months, specifically June through mid-September, it can be unbearable to visit Joshua Tree with temperatures up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

On the other hand Big Bear Lake can flip flop between a snowy winter destination and a mild summer one. In the winter, temperatures aren’t cold exactly with highs in the mid-40s and lows in the 20s, but the roads can get treacherous where sometimes they require your vehicle to have chains for traction.

To avoid the Joshua Tree heat and Big Bear snow obstacle course, the best time to visit Southern California is spring and fall. I’d opt for late spring in May or October/November to have warmer temperatures in Big Bear but bearable heat at Joshua Tree. 

Of course, if you’re looking to partake in the snow sports in Big Bear, January or February are your best bets!

What should I pack?

From the sun to breezy beaches to the hot (and cold) desert to the cool mountains – this itinerary has it all (intentionally, of course). Therefore, the most important thing to pack is a variety of clothes and layers for the changes in weather you’ll experience.

I love merino wool as base layers for its anti-microbial properties that allow you to wear it multiple times without washing.

Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and bug repellent (I like these citronella bracelets, so I don’t have to lather myself in multiple layers of product).

I also recommend a cooler with ice and sandwich fixin’s, snacks, and electrolyte drinks. Opt for a fabric reusable cooler like this one that you can pack.

Or you can buy biodegradable coolers by Igloo at hardware and grocery stores in Los Angeles like Ace Hardware and Ralph’s. I recommend lining them with a trash bag to increase the durability for the full length of your trip.

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