9 Must-Take Scenic Drives in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is better known for its freeways than its views, yet a surprising number of its roads reward anyone willing to slow down. Coastline, canyon, and mountain scenery all sit within a short ride of each other, and the right timing turns an ordinary commute route into the highlight of a trip.

Travelers who want to see the city from behind the wheel can choose from scenic drives in Los Angeles that range from oceanfront highways to alpine climbs. For those who prefer to enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation, private Los Angeles tours can also provide a comfortable way to experience some of the city's most scenic routes. The nine routes below explain what each one offers, what to expect on the road, and when it makes the most sense to go.

1. Pacific Coast Highway

Highway 1 begins its Los Angeles run near the Santa Monica Pier and follows the ocean north through Malibu. The Pacific stays in view for most of the trip, and pullouts at Point Dume, El Matador State Beach, and Leo Carrillo make photo stops easy. It remains the classic choice among Los Angeles scenic drives.

Weekday mornings bring lighter traffic, while late afternoon rewards drivers with warm light on the water. Plan for at least half a day if lunch and a beach walk are part of the schedule.

2. Mulholland Drive

Mulholland Drive follows the crest of the Santa Monica Mountains, so the San Fernando Valley lies on one side and the Los Angeles basin on the other. Overlooks near the Hollywood Bowl deliver wide skyline views that glow after dark. Few of the best scenic drives Los Angeles offers can match it for night scenery.

The road narrows and twists in places, which calls for moderate speeds and attention to cyclists. Stop only at marked turnouts, and arrive before sunset to find parking at the popular viewpoints.

3. Griffith Park and the Observatory

Roads inside Griffith Park climb through dry hillsides to Griffith Observatory, where the lawn offers a clear look at the Hollywood Sign and the downtown skyline. On bright days, the ocean appears as a thin line on the horizon.

Parking at the summit fills quickly on weekends. A weekday visit or an early arrival avoids the wait, and the short distance makes this one of the best scenic drives Los Angeles can fit into a tight schedule.

4. Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard stretches more than 20 miles from downtown to the Pacific Palisades and changes character along the way. Drivers pass the music venues of the Sunset Strip, then the gated estates of Beverly Hills and Bel-Air, before the road curves through green hills toward the water.

Few scenic drives in Los Angeles show as many neighborhoods in a single trip. Midday travel keeps the pace comfortable, since rush hour turns the route into a crawl.

5. Angeles Crest Highway

State Route 2 leaves La Cañada Flintridge and climbs into the San Gabriel Mountains through pine forest and open overlooks. Temperatures drop as the elevation rises, so a light jacket helps even in summer.

Of all the scenic drives around Los Angeles, this one feels the most remote. Sections sometimes close for weather or repairs, so checking Caltrans before departure is wise, and snow can appear at higher points in winter. Fill the tank beforehand, because services are few once the climb begins.

6. Palos Verdes Drive

The Palos Verdes Peninsula feels removed from the city grid. Palos Verdes Drive hugs the coastal bluffs and passes Wayfarers Chapel, Point Vicente Lighthouse, and a series of rocky coves. Gray whales can be spotted from the lighthouse area in winter and early spring.

Traffic stays light and the curves are gentle, making this one of the best scenic drives Los Angeles offers for relaxed sightseeing. Bring a picnic, since the clifftop parks are ideal for a long stop.

7. Topanga Canyon Boulevard

State Route 27 winds through a wooded canyon between the San Fernando Valley and the coast. Oaks and sycamores shade the pavement, and the small community of Topanga offers cafes and shops that suit a short break.

The route links neatly with Pacific Coast Highway, forming a loop that is among the most varied Los Angeles scenic drives for a single afternoon. Morning light filters through the trees especially well, and the cooler air makes a welcome change from the beach.

8. Malibu Canyon Road

Malibu Canyon Road drops toward the coast between rugged rock walls, with tight curves that call for steady attention. Malibu Creek State Park sits nearby along Las Virgenes Road, offering hiking trails and the former filming site of the TV series MAS*H.

Drivers who want a longer outing can combine the route with Mulholland Highway for a loop through the mountains. It is one of the quieter Los Angeles scenic drives, so it suits travelers who prefer solitude over crowds. Photo stops are limited, so pick them ahead of time.

9. Arroyo Seco Parkway

Opened in 1940, the Arroyo Seco Parkway connects Pasadena with downtown Los Angeles and is often described as the first freeway in the West. Stone bridges, a tree-lined arroyo, short on-ramps, and low speed limits give it a vintage feel.

Among scenic drives around Los Angeles, it offers a rare look at early road design. Visitors can pair it with a stop at the Rose Bowl or Old Pasadena, both only minutes from the northern end.

Explore With a Local Guide

Not every visitor wants to manage canyon curves and parking while trying to enjoy the view. With We Love LA Tour, you can book a private Los Angeles one-day tour where an experienced guide handles the driving and the route. Coastal and hillside stops fit alongside landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign, Santa Monica Pier, and Beverly Hills.

For travelers wondering about the best way to see Los Angeles in one dayhttps://www.welovelatour.com/post/the-best-routes-for-a-scenic-full-day-private-tour-of-los-angeles, a well-planned private itinerary can make it easier to combine major landmarks with scenic stops without spending too much time navigating between them. We Love LA Tour builds half-day and full-day itineraries around each group's interests, and its guests have left more than 3,700 five-star reviews. Anyone unsure which scenic drives in Los Angeles fit a limited schedule can ask the team to recommend a plan.

Where the Road Takes You Next

From the oceanfront stretches of Highway 1 to the pine-lined climb of Angeles Crest, these routes show how much variety exists within a single county. Each drive suits a different mood, and combining two or three makes a full day without much backtracking. Anyone planning a trip should treat scenic drives in Los Angeles as part of the itinerary rather than a way to get between stops. For travelers looking to explore beyond the city, scenic road trips from Los Angeles can also offer a chance to discover coastal towns, mountain landscapes, and other beautiful destinations across Southern California.

Visitors who prefer to leave the navigation to someone else can contact We Love LA Tour and build a private day around their favorite scenic drives around Los Angeles. A local guide, a comfortable vehicle, and a flexible schedule leave more attention for the view, and We Love LA Tour takes care of the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best time of day to hit these roads?

A: Mid-morning on weekdays is usually the smoothest. Sunset works well for the coast and ridgeline overlooks, though those spots get busy.

Q: How long does the Pacific Coast Highway drive take?

A: The Santa Monica to Malibu stretch takes about an hour without stops. Allow half a day if you want beach breaks and a meal.

Q: Do I need a special car for the mountain roads?

A: No, a standard car handles them fine. Just check Caltrans for closures before heading up Angeles Crest.

Q: Is it better to drive myself or book a guide?

A: Driving yourself gives total freedom, while a guide removes the navigation and parking stress. It comes down to how much of the day you want to spend behind the wheel.

Q: Can I combine more than one route in a day?

A: Yes, pairing nearby roads like Topanga Canyon and PCH works well. Two or three routes make a comfortable day.