No matter where you look, Southern California is easily one of the prettiest destinations in the entire country — and while we love the views you’ll find along the Pacific Coast Highway, sometimes traveling inland is even better. So, today, we’re taking you on a magical journey on one of the best scenic drives in Southern California, and maybe even America as a whole. Who would’ve guessed one of the best SoCal drives also happens to be one of the most under-appreciated?!
Welcome to the Palomar Mountain Loop, a phenomenal scenic drive hidden in San Diego County that you have to experience at least once if you’re interested in jaw-dropping vistas and a fun drive. And really, who isn’t?
Art4TheGlryOfGod by Sharon/Flickr
You’ll start your journey in Pauma Valley and climb your way up in elevation to Palomar Mountain State Park before descending towards Lake Henshaw and back to your starting point.
Joe Wolf/Flickr
The Palomar Mountain Loop, while absolutely gorgeous, is a doozy, to say the least. With crazy curves, drastic elevation changes, and hairpin turns, this is one drive that’s not for the faint of heart…. but it is fun!
Joe Wolf/Flickr
Motorcycle riders agree that this is one of Southern California’s best routes to enjoy on a bike, but it remains underappreciated among those who choose to travel by car.
Bill Dickinson/Flickr
The entire drive will take at least an hour and a half, not accounting for the stops you’ll make along the way.
Joe Wolf/Flickr
You’ll definitely want to bring your camera along and make a few stops for photographs. Lake Henshaw, in particular, is quite picturesque.
Photographer/Flickr
You will also pass through Palomar Mountain State Park and the Cleveland National Forest, where you will find countless scenic points and spots perfect for an afternoon picnic.
Joe Wolf/Flickr
Traveling through a lush forest along a winding road, this is one scenic drive you won’t want to miss — especially if you love technical driving as much as you love panoramic views.
Abraxas3d/Flickr
So, what do you think? Could this be one of the best scenic drives in Southern California? Learn more about Palomar Mountain State Park here, and more about the Cleveland National Forest here. Have you ever driven along the Palomar Mountain Loop? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
Art4TheGlryOfGod by Sharon/Flickr
Joe Wolf/Flickr
Bill Dickinson/Flickr
Photographer/Flickr
Abraxas3d/Flickr
Also, make sure to check out some more incredible scenic backroads in Southern California.
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Address: Palomar Mountain View Road, Palomar Mountain View Rd, California 92065, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Scenic Drives In Southern California March 08, 2022 Marisa Roman What is the best scenic drive in Southern California? Anyone searching for scenic drives near me who happen to be in Southern California will have their pick of roadways, byways, and highways. But if we can narrow down one particular drive as being one of the most beautiful, then we recommend tackling The Rim of the World Scenic Byway. Clocking in at 107 miles, it is SoCal’s longest scenic route, but also one of the most stunning. Get ready to roll your windows down, blast some tunes, and see the best of what Southern California has to offer. What are the most unique drives in Southern California? There’s nothing like hopping in the car to seek out some of the best views in Southern California. We have a list of the 10 best backgrounds in Southern California perfect for a scenic drive that will really give you a feel for the area. Start with a trip up through Angeles Crest Highway which stretches up a scenic rural mountain 44 miles. Or naturally the Pacific Coast Highway, one of the most famous scenic drives in the entire state of California. What’s the most beautiful hike in Southern California? When seeking out the prettiest places in Southern California, there are a lot of different attractions that can come to mind. But nothing really compares to a beautiful hiking trail. Tucking yourself into the fresh air and enjoying the SoCal sun really can make for the perfect experience. We have a list of 10 scenic hikes under 5 miles that everyone in Southern California should take. Start by trekking Lake Calavera in Carlsbad and then check out Paradise Falls at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Scenic Drives In Southern California
March 08, 2022
Marisa Roman
What is the best scenic drive in Southern California? Anyone searching for scenic drives near me who happen to be in Southern California will have their pick of roadways, byways, and highways. But if we can narrow down one particular drive as being one of the most beautiful, then we recommend tackling The Rim of the World Scenic Byway. Clocking in at 107 miles, it is SoCal’s longest scenic route, but also one of the most stunning. Get ready to roll your windows down, blast some tunes, and see the best of what Southern California has to offer. What are the most unique drives in Southern California? There’s nothing like hopping in the car to seek out some of the best views in Southern California. We have a list of the 10 best backgrounds in Southern California perfect for a scenic drive that will really give you a feel for the area. Start with a trip up through Angeles Crest Highway which stretches up a scenic rural mountain 44 miles. Or naturally the Pacific Coast Highway, one of the most famous scenic drives in the entire state of California. What’s the most beautiful hike in Southern California? When seeking out the prettiest places in Southern California, there are a lot of different attractions that can come to mind. But nothing really compares to a beautiful hiking trail. Tucking yourself into the fresh air and enjoying the SoCal sun really can make for the perfect experience. We have a list of 10 scenic hikes under 5 miles that everyone in Southern California should take. Start by trekking Lake Calavera in Carlsbad and then check out Paradise Falls at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Anyone searching for scenic drives near me who happen to be in Southern California will have their pick of roadways, byways, and highways. But if we can narrow down one particular drive as being one of the most beautiful, then we recommend tackling The Rim of the World Scenic Byway. Clocking in at 107 miles, it is SoCal’s longest scenic route, but also one of the most stunning. Get ready to roll your windows down, blast some tunes, and see the best of what Southern California has to offer.
What are the most unique drives in Southern California?
There’s nothing like hopping in the car to seek out some of the best views in Southern California. We have a list of the 10 best backgrounds in Southern California perfect for a scenic drive that will really give you a feel for the area. Start with a trip up through Angeles Crest Highway which stretches up a scenic rural mountain 44 miles. Or naturally the Pacific Coast Highway, one of the most famous scenic drives in the entire state of California.
What’s the most beautiful hike in Southern California?
When seeking out the prettiest places in Southern California, there are a lot of different attractions that can come to mind. But nothing really compares to a beautiful hiking trail. Tucking yourself into the fresh air and enjoying the SoCal sun really can make for the perfect experience. We have a list of 10 scenic hikes under 5 miles that everyone in Southern California should take. Start by trekking Lake Calavera in Carlsbad and then check out Paradise Falls at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks.
