The best road trip destinations from LA

Not to bash my city, but sometimes leaving LA is the best part of living in LA. Why? Because there are so many great destinations just a short car journey away. Los Angeles certainly has a lot to offer, but it doesn’t hurt to explore the area. For example, if you go 90 miles north, you’ll come to some Travel + Leisure mentions the best resort in all of California: San Ysidro Ranch. Or you can head 110 miles south and visit the newly renovated inn at Rancho Santa Fe, where tennis, golf, and a spa day await. Whichever direction your GPS points you, you’re bound to find something amazing, as long as you read my guide of course.

Below I’ve collected my favorite places within a six-hour drive of Los Angeles. (If you’re not into long drives, don’t worry. Most of them are less than three hours away.) From a vibrant new hotel in Palm Springs to an old-world gem in La Jolla, these hotels are worth it more than worth pulling through the traffic.

Emerald Lake House

Designed by Jenni Kayne, this is the most stylish Airbnb in Lake Arrowhead. Look at that view! Even if there is a lot of traffic, you can reach this cute mountain spot in about two hours. This immaculate home can accommodate up to eight guests with its four bedrooms and five bathrooms. Prices start at $1000 per night.

Life House, Palm Springs

I love the retro mid-century decor at the new Life House Hotel in Palm Springs. Open since November 2023, the hotel combines the enigmatic beauty of the Coachella Valley with the glamor of Old Hollywood, according to its website. Sounds right up my alley. My favorite part? It is pet friendly. Prices start at $159 per night.

The Rancho Santa Fe Inn

This 100-year-old historic hotel reopened in November 2023 after extensive renovations. How chic is this decor? It is located in Rancho Santa Fe, one of San Diego’s poshest neighborhoods, about a two-hour drive from downtown Los Angeles. As a native San Diegan, I came here for a staycation to celebrate my 30th birthday, and I can’t wait to return to see all the renovated features. Rooms start at $399 per night.

Hotel Joaquin

When I asked our OC-born editor about the most stylish hotel in her area, she quickly responded with Hotel Joaquin. The property is perfectly located within walking distance of downtown Laguna Beach and Shaws Cove Beach. Rooms at this impeccably designed hotel start at $319 per night.

Capri hotel

Stepping into the Capri Hotel in Ojai is like taking a time machine back to the 1960s. The mid-century model hotel was completely renovated in 2020, so you get the best of both worlds: a historic property with modern touches. Rooms start at $250 per night.

Post Ranch Inn

If you’re up for a longer road trip and the ultimate luxury stay, head to Post Ranch Inn. It takes about six hours from downtown Los Angeles, but the trip is well worth it. The detached tree house is my ultimate dream stay, but you can’t go wrong with any of the beautiful rooms. The luxury hotel rooms start at $1400 per night.

House Cody

Casa Cody has the distinction of being Palm Springs’ oldest operating hotel. Founder Harriet Cody turned her home into a charming hotel in the 1920s after traveling by wagon from Hollywood to Palm Springs. Rooms at this pet-friendly spot start at $220 per night.

San Ysidro Ranch

San Ysidro Ranch has a lot of selling points, but one of my favorite fun facts is that the hotel hosted John and Jackie Kennedy on their honeymoon in 1953. More than 70 years later, you can still stay in the 2,700-square-foot cottage that was where the couple stayed in – it is aptly called the Kennedy house. The 131-year-old resort is located in Montecito, near Santa Barbara, spread over 550 hectares. Rooms start at $2495 per night.

White water

Just under a four-hour drive from downtown Los Angeles, between Big Sur and Santa Barbara, lies the adorable coastal town of Cambria. With its beautiful views and first-class furnishings, White Water is the best place to stay in the area. Rooms start at $214 per night.

Hotel Marina Riviera

How lucky is Los Angeles that you can ski from the beach within two hours? Whether you’re into snow sports or not, Big Bear is a must-visit for anyone living in LA. I’ve been going to the mountain town since I was a kid and I’ve always stayed at Hotel Marina Riviera because of its lakeside location, steps from the center of town. The hotel recently reopened after extensive renovations. Rooms start at $159 per night.

Pioneertown Motel

Fancy a desert destination? Look no further than the quaint Pioneertown Motel near Joshua Tree. Be sure to pack your cowboy boots for this western-themed spot, located right next to the legendary Pappy + Harriet’s restaurant, known for its live music. (Paul McCartney has been known to drop by for impromptu performances.) Rooms start at $215 per night.

Valencia

Call me biased because this is where my grandparents celebrated their anniversary every year, but La Valencia is a must-see if you’re in La Jolla. The ocean view location and 102 year history simply can’t be beat. Prices start at $333 per night.

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