Where to Go for Some Moderately Scenic Drives? (Calabasas: car, highway)

[Avalon08]

A little off the beaten path scenic overlook is Crescent Bay Point Park off PCH in Laguna. Stunning coastline view.

[Forever Blue]

Thanks guys, I'll make note of these. Anything else? I'll keep checking back.

[Avalon08]

Originally Posted by kwong7

Nice. I haven't been to Irvine Lake in 22 years. Maybe I'll take our Tesla around those scenic roads for some carbon-neutral enjoyment. I've been wanting to take our Duramax out to Maple Springs in Silverado...not sure if those truck trails are open during COVID.


As for nice scenic drives, my wife and I have driven down to San Clemente, around Newport Coast, through the roads of the Long Beach Grand Prix (halfway setup before the Shutdown), San Pedro (Korean Friendship Bell), Watts Tower (under renovation), and the lighthouse at Palos Verdes throughout this COVID-era.

One of my first scenic drives when I moved to OC was coming back from Torrance, where I had to go to pick out the flooring for my new condo. I decided to just veer off to Palos Verdes Peninsula and wow, was it beautiful. I was surprised at the number of locals who had never done the drive. I guess unless you lived there, you'd have no reason to be taking that route. It became a regular attraction whenever I'd have visitors from the East.

[Podo944]

Originally Posted by Forever Blue

During these last 6 mos since COVID started, I've gone on some drives just for a change fo scenery, but I'm so sick of driving along PCH. I've done that several times from Long Beach to Laguna Beach.

I've driven up to Wrightwood once, but don't really care to go that direction.

I need more ideas, please! Anywhere in this county, LA, or San Bernardino County. TIA!

For a day trip, Highway 18 from Crestline to Big Bear. Lived up in those mountains for a few years, never ceased to amaze.
If you have a weekend, drive up and down the 395 on the eastern sierras from Lone Pine to the Twin Lakes in Bridgeport! One of our favorite highways! Don't forget to check out the gondola in Mammoth Lakes when it's open during winter and Bodie Ghost Town after the snow melts.

[Bert_from_back_East]

Originally Posted by Avalon08

One of my first scenic drives when I moved to OC was coming back from Torrance, where I had to go to pick out the flooring for my new condo. I decided to just veer off to Palos Verdes Peninsula and wow, was it beautiful. I was surprised at the number of locals who had never done the drive. I guess unless you lived there, you'd have no reason to be taking that route. It became a regular attraction whenever I'd have visitors from the East.

One of my favorite vistas at the Palos Verdes Peninsula is the stretch of Hawthorne Boulevard from the junction of Crest Road, near the shopping plaza anchored by Ralphs, to the junction of Palos Verdes Drive, especially on a clear day when Santa Catalina Island is fully visible on the horizon. I would argue that this is one of the most dramatic ocean vistas in all of Southern California.

[forzalugano]

Go through Temecula wine country, in the backside of Temcula vineyards. Then you can drive to Idylwild (1 hour, No mountain driving), or turn right in Mountain Center and drop into Bighorn, Palm Desert and El Paseo (about 15-20 of winding roads, also about 1 hour from Temecula Wine Country)

[Forever Blue]

Thanks a lot guys! Any more?

[NORTY FLATZ]

www.myscenicdrives.com

[Justabystander]

If you are looking to stay local in OC, why not Skyline Drive in Fullerton's Raymond Hills or going into La Habra Heights? Anywhere hills are with a view are good drives, you don't have to go way out.

[American_Renaissance]

Originally Posted by RG1981

The 101 between the Valley and Ventura is really nice.

Reyes Adobe 1966

Here's Highway 101 (before it was realigned as the Ventura Freeway) at the Calabasas grade looking west, 1950s. No ugly car dealerships.

Looking west into the SFV 1950s