Southern California packs dramatic coastlines, high desert, and alpine forests into a compact radius—perfect for a low-drive road trip. This 5-day loop from Los Angeles keeps daily drive times under three hours while maximizing park time, scenic hikes, and great local food.

You’ll watch the sun melt into the Pacific in Malibu, wander Joshua Tree’s otherworldly boulders, ride an aerial tram into a cool cedar forest on Mount San Jacinto, and unwind in the artsy mountain village of Idyllwild. Expect big-sky stargazing, short but rewarding trails, and a steady rhythm: explore by day, dine well by night.

Practical notes: Carry more water than you think you need (at least 3 liters per person on desert days), start hikes early, and check temperatures and trail advisories. Park fees as of 2025: Joshua Tree $30/vehicle (7-day pass), Indian Canyons $12–$15 per adult, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway ~$30–$40/adult. Cell service is spotty in Joshua Tree and Idyllwild—download offline maps.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is your gateway: ocean breezes, canyon trails, and coastal sunsets. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area threads through the city’s western edge, offering Topanga, Solstice Canyon, and Sandstone Peak—wild spaces minutes from world-class dining.

Use this first afternoon to slip into the California pace: a coastal hike, beach golden hour, tacos or seafood, and a restful night before the desert.

• Top park moments: Solstice Canyon waterfall ruins (easy 3 mi), Sandstone Peak (6 mi, highest point in the range), El Matador Beach sea stacks at sunset.
• Where to stay: Browse stays on VRBO Los Angeles or hotels via Hotels.com Los Angeles—prioritize Santa Monica, Malibu, or Pacific Palisades for quick park access.
• Getting in: Fly into LAX; compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Expect extensive rental car options at LAX.

Palm Springs (Gateway to Joshua Tree & Idyllwild)

Palm Springs anchors your desert-and-mountains days. Mid-century architecture meets towering palms, with trailheads minutes away. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to Mount San Jacinto State Park for cool alpine air, then descend to Indian Canyons to walk stream-fed oases and palm-lined canyons.

It’s also your urban base for dining, pool time, and spa-worthy relaxation between hikes. Joshua Tree National Park lies an hour away; the forested hamlet of Idyllwild sits up the scenic Highway 74.

• Don’t miss: Desert View Trail at San Jacinto (2 mi views), Andreas Canyon loop (1 mi under fan palms), Moorten Botanical Garden’s “cactarium.”
• Where to stay: Search VRBO Palm Springs or Hotels.com Palm Springs for pools and walkable food. Prefer to sleep near the park? Try VRBO Joshua Tree or Hotels.com Joshua Tree.
• Getting from LA: Drive ~2–2.5 hours (105–120 miles) via I‑10; fuel ~$20–$35. Optional flight LAX→PSP ~1 hour; compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Day 1: Arrive in LA, Coast and Canyons (≤ 1 hour driving)

Morning: Arrival day—aim to land by midday. If you’re local, grab coffee at Goodboybob in Santa Monica and a light breakfast at Gjusta (smoked fish plates, bakery magic). Pick up the car and pack layers: it can be breezy on the coast.

Afternoon: Drive PCH to Malibu (30–45 minutes). Stretch your legs on the Solstice Canyon loop (easy, shaded, creekside ruins). If you want a summit, choose Sandstone Peak (6 miles, 1,600 ft gain) for sweeping Channel Islands views—start no later than 3pm in winter, 4pm in summer.

Evening: Catch a golden-hour walk at El Matador Beach among sea stacks and tidepools. Dinner: Malibu Seafood (casual, order-at-counter grilled local fish) or Broad Street Oyster Co. (Malibu Country Mart; indulgent lobster rolls). Overnight on the Westside—see VRBO Los Angeles or Hotels.com Los Angeles.

Day 2: Joshua Tree National Park (2.5–3 hours driving)

Morning: Early breakfast in Santa Monica (Bagel sandwich at Wexler’s), then depart by 8am. Drive ~2.5–3 hours to Joshua Tree National Park via I‑10 and the West Entrance. Start at Hidden Valley (1-mile loop) to get up close to jumbo boulders and learn about 1930s cattle rustler lore.

Afternoon: Grab lunch: Crossroads Cafe (solid sandwiches, vegetarian-friendly) or Joshua Tree Saloon (burgers, local vibe). Hike Barker Dam (1.3 miles; petroglyphs, occasional water) and detour to the photogenic Skull Rock. If skies are clear, drive to Keys View for a panorama of the Coachella Valley and San Andreas Fault.

Evening: Time the Cholla Cactus Garden for sunset glow—stay on signed paths. Dinner and live music at Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown (book ahead). Stargaze from Cap Rock pullout or your rental’s hot tub—Joshua Tree’s dark skies often reveal the Milky Way in summer. Sleep near the park: browse VRBO Joshua Tree or Hotels.com Joshua Tree. Park entry: $30/vehicle valid 7 days.

Day 3: Palm Springs + Mount San Jacinto State Park (≈ 1 hour driving)

Morning: Espresso at Joshua Tree Coffee Company and a breakfast burrito from The Dez. Drive ~1 hour to Palm Springs. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up 2.5 miles to 8,516 ft; hike the gentle Desert View Trail (2 miles) through Jeffrey pines to overlook points with sweeping desert vistas.

Afternoon: Lunch at Peaks Restaurant at the Mountain Station (big views) or descend for The Sandwich Spot (house-baked bread). Explore Indian Canyons: Andreas Canyon (1-mile loop along a year-round stream) or Palm Canyon (choose an out-and-back). Entry ~$12–$15 per adult. Quick botanical detour: the historic Moorten Botanical Garden “cactarium.”

Evening: Stroll Palm Canyon Drive. Dinner choices: Workshop Kitchen + Bar (wood-fired, seasonal; James Beard–recognized), Birba (alfresco pizza and cocktails), or Rooster and the Pig (modern Vietnamese—go early). Nightcap at Seymour’s (classic cocktails behind Mr. Lyons). Overnight: pool time via VRBO Palm Springs or Hotels.com Palm Springs.

Day 4: Scenic Highway 74 to Idyllwild (≈ 1–1.5 hours driving)

Morning: Breakfast at Cheeky’s (farm-to-table, famous bacon flight) or Koffi South for a quick bite. Drive the serpentine Palms to Pines Highway (CA‑74) up to Idyllwild—watch the desert give way to boulders, pines, and crisp air.

Afternoon: Stop at the Idyllwild Nature Center for exhibits and short meadow loops, then hike the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail (up to 4.6 miles round-trip; moderate; views of Tahquitz Rock). Coffee and pastry at Idyllwild Bake Shop & Brew. Browse galleries and woodcraft shops around The Village Lane.

Evening: Dinner at Gastrognome (mountain-lodge classics) or Ferro (wood-fired Italian). Live music at the Idyllwild Brewpub. Stargazing is superb on clear nights. Overnight in a cabin—see VRBO Idyllwild or Hotels.com Idyllwild.

Day 5: Idyllwild Morning Hike, Return to LA (≈ 2–2.5 hours driving)

Morning: Squeeze in a short hike: Lake Fulmor loop (easy, reflective pond) or the first mile of the Devil’s Slide Trail from Humber Park (steep but rewarding granite views). Brunch at The Red Kettle (hearty diner plates) before departure.

Afternoon: Drive back to Los Angeles via I‑10 or CA‑60 (2–2.5 hours, ~120 miles). If you have buffer time, roll your legs at LA State Historic Park—a green window to downtown’s skyline. Drop the car and prepare for your flight; compare options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: Departure day. If you’re extending in LA, celebrate with tacos at Guisados (stewed fillings on fresh tortillas) or Taiwanese plates at Pine & Crane in Silver Lake.

What to pack and know: Wide-brim hat, sun shirt, trail shoes with grip, headlamp, and extra water. Always check trail conditions (heat, wind, snow at high elevations). Rattlesnakes are part of the ecosystem—give them space. Your daily drive time on this loop stays under three hours, keeping the trip restorative rather than rushed.

In five days you’ll trace a beautiful circle: surf-touched canyons to high desert wonderland, up to pine forests and back to the City of Angels. Short drives, big landscapes, and memorable meals—this is Southern California at its most relaxed and rewarding.