Day Trips from Riverside
← All Riverside day tripsDay Trips from Riverside: Scenic Drives & Road Trips
The most beautiful scenic drives and road trip routes within reach of Riverside, CA. Winding back roads, dramatic overlooks, and picture-perfect byways that make the drive itself the destination. Drive times and route info included.
12 scenic drives near Riverside
Lookout Point Glendora Mountain Road
La Verne, CA 91750
Just 1 hr 4 min from Riverside, rated 5.0 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Cloudland Truck Trail Scenic View
San Bernardino, CA 92407
Just 35 min from Riverside, rated 5.0 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Mulholland Highway Scenic Drive
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Just 1 hr 37 min from Riverside, rated 4.9 stars, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
San Diego Skyline Viewpoint
Coronado, CA 92118
Just 1 hr 39 min from Riverside, rated 4.9 stars by 821 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Scenic Overlook
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Just 1 hr 23 min from Riverside, rated 4.9 stars by 104 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Scenic Outlook - Vistapoint
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Just 1 hr 26 min from Riverside, rated 4.9 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
The Lookout
Palomar Mountain, CA 92060
Just 1 hr 37 min from Riverside, rated 4.9 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Sunrise National Scenic Byway
CA 91962, USA
Just 2 hrs 2 min from Riverside, rated 4.8 stars by 105 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Rim of the World Scenic Drive
San Bernardino, CA 92404
Just 49 min from Riverside, rated 4.8 stars by 116 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Red Rock Scenic Overlook
Rimforest, CA 92378
Just 40 min from Riverside, rated 4.8 stars by 148 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Scenic overlook of Ojai
CA-150, Ojai
Just 2 hrs 21 min from Riverside, rated 4.8 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Coldburst Canyon Viewpoint
Canyon Viewpoint, Azusa
Just 1 hr 10 min from Riverside, rated 4.7 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scenic Drives Day Trips from Riverside
What are the best scenic drives near Riverside, CA?
The best scenic drives near Riverside include national scenic byways, state route back roads, and lakefront highways with dramatic views. Check the destinations above for top-rated scenic stops along these routes.
How long are the scenic drives from Riverside?
Most scenic drives near Riverside range from 1-4 hours one way. Many can be done as a loop or combined with stops for hiking, dining, or small-town exploring to fill a full day.
What is the best time of year for scenic drives near Riverside?
Fall (mid-September through October) is peak season for scenic drives near Riverside, with spectacular foliage. Spring wildflower season and summer green are also beautiful. Winter drives can be dramatic but check road conditions first.
What should I bring on a scenic drive from Riverside?
Bring a full tank of gas, snacks, water, and a camera. Cell service is unreliable on many scenic routes, so download maps beforehand. Pack layers since temperatures at overlooks can be cooler than in the city.
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