Day Trips from Santa Ana
← All Santa Ana day tripsDay Trips from Santa Ana: Scenic Drives & Road Trips
The most beautiful scenic drives and road trip routes within reach of Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana
Lookout Point Glendora Mountain Road
La Verne, CA 91750
Just 1 hr from Santa Ana, 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.
Scenic Outlook - Vistapoint
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Just 59 min from Santa Ana, 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.
Scenic Overlook
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Just 57 min from Santa Ana, 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.
Mulholland Highway Scenic Drive
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Just 1 hr 23 min from Santa Ana, 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.
The Lookout
Palomar Mountain, CA 92060
Just 1 hr 60 min from Santa Ana, 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.
San Diego Skyline Viewpoint
Coronado, CA 92118
Just 1 hr 29 min from Santa Ana, 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.
Rim of the World Scenic Drive
San Bernardino, CA 92404
Just 1 hr 28 min from Santa Ana, 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 1 hr 19 min from Santa Ana, 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.
Sunrise National Scenic Byway
CA 91962, USA
Just 1 hr 55 min from Santa Ana, 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.
Scenic overlook of Ojai
CA-150, Ojai
Just 2 hrs 8 min from Santa Ana, 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 7 min from Santa Ana, 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.
View Point
Azusa, CA 91702
Just 58 min from Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana
What are the best scenic drives near Santa Ana, CA?
The best scenic drives near Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana?
Most scenic drives near Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana?
Fall (mid-September through October) is peak season for scenic drives near Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana?
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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