What better way to change your surroundings, ground yourself and expand your horizons than by going on a road trip? Los Angeles is great, but it can often get overwhelming. Even if you don’t feel overwhelmed by the hustle culture in busy LA, blasting loud music on the highway while traveling to a new locale with your best friends is ALWAYS a good idea. Why not escape from it all for awhile?
Read on for 10 essential road trips from USC.
1. Malibu – 1 hour
Malibu, the perfect place to go if you need to get away from the hustle and bustle on campus. Although you need to drive a longer distance than to Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach or Venice, the views and beauty of the place make up for it. Malibu’s beautiful beach makes for a great swim. You can surf, paddle board or simply enjoy a good book in the white sand. If you want to avoid traffic, driving early in the morning sometimes only takes about 40 minutes.
“I LOVE Malibu! It takes you back to nature. The warm summer air, the gentle beach breeze and the glowing sun is food for the soul. Anytime you need to reconnect with yourself and nature – go to a beach in Malibu, look out over the ocean and the nature will do the rest,” University of Southern California senior Maddy Keller said.
Nothing will make you feel like you’re on vacation as much as going to Malibu does. Even during the busiest times, dedicating a few hours during the day to go to Malibu makes everything better. It’s unexplainable, you simply must see it for yourself. This place never fails to remind me how much I love California and how fortunate I am to spend my college years in Los Angeles.
2. Santa Catalina Island – 1 hour 30 min
Located only a 30-minute drive from campus, at Long Beach or San Pedro you can catch one of the high-speed ferries to take you to the Island. 22 miles and approximately an hour later, you will find yourself on the delightful Catalina Island. This island attracts adventurous individuals looking to zip line or explore the place by foot. For the more relaxed individuals that prefer enjoying lunch at a nice winery and later tanning at the beach, Santa Catalina Island offers something for you too.
3. Santa Barbara – 1 hour 40 min
Relaxed vibes, charming houses, cute cafes, great restaurants and fun bars. If this sounds like something you would enjoy, I present to you your next road trip decision: the city of Santa Barbara. Located on the central California coast, the city reflects immense beauty with its Mediterranean-style buildings with red-tile roofs and views overlooking the blue ocean. Just like Los Angeles, Santa Barbara attracts surfers. However, the two cities generate two completely different vibes. The latter reflecting a calmer, more grounded feeling, something us college students definitely need.
“Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to. There’s so much nature and seeing everybody being out in the sun and walking around with their surf boards makes me want to live somewhere like that one day,” University of Southern California freshman Defne Aslan said.
College imposes a lot of stress on you, something you might not even realize until you take time to reconnect with yourself. Leaving campus often proves more valuable than expected. Santa Barbara makes a great road trip destination for anyone who appreciates ocean views and nature in general. Something about this place (perhaps its location right by the ocean) always serves as a good reminder of the beauty in mother nature. Hopefully, this reminds people of the importance of taking care of our planet.
4. Palm Springs – 1 hour 45 min
Looking for a luxurious getaway not too far from campus? Then look no further. Located in the Californian desert, Palm Springs provides a calm atmosphere for people who love the heat. Here you can find luxurious hotels, spas, golf courses, shopping districts and restaurants. The famous Coachella Valley makes for great hiking, biking and even horseback riding experiences.
“I think Palm Springs is such a sunny feel-good place. If you want something chill, you can just hang out by the pool and drive around in nice neighborhoods looking at modern houses. But you can also be more active and go on hikes in Indian Canyons or visit the Palm Springs art museum,” University of Southern California junior Niki Ekstrom said.
Keep in mind that unless you consider yourself a fan of the heat, do not visit Palm Springs during the summer months. The daily highs reach triple digits during this time period. If none of the attractions mentioned above sound like fun to you, check out the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The tram cars fit up to 80 passengers, taking you along the cliffs of Chino Canyon to the Mountain Station (8,516 ft elevation). At the top you can find a restaurant and a café, along with nature exhibits and hiking trails.
5. San Diego/La Jolla – 2 hours 20 min
If you drive for about two hours along the Pacific coast on the San Diego freeway, you will find yourself in the gorgeous city of San Diego. Great for surfers or anyone who appreciates a change of scenery: beautiful beaches, parks and neighborhoods. If you feel like stretching your college budget slightly, make your way to the wealthy neighborhood, La Jolla. If your budget says “no”, you always can stroll around the city with a nice iced coffee in your hand while window shopping. There’s something for everyone.
6. Big Bear Lake – 2 hours 30 min
Outdoorsy people, you need to visit Big Bear Lake, located in the San Bernardino National Forest. This destination allows you to explore the trails in the beautiful surroundings or pursue water activities. If you prefer skiing, then definitely consider visiting Big Bear during the winter months. Regardless of the season, visiting Big Bear is a must! The village houses loads of dining options with many different cuisines to choose from and the shopping isn’t too bad either.
“It’s a beautiful retreat from the city! It’s wonderful to get away from all the noise and air pollution and just be in nature and feel serene,” University of Southern California sophomore Bradley Norton said.
Wondering if the name of this place holds any meaning? It does. Before being overly hunted you could find this area populated by various bears. You can still find black bears to this day. Tired of the never-ending cycle of studying, writing papers and taking exams? Take a break and check out Big Bear for yourself.
7. Joshua Tree – 3 hours
Only a three-hour drive and you will find yourself in Joshua Tree? Bet! Despite its misleading name, Joshua Tree is actually an inhospitable desert. Native to the Mojave Desert, the Joshua trees belong to the asparagus family requiring full sun and sandy soil to grow, hence their location. Looking to ground yourself in nature while soaking up some sun? If so, you must visit this place.
“It was the first time I had been to California and my first glimpse into a city of immense beauty outside of all the big city life. There were plenty of places to explore, all of which had stories and rich history,” University of Southern California sophomore Amelia Cave said.
In Joshua Tree, you can find walking itineraries, hiking trails or you can try out rock climbing. Whatever activity you decide to indulge in, it will not disappoint. While exploring Joshua Tree, make sure to watch at least one sunset. And, if you need to look for a stay that is quite literally out of this world, there’s a spaceship looking Airbnb available to book in the area.
8. Las Vegas – 4 hours
Vegas, need I say more? A little bit more of a drive but definitely worth it. Las Vegas, a microcosm of America: similar to the country at large, you can find almost anything – from the highest style to the kitschiest. It’s a place where dreams come true and fantasies fulfilled. Here, you can do everything, from gambling to dancing the night away at clubs. If you want a calmer night, why not try one of the many restaurants? Want to visit Egypt, Paris and New York in a single day? Pack your bags, hop in the car and drive to Vegas.
9. Big Sur (highway 101) – 5 hours 30 min
Big Sur, a scenic, long stretch of coast between Los Angeles and San Francisco. If you enjoy seeing some of the prettiest views on the planet then you need to visit Big Sur. Few things generate the same amount of happiness as driving along gorgeous 101 with friends, blasting music and singing (or in my case, moreso screaming) your favorite songs. With a sight like this, photos simply do not do this ride justice, you simply must experience it yourself. Imagine the scenery in Big Little Lies but better.
10. Yosemite – 6 hours
Yosemite, another California landmark. In this national park you can find gorgeous waterfalls, towering granite monoliths, ancient giant sequoias and deep valleys. It’s a place where you expect Lord of the Rings to take place. If you visit this February, you might actually catch the firefall. This phenomenon occurs when the sun is about to set and hits the Horsetail Fall at a certain angle which illuminates the waterfall. Consequently, creating what looks like a firefall as the water glows bright orange and red. This road trip takes the longest time out of the destinations on the list, but in my opinion, its something you must experience.
