Feeling in the mood to appreciate fantastic city views with a special someone, and don’t want to take a strenuous hike?
California has always been big on car culture and we have some pretty incredible choices when it comes to cruising.
In this article we share some awesome overlooks and scenic drives with the best views of the city, mountains and Ocean.
There is nothing like cruising down the road in Cali on a sunny day with the drop top down and the wind in your hair.
Here are our picks of 5 scenic and romantic drives in Los Angeles.
1 – Mulholland Drive
Description:
Take a scenic drive to the winding paths of beautiful Mulholland Drive. This famous road has some of the most spectacular overlooks of the city, and it’s home to some of the most expensive houses in the world.
When cruising Mulholland you can enjoy the stunning canyon views and stop at overlooks to take some beautiful pictures.
One of our favorite ones is on the North side of Mulholland drive, the Universal City Overlook, here you can catch spectacular sunsets and views of the San Fernando and Verdugo Hills.
Location: 8591 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Pic Credit: @antoniomcccoy
2 -Griffith Park Observatory
Description:
Voted by many in Los Angeles as the spot with the best views of the city is the Griffith Observatory. You can cruise all the way up to the parking lot next to it if you don’t feel like walking up the hill.
Its one of the best places to get those incredible city and mountain views at the same time including a clear shot of the famous Hollywood Sign. The Observatory is picture perfect anytime of the day.
There are so many spots to choose from on the grounds for amazing selfies or group pics.
Take in the incredible sunset views, or stay a bit longer for some of the most splendorous city lights displays. After just one visit you will know why any article talking about the best views in Los Angeles has to include the Observatory.
Location: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
PIC Credit: @californialove
3 – Lake Hollywood Park
Description:
Like a good shot of the Hollywood Sign? Who says you need to hike to get one. Hollywood Lake Park is popular for some of the best views of the Hollywood Sign, and its grassy field always invites for relaxing times.
The drive up to Lake Hollywood Park can be winding and tight but it offers some of the most amazing views you can find of Hollywood directly behind the wheel of your ride.
Lake Hollywood Park is a large grassy field near man-made Lake Hollywood (Reservoir) and right smack dab under the world famous Hollywood sign.
If you want to cruise on over there go early to get a good parking spot, especially when the tour busses are going.
Location:3160 Canyon Lake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
PIC Credit: @gabriellawisdom
4 – Palos Verdes Scenic Drive
Description:
One of the most spectacular scenic drives near Los Angeles is without a doubt gorgeous Palos Verdes. From the border of the city of Torrance to almost all the way to the sign of welcome to San Pedro, you can encounter miles and miles of spectacular beautiful nature and ocean all around.
Driving by the rocky cliffs with the Ocean below there are tons of spots to stop for pictures or jus to simply take a breath and appreciate the beauty surrounding you.
You can choose to stop at any of the overlooks for impressive ocean views and cliff tops or even park for a walk like at the small parking lot at Paseo del Mar/Palos Verdes Dr. to take a pick of Santa Monica Mountains.
If you want a ride with breathtaking views you have so many choices by driving through some of the most beautiful places in Palos Verdes such as Abalone Cove shoreline park, Point Vicente Lighthouse, Pelican Cove Park, and Founders Park, just to name a few.
Location:Palos verdes peninsula ca
PIC Credit: @palosverdespeninsula
5 – Malibu Canyon to PCH
Description:
There is no other place a car ride from Los Angeles that makes me feel like I went on a dreamy exotic vacation than a trip to incredible Malibu.
Yes traffic can be crazy and it can be a long drive at busy times but what better place to be in your car? If you have seen the “Malibu 21 miles of scenic beauty” sign you know that they are telling 100% truth.
A drive to Malibu is one of the most striking scenic drives you can take. Not only in California but probably the world.
You can drive to Las Virgenes Road right where it says scenic drive begins and you will discover stunning views of Santa Monica Mountains.
Continue driving all the way to PCH for delightful 21 miles of ocean views, or stop to catch a marvelous sunset. And if you want to treat yourself after a long ride stop by one of the great restaurants over the water for cocktails and possibly even a dolphin sighting!
Location: Malibu Canyon to pch scenic drive
PIC Credit: @lennylama1
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!