Planning the Perfect Southern California Road Trip
If you're planning to hit the road in your electric vehicle, you're in luck—Southern California has everything you need for the ultimate EV-friendly adventure! With its varied landscapes, scenic routes, and an ever-expanding network of charging stations, SoCal offers some of the best road trip options around. Starting from Rove - Santa Ana makes it simple to set off with a full charge and a few helpful tips.
Choose your adventure: whether you're craving a coastal drive, desert gems, wine country, or a mountain retreat, we've got routes and destinations to match!
1. Scenic Coastline Drives
One of the best parts of road-tripping in SoCal is the stunning coastline, and there’s no better way to take in the Pacific than with a drive along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Cruise up from Malibu, or head south toward San Diego for beach views, charming small towns, and great restaurants along the way.
San Diego
San Diego Route Tip: Starting from Rove - Santa Ana, head to the PCH (California State Route 1) to experience sweeping ocean views, coastal landmarks, and plenty of pit stops. The PCH offers the perfect blend of laid-back vibes and stunning scenery, passing through charming beach towns like Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and Oceanside before you arrive in San Diego.
What to See Along the Way:
Laguna Beach – This artsy beach town is known for its galleries, boutiques, and, of course, the iconic sandy shores. Grab a coffee and enjoy the scenic overlooks.
Dana Point Harbor – Stop here for whale-watching tours, local seafood, and coastal charm.
Oceanside Pier – A quick stop at Oceanside’s historic pier offers a chance to stretch your legs, grab a snack, and soak in more ocean views.
Malibu Route Tip: From Rove - Santa Ana, take the I-405 north and connect to California State Route 1 (PCH). The Pacific Coast Highway will lead you right up the coast, passing through Huntington Beach, Long Beach, and Santa Monica before reaching the breathtaking shores of Malibu. This drive winds through some of SoCal’s most iconic coastal towns, giving you plenty of chances to pause and enjoy the sights.
Must-See Stops Along the Way:
Huntington Beach – Known as “Surf City, USA,” Huntington Beach is a great place to start with a coffee on the pier or a walk along the beach.
Santa Monica Pier – Here’s a chance to explore the iconic pier, with its Ferris wheel, games, and casual oceanfront dining options.
Malibu Pier & Surfrider Beach – Once you arrive in Malibu, the pier offers perfect ocean views and a laid-back vibe. Head to Surfrider Beach, a world-famous surf spot, for a walk or even a surf lesson, if you’re up for it!
2. Mountain Retreats for the Adventurous
For those who love a change of scenery, Southern California’s mountains offer cooler weather, fresh air, and plenty of hiking spots. Head up to Big Bear Lake, or Lake Arrowhead for a day or weekend in nature.
Big Bear Route Tip: From Rove - Santa Ana, start by heading north on the I-215, and connect to CA-330 North. This scenic route takes you from bustling city streets to winding mountain roads, lined with pine trees and lookout points. As you ascend, the temperatures drop, the air feels fresher, and the views become more expansive. Keep your camera ready—there are plenty of places to pull over and soak in the sights on the way up.
Must-See Stops Along the Way:
Arrowhead Springs – Located on the way up, this area is a great place for a quick stretch or scenic stop. Surrounded by historic architecture and mineral springs, it’s a peaceful spot to pause and take in the mountain atmosphere.
Running Springs – This charming mountain town has cozy coffee shops and restaurants, perfect for a warm drink or a quick bite to fuel up before the final stretch to Big Bear.
The Viewpoints – As you climb, there are designated viewpoints along CA-330 where you can pull over and capture stunning photos of the San Bernardino Mountains, especially beautiful during the fall and winter months.
Lake Arrow Head Route Tip: Start from Rove - Santa Ana and take I-15 North before connecting to CA-18, which winds up into the mountains. The drive offers dramatic elevation changes, turning from cityscapes into winding mountain roads, where you’ll be surrounded by forest views as you climb toward Lake Arrowhead. It's a scenic drive, with turnouts along the way for you to stretch, admire the view, and snap a few photos.
Must-See Stops Along the Way:
Silverwood Lake – Before reaching Lake Arrowhead, you’ll pass Silverwood Lake, a beautiful spot to take in mountain and lake views. This reservoir is great for a quick scenic stop or even a picnic if you’ve got time.
Lake Arrowhead Village – Once you arrive, head to Lake Arrowhead Village, a charming spot with shops, eateries, and outdoor seating that overlooks the lake. Try a bite at one of the local restaurants or simply walk the village pathways to take in the sights.
The Lake Arrowhead Scenic Byway – For a deeper dive into nature, explore this winding road around the lake, which offers multiple lookout points and trails with peaceful forest and lake views.
4. Desert Escapes and Hidden Gems
There’s something magical about a drive through the desert, and SoCal’s Mojave Desert is a stunning sight, especially in the early morning or at sunset. Whether you’re headed to Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, or further out to the Salton Sea, the desert offers vast open spaces and unique sights you won’t find anywhere else.
Mojave Desert Route Tip: Starting at Rove - Santa Ana, take I-15 North toward Barstow. From there, head east on CA-58 to reach the Mojave Desert. As you drive, you’ll pass classic desert towns and vast stretches of open land, perfect for appreciating the sheer scale and beauty of this unique region. The Mojave has countless stops, so it’s worth planning a few key ones in advance.
Must-See Stops Along the Way:
Mojave National Preserve – One of the largest and most scenic desert parks in the U.S., the Mojave National Preserve is a wonderland of Joshua trees, sand dunes, and volcanic cinder cones. Be sure to stop by the Kelso Dunes, where you can hike up 600-foot-high sand dunes for unforgettable desert views.
Cima Dome and Joshua Tree Forest – This stunning area within the Mojave Preserve is home to one of the world’s largest Joshua tree forests, offering a unique opportunity to experience these ancient trees against the vast desert backdrop.
Amboy Crater – Near the town of Amboy, this 6,000-year-old volcanic cinder cone is a surreal sight and a great spot for hiking. Take a short trek up to the crater’s rim for a panoramic view of the desert floor.
Joshua Tree Route Tip: Starting from Rove - Santa Ana, take I-10 East toward Palm Springs and connect to CA-62, which leads straight to the main entrances of Joshua Tree. The drive is easygoing, with scenic mountain views and glimpses of desert as you get closer to the park. Once you arrive, you’ll have two main entrances to choose from: the West Entrance near Joshua Tree town or the North Entrance near Twentynine Palms.
Must-See Stops in Joshua Tree National Park:
Hidden Valley – This is one of the park’s most popular spots, with a short, scenic loop trail that leads you through an enclosed valley surrounded by giant rock formations. It’s perfect for beginner hikers or anyone wanting to get up close to the unique boulders and flora of Joshua Tree.
Skull Rock – Named for its resemblance to a skull, this iconic rock formation is a fun stop along the main park road. It’s easily accessible, and the surrounding area offers a quick climb for stunning desert views.
Cholla Cactus Garden – This surreal landscape filled with “Teddy Bear” cholla cacti is especially magical at sunrise or sunset. The garden’s golden glow in the early morning or late afternoon light makes for incredible photos.
Palm Springs Route Tip: Starting from Rove - Santa Ana, take I-10 East toward Palm Springs. The journey is smooth and scenic, with mountain views along the way, and takes about 90 minutes. As you approach, you’ll spot the famous windmill farms—perfect for a quick photo op.
Must-See Stops Along the Way:
Cabazon Dinosaurs – A quick detour will bring you to these giant, quirky dinosaur statues just off I-10. They’re a fun photo op and a nostalgic roadside stop for anyone heading toward the desert.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – Just before you enter downtown, stop at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for a ride up Mount San Jacinto. The tram climbs 8,500 feet in just a few minutes, offering breathtaking views of the desert floor below and access to hiking trails with cooler mountain air.
Salton Sea Route Tip: Starting at Rove - Santa Ana, head east on I-10, then take CA-86 South for a straightforward route that brings you right to the shores of the Salton Sea. The journey is about two hours and takes you through California’s diverse desert landscape, from towering wind turbines near Palm Springs to the expanse of the Coachella Valley.
Must-See Stops Along the Way:
North Shore Beach and Yacht Club – Once a bustling social club in the 1950s, the now-abandoned North Shore Yacht Club is an eerie reminder of the Salton Sea’s past. The iconic mid-century building, now restored as a community center, is a great stop for photos and a quick history lesson.
Salvation Mountain – Near the town of Niland, Salvation Mountain is a massive, colorful art installation and a symbol of the area’s quirky, artistic spirit. Created by Leonard Knight, this “mountain” is painted with bright murals and uplifting messages, making it a must-see attraction near the Salton Sea.
East Jesus and Slab City – Just beyond Salvation Mountain, East Jesus is an outdoor art gallery in the middle of the desert, featuring sculptures and installations made from repurposed materials. Slab City, known as “The Last Free Place,” is a fascinating community that’s worth exploring for a true glimpse of desert counterculture.
5. Wine Country Getaways
If you’re a wine enthusiast, a trip to SoCal’s wine country in Temecula can be a wonderful, relaxing day trip in your EV. The region has numerous vineyards and wineries nestled among rolling hills, and it’s easy to make stops along the way to recharge.
If you’re a wine enthusiast, a trip to SoCal’s wine country in Temecula can be a wonderful, relaxing day trip in your EV. The region has numerous vineyards and wineries nestled among rolling hills, and it’s easy to make stops along the way to recharge.
Temecula Route Tip: From Rove - Santa Ana, take I-15 South for a smooth drive to Temecula. The scenic route passes through foothills and open landscapes, setting the mood for a relaxing day of exploration.
Must-See Stops Along the Way:
Temecula Valley Wine Country – Temecula’s vineyards and wineries are the stars of the show, with over 40 wineries to explore. Many have beautiful tasting rooms, outdoor patios, and sweeping views of the valley. Wilson Creek Winery, known for its almond champagne, is a local favorite, while Ponte Winery offers a romantic, rustic atmosphere.
Old Town Temecula – This historic part of town feels like stepping back in time, with 1800s-style wooden boardwalks, charming boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. Wander around, explore the artisan shops, and stop by Temecula Olive Oil Company to taste locally made oils and vinegars.
Temecula Valley Museum – Located in Old Town, this small but informative museum showcases Temecula’s rich history, from its Native American roots to its ranching heritage. It’s a great place to gain a little insight into the area’s past before heading out to explore more.
Why Southern California is a Dream Destination for EV Owners
With its varied landscapes, robust EV infrastructure, and beautiful, sunny weather, Southern California was practically made for electric vehicle road trips. Whether you want a quick day trip or an extended getaway, there’s no shortage of incredible places to explore.
We’re here to make your road trips as smooth as possible, so before you embark on your next adventure, swing by Rove - Santa Ana. Our center is ready to power you up with reliable, fast chargers and helpful local knowledge to make your trip unforgettable.
Ready to hit the road? Let’s get charged and go!
