If you’ve ever driven along the West Coast, you already know that it’s one of the most stunning drives in the entire country, with coastal beach landscapes and rugged cliffside views. In other words, the perfect recipe for a scenic road trip.
Together with the Toyota bZ4X, we’re giving our Secret readers the ultimate L.A. to San Diego road trip route featuring scenic wonders that are secrets worth sharing…just like the bZ4X, Toyota’s first all-electric SUV! And with our interactive Toyota bZ4X map, you can discover even more scenic destinations, along with nearby charging stations for your electric vehicle.
So buckle up and get ready for a scenic journey from L.A. to San Diego!
Starting Point: Los Angeles
Known for its world-class beaches and eclectic cityscape, L.A. is where your West Coast adventure kicks off. And although this city has our hearts, sometimes it’s nice to escape the hustle and bustle to immerse yourself in the beauty of California’s Golden Coast. Before hitting the road with your Toyota bZ4X, here are our favorite scenic spots in L.A.:
- Griffith Observatory, Griffith Park
- El Matador State Beach, Malibu
- Deukmejian Wilderness Park, Glendale
First Stop: Laguna Beach
Head south to Orange County to experience Laguna Beach, the first stop on your scenic route. This SoCal destination is brimming with coastal cliffs, beaches, and tide pools that offer spectacular outdoor recreation, including the hiking trails of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, which wind through impressive coastal canyons. And your visit wouldn’t be complete without a taste of the city’s cultural scene, so check out the city’s many art galleries while you’re there.
Second Stop: San Clemente
From Spanish-style architecture to the San Clemente Pier, your next stop is another premier Orange County spot. Boasting the “world’s best climate,” this seaside haven’s sandstone bluffs and beaches enjoy sunshine for over 300 days of the year! So if catching rays is your thing, you’ll definitely want to carve out beachtime during your visit. Here are a few must-see attractions in and near San Clemente:
- San Clemente Coastal Trail
- San Onofre State Beach
- San Clemente Pier
Third Stop: Oceanside
Surf is king in Oceanside, where classic Cali charm meets modern beach town. Soak up the sun at the palm-lined Harbor Beach, then head to its iconic wooden pier for a relaxing stroll and unparalleled views of the Pacific. For a change of pace before getting back on the road, you can also fish off the jetty or go whale watching!
Fourth Stop: Carlsbad
Carlsbad’s quiet village-feel is unlike any other scenic stop on your SoCal journey. This coastal oasis is widely known for The Flower Fields, a seasonal spectacle worth witnessing for yourself. Visit between March and May to feast your eyes on 55-acres of ranunculus flowers, set on a hillside overlooking the striking Pacific coastline (you can thank us later). Here are more Carlsbad highlights before continuing your journey:
Fifth Stop: Encinitas
Just a short drive from Carlsbad is your next scenic stop, a lovely fusion of 60’s beach culture, yoga retreat vibes, and all-things surf. With attractions like Moonlight State Beach and Encinitas Beach County Park, you’ll have plenty of time to charge up your Toyota bZ4X in Encinitas while losing yourself in endless outdoor activities like swimming, surf-fishing, beach volleyball, bonfires…you name it! We’d also recommend catching a sunset at Moonlight Overlook, if timing permits.
Sixth Stop: La Jolla
Continue onto La Jolla, a sweeping seaside town famous for its rugged coastline. Visit the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve to become immersed in canyons and pine tree trails, or spend some time snorkeling or swimming at La Jolla Cove to get up close and personal with abundant marine life!
Destination: San Diego
What better way to cap off your scenic road trip than by exploring the wonders of sunny San Diego? From the historic Gaslamp Quarter to dazzling coastlines, this vibrant city is filled with a diverse list of picturesque activities, all infused with that classic, laid-back Cali spirit. Here are our favorite San Diego highlights before making the trek back home to L.A.:
About the Toyota bZ4X
Thanks to the Toyota bZ4X, your West Coast road trip will be as comfortable as it is memorable. The trusted brand’s all-electric SUV is designed to traverse different types of terrain so that you can explore the beauty of the West Coast in confidence. Plus, it has a variety of features designed to make your drive as smooth as possible, from capable battery efficiency to rain-sensing wipers, a power sunshade that spans across the roof, and more.