Southern California Coast & Desert Loop

From Los Angeles to San Diego, then to Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, split evenly between beaches and deserts

Connect Southern California's coastal cities and deserts into a loop, with all drives under three hours, making it much easier than a full US West road trip. Perfect for escaping the cold in winter and spring, or for families with children, as zoos and beaches are easy to arrange. The trade-off is that only two days are left for Los Angeles; if you want to visit Disneyland or Universal Studios, you will need to add an extra day.

Desert temperatures are high in summer; Joshua Tree and Palm Springs are most comfortable in winter and spring.

Day by day

Day 1 · Hollywood and Observatory

Los Angeles（Hollywood Walk of Fame / TCL Chinese Theatre、La Brea Tar Pits、Griffith Observatory）

Using Hollywood as a base, attractions are about 10 to 15 minutes apart. Drive up the hill to the observatory in the evening for night views.

Stay: Hollywood

Day 2 · Getty Center and the Coast

Los Angeles（Getty Center、Santa Monica Pier、Venice Beach）

Drive from Hollywood to the Getty Center in about 40 minutes, then to Santa Monica in about 30 minutes, returning before the evening rush hour.

Stay: Hollywood

Day 3 · Laguna to San Diego

Laguna Beach（Crystal Cove State Park、Heisler Park、Main Beach Park） → San Diego（La Jolla Cove）

Drive south along the coast to Laguna Beach in about 1.5 hours, then to La Jolla in about 1.5 hours, checking into downtown.

Stay: Downtown & Gaslamp Quarter

Day 4 · Balboa Park and USS Midway

San Diego（San Diego Zoo、Balboa Park、USS Midway Museum、Gaslamp Quarter）

Take short drives or public transit within the city. The zoo and park are adjacent, and it takes about 15 minutes to reach the USS Midway.

The zoo takes up most of the day; families with children can purchase tickets in advance.

Stay: Downtown & Gaslamp Quarter

Day 5 · Heading into the Desert to Palm Springs

San Diego（Coronado Beach） → Palm Springs & Joshua Tree（Palm Springs Aerial Tramway、Palm Canyon Drive (Downtown Palm Springs)）

Visit Coronado in the morning, then drive to Palm Springs, about 230 km, taking 2.5 to 3 hours.

Stay: Downtown Palm Springs

Day 6 · Joshua Tree South-In, North-Out

Palm Springs & Joshua Tree（Cholla Cactus Garden、Skull Rock、Keys View、Hidden Valley）

Drive along Interstate 10 to the South Entrance in about 1 hour, drive through the park in about 2 hours, and exit north to the town of Joshua Tree.

There are no dining options inside the park and cell service is weak, so bring plenty of water and lunch.

Stay: Joshua Tree

Day 7 · Pioneertown back to Los Angeles

Palm Springs & Joshua Tree（Pioneertown） → Los Angeles

Drive to Pioneertown in about 30 minutes, then take Interstate 10 back to Los Angeles in about 2.5 hours, avoiding Sunday afternoon.