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 San Diego to L.A.!
Starting Point: San Diego
Sunny San Diego is where your West Coast adventure kicks off. From the historic Gaslamp Quarter to dazzling coastlines, our vibrant city is filled with a diverse list of picturesque activities, all infused with that classic, laid-back Cali spirit. Before hitting the road with your Toyota bZ4X, here are our favorite scenic spots in San Diego:
First Stop: La Jolla
Your first destination is La Jolla, the 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!
Second Stop: Encinitas
Encinitas: 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 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 on your trek back.
Third 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:
Fourth 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!
Fifth Stop: San Clemente
From Spanish-style architecture to the San Clemente Pier, your next stop is a premier Orange County destination. 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
Sixth Stop: Laguna Beach
Head north to experience Laguna Beach, the last stop on your scenic route before reaching the City of Angels. 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.
Destination: Los Angeles
Known for its world-class beaches and eclectic cityscape, your scenic road trip concludes in L.A. It’s hard to narrow down things to do in this wonderful city, but here are some of iconic L.A. gems that you need to check out while you’re there:
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.