The Best Road Trip from Altadena to Costa Mesa

A road trip from Altadena to Costa Mesa may not sound like a long journey, but with a distance of 54 miles and a travel time of approximately an hour and a half, it's the perfect opportunity to explore some of the hidden gems in Southern California. From historical landmarks to picturesque landscapes, this trip has it all.

The halfway point of Downey, CA is home to the oldest operational McDonald's, where visitors can take a step back in time and enjoy a classic burger and fries. After Downey, the adventure continues to the top five things to do on this road trip:

See Artistic Masterpieces at Norton Simon Museum

Located in Pasadena, the Norton Simon Museum is an art lover's paradise. The collection consists of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, as well as Asian art from India and Southeast Asia dating back more than two thousand years. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful sculpture garden, including works by renowned artists such as Auguste Rodin and Henry Moore.

Interesting Fact: The museum's collection includes a portrait of Madame Le Brun, the personal painter to Marie Antoinette.

Hike and Explore at Huntington Library

The Huntington Library is a paradise for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Located in San Marino, the library boasts stunning botanical gardens, including a Japanese and Chinese garden - popular settings for many wedding photo shoots. Visitors can also visit The Huntington Art Museum and Library, home to an extensive collection of rare manuscripts, books, and photographs.

Interesting Fact: The library's collection includes an original copy of the Gutenberg Bible, one of the most valuable books in the world.

Take a Scenic Drive at Irvine Regional Park

Irvine Regional Park is the perfect place to sit back and relax while enjoying Southern California's natural beauty. Located in Orange, the park offers picturesque landscapes with a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, such as hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and the famous Orange County Zoo. There are also numerous picnic areas where visitors can spend a peaceful afternoon with friends and family.

Interesting Fact: Irvine Regional Park was the first regional park in the state, opening in 1897.

Explore History at Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

The Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda is a historical landmark that every U.S. history enthusiast should visit at least once. The museum includes interactive exhibits, rare photos, and artifacts from President Nixon's lifetime, including his presidential limousine and White House china. The museum highlights key decisions made during his presidency and the Watergate scandal which led to his resignation in 1974.

Interesting Fact: The Presidential Library includes a replica of the Oval Office, complete with the original furniture and carpet used during Nixon's presidency.

Shop and Dine at South Coast Plaza

South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa is a shopping mecca complete with luxury stores such as Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. The plaza's high-end shops and restaurants make it an ideal destination for tourists who are looking to indulge in fine dining and shopping. The Costa Mesa location also hosts various community events, including charity events, art exhibitions and live performances.

Interesting Fact: South Coast Plaza is one of the largest shopping centers in the United States, covering over 2.8 million square feet of retail space.

In conclusion, a road trip from Altadena to Costa Mesa is a chance to explore the best of Southern California. The highlights of the trip include the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, the Huntington Library in San Marino, Irvine Regional Park in Orange, Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, and South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Although the trip only takes around 90 minutes, visitors are sure to create lasting memories by embarking on this journey.