The Best Road Trip: Avondale, Arizona to Los Angeles, California

There’s nothing quite like the freedom of the open road and a good old-fashioned road trip to satisfy your wanderlust. The journey from Avondale, Arizona to Los Angeles, California is about 380 miles and should take around six hours. It's a great opportunity to see the beautiful landscapes of the southwest, so make sure to fill up the tank, grab some snacks, and load up the playlist. Here are the top places to see when driving from Avondale to Los Angeles.

Joshua Tree National Park

The first stop on the way to Los Angeles is Joshua Tree National Park, which is located on the edge of the Mojave and Colorado deserts. It’s an incredibly unique landscape, dotted with enormous rock formations and strange-looking Joshua trees. You can take a drive through the park on the 18-mile-long paved road, which offers several scenic stops along the way. Don’t miss out on the Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, and the Cholla Cactus Garden. If you're feeling more adventurous, there are also several hiking trails available, ranging from easy to challenging.

Cabazon Dinosaurs

If you're traveling with kids or have an interest in paleontology, the Cabazon Dinosaurs are a must-visit spot. These massive steel and concrete replicas of dinosaurs are visible from miles away, and have been featured in several films and TV shows. There’s a small museum on-site and you can even climb up into the T-Rex's mouth to look out over the desert.

Palm Springs

Next up is the popular resort town of Palm Springs. There's plenty to do in this city, whether you're interested in shopping, golfing, or relaxing by the pool. The downtown area is full of charming boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. You can also visit the famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which takes you up 8,500 feet to the top of Mount San Jacinto.

Santa Monica Pier

Finally, the drive comes to an end at the world-famous Santa Monica Pier. This iconic landmark stretches out over the Pacific Ocean and is home to an amusement park, an aquarium, and plenty of shops and restaurants. Enjoy some cotton candy while you take in the stunning views of the ocean and the beach. The pier is also home to the official end of Route 66, so it's a must-visit spot for any road trip enthusiast.

Griffith Observatory

If you have time, a trip to the Griffith Observatory is well worth the detour. This iconic Los Angeles landmark features a show-stopping Art Deco exterior and was made even more famous by its appearance in the film Rebel Without a Cause. Inside, you'll find exhibits on astronomy and space exploration, as well as a planetarium and an observation deck with incredible views of the city.

Conclusion

There you have it, some of the best places to visit on your road trip from Avondale to Los Angeles. Whether you're interested in natural wonders, history, or just some good old-fashioned fun, there's something for everyone on this journey. Don't forget to take plenty of photos along the way and enjoy the ride!