Where to Stop on a Los Angeles to Palm Springs Road Trip
Are you looking for a five day road trip from Los Angeles but aren’t sure where to go or stop? We have you covered. Our five-day road trip will take you from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, taking you over 200 miles in your campervan to see fantastic sights that make your trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Let us show you the best places to stop on your road trip.
1. Cabazon Dinosaurs
Your first stop should be the Cabazon Dinosaurs roadside attraction. The huge concrete structures are a result of a roadside restaurant that has now closed. That doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to explore! It’s worth pulling over to walk around and take a look at the huge dinosaurs, grab pictures with them, and enjoy some fresh air before heading on the road.
2. Indian Canyons
As you drive towards Palm Springs, you can head to the Indian Canyons. It’s the ideal place to stretch your legs, taking as long as you want to soak up the sights and enjoy a lovely walk. There are several walking trails to choose from, whether you want a gentle stroll before heading back on the road or an intense hike that takes up most of your day.
Back a bag; this is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic and soak up the lovely views around you.
3. Tahquitz Canyon
Flowing water in a desert sounds unbelievable, but you will find it in Tahquitz Canyon. It is well worth spending half a day exploring this must-see spot. The canyon features a two-mile loop that takes you to the 50-foot waterfall nestled into Tahquitz Canyon.
The falls are located in the Agua Caliente Band of the Cahulla Indians reservation. This means while you can enjoy the view from a distance, you need to pay to see the waterfall up close. It doesn’t cost too much, just $12.50, which is absolutely worth it to look at this stunning view up close.
4. Palm Springs
It won’t take you long from the Canyon to reach Palm Springs. As soon as you arrive, we recommend heading to the Ariel Tramway. The tram travels two and a half miles of cliffs, allowing you to enjoy the stunning views of the Chino Canyon. The tram itself takes around ten to fifteen minutes, but it will enable you to enjoy stunning views of the valley floor below. Make sure you have your phone or camera ready to take some beautiful photos!
5. Joshua Tree National Park
While you are in Palm Springs, we recommend hopping in your van one more time and driving to the Joshua Tree National Park. The journey itself takes around an hour, but you will feel transported to another planet. The experience here is unbelievable, where you will see the stunning desert and the Joshua Trees covering the land.
We think you can enjoy this experience at any time of day, but it is extra special at night, as the sunsets. Take your van and park up in time for the sky to change colour as the sun sets on this beautiful scenery.
6. Coachella
Depending on the time of year you visit, and how lucky you are, you could head to Coachella. The festival is only a short drive from Coachella and allows you to enjoy some fantastic music, food stalls, and soak up the atmosphere with other like-minded people. Consider the date of your trip and see if it coincides with Coachella.
Finish planning your Los Angeles to Palm Springs road trip today
A road trip from Los Angeles to Palm Springs can be as long as you make it, with our five-day trip allowing you to get the most out of your time in your campervan. Once you have decided on your stops, it’s time to check out the latest deals on campervan rentals in LA and begin the trip of your lifetime!
