The drive from Phoenix to Los Angeles is one of the Southwest’s most popular road trips. While many travelers simply race down Interstate 10 to reach the California coast, taking a few extra hours to explore along the way can transform an ordinary drive into an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re traveling for business, heading to the beach, or starting an RV vacation, here are five must-see stops between Phoenix and Los Angeles.
1. Joshua Tree National Park
Just a short detour off Interstate 10, Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique desert landscapes, giant boulder formations, and the iconic Joshua trees found nowhere else in the world.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Scenic drives through the park
- Short hiking trails for all skill levels
- Incredible rock formations
- Some of the best stargazing in the United States
Even if you only have an hour, driving through the park is well worth the visit.
2. Cabazon Dinosaurs
You can’t miss them—literally. The giant dinosaur sculptures in Cabazon have been delighting road trippers since the 1960s.
Highlights include:
- The massive T-Rex and Brontosaurus
- Fun photo opportunities
- Dinosaur exhibits
- A quirky roadside attraction that’s perfect for families
It’s one of those classic Route 66-style attractions that has become an icon of Southern California road trips.
3. Palm Springs
Palm Springs offers a relaxing break from the highway with beautiful mountain views, upscale shopping, and outstanding restaurants.
Don’t miss:
- Palm Canyon Drive
- Mid-century modern architecture
- Local art galleries
- Boutique shopping
- Outdoor cafés
If you have extra time, ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which climbs over 8,500 feet into the San Jacinto Mountains for spectacular views and dramatically cooler temperatures.
4. Desert Hills Premium Outlets
Located next to Cabazon, Desert Hills Premium Outlets is one of the best outlet shopping destinations in the country.
You’ll find savings on brands like:
- Nike
- Coach
- Adidas
- Michael Kors
- Polo Ralph Lauren
- Tory Burch
- Versace
- Gucci
Even if shopping isn’t your primary goal, it’s a great place to stretch your legs, grab lunch, and browse hundreds of stores before continuing toward Los Angeles.
5. Whitewater Preserve
Only a few minutes off Interstate 10, Whitewater Preserve is one of Southern California’s hidden gems.
This peaceful nature preserve features:
- Crystal-clear streams
- Beautiful desert scenery
- Easy hiking trails
- Excellent bird watching
- Picnic areas
It’s an unexpected oasis that offers a refreshing break from the desert drive and is much quieter than many of the area’s larger attractions.
Tips for the Drive
- Distance: Approximately 370 miles
- Driving Time: About 5½ to 6½ hours without stops
- Best Time to Travel: Fall through spring offers the most comfortable temperatures.
- Fuel Up Early: Services become less frequent in parts of the California desert.
- Stay Hydrated: Desert temperatures can exceed 110°F during the summer months.
Make the Journey Part of the Adventure
The drive from Phoenix to Los Angeles doesn’t have to be just about getting from point A to point B. By adding a few memorable stops, you’ll experience incredible desert landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, world-class shopping, and unique outdoor adventures that make this one of the Southwest’s best road trips.
So next time you’re heading west, skip the rush and enjoy the journey. You might discover that the drive becomes one of the highlights of your trip.