L.A. to Palm Springs: Road Trip Edition | Palm Springs Attractions

Sometimes the journey really is the destination. While the 2-3 hour drive from Los Angeles to Palm Springs may seem daunting, it’s actually an adventure in itself. Check out our favorite spots to eat, shop, and more in our road trip roundup.

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The Start of a Great Road Trip

Hopped off the plane at LAX and straight into a car to Palm Springs? Before you start panicking about another journey - don’t. The 110 mile trip from the city to the desert is an experience unlike any other and is one of the few drives that’s legitimately loved by locals. Filled with scenery, snacks, and even some shopping - this low-key road trip is a great way to explore what Southern California is really all about. So queue up your favorite playlist, grab some sunglasses, and keep your phone ready for photos - we’ve lined up the ultimate road trip from L.A. to Palm Springs so you can Drift over to your final destination stress free.

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For the Foodies

1. In-N-Out

Hopped off the plane at LAX and straight into a car to Palm Springs? Before you start panicking about another journey - don’t. The 110 mile trip from the city to the desert is an experience unlike any other and is one of the few drives that’s legitimately loved by locals. Filled with scenery, snacks, and even some shopping - this low-key road trip is a great way to explore what Southern California is really all about. So queue up your favorite playlist, grab some sunglasses, and keep your phone ready for photos - we’ve lined up the ultimate road trip from L.A. to Palm Springs so you can Drift over to your final destination stress free.

2. Burritos La Palma

No trip to California is complete without a burrito (or five - we don’t judge.) While the Mexican restaurant options in Palm Springs proper are endless, we love stopping at Burritos La Palma in El Monte en route. The Michelin reviewed internet sensation (you may recognize them from season two of “The Taco Chronicles” on Netflix) serves up Zacatecas-style burritos - super slim with no extra fillings. Expect a mouthful of handmade tortillas, protein, and salsa in every bite. No cheese. No sour cream. No beans - unless you opt for the veggie option.

3. Porto's

Say Porto’s cheese roll to anyone south of San Jose and you’ll get an immediate reaction - these tiny unassuming pastries are a SoCal cult fave. Founded in 1976 by Cuban immigrant Rosa Porto the family-run restaurant + bakery has expanded into a mini empire with multiple locations throughout the southland, all conveniently on the way to Palm Springs. Expect to wait in line and stock up on the aforementioned cheese rolls, award-winning potato balls, and refugiados - traditional guava and cheese strudels. The best part? You can order your favorites from their website and get them shipped nationwide to help you beat those post-trip blues.

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Lux For Less

1. Citadel

Designer duds at a serious discount? Say. Less. Quite literally, in this case. All of Rodeo Drive’s most coveted designers have outlets in the suburban stretch between the city and the desert that make packing for your trip almost obsolete. Closest to L.A. are the Citadel Outlets - an aesthetic outdoor mall that features all of your favorite mall haunts - Coach, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors, to name a few - with serious savings.

2. The block

The Block in Orange and Ontario Mills are two more former mall-rat favorites where you can shop similar brands perfect for everyday wear.

3. Cabazon

The holy grail of outlets - AKA Cabazon - is much closer to Palm Springs and well worth the drive. Gucci, YSL, Christian Louboutin, Prada, and Burberry are just a few of the ultra luxe designers you can find here and when we say the savings are major we mean it. Plus the iconic Cabazon dinosaurs make a great Insta post.

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Just Add Amusement

1. Disneyland

If you have a little more time on your L.A. to Palm Springs road trip some of California’s most iconic amusement parks are literally along the way. The most obvious option - Disneyland - the theme park that inspired all theme parks and self-proclaimed happiest place on earth. While you may need to add a couple days to your trip to add in a Disney pit-stop, it’s a non-negotiable for franchise lovers and is located in Anaheim.

2. Knott's Berry Farm

Another conveniently located local favorite is Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park - a more “adult” theme park complete with next level roller coasters and a truly terrifying Halloween experience. Originally an actual berry farm, the farmstand has transformed over the years and is now a favorite for thrill seekers and lovers of all things western.

3. Medieval Times

While you’re in Buena Park make sure to check out the city’s unique dinner theater scene. Medieval Times brings the middle-ages of Spain to life right in front of you with a meal complete with jousting and royalty. Pirates Dinner Adventure is another themed dining experience where audience members get involved in all kinds of high-seas hijinks alongside the pirates, making all of their Jack Sparrow dreams come true.