Five Must-Ride Weekend Motorcycle Trips from Los Angeles

From the Pacific’s salty breeze to the high desert’s dry whisper, SoCal’s variety is unmatched. Here are five rides that prove why you don’t need to fly halfway around the world for adventure—just point your bike out of LA and go.

1. Santa Barbara: Coastal Cruising with Vineyard Stops

One of the simplest escapes is up the Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Barbara. It’s a classic: ocean views on your left, rugged hills on your right, and the salty tang of the Pacific following you the whole way. Pull over at coastal cafes, explore local vineyards inland, then park your bike on State Street for good food and better people-watching before bedding down for the night.

Ride Tips: The PCH is busy—ride early or late to miss traffic and always check the coastal weather before heading out.

2. Sequoia National Park: Among the Giants

Trade city smog for fresh mountain air. Aim your bars northeast toward Sequoia National Park and stand in awe of nature’s skyscrapers. The twisty roads up to the park are worth every curve. Pitch your tent under the giant trees or book a rustic lodge. By day, explore Crystal Cave or climb Moro Rock for views that remind you why you ride.

Ride Tips: Watch for wildlife crossing and bring layers—temperatures can swing wildly between foothills and alpine forest.

3. Wrightwood: A Quick Mountain Fix

If you’re short on time but long for altitude, Wrightwood is a perfect half-weekend fix. Just a short hop out of LA, it offers pine forests, winding mountain roads, and a village vibe that feels miles away from the sprawl. It’s an ideal ride for testing your skills on twisties without spending all day on the highway.

Ride Tips: Roads can be icy or closed in shoulder seasons—always check local road reports before you roll.

4. Big Sur: The Legendary Coastal Epic

This is the bucket list trip: LA to Big Sur and back. The Pacific Coast Highway unfolds here like a film reel—cliffs plunging into surf, redwoods hugging the road, and mist rolling over winding curves. Stop at Nepenthe for lunch with a view, camp in the state parks, and let the endless turns remind you why the PCH is a world-class ride.

Ride Tips: Summer crowds are real—shoulder season is best. Bring warm gear; the coastal fog will chill you fast.

5. Joshua Tree: Desert Solitude and Stargazing

Sometimes the best ride is into open space. Joshua Tree delivers wide-open roads, alien landscapes, and starlit nights you can’t see back home. Roll east on I-10, then break off onto quiet two-laners into the park. Explore the odd boulder gardens by day and watch the sun dip behind the Cholla Cactus Garden at dusk.

Ride Tips: It’s the desert—bring water, check your tires, and fuel up before you enter the park.

Final Thoughts

Los Angeles is a gateway. Five roads out, five ways to clear your mind and test your bike. Pick one for this weekend—your spirit will thank you for the miles.