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SoCal Free Spirit Loop

Hey! If you're looking to see a ton of cool stuff without breaking the bank on tickets, a loop through Southern California and the High Desert is unbeatable. There’s so much world-class scenery and quirky art out here that doesn't cost a dime. Since you've got five days and a car, we can hit the coast, the mountains, and the deep desert. I'm starting and ending this at LAX, as it's the easiest hub for a road trip like this. Five days of mountains, desert art, and Pacific sunsets without spending a cent on admission.

5days
16stops
DAY01

Los Angeles International Air… → Santa Monica Pier & Palisades…

Overnight in Santa Monica Pier & Palisades Park
  1. 09:00
    Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)· start
  2. 11:00
    Griffith Observatory
  3. 14:30
    Echo Park Lake
  4. 17:00
    Santa Monica Pier & Palisades Park· overnight
DAY02

Santa Monica Pier → Twentynine Palms

Overnight in Twentynine Palms
  1. 09:00
    Santa Monica Pier· start
  2. 12:00
    Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch
  3. 15:00
    Mojave National Preserve
  4. 18:00
    Twentynine Palms· overnight
DAY03

Twentynine Palms → Palm Springs

Overnight in Palm Springs
  1. 09:00
    Twentynine Palms· start
  2. 11:00
    Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum
  3. 14:00
    Pioneer Town
  4. 17:00
    Palm Springs· overnight
DAY04

Palm Springs → Lake Arrowhead

Overnight in Lake Arrowhead
  1. 09:00
    Palm Springs· start
  2. 11:00
    Deep Creek Hot Springs
  3. 14:00
    Big Bear Lake
  4. 17:00
    Lake Arrowhead· overnight
DAY05

Lake Arrowhead → Los Angeles International Air…

  1. 09:00
    Lake Arrowhead· start
  2. 12:00
    Chicano Park (San Diego/Barrio Logan)
  3. 15:00
    La Jolla Cove
  4. 19:00
    Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Heads Up
  • Day 5: last activity ends 19:00 — aim to wrap by ~18:00 or drop a stop