Southern California is a perfect place for a Sunday drive. Although there are many magnificent places to see by car, there is one route that is worth adding to your bucket list that is quite underappreciated. Filled with a variety of scenery that will completely relax you and leave you feeling in awe of the beauty that surrounds our state, this is one scenic drive you’ll want to experience for yourself.
The Palms to Pines Scenic Byway is a 67-mile route that will take you through some of SoCal’s most beautiful settings between Palm Desert and San Juan Capistrano.
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Starting at Highway 74 in Palm Desert and heading to the Banning Pass on Hwy 243, you’ll discover a picturesque scenic drive that is filled with beauty in every direction.
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True to its name, you’ll see a variety of landscapes and natural settings including both palm trees and pine trees on the Palms to Pines scenic drive.
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Not only will you enjoy the scenery along the way, but you’ll also be charmed by the small towns you’ll encounter along the drive.
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You won’t want to rush this trip, as the many twists and turns along the route call for some slow driving. Especially when you’re heading around one of the many bends.
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Even though this is a scenic drive, you’ll want to carve out some time to get out of the car and stretch your legs as you take in the splendid views that you’ll find along the route.
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There are plenty of spots along the way to stop and take in the scenery at the various viewpoints.
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The view from Cahuilla Vista Point is one of our favorites as the lookout from here stretches for miles and miles on a clear day.
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But the best part of this scenic drive is having the open road all to yourself. There’s something so serene about driving toward the mountains with nothing but a big blue sky all around you.
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Where’s your favorite back road for a scenic Sunday drive in Southern California? If you’re looking for another car trip to take that will show you SoCal’s best scenery, you may want to head out on this epic road trip that will take you to the seven wonders of Southern California.
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