Although the world feels like it has come to a standstill this year with sheltering in place and taking on extra health precautions, there are still ways for seniors to safely get out of the house and to enjoy some change in scenery.
California, particularly the Los Angeles area, has more to offer than busy beaches, amusement parks, and restaurants. Instead, consider taking a leisurely drive.
We have compiled a list of popular scenic drives in the Los Angeles area that can easily cater to the needs and interests of our senior population looking to leave their home every once in a while.
Pack up that picnic basket, grab a friend or a significant other, and check out these top 9 highly reviewed and recommended scenic drives:
Pacific Coast Highway. Known for being the longest road (650 miles) in California, the Pacific Coast Highway gives drivers access to a multitude of scenic destinations.
Some of these popular areas include Santa Monica and Zuma beaches, Topanga State Park, Pepperdine University, and the rolling Santa Monica Mountains. If you prefer just the lackadaisical drive, the highway takes you through several coastal views as well as wine country.
Mullholland Drive. This road stretches from Calabasas to the Hollywood Hills and is the hot spot for hundreds of exclusive homes. If you’re not into leisurely house-viewing, Mulholland Drive also gives drivers access to breathtaking views of the San Fernando Valley.
Angeles Crest Scenic Byway. The Crest Scenic Byway takes drivers through the San Gabriel Mountains and the Angeles National Forest. This area is popularly known for hiking, running, and climbing. One of the easiest hikes to summit includes San Gabriel Peak
Palos Verdes Drive. This road will direct you to the Point Vicente Lighthouse, the Wayfarers Chapel, the Port of Los Angeles, and the Battleship USS Iowa Museum. It’s meant to be a slow-paced drive so be sure to pack a lunch.
Malibu Canyon. The ride starts on Las Virgenes Road where drivers will get a view of the Santa Monica Mountains. The road then takes you past Malibu Creek State Park after which you will get a great view of the canyons.
Linda Vista Avenue. If you are looking for more of a metropolitan jaunt rather than a naturalistic scenic tour, then Linda Vista Avenue in Pasadena is the way to go. This is home to some very stunning homes surrounded by beautiful trees. If you go down just a little further, you’ll cross over the historic Colorado Street Bridge just over the freeway.
Griffith Park. Drive down Vermont Avenue and past the Greek Theatre to end up at the Observatory (hours opened vary this year) which is perched on a hill. On the way back down, the road will take you to Western Canyon Road and onto the beautiful park’s southwest corner.
San Gabriel Canyon Road. San Gabriel will take drivers past two reservoirs before turning onto East Fork Road. For more active folks, this is where you can access a popular nine-mile hike to the “Bridge to Nowhere” which is an abandoned bridge from the 1930’s (it has since been converted into a bungee-jump area, which may not necessarily interest you). Then the route takes you up to Crystal Lake.
Sunset Boulevard. You can’t do L.A. drives right without including the infamous Sunset Boulevard. Although most iconic restaurants and Hollywood sites may have limited hours or are closed temporarily for this year, it’s still fun to drive by and glance at a lengthy piece of Hollywood film history.
