clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
The sun sets on the Hicksville Trailer Palace in Joshua Tree.
LA Times via Getty Images

The best places to stay on a road trip from LA, mapped

The best hotels, motels, and B&Bs in driving distance of LA

View as Map
The sun sets on the Hicksville Trailer Palace in Joshua Tree.
| LA Times via Getty Images

There are plenty of road trip-ready destinations from Los Angeles that are worth a tank of gas. If you’re planning to hit the probably not-so-open highways out of the city and are scouting for a beautiful place to stay, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite hotels, motels, B&Bs, and even glamping spots from San Diego to San Luis Obispo and Newport Beach to Palm Springs.

Whether you’re seeking a desert retreat or a historic hotel once frequented by Old Hollywood stars, check out the map below for a dozen spots in approximately north-to-south order.

For more travel recommendations:

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Allegretto Vineyard Resort by Ayres

Copy Link

A Tuscan-style estate nestled in the Central Coast’s wine country, this pet-friendly destination hotel in Paso Robles has 171 guest rooms and suites with private balconies overlooking rolling vineyards. If vino tastings and agricultural tours at the many nearby wineries aren’t enough, the resort offers its own strollable orchards, fine Mediterranean cuisine, an in-house spa, and more. Rates: Starting at $349 per night.

Madonna Inn

Copy Link

The grandmother of Instagram-friendly accommodations, this legendary SLO hotel is home to 107 whimsical rooms, each with their own unique personality (like the storybook inspired Old Mill room, the Marie Antoinette-worthy Romance suite, and the all-pink-everything Tall & Short room). The Madonna offers guided horseback rides, wine tastings, a pool and fitness center, and spa, while nearby sights include the famed bubblegum alley, Spanish mission, and hiking trails leading to Bishop Peak. Rates: Starting at $209 per night.

Jenny Poole / Flickr creative commons

El Capitan Canyon

Copy Link

If glamping is your style, book one of the 26 comfortable safari tents at this woodsy campground north of Santa Barbara. Each canvas tent comes with its own wooden deck, grill, and firepit. In the morning, take a foggy hike to the nearby llama farm. Rates: Starting at $155 per night.

Ojai Rancho Inn

Copy Link

From the hip hospitality pros behind Shelter Social Club, this renovated roadside hotel welcomes fashionable guests with its bohemian-cool decor and rustic rooms, some equipped with saunas and hot tubs. The Chief’s Peak bar serves wine and beer, while rentable Linus bicycles provide car-free transportation to Ojai’s many fashionable boutiques, spas, and eateries. Rates: Starting at $150 per night.

Glen Tavern Inn

Copy Link

Located within walking distance to Santa Paula’s charming Old Town District, this historic Tudor-Craftsman hotel was a popular getaway in the ‘20s for Hollywood stars shooting films in the area (Harry Houdini and John Barrymore, to name a few). Beaches, museums, horseback riding, and hot air balloon rides are just a few activities within reach. Rates: Starting at $95 per night.

Arrowhead Lake Inn

Copy Link

Views of Lake Arrowhead await at this mom-and-pop bed & breakfast, which is just only a five-minute stroll to the village’s shops and restaurants. Its nine cozy rooms are decked out with antique furniture and private bathrooms, and guests can enjoy a lobby with fireplace and self-serve complimentary continental breakfast. Rates: Starting at $89 per night.

Hicksville Trailer Palace & Artist Retreat

Copy Link

Hicksville Trailer Palace is a delightfully kitsch and achingly cool getaway retreat, featuring themed trailers, airstreams and cabins. A bohemian village with a communal pool, star-gazing platform, recording studio and more, this is a favorite among artists looking to escape the city for a one-of-a-kind time-out. Rates: Starting at $85 per night.

Sparrows Lodge

Copy Link

This 21+ Palm Springs hotel was built by Don Castle and his wife Zetta as a getaway for Hollywood stars in the ‘50s. The revamped 20-room resort still boasts its original Red Barn charm with modern upgrades like rain showers and AC, and fine art by Ruscha and others. Don’t expect TVs or phones in the rooms—the lodge is all about creating “an environment of ease and simplicity,” which you’ll find at the communal bar, vegetable garden, and pool. Rates: Starting at $179 per night.

Via Sparrows Lodge

L’Horizon Palm Springs

Copy Link

If you’re looking to really live it up in Palm Springs, this luxurious mid-century modern haven is the place. This 25-bungalow retreat—which hosted Marilyn Monroe and former presidents in a past life—scored a high-fashion makeover by LA celeb interior designer Steve Hermann a few years back. Indulgences include Le Labo toiletries and personalized touches in every corner (like monogrammed stationery and custom door signs), while an infinity-edge pool and the gourmet restaurant SO•PA round out this 21+ hotel. Rates: Starting at $285 per night.

Photo by Jaime Kowal

Hicksville Pines Motel & Chalet

Copy Link

This colorful getaway in the San Jacinto Mountains isn’t what it seems: A tribute to David Lynch’s original Twin Peaks, this 10-suite motel also pays homage to Dolly Parton, Dita Von Teese, Third Man Records, Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion ride, and more of Hicksville founder Morgan Higby Night’s favorite things. Start your day early and explore Idyllwild’s picturesque hiking trails, then return to town where a candy shop, a jerky store, antiques, a wine bar, and even a cafe with damn good coffee await. Rates: Starting at $100 per night.

Doryman's Inn Bed & Breakfast Newport Beach

Copy Link

This oceanfront bed & breakfast promises breathtaking views of Newport Beach Pier and fresh coastal breezes from its decadent second-story rooms, some of which include their own fireplaces. Rates: Starting at $299 per night.

Via Doryman's Inn Bed & Breakfast

The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows

Copy Link

Once a destination for Hollywood icons like Bob Hope and Ava Gardner, this 1946-built haven houses 131 rooms and bungalows, and a nearly-Olympic-length pool designed by five-time gold medal winner Johnny Weissmuller (a.k.a. Tarzan). The hotel’s Hope 46 restaurant serves up classic American fare, while the Red Fox Room (an old English inn that was shipped to the States by Marion Davies) is known for its mouthwatering steaks, seafood, and piano bar. Rates: Starting at $149 per night.

Courtesy of Lafayette Hotel

Allegretto Vineyard Resort by Ayres

A Tuscan-style estate nestled in the Central Coast’s wine country, this pet-friendly destination hotel in Paso Robles has 171 guest rooms and suites with private balconies overlooking rolling vineyards. If vino tastings and agricultural tours at the many nearby wineries aren’t enough, the resort offers its own strollable orchards, fine Mediterranean cuisine, an in-house spa, and more. Rates: Starting at $349 per night.

Madonna Inn

The grandmother of Instagram-friendly accommodations, this legendary SLO hotel is home to 107 whimsical rooms, each with their own unique personality (like the storybook inspired Old Mill room, the Marie Antoinette-worthy Romance suite, and the all-pink-everything Tall & Short room). The Madonna offers guided horseback rides, wine tastings, a pool and fitness center, and spa, while nearby sights include the famed bubblegum alley, Spanish mission, and hiking trails leading to Bishop Peak. Rates: Starting at $209 per night.

Jenny Poole / Flickr creative commons

El Capitan Canyon

If glamping is your style, book one of the 26 comfortable safari tents at this woodsy campground north of Santa Barbara. Each canvas tent comes with its own wooden deck, grill, and firepit. In the morning, take a foggy hike to the nearby llama farm. Rates: Starting at $155 per night.

Ojai Rancho Inn

From the hip hospitality pros behind Shelter Social Club, this renovated roadside hotel welcomes fashionable guests with its bohemian-cool decor and rustic rooms, some equipped with saunas and hot tubs. The Chief’s Peak bar serves wine and beer, while rentable Linus bicycles provide car-free transportation to Ojai’s many fashionable boutiques, spas, and eateries. Rates: Starting at $150 per night.

Glen Tavern Inn

Located within walking distance to Santa Paula’s charming Old Town District, this historic Tudor-Craftsman hotel was a popular getaway in the ‘20s for Hollywood stars shooting films in the area (Harry Houdini and John Barrymore, to name a few). Beaches, museums, horseback riding, and hot air balloon rides are just a few activities within reach. Rates: Starting at $95 per night.

Arrowhead Lake Inn

Views of Lake Arrowhead await at this mom-and-pop bed & breakfast, which is just only a five-minute stroll to the village’s shops and restaurants. Its nine cozy rooms are decked out with antique furniture and private bathrooms, and guests can enjoy a lobby with fireplace and self-serve complimentary continental breakfast. Rates: Starting at $89 per night.

Hicksville Trailer Palace & Artist Retreat

Hicksville Trailer Palace is a delightfully kitsch and achingly cool getaway retreat, featuring themed trailers, airstreams and cabins. A bohemian village with a communal pool, star-gazing platform, recording studio and more, this is a favorite among artists looking to escape the city for a one-of-a-kind time-out. Rates: Starting at $85 per night.

Sparrows Lodge

This 21+ Palm Springs hotel was built by Don Castle and his wife Zetta as a getaway for Hollywood stars in the ‘50s. The revamped 20-room resort still boasts its original Red Barn charm with modern upgrades like rain showers and AC, and fine art by Ruscha and others. Don’t expect TVs or phones in the rooms—the lodge is all about creating “an environment of ease and simplicity,” which you’ll find at the communal bar, vegetable garden, and pool. Rates: Starting at $179 per night.

Via Sparrows Lodge

L’Horizon Palm Springs

If you’re looking to really live it up in Palm Springs, this luxurious mid-century modern haven is the place. This 25-bungalow retreat—which hosted Marilyn Monroe and former presidents in a past life—scored a high-fashion makeover by LA celeb interior designer Steve Hermann a few years back. Indulgences include Le Labo toiletries and personalized touches in every corner (like monogrammed stationery and custom door signs), while an infinity-edge pool and the gourmet restaurant SO•PA round out this 21+ hotel. Rates: Starting at $285 per night.

Photo by Jaime Kowal

Hicksville Pines Motel & Chalet

This colorful getaway in the San Jacinto Mountains isn’t what it seems: A tribute to David Lynch’s original Twin Peaks, this 10-suite motel also pays homage to Dolly Parton, Dita Von Teese, Third Man Records, Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion ride, and more of Hicksville founder Morgan Higby Night’s favorite things. Start your day early and explore Idyllwild’s picturesque hiking trails, then return to town where a candy shop, a jerky store, antiques, a wine bar, and even a cafe with damn good coffee await. Rates: Starting at $100 per night.

Doryman's Inn Bed & Breakfast Newport Beach

This oceanfront bed & breakfast promises breathtaking views of Newport Beach Pier and fresh coastal breezes from its decadent second-story rooms, some of which include their own fireplaces. Rates: Starting at $299 per night.

Via Doryman's Inn Bed & Breakfast

The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows

Once a destination for Hollywood icons like Bob Hope and Ava Gardner, this 1946-built haven houses 131 rooms and bungalows, and a nearly-Olympic-length pool designed by five-time gold medal winner Johnny Weissmuller (a.k.a. Tarzan). The hotel’s Hope 46 restaurant serves up classic American fare, while the Red Fox Room (an old English inn that was shipped to the States by Marion Davies) is known for its mouthwatering steaks, seafood, and piano bar. Rates: Starting at $149 per night.

Courtesy of Lafayette Hotel