Best Weekend Road Trips from San Fernando

When you’re road tripping in California, the journey is a big part of the experience. With incredible scenery, great weather year round, and open roads, you really don’t need much of an excuse to get out there. Living in San Fernando puts you in a great spot for a number of destinations. Within a couple of hours, you can be in the mountains, on the coast, or deep in the desert. All you need is a full tank of gas and the right vehicle.

At Rydell CDJR, we know a thing or two about road trip-ready vehicles. Whether you’re planning a solo drive, a trip with friends, or a full family getaway, we’ve got options built for the journey. Here are three weekend road trips you can take straight from San Fernando, plus the best vehicle for each one.

Big Bear Lake Is Worth the Drive

If you haven’t done the Big Bear drive yet, add it to your list. Highway 18 takes you up through the mountains, the Valley disappears behind you, and the air gets cooler the higher you climb. The Jeep Grand Cherokee was basically made for a trip like this. It’s comfortable enough for the highway, handles the winding mountain roads easily, and has plenty of room in the back for everything you’re bringing. Want to take it off the pavement around the lake? The available 4×4 system is ready when you are. Check out Castle Rock Trail in the morning, and if you can stick around for golden hour over the lake; you won’t regret it.

Santa Barbara Is Right Up the Coast 

Santa Barbara is about 1.5 hours from San Fernando, and the drive up the 101 is one of the better stretches of highway in Southern California. You get glimpses of the coast on the way up and the traffic thins out once you clear the Valley. The Chrysler Pacifica makes this drive easy, with enough room for everyone and all the gear, the ride is smooth and comfortable on the highway, and the available Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid means you’re not burning through gas getting there. Once you’re in town, walk State Street, grab something to eat, and make your way down to Stearns Wharf. If you have time, the Santa Ynez Valley is just a short drive inland.

Joshua Tree Is a Different Kind of Trip

Joshua Tree National Park sits about 2.5 hours from San Fernando, and it’s one of those places that feels completely different from anything in the Valley. The drive east on the 10 is straightforward, and once you’re inside the park the desert takes over pretty quickly. The Ram 1500 is the right vehicle for Joshua Tree. The bed gives you room for camping gear and coolers, it handles the park’s unpaved roads without any trouble, and you won’t have any problem loading up for a full weekend out there. The Barker Dam Trail is a great early start, Jumbo Rocks is worth exploring up close, and if you can stay past dark, the night sky over the desert is unlike anything you’ll see closer to the city.

Hit the Road in a Vehicle from Rydell CDJR

There’s no shortage of great trips within a few hours of San Fernando, and the right vehicle makes the experience even better. At Rydell CDJR in San Fernando, we carry a solid lineup of Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler models ready for whatever you’ve got planned this summer or any time of year.

If you’re thinking about upgrading before your next trip, our team can walk you through your options without any pressure. We work with a network of lenders to help you find financing that fits your budget, and if your vehicle needs a checkup before the trip, our service team has you covered.

Stop by our showroom at 700 San Fernando Rd, San Fernando, CA 91340, or browse our new inventory and used vehicles online. We’ll help you find the right vehicle for wherever the road takes you.