Best Day Trips and Scenic Drives from Westlake Village, CA
Westlake Village · Community Photo
Discover why Westlake Village is Southern California’s ultimate launchpad for unforgettable road trips, offering scenic drives near Westlake Village that whisk you to coastal sunsets, mountain vistas, and charming nearby towns.
Geographic Advantage
Westlake Village sits at the heart of the Conejo Valley, straddling Los Angeles and Ventura counties. This unique placement lets residents and visitors glide from tranquil lakeside neighborhoods into rugged mountain passes, sun‑kissed coastal bluffs along the Pacific Coast Highway, world‑class Central Coast vineyards, and historic seaside hamlets.
Best day trips and scenic drives from Westlake Village, CA start right outside your front door. A short drive east on Malibu Canyon Road delivers a winding canyon experience that drops you onto the iconic Pacific Coast Highway for breathtaking ocean views. Heading north, Mulholland Highway snakes through the Santa Monica Mountains, offering panoramic city, mountain, and sea panoramas.
To the northwest, the 101 corridor opens onto the Santa Barbara wine country, where rolling vineyards and coastal cliffs intersect. A quick hop south brings you to the Ojai Valley, famed for its arts scene and mountain trails. For a maritime escape, the Ventura Harbor gateway provides ferry access to the Channel Islands, perfect for a day‑long adventure.
All of these routes are part of a larger network of Conejo Valley road trips that showcase the region’s diversity in just a few minutes of driving.
Key Scenic Routes
Malibu Canyon Road → Pacific Coast Highway (coastal vistas)
Mulholland Highway (mountain curves and city outlooks)
101 to Santa Barbara (vineyard landscapes)
Ventura Harbor → Channel Islands (marine excursions)
Ojai Valley Loop (artistic towns and mountain passes)
Explore Malibu Canyon Road & Kanan Dume Road to Pacific
Kanan Dume Road
From Westlake Village the Kanan Dume Road plunge drops 12 to 15 miles over the Santa Monica Mountains and lands at Point Dume and Zuma Beach in about 20–25 minutes. The route is famed for its sweeping ocean vistas, rock‑cut tunnels, and a rapid descent that makes the drive feel like a shortcut straight to the Pacific.
Malibu Canyon Road
Traveling south‑west, Malibu Canyon Road winds through Malibu Creek State Park, threading dramatic gorges and lush canyons before emerging at the iconic Malibu Pier and Surfrider Beach. The road offers a classic geological cruise that showcases the rugged coastline while keeping the journey comfortably scenic.
Mulholland Highway Scenic Drive
The Mulholland Highway scenic drive traces the crest of the Santa Monica Mountains for roughly 13.4 miles, climbing over 1,000 feet and delivering panoramic views of city, mountain, and ocean. Highlights include the historic Rock Store, numerous vista overlooks, and well‑placed pullouts that let drivers ease traffic and enjoy the scenery.
All three corridors provide a unique Westlake Village‑Malibu connection, letting residents and visitors swap the suburban routine for an instant escape to coastal bliss.
Santa Barbara Day Trip from Westlake Village & Ojai Day Trip
Santa Barbara Day Trip from Westlake Village: 55‑Mile Drive
Planning a Santa Barbara day trip from Westlake Village is the perfect way to soak up California’s coastal charm, wander through a historic mission, and sip world‑class wines without straying far from home.
The city’s sun‑kissed shoreline offers breezy boardwalk walks and panoramic ocean views, while the iconic Mission Santa Barbara invites you to step back into California’s early history.
Just a short drive inland, the Santa Ynez Valley’s vineyards spill onto rolling hills, delivering tasting rooms that blend rustic elegance with a vibrant wine scene.
Whether you’re craving seaside strolls, cultural landmarks, or a glass of pinot noir, this quick getaway delivers a memorable blend of relaxation and adventure.
Key Attractions
Old Mission Santa Barbara Historic Spanish mission with beautiful gardens
Stearns Wharf Scenic waterfront promenade and seafood eateries
State Street Promenade Vibrant shopping and dining hub
Funk Zone Wine Tasting Artistic district with boutique wineries
Santa Barbara Scenic Drive Picturesque coastal road with ocean vistas
Take the Scenic Loop Before Santa Barbara
Add a quick 20‑minute detour through Malibu Canyon, Mulholland Drive, and the Pacific Coast Highway for breathtaking ocean vistas. Tip: Start early to beat the traffic and enjoy sunrise colors over the cliffs.
An Ojai day trip is just a short 20‑minute drive from Westlake Village, making it the perfect quick escape for art lovers and nature seekers alike.
The valley’s tranquil arts vibe is evident in its galleries and open‑air studios, where local painters showcase breezy landscapes inspired by rolling hills.
Its boutique bookstores line the charming downtown streets, inviting you to browse curated collections of poetry, travel narratives, and rare editions.
Beyond the cultural charms, Ojai’s citrus groves—home to fragrant orange and lemon trees—add a burst of fresh scent that you can taste in the local cafés and farmer’s markets.
Whether you’re looking to stroll through sun‑lit sidewalks, sip a locally roasted coffee, or simply unwind among fragrant groves, the Ojai day trip promises a serene yet inspiring retreat.
Signature Experiences
Bart's Books cozy indie bookstore with community events
Olive Oil Tastings local producers showcase premium oils
Pixie Tangerine Groves sun‑kissed orchards perfect for picking
Pink Moment sunset view from Topatopa Mountain
< Downtown stroll through galleries and street murals
Catch the Pink Moment Sunset
Plan your visit to Topatopa Mountain for the famed “Pink Moment” sunset. The best spot to experience the colors is the east overlook near the trailhead.
Tip: Bring a light jacket—cool evening air sets in as the sun sets.
Solvang Santa Ynez Wine Country: 85‑mi, 1.5‑hr drive
Just a 90‑minute drive from Westlake Village, you’ll find a region steeped in Danish heritage where historic windmills turn against the coast‑kissed breezes.
Rolling ranch vistas stretch beneath a sky that’s perfect for sipping, and the heart of the area – Los Olivos – boasts one of the highest concentrations of boutique wineries in Southern California.
Whether you’re chasing picture‑perfect panoramas, tasting hand‑crafted wines, or simply soaking in the quiet charm of a once‑farming community, this day‑trip delivers a blend of history, scenery, and flavor that’s hard to match.
Highlights
Danish bakerstrong>Iconic windmills historic silhouettes of Dutch countryside
Alisal Ranch scenery sprawling vistas of California ranchland
Los Olivos wine‑tasting rooms intimate tastings among boutique vineyards
Schedule Your Los Olivos Wine‑Tasting Itinerary
Plan a relaxed afternoon exploring the tasting rooms in Los Olivos, many of which are within easy walking distance of each other.
Ventura Harbor Channel Islands – 30‑Mile Day Trip
Ventura Harbor is just a short drive from Westlake Village—roughly 30 minutes—making it an ideal day‑trip destination.
Along the waterfront, fresh‑catch eateries line the docks, offering everything from grilled fish tacos to buttery clam chowder, perfect for a quick, tasty lunch.
Just minutes away, the harbor serves as the gateway to Channel Islands National Park, where you can board a boat for island‑hopping adventures.
Combine coastal scenery, delicious seafood, and easy access to island exploration for a perfect escape from the suburbs.
Signature Experiences
Harbor‑side seafood eateries Fresh catches with ocean views
Kayak rentals for coastal paddling Explore hidden coves and tide pools
Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center Learn the islands' natural history
Day ferries to Santa Cruz Island Sun‑soaked beaches and hiking trails
Plan Ahead for a Calm Day on Santa Cruz Island
Catch an early ferry to enjoy calmer waters, and bring a light jacket for the island’s evening breeze.
Pro Road Trip Tips from Westlake Village
Explore scenic drives near Westlake Village and discover weekend road trips Westlake Village residents love.
Day Trip Driving Distance Westlake Village – Scenic Drive
Destination / Route | Highlights |
|---|---|
Malibu Coastline | Featured in the Malibu Canyon and PCH loop among the 7 weekend road trips Westlake Village. |
Ventura Harbor & Coastline | Highlighted as a coastal marina destination in the 7 weekend road trips Westlake Village. |
Ojai Valley | Included in the Ojai scenic drive options within Westlake Village weekend road trips. |
Santa Barbara (The American Riviera) | Part of the Santa Barbara scenic drives discussed in Westlake Village weekend road trips. |
Santa Ynez Wine Country | Cited as a wine‑country getaway in Westlake Village weekend road trips. |
Mulholland Highway Loop | Recognized as the Mulholland Scenic Parkway loop in the Westlake Village weekend road trips. |
Explore day trip driving distance Westlake Village, scenic drive mileage and drive times, and weekend road trips Westlake Village. |
Interactive Day Trip Selector & Planner Westlake Village
🗺️ Conejo Valley Scenic Escape & Day‑Trip Planner
Your day trip planner for Westlake Village — filter by vibe and available time to instantly find the perfect scenic drive or destination from the heart of the Conejo Valley.
Westlake Village Scenic Drives FAQ – Day Trips Near Westlake
Kanan Dume Road offers dramatic cliff‑side tunnels that carve through the coastal ridge, delivering a striking sense of depth as the road twists between sheer rock faces.
Malibu Canyon Road follows a lush river gorge, shaded by mature canyons and opening onto sweeping ocean vistas, creating a greener, more verdant experience.
Mulholland Highway climbs the Santa Monica Mountains and provides sweeping panoramic ridges that balance high‑elevation outlooks with expansive valley views. Each route showcases a different visual flavor, making this the definitive westlake village scenic drives faq for beach‑bound adventurers.
The Conejo Valley is surrounded by quick escapes that fit comfortably within a one‑hour round‑trip.
Malibu / Point Dume – approximately 20–25 minutes, perfect for a beach stroll or sunset snap.
Ventura Harbor – about 30–35 minutes, ideal for waterfront dining and marina walks.
Ojai Valley – roughly 45–55 minutes, offering boutique shopping, art galleries, and mountain trails.
These options represent the top day trips near westlake village ca for a single‑day adventure.
Canyon roads such as Kanan Dume and Malibu Canyon feature steep grades and tight switchbacks that can test brakes and steering on any standard car.
Drivers should verify tire tread and brake condition before heading into the canyon, especially after heavy rain when slick surfaces and potential rockfall increase risk. Turnout lanes are provided at regular intervals; using them courteously helps keep traffic flowing and gives space for slower vehicles.
Weekend traffic on US‑101 and CA‑1 (PCH) typically peaks between 10 AM and 2 PM. Departing between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM allows you to beat the main rush and enjoy clearer roads for the scenic portions of the drive.
For those seeking a sunset experience, a mid‑afternoon departure (around 2:30 PM–3:30 PM) lets you arrive at coastal viewpoints just as daylight fades, turning the drive itself into a golden‑hour adventure. This timing aligns with the best time for scenic drives conejo valley recommendations.
