Los Angeles, the city of dreams, isn’t just known for its sprawling skyline or iconic landmarks—it’s also home to some of the best scenic drives perfect for exploring in a manual transmission car. Nestled between the ocean and mountains, the landscape around LA offers winding roads that thrill car enthusiasts. Whether you’re a local or visiting, these drives provide the perfect opportunity to put your gear-shifting skills to the test while taking in breathtaking views. Ready to explore LA from a driver’s seat? Let’s dive into some of the best scenic routes in the area.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) – Malibu to Santa Monica
Starting at Malibu and extending down to Santa Monica, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) offers one of the most iconic coastal drives in the world. Along this route, manual drivers can take in the sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and iconic landmarks like the Getty Villa. As you navigate the twists and turns, you’ll enjoy the challenge of shifting gears on this winding road, all while feeling the ocean breeze.
2. Angeles Crest Highway – La Cañada Flintridge to Wrightwood
For those who love mountain scenery, Angeles Crest Highway offers a thrilling and scenic route that climbs into the San Gabriel Mountains. Winding through dense forests and offering spectacular panoramic views of the LA Basin, this drive is perfect for those who enjoy navigating tight, hairpin curves in a manual car. Make sure to stop at one of the overlooks for stunning views of the city below.
3. Mulholland Drive – Hollywood Hills
Located right in the heart of LA, Mulholland Drive offers a scenic and historic route that allows you to take in panoramic views of the city, the iconic Hollywood Sign, and the San Fernando Valley. This iconic drive winds through the Hollywood Hills, with numerous twists and turns, making it ideal for manual transmission cars that thrive on winding roads. Be prepared to shift gears often as you enjoy the views of LA’s skyline and mountainous landscapes.
4. Topanga Canyon Boulevard – Topanga to Pacific Palisades
For an off-the-beaten-path route, drive through Topanga Canyon, where the narrow roads twist and turn through a peaceful rural area. Topanga Canyon Boulevard connects the San Fernando Valley with the Pacific Palisades, offering a mix of serene nature, desert hills, and ocean views. This hidden gem of a drive is less crowded but just as enjoyable for any manual transmission enthusiast who loves handling curves.
5. Sunset Boulevard – Hollywood to the Pacific Ocean
Another iconic route in LA, Sunset Boulevard stretches all the way from downtown Hollywood to the Pacific Ocean. With its palm-lined streets, the drive offers a great combination of urban scenery, historic landmarks, and glimpses of the Santa Monica Mountains. Sunset Boulevard is perfect for a relaxed yet engaging drive with plenty of opportunities for gear-shifting fun.
6. Laurel Canyon Road – Hollywood Hills
Laurel Canyon Road offers an escape into the lush, winding roads of the Hollywood Hills, passing through areas once home to famous musicians. The narrow roads and tight corners make this a fun challenge for manual drivers. While not as well-known as Mulholland Drive, Laurel Canyon offers a quieter, more intimate driving experience.
7. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook Loop – Culver City
A lesser-known, but incredibly rewarding, drive in LA is the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook Loop. This short yet scenic route takes you through lush hills and offers a view of downtown LA. The road has enough elevation changes and curves to keep a manual transmission driver entertained, and at the top, you’ll get an excellent view of the LA skyline.
Conclusion
The beauty of Los Angeles is best experienced behind the wheel, and these scenic routes offer just the right mix of adventure and stunning views for any car lover. Whether you’re cruising along the coast on PCH or winding through the hills of Topanga, Los Angeles is a city designed for manual driving enthusiasts. If you’re eager to take your driving skills to the next level, why not book a manual driving lesson in LA? You can get started with Manual Driving Academy here: Book your lesson.
From the mountains to the ocean, LA’s scenic routes are the perfect playground for those who want to enjoy the thrill of driving a manual car. So why wait? Let Manual Driving Academy guide you through some of the city’s best routes, and before you know it, you’ll be handling those twists and turns like a pro.
