1.Highway 74 from Orange County (San Juan Capistrano, CA Highway 5 to LakeElsinore. Lunch stop recommendation is Lookout Roadhouse Lookout Roadhouse
I love this quick fun road from the Pacific Ocean to the top of the mountain above Lake Elsinore. The Lookout Roadhouse has excellent BBQ and breathtaking views. If you ride down into Lake Elsinore take the 15 Highway South to Pechanga Casino and Resort.
2.Highway 74 from Hemet to Palm Desert
Lunch Stop Recommendation Sugar Loaf Cafe Sugar Loaf Cafe
This is my favorite winding curvy road mostly because it leads me back home and we usually take detours to either Idylwild, Cahuilla Casino or even Pechanga Casino and Resort. This is a continuation of the same road above however there are a lot of side streets and Highway 15 in between them.
3.Mulholland Drive and Topanga State Park
Lunch Stop Recommendation Rock Store cafe Rock Store
A very scenic road with lots of turns. Only bad thing is there is a lot of traffic. It’s Los Angeles and way too many cars and people. The Rock Store is a fun place that bikers hang out at or you could try Neptune’s Net on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. Take Mulholland road back to the 101 freeway on the way back if you like.
4.Angeles Crest Highway.
Lunch Stop Recommendation Newcomb’s Ranch Newcomb’s Ranch
This is a fun curvy mountain road to ride. Don’t ride to Wrightwood in the Winter unless you want to go skiing. You could make a loop and head back on Highway 39 through the Los Angeles National Forest. Caution this road is normally closed during Winter so check for road conditions.
5. Joshua Tree Loop
Lunch Stop Recommendation Pappy and Harriets
Start out in Palm Springs and take Highway 10 East to Highway 62 East that will lead you to Joshua Tree National Park entrance with a few more turns. The rock formations are fascinating however the two times we rode through the park it was way too hot or too cold. Check the weather first on this route.
6. Palomar Mountain/Julian
Lunch Stop Recommendation Julian Pie Company
We do Route 79 all the time due to Pala Casino Resort and Harrah’s Casino being in the vicinity. The road is through a forest yet surrounded by mountains. Find your way to a casino out there or walk around the small town of Julian and splurge on their famous apple pie.
7. Big Bear Lake
Lunch Stop Recommendation Grizzly Manor Cafe
Start at the bottom of the mountain in Highland and take Highway 18 to Lake Arrowhead and then further up you ride through the San Bernardino National Forest to Big Bear Lake. Lunch is even further up the mountain. For a special treat go down the back of the mountain on Highway 38. It is a very curvy mountain road. Remember Big Bear is 6000 feet in elevation.
8. Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)
Lunch Stop Recommendation — My old stomping grounds! Newport Beach Pier or Balboa Pier (Detour) Quite worth the stop for just walking along and eating at any of the restaurants on the Balboa Peninsula. The Old Spaghetti Factory is always a favorite.
There is a great view of the ocean from San Juan Capistrano through Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and ending up in Long Beach. The only problem is the traffic and lots of lights. There are stretches of highway that make it real motorcycle riding to balance out the stops.
9. Palm to Pines Highway 243
Lunch Stop Recommendation The Red Kettle
Idyllwild is up in the mountains off Highway 74 that starts in Hemet and ends in Palm Desert. I highly recommend spending a night in this woodsy quaint town. Early morning take Highway 243 down the mountain back to Highway 10. Wow, the views are breathtaking and the road is unbelievable.
10. El Toro Road/Santiago Canyon/Live Oak Canyon Road
Lunch Stop Recommendation Cook’s Corner
When I lived in Orange County this was a short but fun way to ride. Cook’s Corner is also a biker bar with live music every Sunday. You can start on El Toro Road or off the 241 Toll Road. Go explore Santiago Canyon, Trabuco Canyon, and Live Oak Canyon. It will be a fun day with two state parks to venture into.
