Scottsdale to Santa Monica: Desert to Coast Drive Guide

This route crosses the Sonoran Desert, climbs over the Colorado Plateau, and drops to the Pacific coast—a 370-mile journey with drastic changes in elevation and climate.

Highway 60 west through Wickenburg and US 93 north to I-40 offers the most straightforward drive, while historic Route 66 parallels much of it.

The fastest route uses I-10 from Phoenix to Los Angeles, but the more scenic option is via US 93 and I-40 through Kingman, adding about 50 miles.

• Distance: 370 miles (595 km) via I-10; 420 miles via US 93/I-40.
• Driving time: about 6 hours without stops on I-10; 7-8 hours on the northern route.
• Fuel: expect higher gas prices in California; plan to fill in Arizona before entering the state.
• Tolls: none on the entire route, but parking in Santa Monica is costly.

Road quality is excellent on interstates; US 93 is a modern divided highway with rest areas roughly every 50 miles.

Services are sparse between Wickenburg and Kingman—fuel up before leaving Wickenburg.

Leaving Scottsdale, the landscape transitions from saguaro-studded desert to the arid Mojave near Kingman, then spills into the Mojave Desert again before crossing the San Gabriel Mountains.

Joshua Tree National Park lies south of the I-10 route—a detour offering iconic desert scenery.

The Grand Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a 3.5-hour detour north from Kingman—worth it if you have extra time.

Small towns like Oatman (historic Route 66) and Seligman offer kitschy roadside culture; don't miss the historic route's quirky charm.

Heat is a major factor; carry water and coolers for both humans and pets. Summer temperatures can exceed 110°F (43°C) in the desert.

• Rest stops: frequent stops every 2 hours to stretch legs; major stops include Wickenburg, Kingman, and Barstow.
• Family-friendly: the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix (detour) and the Santa Monica Pier at the end are hits.
• Pets: many desert rest stops have shade and water; choose hotels with pet policies early in the day.

Highway 93 has long straight stretches that induce fatigue; use cruise control and take breaks at designated areas.

For hidden gems, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.