St. George to Los Angeles
Beaches, Disneyland, Hollywood, world-class dining, and endless entertainment — Los Angeles is the ultimate West Coast road trip from St. George, connected by a straight shot down I-15.
I-15 South all the way
420 miles
Distance
6 hr
Drive Time
southwest
Direction
Year-round
Best Time
Driving from St. George to Los Angeles
Route: I-15 South all the way
Take I-15 South through the Virgin River Gorge, Las Vegas, Baker (home of the world's tallest thermometer), Barstow, and over the Cajon Pass into the Los Angeles basin. A straightforward interstate drive the entire way.
About Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the ultimate road trip destination for St. George families and travelers seeking beaches, theme parks, and big-city entertainment. The I-15 corridor from St. George to LA is one of the most-traveled routes in the western United States, connecting Southern Utah to the Pacific Ocean in about six hours. The drive passes through Las Vegas (a natural midway rest stop), crosses the Mojave Desert, and climbs over the Cajon Pass before descending into the sprawling Los Angeles basin.
For families, Disneyland in Anaheim is the primary draw — the original Walt Disney theme park with rides, shows, and the newer Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Avengers Campus. Universal Studios Hollywood offers movie-themed rides and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Knott's Berry Farm, LEGOLAND (in Carlsbad), and Six Flags Magic Mountain provide additional theme park options.
Beyond theme parks, Los Angeles offers world-famous beaches from Santa Monica to Malibu, the Getty Museum (free admission), Hollywood and the Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory with views across the city, and a dining scene that spans every cuisine on Earth. The Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach boardwalk, and Huntington Beach are quintessential Southern California experiences. Many St. George residents plan annual beach trips to LA or use LAX for international flights.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Mesquite, NV — 37 miles / 35 min
- Las Vegas, NV — 120 miles / 1 hr 50 min (full services)
- Baker, CA — 250 miles / 3 hr 30 min (gas, fast food — world's tallest thermometer)
- Barstow, CA — 290 miles / 4 hr (full services, outlet mall)
- Cajon Pass area — 370 miles / 5 hr 15 min (gas stations)
Weather & Climate
Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers (75-90°F) and mild, occasionally rainy winters (55-70°F). Coastal areas are 5-10 degrees cooler than inland valleys. Rain is rare May-October. Marine layer fog is common along the coast in early summer.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round
LA has near-perfect weather year-round. Summer (June-August) is peak beach season with 75-85°F temps. Spring and fall offer the clearest skies and fewer crowds at attractions. Winter (December-February) is mild (55-70°F) with occasional rain. Marine layer (morning fog) is common May-July along the coast.
Things to Do in Los Angeles
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Los Angeles, California.
Theme Parks
Disneyland Resort
$104-$194 per person per dayThe original Disneyland theme park plus Disney California Adventure. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Cars Land, and classic rides like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. The Happiest Place on Earth.
Buy tickets in advance and download the Disneyland app for ride wait times and Lightning Lane
Universal Studios Hollywood
$109-$169 per personMovie-themed rides including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World, and the legendary Studio Tour backlot experience. Super Nintendo World is the newest addition.
Knott's Berry Farm
$55-$95 per personOriginal California theme park with roller coasters, Knott's Soak City water park, and the seasonal Knott's Scary Farm (Halloween). More affordable than Disney.
Six Flags Magic Mountain
$55-$100 per personRoller coaster capital of the world with 20 coasters including twisted steel giants. Located in Valencia, about 1 hour before downtown LA on I-5.
Beaches & Outdoor
Santa Monica Beach & Pier
Free (parking $8-$20)The iconic end of Route 66 with a Ferris wheel, arcade games, street performers, and wide sandy beach. The Third Street Promenade shopping district is just blocks away.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
FreeEclectic oceanfront boardwalk famous for street performers, Muscle Beach outdoor gym, skate park, murals, and unique shops. Pure LA culture on display.
Huntington Beach
FreeSurf City USA with consistent waves, a long pier, and the most quintessential Southern California beach vibe. Great for surfing, boogie boarding, and beach bonfires.
Griffith Observatory
Free (planetarium $7)Free observatory with telescopes, planetarium shows, and panoramic views of the Hollywood Sign, downtown LA, and the Pacific Ocean. Best visited at sunset.
Malibu
$12 parking at El MatadorStunning coastal highway, celebrity homes, surf spots, and Malibu Seafood for fish and chips on the beach. El Matador State Beach has dramatic sea cave formations.
Culture & Attractions
The Getty Center
Free (parking $20)Hilltop art museum with world-class collections, stunning architecture by Richard Meier, beautiful gardens, and panoramic city views. One of the best free museums in America.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
FreeOver 2,700 brass stars embedded in the sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard honoring entertainment legends. Visit the TCL Chinese Theatre for handprints and footprints.
The Broad Museum
FreeContemporary art museum in downtown LA featuring works by Warhol, Basquiat, Koons, and Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms. Free general admission with timed reservations.
Petersen Automotive Museum
$17-$21World-class car museum on Museum Row with 300+ vehicles from classic to concept cars. The Vault tour shows rare vehicles normally off-display.
Dining Highlights
Grand Central Market
$-$$Historic downtown food hall with 30+ vendors serving everything from Thai to tacos to artisan coffee. Eggslut and Sari Sari Store are standouts.
Porto's Bakery
$Cuban bakery chain beloved across LA for their cheese rolls, guava pastries, and potato balls. Lines are long but move fast. Multiple locations.
In-N-Out Burger
$The original California burger chain that St. George residents drive hours for. Multiple locations throughout LA.
Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles
$$LA institution serving the signature chicken and waffle combination since 1975. Comfort food at its finest. Multiple locations.
Koreatown BBQ
$$LA has the largest Koreatown in America. All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurants like Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong offer incredible value and an interactive grilling experience.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Los Angeles Drive
Leave early to arrive before 2 PM — LA traffic gets significantly worse during rush hour (3-7 PM)
Baker is the last reliable stop before the long Mojave stretch — gas up and grab food
The Cajon Pass can have strong crosswinds and is a notorious truck traffic bottleneck
Consider flying from Las Vegas to LA instead — flights are cheap (1 hour, often under $50)
Disneyland is in Anaheim, about 30 miles south of downtown LA — stay in Anaheim if that is your focus
Parking in LA is expensive ($20-$50) — use the Metro rail system for downtown attractions
Summer beach traffic on Friday afternoons is intense — consider leaving Thursday or early Friday
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Los Angeles
How far is St. George from Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is approximately 420 miles (6 hours) from St. George via I-15 South. The route goes through Las Vegas and across the Mojave Desert.
How far is St. George from Disneyland?
Disneyland in Anaheim is approximately 415 miles (5 hours 45 minutes) from St. George. Take I-15 South to the I-15/I-215/CA-91 interchange and follow signs to Disneyland.
Should I stop in Las Vegas on the way to LA?
Las Vegas is roughly the halfway point and makes a natural rest stop. You can break the drive with a meal, shopping at the outlets in Primm, or even an overnight stay. Baker, CA (3.5 hours in) is the next major stop after Vegas.
What is the Cajon Pass?
The Cajon Pass is a mountain pass on I-15 between the Mojave Desert and the LA basin. It can have strong crosswinds and heavy truck traffic. The descent into San Bernardino is steep — watch your brakes.
Nearby Destinations from Los Angeles
Las Vegas
The Entertainment Capital of the World is just under two hours from St. George. Whether you want world-class shows, celebrity chef restaurants, shopping, or a quick weekend getaway, Las Vegas delivers nonstop excitement.
Phoenix / Scottsdale
The Valley of the Sun offers world-class resorts, professional sports, spring training baseball, incredible desert hiking, and big-city amenities just six and a half hours south through Las Vegas.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Los Angeles
St. George to Los Angeles — 420 miles, 6 hr Drive
Los Angeles is the ultimate road trip destination for St. George families and travelers seeking beaches, theme parks, and big-city entertainment. The I-15 corridor from St. George to LA is one of the most-traveled routes in the western United States, connecting Southern Utah to the Pacific Ocean in about six hours. The drive passes through Las Vegas (a natural midway rest stop), crosses the Mojave Desert, and climbs over the Cajon Pass before descending into the sprawling Los Angeles basin.
The route from St. George, Utah to Los Angeles, California covers 420 miles and takes approximately 6 hr via I-15 South all the way. Take I-15 South through the Virgin River Gorge, Las Vegas, Baker (home of the world's tallest thermometer), Barstow, and over the Cajon Pass into the Los Angeles basin. A straightforward interstate drive the entire way.
Things to Do in Los Angeles
Theme Parks: Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm. Beaches & Outdoor: Santa Monica Beach & Pier, Venice Beach Boardwalk, Huntington Beach. Culture & Attractions: The Getty Center, Hollywood Walk of Fame, The Broad Museum. Dining Highlights: Grand Central Market, Porto's Bakery, In-N-Out Burger.
Best Time to Visit Los Angeles
LA has near-perfect weather year-round. Summer (June-August) is peak beach season with 75-85°F temps. Spring and fall offer the clearest skies and fewer crowds at attractions. Winter (December-February) is mild (55-70°F) with occasional rain. Marine layer (morning fog) is common May-July along the coast.
Travel Tips
Leave early to arrive before 2 PM — LA traffic gets significantly worse during rush hour (3-7 PM). Baker is the last reliable stop before the long Mojave stretch — gas up and grab food. The Cajon Pass can have strong crosswinds and is a notorious truck traffic bottleneck. Consider flying from Las Vegas to LA instead — flights are cheap (1 hour, often under $50).
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Las Vegas, Phoenix / Scottsdale.