Orange County offers some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the States, built for coastline cruising or canyon carving. The T-Rex 14RR is the perfect vehicle for sightseeing, combining power, precision, and an open-air experience that makes every turn unforgettable. Whether you’re gliding along Pacific Coast Highway, winding through Ortega Highway, or exploring hidden canyon roads, these routes offer the ultimate blend of adrenaline and breathtaking views. This guide (with some helpful tips at the end!) will take you through our favorite drives in Orange County, providing turn-by-turn directions to ensure a seamless and exhilarating experience.
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH to CA - 1): Coastal Drive
The route: Newport Beach → Laguna Beach → Dana Point → San Clemente
Estimated drive time (without stops): 45 minutes
Best for: Ocean views, smooth cruising, scenic outlooks
DIRECTIONS
1. Start in Newport Beach (Near Balboa Peninsula or Lido Marina Village) ○ Head south on Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1).
○ You’ll pass Crystal Cove State Park on your left (great for a scenic pull-off!)
2. Continue through Laguna Beach ○ Stay on PCH as you enter downtown Laguna Beach (watch for pedestrians and traffic, this area can get a little crowded).
○ If you want a quick detour, turn right onto Laguna Canyon Road (CA-133) for a short canyon drive before looping back.
3. Enter Dana Point ○ After Laguna Beach, continue straight on PCH through Monarch Beach and Dana Point.
○ Stay in the right lane as you approach Dana Point Harbor Drive if you want to visit the harbor. Otherwise, continue heading straight down the road.
4. End in San Clemente ○ Stay on PCH until it merges with El Camino Real near San Clemente Pier.
○ Turn right onto Avenida del Mar to cruise through San Clemente’s charming downtown before ending your drive, or even pull offat the pier!
Santiago Canyon Road (CA - 18): Scenic Back Road Drive
The route: Orange → Silverado → Lake Forest
Estimated drive time: 30 minutes
Best for: Smooth driving, open roads, canyon scenery
DIRECTIONS
1. Start in Orange (Chapman Ave & Jamboree Road Intersection) ○ Take Chapman Avenue east until it turns into Santiago Canyon Road (CA-18).
2. Stay on Santiago Canyon Road for 12 miles ○ See the rolling hills with minimal traffic.
○ Watch for Silverado Canyon Road on your left (a fun side road to explore if you’d like, but stay on Santiago Canyon for the main route).
3. Pass Modjeska Canyon Road ○ Stay on Santiago Canyon Road as it winds past Irvine Lake on your right.
4. End near Lake Forest ○ Santiago Canyon Road will intersect with El Toro Road. Turn right if heading toward Lake Forest or left for a return loop via Live Oak Canyon Road.
Ortega Highway (CA - 74): Mountain Thrill Drive
Route: San Juan Capistrano → Lake Elsinore
Estimated drive time: 1 hour
Best for: Winding mountain roads, fun turns for open air
DIRECTIONS
1. Start in San Juan Capistrano (OffI-5 at Ortega Highway Exit)
○ Take Ortega Highway (CA-74) east from San Juan Capistrano.
○ You’ll immediately enter a scenic, hilly landscape.
2. Pass Caspers Wilderness Park
○ After about 8 miles, you’ll see an entrance to Caspers Wilderness Park. Keep right and continue on CA-74.
3. Twist and turn through the Santa Ana Mountains
○ This section has sharp turns and elevation changes. Stay centered in your lane and be prepared for some blind curves.
○ Watch for turnouts if faster cars are behind you.
4. Descend into Lake Elsinore
○ Once past Ortega Oaks and The Lookout Roadhouse, you’ll see a downhill stretch leading into Lake Elsinore.
○ Continue straight until you reach Grand Avenue, where you can turn left to explore Lake Elsinore or right to return via I-15.
Laguna Canyon Road (CA - 133): Quick Canyon Drive
Route: Irvine → Laguna Beach
Estimated drive time: 15 minutes
Best for: A short but scenic drive, canyon views
DIRECTIONS
1. Start on I-405 near Irvine Spectrum
○ Take Laguna Canyon Road (CA-133) south from Irvine.
2. Cruise through Laguna Canyon
○ The road has smooth curves and light traffic.
3. End at Laguna Beach
○ Stay straight as CA-133 merges with Broadway Street in downtown Laguna Beach.
○ Turn left onto Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1) to continue along the coast or right to find parking and explore downtown Laguna.
Trabuco Canyon and Live Oak Canyon Road: Secluded Drive Route: Rancho
Route: Rancho Santa Margarita → Trabuco Canyon
Estimated drive time: 35 minutes
Best for: Twisty, shaded roads, a secluded canyon vibe
DIRECTIONS
1. Start at Rancho Santa Margarita (Antonio Parkway & Santa Margarita Parkway) ○ Head east on Santa Margarita Parkway until it becomes Trabuco Canyon Road.
2. Follow Trabuco Canyon Road ○ Stay right at the fork where Live Oak Canyon Road splits.
○ The road narrows and winds through a shaded canyon. Enjoy the experience, but watch for cyclists!
○ Stop at Cook’s Corner (Optional)
○ Turn right into Cook’s Corner – a legendary biker bar – for a quick stop, if you’d like.
3. Continue on Live Oak Canyon Road ○ Follow the curves until the road meets El Toro Road, where you can head toward Lake Forest or loop back to Santiago Canyon Road.
Newport Back Bay Loop: Relaxed Waterfront Drive
Route: Newport Beach → Upper Newport Bay
Estimated drive time: 20 minutes
Best for: Relaxed cruising, bay views
DIRECTIONS
1. Start in Newport Beach (PCH & Jamboree Road) ○ Take Jamboree Road north toward Upper Newport Bay.
2. Turn right on Back Bay Drive ○ Follow the one-way scenic road along the bay.
3. Loop back via Irvine Avenue ○ Stay on Back Bay Drive until it reconnects with Irvine Avenue, which leads back toward Newport Beach.
1. Start in Newport Beach (PCH & Jamboree Road) ○ Take Jamboree Road north toward Upper Newport Bay.
2. Turn right on Back Bay Drive ○ Follow the one-way scenic road along the bay.
3. Loop back via Irvine Avenue ○ Stay on Back Bay Drive until it reconnects with Irvine Avenue, which leads back toward Newport Beach.
Final Tips for Driving an Exotic T-Rex 14RR in OC:
● Best time to drive: Booking for earlier in the morning or a little later in the evening will help in avoiding traffic.
● Road conditions: Ortega Highway and any canyon road could have debris, drive with caution.
● Speed limits: Many of these roads have police presence, so always enjoy the views responsibly.
● Scenic stops: Plan ahead for pull-off, especially along PCH and Ortega Highway for the best views!
With this full breakdown of each drive, all that’s left to do is select your route, buckle in, and enjoy! Head over to our booking page or give us a call at (949) 681-8404 to plan your adventure.
