Phoenix to Los Angeles Road Trip with Kids: Best Stops for Families
The 372-mile drive from Phoenix to Los Angeles on I-10 takes about six hours through the Arizona desert, across the Colorado River, and into Southern California via the Coachella Valley. SmartStops plans two stops to break up the drive. Your first break at Quartzsite, Arizona, features a town park with a playground, basketball courts, skatepark, and baseball field. The second stop at Cathedral City near Palm Springs offers 49 parks and 25 restaurants, making it an ideal longer break before the final stretch into LA.
Your First Stop: Quartzsite, AZ
1h 58m from Phoenix
Best Park
Quartzite Town Park
Gas Station
Food Mart
46301-46431 Central Blvd
Family Restaurant
X3 Family Restaurant
1265 W Main St
American
Coffee
Karen's Cafe
1099 W Main Street
Next Stop Along the Way
SmartStops finds every park, playground, gas station, and restaurant near each stop — and lets you pick the best option for your family.
Stop 2: Cathedral City, CA
4h 6m from previous stop
49 parks, 25 gas stations, 25 restaurants, 25 coffee shops nearby
Get the full picture in SmartStops
- Choose between multiple city options at each stop
- See every park with playground details, restrooms, and shade
- Filter gas stations by brand and amenities
- Adjust stop frequency to match your family's needs
- Get directions straight to each park from the highway
Tips for This Route
Drive early in summer
Temperatures between Phoenix and the California border regularly exceed 115 degrees in July and August. Leave Phoenix before 6 AM to get through the hottest desert sections before midday. Your car's AC will work less hard and your kids will be more comfortable.
Fill up before the Colorado River crossing
Gas stations are sparse between Quartzsite and the Blythe area along I-10. Quartzsite has a Food Mart and a few other options, but fuel up here to avoid running low through the 70-mile stretch to the next cluster of stations.
Budget extra time through the Coachella Valley
The I-10 stretch through Palm Springs and Cathedral City can slow down during snowbird season (January through March) and on holiday weekends. The San Gorgonio Pass wind farm area near Banning also sees gusty crosswinds that may require slower driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I stop on a road trip from Phoenix to LA with kids?
SmartStops recommends two stops: Quartzsite, AZ (about 2 hours from Phoenix) where Quartzite Town Park has a playground, basketball courts, skatepark, and baseball field, plus X3 Family Restaurant for American food. Stop 2 is Cathedral City, CA, with 49 parks and 25 restaurants near Palm Springs.
How long is the drive from Phoenix to LA with kids?
The drive is 372 miles and takes about 6 hours without stops. With two family breaks for playground time, food, and gas, plan for 7.5 to 8 hours total.
Are there playgrounds along I-10 between Phoenix and Los Angeles?
Yes. Quartzite Town Park at stop 1 has a playground, basketball courts, a skatepark, and a baseball field. Cathedral City at stop 2 has 49 parks. SmartStops ensures every stop has nearby parks so kids can stretch and play.
This page shows one stop. The app plans your whole trip.
SmartStops finds parks with playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, gas stations, and coffee shops at every stop — then lets you pick the best options for your family.
2 trips/month free — no credit card required