Ultimate SoCal Road Trips: Luxury Destinations for Your Maserati Levante
The Maserati Levante was engineered with the assumption that owners would actually use it — not just for school runs through Corona del Mar or grocery trips along Newport Coast Drive, but for the kind of weekend escapes Southern California makes possible in nearly every direction. With the right itinerary and a tank of premium, a Saturday morning out of the showroom can put you in Big Sur, the high desert, the Sierras, or the heart of wine country by sundown. This is the case for luxury SUV travel California-style — and the Levante is one of the most genuinely versatile vehicles for the job.
Before you go, browse our current Maserati Levante inventory, make sure the car is travel-ready with a quick pre-trip service appointment, and read customer testimonials from owners who use theirs the way they were meant to be used.
Coastal Escapes: Luxury SUV Travel Up California’s Highway 1
There is no better place to test the Levante’s long-haul refinement than California’s coast. Out of Newport Beach, Highway 1 curves north through Malibu, Santa Barbara, and beyond — eventually opening into the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur and the cypress-lined approaches to Carmel and Pebble Beach.
- Santa Barbara (a long day or a weekend). Less than two hours up the coast, Santa Barbara is the easiest luxury weekend in California. The Funk Zone, the historic Riviera, and the dining at the Belmond El Encanto all reward an overnight stay.
- Big Sur and the Bixby Bridge (full weekend). Five to six hours via Highway 1, with stops at Hearst Castle and Nepenthe along the way. The Levante’s air suspension settles on the long stretches and the cabin stays library-quiet at coastal speeds.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pebble Beach (long weekend). Stay at the Inn at Spanish Bay or the Lodge at Pebble Beach. Bring golf clubs — the Levante’s cargo capacity handles a full bag without folding seats.
If you’d rather take the coast in a more spirited grand tourer, our recent post on the Maserati GranTurismo as a coastal cruiser makes the case for switching cars for that kind of trip.
Desert Retreats East of the 10
The Coachella Valley and the high desert begin two hours east of Newport Beach via the 91 and the 10. The drive is straightforward; the destination is where the Levante’s all-wheel-drive Q4 system and air suspension earn their keep.
- Palm Springs and Indian Wells. Stay at the Parker, the Korakia Pensione, or the La Quinta Resort & Club. The Levante’s massaging seats become noticeable on the open desert stretches between Indio and Palm Desert.
- Joshua Tree National Park. Inside the park, paved roads connect most of the major formations, but a few dirt-road detours — Geology Tour Road, Covington Flats — reward an SUV with real ground clearance. The Levante’s adjustable ride height makes these accessible without compromise.
- Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego State Park. Less polished than Palm Springs, but for stargazing and wildflower season, the drive south through Anza-Borrego is one of the best-kept secrets in Southern California.
A quick check of tire condition and pressures through our parts team before any desert trip is worth the time — sustained high-speed running at desert temperatures is genuinely demanding on tires, even on a car this sorted.
Mountain Getaways from the Coast to the Sierras
The Levante’s Q4 all-wheel drive and air suspension transform the way it handles elevation. From Newport Beach, you can be in alpine territory by lunch.
- Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead (under two hours). Quick mountain weekends with cabins, dining, and skiing in winter. The Levante’s heated steering wheel and ventilated seats handle the temperature swings of a same-day round trip.
- Idyllwild (about two hours). Smaller than Big Bear, more wooded, with the kind of independent restaurants and art galleries that suit an unhurried Saturday.
- Mammoth Lakes (a long six hours via the 395). A real road trip, but the Eastern Sierra route along Highway 395 is one of America’s great driving roads. The Levante’s GT trim is built for this kind of distance.
If you’re heading to higher elevations during winter, our service team can confirm your vehicle is set up for the conditions, and the payment calculator is worth a look if you’re considering an upgrade to a Trofeo trim before a long-mileage season.
Wine Country Excursions
The Levante’s cargo capacity and rear-seat comfort were designed with weekends like this in mind — cases of wine in the cargo area, friends in the back, a long Sunday drive home along the 101.
- Temecula Valley (about an hour and a half from Newport). The closest major wine region to Orange County. Wilson Creek, Europa Village, and South Coast Winery all suit a day trip without an overnight.
- Santa Ynez Valley (under three hours). Solvang, Los Olivos, and the cluster of small-production wineries between Buellton and Santa Barbara. The Sanford & Benedict Vineyard and Roblar Winery are worth a stop.
- Paso Robles (about four hours). Worth a long weekend for the cabernet and rhône blends. Stay at the Allegretto or Hotel Cheval. The drive north on the 101 is straightforward and well-suited to the Levante’s effortless cruising.
- Ojai (under two hours). Not technically wine country, but the Ojai Vineyard and the broader culinary scene along Highway 33 make it a worthy alternative.
If a wine country trip is a regular ritual rather than a one-time event, talking with our finance team and rolling in your current car via the instant offer tool can make a Levante upgrade easier than it sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Maserati Levante a good choice for luxury SUV travel in California?
Yes — it’s one of the more genuinely versatile luxury SUVs on the market. The Q4 all-wheel drive, air suspension, Ferrari-built engines on certain trims, and refined interior make it equally suited to high-speed cruising on the 101, dirt-road detours in Joshua Tree, and mountain switchbacks above Idyllwild. Browse current Levante inventory to see what’s available.
Yes — it’s one of the more genuinely versatile luxury SUVs on the market. The Q4 all-wheel drive, air suspension, Ferrari-built engines on certain trims, and refined interior make it equally suited to high-speed cruising on the 101, dirt-road detours in Joshua Tree, and mountain switchbacks above Idyllwild. Browse current Levante inventory to see what’s available.
What’s the best Levante trim for long road trips?
The Levante GT and Modena trims are the sweet spot for long-distance comfort, with full luxury appointments and the smoother V6. The Trofeo, with its Ferrari-built V8, is the choice for buyers who want the SUV to feel like a sports car on the open road.
The Levante GT and Modena trims are the sweet spot for long-distance comfort, with full luxury appointments and the smoother V6. The Trofeo, with its Ferrari-built V8, is the choice for buyers who want the SUV to feel like a sports car on the open road.
How does the Levante handle dirt roads and off-pavement detours?
The air suspension’s adjustable ride height makes well-maintained dirt roads — Joshua Tree’s Geology Tour Road, the side approaches in Anza-Borrego — entirely manageable. It’s not a Wrangler, but for the kind of access that most luxury road trips require, it has the clearance and traction to handle them.
The air suspension’s adjustable ride height makes well-maintained dirt roads — Joshua Tree’s Geology Tour Road, the side approaches in Anza-Borrego — entirely manageable. It’s not a Wrangler, but for the kind of access that most luxury road trips require, it has the clearance and traction to handle them.
What’s the typical cargo capacity for a wine country weekend?
With the rear seats up, the Levante offers roughly 20 cubic feet of cargo — easily enough for several cases of wine plus weekend luggage for four. Folding the rear seats expands the space considerably for larger hauls.
With the rear seats up, the Levante offers roughly 20 cubic feet of cargo — easily enough for several cases of wine plus weekend luggage for four. Folding the rear seats expands the space considerably for larger hauls.
Can I see the Levante inventory before visiting the dealership?
Yes — the full new Levante inventory is available online, and many model years also appear in our Certified Pre-Owned inventory. Contact us to arrange a private viewing or a test drive.
Yes — the full new Levante inventory is available online, and many model years also appear in our Certified Pre-Owned inventory. Contact us to arrange a private viewing or a test drive.
Is the Levante still available?
The Levante production schedule has evolved as Maserati’s lineup has shifted toward the Grecale and the electrified Folgore models. Several model years remain available, new and certified, and the Levante continues to be one of the most desirable luxury SUVs on the market. Our team can walk you through what’s currently in stock.
The Levante production schedule has evolved as Maserati’s lineup has shifted toward the Grecale and the electrified Folgore models. Several model years remain available, new and certified, and the Levante continues to be one of the most desirable luxury SUVs on the market. Our team can walk you through what’s currently in stock.
What’s the best time of year to plan these trips?
Coastal trips work year-round, though Highway 1 is at its best in late spring and early fall. Desert destinations are most pleasant from late October through April. Mountain trips depend on the destination — Big Bear and Mammoth are winter-prime for skiing; Idyllwild and Arrowhead are excellent year-round. Wine country peaks at harvest in September and October, but is enjoyable any time.
Coastal trips work year-round, though Highway 1 is at its best in late spring and early fall. Desert destinations are most pleasant from late October through April. Mountain trips depend on the destination — Big Bear and Mammoth are winter-prime for skiing; Idyllwild and Arrowhead are excellent year-round. Wine country peaks at harvest in September and October, but is enjoyable any time.
Should I service the car before a long trip?
Yes — a quick pre-trip service check covers fluids, tire pressures, brakes, and any open software updates. Most appointments take less than an hour for a vehicle in good standing, and our technicians can flag any item worth addressing before you put real miles on the car.
Yes — a quick pre-trip service check covers fluids, tire pressures, brakes, and any open software updates. Most appointments take less than an hour for a vehicle in good standing, and our technicians can flag any item worth addressing before you put real miles on the car.
Southern California is one of the few places in the world where a single weekend can move you from a Pacific overlook to a desert resort to an alpine lake — and where the right car genuinely opens up the possibilities. The Maserati Levante was built for exactly this kind of versatility, and the destinations within reach of Newport Beach reward an SUV with this much capability and presence. Browse our current Levante inventory, contact our team to arrange a test drive, and speak with our finance team about how to make the next great California road trip your own.
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