GTA 5 isn’t just about high-speed chases or pulling off elaborate heists. Sometimes, the most satisfying moments come from taking a vehicle out for a long, scenic drive across Los Santos and Blaine County. Whether you’re looking to admire the diverse landscapes or just test the handling of your favorite car, cross country runs in GTA 5 can be a surprisingly rewarding part of the game.

In this guide, I’ll share some of the best routes, along with tips and personal experiences that make these journeys more enjoyable.

1. Vinewood Hills to Paleto Bay

Starting from the Vinewood Hills, this run is perfect if you enjoy winding roads and sharp elevation changes. The first part of the route snakes through the hills, offering plenty of opportunities for quick overtakes or just soaking in the views. Once you hit the freeway, the pace picks up, and you’ll eventually find yourself in the more open stretches near Paleto Bay.

Pro tip: Bring a vehicle with good traction because the Vinewood Hills roads can be tricky during rainy weather. Also, I know some players who prefer to skip the grind for vehicles and just grab ready-made rides—if you ever find yourself short on in-game cash, services like buy GTA 5 Modded Accounts can provide high-level cars and extras to jumpstart these runs. It’s not something I personally rely on often, but it’s nice for trying out runs in cars you wouldn’t normally have.

2. Great Ocean Highway Loop

For fans of long, uninterrupted drives, the Great Ocean Highway is unbeatable. Start near the Los Santos marina and head west along the coastline. The road hugs the cliffs and offers spectacular ocean views, making it feel more like a road trip than a typical GTA mission. This route is especially satisfying at sunset, where the lighting really makes Los Santos feel alive.

One tip here: If you’re looking to experiment with different vehicles without grinding hours in-game, you can sometimes find cheap GTA 5 Accounts that come with a few unlocked rides. I’ve seen this work well for players who want to focus on exploration and scenic drives rather than starting from scratch. It’s a handy trick if you’re the kind of player who likes variety in your rides.

3. Mount Chiliad to Sandy Shores

This is a classic for those who love elevation changes and off-road segments. Begin at the top of Mount Chiliad and weave your way down the trails into the desert plains of Sandy Shores. The contrast between the mountain’s greenery and the dusty desert floor makes this run visually dynamic.

A small personal note: during one of my runs, I tried using a bike instead of a car, and it completely changed the experience. You feel every bump and curve, and dodging rocks becomes a fun little challenge. If you’re planning long runs, consider switching up vehicles now and then. U4N’s mods can also tweak vehicle handling, adding another layer of realism and fun to these cross country adventures.

4. Blaine County Exploration

For players who want to go completely off the beaten path, Blaine County offers a mix of dirt roads, small towns, and unexpected encounters with wildlife or NPCs. A good route starts at Grapeseed and heads north toward the desert, looping back via Mount Josiah.

I often take this run when I’m in a chill mood and just want to enjoy GTA 5’s open-world design. You’ll find spots perfect for a quick photo or a cinematic video capture, especially if you like sharing your gameplay with friends. For those trying to skip the grind and access more vehicles, this is another situation where buy GTA 5 Modded Accounts or cheap GTA 5 Accounts can come in handy, letting you experience these routes in different cars without hours of farming.

Tips for a Smoother Cross Country Experience

Choose the Right Vehicle: Sports cars for speed, SUVs for rough terrain, and bikes for agility. Mix it up depending on the route.

Time of Day Matters: Some runs are much more beautiful at sunrise or sunset. Night drives, on the other hand, can be eerie and atmospheric.

Keep Fuel in Mind: If you’re modding the game or using accounts with upgraded vehicles, some come with unlimited fuel or boosted handling, which makes long drives less stressful.

Take Breaks: GTA 5’s world is rich in detail. Sometimes stopping at a scenic spot can be just as fun as racing across the map.

Cross country runs in GTA 5 are an underrated way to enjoy the game beyond missions and online modes. They offer freedom, exploration, and a chance to really appreciate the game’s diverse terrain. Whether you’re speeding along highways, winding through mountains, or cruising the desert, there’s a run out there for every mood.

Remember, whether you want a jumpstart with some pre-unlocked rides or just want to experiment with different vehicles, services like buy GTA 5 Modded Accounts and cheap GTA 5 Accounts exist. And of course, mixing in a few mods like U4N can add fresh dynamics to these routes, keeping your GTA 5 drives exciting every time.