Whilst everyone’s attention is still on GTA 6 and what feels like inevitable delays and disappointments, it’s difficult to not get emotional leaving behind its predecessor, GTA V. Over a decade ago, the city of Los Santos welcomed us back with open arms and I can’t think of a better way to reminisce and get closure than travelling across the map, bringing back core memories in every other street, mountain and county.
This will be an all-terrain adventure, so make sure you queue with your OG squad in a private GTA Online server or take an evening to commit jay-walking down memory lane all by yourself. However you decide to feel your oats, make sure you do so at your pace, with plenty of health and ammunition, and ready for longer-than-usual roads from point A to point B.
Without further ado, here’s the best Los Santos road trip to bid farewell to our good old friend, GTA V:
1. Paleto Bay to Vespucci Beach
We start off our trip all the way up north in Paleto Bay, home to one of our most memorable crimes, the Blaine County Savings Bank Heist. The Paleto Bay streets are perfect to reminisce on how that particular mission went for each of our individual gameplays, and it also sets the stage with plenty of prep resources around with Ammu-Nations, tattoo parlors, and your own Arcade hub if you invested early in the single-player campaign.
Once you are all set up, grab your favorite wheel and start making your way down the West Coast and the Pacific Ocean through North Chumash and all the way to Del Perro and Vespucci Beach. Make sure to turn the radio on to catch your favorite tunes for the long ride. I wouldn’t recommend startling Fort Zancudo on your way there; trying to escape the military on the highway might not be the most peaceful and scenic route, but GTA isn’t quite about following the rules, so you do you.
2. Los Santos Airport to Mount Chiliad
Once at the beach, you can stroll down the pier, swap outfits to get in the mood, and even lose track of time in San Andreas County before you leave the coast. When you are all done, cross over to La Puerta, and you’ll be meters away from Los Santos International Airport. Here’s where your ammo and health come into play.
Whilst breaking in isn’t the tallest order, stealing and flying away will be crucial for the next part of our trip. Take off in an airplane or helicopter, really up to you, and make your way back up north while soaking in the city skyline and vast mountain range. Sunlight is highly recommended to fly more safely and enjoy the views better. Extra points if you now decide to upgrade your flight through Fort Zancudo to an Air Force battle jet, good luck making it out alive for the rest of the trip, though.
3. Sandy Shores to Vinewood Hills
Once in the air and out of danger, land safely or parachute down to the top of Mount Chiliad, where you can make your way walking, biking, or even better, falling to Trevor’s own, Sandy Shores. From here, you can either call your insurance company for your whip or, when in Rome, steal an all-terrain motor vehicle to traverse the rest of the way.
When ready, drive south through desert, farms, and mountains all the way to Vinewood Hills, home of our other two protagonists and the perfect connector between rural and urban. Added bonus if you do it like Trev and get all the way down there under the influence (in-game only). Careful with the curves.
4. Downtown and Free Roam
Finally, and hopefully as the sun is close to setting, march down Vinewood Hills as a marathon champion. Maybe even get dressed for the occasion in your favorite suit or fancy look. And as the night simmers, go around downtown one last time like it’s your first time, entering every door that catches your eye, causing mayhem behind the wheel and around the block.
While I recommend either getting a new tattoo, a piece of clothing, or a haircut at every stop of the tour, you experience Los Santos as you see fit. Either way, I couldn’t think of a better sendoff than to explore north and south through historic landmarks, pushing GTA’s open world to its limit with intention.
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