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Nothing gets our family more excited than planning an epic road trip. California is filled with stunning scenery for all travelers and there are so many adventures to experience.
This state was built for road trips and a drive up the famed Pacific Coast Highway in any direction will not disappoint.
Although you are free to explore the Golden State at will, below are a few unforgettable California road trips you miss!
What to Know When Planning a Road Trip Through California
When planning a California road trip, you want to think about the different regions of the state and what they have to offer. California is a jewel on the West Coast and as you start planning, you will find yourself wanting to road trip down all of the 250+ state highways and interstates. When planning a California road trip, you need to know you could (theoretically) soak up some sun on the beach in the morning then find yourself skiing down a snow-packed mountain in the afternoon. The options for adventure abound. Here's a sneak peek at the regions:
Northern California
This region is being transformed by an influx of Big Tech money and a burgeoning workforce of millennials, but its timeless beauty and history remain. Lush greenery aided by frequent coastal fog co-mingles with the ever-growing metropolitan sprawl of the San Francisco Bay Area. There are little-known hideaways throughout NorCal, and planning a Northern California road trip will not disappoint.
Central California
Often overlooked, this region of the Golden State provides some of the most scenic coastline and mild weather year-round. It's also perfect for epic California road trips. Central California is home to the famous California Highway 1 adventure. Start off in Santa Barbara, head north to Pismo Beach, hit the Central Coast wine country, eventually make your way to the picturesque coastline of Big Sur, then end up on the famed shores of Pebble Beach.
Eastern California
This is gold rush country. It is rich with history about California's early days as a bastion of hope, and the Eastern Sierras is strewn with ghost towns that will take you back in time. Unfortunately, fires have torn through this region in recent years, but destinations like Lassen Volcanic National Park, Mt. Shasta, and Mammoth Lakes are worth the drive.
Southern California
From the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and LA's freeways to sun-soaked beaches populated by surfers and sunburned tourists, Southern California lives up to its world-renowned reputation. Home to world-famous theme parks like the Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios, Southern California is no stranger to tourists. Things are mostly crowded down here and you can expect to spend big on your road trip through this part of the Golden State. However, nowhere else in the U.S. can you enjoy weather like this all year-round and you can plan your road trip here for any time of the year.
10 California Road Trip Itineraries to Try
California Dreamin' - A SoCal Beach Tour
A Southern California Beach Road Trip
Start here: Malibu (Los Angeles County)
End here: Coronado (San Diego County)
Total miles: 157 miles for beaches only, 237 with a Disneyland detour
How many days: 3 for beaches only, 6-7 with a Disneyland detour
Start this sun-soaked road trip on the star-laden coastline of Malibu, just east of Los Angeles. Head south to hit the Santa Monica Pier for some carnival games and appetizers at the Lobster. If you want to see some city, take the 10 East towards Downtown Los Angeles, but avoid at rush hour unless you are looking to experience some of the infamous LaLa Land traffic. Wake up and take a moment to people-watch at Muscle Beach in Venice and then head down the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) towards Orange County to visit the home of the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach.
If theme parks are your jam, add a day or three and detour to the Disneyland Resort. Make a point to stay at the Paradise Pier Hotel at the Disneyland Resort to keep your beach theme going during your visit to these famous theme parks.
Don't exhaust yourself in Huntington Beach or Disneyland because, next, you're back on the PCH to Laguna Beach and neighboring Doheny State Beach in Dana Point. Grab a cocktail overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the Deck in Laguna Beach before heading south on this unforgettable California road trip.
Round out your trip in San Diego County by grabbing a scoop of homemade Snickers Ice Cream at Cali Cream while watching the surf at Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas. Wrap up this Pacific Coast road trip on the world-famous shores of Coronado with a stop at the Hotel del Coronado. Don't forget to pack your sunscreen.
Desert Vibes - A Tour of the SoCal Desert Landscape
A Southern California Desert Road Trip
Start here: San Diego
End here: Julian, CA (San Diego County)
Total miles: 368 miles
How many days: 3
Desert vibes are abundant when taking this California road trip itinerary out to SoCal's high desert. Joshua Tree National Park is a gem and delight for visitors of all ages. From Los Angeles or San Diego, you are only looking at a few hours until the desert scenery slows you down and inspires you to explore. Spend time rock climbing, exploring hiking trails, and catch the cotton candy sunset amongst the changing landscape at Joshua Tree National Park.
After taking in Joshua Tree, head to Pioneertown, an Old West movie-filming hub, to grab a cocktail and enjoy some live music at Pappy and Harriets Pioneertown Palace before bed.
Spend a day in Palm Springs for some poolside relaxing or take the Palm Springs tramway up to San Jacinto State Park for a birds eye view of the desert landscape.
Take the long road back to San Diego by driving Highway 111 down the east side of the 1920's hot spot for tourists, the now almost abandoned Salton Sea. For a funky side trip, visit Salvation Mountain before heading towards San Diego on Highway 78 through Anza-Borrego State Park and the old mining town of Julian. If adventure is still calling your name, head into San Diego over Mount Laguna, a paradise for mountain bikers.
Gems of the Sierra Nevada - A National Parks Adventure
A Central California Nature Road Trip
Start here: Los Angeles
End here: Yosemite National Park (Mariposa County)
Total miles: 345 miles
How many days: 4
Outdoor lovers can all agree this is one of the best California road trips for seeing multiple National Parks over a long weekend. Starting in Los Angeles, head north to Sequoia National Park. Take in the sights of the giant sequoias and marvel at the oldest living trees in California. Continue north on the Generals Highway into Kings Canyon National Park for an incredible view of the Eastern Sierras from Panoramic Point. Take a night to enjoy the highly sought-after Grant Grove cabins before continuing north to Yosemite National Park.
When entering Yosemite National Park from the south on Highway 41, make a point to stop at Glacier Point first to take in the stunning views. Explore a hiking trail here if you need a break from the car. Head into Yosemite Valley to catch sunset against the granite monoliths. Yosemite National Park is a Unesco World Heritage Site, so take time to soak up the history and views while you are there.
Beat the heat with a dip in the Merced River and don't forget to explore one of the many trails to waterfalls flowing into the valley. If you have more time, continue north to South Lake Tahoe and eventually San Francisco to expand this California road trip itinerary.
SHOP SOZY
Gold Rush Country - A Sierra Nevada Scenic Tour
An Eastern California Road Trip
Start here: Redding
End here: Lassen Volcanic National Park
Total miles: 173 miles
How many days: 3
This is a road trip through gold country. This part of the State is often overlooked but filled with rugged gems. Travel north from Redding into the Shasta Trinity National Forest. Outdoor lovers will stay busy with the countless trails, mountain biking options, and fishing and boating options in the area and on Shasta Lake.
Spend time exploring the waterfalls of McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. Burney Falls is not to be missed and was called the "eighth wonder of the world" by President Theodore Roosevelt. There are miles of trails to explore within the state park.
Finish your visit to California's "eastern region" by exploring Lassen Volcanic National Park. This is the real outdoors and Lassen is not to be missed. Some say it surpasses Yosemite in beauty and there are far fewer crowds. Here, at the north end of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and near the end of the famed Pacific Crest Trail, you can truly getaway. Escape is the key up here and do not be shy when it comes to sampling some of the region's famed smokeable treats.
The Dock of the Bay - A San Francisco and Lake Tahoe Tour
A Northern California Road Trip
Start here: Santa Cruz
End here: Lake Tahoe (Placer County)
Total miles: 286
How many days: 7
San Francisco is a city unlike any other in California. You don't need a car here. At seven square miles, the city is tight-packed and self-contained. However, some of the immediate surrounding towns are worth a visit too and you should make a road trip out of your San Francisco visit. Start your adventure by enjoying the games and rides of the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk before heading an hour north nearby Half Moon Bay. Here, you can take a short hike out to watch some of the epic waves at Mavericks.
Continue north to San Francisco, known to locals as "The City." Spend a day enjoying Union Square, catch a ride on the famous San Francisco cable cars, have lunch at the Ferry Building, and a stroll along the Embarcadero taking in the views of the Bay Bridge and Alcatraz Island, and Golden Gate Bridge. After a full day in San Francisco, drive north over the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County. Enjoy lunch at Bar Bocce in Sausalito for picturesque views of the city you just left behind. Venture up the coast further into Marin County and visit sites like Muir Woods National Monument, Point Reyes National Seashore, and the Marine Mammal Center.
After taking some time to explore Marin, take Sonoma County's Highway 37 east towards Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. If you are a candy fan, stop in the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield for a tour to break up this four-hour leg of your road trip. As you get closer to Lake Tahoe, stop at Ikeda's California County Market in Auburn to load up on snacks and treat yourself to freshly made pie. If traveling in winter, Tahoe is a playground for ski and snowsport enthusiasts. In summer, the lake is a phenomenal place to swim and unwind. Don't miss Heavenly Village and Gondola and Emerald Bay State Park to round out this unforgettable road trip.
Highway 395 - Exploring the Eastern Sierra Nevadas
An Eastern California Sierra Nevada Road Trip
Start here: South Lake Tahoe (Placer County)
End here: Lone Pine (Kern County)
Total miles: 428 miles
How many days: 5
Unless you're driving a snowmobile, you can't do this trip in the wintertime. Wait until spring or fall to see the beautiful colors this mountain scenery has to offer. Start your adventure in Lake Tahoe, then head 2 hours east towards Mammoth Lakes. Stop in Reno to roll the dice as you briefly pass through Nevada. Later on, pull off of Highway 395 to take in the beauty of Topaz Lake before a short detour to the ghost town of Bodie.
Take some time to wander through the abandoned town and look into the deserted buildings that were left from the peak of the Gold Rush. As you get back on Highway 395, stop at Conway Summit, the highest point on this road trip - 8,143 feet in elevation. Snap a photo and head towards the small town of Lee Vining, located at the junction of 395 and CA-120 (Tioga Pass).
Stay the night in Lee Vining or grab fish tacos to-go from Whoa Nellie Deli on CA-120 to take for a picnic at Mono Lake (an inland sea far saltier than the ocean). Use the boardwalk to take an up-close view of the Mono Lake shoreline and famous tufa formations, which are limestone projectiles that stick up like little posts from the lake. From here, head to June Lake for the night. Stay in a cozy cabin and treat yourself to dinner at the Eagle's Landing Restaurant. In the morning, head to Mammoth Lakes, explore Devil's Postpile National Monument and then end your day at the Convict Lake Resort for another night of cozy cabins and delicious food.
As you head south, take a dip in the hot springs. Beware! This natural attraction has been commercialized. Keough's Hot Springs provides an opportunity to experience the springs, but it's more like a swimming pool whereas Wild Willy's gives you a more realistic yet (clothing optional !!) feel.
After the springs, stay the night in Bishop then head to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest or tour the Manzanar National Historic Site (an internment camp from World War II). Plan to rest your head in Lone Pine for the final leg of this Sierra Nevada adventure. Visit the arches and boulders of the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, a filming hub for old westerns. Don't miss the beautiful 23-mile drive up Whitney Portal Road for a view of California's highest peak - the majestic Mt. Whitney.
On A Dark, Desert Highway - A Tour of Death Valley
A Central California Desert Road Trip
Start here: Santa Monica (Los Angeles County)
End here: Death Valley National Park (Inyo County)
Total miles: 291 miles
How many days: 3
National Parks are abundant in California, but one of the least visited is Death Valley National Park. Known for record-setting desert heat, many people shy away from this California road trip and miss all the landscape has to offer. From Los Angeles, head an hour north on CA-14 to a popular Hollywood filming spot, the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park and Nature Center. After your visit, continue your road trip to another one of our great state parks, Red Rock Canyon.
From here, continue towards Death Valley through Trona Pinnacles, a secret Hollywood filming spot from another planet. As you enter Death Valley, do not miss the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Hang your head for the night in a literal desert oasis, the Desert Oasis at Death Valley. This excursion through less-traveled California roads will leave you craving more of the Mojave desert.
THE PCH - A Central Coast Bucket List Road Trip
A Central California Coastal Road Trip
Start here: Santa Barbara, CA
End here: Monterey, CA
Total miles: 230 miles
How many days: 4-7
This quintessential Californian road trip is one for the books and the type of road trip itinerary you add to your bucket list. The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is known for its slower pace, winding roads, and breathtaking views. Start your adventure in Santa Barbara after exploring "The America Riviera" for a few days. Head north up Highway 101 through Pismo Beach towards the Santa Lucia Mountains of San Luis Obispo. Sip some wine in Paso Robles (Austin Hope is one of my favorites) before heading west to the coast on Highway 46. Make sure to stop in Cambria for some great food and wine.
Don't miss
Continue north up the central coast on this scenic highway to San Simeon for a view of Hearst Castle's zebras enjoying the Pacific Ocean breeze. Stop by the elephant seal rookery at the northernmost point of San Simeon as you make your way to Big Sur.
As you wind the dreamy 90-mile California coastline of Big Sur, towering redwood groves surround you while the jagged rocks eventually meet the Pacific Ocean. Big Sur is home to several California state parks, redwood forests, and beaches. Stop at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to see the towering 80-foot McWay Falls before crossing over a Big Sur landmark, the Bixby Creek Bridge.
Continue north on PCH into Carmel-by-the-Sea, home to the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links. From Carmel, continue north towards Monterey and take in the marine life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. If you have more time, keep heading north to find yourself in San Francisco. This California Coast road trip is sure to deliver dramatic views and lifetime memories.
Coastal Cruising - Exploring the NorCal Coastline
A Northern California Coastal Road Trip
Start here: San Francisco
End here: Crescent City
Total miles: 373 miles
How many days: 6
This road trip takes you north of San Francisco, up the coast of Northern California. Once you venture up the coast highway north of The City, you encounter a totally different landscape than you experienced on the SoCal Beach Tour. Often sopped in fog, this stretch of coastline takes you away from conventional California and makes you feel more like you are traveling the shores of Ireland. The seaside towns along this north coast are remote, but a treat to explore. If you are into chasing views, stops are abundant on this coastal route.
After crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to leave San Francisco, continue up Highway 1 and stop in Tomales Bay to shuck your own oysters at Hog island Oyster Company. Spend some time exploring the setting of Alfred Hitchcock's movie The Birds in Bodega Bay. If you have the time, a night at the Bodega Bay Lodge will not disappoint. Continue up the coast and wind up in the sleepy town of Jenner. Settle down to enjoy a meal with the delicious seafood and wines Sonoma County has to offer.
Don't miss the art scene in Mendocino County, where you can spend a night "glamping" at Mendocino Grove after exploring the local tidepools. After breakfast, head further up the northern coast a few to Humboldt Redwoods State Park to marvel at some of the Redwood giants that make California famous. You'll have a renewed sense of spirit by the time you complete this journey in Crescent City, just 20-miles from the Oregon border.
Cheers to the Good Life - A Wine Country Adventure
A Northern California Wine Country Road Trip
Start here: San Francisco
End here: Calistoga
Total miles: 74 miles
How many days: 3-4
California is world-famous for many things, but Napa Valley's reputation is second to none. This wine country road trip will give you a taste of all this region has to offer. Since Napa Valley wines beat out their French varieties from Burgandy, this part of the state has become a bastion of fine wine and finer dining. Wine culture is pervasive in this region and you feel a sense of sophistication as you simply wander by some of the finest restaurants on Earth. Tasting rooms throughout the valley will welcome you in and welcome your picnic.
From San Francisco, head north towards the Napa Valley and start your trip in Southern Napa with a night at the Meritage. Spend the evening wine tasting in their wine cave below the vineyard before taking a glass out for a sunset walk through the vines. In the morning, enjoy some shopping and olive oil tasting while picking up a picnic at the Oxbow Market or Riverfront to enjoy at a nearby tasting room. Or you can entice your beer lover with a stop at the Stone Brewing overlooking the Napa River. Take a night to explore downtown Napa in a Bed & Breakfast or book a dinner and hotel package with Napa's Wine Train for a night you won't forget.
In the morning, continue north on the Silverado Trail, and don't miss a burger from Gott's Roadside on CA-29. Stops at wineries like St. Supery, Frank Family Cellars, Peju, Coppola, or Joseph Phelps will not disappoint. Although road trips through wine country do not cover a lot of miles, the expansive views and beautiful tasting rooms make taking your time worth it on these shorter driving legs.
When you arrive in Yountville, do not miss Jessup Cellars. If you can't get a reservation at the coveted French Laundry, make a point to wander the gardens after your wine tasting. Once you hit Calistoga, treat yourself and spring for the cabins at Solage Calistoga, an incredible way to end this wine country road trip adventure. Reminisce on all of the food and drink you just enjoyed while you watch the sun go down and cheers to a long weekend exploring the finer things in life!
What You Want to Know When Planning a Road Trip in California
Here are a few final thoughts when planning a road trip around California.
How long do you need for a California road trip?
This is hard to quantify. You can see so many amazing things in just a weekend if you pick your route right. However, it's better to give yourself the flexibility for some spontaneity, so give it a week if you can. A week will give you ample opportunity to see a lot of the Golden State, which is absolutely huge!!
How much does a week-long trip cost?
It's expensive. In all reality, it could set you back $1,500 to $6,000 depending on how you follow the itineraries above. However, road trips vary by traveler style. If you want to enjoy fine dining and fancy hotels, you are going to spend money at a rate of hundreds per day. If you are focused on outdoor adventures, your dining and accommodations will cost far less than those traveling the beach routes and looking to stay in prime locations.
It's hard to estimate all of the other costs you may incur, and do note gas is expensive in California and approaching $4.75/gallon as this is written. The range is big because you can either find campgrounds, dine self-sufficiently and stay in the outdoors or, on the other hand, you can hop around the various luxury hotels that are right in the backyard of every attraction.
What are the best California road trip attractions to see?
The beaches, the mountains, the vibrant cities, and the coastal enclaves. Honestly, there is too much to identify as worthy of your travel time. Pick your region and go with it. If you love it, call in sick and move on to another. This is the State of states. Be ready to adventure!
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