road trip in california

Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary: From the Pacific to the Redwoods!

Are you looking for the best California road trip itinerary to explore the most beautiful places in the Golden State? Our 10 days in California itinerary will take you from the rugged coast and beautiful beaches to the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevadas. Hike the Mojave desert, sleep underneath a yucca tree, and visit the lowest place on the continent while you road trip in California. Read our 10 day California Road Trip guide now. You may also like our post on 20 Best Road Trips in the USA .

Welcome to our ultimate California road trip planner!

We created this planner to help you plan the perfect road trip around California and it contains all the essential information you need to plan your trip today including budget and costs, what to eat, where to stay, etc.

Here you will find recommendations for a variety of California itineraries as well as get more information on California road trip must-see attractions including the Golden Gate Bridge, Big Sur, Yosemite, and Los Angeles.

Our mission? To make sure you have a blast in California!

Also Read: Portland to San Francisco Road Trip Itinerary California To Texas road trip planner Best Things to do in Washington State

California is our favorite destination ever.

I have been enamored with California long before I visited it.

California, San Jose, and the West coast are randomly thrown around in conversations in India – because everyone knows someone working in Silicon Valley – and you can’t help but know about this slice of America.

Growing up, I knew more about Cisco, Apple, Google, and Yahoo (remember when everyone used Yahoo?!) than San Francisco, Yosemite, and Big Sur.

And Disney – because everyone knows Disney!

California has such a unique history.

The oldest, tallest, and widest trees live here and guess what, they have been around since prehistoric times – yes, even dinosaurs lived among the redwood trees!

One of the lowest, aridest, and hottest places on earth is right here in California in Badwater Basin.

And as for scenic places: California has so many of them!

We love Big Sur and its rocky coast, the wildflower super blooms, blue Lake Tahoe, Mono Lake and its tufas, unique shapes of Joshua trees!

There are so many things to see in California road trip that the list just goes on!

Also Read: 24 Best Places to Visit in California in winter

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And that’s why in our California road trip itinerary of 10 days, we take you around all these unique and beautiful places in the Golden State.

Our California 10 day road trip itinerary is perfect for driving around dreamy landscapes of yellow poppies, orange orchards, purple foliage, and lush green vineyards.

We have divided this California roadtrip itinerary into 4 essential stretches as per the geographic features of the state – yepp, we are that geeky – and you can customize it as you want. 

Best waterproof walking shoes for California beaches

If you are a beach person like me, then extend the Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary to 10 days.

If you are a mountain lover like my hubby, then take a 10 day road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite.

Pick your favorite area and stay there as long as you want. Or follow our California in 10 days itinerary exactly as described!

As always, we have also included suggestions for if you have more or less time.

Whatever you chose, you are going to have the time of your lives – because this is California!

“Every time I come, I’m still amazed at the breadth California has. Big Sur, Yosemite, the desert… I love it.” – Theo James, the English actor

Best of California Road Trip 10 Days Itinerary

We, like most people, have seen California in bits and pieces rather than in one go.

We first visited California almost a decade ago and did San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the theme parks.

Second time around, we visited Death Valley National Park on a road trip from Vegas.

Then I lived and worked in the Bay area in tech (oh, the irony!) and that’s when we explored the California National Parks, North Coast, and the Sierra Nevada side of the state.

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Most recently, we did the San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip along the gorgeous Pacific Coast Highway – oh and also road-tripped Southern California and Disney with the kids.

On our next trip – we plan to do the North Coast and Redwoods Scenic Highway AGAIN.

Yeah – that’s how much we love California – have been to many destinations several times and still can’t have enough.

The best way to tour California is obviously by driving. The state is beautiful but huge and it’s not easy planning California trip that covers all the major attractions with limited time in hand.

And planning a California road trip with kids is even more difficult – how do you prioritize between theme parks and natural attractions?

And that’s where we rush in – your knights in shining armor – delivering the ultimate 10 day California road trip itinerary. 

Our California trip planner is more like going on a series of best California road trips – each more gorgeous than the previous.

Also, we follow this road trip along two of California’s most popular routes: south on the SR1 or Pacific Coast Highway and then back north along the scenic SR 395 through Eastern California .

That’s what makes our itinerary the absolute best California driving trip planner!

You can also call it the California National Parks road trip because we will be visiting the most popular of them on an epic road trip.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Stretch 1: Down The Pacific Coast – 4 Days

Often enough, when someone talks about a California driving holiday, this stretch along the Pacific Coast Highway is the one they actually mean.

Constantly ranked among the top scenic drives in the world, the coastal drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles is the best of both worlds.

It combines the urban getaways of California’s two largest cities with the natural panoramas of Big Sur and the Pacific. 

If you have limited time, we would recommend spending 3 to 4 days along this route.

If you want to focus only on this coastal road trip, then just drive south on a road trip from San Francisco on SR1.

Take your own time to enjoy roadside stops like Carmel-By-The-Sea, Morro Bay, and the stunning Big Sur.

Hike or camp and explore nature.

Here’s our suggestion for this stretch of 10 day California itinerary planner.

San Francisco – 1 Day

Start with our San Francisco road trip planner.

San Francisco is our favorite city to start a 10 day California trip.

The city is quite easy to fly into; the 3 airports of San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland are located close by and many airlines have deals to the Bay area.

We would recommend spending a minimum of one day in San Francisco before picking up your rental car and driving south.

Or you can rent a car before, see SF, and then drive the PCH.

You can also start your 10 day road trip from Los Angeles, in that case, adjust your plans accordingly.

Read this now! Whatever you do – don’t casually park your car at an empty garage in San Francisco. Car Break-ins in San Francisco are very common, as we discovered to our ill-fortune . On our latest trip to San Francisco, we had parked in a garage two blocks away from Pier 39 and came back to find the rear glass broken and both our children’s suitcases gone!  We had to spend quite some time to sort the issue and it left a sad memory on an otherwise awesome road trip around California in 10 days. We would recommend parking at your hotel while taking a cab or the tram to explore the city. 

San Francisco has many names – SF, San Fran, Fog City, the City by the Bay, Frisco (though don’t say that in front of locals) or simply, the City – going back to the days of the Wild West when there was nothing much in Northern California but the city.

San Francisco is colorful, vibrant, and bohemian.

It’s amongst our favorite US cities – right there at the top along with New York , Chicago , and New Orleans.

There are quite a few things to do in San Francisco: unsurprisingly most of them begin at or near the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco’s gigantic urban park.

Begin your visit at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center near the southern end of the bridge.

Learn interesting facts and see construction relics from the building of the Golden Gate Bridge before visiting the bridge itself.

Next walk across all 1.7 miles of this engineering marvel and icon of America.

The views of the bay from the bridge are beautiful and you feel an indescribable thrill while walking across it.

Definitely the highlight of your California travel itinerary!

Up for more adventure?

Bike the Golden Gate!

We have done it twice – most recently with our 3 yrs and 6 months old kids – it is a superb experience.

We love biking across to Sausalito, exploring the quaint town, and taking the ferry back to San Francisco.

You can also bike to the redwoods if you have more time.

Read our ultimate guide to biking the bridge here.

If not biking, then use the rest of your day to explore San Francisco’s highlights: Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, Lombard Street, and Ghirardelli Square.

If you want to spend more time in San Francisco, see the Painted Ladies – those famous SF houses shown in Full House!

You can also check out the city from the Twin Peaks.

The Golden Gate Park is perfect for a stroll.

Ride the cable car to Chinatown and have some dumplings and noodles for lunch.

Spend an afternoon admiring the beautiful architecture of the Palace of Fine Arts or visit the prison of Alcatraz Island.

Visit the beautiful redwood trees at Muir Woods National Monument or whale watch and hike at Point Reyes.

San Francisco is a beautiful city and you can easily spend a couple of days there as a part of your 10 day trip to California.

Read our San Francisco posts now to plan this part of the trip: San Francisco 3 to 5-day itinerary ideas 17 Best Things to do in San Francisco on your first visit

The area around San Francisco is also full of activities and tourist attractions.

Here are some suggestions if you want to spend a few more days exploring around the Bay Area during your California itinerary of 10 days:

Napa & Sonoma 

Take a day trip from San Francisco to Napa Valley along the Silverado Trail.

Sonoma County is also a great place to visit for wine lovers.

You can tour the many vineyards, taste local wines, dine at Michelin starred restaurants, and visit famous tasting rooms.

If you happen to visit in the fall, you will see beautiful fall colors in the vineyards and be able to attend grape stomping. 

San Jose is popular with millennials and those working in Silicon Valley.

You will find plenty of trendy nightclubs and bars in San Jose.

If you enjoy shopping, check out the high fashion brands on Santana Row.

For outdoor lovers, a hike to Mission Peak is a must while families will love the Winchester Mystery House.

Silicon Valley

If you love tech then you need to visit Silicon Valley.

It boasts the largest concentration of geeks and nerds – and as a fellow geek, I say it quite fondly!

Start your visit at the Computer History Museum to know everything about the machine that changed our lives.

Then see Google’s Android lawn sculptures in Mountain View or the garage where Hewlett Packard began in Palo Alto.

Visit Stanford University’s sprawling campus as well as Facebook and Apple!

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip – 2 Days

On to the next part of the 10 day road trip in California.

After seeing San Francisco, drive south along the SR1 or Pacific Coast Highway.

Over the next 2 days, you will follow the coastal route to Los Angeles while making plenty of stops along the way.

Check the coastal communities of Half Moon Bay and Davenport before reaching Santa Cruz.

If you have kids, spend some time at the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk.

Next visit Monterey and Carmel by the Sea. Hike in Point Lobos or walk the coastal bluffs at Garrapata State Park.

On the way, you will see secret beaches, hidden coves, and beautiful views. 

As you begin driving PCH1 while following our 10 days in California itinerary, you understand why artists settle here, photographers and writers both wax lyrical about this region, and why the drive is called the most beautiful in the world.

We recommend staying somewhere in the vicinity of Carmel Highlands for the night.

The next day, rise early for the star attraction of the drive: the 90-mile long rugged, wild Big Sur.

Big Sur is 6 hours from Los Angeles and you have a big day ahead.

It is really hard to describe Big Sur.

Rocky cliffs, foaming waves, spring wildflowers, lighthouses, migrating whales, turquoise water, redwood trees: Big Sur has everything.

It is gorgeous in a wild way.

In Big Sur, you will find amazing state parks, some of California’s best hiking trails, iconic beaches, and tons of marine life, including otters, elephant seals, and dolphins.

Some areas of Big Sur can be closed at any given time of the year due to floods or landslides – so we recommend checking out the PCH status before your 10 days road trip California.

Read more about all the attractions including the beautiful McWay Falls in our post One day in Big Sur . 

Other attractions of the Pacific Coast Highway drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles include Monterey’s famous 17-mile drive, the seaside towns of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay, the famous Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara, and the beaches of Malibu.

For the purposes of this California Itinerary of 10 days, we would suggest 2 to 3 days on PCH.

However, if you have more time then the PCH is easily a 4 day to week-long road trip in itself.

To read more about all the awesome stops on PCH and planning a detailed itinerary, check out our article on Planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway . 

Also Read: Top 10 Convertible drives in the USA

Los Angeles – 1 Day

While San Francisco and Silicon Valley are for tech lovers, Los Angeles is for Hollywood fans.

How long to stay in Los Angeles is a tricky question.

If you only have one day in Los Angeles, start by seeing the famous Hollywood sign and then visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame to take selfies with your favorite stars.

Also, see the Kodak Theatre (now Dolby Theatre) which hosts the Oscars and tour the movie star homes on Rodeo Drive.

If you have more time to explore Los Angeles, we suggest starting with lunch at the Santa Monica Pier.

Then visit the Griffith Observatory and see Los Angeles from above.

Or you can take a behind the scenes VIP studio tour at one of your favorite studios: pick from Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures or Sony!

You can also check out the beautiful exhibits at the Getty Center or the beautiful modern art at the Broad.

LA also has many other top museums and a large number of attractions – read our post on Best Things to do in Los Angeles for more ideas.

For more help in planning your day, read our Los Angeles itinerary for first-time visitors .

Here are some suggestions to explore the area beyond Downtown Los Angeles:

No California family road trip is complete without a trip to Disney.

Both of California’s Disney Parks are located close to Los Angeles in Anaheim.

On the best California vacation itinerary, you have to meet Mickey, Goofy and other beloved cartoon characters!

Kids also get to meet Disney’s princesses in full attire at the parks.

To plan a California family vacation itinerary including a trip to Disney, read our Disney posts .

Universal Studios

To understand all about movie-making, see movie sets, and enjoy thrilling rides visit Universal Studios.

This theme park has really cool attractions and the Studio Tour will take you through sets based on Shutter Island, Jaws, King Kong, and more.

Harry Potter fans will love visiting Hogwarts and taking thrilling rides based on the books and movies – and is a must-visit if you are spending 10 days in California.

Channel Islands National Park

For a unique experience, customize our itinerary for California 10 days and visit the remote Channel Islands.

Comprised of 5 islands, the park has excellent wildlife, sea caves, and lots of natural beauty.

You can take a ferry to the park from Ventura.

Optional: San Diego – 1 Day

From Los Angeles, you can venture on the next part of California 10 day itinerary or extend your trip down the coast by visiting San Diego.

Not many people know that San Diego is the oldest city on the West Coast.

It has beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture and lots of history. 

Read our post 22 Best Things to do in San Diego now to know more about this beautiful city.

If you have one day, you can visit the Historic Old Town and understand the Mexican and Wild West roots of the city.

Next, visit the famous Balboa Park with its beautiful architecture, renowned museums, and the San Diego Zoo.

Round off your time in the city by exploring the historic Gaslamp Quarter and its Victorian architecture and trendy eateries, hotels, and pubs.

This area is perfect for ending the day with dinner and drinks.

If you have more than a day, visit the famous San Diego Sea World and see the dolphins in action.

San Diego is home to many beautiful beaches; the Mission Beach boardwalk is very popular.

Other things to see include Mission San Diego, Sunset Cliffs Park, and the bustling waterfront area of Seaport Village.

If you have more time on 10 day itinerary California, check out the dramatic sculptures in the desert city of Borrego Springs.

Related: For more California road trip ideas, check out our post on 12 Best California road trips

Stretch 2: Through The Arid Californian Desert – 2 Days

Continue on the California road trip route planner through deserts of southern California.

While most people associate California primarily with the coast and then with the dense redwood forests, the state is also renowned for its unique desert landscapes.

Most of these parts of southern California have a desolate beauty.

It is full of desert cities like Palm Springs which offer unique tourist attractions for visitors.

In this post, we focus our California 10 days itinerary on exploring two of the region’s national parks: Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

Located partly over the Colorado desert and the Mojave desert, Joshua Tree National Park is named after the iconic Joshua tree.

This is a type of Yucca tree that is twisted, scraggly, and found only in the Mojave desert of California.

The easily recognizable tree looks even more dramatic in the desert landscape and bare rock formations of Joshua Tree National Park.

The national park is one of the most underrated California road trip destinations.

Its unique vistas have drawn photographers and artists to the park for decades.

Read our post on One Day in Joshua Tree to plan your trip.

There are many things to do in Joshua Tree and its otherworldly landscape.

One of the best ways to see Joshua Tree is by driving around the paved road in the park.

Campsites in Joshua Tree are spectacular and hikes through Yucca trees and cacti adventurous.

The Hidden Valley Trail is a short mile-long trail that offers great desert landscape views.

The park has many popular geological rock formations that are used for rock climbing.

The park also has a dark night sky and is good for stargazers, astronomy enthusiasts, and night sky photographers.

Wildlife and birding opportunities around the park are also numerous.

Read more in our post 24 Best Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park .

While deciding how to plan a trip to California, we recommend keeping more time aside to explore the many attractions surrounding Joshua Tree.

You can easily include them on a South California road trip from San Diego to Joshua Tree in this order: San Diego – Anza Borrego – Galleta Meadows – Salton Sea – Palm Springs – Joshua Tree.

Here’s some more information about these desert experiences that are worth adding to your itinerary if you have the time.

Salton Sea 

The Salton Sea is an inland lake created by flooding from an irrigation canal of the Colorado River that carries water to the Imperial Valley in 1905.

Several resort communities were built along the new lake.

However, the lake has no discharge and as a result, the water became unusually saline causing the death of marine life.

As a result, the communities were abandoned and are extremely popular with ruin photographers.

If you have teens, then definitely include Bombay Beach ruins in your California vacation itinerary – they will love to see random objects lying on the beach.

Today, the Salton Sea shoreline is filled with deteriorating structures and RV communities.

The Salton Sea is also located directly on top of the San Andreas fault and geothermal activity including mud pools are present along the coast.

The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is popular for birding, boating, picnicking, and camping. 

Palm Springs

Palm Springs, located in the Colorado desert region, is one of the biggest Californian desert cities.

If you want a relaxing vacation, then Palm Springs is one of the best California ideas.

One of its main attractions is the Palm Springs aerial tramway which takes you up Mount San Jacinto and offers great views of the surrounding area.

Palm Springs also has many great museums, boutique stores, restaurants, and resorts.

It is one of the most popular winter vacation destinations in the USA.

If you plan to visit Palm Springs, then check out our post on 30 Best Things to do in Palm Springs, California.

Anza Borrego and Galleta Meadows Sculptures in Borrego Springs

While California has many beautiful state parks, few know about its largest – Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

This park is at its most beautiful in the spring when the cacti flower and the desert landscape comes alive with colors.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park is just two hours away from San Diego and can be seen on a San Diego Joshua Valley road trip.

In nearby Borrego Springs, you can see the unusual Galleta Meadows Estate sculptures.

These sculptures created by artist Ricardo Breceda are free to visit and beautiful works of art.

By driving all over the land you can spot dragons, serpents, wooly mammoths, and other fantastic creatures.  

Also, read our post on Planning the ultimate Southern California itinerary.

Coachella Valley Preserve 

Coachella’s Thousand Palms Oasis is a unique chance to see the oasis environment in the middle of the desert.

The oases directly sit on fault lines and the water seeping through the faults has given life to California Fan Palms and other big palms in the arid desert.

Wildlife including sheep, goats, bobcats, etc, also can be spotted at the oasis.

Entry to the reserve is free and it has many hiking trails plus offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

There are also other hiking areas close to Coachella Valley Preserve including Indian Canyons where you can hike through slot canyons. 

Death Valley National Park – 1 Day

Comprising of areas of the Mojave desert and the Great Basin desert, Death Valley is vastly different than Joshua Tree National Park.

For the most part, Death Valley is devoid of vegetation and is home to a variety of geological formations including the badlands, sand dunes, and the famous salt flats.

Death Valley also has the distinction of being the lowest point in North America and is also one of the hottest and driest places in the country.

No trip to Death Valley National Park is complete without visiting the Badwater Basin salt flats.

The salt flats, at 282 feet below sea level, are the lowest place in North America.

Death Valley National Park has many scenic drives that are perfect for exploring around the park.

Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes are good for taking a stroll, exploring the desert plants, viewing animal tracks, and sunrise/sunset photography.

The park has many interesting geological formations.

Death Valley also has a dark night sky and is great for stargazing and photographing the Milky Way.

Read our post on 14 Best Things to do in Death Valley National Park for more information.

We know you are planning to roadtrip California, but we can’t talk about Death Valley without mentioning Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is also a great city to begin your road trip to California.

The distance between Vegas and Death Valley is just over 2 hours and the route is quite scenic.

In fact, it is one of our favorite road trips from Las Vegas.

You can see the Sin City and then go on a road trip through California – an epic Las Vegas Los Angeles San Francisco trip, if you will!

Or you can also go on a memorable Las Vegas Grand Canyon road trip from California.

For Las Vegas travel inspiration, read our post on 52 Best Things to do in Las Vegas .

Stretch 3: Up Through The Sierra Nevada – 4 Days

After seeing Death Valley, take a road trip on California’s Scenic Highway 395.

This road trip is scenic whether you do it from north to south or like we recommend here, from south to north.

The best time to see the aspens turn yellow here is in fall.

The total distance from Death Valley to your final destination of Yosemite is 4 hours when the Lee Vining road to Yosemite is open in the summer.

However, we recommend keeping aside 4 days for this road trip as it has some of the most underrated road trip destinations in California including the Manzanar National Historic Site, Alabama Hills, Ancient Bristlecone pine forest, Bodie Ghost Town, etc.

For more information on these Route 395 stops, see this article .

For the purposes of this itinerary, we focus on the popular attractions of Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe. 

Route 395 will take you high up into the Sierra Nevada mountains, known for their spectacular beauty.

The Sierra Nevadas are home to many national and state parks including the mighty Yosemite and crystal clear high mountain lakes.

For the rest of your Californian road trip, you will be exploring the High Sierras and its many breathtaking attractions.

This is a welcome respite after the desert landscapes of Death Valley and Joshua Tree and depending on when you visit you will be able to see beautiful meadows, wildflowers, fall foliage, and even snow!

Mammoth Lakes And Mono Lake – 1 Day

Contrary to their name, Mammoth Lakes is not a lake but a winter ski town in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Mammoth Mountain is the main winter skiing area with a variety of ski runs.

In summer, it is a favorite with mountain bikers and hikers.

The town does have several beautiful lakes that are accessible only in the summer but none of them are named Mammoth.

The area has beautiful alpine meadows with wildflowers in spring and natural hot springs for some R&R.

In one day, we recommend taking the roughly one hour drive around the Lakes Basin and visiting all the lakes.

You can hike, picnic, kayak, and fish in whichever lake you like.

Or maybe just hang up a hammock and read a book by the lake.

Nearby Mono Lake is a saltwater lake surrounded by unique towering limestone formations called the tufa.

The lake visitor center has great information about the formation of the lake and the tufa while the short South Tufa trail is great for exploring the surrounding area.

The trail takes you along the lakeshore and among the tufas.

We suggest stopping here for an hour or so; Mono Lake accepts National Park Pass for entry.

On the way from Mammoth Lakes to Mono Lake, you will pass by June Lake and Devils Postpile Monument.

June Lake Loop Road is a great place to see the fall colors while the Devils Postpile National Monument is a unique geological formation of basalt columns.

Rainbow Falls, a 31m plunging waterfall, is another popular attraction of the monument.

Past Mono Lake, take the Lee Vining Road into Yosemite.

The official name of the road is Tioga Pass Road and it is closed in winter and spring (usually November to May) due to snow.

In that case, you can’t really visit Yosemite from the eastern side.

To know alternative routes in winter, check here . 

Yosemite National Park – 2 Days

Best known for its giant sequoia trees, bald granite cliffs, and spectacular waterfalls, Yosemite National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Yosemite along with Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park is known as the ‘Big Three’ and receives over 4 million visitors each year.

Yosemite is a must-stop on any Ca road trip itinerary.

The best time to visit Yosemite National Park is from the summer to fall when Tioga Pass Road is open.

We suggest spending 2 days in Yosemite National Park to hike, drive along scenic roads, and see the major attractions. 

On your first day, start by taking a Yosemite Valley Tour.

The Yosemite Valley is surrounded by the bald granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome.

Most of the waterfalls including Yosemite Falls are also located in the valley.

The Valley is also where most of the park services including accommodations, shuttle buses, etc are located.

The Valley has hiking trails for all difficulty levels that lead to stunning views of Yosemite.

Lower Yosemite Falls hike is a short and easy trail that goes to the base of the falls.

Touring the Yosemite Valley via the free shuttle bus is the easiest way to see the national park.

However, if you are visiting in summer (especially long weekends) it can get very crowded – so plan to start early in the morning.

The Valley Visitor Center has great information and exhibits about the history and geology of Yosemite, plus it is a good place to get souvenirs, postcards, and magnets.

The aptly-named Mirror Lake reflects Half Dome peak and is beautiful to visit.

However, it dries up towards the end of summer and is best seen in spring/summer. 

Another must in the Valley if you’re visiting in summer is Glacier Point.

Located along the valley rim, it can be reached only by car or private tour.

The views from Glacier Point are stellar. It is also the base for many of Yosemite’s rim hikes.

We suggest spending one day exploring the valley. Yosemite also offers paid guided tours if you prefer them.

On the next day, you can go up the Tioga Pass road if it is clear of snow.

This is your chance to experience Yosemite devoid of the crowds.

The shuttle bus will take you up the Tioga Pass road to Tuolumne Meadows.

To see Yosemite’s giant sequoia trees, visit the Mariposa Grove.

This area is also accessible by the park shuttle.

End your day by visiting Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village.

Photographer Ansel Adams’s stunning black and white photos of Yosemite are a great reminder of how Yosemite looked over half a century ago.

Lake Tahoe And Emerald Bay – 1 Day

If you continue along Route 395 from Yosemite, you will reach lake Tahoe.

Note: Route 395 itself does not reach Lake Tahoe, so you will be following 207 from the Nevada side. 

The deep blue water of Lake Tahoe surrounded by snow-clad mountain peaks of the Sierra Nevadas is one of California’s iconic images.

Located on the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is a popular travel destination for Californians throughout the year.

In winter it is popular for snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding.

Summer in Lake Tahoe is made for biking and camping.

In fall, the area around Lake Tahoe comes alive with spectacular fall foliage and is one of the top fall drives in the country .

South Lake Tahoe or the California side is best for enjoying the outdoors and nature with family while the Nevada side has lots of casinos and is more touristy.

Crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe (CC 2.0 – Christian Abend )

The drive around Lake Tahoe is 72 miles long and takes about three hours.

It is highly scenic and one of the best road trips in California.

Much of the shoreline of Lake Tahoe is public and the views of the lake from the drive are stunning.

The lake looks a pretty shade of blue during the day and taking a beautiful picture of the water is a highlight of your visit.

An essential stop along the drive is the Emerald Bay State Park.

The drive here is spectacular and the views of the turquoise lake are lovely.

There are many other ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe.

You can take a helicopter tour or enjoy watersports on the lake.

The Sierra Nevada mountain ranges are an absolute delight for outdoor and nature lovers.

What you will see in these 4 days is just the tip of the iceberg.

The High Sierras have many beautiful alpine valleys, lakes, ghost towns, waterfalls, and hiking trails worth exploring.

If you can spend more time in the Sierra Nevada, then here are some other must attractions:

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks 

These are the two other national parks located in the High Sierras.

The giant sequoias surround you as you drive the park roads creating a surreal and unique experience.

The twisting and turning roads here are not for the faint-hearted (hint: carry some Dramamine!).

Both national parks have great hiking trails and lots of wildlife.

John Muir Trail

While it is not possible to hike in a short time, John Muir Trail deserves a special mention.

This is a long-distance trail in the Sierra Nevada and passes through Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks.

It is as renowned as the Appalachian or the Pacific Crest Trail. 

Bodie Ghost Town

The old mining ghost town of Bodie is an hour away from Mammoth Lakes.

Preserved as a state park, the town is full of historic saloons and deserted buildings.

While Sacramento is not in the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, the city is on the way while returning to San Francisco from Lake Tahoe and makes for a great addition to our California road trip itinerary recommendations.

One of the top attractions in Sacramento is the California State Railroad Museum.

Stretch 4: Along The Wild North Coast

There are many things to do in Northern California including national parks, scenic drives, beautiful coastal towns, and more.

You will need another 5 days minimum to fully explore the Northern part of the state.

Hence, we do not recommend covering the North Coast if you are following this California Road Trip Itinerary for 10 Days – you simply won’t have time.

The best way to explore this region is to plan a separate road trip in the northern part of the state, the details of which you can read here in our post, Ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary .

California’s North Coast is less visited, unspoiled, and partially unexplored compared to the famous central Coast and the crowded southern coast.

The prehistoric coastal redwood trees grow in groves along the road all the way up to Oregon.

Hwy 1 ends at Leggett where it joins Hwy 101.

While the road follows the coast, for the most part, it turns inward in the area of the Lost Coast.

The remote Lost Coast as the name suggests is devoid of major highways and remains the ultimate adventure for a 10 day trip to California.

However, the coast is not the only unique thing about Northern California.

The northern part of the state is also home to geothermal activity.

You can climb lava tunnels at Lava Beds National Monument and see volcanic craters, domes, mud pools, etc at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Here are a few attractions of the region:

Redwoods National and State Park

The Redwoods National and State Parks were created to preserve the old-growth redwood forests.

The Redwoods are the tallest living trees on Earth and also among the oldest.

The National Park and state parks are also home to a number of endangered animals including spotted owl, species of sea lions, etc.

The unique environment of the dense redwood forests by the coast has resulted in the park being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Seeing the Redwoods covered in fog during winter or spring is a surreal experience.

Point Reyes

Point Reyes National Seashore, located in Marin County, preserves a large swath of northern California’s coastal wilderness.

Most popular attractions at Point Reyes include Alamere Falls on Wildcat Beach and Point Reyes Lighthouse.

Other attractions include the endangered tule elk herd that can be seen around Tomales Point, Native American redwood houses, earthquake trail, and dramatic cliffside beaches.

Avenue of the Giants

Avenue of the Giants is an over 30 miles long scenic highway that passes through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park and its mighty coastal redwood trees.

Roadside attractions include tunnels cut into redwood trees, giant groves, and unique roadside attractions like a house created from a single redwood log and a Redwood RV.

We suggest hiking in the Redwood groves to experience the truly gigantic trees.

The quaint seaside town of Mendocino is quite different from the coastal towns on the Central Coast.

It reminded me of Maine and the coastal upper East coast due to its Victorian mansions painted in pretty pastel colors.

The town is a historical landmark and very pretty to wander and explore.

Nearby Mendocino Headlands State Park and Russian Gulch State Park are worth a visit.

Nearby Fort Bragg is no fort but a lumber town on the North Coast.

The famous ‘Glass Beach’ of which I’m sure you have seen pics floating around on social media is in Fort Bragg.

The beach is a part of MacKerricher State Park, a state park with amazing views of the undeveloped headlands, beaches, and tide pools.

Another popular attraction in Fort Bragg is the Skunk Train – a railroad built to haul timber logs from the redwood forests.

Other attractions on the North Coast include the pretty Victorian towns of Ferndale and Eureka, Del Norte Redwood State Park, and the seaport community of Crescent City.

More 10 Day California itinerary ideas for slow travelers

You can use our California road trip planner to customize your itinerary based on your interests. 

If you can only spend 10 days in California, then seeing all the above attractions can be overwhelming; here are a few suggestions for those who like slow travel.

California coast road trip itinerary

One great option is to go on a 10 day pacific coast highway trip or 10 day west coast road trip.

That way you can spend more time in the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles while seeing Big Sur at a leisurely pace. 

On this San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip in 10 days, you can tour the lighthouses, hike the trails, picnic on the beach, visit the wineries of the Central Coast, and enjoy nature – seriously the best road trip in California. 

You can even do the San Francisco to San Diego road trip in 10 days.

In that case, we would recommend keeping aside 2 days each for the 3 major cities and spending the rest of the time in the Big Sur region. 

This San Francisco 10 days trip lets you enjoy the beauty of the coast while visiting the Sierra Nevadas and the desert later.

California National Parks itinerary

California has 9 national parks – all of them are unique and make for an exciting California National park road trip. 

You can visit either the most popular ones or all of them, depending on how much time you want to spend in each park. 

We would suggest starting from Los Angeles, then seeing Joshua Tree and Death Valley before visiting Kings Canyon and Sequoia. 

Then see the beautiful Yosemite Valley. From Yosemite, head north to Lassen and then finally see Redwoods parks before returning to San Francisco. 

You can also see Pinnacles and Channel Islands if you have the time, to complete the national parks in California road trip. 

You can also use this route for creating your own California RV trip itinerary, since most national parks have RV campgrounds. 

Northern California road trip itinerary

Another great option for those who like slow travel is to plan a Northern California itinerary for 10 days. 

Start your road trip from San Francisco and drive along the less visited North Coast and see the majestic redwood trees. 

Drive along the Redwoods Scenic Byway before turning towards the mountains and exploring the caves at Lava Tubes National Monument. 

Visit Mount Shasta on your way to Lassen Volcanic National Park and end your trip in Sacramento, a couple of hours away from San Francisco. 

For more information on how to plan a California road trip focusing on the northern part of the state, read our in-depth post on Northern California road trip .

If you have less time: California itinerary 7 days

If you can’t spare 10 days, then we also have suggestions for 7 day California road trip routes. 

With only 7 days in california, we would recommend focusing on one region and exploring it at a leisurely pace. 

Of course, you can opt for a 7 day southern California itinerary or a 7 day California coast road trip along the PCH, but you can also consider some unique road trip ideas in California which explore its most popular attractions. 

Here are our favorites if you want to see the best of California in a week:

7 day road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite

If you are wondering how to spend a week in California but still see the most popular attractions, then this itinerary is for you. 

Start your road trip in San Francisco, see the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Mission District, Fisherman’s Wharf etc in two days. 

Then spend a day in Napa Valley and nearby Calistoga before seeing Sacramento.

In Sacramento, see the state capitol and the railroad museum then make your way to Yosemite National Park. 

Take a tour of the Yosemite Valley and see the famous El Capitan as well as the many waterfalls.

Enjoy the panoramic view from the Tunnel View Outlook. 

Then depending on the season, visit the Tuolumne Meadows area.

Return to San Francisco to complete 7 day road trip in California.

North California coast road trip

This California 1 week itinerary is perfect for slow travel. 

Land in San Francisco and take a day or two to explore it’s many attractions.

Then rent a car and drive north. 

Part of this road trip is on the Pacific Coast Highway 1 till Legett, after which you will be driving along the famous Redwood scenic byway. 

For your first stop, explore the beautiful Point Reyes.

See the lighthouse and the shipwreck, then eat oysters in Tomales Bay. 

Drive along the Avenue of the Giants and pass through the Redwood tunnels. 

Hike in the prehistoric Fern Canyon and visit the glass beach at Fort Bragg, then last stop at Eureka or Crescent City to finish the California coast 7 day itinerary.

7 Day Southern California trip itinerary

For this ca road trip planner, begin your trip with a day or two in San Diego or Los Angeles and then wind your way around Southern California’s desert attractions. 

See famous Joshua Tree and Palm Springs.

Enjoy the fantastic landscape of the Mojave desert and drink a delicious date shake.

See the sculptures in Borrego Springs. 

Then visit Anaheim and enjoy the theme parks.

There are also many things to do in Anaheim besides Disney. 

7 Day California Coast Road Trip

This is one of the most popular california driving holidays itineraries.

Follow this California road trip itinerary 7 days along the world famous Pacific Coast Highway. 

See the major cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Explore the charming mountain side towns of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. Learn to surf and spot the elephant seals. 

Spend some time hiking and enjoying the wild, rugged vibe of Big Sur.

Take a tour of the Point Sur Lighthouse and hike down to Keyhole Rock. Go whale watching. 

If you have more time: California road trip itinerary 14 days

This two week california driving itinerary is perfect for long summer vacations, when most parts of the state including the High Sierras are completely accessible. 

Just use our main California trip planner, but add in all optional ideas including San Diego and the beautiful northern coast. 

Then see the Lassen Volcanic National Park area and visit the beautiful Burney Falls from Redding.

Spend some time in Mount Shasta and head back to San Francisco to complete California 2 week itinerary.

We hope you liked our California road trip blog.

Now you have everything ready to plan your perfect California trip itinerary, so make the most of it.

Did we miss any hidden gems in the Golden State?

Which part of the road trip did you enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments!

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The top 5 road trips in California

Sep 10, 2023 • 4 min read

The ultimate California road trips take you from sea to mountains and through desert and redwoods © Oleksandr Telesniuk / 500px

Road-tripping is the ultimate way to experience California , so fill the gas tank and buckle up for unforgettable drives through scenery that tugs at your heart and soul.

Get ready for memory-making encounters as you wheel through sensuous wine country, humbling redwood forests, epic desert expanses, endless miles of coastal highway and sky-touching Sierra Nevada peaks. Just make sure that rental car has unlimited miles – you'll need 'em all.

California is the third-largest state in the US , and you could easily spend weeks navigating its rural byways, safely distant from the nerve-jangling, often-jammed interstate system. These five classic road-tripping routes are soaked in enough epic scenery to make each deliciously slow, winding mile worthwhile.

1. Pacific Coast Highway

Best road trip for world-class ocean views & autumn trips Dana Point at Interstate 5–Hwy 101 in Leggett; 656 miles

No matter if you follow the entire 656 miles or just a short stretch of coast-hugging Hwy 1 , you'll hit the Insta jackpot. Posing options include dramatic sea cliffs, sun-soaked surfing towns, playful harbor seals and the Golden Gate Bridge .

Our top pick for classic California dreamin’ snakes along the Pacific coast, although officially, only the short, sun-loving stretch of Hwy 1 through Orange and Los Angeles Counties can legally call itself Pacific Coast Hwy (PCH). Never mind those technicalities, because equally bewitching ribbons of Hwy 1 and Hwy 101 await all along this route.

Local tip: For best results, avoid driving the PCH in the spring and summer months, when the central and northern coastline can be socked in by fog and the rainy season can initiate landslides. Instead, September and October will yield the sunniest skies and some of the best weather as you spend a week checking this beaut off your bucket list.

2. Route 66

Best for iconic drives & weekend drives Arizona border near Needles–Santa Monica; 315 miles

Get your kicks on America's “ Mother Road ,” which brought Dust Bowl refugees, Hollywood starlets and hippies to California. Cruise from the desert to the Pacific Ocean, pulling up alongside retro relics, sleeping in a tipi hotel and fueling up in neon-lit diners.

The Golden State was the promised land at the end of a long and sometimes lonesome road. Today you motor across the Mojave Desert – a relative breeze compared to times of yore – through famous western towns, like Barstow and Daggett, into the San Bernardino National Forest. Emerge in Pasadena and Los Angeles before dead ending into Hwy 1 in Santa Monica for a grand coastal-view payoff.

3. Gold Country and California Highway 49

Best for historic hills & family road trips Oakhurst–Nevada City; 200 miles

Follow Hwy 49 through the rough-and-tumble Sierra Nevada foothills, a stronghold of gold-rush history with thrilling, mostly true tales of banditry, bordellos and bloodlust.

That highway number is significant: it commemorates the ’49ers who came seeking fame and fortune in California’s original Gold Rush. Today the route winds through Gold Country towns such as Placerville and Nevada City, past ghostly Old West mines and Victorian buildings housing inns, restaurants and museums.

You won't want to miss the blend of western history and charming wineries strung along stunning views of the Sierra Nevada. Give yourself three to four days to enjoy this outdoorsy, family-friendly road trip. Summer and early fall are ideal times to go.

Detour: Hwy 49 comes mighty close to Yosemite National Park (15 miles) and Lake Tahoe (75 miles), both wonderful jumping-off points for family camping and natural majesty.

4. Avenue of the Giants

Best for road trips with kids & raw redwood brilliance Stafford–Highway 101 junction; 32 miles

The incredible 32-mile road at Humboldt Redwoods State Park is canopied by the world's tallest trees, some of which were seedlings during the Roman Empire. It’s one of the most justifiably celebrated drives in California, a place where travelers stand with jaws agape and necks craned upward. The best time is in the morning when sunlight glints off dew-drenched ferns.

The route connects a number of small towns with mid-20th-century motels, diners serving “lumberjack” meals and pull-offs packed with Harleys.

Among the majestic groves along the Avenue, like the rightly famous Rockefeller Grove and the Founders’ Grove, the California Federation of Women’s Clubs Grove is home to an interesting four-sided hearth, designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan. Walking trails wind through all the groves for proper tree-hugging.

5. Desert Solitaire in Death Valley

Best road trip for moody moonscapes & winter or spring driving Palm Springs–Death Valley; 290 miles

Tank up and load the water onboard as you road-trip from Palm Springs through Palm Desert and Joshua Tree up to Death Valley . You’ll drive where California pioneers and gold miners once rolled their wagons. 

In Death Valley National Park the magnum forces of natural and human history collide. Artists Drive is nine miles of vividly variegated desert hills, a taster of the area’s sensuous sand dunes, water-sculpted canyons, rocks moving across the desert floor, extinct volcanic craters, palm-shaded oases, soaring mountains and endemic flora.

Local tip: Go between February and April for spring wildflower blooms and cooler temperatures. Give yourself three days to soak up sites like Badwater Basin (the lowest elevation in the US), Mesquite Flat and Emigrant & Wildrose Canyons .

This article was first published January 2011 and updated September 2023

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The Perfect 10 Day California Road Trip Itinerary (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Plan the ultimate California road trip itinerary with our 10-day road trip itinerary, including all of the best national parks, cities and other attractions!

California is instantly captivating. Its major cities twinkle in the spotlight, from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles. Its natural beauty is abundant as well, from the cliffs of Big Sur to the beaches of Santa Barbara.

However, California is ever-changing, and it changes fast. Rising snow-capped mountains soar out of lifeless deserts. Roads weave through conifer forests and giant redwoods, where alpine lakes mingle among hot springs and local towns that boomed with the growth of climbing.

Metropolises and epic nature are never far apart in this state. But it’s the California road trips between them that make it the perfect state to turn on the engine and put the car in drive.

This ultimate California road trip itinerary will include the highlights of this massive west coast state. From national parks to big cities, lazy beach towns, and more, here is our guide to planning the best California road trip!

Looking for the absolute best things to do in California? Check out our complete list here !

Table of Contents

Where To Stay In Los Angeles

Where to stay in san diego, where to stay in palm springs, where to stay in mammoth lakes, where to stay in lake tahoe, where to stay in sacramento, where to stay in san francisco, where to stay in santa monica, california road trip wrap up, the perfect california road trip itinerary.

The best way to travel from northern California to southern California , or vice versa, is via an epic California road trip. Sure you can take a quick flight, but the best way to absorb all the the Golden State has to offer is by exploring on land.

This 10-day California road trip itinerary gives you a nice introduction to this beautiful state. California is massive, and 10 days is not nearly enough for seeing all of it. But in these 10 days, you’ll get to see as much as possible. Let’s get into it!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Day 1 – Los Angeles

World-famous Los Angeles makes for the perfect place to start your California road trip itinerary. With easy access from around the world, fly into LAX, rent a car, and start exploring. Here are a few of the best things to do in Los Angeles !

• The Griffith Observatory

Start your time in Los Angeles by getting your bearings. The Griffith Observatory offers amazing insight into the cosmos, but just as applicable are its far-reaching views across the city, the Hollywood Sign, and the Pacific Ocean.

Home to Lotus flower beds, floating swans, and paddle boats, Echo Park is a glimpse into LA’s past and current beauty. Book a paddle boat in advance to best enjoy the scenery. Afterward, pick from a smorgasbord of local food trucks.

• The Hollywood Bowl

As the sun sets on Los Angeles, take in a show at the beloved Hollywood Bowl. The airy amphitheater has consistent events from festivals to concerts featuring a whole range of genres. With the sky a burst of colors, it’s a captivating music space.

• Hop-on Hop-Off Bus

Getting around Los Angeles can be a nightmare. Lack of solid public transport and gridlocks can slow you down on what’s already a tight California road trip itinerary.

The Hop-on Hop-Off Bus delivers you to some of the city’s highlights, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Strip, and Beverly Hills. You can always wait to pick up your rental car until after you explore LA!

Have more time? Check out our 3 Days in Los Angeles itinerary !

Close to Rodeo Drive, The Peninsula has a world-class restaurant, a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and a full-service spa. It’s the best option for luxury in Los Angeles!

In Venice Beach, Stay Open brings one of the best beaches in Los Angeles. Enjoy free bike rentals and WiFi so you can explore LA with ease.

Close to Hollywood Boulevard, Banana Bungalow leaves you close to the action with cheap onsite dinners plus regular free BBQs. If you’re on a budget during your California road trip, there are some great cheap hostels around the state!

Day 2 – San Diego

This drive takes 2 hours from downtown Los Angeles

After a leisurely drive from Los Angeles, discover the lovable San Diego , where sprawling parks harbor dozens of museums, galleries, and world-class zoos.

Beaches offer more than just a quick surf, in fact, you can expect to find life-changing burgers. At night, the bay glistens alongside the Gaslamp Quarter, here you can reflect on a busy first few days.

San Diego is a must on any California road trip. Here is our list of the best things to do while visiting San Diego.

• Mission Beach and Hodad’s

Before you make it to downtown San Diego, stop for a swim and the best burgers in America. Big call, so I’ll let you decide. Hodad’s is a gastronomic and cultural gem. While Mission Beach is the perfect way to cool off after a big drive.

• San Diego Zoo

The extensive San Diego Zoo takes you on a journey through our natural world. Experience the Elephant Odyssey or the Polar Bear Plunge alongside 4,500 other endangered or rare animals from across the globe.

• Balboa Park

It takes days to explore the incredible Balboa Park with a fine-tooth comb. But in such a short time, pick your favorites among the 16 museums, impressive Spanish architecture, landscaped gardens, and galleries.

• USS Midway Museum

Covering 10 acres, the USS Midway Museum boasts 30 historic aircraft on board the famous carrier. Learn more about WWII and the Battle of Midway, and experience real cockpits alongside other interactive exhibits. Afterward, wander along the Embarcadero.

• The Gaslamp Quarter

Once the sun has set, the Gaslamp Quarter lights up and the streets’ cobblestones glimmer under the stars. Enjoy a fun night in San Diego while exploring this romantic district home to high-end restaurants and candle-lit cocktail bars.

With four outdoor pools, half a dozen restaurants, a golf course and a spa, the five-star Fairmont Grand Del Mar has all your needs covered.

In Downtown San Diego, Motel6 offers cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and close proximity to the top adventures around the city.

Set in the Gaslamp Quarter, HI San Diego is a refurbished urban hostel with a fun atmosphere, a game room, plus self-guided tours and adventures.

Have more time? Check out our 3 Days in San Diego Itinerary !

Day 3 – Palm Springs

This drive takes 2 hours and 15 minutes from San Diego.

In southern California, Palm Springs is a gateway to epic mountain ranges and mystical deserts. Your time here is packed with hiking trails delivering memorable views and guiding you through a unique national park. But the town itself has a charming culture, shopping, and regular enchanting events.

• Joshua Tree National Park

The main reason to visit Palm Springs is to explore Joshua Tree National Park. This intriguing national park showcases the beauty of the desert landscapes, its unique flora, which gave the park its name, plus the colors that make every use of an open canvas.

• Downtown Palm Springs

After visiting Joshua Tree National Park, shop, eat, and walk your way through downtown Palm Springs. Adorable boutiques whisper your name with handcrafted goods looking to find a home in your road trip vehicle. On Thursday evenings, the town comes to life for its weekly VillageFest.

• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

With no time to hike, take a trip up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the summit of San Jacinto Peak. The stunning rise provides views across the Coachella Valley along with the Chino Canyon.

• Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve

If you choose to avoid downtown Palm Springs, Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve is a great alternative. Walk among 150-year-old trees where the desert mixes with exotic landscapes to create a spectacularly colorful ecosystem.

• The San Jacinto Mountains

Another option is to explore the San Jacinto Mountains in greater detail. The Deer Springs Trail is a challenging, designated National Scenic trek that takes you to the San Jacinto peak for an ultimately rewarding experience through memorable desert landscapes.

Find more of the best things to do in Palm Springs here !

Close to downtown Palm Springs, The Paloma Resort is set in historic bungalows with mountain scenery and offers inspired Spanish cuisine in a former mission.

The Travelodge provides travelers with easy access to the town’s best restaurants and shopping while being a great base to explore beyond.

With free onsite parking and complimentary breakfast, the Crashpod Hostel is cozy, inexpensive, and a great place to recuperate.

Day 4 & 5 – Mammoth Lakes

This drive takes 8 hours and 15 minutes from Palm Springs, via Death Valley National Park

Today on your California road trip itinerary, drive from Palm Springs through the ethereal Death Valley. The drive along Route 395 will be unforgettable, delivering you first to Convict Lake and then to the beauty of Mammoth itself.

On the second day, explore the lakes, ride the gondola, and hit the hot springs.

Find more things to do in Southern California here !

• Death Valley National Park

Break up your journey to Mammoth Lakes with a drive through the otherworldly Death Valley National Park. Stop by Badwater Basin and stand almost 240 feet below sea level in the depths of Death Valley.

If you love unique natural scenery, Death Valley is a must on any California road trip!

• Convict Lake

Next, get a sneak peek at Convict Lake. The alpine lake is surrounded by fast-rising peaks and while it’s a sunrise hot spot, its serene beauty can be admired at any point. Just off the highway, you won’t even have to leave the car.

• The Village at Mammoth Lakes

After an enormous and beautiful day on the road, enjoy a relaxing evening in the Village at Mammoth Lakes . Shops, restaurants, and bars combine in this classic mountain village. Enjoy a nice meal before resting up for the day ahead.

• Stand-Up Paddleboarding

There’s no better way to enjoy the enchanting lakes than on a stand-up paddleboard. The handful of nearby bodies of water are often calm and glass-like, leading to ease of movement and the chance to feel small alongside the stunning Sierras.

• The Minaret Vista

On your way to Devil’s Postpile, stop at the Minaret Vista to admire the eternal beauty of the Sierra Nevada. Set in the Eastern Sierra Range, these craggy mountains fall down to vast valleys and feature two soaring spires, including Clyde Minaret.

• The Devils Postpile

A national monument, the Devils Postpile is a formation of giant basalt columns. These were created by lava which cooled over 80,000 years ago. The hexagonal columns can reach up to 60 feet in height.

• Rainbow Falls

A part of the Devils Postpile National Monument , don’t miss out on a trek to Rainbow Falls. Walk from the post pile to discover a 100 feet waterfall whose consistent rainbows gave the fall its name. You can also walk directly here by driving to the Rainbow Fall trailhead.

• Mammoth Mountain Gondola

It’s been a busy day of activity, so take it down a notch with a ride on the Mammoth Mountain Gondola . The ride up lands you at over 11,000 feet. The panoramic views span the Mammoth Lakes Basin.

• Wild Willy’s Hot Spring

End your day with a recuperating experience at Wild Willy’s Hot Spring. It’s been a busy trip so far, so put your legs up in one of the two springs whose temperatures range from 95 degrees up to 105.

From Westin Monache Resort , you can take the gondola to the top of Mammoth Mountain before returning to make use of your kitchenette as well as the onsite pool and hot tub.

The Tamarack Lodge dates back to the 1920s and, among the included kitchens and private fireplaces, the lodge hasn’t lost any of its charm.

The Moderne Hostel provides guests with large communal and cooking areas, including BBQ facilities, while being close to Mammoth Mountain.

Day 6 – Lake Tahoe

This drive takes 2 hours and 40 minutes from Mammoth Lakes

With one full day in Lake Tahoe, it’ll be up to you how much you explore. Do you choose to focus your day driving through Yosemite National Park on your way there or do you take the direct route to explore local hikes, parks, and lakeside towns? There’s no losing here.

• Yosemite National Park

An option along the drive from Mammoth Lakes is the world-famous Yosemite National Park. You’ll need to make it a priority to explore well, but views of El Capitan and Half Dome make any “detour” worth it. Yosemite National Park is so famous that you may even choose to solely focus today’s exploration on that! Luckily this ultimate California road trip is customizable, and you can easily change it to allow for more time in Yosemite National Park.

• Fallen Leaf Lake

A direct drive to Lake Tahoe leaves ample time to explore. Check out the nearby, charming Fallen Leaf Lake where you can SUP or kayak before enjoying some waterfront eats surrounded by epic mountains.

• Eagle Rock Trail

For rewarding views of Lake Tahoe without a lengthy hike, meander down the Eagle Rock Trail. The mile-long trek is family-friendly and ends with breathtaking views of the lake with enchanting nature along the way.

• Emerald Bay State Park

Along the west shoreline of Lake Tahoe, you’ll find the popular Emerald Bay State Park. Find hiking, swimming, and mountain biking throughout while you can also explore Vikingsholm, with its impressive Scandinavian design.

Visiting the charming mountain town of Tahoe City is a great way to ring in the evening. Along the lake’s edge, the town has elegant mountain architecture, local galleries, plenty of places to eat, and bars in which to toast to a great day.

If you need more ideas for exploring Lake Tahoe after your California road trip, here are the best things to do in Lake Tahoe !

Live in the lap of luxury at The Ritz-Carlton , complete with on-site restaurants, spas, and a pool with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains.

A stay at the Mother Nature’s Inn comes with free onsite parking, along with inclusive WiFi and Smart TV, while being close to the beach.

The sprawling Mellow Mountain Hostel is close to Heavenly for skiing, summertime gondola rides, the beach, and some of the best action in South Lake Tahoe.

Day 7 – Sacramento

This drive takes 2 hours from Lake Tahoe

Next on your California road trip, enjoy the drive from Lake Tahoe through the Eldorado National Forest on your way to Sacramento.

Take the time to explore the underrated city where farm-to-table restaurants are much more than a niche. Take in the history and, if you have energy, try your hand at some fun outdoor sports.

• Downtown Sacramento

Culture, history, and food collide in downtown Sacramento. A surprising foodie haven and cocktail paradise, travelers will also be happy to see so many museums and galleries to visit as you’ll discover below.

• California State Railroad Museum

Within the Old Sacramento Historic Park, the California State Railroad Museum is an ode to westward expansion and the worker’s efforts. The latter particularly focuses on the prominent role of Chinese railroad workers. Explore 19 authentic trains before traveling on one yourself.

• The American River Trail

If you prefer to keep experiencing the state’s splendid nature, head to Discovery Park. It’s here you can explore one of America’s great bike trails, the American River Trail which spans 32 miles through brilliant scenery.

• White Water Rafting

Add some adrenaline to your California road trip with some white water rafting. With snow melting from the Sierra Nevada, this part of California is prime for some adrenaline-pumping rafting on the American River.

Looking for more incredible things to do in Sacramento? Check out our ultimate guide here !

In central Sacramento, the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel , evokes class and provides high-end amenities with a poolside bar and hotel restaurant.

With easy access to downtown, Wyndham Garden provides a great place to recuperate before with an onsite restaurant and bar, plus free WiFi.

Save money on your California road trip with this incredible hostel! Nestled in a former Victorian mansion, HI Sacramento provides guests with a social experience with a spacious patio and complimentary breakfasts.

Day 8 & 9 – San Francisco

This drive takes 1 hour and 40 minutes from downtown Sacramento

Start your day early and head towards the stunning California coast, where you should reach San Francisco by mid-morning. From there, head to the waterfront where you’ll enjoy delicious cuisine and epic bay views.

With two days of your California road trip, take your time in San Francisco, see all the attractions, and even take a day trip to Napa Valley.

• Embarcadero

Canvassing the waterfront of San Francisco, the Embarcadero is the perfect place to start your exploration. As you wander along the boulevard you’ll pass a number of historic piers with excellent views with many offering boat tours into the harbor and Alcatraz Island .

• Fisherman’s Wharf

With gorgeous views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf is a fantastic lunch spot. The early fishing boats have long gone and the Dungeness crab is ready.

Fisherman’s Wharf is also home to the Hyde Street Pier and its historic ships.

• Lombard Street

Take your mind away from the famed bridge and you’ll notice how undulating San Francisco is. We mean, it’s crazy steep. Lombard Street represents this best. Home to eight compact turns and beautiful landscaping, it’s a unique drive.

• Golden Gate Bridge

Ok, you’ve been patient. It’s time for the Golden Gate Bridge. The incredible site, of orange arches spread between two rising headlands, will be one of the most memorable parts of any California road trip. Admire it from the Presidio before walking along for amazing views of San Francisco.

• Napa Valley

Finding time for Napa Valley with just two days in San Francisco can be tricky. But lovers of wine and captivating landscapes should make time. An hour north of San Francisco, Napa Valley has over 400 wineries covering a range of budgets and styles.

Save time and energy during your visit to Napa Valley with this half-day wine tour .

If you want more ideas, check out our list of the best things to do in San Francisco !

Your second day in San Francisco is all about nature. Start with an early morning hike up to the Twin Peaks. This slice of untouched nature offers splendid from its summit, at 922 feet.

• Golden Gate Park

San Francisco’s own Central Park, Golden Gate Park combines historic architecture and eye-catching nature. Walk or ride along the miles of trails to discover the Dutch Windmill and Japanese Tea Garden to go alongside its Botanical Garden.

• Ocean Beach

After a busy morning of hiking and biking, take some time to relax at Ocean Beach. The three-mile beach spreads the crowds and allows ample room to take in the Pacific Ocean, rugged coastline, and the far horizon.

• Union Square & Chinatown

Having got enough exercise and sun on day 9 of your California road trip, take some time to indulge. Union Square is the city’s top shopping district and also home to the towering Dewy Monument. Afterward, enjoy some mouthwatering eats in SF’s famed Chinatown.

• Oracle Park

Leave room, of course, for a ballpark hot dog as you end your second day in San Francisco at the beautiful Oracle Park. Set right on the bay, it’s a great place to catch a game of baseball as the sun sets to the west.

The high-end Fairmont Heritage Place provides guests with luxurious apartments with full kitchens and a private terrace complete with a fire pit.

Set in Union Square, Club Donatello is a four-star hotel with an onsite restaurant, and a rooftop lounge, and is close to Oracle Park. Make the most of your California road trip itinerary by choosing mid-range accommodation right near all the best attractions!

Enjoy modern amenities and a lively atmosphere at ITH Pacific Tradewinds Hostel which is close to Chinatown and the San Francisco waterfront.

Take a look at our list of the 25 best things to do in Northern California if you need more inspiration!

Day 10 – Santa Monica

This drive takes around 9 hours from downtown San Francisco.

After departing San Francisco, you’ll start wrapping up your California road trip by looping around and heading back down to southern California.

Make your way south on a California coast road trip where you’ll soon meet Half Moon Bay and the splendid beauty of one of the most famous roads in America. We’ve saved the best for last!

The Pacific Coast Highway is packed with highlights and epic scenery like the famous Big Sur, making it the perfect way to end your California road trip.

• Pacific Coast Highway

One of the most iconic roads in America, no California road trip is complete without a journey down the famous Pacific Coast Highway. Yes, you can take this drive from the PNW, but the section between San Francisco and Santa Monica is highlight packed.

Read More: Plan your Pacific Coast Highway road trip with our ultimate guide !

• Carmel By the Sea

10 minutes from the famous Monterey, Carmel By the Sea is laden with adorable seaside cottages that lead to white sand beaches. However, the architecture combines with the art scene to be the true highlight. Explore a town once home to Jack London and now over 100 art galleries.

The section of Highway 1 through Big Sur is a shock to the senses, in all the best ways. From tunnels and Pfeiffer Beach to the unforgettable Bixby Bridge, Big Sur is maybe the most scenic spot on this drive. No California road trip is complete without driving through Big Sur!

• Santa Barbara

You’re almost done with your California road trip, so take a break in Santa Barbara ! The stunning town of Santa Barbara is known for seafood, powdery white sand beaches, and fascinating Spanish history. Though you could easily spend days in Santa Barbara, if you’re short on time you can just have a quick driving break here.

• Santa Monica Pier

There’s no better way to end your California road trip itinerary than with a sunset viewing at the Santa Monica Pier. This iconic landmark will appear around the corner as you caress the edge of Malibu along Pacific Coast Highway . Park the car and watch the sky become ablaze before enjoying some of the pier’s rides.

Check out all the best things to do in Santa Monica here .

Enjoy the beauty of the west coast at the charming Shutters On The Beach with an onsite restaurant along with surfboard and bike rentals.

Enjoy free parking, a simple breakfast, an onsite gym, and free WiFi at the Days Inn which is close to major routes into LA.

A block back from the famed local beaches HI LA – Santa Monica is prime for the last night of your California road trip. They offer lots of fun activities, like a pub crawl and group dinners.

This California road trip itinerary takes you around the state, through its major cities and best national parks. You’ll experience a mix of civilization, lush landscapes, and lifeless deserts, sometimes on the same day.

From the cliffs of Big Sur to the mountains of Yosemite to the beaches of Santa Barbara, there is so much to see in California! Even the best California road trips couldn’t really include it all, but we’ve done our best to give you a good introduction.

Ten days is short for a west coast road trip, but it’s better than nothing! As a quick and inspiring glimpse into the Golden State, it’s the perfect platter to decide what you’ll inevitably later explore in greater detail.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary

Last updated on February 9, 2024

Our complete guide to planning the ultimate California road trip. It includes where to stay, what to eat, things to do and how much it all costs. Pick and choose to create your perfect California road trip itinerary. Updated for 2023.

A California road trip is the stuff of dreams and one that Steve and I rank among our most favourite travel experiences. We’ve both done extensive road trips in California – as kids, as single adults, as a couple, with one kid, and now with two. And we’ve condensed that experience into what we think is the best California road trip itinerary out there. Also see our dedicated guide to driving the Pacific Coast Highway .

What to expect on a California road trip

From towering redwoods to golden coast, snow-capped mountains and wine regions, this California road trip is filled with extraordinary guesthouses, spectacular nature, and some of the best food we’ve ever had. It’s truly breathtaking how varied the Californian landscape is. One day you might be driving through dense forest and the next you’ll be in the desert, followed by city and coast.

Add to that the easygoing vibe of Californians, the echoes of its hippy past and its reality as one of the most creative, forward-thinking places on earth, and it all adds up to a trip I might never stop dreaming of. This is California dreaming brought to life. 

See all our road trip itineraries here. And don’t miss our guide to how to plan a road trip .

How to use this California road trip planner

This guide is intended as a California road trip planner, so you can pick and choose from the destinations depending on your priorities, budget and the amount of time you have. Use it in tandem with our Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary where we have all the details for the coastal stops from San Francisco down to San Diego.

We spent a ton of time planning the trip, which means it should save you plenty of time and energy when planning your own California road trip.

I’ve split it into sections, outlining our travel style, our priorities in California, our budget, how we got around, and detailed sections on each destination. As always we’ve sought out the most special places to stay and experience.

How long do you need for a California road trip?

I’ve arranged this suggested California road trip route into an epic 7-week California itinerary, but you can easily adapt it into a length and route to suit you, be that a 1-week, 2-month or 4-week California road trip itinerary.

You could definitely do a great California road trip in 7 days, but ideally I’d give yourself at least 10 days.

We did this particular route over multiple visits. One time, we did a Pacific Coast Highway road trip from San Francisco down to San Diego over four weeks. And most recently, we focussed on Northern California over three weeks. I also did a loop from LA when I was younger, visiting Death Valley and Lake Tahoe too.

You could do the exact same journey in a much shorter amount of time by selecting your favourite stops. And you could also stop briefly at some of the destinations en route rather than spending the night there. Or focus on one particular section. I’ve detailed how long it takes to travel between each place, so use that as your guide when planning how much to do each day.  

Our California destination travel guides

We also have detailed guides to individual California destinations that can help you plan even more. They’ll especially suit you if you’re a bit like us, keen on discovering the creative side of a city and in pursuit of all the best cafes, ice creams, doughnuts, bookshops, murals and beauty spots.

Handpicked travel guides:   Laguna Beach Travel Guide |  Santa Barbara Travel Guide | San Clemente Travel Guide | San Diego Travel Guide |  Santa Cruz Travel Guide |  Sonoma Travel Guide .

Family travel guides: California with kids |  Los Angeles with kids |  San Francisco with kids |  San Diego with kids

California accommodation guides:   Joshua Tree Airbnbs |  Laguna Beach Airbnbs | Los Angeles Family Hotels |  Palm Springs Airbnbs |  Palm Springs VRBOs with Pools |  San Diego Airbnbs |  Santa Barbara Airbnbs |  Santa Cruz Airbnbs |  Santa Monica Airbnbs |  Sonoma Airbnbs |  Venice Beach Airbnbs |  Hip Boutique Hotels in San Francisco |  Hip Boutique Hotels in Palm Springs .

California attraction guides: How to get the most out of Disneyland with toddlers | The ultimate guide to Universal Studios with babies and toddlers

Let me know if you have questions. Happy travels!

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you buy something (at no extra cost to you). It’s one of the ways I keep this blog going. Thanks a million for your support. You can read more about my affiliate policy  here .

The ultimate California road trip itinerary guide

California road trip itinerary at a glance

• Days 1-4 (3 nights): San Francisco
• Days 4-6 (2 nights): Santa Cruz
• Days 6-8 (2 nights): Monterey County
• Days 8-9 (1 night):  Big Sur
• Days 9-11 (2 nights):  Paso Robles
• Days 11-13 (2 nights): Santa Barbara
• Days 13-14 (1 night): Malibu/Topanga
• Days 14-17 (3 nights):  Los Angeles
• Days 17-19 (2 nights): Laguna Beach
• Days 19-22 (3 nights): San Diego
• Days 22-24 (2 nights): Greater Palm Springs
• Days 24-26 (2 nights): Joshua Tree
• Days 26-27 (1 night): Death Valley
• Days 27-28 (1 night): Mammoth Lakes
• Days 28-31 (3 nights) Yosemite
• Days 31-33 (2 nights) Tuolumne County
• Days 33-35 (2 nights) Lake Tahoe
• Days 35-37 (2 nights) Sacramento
• Days 37-39 (2 nights) Yolo
• Days 39-42 (3 nights) Shasta Cascade region
• Days 42-44 (2 nights) Redwood National Park
• Days 44-46 (2 nights) Mendocino
• Days 46-48 (2 nights) Sonoma County and/or Napa
• Day 49: Back to San Francisco

California road trip map

California road trip travel tips

Our style of travel.

As with all the itineraries on Bridges and Balloons , we have a special focus on creating handpicked itineraries filled with special places to stay – think beautiful design, plenty of character and amazing locations. We’re also millennials, so of course expect brunch, hipster coffee shops and money spent eating out. And I’m a cake, doughnut and ice cream fiend, so you’ll also see lots of that.

We favour a local style of travel, so don’t always hit all the “must sees”, preferring to soak up the atmosphere and experience local life. We look for street art, independent bookshops, farmers markets and parks. And we’re always up for spending time in nature.

We favour independents over chains, and while we’re both vegetarian, we tend to eat in restaurants that are known to be good for all food rather than just veggie stuff.

And although we now travel with our kids, the things we do aren’t just family-focussed, but suitable for anyone with a similar style to us – it’s the same stuff we’d have done even before we had kids.

Our California road trip budget

When we travel, we tend to mix budget and high-end options – for example, staying in a simple Airbnb some nights and then splashing out on a luxury cabin here and there. We take the same approach with food.

On this trip, we worked with Visit California, so some of our accommodation, meals and activities were sponsored by tourism boards or the places themselves. This meant we sampled more mid-high range accommodations and restaurants than we normally would on one trip.

We provide you with reviews of those places, so you can choose what to prioritise on your California coast road trip. You could find cheaper options in each place from around $60 per night. Or you could also camp in some places. Or perhaps try a home exchange .

Do remember that the USA doesn’t include sales tax in its prices, so you have to account for that when looking at costs (it’s 7.25% in California), plus you’re expected to tip around 20% on food and drinks orders.

Here’s a breakdown of the costs you can expect on a California road trip like ours.

Accommodation:  $75 – $500 per night for two adults and two kids

Our accommodation prices varied a huge amount. The cheapest was a night in an Airbnb in San Diego and the most expensive was a cabin in Big Sur. You could feasibly spend as little as $75 per night in all destinations, but that would sometimes mean staying in hostels or in shared Airbnb accommodation (normally a private room within someone’s home).

For example, it’s quite easy to find nice budget options in San Diego (our $75 room was a private guest suite in our host’s garden in a suburban part of town), but harder in San Francisco and LA.

I have included the exact cost of everywhere we stayed in the accommodation section for each destination below.

If you use Airbnb, use this link to get $25 off your first booking. And also see our guide to how to choose the perfect Airbnb .

Car hire: $65 plus per day (depending on size of car)

We paid around $65 per day when doing a road trip before the pandemic, but that went up to around $100 after the pandemic (it’s really affected the price of car hire, although I’m hopeful that’ll improve with time). This price included the transfer fee for picking it up and dropping it off in different locations.

We went for a large car (a Dodge Grand Caravan and a Chevrolet Tahoe), so it would be cheaper if you chose compact or small. We often use Rentalcars.com to book our car, but have also found Qeeq to have good deals too.

Fuel: This is difficult to calculate because fuel prices vary with the times and are currently sky high. Pre-pandemic, to drive from Sonoma to San Diego cost us around $240 in fuel. But post-pandemic, it cost us $450 to drive a similar distance.

Food and drinks: $50-$150 per day

This varies a lot as it depends on how much self-catering you do, plus the type of restaurant you go to. For example, a brunch for three at trendy Gjelina in LA cost $75, whereas our lunch in Paso Robles at Grey Wolf Cellars was only $20.

Portion sizes are huge in the USA, so you can often get away with just sharing one dish between two.

A good hack is to buy a cheap electric hot plate at the start of the trip so you can cook fresh meals wherever you go. We did this when travelling with a baby as it was a good way to avoid having to always buy him a meal he might not eat/feeding him ready-made pouches.

We also saved a lot of money by not drinking much alcohol. The above cost could easily rise to $200 per day if you added alcohol too.

As a quick price guide:

Coffee including tip: $2.50 including a tip

A fancy ice cream cone: $5

Gourmet donut: $4

Brunch for two in a mid-range cafe/restaurant, including coffee: $30.

Wine: Upwards of $10 for a glass (wine is expensive in California).

Tours and entrance prices: These vary considerably and the total cost will depend on how much you choose to do.

We visited very relatively few paid attractions and instead mostly stuck to free attractions and simply exploring a town on foot. This cost would quickly go up if you wanted to visit more things.

An example of the fees we did pay, per person, were: California Academy of Sciences ($40); San Francisco Botanical Gardens ($9); Roaring Camp Railroads ($29); Henry Cowell Redwoods ($10); Monterey Bay Aquarium ($49.95); 17-mile Drive in Monterey ($10); Joshua Tree National Park ($30); Universal Studios ticket, including Express Pass ($179).

Many of the wine tastings we did were free, but we did do a few paid tastings that cost from $15-$30 for a flight. In Napa, at the big wineries, this price is often double, at around $75 for a tasting!

What we ate on our California road trip

Food is a big priority when we do a California road trip and is always one of our biggest costs. California is famous for its fresh farm-to-table cuisine, so we always want to make the most of that and try as much as we can.

We’re both vegetarian, so all the places featured in this California road trip guide are vegetarian-friendly, but most of them also serve meat/fish. Whatever your dietary preferences – from vegan to Paleo – you can expect them to be easily met in California.

The state’s proximity to Mexico also means you can find plenty of high quality Mexican food, which is always a big highlight for us.

Other things we particularly enjoyed were the creative ice cream and donut shops; the plentiful coffee options; and the many outdoor dining spots.

And if you’re vegetarian, I highly recommend trying the impossible burger while you’re in the USA – it’s not available in the UK yet, but is the best veggie burger I’ve ever had. 

As well as farm-to-table restaurants, California also has an incredible range of farm-to-grocery stores, many specialising in natural and organic produce. One of our favourites was Bi-Rite in San Francisco. These stores tend to be quite expensive in comparison to places like Safeways and Trader Joes, but they are definitely worth a look for a treat now and then.

We also enjoyed shopping in Whole Foods, which is again quite expensive, but high in quality. You can buy fresh readymade food from the deli bar in Whole Foods, which is a good option if you’re in a rush.

If you’re travelling with kids who have an early bedtime, but you still want to try dinner places, we recommend ordering takeout. Services such as Postmates , Grub Hub , Doordash , Uber Eats and Caviar deliver food from top restaurants direct to your hotel, which is a great way to try those restaurants in the evenings.

How we got around on our California road trip

We hire a car when doing a California road trip, picking it up at the start point and dropping it off at the final destination. You have to pay a transfer fee when doing this, which you’d avoid if it was round-trip starting and ending in the same place.

We tend to use rentalcars.com but also recommend Qeeq for finding good deals. as that’s where we’ve always found the best deals. This time they sponsored our car hire, but you can trust my recommendation is genuine as I’ve been talking about them for years.

Rentalcars.com is a booking agent for many car hire companies, and the best deal they found for us was with Alamo. We were particularly impressed with the self-check-in system, which meant we could skip the long line at the airport when collecting our car. We opted for a Dodge Grand Caravan, which is an SUV-style car as we needed plenty of room for all of Otis’ stuff.

If you don’t want to drive, you could take buses instead, although of course that gives you less flexibility about where you stop. Public transport isn’t great in the States, so hiring a car is definitely helpful.  

I’ve included the driving time in the section for each destination below. Bear in mind it’s significantly quicker to do the LA to San Francisco drive along Highway 5, but that takes all the fun out of it. We drove down the much slower but infinitely more scenic Highway 1.

However, if you needed to do the San Francisco to Los Angeles drive quickly, perhaps to loop back for your return flight, it can be done in just under six hours. You could also opt to do parts of the journey on the quicker road, which would help you to fit in more destinations in a shorter amount of time, so perhaps a good idea if you’re pushed for time.

But whatever you do, I would definitely try to make the time for the drive along the Big Sur coastline – it’s one of the driving highlights of a Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary. 

Find the best deals on car hire

We recommend Discover Cars for booking your rental car. They search all the top companies and always tend to find the best deals. We use them every time.

What to pack for a California road trip

The weather in California, from north to south varies considerably, so it’s a challenging trip to pack for. As a rule of thumb, it’s likely to get warmer the further south you go, but microclimates mean you can reasonably expect warm temperatures in places like Sonoma and Paso Robles for much of the year.

And even when it’s hot on the coast, if the fog rolls in, the temperature drops quickly. Essentially, it’s difficult to know what to expect, so I recommend packing layers.

We particularly love travelling in California in Autumn, around September when the temperatures are pleasant almost everywhere. Spring is also a good time, although it can still be cold in places like Mount Shasta. The summertime comes with soaring temperatures in places like LA and Sacramento, which might be too much for some.

Our California road trip itinerary stops

Pacific coast highway (san francisco to san diego).

Driving the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is perhaps the most iconic part of a California road trip, especially the Big Sur coastline. It’s what people often imagine when they think of California. And while there’s much more to California than the PCH, it’s an unmissable part of it. The epic coastal road takes you through wild nature, bohemian surf enclaves, wine regions and some of the world’s most exciting cities.

We have a separate post with our full Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary , going all the way down the California coast from San Francisco down to San Diego. That post has all the details for all the stops along Highway 1, including San Francisco , Santa Cruz , Monterey Bay, Big Sur, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara , Malibu, Laguna Beach and San Diego . And like this post, it includes detailed information on each place, including things to do, where to eat, places to stay and how to get around.

You could drive the route in either direction and then add on the itinerary below, going onto Palm Springs from San Diego, or heading up to Sonoma from San Francisco.

Greater Palm Springs

Palm Springs was once the haven of the rat pack, but later became synonymous with retirees and golfing. It’s since had a renaissance as a retro chic getaway destination for style-conscious hipsters and the LGBT+ community.

It has a heady, laid-back vibe that calls for long days lounging by the pool, drinking cocktails and soaking up the novelty of being in an oasis amid the desert. Take a walk down North Palm Canyon Drive to see the mix of hip, bohemian and kitsch that makes Palm Springs so special. 

Palm Springs itself is part of the larger Greater Palm Springs area, which is made up of nine little towns, including Coachella and the fancy Palm Desert where the main shopping street is reminiscent of LA’s Rodeo Drive. 

We took our time there and relaxed, but if we’d had longer, I’d have liked to visit the art museum and go on the aerial tramway, which takes you up 600ft to the top of a mountain where the temperature is up to 22 degrees cooler than the desert below. The view from up there looks incredible.

Where to stay in Greater Palm Springs

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to stylish, hip hotels in Palm Springs . There’s the colourful Saguaro , the achingly hipster Ace , and The Parker , which epitomises what a Palm Springs hotel is all about, harking back to its 1950s roots and adding a dash of post modern eclecticism.

We stayed at the stylish Hotel Paseo , one of the newest kids on the block and the first of the hip hotels to come to Palm Desert. It’s part of the Autograph Collection and is just steps away from the glamorous shops, galleries and restaurants of El Paseo, also known as The Rodeo Drive of the Desert. 

Read more in my guide to the best boutique hotels in Palm Springs , the most beautiful Palm Springs Airbnbs , and epic Palm Springs VRBO homes with pools .

Where to eat and drink in Greater Palm Springs

While in Palm Desert, we ate at Wildest Greens, which doesn’t look like much from the outside, but is actually a beautifully bright and airy space with an impressive health-focused organic menu, including paleo, raw and vegan options.

And in Palm Springs, we had lunch at Juniper Table , which is part of the hip Kimpton Rowan hotel and serves a fresh all-day menu of sandwiches, salads and breakfast classics.

I also highly recommend getting an ice cream at the kitsch Ice Cream and Shoppe . If we’d been there in the evening, I’d also have liked to try Workshop Kitchen + Bar , which serves inventive takes on American dishes. 

Getting to and around Palm Springs

Palm Desert is about 2.5 hours from San Diego and its an enjoyable drive through the desert with some great viewpoints along the way. To get from Palm Desert to Palm Springs takes about 30 minutes.

Joshua Tree

The whimsical world of Joshua Tree National Park has long attracted hippies and mystics on a quest for the otherworldy. And the little town of Joshua Tree, next to the park, is keeping that bohemian sprit alive, although nowadays you’ll find just as many hipsters as you will hippies.

Of course, the national park is the main event, but it’s also a place to get away from it all in the eerie quiet of the desert.

City dwellers have created a plethora of desert-chic cabins for your getaway, and things to do include: rock climbing; checking out the thrift stores; hiking; and visiting Pioneertown, which was built in the 1950s as a Wild West movie set and is still used for filming today.

Pioneertown is also home to Pappy and Harriet’s, a live music venue that has hosted some big stars, including  Robert Plant. Sadly it was closed the days we were there.

We’d have also liked to visit the Integratron , an “resonant tabernacle and energy machine” that is said to be based on telepathic messages from aliens and is supposed to rejuvenate anyone who goes inside. They host sound baths there that look amazing, but sadly can’t be done with babies.

Where to stay in Joshua Tree

I was overwhelmed by the amount of stylish Airbnb cabins in Joshua Tree – it took us ages to finally choose one. I’ll be writing a post with our shortlist, but the one we picked was The Moon Cabin , and I couldn’t have been happier with the choice.

It was perfectly put together to the extent that I think the owners must be artists. There were thoughtful details like a hand drawn guide to cabin and local area, a telescope for stargazing (the desert sky is epic), and a record player with a well curated vinyl collection.

We were in Joshua Tree with four friends, and our cabin was the ideal place to hang out with a full kitchen, dining for six, and a bocce court out back. There’s also a converted bus next door, which two of our friends stayed in. The cabin starts at $150 per night. Book your stay on Airbnb  (and use  this link to get $25 off your first stay). Read more in my round-up of the most beautiful Joshua Tree Airbnb cabins .

Where to eat and drink in Joshua Tree

In Joshua Tree, we mostly self catered in our cabin, but also had an excellent breakfast at the quirky Crossroads Cafe (the soy-rizo is delicious) and some good coffee from the Joshua Tree Coffee Company.

Our friends also recommended Frontier Cafe , which is just next to the turning for Pioneertown. If it had been open, we’d have definitely paid a visit to Pappy and Harriet’s. 

Getting to and around Joshua Tree

The drive from Palm Desert to Joshua Tree takes about one hour and we stopped at Pioneertown en route, which is about 10 minutes’ drive off the 62 road that runs to Joshua Tree.

From Joshua Tree town to the National Park is another 20-30 minutes, depending on which gate you enter at. We entered at the West Entrance (30 minutes from Joshua Tree) and then drove through the park and exited at 29 Palms (20 minutes from Joshua Tree). 

Death Valley

Death Valley is a land of extremes with drought, record-breaking temperatures in the summer and mountains capped by snow. It’s home to the USA’s lowest elevations and is a stark, fascinating landscape filled with sand dunes, colourful canyons, oases and salt flats. You could spend days exploring this 932-acre wilderness, but we recommend at least a day there on your CA road trip. Just beware that the temperatures are sky high during the summer so make sure to plan accordingly – there’s a reason it’s called Death Valley!

This is one place we haven’t visited recently, so I recommend reading this post for more detailed info on road tripping in Death Valley.

Mammoth Lakes

After Death Valley, you could drive straight to Yosemite, but it’s a fairly long drive, so we recommend stopping at Mammoth Lakes, an adventure land that’s definitely worth visiting. The mountain resort town has snow sports in the winter and all sorts in the summer, from hiking to mountain biking. And of course, it’s all surrounded by beauty from the mountains, lakes and forest.

The drive here from Death Valley is particularly stunning, showing some of the range of California’s landscapes, from below sea level depths to the peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

Find more things to do in Mammoth Lakes here .

Yosemite is a bucket list destination for a reason and it doesn’t disappoint. You can’t fail to be moved by the magnificent sight of the famed valley and the El Capitan and Half Dome mountains. But there is much more to Yosemite than its headliners, and you could easily spend days there, hiking the trails and discovering waterfalls, lakes, mountains and more.

We recommend having one day to see some of the “must-sees” on the valley floor such as Tunnel View and Yosemite Falls (a really easy 1-mile hike suitable for wheelchairs and strollers). And then picking activities to suit you for your other days, such as one of the longer hikes or a visit to one of the lesser known areas such as Tuolumne Meadows and the sequoias at Tuolumne Grove.

We also recommend visiting the gorgeous Hetch Hetchy reservoir , which is just outside the park entrance.

Do note that during the peak season, you need a reservation to enter the park during peak hours. Find more details and book tickets on the Parks website .

Where to stay in Yosemite

We stayed at Evergreen Lodge , which we can’t recommend enough, especially if you’re travelling with a family. It celebrated 100 years in 2021 and is exactly what I imagine when I think of my ideal American holiday camp. There are wooden cabins amid the forest, nightly s’mores, fun activities for kids (we dd some geode smashing!), a saltwater pool with a view and seemingly endless hidden corners with fun to be had, from woodland playgrounds to bocce ball.

The food is also excellent, and it’s just 20 minutes’ drive from the entrance to Yosemite (we were on the valley floor in about 45 minutes). It’s also right next to Hetch Hetchy.

Rooms start at $250 per night. Book your stay now .

Where to eat in Yosemite

If you’re spending the day exploring Yosemite, a picnic is your best option as there are very few dining options available, even on the valley floor and there will likely be big queues, especially in the high season. Plus you’re unlikely to find a more beautiful picnic spot!

For our other meals, we ate at Evergreen Lodge, which has a great casual but elevated menu of family favourites including pasta and top notch burgers.

How to get to and around Yosemite

From Mammoth Lakes to Evergreen Lodge, it takes 2.5 hours. And then it’s 1.5 hours to Sonora. If following a different itinerary, other distances are: San Francisco (3.5 hours), Sacramento (3 hours); South Lake Tahoe (4 hours); Los Angeles (6 hours). Public transport ( YARTS ) is also available from Mammoth Lakes and Sonora.

Most people use a car to get around, but there are also free shuttle buses , stopping at 19 stops throughout the park. And you could also opt for a guided tour.

Tuolumne County

Chances are you might not have heard of Tuolumne County , but you might be aware of some of the places within it. And I think it’s one of the best places in California to travel with kids. It not only houses parts of Yosemite, but is also a place where you can visit some of California’s most charming gold rush towns and also experience the beautiful wilderness of the Sierra Nevada. And it’s filled with charming places to stay.

I’ve already covered some parts of Tuolumne in the section on Yosemite above, but I also recommend spending at least a day or two exploring the gold towns and high sierra.

The sierra is a year-round destination with skiing and winter sports from around November to May, and then all sorts of hiking and lake sports in the summer. We went to Pinecrest Lake , which is stunning and ideal for families.

And don’t miss Columbia State Historic Park , a perfectly preserved, ‘living’ gold rush town where you can do horse cart rides, go panning for gold and see shops and businesses as they would have been during the gold rush era.

See our full guide to things to do in Tuolumne County with kids .

Where to stay in Tuolumne County

Good places to base yourself when exploring the area are Sonora and the area close to Pinecrest Lake, including Twain Harte.

We recommend the following guesthouses and cabins.

The Royal Olive Manor

This historic Royal Olive Manor in Sonora ticks all the boxes for an impossibly charming stay. It has an interesting history filled with hospitable characters who have always opened their home to others. And that welcoming vibe endures through the current owners who have updated the space in a way that preserves the guesthouse’s roots while brining it up to date with modern conveniences. Expect lots of antiques, a ‘speakeasy’ bar, sumptuous beds and an indulgent breakfast you won’t soon forget.

It’s in the cute town of Sonora, which has lots of historic gold rush buildings and some good restaurants, cafes and boutiques.

Rooms start at $180 . Book your stay now .

Strawberry Hill Cabin

Just five minutes from Pinecrest Lake is the beautiful Strawberry Hill Cabin . It’s an authentic family cabin, owned by a couple who rent it out to other travellers. As such it’s homely and filled with everything you need for a comfortable stay, even including toys for the kids.

There are two bedrooms but, combined with the family room downstairs, can sleep up to 13. And the indoor and outdoor living areas are so big that it’d be a comfortable fit even at maximum occupancy. It’s a great place to base yourself for exploring the surrounding area and just going deep into forest life for a few relaxing days.

Rental starts at $400 per night . Book your stay now .

McCaffrey House Bed and Breakfast

The McCaffrey House Bed and Breakfast was one of the most friendly and inviting places we stayed in California. The B&B is run by a couple who moved there from Silicone Valley over 20 years ago and have now created a charming home-from-home for travellers in the Sierra Nevada. From the cosy living room complete with a piano to the homemade breakfast and well stocked games cupboard, it has all you need for a memorable stay.

The whole place is surrounded by trees and is close to skiing and other Sierra Nevada attractions, making it a great base for a Tuolumne adventure.

Room start at around $240. Book your stay now .

Where to eat in Tuolumne County

Some of the best places we ate in Tuolumne County were:

• Alicia’s Sugar Shack in Twain Harte – excellent place to pick up sandwiches and baked goods for a picnic (don’t miss the view across the road!)
• Afternoon Tea at Columbia Kate’s in Columbia State Historic Park – the sweetest little tea room where you can borrow a hat for the occasion!
• Flappy’s Pizza in Sonora – excellent pizza by the slice in casual surrounds
• Ice cream from Grove Mercantile in Groveland – a nice stop en route to Yosemite
• CC Taqueria in Jamestown – authentic roadside Mexican food

How to get to and around Tuolumne County

Sonora is 1.5 hours from Yosemite and almost three hours from South Lake Tahoe. If you skip Lake Tahoe, three hours from South Lake Tahoe. If you skip Lake Tahoe, you could go straight to Sacramento, which is around 2 hours away. Or San Francisco is 2.5 hours.

Lake Tahoe, straddling California and Nevada, and its surrounding mountains are a perfect place to relax or get active on your California road trip. Expect snow sports in the winter and endless water activities come summer – from SUP to boating to windsurfing.

We didn’t visit on our recent trips, but I did go when I was younger and was gobsmacked by the lake’s beauty. It’s a humongous place, so to get your head around it, see this post on the best things to do in Lake Tahoe . It’s one of the best places in California for kids .

Sacramento is often overlooked in favour of California’s bigger cities, LA and San Francisco, but the capital of California is a fun place to spend a few days. Visit Old Sacramento, the refurbished old town where you can see how the city started during the gold rush and even ride on an old locomotive. And don’t miss the State Capitol, which looks like a mini version of the white house. And the Sacramento Tower Bridge, which is truly gold unlike its counterpart in SF.

But we think one of the biggest highlights of a visit to Sacramento is simply wandering the neighbourhoods and experiencing city life. Sacramento is a really diverse city so it has lots of world cuisine and festivals such as Wide Open Walls , which celebrates that diversity through street art you can see throughout the city.

There’s also a thriving beer scene so be sure to visit one of the brewpubs. We particularly loved Drake’s: The Barn , which has a sprawling outdoor area perfect for families and groups.

See our guide to the best things to do in Sacramento with kids .

Where to stay in Sacramento

The Sawyer Hotel

We stayed at the hip Sawyer Hotel , which is a fabulous spot in walking distance of Midtown and Old Sacramento. The huge hotel has a hip, sophisticated vibe and the onsite cocktail bar, Revival, is popular with guests and non-guests alike.

Despite being perfect for couples and groups, it’s also welcoming to kids and you’ll find family groups alongside 20-30s party vibes at the sleek rooftop pool.

The rooms are luxurious and have fantastic views of the city – we could see the bridge and the state capitol from our balcony on the fifth floor – I can only imagine how amazing the views from the top are (there are 16 floors and 250 rooms).

The hotel is in the bustling Doco development , which has lots of restaurants, shops and the Golden 1 event space – really handy if you’re going to see a show, plus useful for nearby meal options (see recommendations below).

Rooms start at $160. Book your stay now

Where to eat in Sacramento

Sacramento is a very diverse city so has some great international dining. Places we loved include:

• Estelle Bakery in Doco for pastries and sweet treats
• Origami Asian Grill for Asian fusion cuisine
• Sawasdee Thai for authentic Thai food; Hoppy’s Railyard Kitchen and Hopgarden for pub food in Old Sac
• Bambi vegan tacos
• Elevated Mexican fare at Polanco in the Doco
• Pizza at Drakes The Barn (a fantastic place for families).
• I would also love to have tried Rick’s Desert Diner , but time didn’t allow for it.

Getting to and around Sacramento

Sacramento is about two hours from Lake Tahoe if that’s the route you’re travelling. But it’s also well located for many other stops in California, including Yolo (20-60 minutes); San Francisco (1.5 hours); Sonora in Tuolumne (2 hours), Redding (2.5 hours) and Napa/Sonoma (1.5 hours). This makes it an ideal stop for many California road trip routes.

I admit I hadn’t heard of Yolo County before visiting, but it became one of the highlights of our trip (so much so that I’ve written a post about the all the reasons to love Yolo County ) .

Situated between Sacramento and Napa, it’s an area made up of a series of quaint towns, all surrounded by farmland which makes for a thriving farm-to-table scene and plenty of tasting experiences.

Visit the tiny town of Winters where you can try local wine from the Turkovich and Berryessa Gap tasting rooms. And don’t miss a visit to Park Winters where you can either stay the night at the guesthouse or simply explore their gorgeous grounds. They even do a pick-your-own bouquet experience, and put on lunch events throughout the year.

Not far from Park Winters is the Capay Valley Lavendar Farm where you can walk among the lavender and buy products from the farm.

We stayed in Davis, a college town and home to the fantastic Davis Farmers Market . The market dates back to the sixties and has a colourful, activist history. Some of the original stall holders are still there today.

Where to stay in Yolo

Best Western Palm Court

We stayed at the Best Western Plus Palm Court in the centre of Davis. It’s perfectly located in the heart of town so you can walk out the door and be within steps of restaurants, bars and shops. It’s just a few minutes away from the farmers market.

For families, they have one-bedroom suites, which are ideal if you have more than one child or simply want a separate living area. And the balconies look out onto the streets below which buzz with local life.

Rooms start at around $170. Book your stay now .

Where to eat in Yolo

Yolo County has some good opportunities for farm-to-fork, including at Park Winters where they do dining events throughout the year. Savory Café in Winters is another good option, which has championed the slow food movement in the area.

And of course the Davis Farmers Market is unmissable, perfect for doing a choose-your-own picnic or for trying one of the food stands (we recommend the strawberry shortcake from Mabel’s Farm Box ).

Davis is a student town so a lot of the food on offer is fairly cheap and cheerful. A more upscale, but still casual, option is Café Bernardo which has good farm-to-table dining and a nice patio for people watching (it’s beneath the Best Western where we stayed).

Getting to and around Yolo

Yolo County is right next to Sacramento, so around 20-60 minutes from the city centre depending on where you stay. You could feasibly do it as a day trip from the city, but we recommend staying there to get the full experience.

Once there, you’ll need a car to get around the region as it’s all fairly spread out (for example Capay Valley is 45 minutes away from Davis.

In Davis, it’s worth hiring a bike as it’s one of the most bike-friendly cities in the USA.

Shasta Cascade

The Shasta Cascade area of California in the north-east corner of the state is a stunning wonderland of volcanoes, rivers and mountains. Yet, for some reason, it’s often overlooked on a California itinerary. We think that’s a mistake and highly recommend adding it as a stop on your CA road trip.

Highlights in the area include the magnificent Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park and endless trails to explore. We particularly loved visiting McCloud Falls, which are really accessible. You can just walk to all three falls from their carparks, or you can do a trail that connects all three. Lake Siskiyou is also worth visiting – it has one of the best views and photo opportunities of Mount Shasta across the water.

If you’re travelling with kids, Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding is a must – the zoo, museum and playgrounds are the absolute perfect family day out. They even do a fun animal show in the summer months. And it’s right next to the sundial bridge, which is exactly as the name suggests – a bridge and sundial in one! See our full guide to things to do in Redding and Shasta Cascade with kids .

We also recommend stopping for a night in the area between the coast and Redding – we had the most relaxing time at the gorgeous Strawhouse Resorts (see accommodation section for more info).

Where to stay in Shasta Cascade

Railroad park resort.

Railroad Park Resort is one of the best places we stayed in California, especially as a family. Just around the corner from Mount Shasta itself, it’s a collection of converted railroad carts for sleeping, plus lots of fun amenities, including trains to play on, an outdoor pool and garden games.

And it’s home to a popular restaurant, also housed inside a railway carriage. Our kids absolutely loved it. As well as the railway carriages, there are also cabins available, plus camping spots.

Carriages start at $125. Book your stay now .

Strawhouse Resorts

We fell in love with Strawhouse Resorts from the moment we saw its website and watched the video about the owners’ vision and passion for their guesthouse. Don and Julia have really taken care to make sure visitors have a relaxing and memorable stay, from the onsite coffee roastery to the cabins with enormous picture windows to take in the view. It’s right next to the Trinity River, so your stay is backed by the sound of rushing water and birdsong. Despite being right on a state highway, the road is fairly quiet, so it still feels remote and peaceful.

They do pizza nights in the summer and there’s also a yurt available to rent as well as camping sites.

Cabins start at $. Book your stay now .

Hilton Garden Inn, Redding

The Hilton Garden Inn in Redding isn’t the kind of place we normally designate as a ‘special stay’ but the views from the rooms at the back, looking out over the lakes and trees across to the mountains, are definitely special. It’s also conveniently located for exploring Redding and would even be a good base for exploring the rest of the area, with everything, including Lassen and Mount Shasta, no more than an hour’s drive away.

Rooms start at $160. Book your stay now .

Where to eat in Shasta Cascade

Some of the best places we ate in the Shasta Cascade area are: Yaks of the 5 for indulgent and delicious burgers; Penny’s Diner for a classic 24-hour diner experience with epic views; Taste and See Creamery for inventive ice cream flavours; Up North Confectionary and Mercantile in Weaverville for old-fashioned vibes and excellent ice cream; and Strawhouse Resorts and Coffee for a small, but thoughtful breakfast and lunch menu and pizzas during the summer weekends.

Getting to and around Shasta Cascade

The drive to Redding from Yolo County is around 2.5 hours. Redding is a good place to base yourself for exploring the area, although you can find more interesting accommodation elsewhere.

Redwoods National and State Parks

One of the great joys of California is the redwoods. While there are many places to see them, one of the best by far the Avenue of Giants in the Redwoods National Park on the Northern California coast. The 31-mile route was originally part of Highway 1 but then they created a bypass, making this the scenic alternative. It’s one of the most beautiful drives we’ve ever done, lined by redwood forest and trees so tall you sometimes can’t see the sky.

There are lots of stops along the way to follow hiking trails and we particularly recommend the walk at Founders Grove, which is a short 1-mile loop that takes you through some of the most beautiful forest in the area. And there are also two trees you can drive through (Shrine drive-through tree and the drive-through tree park) – but beware bigger cars will struggle – we scraped ours!

Beyond the redwoods, the Humboldt area also has more treasures including the Victorian town of Ferndale, which is 100% worth a stop. The colourful streets feel like stepping back in time and it has a thriving community spirit. We stayed at The Victorian Inn, which scores A+ for hospitality and character.

And we also recommend the amazing Redwood Skywalk at Sequoia Park Zoo and taking a walk with some llamas at Luna’s Lllama Adventures .

Where to stay for the redwoods

Victorian inn.

We stayed in the historic Victorian Inn in Ferndale, a Victorian town about 30 minutes south of Eureka and just 20 minutes north of the Avenue of Giants. Run by the lovely Lowell and Jenny, the inn is in a fabulous turquoise building on the corner of main street. The Victorian Inn really epitomises the village’s hospitality and historic character. The whole experience feels like stepping back in time. We had a two-bedroom suite filled with antique touches, frills, florals and the opposite of modern minimalism.

The hotel bar is a fun place to hang out and chat with the locals, and there’s also a restaurant with an elegant dining room and menu of local specialities.

Where to eat in Redwoods National Park

The ice cream at Living the Dream is excellent – perhaps the most perfect vanilla we had in California.

In Ferndale, don’t miss Erlei’s Bakin’ It for homemade baked goods, and Mind’s Eye Manufactory and Coffee Lounge for a fantastically characterful café, complete with a boat yard out the back.

The Victorian Inn in Ferndale has an elegant dining room with a menu of local specialities such as steak (it’s not the most veggie friendly). And Tuya’s is another good option. We didn’t get to try it, but I’ve also heard great things about The Boardroom , a small, trendy place that specialises in charcuterie and small plates.  There’s a second (and original) Boardroom in Eureka.

While driving the Avenue of Giants, we recommend bringing a picnic to enjoy at one of the stops.

Getting to and around Redwoods National Park

It’s a three-hour drive from Redding to Eureka along the scenic Route 299 (Trinity Scenic Byway), which runs alongside the Trinity River and curves through mountainous, forrested land.

We recommend at least stopping at Strawhouse Resorts in Big Bar (but preferably staying the night). And also stop at Weaverville, a historic mining town with a cool Chinese temple and a characterful high street of historic buildings.

You could also stop at Crystal Creek Falls at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, which is a pretty and easily accessible waterfall along the route (although the drive there isn’t for the faint of heart!).

It was love at first sight for me and Mendocino . We arrived via the Avenue of Giants and to go from that to the Cali coast makes for a spectacular drive, combining three of the things I love most about California: redwoods, the ocean and wonderfully charming towns.

I loved so much about Mendocino: it has the laid-back, hippy vibes that epitomise the side of California I adore and its location on the coast is stunning.

Spend your time exploring the wild beaches, sampling the California cuisine, wandering the cute village streets of the village and soaking up the small-town Cali vibes.

We recommend visiting glass beach (where much of the beach is made of sea glass!), riding the Skunk Train in nearby Fort Bragg and taking a walk around Mendocino, being sure not to miss the gorgeous Gallery Bookshop .

Where to stay in Mendocino

Little River Inn ’s claim to fame is that it’s where James Dean stayed during the filming of East of Eden. But there’s much more to celebrate beyond its famous guests. This 80-year-old guesthouse on the 1 looks directly onto the ocean and all rooms come with an ocean view. The 60 accommodations range from simple double rooms to more luxurious options with fireplaces and hot tubs.

We stayed in one of the traditional rooms and loved waking up to the view of the ocean and having a deck to hang out on. Note that the deck connects all the rooms in the traditional block – they have their own chairs but you can still hear and see your neighbours.  

Where to eat in Mendocino

Don’t miss Mendocino town for plenty of cute cafes and restaurants. We recommend: Mendocino Chocolate Company and Papa Bear’s Cholate Haus for sweet treats; Trillium Café for excellent Calfornian style farm-to-table cuisine; Brickery Pizza for amazing pizza in a beuatiufl garden; and Goodlife Café and Bakery for an A+ American breakfast/brunch.

I also highly recommend the restaurant and bar at Little River Inn (the outdoor patio is particularly delightful).

Getting to and around Mendocino

As I mentioned in the intro to Mendocino, the route there along the Avenue of Giants and then onto Route 1 is stunning and it took my breath away when we first caught sight of the coast. It’s about 3 hours from Ferndale/Eureka and you’ll also want to stop along the way for photos and hiking spots. It’s a journey to be savoured and will take up the most part of your day.

It’s around another 3 hours to get to San Francisco or 2 hours to Sonoma from Mendocino.

Sonoma County and Napa

Sonoma County and Napa are two of California’s most famous wine regions, both with distinct characters. Sonoma can be seen as the laid-back sister of neighbouring Napa. Where Napa is elegant and upscale, Sonoma is famed for its down-to-earth rustic vibes and world-class farm-to-table cuisine. You could choose one to explore or fit in both within one trip (they’re only around an hour apart from each other).

We love both, but Sonoma is the one that truly has our heart, partly due to the friendlier price tags and all-round laidback vibe – plus it’s also really family friendly. It’s a place where you can spend the morning walking through redwoods and the afternoon sipping wine in a Tuscan-style villa. It’s the ultimate in relaxation. Plus both Sonoma and Napa have a warmer climate than San Francisco, so they’re the perfect sunshine break from the city. 

Things to do in Sonoma

Do note that when I’m talking about Sonoma, I’m referring to Sonoma County rather than the city of Sonoma, which is just one part of the larger area. You can read our full guide to things to do in Sonoma County .

But some of our favourite areas are:

• Sebastopol (an artistic little town with a cool sculpture trail)
• Guerneville (a rustic town that has a become a number one spot for gay holidaymakers and is known for its outdoor water sports and party vibes)
• Forestville (a tiny place with lots of forest, which is home to some amazing cabins)
• Healdsburg (a wonderfully charming town, filled with top-class restaurants and tons of tasting rooms)
• Santa Rosa (the county’s main city and a perfect base for exploring the rest of Sonoma).
• And we also love the coast and Armstrong Redwoods State National Park, which is a peaceful place for a walk among the trees.

If wine is what you’re after in Sonoma then I recommend being in walking distance of Healdsburg town square as then you could visit lots of tasting rooms without worrying about driving.

Things to do in Napa

Napa is a valley with two main roads running through it, both lined with vineyards and wineries – the most beautiful of which is the famed Silverado Trail. Visitors love to ride the wine train, hire bikes and ride around the vineyards, or be based in one of the cute towns where you can find multiple tasting rooms to try. Some of the wineries here are seriously impressive with long winding driveways and five-star credentials – there’s even one in a castle!

We stayed in Yountville, perhaps the most idyllic of all the towns, home to two Michelin star restaurants (and many more contenders for a star), elegant tasting rooms and luxurious places to stay. It’s the epitome of Napa romance and we found lots of honeymooners along the way, but also found family-friendly options too.

Our other favourite places in Napa were Calistoga (a more laid-back, but still classy little spa town, home to our favourite tasting room, Tank Garage Winery ) and St Helena (another popular town with a charming main street of historic buildings, shops, galleries and restaurants).

Accommodation in Sonoma County and Napa

We’ve been to Sonoma and Napa several times and stayed in various different places to get a feel for what’s on offer. Depending on your time and preferences, you could base yourself in one place, or split your time between different stays in different areas. If you want to visit both Napa and Sonoma but stay in the same place, then Santa Rosa is a good option as it’s in Sonoma but only 30 minutes away from Napa.

Camellia Inn

The Camellia Inn is one of the most charming places I’ve ever stayed. It’s a traditional family-run guesthouse where the owners genuinely care about each and every guest and go out of their way to make your stay comfortable.

The pink-hued Victorian house brims with history and is just minute’s walk away from Healdsburg Plaza. The rooms are filled with antiques, but also come with modern touches like an iPad and coffee maker. Hot drinks and treats are available in the communal living room, where guests gather each afternoon for a daily cheese and wine tasting.

We also loved breakfast time where Otis was the toast of the big shared table where we all enjoyed the fresh produce that Sonoma is famous for. And there’s also an onsite spa and a swimming pool for when the weather is warm.

Rooms start from $159 per night. Book your stay now .

Flamingo Resort

The Flamingo Resort is a fabulous spot in Santa Rosa, an iconic mid-century resort that has been recently updated with a luxurious, hip, but still family friendly, feel. It’s one of those unique places that appeals to both couples and kids alike.

Our little ones loved the pool and I was a huge fan of the art-filled lobby, fun design touches and overall aesthetic that was a mixture of California hippy meets Palm Springs hipster. The food (and of course the wine) is also excellent.

Rooms start at $250. Book your stay here .

Vintners Inn

If you’re looking for a spot of luxury on your trip to Sonoma, Vintners Inn is ideal. Set on a 92-acre vineyard, the luxury lodgings have a European vibe, including a charming courtyard, centred around a picturesque classic fountain. You can see why it’s a popular wedding location.

We stayed in a sumptuous junior suite with a view of the vineyard, which felt like a quintessential wine country experience. And for food, we were spoilt by John Ash & Co, the onsite fine dining restaurant. T

The property is run by Ferrari Carano, one of Sonoma’s most popular and luxurious wineries. There’s also a newly refurbished spa on site. Rooms start from $265 per night. Book your stay now .

Camp Noon, Forestville

As you know, I love a cabin and Forestville in Sonoma County is cabin central – we were completely spoilt for choice. In the end, I chose Camp Noon , which is owned by two girls in San Francisco who have a fantastic eye for design. I was sold by the AirBnB reviews that mentioned the styles of Wes Anderson, Anthropologie and Scandinavia, and there assessment was spot on.

From the claw foot bath tub to the well curated record collection and retro furnishings, everything was on point. And of course, a cabin’s location is key to its success and this one was surrounded by towering redwoods – you can’t get much better than that.

A night in the cabin starts at $88 per night. Book your stay now . (Use this link to get £25 off your first trip).

Napa Valley Railway Inn

The Napa Valley Railway Inn is one of the most unique places to stay in Napa. Guests gets to sleep in converted railway carriages that have been done up to four-star standards. All the carriages sleep 2 and there’s also one larger two-bedroom room suite in the ‘station’ that can accommodate a family. It’s a big hit with kids, plus it’s in walking distance of lots of restaurants, and tasting rooms. And it’s more affordable than some of the other Yountville resorts.

Rooms start at around $350 . Book your stay now .

Where to eat and drink in Sonoma County

Sonoma County is well known for its fresh, farm-to-table cuisine, especially in Healdsburg, which has become a culinary hub for high-end restaurants. We loved Little Saint (previously the Healdsburg Shed).

I also recommend Backyard in Forestville where we had a delicious lunch in their garden. It’s child-friendly and specialises in seasonal, locally sourced food.

In terms of wineries, we loved Medlock Ames (a small, somewhat hipster winery) and Korbel , which specialises in sparkling wine. Meyer Family Cellars. Dry Creek General Store. Francis Ford Coppola. Preston Farm and Winery. Truett Hurst, Cornerstone Sonoma

And don’t miss Wild Flour Bread in Freestone near Sebastapol, which has scones I’d drive a day for. It’s definitely worth the short detour.

Where to eat and drink in Napa

Yountville is a perfect place to sample some of Napa’s best restaurants, including the Michelin-starred pizza restaurant, Ciccio . Ottimo is a more laid-back Italian option, and the restaurant at North Block Hotel also does incredible pizzas. All are family-friendly.

We also recommend visiting the Oxbow Public Market in Napa where you can try a few different California favourites. And we are big fans of Gott’s Roadside Diner , which you can find both at Oxbow and near St.Helena (there are also branches in San Francisco). In Calistoga, don’t miss the cute Calistoga Roastery cafe, owned by a fellow Englishman living his California dream.

For wineries and tasting rooms, we loved Hope and Grace in Yountville (lush wines in laid back, yet opulent surrounds) and Tank Garage Winery (a small-batch hipster winery in Calistoga serving natural wines among others).

Getting to and around Sonoma County and Napa

From San Francisco airport to Healdsburg/Guerneville/Forestville/Napa takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. We stayed in Forestville first and drove there via Sebastopol (about an hour from San Francisco) where we stopped for lunch at The Barlow .

We also made a detour to the Wild Flour Bakery where people are rightly evangelical about the quality of the scones. The detour added about 15 minutes to the journey and also meant we got to drive along the atmospheric Bohemian Highway road, which is lined with massive redwoods.

If we hadn’t had an antsy Otis in the car, we may also have driven out to the coast as the 10-mile journey from Occidental to the ocean is said to be gorgeous.

While in Sonoma County, we mostly drove everywhere and always found a free parking spot easily. However, we also enjoyed how easy it was to walk around Healdsburg, and had a lovely evening stroll around the plaza (it made me feel like I was in an episode of the Gilmore Girls!).

Sonoma and Napa are around 30 minutes apart, depending where you’re travelling to and from (for example Sonoma town to Napa town is 25 minutes, and Santa Rosa to Calistoga is 30 minutes). While in Napa, make sure you drive at least part of the Silverado trail as this is much more picturesque than Route 29.

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Useful travel resources for a California road trip

For car rentals, we recommend booking with  Rentalcars.com . They always have the cheapest deals for mainstream retailers.

If you decide to book any Airbnb apartments, use  this link , as it’ll give you £25 off your first trip.

We found great last-minute deals on  Booking .com , getting a discount of up to 60%.

Our favourite place to book flights is Skyscanner – again, they always have great deals!

Don’t forget your travel insurance! We  recommend True Traveller  who offer reliable, comprehensive cover, including medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities. You can buy True Traveller insurance even when you’ve left home, which is unusual for travel insurance companies.

If you’re planning a trip to California or anywhere in the world, be sure to check out our  travel planning pages  for all our best travel tips, including how to save money with the best cards, what to bring, and all our favourite tools and tricks.

Our road trip itineraries

UK :  Best UK road trips  | Best Scotland road trips

Europe road trips:   Amalfi Coast, Rome and Tuscany road trip  |  Best Europe road trips  |  Best France road trips | Best Greece road trips  |  Best Italy road trips  |  Iceland road trip | Best Portugal road trips   | Slovenia road trip  |  Best Spain road trips  |  The most colourful road trip in Europe (France, Italy and Switzerland)

USA:   Boston to Maine road trip  |  Ultimate California road trip  |  New England road trip  | Oregon road trip |  Pacific Coast Highway  |  San Francisco to Seattle  |  Southern USA road trip  |  The best USA road trips

Africa road trips:   Cape Peninsula road trip

Australasia road trips:   New Zealand North Island road trip  |  New Zealand South Island road trip

Disclosure: As I said earlier in the post,  Visit California and individual tourism boards ( Sonoma County; San Francisco ; Santa Cruz ; Santa Barbara; San Luis Obispo County ; Laguna Beach ;  Greater Palm Springs ; Toulumne ; Shasta Cascade ; Yolo ; Sacramento , and  San Diego ) helped us to put this trip together and provided some sponsored stays, activities and meals. Here’s a full list of places that were fully or part sponsored. Please note that regardless of sponsorship, I always write genuine reviews, plus I say no to sponsorship opportunities that are a bad fit for Bridges and Balloons.

Places that were sponsored by Visit California / the places themselves: Camellia Inn; Vintners Inn; Flamingo Resort; Napa Valley Railroad Inn; Backyard; San Remo Hotel; Alise by StayPineapple; Inn at Pasatiempo; Roaring Camp Railroads; Asilomar Hotel; Monterey Bay Aquarium; The Vintage Ranch; Thomas Hill Organics; Kimpton Goodland; Honey B; Backyard Bowls; Oliver’s; Paradice Shave Ice; Surf & Sand Resort; Kitchen in the Canyon; Laguna Beer Company; Reunion Kitchen + Drink; Hotel Republic; Lodge at Torrey Pines; Hotel Paseo; Wildest Greens; The Garland; Universal Studios; Railroad Park Resorts; Strawhouse Resorts; Turtle Bay; Victorian Inn; Little River Inn; Skunk Train; Sawyer Hotel; Estelle Bakery; Royal Olive Manor; Strawberry Hill Cabin; MsCaffrey B&B; Evergreen Lodge.

31 thoughts on “The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary”

Fantastic blog Victoria! I love the photos too. I’d love to visit California again.

Amazing! Now, this is a road trip. Did you run into any major problem during your road trip?

no. i have not

No, we didn’t have any major issues! I did a huge amount of planning beforehand to try and avoid problems, so I think all that time paid off!

What a great blog. We did something similar for our honeymoon and again in 2016. We visited most of the locations you mentioned but we’ve taken note of accommodation and restaurants you recommend. You sound like kindred spirits. Enjoy your future travels.

Thanks Lyn! I definitely think it’s a trip to do again and again – there are so many things to discover, plus I don’t think I’d ever get bored of all those view. I’m already thinking about when we can go back next!

You had me hooked at the giant burgers! Have always wanted to visit here though, i am thinking Vidcon this year! Will you guys be going?

Not this year I’m afraid, although I am already plotting another trip to California!

Nice article! There is so much to see in California! I have been creating California itineraries of various duration and for various interests for 4 years. I have 35 now on my blog and I think we only explored just about 20% of the state 🙂

What was the total cost (or per person cost) for this trip?

It is such a pleasure to read your article.. we are planning to come from Berlin to US for a long Roadtrip, 3 weeks with a car in california and then 3 weeks with a camping van in Utah…it will be our first time with our baby ( she will be 4 months old), would you have an recommendation for travelling with baby in california or things we shall not do? as you did we will try to make short car distance…

California is a pretty easy place to be with a baby – I think the best advice is to think about any adjustments you usually make at home (for example, breaking up car journeys) and then try to do the same there. Everyone parents differently (for example, some hate travelling), so it’s quite an individual thing, deciding what works for you. Sorry not to be more useful, but do let me know if you have any questions about specific things and I’ll try my best to answer 🙂 Have a great time!

I cannot believe that you wrote: …”The landscape swiftly changes at San Simeon, flatting out and becoming a lot less dazzling”… Wow. The most beautiful beaches on planet earth are there in this “less dazzling” section, Hearst state Beach, Moonstone beach drive,… Its clear you are restating crap about places that are simply famous but you have not actually been there. And if you aren’t going to highlight a place in out beautiful state, such as Hearst Castle, then don’t bother to bring it up, at least don’t take the ridiculous time to say “skip it”. SO bizarre. Some people are into history and classic attractions. If you want to mention its location, leave it at that. Don’t diss a place because you weren’t able to sleep there. As an explorer, you suck. The greatest beach in the world is across the road. And 5 miles up north also in San Simeon is the elephant seals beach habitat right off the road which is the best natural colony with the easiest viewing imaginable with a parking lot and a boardwalk. I guess that’s boring to you but its hardly ‘less dazzling’ to anyone with 2 eyes.

It’s hard to know how to respond to a comment like this as it’s such a personal attack! But there are a few things I can clarify/say in my defence.

This is a personal account of my one-month trip in California, so I’m afraid it couldn’t encompass the whole state. I wrote about what I personally saw (I did do this trip as you can see from the photos!). I also did it with my nine-month-old son, so was somewhat limited in how ad-hoc our explorations could be. I didn’t diss or say to skip Heart Castle, I just said that Steve and I didn’t go this time because we’d already been before and didn’t want to wake our son. But I will add a bit about the beaches you mention as it’s a shame we missed them.

Hi Victoria. Great read and bookmarked to keep going back to We are doing LA to San Francsico in Jan next year. I’m trying to make a number of decisions and found your blog really helpful. We were going to travel inland from Santa Barbara to Yosemite but as I think it will be cold and possibly snowy my plan B is LA to San Diego before heading north to Santa Barbara then big sur, pebble beach (husband is a golfer and this is his 50th treat) then San Francisco Couple of questions wonder if you could offer an opinion. Where would you suggest staying in San Diego I’m thinking either Torrey Pines after reading your blog or the Gas lamp district (hotel indigo) I know completely different which is why I’m struggling!! and secondly I’m looking at either the Harbour Inn or the Kimpton Goodland (where you stayed) as I’m an IHG member so get good rates £120 per night but again it’s a bit out of Santa Barbara. We’re 46 and 48 no children quite active but never done this type of holiday we want to do some sightseeing, eating, drinking and the odd golf round for him and yoga class for me. Any thoughts will be welcomed x

Hi Martina, Glad the blog is helpful! If your husband is a golfer then I’d recommend Torrey Pines as it’s right next to a really beautiful golf course. It’s a really special place, and it’s only 20 minutes from downtown San Diego. That said, if you want to be in the heart of the action and close to lots of great restaurants then the Gas Lamp District is great and Hotel Indigo is a good brand. It could be worth staying a night in each. It depends on what vibe you’re looking for. As for Santa Barbara, I loved the Goodland, but I’d only stay there if you love the hotel’s style as much as I do. Otherwise, it might be worth staying a bit closer to town so you have everything on your doorstep. Hope that helps! Victoria

When I click the link for the air bnb apartment in venice beach it takes me to an air bnb in Joshua tree. Can you provide the name and details or link to the venice beach air bnb you stayed at

Oh no, so sorry! I’ve just fixed that 🙂

Hi Victoria,

I was curious to how much did you spent in total for the 32 days stay with multiple hotels prices, food, and gas for the entire trip? I really enjoyed reading you blog page and thank you for sharing your trip with others.

Hello! I love this post on your cali roadtrip. I am from NY and iv been trying to decide where to move in cali. I am thinking of doing something like this. I love nature but also would like to be in a area with people. I was going to live in Topanga but felt too isolated- i also love to be by the water. any recommendations? Thanks!

Pls email me your response if possible 🙂

Great Blog! Do you have a PDF of “The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary” that can be downloaded?

I’m afraid I don’t at the moment, but it is on the ‘to do’ list!

Hello both, I have spent the last three weeks planning a trip to Thailand and Singapore, which we intend taking in January. We decided on this particular place to visit because of the warm weather in January. However having found your website Bridges and Balloons and read your guide A road trip to California. We are cancelling our plans to visit Asia and will be travelling around California. Using your guide to create our dream vacation. I have always wanted to visit California and reading your guide has convinced me that this has to be our next road trip. Thank you both very much for writing this post and making it so easy for someone like me to be able to organise a road trip of my dreams with confidence. Here’s hoping that the weather is kind to us during our trip in January and I will write to you on our return.

This message makes me so happy! That’s exactly what I try to do with this blog 🙂 Really pleased the post was useful. I’m sure you won’t regret it – California is amazing!

Your site/blog, it’s terrific! We are planning a trip to Santa Cruz/Monterey with our two children in April. So excited and ty for sharing the great info and tips!

My pleasure 🙂 So pleased it was useful!

With a multitude of beautiful landscapes, numerous historic landmarks and diverse, multi-cultural culinary scenes, there really is so much to experience in the third-largest state in the United States. And what better way to experience a state known for its raw beauty and great outdoors than with a coastal road trip? As Al Jardine of the Beach Boys perfectly put it, “I love driving; driving along the California coastline is the best drive in the world.”

fab blog. I loved everything about it, thanks so much for putting in the time and effort. we are doing the big sur coastal road, plus SF, yosemite, LA and las vegas with our 11 and 15 year olds in July and I cant wait!

Amazing itinerary! Thanks for sharing.

Our family of four (two adults and two kids) will soon be jetting out to sunny California. I am really ecstatic, and I cannot thank you enough for the invaluable resources you have provided. Moreover, the included pictures are quite good.

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The Great California Road Trip Itinerary: An Epic 4-Week Golden State Adventure

A California road trip is at the top of the bucket list for most visitors to the state. And no wonder!

California’s spectacular natural beauty, its wonderful weather, and its vibrant cities and towns make it the perfect road trip destination.

Read on to discover the ultimate itinerary for a road trip through California!

Located on the Pacific Coast, California is the third-largest state in the United States and covers close to 164,000 square miles.

Its landscapes are legendary, spanning the gamut from mountains to deserts and forests to coast, and a leisurely road trip is by far the best way to experience the Golden State.

Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. For more details, refer to our disclosure .

With more national parks than any other state, hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches, some of the most famous theme parks in the world, and dozens of famous landmarks, California has so much to offer that planning a California road trip can seem daunting.

That’s why we have created this epic 4-week California road trip itinerary that takes you through all the best parts of the state in four weeks. Excited? Let’s get started!

Planning a shorter California road trip? Check out our detailed 2-week California road trip itinerary !

California Road Trip: Basic Information

We have built this California road trip itinerary to include what we think are the highlights, must-see cities and towns, and major landmarks in the state.

Of course, there is so much to see and do in California that you could not possibly fit everything into one trip, even if it is four weeks long!

Our California road trip map below shows all the major stops on the itinerary, but we have included additional stops and detours in our text.

Use our itinerary and map as a guide to build your own unique road trip, tailored to your interests and preferences.

Even though our giant itinerary encompasses four weeks of adventure on the road in California, it is still a fast-paced trip, with lots to keep you engaged every single day.

If you like a more leisurely pace, or if you have less time to devote to the trip, modify the itinerary accordingly.

Want to rent an RV for your California road trip? Check out the great RV rental options at Outdoorsy !

What’s the best time of year to do a California road trip?

California is spectacular year round, and you can find a fabulous road trip to do here no matter when you visit.

If you choose to follow this itinerary in full, summer and fall are ideal. You’ll have the best driving conditions during these times.

Roads and trails at the highest elevations, such as Tioga Road into Yosemite, and some wilderness areas such as parts of Lassen Volcanic National Park generally do not open until summer, so if those areas are high on your list, definitely plan on summer or early fall.

Summer is the most popular time to visit California. While it is a wonderful time to experience the wealth of attractions and sights in the state, know that accommodation prices will be higher, and there will be large crowds at popular places like the Disney parks and famous landmarks and beaches.

Weather wise, the only thing you have to watch out for in summer is the “June gloom” on the northern coast of California. The famous summer coastal fog can obscure views, but it generally burns off by noon and then rolls in again in the late evening.

Fall is definitely a fabulous time to road trip the Eastern Sierra , where the fall colors are gorgeous. And it’s great weather in much of the rest of the state as well, with the northern coast largely free of fog. Hiking trails and beaches are less crowded after schools re-open in the first part of September.

But fall is also wildfire season in California, so you may encounter road closures or the inability to explore certain areas of the state if there are active fires.

Spring in California is extremely beautiful, with hillsides draped in green and wildflowers providing carpets of color. Temperatures are pleasant through much of the state, and accommodation rates tend to be lower than in summer.

Spring is a terrific time to go on a road trip through most of California. Especially in a superbloom year, the deserts of southern California are awash in color in early spring: a must-visit!

While winter west coast sunsets are awesome and dry days are clear and beautiful, winter is also rainy season in California.

During very wet winters, roads along the coast may be closed due to storms or mud slides, and you may encounter snowfall at higher elevations in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

So if you plan to do this itinerary in winter, keep abreast of weather conditions and possible road closures.

Winter is, however, a wonderful time to road trip southern California, especially the California deserts . Winter daytime temperatures in the desert are in the 70s, making for pleasant hiking and wandering about outdoors during the day.

Looking to explore California is smaller bytes? Check out our favorite shorter California road trips , or, for mini road trips, our articles on the best weekend getaways from San Francisco or the best weekend road trips from San Diego . We also have detailed day-by-day itineraries for a Highway 395 road trip , a Big Sur road trip , a California deserts road trip , and a Route 66 in California road trip . We also have suggested routes for an LA-Vegas road trip .

Where should you start your California road trip?

Our itinerary begins and ends in San Francisco, but you could also do this road trip starting from Los Angeles or San Diego.

You can even start in Las Vegas in Nevada, and drive to Death Valley to begin the route, or in Reno in Nevada, from where you can drive to Lake Tahoe to start the trip.

Each of these large cities has an international airport, and it is easy to rent wheels right at the airport when you arrive. If you are driving into California from another state, simply start the itinerary at the point at which you arrive!

Considering renting a car for your California road trip? Discover Cars offers you the ability to compare availability and prices across many major car-hire companies. Pick the car that best meets your needs. Check availability and book your vehicle now !

The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary (4 Weeks)

Days 1-3 – san francisco.

Begin your California road trip in San Francisco, the City by the Bay.

One of California’s most well-known cities, San Francisco packs a lot into its just under 47 square miles: famous landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, world-class eateries, history, and culture. 

Visit Golden Gate Park , with its many gardens and museums. Walk or bike the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Tour Alcatraz, the prison that once held Al Capone.

Take in the views from the top of Coit Tower. Walk through Chinatown. Snap a photo of the Painted Ladies, the famous Victorian houses of Alamo Square.

Take a ride on a historic San Francisco cable car. Stroll Fisherman’s Wharf. Sample the goodies in the Ferry Building marketplace.

Visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Admire the beautiful Palace of Fine Arts. Eat at one of the many popular brunch spots in the city.

While 3 days in San Francisco is way short of the amount of time you’d ideally want to spend in this vibrant city, you can still check some items off your San Francisco bucket list in that amount of time.

Days 4-5 – Monterey Peninsula

From San Francisco, take Highway One along the water for the scenic route down the coast, or if you prefer to spend more time exploring at your destinations, take the freeway down to the Monterey Peninsula .

With loads of great restaurants, beautiful wineries, and sights and activities you cannot miss, the Monterey Peninsula offers tons of choices on what to do in your time here.

The pretty towns of Monterey, Pacific Grove , and Pebble Beach, the quaint seaside village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the rustic but beautiful Carmel Valley, and the Salinas Valley, known as the salad bowl of the world, are all yours to explore in the peninsula.

Visit the world-famous Monterey Aquarium, stroll Cannery Row, and do a whale watching tour in Monterey. The Monterey Bay is one of the best places in the world to see seabirds and marine mammals. On one whale-watching tour, we saw more than 30 whales, fluking, breaching, and spouting. 

There are many fun things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea : walk the little village, admire the fairytale cottages and Spanish architecture, browse the many boutiques, and have a picnic at sunset on the beautiful Carmel Beach.

In nearby Carmel Valley , enjoy wine tastings with vineyard views.

Visit Point Lobos State Reserve , a jewel of a state park located just 3 miles from the village.

Many of the Point Lobos hiking trails are easy and offer superb ocean vistas. Try the short and spectacular Bird Island trail if you have limited time in the park.

Do the famous 17-mile Drive in Pebble Beach . Watch seabirds and snap photos of the rocks at Asilomar in Pacific Grove. In Salinas, visit the National Steinbeck Center and drive around to see fields of lettuce and strawberries.

Day 6 – Big Sur Drive

Today is the day to enjoy one of the most iconic drives in California.

The Big Sur drive is rated one of the most scenic in the world, with spectacular water views along the entire route from Carmel down to just short of San Simeon, where the Central Coast begins.

Start early to maximize your sightseeing time. There are numerous pullouts along the road, and the views are so jaw-dropping that you’ll likely want to stop at each one to take photos.

There are several must-stop spots along the drive. Garrapata State Park is a local favorite because of its wild beauty. Walk the short Garrapata Bluff Trail to admire the coastal flora or stroll Garrapata Beach.

Bixby Creek Bridge is an engineering marvel and a fabulous photo spot. Pfeiffer Beach has a gorgeous natural arch and purple sand!

Picturesque Point Sur Lighthouse stands atop a rock and offers gorgeous views of the ocean. McWay Falls , one of the prettiest waterfalls in California , is a scenic gem, with the water tumbling down onto the pristine beach below. It’s the perfect picture postcard!

While you can view McWay Falls from the road, you can also walk a short trail in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for a great view.

There are no less than seven beautiful state parks along the Big Sur stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway (including the Point Sur State Historic Park), if you want to squeeze a couple of short hikes into your day.

If you still have time at the end of the day, you can do a tour of the famous Hearst Castle in San Simeon, another of California’s must-visit state parks . The former estate of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, the property offers a variety of guided tours.

Day 7 – Cambria, Morro Bay, and San Luis Obispo

The beach towns of Central California are charming, offering beautiful beaches and great food and wine options. With just one day to spend in the area, pick one or two places to soak in the vibe.

Cambria is a tiny coastal gem, with a couple of beautiful walks by the water. The Moonstone Beach Boardwalk Trail is both short and easy, as is the Bluff Trail at the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. Cambria’s main street is quaint and filled with boutique shops and galleries.

Harmony is a tiny community where you can enjoy tasting local wines, take pictures of quirky cow sculptures, eat delicious ice cream, and take a glass blowing class!

Cayucos has a laid-back vibe with a beautiful beach, colorful murals, and hiking in scenic Estero Bluffs State Park.

You can’t miss the enormous Morro Rock, rising up from the water just off the coast. You can do a tour of the bay to get up close to the rock and to see marine life. Morro Bay has a couple of nice beaches and lots of excellent seafood places.

At Los Osos , walk the scenic Bluff Trail at the Montana de Oro State Park . An easy trail suitable for all levels of hikers, the trail offers spectacular ocean views and views of the coastline, as well as the opportunity to see wildlife.

San Luis Obispo is larger, and a great place to spend the night. With a beautiful walkable downtown, a fabulous food scene, and a well-known wine district in Edna Valley just outside town, San Luis Obispo is just the place to spend the evening.

Or head just a little further south to Pismo Beach , where the beach is large and sandy and you can get a room overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Day 8 – Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara

Starting a little south of Pismo Beach, Highway One veers inland, passing through less scenic flat farmland, so take the faster freeway to Los Olivos in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Solvang is the most famous of the little towns in the valley. Unabashedly touristy, yet cute and charming, Solvang is known for its Danish architecture, wineries, and bakeries offering traditional Danish treats.

At Buellton, you can taste moonshine at one of its famous distilleries, or sample craft beer at one of several area breweries. Santa Ynez is known for its Old West facades and great eateries, and Los Olivos is famous for its wineries.

From the valley, do the scenic-but-a-tad-scary drive along the Chumash Highway (California SR 154) to Santa Barbara. With its red tiled roofs and tall palms lining the water, and its Mediterranean climate, Santa Barbara is known as the American Riviera.

Visiting Mission Santa Barbara is one of the top things to do in Santa Barbara : it is one of the most beautiful of the 21 California missions built in the state by the Spanish.

Take in the panoramic views of the city from the clock tower of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. The interior of the courthouse has some lovely tile work.

Visit the gardens at Lotusland, or the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Both gardens are among California’s best botanical gardens .

Spend some time on the beach: pristine Butterfly Beach in Montecito is a great spot to watch the sun set. East Beach in Santa Barbara is a nice option as well.

Then stroll State Street in downtown Santa Barbara before winding down with some wine and a nice dinner.

Days 9-11 – Santa Monica and Los Angeles

The beachfront city of Santa Monica is known for its iconic Ferris wheel. While in Pacific Park, don’t forget to admire the historic Looff Hippodrome Carousel: it’s where Paul Newman worked when he acted in The Sting !

Santa Monica also features lots of shopping, several dozen museums and art galleries, and rooftop bars overlooking the water. And its farmers’ markets are famous, worth browsing if one is happening when you are visiting.

No visit to the area would be complete without a visit to Hollywood. Check out the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre. Stroll Rodeo Drive, with its tony stores, or drive iconic Sunset Boulevard.

Love museums? A visit to the LA County Museum of Art (LACMA) is a must. The outdoor installations are stunning, as are the collections inside. Also tour the Getty Villa, with its gorgeous gardens, and take in the views from Griffith Observatory.

There are more than enough things to do in Los Angeles to keep you engaged for weeks, but if you wish, you can spend one of your days here doing a day trip to Channel Islands National Park, made up of 5 beautiful islands. Ferries leave from Oxnard, about an hour’s drive from LA.

Day 12 – Disneyland

Whether you are visiting California with kids or not, a visit to Disneyland is a must. We’ve visited numerous times, and I would still go back in a heartbeat. The resort is made up of two parks: Disneyland Park and Disneyland California Adventure.

Both kids and adults can enjoy the rides, that range from the cute to downright thrilling. But there is so much more to see and do in Disneyland: shows, parades, fireworks and illuminations, shopping, and great photo spots.

And the food and drink options are both diverse and exciting. You can grab quick eats from stands or have a leisurely meal at one of the upscale restaurants in the resort. Try the Monte Cristo sandwich at Blue Bayou or the beignets at Cafe Orleans: yum!

Days 13-14 – San Diego

With miles of golden sand beaches, vibrant neighborhoods, and a plethora of must-visit sights and attractions, San Diego is a great year-round destination for all types of travelers.

Balboa Park, an incredible complex of gardens and museums, is located right in the heart of downtown San Diego. The Balboa Park gardens are a joy to wander, as is the complex, with its beautiful architecture.

Here you can also catch a performance at the Spreckels Pavilion, which features the largest outdoor organ in the world. 

Visit Cabrillo National Monument , where you can hike, go tidepooling, and view Ballast Point, where Cabrillo’s ship landed in September 1542. It was the first European expedition to land in California. For more history, head to Mission San Diego de Alcala , the first Spanish mission built in California.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is home to the Star of India, a 19th century merchant sailing ship. Or visit the USS Midway, a 20th century American aircraft carrier and now a museum. Do a harbor cruise and stroll Seaport Village. Catch some rays at the gorgeous Coronado Beach.

La Jolla Cove to the north offers beautiful views and the opportunity to see seabirds and sea lions. The Village is a great place to browse boutiques and art galleries.

Hike the oceanfront trails at Torrey Pines State Reserve. Learn to paraglide or watch the gliders at the Torrey Pines Gliderport.

Days 15-16 – Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park

Palm Springs is home to gorgeous mid-century modern architecture, and numerous resorts and golf courses. The Greater Palm Springs area offers numerous desert hikes, lots of public art, hot springs, and strollworthy succulent gardens at Sunnylands .

From San Diego, you can choose to go to Palm Springs via the Temecula Valley wine country and Idyllwild, then going down scenic California SR 74 to Palm Desert, or you can go via Julian, Anza-Borrego State Park , and along the shore of the Salton Sea. Both routes offer things to do along the way.

Joshua Tree National Park is just an hour’s drive from Palm Springs, and a day trip to the famous desert park should definitely be part of your itinerary for the city. Or you can rent a home in the desert: you will find excellent options for places to stay in Joshua Tree .

Straddling two deserts, the park is home to unique rock formations and the namesake Joshua trees, a large cholla cactus garden, an ocotillo patch, and three fan palm oases.

In one day in Joshua Tree NP, you can do the scenic drive through the park, hike the scenic Hidden Valley nature trail , admire the unique flora and fauna, do the Barker Dam hike , enjoy a bit of rock scrambling, and take in the sunset from Keys View.

Days 17-18 – Death Valley National Park

Today you’ll head to another iconic California desert park: Death Valley National Park . Featuring epic desert landscapes, amazing hikes and stargazing, and beautiful viewpoints, Death Valley National Park is the highlight of a Southern California itinerary for anyone that loves nature. 

At 3.4 million acres, Death Valley NP is the largest national park in the contiguous United States. But even though the park is vast, many of the major sites are clustered within reasonable driving distance of one another.

Watch the play of light and shadow at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Visit Badwater Basin, the vast salt flats that are home to the lowest point in North America. Hike Mosaic Canyon , with its natural marble and mosaic. Walking the salt flats is an epic experience. Admire the beautiful colors of the hills at the Artist’s Palette viewpoint.

Be awed by the surreal views from Zabriskie Point. Drive up to Dante’s View for panoramic views over the valley and beyond to the mountains. Join a ranger-led tour to discover local flora and fauna. Gape at the millions of stars in the dark skies at night if you visit on a clear no-moon or low-moon night.

Days 19-20 – Mammoth Lakes

Drive up scenic Highway 395 to Mammoth Lakes. The Eastern Sierra landscape is breathtaking, and you will be surprised that you are out of the desert and into the mountains in just a few hours!

With lots of beautiful sights and things to do on Highway 395, you’ll not want for choices.

At Lone Pine , you can drive up Whitney Portal Road , which leads up to the trailhead for Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the continental USA.

Also tour the rugged Alabama Hills , the location for hundreds of Western movies. At Bishop, take the detour to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest , to see the oldest trees on the planet. Bishop CA is also home to several beautiful lakes. 

Mammoth Lakes is a well-known winter ski resort, but it is beautiful in other seasons as well. Convict Lake , just a couple of miles outside town, is a favorite sunrise spot for photographers. Minaret Vista offers stunning panoramic views of the jagged peaks.

Devils Postpile , the national monument featuring tall columns of basalt, is another must-visit: here you can also hike to Rainbow Falls , one of the most majestic waterfalls in California when in full flow. The June Lake Loop , north of Mammoth Lakes, is a short but super scenic detour.

While US 395 is beautiful any time of year, it is particularly stunning in fall, when the changing leaf colors turn entire hillsides and the sides of lakes and roads to blazing yellow and orange.

Read Next Highway 395 Road Trip through the Eastern Sierra of California

Days 21-24 – yosemite national park, sequoia and kings canyon national parks.

North of Mammoth Lakes, SR 395 continues on to Lee Vining, where you can take Tioga Road into Yosemite National Park. En route, make a quick stops to see the limestone tufas at Mono Lak e , a saltwater lake that is home to millions of birds.

Now it is time to enjoy the spectacular landscapes of Yosemite National Park, with an optional day trip to see the giant trees in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park, just a couple of hours south from Yosemite.

Having three of California’s national parks within easy reach of one another is convenient, right?

At Yosemite, drive to the viewpoints at Glacier Point and Tunnel View to see Half Dome and El Capitan. Explore Yosemite Valley, where you can learn about the history of the park. Walk among wildflowers at Tuolumne Meadows in late spring and early summer.

Hike to the iconic waterfalls in the park: along the popular Mist Trail, you’ll get sprayed by the mist from Vernal and Nevada falls as you climb up the natural staircase to the top! Yosemite’s waterfalls are best in late spring. At the south of the park, Mariposa Grove features mature sequoia trees.

For more epic outdoor adventures, spend one day in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, just a few miles from each other. There are numerous scenic hikes in both parks, of different lengths and difficulty.

At Sequoia National Park , you can pose for a photo at the base of General Sherman, the largest tree on the planet. Its trunk measures 36 feet at the base!

In Kings Canyon, a short trail takes you to the General Grant Tree, also called America’s Christmas Tree. Kings Canyon is also home to the deepest canyon in the USA.

Read Next Inside the 9 Incredible National Parks in California

Days 25-26 – lake tahoe.

Straddling California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a gorgeous freshwater lake high in the Sierras. With its crystal clear water, beautiful beach areas and walks, and wonderful hikes, Lake Tahoe is one of the best lakes in California to visit.

Visit Emerald Bay State Park, one of the most scenic parts of the lake. From the lookout along the road, snap photos of the panoramic views. Look for Fannette Island, Lake Tahoe’s only island. Visit Vikingsholm, a former summer home built in the Scandinavian style.

The drive along the shore of the lake is spectacular. At the north end of the lake, King’s Beach is the go-to place for sunbathing and swimming. You can also take a boat out on to the water.

At the south end of the lake, take the Heavenly Mountain gondola to the top for stunning aerial views of Lake Tahoe. If you visit in the fall, do the 30-minute drive from South Lake Tahoe to Hope Valley for spectacular fall colors.

Do a leisurely cruise of the lake: cruises depart from Zephyr Coast, on the Nevada side of the lake. Also on the Nevada side, the boardwalk trail at Sand Harbor State Park offers up-close views of the giant boulders along the shore of the lake. It’s a great place to see the sun set.

Days 27-28 – Napa and Sonoma

On your way from Lake Tahoe to the Napa Valley, you’ll pass Sacramento , the state capital. If you get an early start, you may want to stop for a few hours to take in the sights in Old Sacramento, which recreates the Gold Rush era.

Northern California’s top wine country destinations feature not just renowned wineries but also world-class restaurants, great shopping, and beautiful drives. There are so many exciting things to do in Napa Valley (and Sonoma) besides drinking wine!

Drive California SR 29 from the town of Napa, in the south of the Napa Valley, to Calistoga on the north end. Along the way, stop for tastings at the wineries of your choice. Some of Napa Valley’s best wineries also feature great art and architecture and are worth visiting even if you don’t want to do a tasting.

The town of Yountville has a strollworthy Main Street, especially beautiful in the fall, when both trees and vines change color. The walk also features beautiful works of art. Stop for a sweet treat at Bouchon Bakery, but be prepared to wait in line! In Yountville, you can also dine at The French Laundry, albeit with reservations made way before your visit.

Ride the Napa Valley Wine Train. Sample the goodies in the Oxbow Public Market in Napa. Enjoy mud baths in Calistoga. Have lunch at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, and watch chefs do their magic in the large open kitchen. You can even take a class here!

In Sonoma , walk beautiful Sonoma Plaza, visit more world-class wineries, or drive to the coast to enjoy the trails at the Sonoma Coast State Park. If you visit in May, you might catch area lavender fields in peak bloom: they truly are a gorgeous sight!

Day 29 – Day Trip to Muir Woods or Point Reyes National Seashore

Back in San Francisco, head out for a relaxing day trip to one or both of the beautiful natural areas close to the city: Muir Woods National Monument and Point Reyes National Seashore.

Muir Woods is famous for its towering redwoods. Signposted walking trails wind among the trees. Located just 12 miles north of the city, the national monument is a hugely popular getaway, and reservations are mandatory.

In the Cathedral and Bohemian Groves in Muir Woods, you can view mature coastal redwoods, some of which are over 250 feet tall. The main paved trail is an easy and short walk, with lots of information on the flora and fauna in the park. You can also walk moderate longer trails in the park.

At Point Reyes National Seashore , just a one-hour drive from San Francisco, you can experience the wilder north coast of California. With miles of hiking trails, you have lots of options for exploring the shore.

Pose for a photo in the iconic Cypress Tree Tunnel. Snap a photo of the picturesque Point Reyes Lighthouse. Visit Drakes Beach, with its gorgeous sandstone cliffs. Photograph the famous Point Reyes Boat, a favorite of local photographers. Stop in at Tomales Bay Foods to sample Cowgirl Creamery’s iconic California cheeses.

Day 30 – Say Goodbye to California!

You’ve completed the Great California Road Trip: congratulations! After four epic weeks on the road in California, exploring the best of what the Golden State has to offer, it’s time to return home or move on to your next travel adventure.

4-Week California Road Trip Itinerary At A Glance

Days 1-3: San Francisco Days 4-5: Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea Day 6: Big Sur Day 7: Cambria, Morro Bay, and San Luis Obispo Day 8: Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara Days 9-11: Santa Monica and Los Angeles Day 12: Disneyland Day 13-14: San Diego Days 15-16: Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park Days 17-18: Death Valley National Park Days 19-20: Mammoth Lakes Days 21-24: Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks Days 25-26: Lake Tahoe Days 27-28: Napa Valley and Sonoma Day 29: Muir Woods National Monument and Point Reyes National Seashore Day 30: Depart

Did you find this article informative? Pin it for later reference!

Dhara loves to explore her home state of California. With her husband Kishore, she has done numerous road trips in the state in every season. She hopes to share her love of the Golden State with you, and help you find your own exciting experiences here.

You May Also Like:

25 Stunning California State Parks You Must Visit (+ Map!)

The Nine Incredible National Parks in California (Top Things to Do + Tips for Visiting!)

23 Essential California Weekend Getaways (+ Where to Stay!)

4 thoughts on “the great california road trip itinerary: an epic 4-week golden state adventure”.

Excellent itinerary – you hit all of our favorite places in California. Thanks for the great post!

Thank you! It is indeed a great state for a road trip!

As a native SoCal girl, your post brought back so many memories. I moved away over 20 years ago but each stop and picture was like going back home. I have visited so many of the same places you mention and they are all so amazing. Your photos are stunning! Thank you for taking me back to my home for a few moments.

California is indeed stunning…I am so glad that you were able to explore it when you lived here!

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

A Two Week California Road Trip Itinerary

Last updated: April 19, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 114 Comments

The United States is pretty much the perfect country to road trip in, with great roads, cheap gas and hundreds of gorgeous destinations to choose from. It’s no wonder that a California road trip is on many visitors to-do lists!

We’ve taken a number of fantastic US road trips , including Route 66 , the Pacific Coast Highway , the Oregon Trail and a route through the Deep South , and have never failed to have an amazing time.

One of our favourite states to explore though has to be California. With a mix of an excellent climate, some of the best National Parks in the country, and world-famous cities to explore, you’re never going to run short of things to do in California.

With this in mind, I wanted to put together a classic two week California road trip itinerary, taking in some of the best that the sunshine state has to offer. I did a trip almost exactly the same as this a few years back, so I know that it’s a good one.

Two weeks is also a good amount of time for a trip like this, although you could of course extend it by a few days if you wanted to see a bit more, or wanted to go a bit slower.

California Road Trip Itinerary

This California road trip itinerary has you starting and finishing in San Francisco. As it’s a loop, you could also start and finish at any other point. If you would prefer another starting location, LA would be the most logical.

The route runs anti-clockwise, but you are welcome to drive it in whichever direction you prefer!

San Francisco – 3 Days

We’re going to start our California road trip with three days in San Francisco. San Francisco is home to the second largest airport in California, so there are plenty of opportunities for getting here for both domestic and international travellers.

San Francisco, and the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area is also an excellent city to base yourself for your first three days.

If you’re arriving internationally, you’re going to want a few days to adjust to the time zone difference before hopping into a car. For this reason, I’m going to recommend spending three nights in San Francisco, and picking up your hire car as you leave. You won’t want (or need!) a car while you’re in the city – parking is expensive and there are plenty of other options to get around.

You won’t be short on things to do in San Francisco, and in fact, might feel a little overwhelmed by all the choices!

Our suggestions would be to take in the Golden Gate bridge (hire a bike to get here easily), explore Chinatown, pop across to Alcatraz , revel in the tourist trap that is Fisherman’s Wharf, don’t miss golden gate park , head to the top of Nob Hill for cocktails at The Mark, hop on a cable car and, if you still have time, take a stroll at Lands End.

To get yourself oriented, we can also recommend taking a walking tour with the excellent SFNative folks, they know the city backwards. Finally, if you’re looking for some great photo opportunities, check out our guide to the best photography locations in San Francisco .

Accommodation wise, there are plenty of options in San Francisco. Here are some of our favourite picks for your stay, across a range of budgets.

• HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel – found right on Fisherman’s Wharf, this budget hostel offers both dormitory and private accommodation options. There’s free breakfast and free parking, making this an excellent option for the location.
• Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel – found in the popular Union Square district, this great value 3-star hotel has a rooftop restaurant, library, and on-site theatre. Rooms have private bathrooms and coffee makers, and breakfast is included. A paid parking garage is available nearby.
• Parker Guest House – found in the old Mission district just behind the San Francisco mission building, this is a well reviewed and good value guesthouse offering private rooms. Free breakfast is available, and parking is available on site for a reasonable (by San Francisco standards) fee.
• Columbus Inn – Just a few hundred yards from Lombardy Street and Fisherman’s Wharf in the North Beach district,  this 3* inn offers great value for the location. Private rooms offer en-suite and tea/coffee making facilities. There’s also free parking on site.
• Golden Gate Hotel – a very well reviewed 3* hotel just minutes from Union Square. Continental breakfast and afternoon tea are included. Rooms are definitely on the cosy side, and some have shared bathrooms, but the price is great for the location. Paid parking available nearby.
• Staypineapple Union Square – we stayed at this restored historic 4* 1913 hotel on a recent trip to San Francisco, and loved the mix of the old and the new. We loved the rooms, the colorful pineapple theme, and the free pineapple flavoured cupcakes certainly helped! Parking is available nearby for a fee.
• Four Seasons Hotel – if you are after five star luxury, then consider the Four Seasons hotel. Also found in Union Square, rooms are huge, there’s an on-site restaurant, fitness centre, and many rooms have city views.

See more options for hotels in San Francisco here, as well vacation rentals on Plum Guide here and Vrbo here .

Pacific Coast Highway – 2 Days

The drive down the section of the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles is definitely one of the best road trips in the world. So it’s really a no-brainer that this would be your first destination after you pick up your hire car and head out of the city.

There are numerous highlights along the way, from cute seaside towns to gorgeous wilderness areas. Don’t miss Santa Cruz , Monterey , Big Sur and the Julia Pfeffer Burns State Park (camp here if you can!).

The latter is particularly famous for the waterfall that cascades onto the beach, a gorgeous photo opportunity.

From Big Sur head further south and take in highlights like the seals at Cambria , tasty food at San Luis Obispo, the gorgeous Pismo beach, Hearst Castle and more.

For loads more information on this stretch of highway and to help you plan the perfect coastal road trip, check out our super detailed guide to planning a  Pacific Coast Highway road trip .

For the 2 days you’ll spend on this part of your California road trip, we recommend stopping overnight around Monterey or Carmel on your first night, and San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay or Cambria on your second night.

There are plenty of accommodation options all the way down this stretch of highway, from campsites and B&B’s to luxury hotels – it all depends on your budget and what you’re aiming for. Here are a few options to consider in our recommended towns along the way.

For your first night, we recommend one of the following:

• If you like to camp, then there are camping options in the national parks along the route here, including the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground . I’ve camped here and it’s lovely to be surrounded by the massive redwoods. Just be aware that it is popular, and booking in advance is a must.
• Sandpiper Inn , Carmel – we stayed here when we visited Carmel. We enjoyed the comfortable rooms, inclusive breakfast, and proximity to the beach. Free parking is available.
• Coachman’s Inn , Carmel – we’ve stayed at a number of the boutique hotels which are in the Four Sisters Inn collection, and they’ve all been excellent. This inn, found in the heart of Carmel Village, gets good reviews. Rooms include coffee makers and free popcorn, wine with hors d’oeuvres is served in the evenings, and breakfast is included.
• The Inn at 1252 , Monterey – a good value inn on the way into Monterey. Rooms feature coffee makers, and a heated pool is available year round. There’s also a fitness room, free parking and free coffee.
• The Jabberwock B&B , Monterey – just a few blocks from Cannery Row, this very well reviewed B&B offers seven lovely guest rooms, some of which have fireplaces and hot tubs. Free parking, and breakfast is included.

For your second night, we recommend one of the following:

• Apple Farm Inn , San Luis Obispo – we really enjoyed our stay here on one of our Pacific Coast Highway road trips. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the breakfast was fantastic, and the on-site bakery has some delicious food. There are also two pools on site, and free parking.
• Madonna Inn , San Luis Obispo – this four star family-owned motel just to the south of SLO is a truly quirky destination, and a landmark of the central coast. Each of the 110 rooms is uniquely decorated, with pink being a key theme throughout. We didn’t stay here, but we did have dinner at the Gold Rush steak house on-site, which was fantastic.
• Seaside Inn , Morro Bay – this 2* budget inn is one block from the waterfront. Rooms have a microwave and refrigerator, and there’s free on site parking and coffee.
• Beach Bungalow Inn and Suites , Morro Bay – five minutes walk from the aquarium, this three star inn is very well reviewed. Comfortable rooms have fireplaces, refrigerators and coffee machines, and a hot breakfast is included as is parking.
• Cambria Palms Motel , Cambria – this 2* motel is a couple of blocks from downtown, and offers comfortable rooms at a good price. Rooms have refrigerator and coffee machine, and free parking is available on site.
• El Colibri Hotel & Spa , Cambria – on one of our visits to Cambria we stayed here for a couple of nights and really enjoyed it. The rooms are lovely, with fireplaces, and some have spa tubs. There’s an on-site spa, outdoor hot tub, and breakfast is available. Free parking on-site.
• J Patrick House B&B , Cambria – this five star Irish themed inn was Cambria’s first B&B. There’s a a free wine hour, evening cookies and a full breakfast included with your stay. Each room is individually designed, and there’s free parking on site. A great pick in Cambria.

Santa Monica, LA – 2 Days

Los Angeles can be a big, confusing place, particularly after your trip down the Pacific Coast Highway. That’s why I suggest you head to Santa Monica and make that your LA base.

On the coast, and technically a separate city (it’s kind of hard to tell as LA and its surrounds are part of a fairly vast urban sprawl), you’ll have access to the wonderful beach and pier, as well as nearby Venice, most famous for its beach and people watching opportunities.

Again, there’s no shortage of things to do in LA. If you’re interested in film, you can visit the Hollywood sign, walk the Hollywood walk of fame or go on a tour of the backlot at Universal Studios .

Art lovers will find their thrills at the Getty Center , which also offers gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding city. Other highlights include Sunset Boulevard, and of course, you can hop on one of those tours of the stars homes if you’re so inclined.

LA also has plentiful accommodation options to suit all budget. Here are some of our recommended options:

• Santa Monica Motel – we enjoyed our stay at this basic 2* motel, which is around a 10 minute walk from Santa Monica Pier. There’s free morning coffee and free parking, and rooms come with coffee makers and in-room refrigerators. It’s definitely a value option.
• Banana Bungalow – this hostel offers shared and private accommodation, around a mile from the downtown Hollywood area. There’s free parking on-site, and reviews are positive.
• Magic Castle Hotel – this 3* hotel is a short walk from the Hollywood walk of fame, and you get a pool, unlimited free snacks, free continental breakfast and reasonably priced parking. It’s also a short walk to the Hollywood Bowl, and only three miles from Universal Studios. We really enjoyed staying here.
• Villa Delle Stelle – this boutique hotel in central Hollywood gets excellent reviews and will make you feel like a celebrity. Each suite is designed after a specific old Hollywood Celebrity, and guests can avail of celebrity style services such as in-room massages, private chefs and a personal trainer. Free parking is also included.
• The Georgian Hotel – this beautiful 1933 4* Art Deco hotel is a short walk from Santa Monica pier, and offers ocean views and on-site dining. Breakfast is available, and parking is available on-site for a fee.

See more LA listings here for inspiration , as well as LA listings on Vrbo here . For a more curated apartment rental option, check out Plum Guide. You can see their LA listings here .

If you’re not excited about Los Angeles, you could also choose to skip it and head down the coast to San Diego County and the city of San Diego itself. This is a more laid back (and easily navigable!) experience compared to LA, and there’s a great deal to do here as well.

For more reading on San Diego, check out this guide to things to do in San Diego we put together.

Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

Time to head out of the city, and the remainder of this itinerary is going to focus on exploring some of California’s unbelievable wilderness areas and National Parks. We’re going to start this off with a trip to the Joshua Tree National Park , home to those iconic shaped trees that the park is named for.

It’s a wonderful place, the meeting point of two deserts, and offers good opportunities for camping, hiking and star-gazing.

The best way to experience the park is to camp overnight in one of its many campgrounds (you should definitely reserve a spot well in advance if this is your plan), otherwise, there are various lodging opportunities outside the park if you’re not big into camping. You should also be aware that there is very limited water availability in the park (and no hookups for RV’s), so make sure you bring plenty of water and food – this is a remote desert environment after all!

Here are some suggested accommodation options in nearby Twentynine Palms.

• 9 Palms Inn – this budget 2* property gets good reviews, and rooms come with a coffee machine, microwave and refrigerator. There’s also free parking on site.
• El Rancho Dolores – this is a great value 3* property with a seasonal pool. Rooms have microwaves and refrigerator, and free parking is included.
• Sunnyvale Garden Suites – a very well rated 2* hotel offering a range of suites, each of which comes with a BBQ as well as a full kitchen. There’s a hot tub and gym on site, and free parking is available.
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites – this 3* chain hotel offers comfortable and well reviewed accommodation, with an outdoor heated pool and fitness centre. Rooms have coffee making facilities, microwave and small fridge, and there are BBQ facilities available for guest use.
• Flying Point Homestead – if you want something a little bit different, check out this property. It’s actually a holiday home rather than a hotel, but one of the options is a beautiful silver streak trailer!

See more listings for Twentynine Palms and this general region on  Plum Guide here .

Note, if you want to include a detour to Las Vegas, this would be the moment to do just that. We’d suggest adding a couple of days to your trip if you want to experience the city and its surrounds as there’s a lot to see and do here. Then you can rejoin the trip at the next stop.

For more on that sort of trip, check out our two week USA road trip itinerary , which include Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

Death Valley National Park – 1 Day

Moving on from one desert environment to another desert environment – and the largest national park in the contiguous United States. Death Valley (the name was given by gold rush travellers who nearly perished here) is the hottest and driest place in North America, and has recorded the hottest ambient air temperature in the world.

So, overall, a hot place.

Other than making you want to crank up the AC then, what does Death Valley offer? Well, there’s that sense of remoteness. The vast, unforgiving wilderness. The knowledge that you’d probably die fairly quickly if you happen to wander off and get lost (don’t wander off and get lost folks).

Truth be told, there’s plenty to do here. You can visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the entire North America, which actually sits 86 metres below sea level. Then there are sand dunes, salt flats, craters, colourful canyons and hiking opportunities galore.

Just be aware that this is a seriously inhospitable, and, in the summer months, unbearably hot, destination, so plan and pack accordingly . If you’re looking for more ideas on spending a day in Death Valley, check out this excellent post .

Mammoth Lakes – 1 Day

From Death Valley we’re going to head further north, up to Mammoth Lakes . This drive is quite incredible, along the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the scenery (and temperatures) will change dramatically as you ascend into this gorgeous part of the world.

Mammoth Lakes are an adventure lovers playground. You can go hiking, camping, cycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing – the list goes on! There’s also a ghost town , craft beer companies, shopping opportunities – basically, pretty much everything you could imagine.

Whilst you’re here, you should also take the opportunity to visit Lake Mono . Now a state nature reserve, Lake Mono is a million year old lake notable for the “tufa” towers, calcium carbonate structures that stand above the lake like strange modern art installations. Definitely worth a visit, and particularly photogenic at sunrise and sunset.

Yosemite National Park – 3 Days

Finally on our awesome California road trip, I’m going to suggest you spend three days exploring Yosemite National Park before heading back to San Francisco to return your hire vehicle and head home.

Yosemite is without doubt one of my favourite places in the entire United States. It’s a wonder of nature, a photographer’s paradise, and somewhere I dare anyone to visit without falling instantly in love.

There’s a lot to see and do here, which is why I’m going to suggest taking three days to get the most out of your visit. This will let you see all the highlights, as well as go for some longer hikes (or drives), and not feel too rushed.

I’ve got a full guide to the best photography locations in Yosemite , but in brief, don’t miss Yosemite Falls, the hike up to Nevada and Vernal Falls, the drive (or hike) to Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Valley View and Bridalveil Falls.

If you love longer, more challenging day hikes, then Half Dome is a seriously challenging walk (permit required), as is the walk up to the top of Yosemite Falls .

There are a range of accommodation options in Yosemite National Park, ranging from campsites to canvas-sided tent cabins, through to luxury hotels.

There are 13 campsites available in the park , with a number of these available for reservation, and the rest operated on a first come first serve basis. If you want to camp, we highly recommend booking well in advance, which you can do here .

There are also nine lodging options operated by Yosemite Hospitality inside the park, which are the only other accommodation options available in the park itself. These can be reserved up to a year in advance, and range from simple canvas cabins through to a high-end luxury hotel. These can all be reserved online in advance here .

Important –  As of 2022, Yosemite has introduced a reservation system for park entry. If you are visiting between late May and the end of September and planning on driving into or through the park between 6am and 4pm you will need to have a reservation. You can find out more and make your reservations online here .

California Road Trip Map

We’ve put together a map of our suggested California road trip itinerary, which you can see below, and also on Google Maps here . Note that depending on the time of year, access to Yosemite can be restricted due to snow, so you have to take the longer way round.

In addition, parts of the Pacific Coast Highway are often closed due to damage caused by landslides. As such, the map should be seen as an overview rather than a definitive route. You’ll want to plan your own California road trip route that matches any current road conditions and closures.

You can check the status of the coast route (state highway 1), as well as all the other roads in the state, on the Caltrans website here .

California Road Trip Itinerary Overview

• Days 1 – 3: San Francisco
• Days 4 – 5: Pacific Coast Highway
• Days 6 & 7: Los Angeles
• Day 8: Joshua Tree
• Day 9: Death Valley
• Day 10: Mammoth Lakes
• Days 11 – 13: Yosemite National Park
• Day 14: Return to San Francisco

When to Take a California Road Trip

California is a fairly good year round destination, but there are a few things to be aware of when planning your trip. In the Winter months, places like Yosemite can become accessible particularly from the east side, due to snow, as you can see in the map above.

The main road in to Yosemite is the Tioga Road, and this is usually closed from November through to May or even June. In addition, parts of the park, including Glacier Point road, are often closed for a similar timeframe.

If this happens to you, you’ll have to take a serious detour to get in based on this itinerary. A better option might be to embrace the snow, and head up to Lake Tahoe for some fantastic skiing opportunities. Or, you can head east, out to Nevada and the pleasure city of Las Vegas.

In summertime, the heat can be quite intense, in particular in places like Death Valley, where in the summer months temperatures can exceed 100F, and it’s not recommended to spend much time outside.

Where to Stay in California

California has a serious range of accommodation options to meet pretty much every budget, although larger cities and busier months do tend to increase the prices. We’d always recommend booking in advance for your trip if possible – in particular for national park campsites and hotels, and to get the best deals on city centre hotels.

For two people travelling together, you’re looking at a budget range of $60 – $150 per night for comfortable private en-suite accommodation, although you can obviously spend far more than that!

Our preferred option for hotel booking is booking.com, as they usually have the best prices, regularly run deals, and many properties offer good last minute cancellation policies. See their listings for California , San Francisco and Los Angeles to get you started.

We also use and recommend Plum Guide and Vrbo for vacation rentals.

For more ideas, take a look at our travel resources page for helpful hints and tips on getting the best deal on accommodation when you travel.

How to Get Around California

This is a road trip, so obviously you’re going to want a hire a car! We recommend searching for your car rental on Discover Cars here . They compare a range of providers so you can find the best deal for your trip.

Drivers with foreign licenses are allowed to drive, if your license is in a language other than English then you would be best with either an international drivers license, or a certified translation.

Another option of course is to hire a camper van or RV, which will let you stay in campgrounds and other, more out of the way areas. This can be a fun way to travel in a more self sufficient style. If this sounds like you, we recommend comparing RV rental prices at Motorhome Republic . They list all RVs from many of the major suppliers to help you find the right one for you. See their USA listings here .

We can also recommend checking out  RVShare , who offer peer to peer campervan rental – a bit like the AirBnB of RV rental! Similar options include Outdoorsy and RVEzy .

If this is your first time in the USA, or you just want a reminder of what it’s like to drive in the USA, check out our guide to driving in the USA for lots of tips!

Practicalities for a California Road trip

Travelling in the USA is relatively easy, but we wanted to share a few things to help make planning your California road trip a little easier.

Electricity

The USA uses a 110v electrical system, with plugs that are either two pin or three pin. The holes are flat, and sometimes the two pin plug holes will be different sizes, so the plug will only go in one way.

If you’re coming from much of the rest of the world, including Europe, the UK or Asia, you will definitely need a travel adaptor like this . You will also need to check that your equipment supports the 110v supply, as much of the rest of the world uses a 220v supply.

In our experience, most electronics like laptops and phone chargers accept a universal voltage, whilst higher power devices like hairdryers do not. Always check the device itself, the voltage rating should be on your plug or adaptor somewhere.

Internet Access

Internet access is widely available across the USA in the form of WiFi, which can be found for free at most hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants. There are also a number of free WiFi hotspots in some of the cities on our list.

If your phone is unlocked you can pick up a pay as you go SIM in the USA. One of the better options is from Straight Talk , which you can buy in Walmart stores.

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options.

The USA uses the US dollar, and there are ATM’s available throughout. In our experience though, you can pay for nearly everything with a credit card, so you will rarely need cash. Whilst it is worth having a few bills on you, for the most part you won’t need them.

Instead, just make sure you have a credit or debit card that doesn’t charge you any foreign transaction fees and uses a fair price for currency conversions, and you should be good to go.

Water across the USA is safe to drink, unless otherwise indicated. There are drinking fountains in the majority of public locations, and we recommend you travel with a re-usable water bottle so you can just fill it up as you go.

One thing we always love about travelling in the USA is how drinking water is always brought to your table at a restaurant – something we wish was standard around the world!

For the most part, the USA is a safe destination to travel in, and we have never had any problems. Of course, every country has crime, and areas where you would be wiser to avoid, however if you practice basic safety precautions, keep your valuables out of sight and behave as you would at home, you should be fine!

Further Reading and Resources for a California Road Trip

California is a very popular destination, so there’s no shortage of research material to help you plan your trip! Here are some of my favourite resources:

• We have a guide to things to do in San Diego
• I’ve written a guide featuring some of my top tips for driving in the USA to help get you going on the road!
• Wondering how much a California road trip will cost? Check out our  guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA to help you plan your trip budget.
• Jess has a guide to driving the Pacific Coast Highway , which will give you lots of ideas for that section of the road
• If you’re interested in California’s wine country, see our guide to visiting Napa Valley
• Route 66 ends in California, so take a look at our guide to planning a route 66 trip , as well as our detailed 2 week Route 66 itinerary and 1 week Route 66 itinerary
• Fodor’s Guide to California , which also includes details on a number of fantastic road trips
• The Lonely Planet California Guide , which is great for finding things to do, places to eat and places to stay
• A US road atlas , because sometimes you don’t want to rely on GPS!
• If you’re planning on hiring an RV or camping, this guide to free and super cheap campgrounds will quickly pay for itself
• The official Visit California page, which will give you more advice on what to see and when to visit
• For more in California, see this awesome guide to places to visit in California , from fellow bloggers at yTravelBlog
• My guide to things to do in Redding California , if you decide to head to northern California
• Getting online when travelling in a foreign country can be daunting – check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options for your trip
• And if you’re looking for inspiration for the rest of the USA, check out our USA section , which includes a Deep south itinerary , tips for New Orleans during Mardi Gras – and lots more!

And that sums up my perfect two week California road trip itinerary! If you’ve got any comments, suggestions or additions, do pop them in the comments below. Plus, if you liked this post, do check out the rest of my itinerary series , which will help you plan the perfect trips all around the world!

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robert feinberg says

16th December 2023 at 4:48 pm

Hello, we are planning a road trip to California in July, and using your template, but adding a few different options. we are traveling with 2 15 year olds, and they want to surf. any recommendations you can make on that, as well as stops that will be good for them? much appreciated.

Laurence Norah says

16th December 2023 at 8:26 pm

So there are a lot of surfing options all along the coast from San Francisco to San Diego. A lot will depend on the experience of your children and whether or not they are experienced surfers or are looking to learn. Also, some locations will have surfboard rentals wheras others are more remote. So it will depend what you need in that regard. However, there are good options all along the California coast, including Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, Pismo, Morro Bay, Ricon Point and Surfrider beach (Malibu). I’d just recommend doing some research to ensure you match the breaks to the skill level required 🙂

Have an awesome trip!

Kim Dawtrey says

7th October 2023 at 9:39 pm

Hi Lawrence We are just home after nearly three weeks in the US on a route based on your California Road Trip, although we also went to the a Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. The information within your blog was a great help in planning our trip. Unfortunately we were unable to drive down the whole Pacific Highway due to landslide near Big Sur, but we loved the 17 mile drive and would recommend staying in Pacific Grove (we stayed in Bide-A-Wee hotel which was great). We were also unable to drive across Death Valley as the NP was closed due to the damage to the roads, we did however visit Death Valley Junction and throughly recommend a visit to Amargosa Opera House. The board outside says tours at 9.00am and 6.00pm, but the young lady in the hotel reception was more than happy to give us a tour for a donation, fascinating place and history. If you haven’t visited I can send you some photos. Another side trip we did was to Bristlecone Ancient Pine Forest, amazing place, great drive up to 10,000 feet, with fresh snow at the top! The Grand Canyon and Yosemite were certainly the highlights for us. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip, thank you for all your valuable information, if we were 40 years younger, we would love to be doing what you and Jess are doing!

8th October 2023 at 12:33 pm

Thank you so much, I’m happy to hear you had a great trip in California and beyond! Unfortunately the Pacific Coast Highway does get blocked quite regularly due to landslides, and it also sounds like unfortunate timing with Death Valley. However I am glad to hear you still had a good time overall! We haven’t visited the Amargosa Opera House, we will definitely have to add that to the list!

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences, and safe onward travels 🙂 Jess and I love to hear from fellow adventurers who have been out exploring!

All the best,

erika liaci says

3rd July 2023 at 2:54 pm

Hi we are finalising our US Road trip to/from LAX in mid August. Would you recommend still going to the Death valley? I am a bit scared of the temperature which might be 50C? Thanks erika

4th July 2023 at 9:26 am

So I would personally probably skip Death Valley in August. It’s going to be too hot to do very much, and you would likely be able to better spend your time elsewhere. An extra day in Yosemite for example!

Have a great trip!

17th April 2023 at 11:43 am

Hi – this 2 week California road trip looks amazing. Your blog is really helpful for planning our own trip. Would it be possible to know the driving distances between each of the places please. Thanks Sam

18th April 2023 at 8:09 am

Hi Sam, thanks very much! So I didn’t put distances because in my experience they tend to change with side trips etc. Also, the Pacific Coast Highway is regularly affected by landslips so stretches of the route can be closed.

That said, as a rough guide:

From San Francisco to Santa Monica is around 500 miles From Santa Monica to Joshua Tree is around 150 miles From Joshua Tree to Death Valley is around 260 miles From Death Valley to Mammoth Lakes is around 200 miles From Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite is normally around 75 miles but this depends on the pass being open From Yosemite back to San Francisco is around 170 miles.

I hope this helps! Have a great time in California 🙂

28th January 2023 at 2:46 pm

Hi. Would you recommend Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon? We will be driving back from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas and are thinking of an extended detour north rather than going back via Kingman. Thanks

29th January 2023 at 9:07 am

It is with some dismay that I’m not able to accurately answer your question as both parks are still on my to-do list and I haven’t visited either. So rather than inaccurately answer your question I would have to say I don’t know. I definitely want to visit them both, and from the photos I have seen I don’t think you would be disappointed with either, but that’s about as much as I can say for now until I have visited both!

Sorry not to be of more help but I hope you have an amazing trip nonetheless!

Maxine says

4th August 2022 at 8:16 am

This post has been super helpful and given us great ideas for a trip we are planning with our two teenagers next summer. We want to include vegas, therefore, would you recommend that we head there after San Diego before heading back to Yosemite? Thank you

4th August 2022 at 6:06 pm

Thanks very much, glad you found the post useful! So yes, heading from San Diego or Death Valley to Las Vegas would make the most sense. I’ve actually written a trip out that is similar to this one but include Vegas (and the Grand Canyon if you wanted to also include that). That’s here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/2-week-usa-road-trip-itinerary/

You can save time of course by skipping the Grand Canyon 🙂 Let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help. Otherwise, have a great trip!

William D Villont says

6th January 2022 at 9:03 pm

My wife and I took a California trip similar to this one except we went south to San Diego as our final destination. I really enjoyed the trip and can fully understand why you highlight this trip as one someone should surely take. We agree. My only disappointment of the trip is that, at the time, I was doing videography and that is all I took on the trip, my video camera. Now that I have gotten back into photography I wish I had taken my camera as well. We rarely get out the old video (VHS tape) and watch and I have not taken the time to transfer the VHS to DVD yet. I just gave it away, that this trip was sometime ago because I was shooting VHS. Anyway I would love to take this trip again and if this Covid thing ever goes away, maybe I will. Thanks for sharing this trip.

7th January 2022 at 11:29 am

Hi William,

I’m glad to bring back positive memories of your California trip! Interesting to hear you mostly took video. I have a similar reverse quandry when I travel, I usually only find myself able to concentrate on one medium of story telling as we go, so I focus on photos. But I often think it might be nice to have more videos. I hope you get to watch your video soon and also to take the trip again one day!

Have a lovely and safe 2022,

Delaney Blute says

1st July 2021 at 3:18 am

Hi! Thank you so much for the wonderful travel recommendations. I’m planning on taking this trip with my mother and sister, possibly leaving next late summer. Do you have a ball park recommendation for price for the entire trip for 3 people? We plan on budgeting it, but just wanted to know if you had any estimate of what this trip would cost for 3 people. Thanks so much!

1st July 2021 at 12:47 pm

Hi Delaney,

This is a great question. So it’s really hard to give a price estimate because everyone has a different travel style, and it will depend on what type of accommodation you are thinking of booking, whether you are happy to share a room for the three of you vs have individual rooms, whether you are ok with budget dining vs more expensive options and so on. I’m also not sure if you’re from the US or not, so car rental if you need to rent a car would also be a cost to consider.

I do have a guide which has a ballpark idea of costs for travel in the UK, which you can see here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-usa/

That should give you an idea of how much each element of the trip should cost you, to help you come up with a rough figure. The main costs are going to be your accommodation, gas / car rental / car parking in cities, food, and any attraction entry.

I hope this helps! Let me know if I can provide any further input, and have a great trip 🙂

Chantelle says

7th March 2020 at 2:06 pm

We have a trip booked for just short of a month in September! Your blog was really helpful, thank you!

I was wondering if you had some advice on Car vrs Camper. Is it easy to find places to stay in a camper or would you recommend a car and motels. We are happy either way just want our trip to be as stress free as possible!

7th March 2020 at 5:07 pm

Hi Chantelle!

So we have done both, and honestly, we prefer motels / B&Bs to campsites.

In the USA, campsites are a bit different to the UK in my experience. They tend to have more formal “sites” for each visitor, which means they can’t just squeeze another person in. When they are full they’re full. For National Parks especially, this means that they can book out and then you can be stuck trying to find somewhere to stay. You can of course book them in advance, so that’s an option. The other good news is that if you have a campervan all is not lost as there are places you can camp for free. However these tend not to be totally exciting, Walmart carparks for example let folks stay overnight, but this might not be the dream option.

The other thing is that if you do the math, you will find that the cost of renting a campervan + the cost of paying campsite fees will probably be a lot more than the cost of a cheap car and economy lodging. Plus if you plan on visiting a few of the cities in this itinerary a camper will be more effort than it’s worth. You didn’t mention budget so this might not be a huge factor, but I just wanted to highlight it.

I think you can see where my preference lies for this itinerary. Obviously if you love camping and want to spend more time out in the backcountry and national parks, it’s a great option. But you might find that buying a cheap tent and a couple of sleeping bags for a few nights is a better option than renting a camper 🙂

Have a great trip – let me know how it goes and what you decide to do! We have a facebook group you’re welcome to share your experiences in here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelloversandphotography/

chantelle sims says

14th March 2020 at 2:44 pm

This has been so incredibly helpful thankyou!!

My pleasure Chantelle – have a great trip!

Sharon says

16th February 2020 at 7:40 pm

Great inspiration and ideas, thanks

16th February 2020 at 9:34 pm

Our pleasure Sharon, thanks for stopping by and commenting!

Thiago says

12th February 2020 at 7:45 pm

Just want to thank you for these super detailed guides, guys;

13th February 2020 at 10:48 am

Our pleasure Thiago, if you have any questions we’re happy to help 🙂 Safe travels!

Kathy Reed says

26th January 2020 at 5:51 pm

Hi – this was an amazing find! Loved all of your recommendations. Do you have any recommendations for anything just a little further north into the Redwoods. Perhaps starting in Santa Monica and going north? Though i do love the loop feature of this itinerary. Makes it so hard to decide. Thanks!

28th January 2020 at 9:19 am

We have travelled north of this itinerary as well, with our highlights including Napa Valley, Point Reyes National Park and Redding, however we’ve not put together a detailed itinerary for this sort of trip as we’ve not covered the area in enough detail. If redwoods are what you are after particularly, then on this itinerary you can see them near Santa Cruz, if you did want to follow it.

Let me know if I can offer any more advice for your trip!

4th January 2020 at 4:39 pm

Hi Great site for info ? Just would like to know what time of year would you recommend doing this road trip ive just read on here ,we’re coming from the UK so any info will help us plan Many thanks Barry

5th January 2020 at 11:25 am

It can definitely be done at any time of year, but I might avoid the depths of winter as snow can make the roads into Yosemite a challenge, plus it will be quite cold. So if you are looking for more of a summery California road trip, I might suggest May through September. We just toured California in August, and it was definitely very hot inland, as well as being busy so perhaps May/June or September would be the best time for a good combination of weather and fewer people 🙂

Debbie says

4th January 2020 at 3:03 pm

Hi We are planning this trip in April 2020! We will skip LA (Not interested) & Yosemite (We’ve already been) & we will only spend 1 day in San Francisco (we’ve already been) my question is do you think we can do the rest in 7 days?? We definitely want to do the scenic drive from San Francisco to San Diego & back to San Fran an thank you for all the wonderful information!!

5th January 2020 at 11:32 am

Hey Debbie!

Awesome 😀 So you can do the Pacific Coast Highway from SF to San Diego in a couple of days if you don’t mind going at a bit of a pace. I’d probably slow it down to 3 days though. I’m not sure if you still plan on seeing Joshua Tree and Death Valley – if you plan on going up and down the Pacific Coast Highway both ways, then you’re actually going to end up driving much more than this itinerary if you do visit Death Valley, as you’ll do about 2/3rds of the route and then turn around.

I’m not sure if you wanted to go to Las Vegas instead, but what you could do instead of going all the way back is finish in Vegas. I have noticed that many car hire firms don’t charge one way fees for trips between SF and Las Vegas, and flights out of Las Vegas are also very inexpensive. Even if you don’t want to do the whole Las Vegas thing, there are some lovely outdoor attractions in the area including the Hoover Dam and the spectacular valley of fire state park.

Anyway, just a thought. To answer your question – yes, you could do the rest in 7 days but I fear it might be a bit rushed,

30th December 2019 at 1:24 am

How many miles is this trip in total?

30th December 2019 at 3:28 pm

Around 1400 miles, but you’ll want to add on detours, side trips etc. So I’d say 1500 – 2000 to be on the safe side 🙂

Mallikarjun says

19th December 2019 at 8:51 pm

Can you please let me know the “Public Transport” options, it may be Bus, Metro or any other services in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego. I am planning for a trip in end of Jan 2020 for about 6 to 7 days to cover these cities. Or is there any travel packages you suggest for these cities. Please let me know.

Thanks, Malli

22nd December 2019 at 5:29 pm

My pleasure, and apologies for the slow response, I’ve had some site issues I’ve been working on.

For your question, are you looking for public transport between the cities, or in the cities? If the former, then I’d generally recommend the long distance bus as the best way to get between the cities in California, although you will struggle to get to more remote locations this way.

For each city you mention, there are different options. San Francisco is the easiest to get around, as there’s a great bus system as well as bikes, e-bikes and scooters. LA is a bit trickier – there are both buses and a metro, but just be aware that the distances can be quite far as the city is very spread out. So the best option is to figure out what you want to see and make sure the accommodation you pick is as close to the sights as possible.

San Diego is also easy to get around for the most part, with buses, trolleys and trains.

I hope this helps 🙂

Samantha says

28th October 2019 at 1:20 pm

Hi! this sounds amazing and I am literally looking at booking this for June next year! From looking about the only area that I am a bit unsure of is Death Valley – where is best to stay around there and if only doing a day – what would be the best suggestion of something to do? I am also thinking that we will add 1 day on to do a Vegas stay since its so close!

29th October 2019 at 8:31 am

Hi Samantha,

So when we visited we stayed just outside the valley at Panamint Springs – specifically we stayed here .

A day is enough to see the highlights of Death Valley. You’ll want to visit Badwater Basin of course, the lowest point in North America. Other highlights including the Mesquite Sand dunes, Zabriskie Point, the Devil’s Golf Course, the Artists Drive and Palette and Mosaic Canyon.

We can definitely recommend tacking on a trip to Vegas as well. We’re actually thinking of publishing a new itinerary in the coming months which includes Vegas, as it’s a popular addition 🙂

Gisele leduc says

13th October 2019 at 3:38 pm

Would like to know w ymt is there a bus trip to 14 days in calif. Where does the bus leave from in the US. And approx how much is the cost

14th October 2019 at 8:36 pm

Sorry, could you clarify? Are you looking for a tour of California?

15th October 2019 at 3:32 pm

Looking for next year we live in Ottawa Canada and would like to take a 14 day bus tour especially san Francesco and pacific route. Are there bus tours leaving let’s say from Buffalo, New York we can easily drive to these destinations. I meant leaving from New York City and Buffalo. What would be the cost and does it include meals. Thank u

Gisele Leduv says

15th October 2019 at 7:37 pm

Hi I would like to know if there are Any bus tours leaving from New York City or buffalo 14 day road trip to California especially the pacific coastland. What would be the cost for such a trip.

16th October 2019 at 8:08 pm

Hey Gisele,

I have looked but most tours that depart from New York and go to California are much longer, because the distance is so great from the east coast to the west coast. If you want a tour that focuses more on California, it would definitely be easier to get one that departs from San Francisco or Las Vegas rather than New York – is that a possibility?

vivianchoo says

5th October 2019 at 4:44 am

Good articles and good photos, Helps a lot. Thank you!

5th October 2019 at 10:16 am

My pleasure – have a great trip!

Jason Parsons says

19th August 2019 at 3:23 pm

This is a super inspiring blog. Which area did you stay in Yosemite? We are planning to complete our road trip with 3 nights in Yosemite. We will have a car and plan on day trip walks within the park.using a hotel or lodge as our base.

19th August 2019 at 4:09 pm

Thanks very much! In Yosemite we’ve stayed in a few places. On the trip with the photos in this post, we stayed in Curry Village, which were canvas tents ( https://www.nationalparkreservations.com/lodge/yosemite-curry-village/ ).

Jess has also stayed at the Wawona hotel, and the other lodge options are The Ahwahnee Hotel and the Yosemite Valley Lodge. I would definitely recommend staying with the park if you can as it makes it a lot easier to see everything within a short distance. The various options are at different price points though, so you’ll have to figure out which is best for you 🙂

Have an amazing trip!

julie morton says

15th June 2019 at 4:36 pm

Great article, thank you. I will be doing a similar route with my husband in September. Do you have any further guides on the Mammoth Lakes area or could you suggest somewhere to base ourselves there for a couple of nights please? We will be coming from Death Valley and then heading on to Yosemite.

15th June 2019 at 8:31 pm

Hi Julie! We don’t have anything else about Mammoth Lakes unfortunately on our blogs. We have guides to other parts of California, including Yosemite, but Mammoth Lakes is still on the to do list.

Have a great trip, sorry we couldn’t help this time!

Tara West says

2nd June 2019 at 6:30 pm

Hi there, Just found your blog. Really helpful. Thank you. We are thinking of doing a Californian road trip with our 5 month old baby in Sept. How long are the drives between the places you mention? I wouldnt want to do LA so would probably do San Diego instead. Is there anywhere you advise missing out with a baby? Thanks so much. Tara

3rd June 2019 at 6:26 pm

Our pleasure, we’re delighted to be able to help 🙂

So the drives will obviously vary depending on what you stop and see, but none of the days on the itinerary should have more than four hours driving. We’ve also not got any personal experience with traveling with a baby, however, just bear in mind that even in September Death Valley is going to be very hot. Other than that I don’t see a reason not to go to any of the locations on the list, and Death Valley will be manageable, just take care with the heat 🙂

Priya Singh says

30th April 2019 at 6:40 am

I really appreciate the work you have done, you explained everything in such an amazing and simple way.Good post. I was searched for this topic. Finally, I got the information on this blog. Thanks for the effective information.

30th April 2019 at 5:38 pm

Thanks Priya – pleased we were able to help! Have a great trip 🙂

Rafael says

5th March 2019 at 1:45 pm

Hi guys, great post. I found it really handy now as i’m planning a 3 week road trip through California (and Nevada) in a month (apr 6 to 27). We are starting in LA, just a few days and then planning to go to Joshua Tree (Mojave, is it worth it?), Las vegas, Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Yosemite, San Francisco, and Route 1 back to LA. It’s quite a lot of days, and i find hard to plan where to sleep every night, as i’m not sure how long would it take me to visit every national park, and even cities. So my question is, should i book in advance all different accomodation? In that case how many days should we give to the different national parks and places. As the trip gets so long, we are being really careful with our budget, and that takes me to the second question, what are the best places to stay on a budget in the different stops?

By the way, we are a group of four, planning to rent a car.

Thanks again for your post. Looking forward to read your answer!

Rafael from Uruguay

5th March 2019 at 2:50 pm

Thanks very much 🙂

So to answer your questions. I think Mojave is worth it if you like deserts and wide open spaces.

In terms of accommodation, you are not travelling at a very busy time of year, although it is easter towards the end of April. However there are no Federal holiday, so it should not be too busy. So this means you should be able to book quite last minute. The only places I would advise maybe booking in advance would be any national parks you want to stay in, which can be busy year round. So Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Death Valley, if you plan on staying inside the park, you will want to plan your accommodation in advance.

In terms of budget accommodation, the parks all have campsites, so that would likely be the cheapest option if you don’t mind camping. Some have existing tents you can hire if you don’t want to bring your own tent – Yosemite for example has some nice fixed tents which are not too expensive. For other cities, I’d advise looking at the budget motel chains like Motel 6, Red Roof Inn and so on. These can be very cheap, but do be aware they are not always very central. So you might find something like AirBnB to be more cost effective.

As you are visiting a number of parks you will probably want to buy a national parks pass, which will save you money on parks entry.

I’d also advise taking a look at my guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA, which should give you some more budgeting ideas 🙂

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-usa/

Let me know if you have any more questions!

c. m. crawford says

17th February 2019 at 3:22 pm

I would take extra care with possessions in the big cities in California. I left my purse in the back of my rental car, parked in a highly visible location on a beach in San Francisco, and even though there were people walking up and down the beach, the window was smashed and the purse stolen. Luckily wallet & phone were on me and the purse was even found and turned in to the police, but I had to exchange the rental car. Other than that California is awesome.

17th February 2019 at 4:34 pm

Sorry to hear that Cris! This is definitely an issue around the world, we always recommend not leaving any valuables in sight in a car as it makes for a tempting option for a thief 🙁 Glad to hear you got your purse back though!

Matthias says

9th February 2019 at 6:57 pm

Hey you guys! You have a great blog and this post inspired the route for my first trip to California with a buddy (we’re planning on doing pretty much the same route). But our plan is doing it the other way around: Also starting end ending in SF but heading to Yosemite from there and doing the trip clockwise. Would love to hear your thoughts on that idea 🙂

10th February 2019 at 6:06 pm

Hi Matthias!

The route would work either way. The only thing is that many people prefer to drive the PCH from north to south as you are on the right hand side of the road, so you get clearer views. But it’s stunning either way to be honest 🙂

Catherine Smithfield says

18th January 2019 at 4:12 pm

Hi Laurence,

Fabulous site guys… I would love some tips please my husband and I are planning a once in a lifetime trip to the USA, we fly into and out of Los Angeles , arriving 16th October and leaving 5th December. We will be spending thanksgiving with friends in Washington state . We would like to drive the Pacific highway, see some of LA, San Fran , Yosemite,Death Valley Las Vegas,- just very quick as we feel we should see it and the Grand Canyon . We love nature, beautiful landscapes, we are also foodies . Any suggestions would be very welcome , hire car v Rv , obviously due to the length of our trip I would like to be sensible on accommodation costs…is there a reliable decent hotel/motel chain you would recommend, or Airbnb. I have also been looking a5 the trusted Housesitters website but have recently come across a few very negative reviews . Many thanks catherine(UK)

18th January 2019 at 6:33 pm

Hi Catherine!

Thanks so much! We’ll do our best to help out.

So first of all, if you haven’t already, we can definitely recommend checking out the USA sections of both our websites:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/category/destinations/north-america/usa/ https://independenttravelcats.com/category/travel-destinations/united-states/

Where we have loads of posts that you will find useful. Most particularly, I’d advise reading our driving in the USA , and our guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA . That latter one in particular will help you in terms of costing out the trip.

For a hire car, a normal car rental is going to be a lot cheaper than an RV, especially as you will most likely still have to rent campsite space to stay at. A standard hire car in the US will usually start at around $200 a week. Our US travel budget post has a lot more on how to find the best deal and things to watch out for.

In terms of accommodation, the US has a wide range of options. The cheaper chains include: Red Roof Inn, Motel 6, Super 8, America’s Best Value Inn, Travelodge. The next step up would be Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn.

Note that the cheaper hotels are often found a little way outside of towns, often at interstate exit ramps. It’s also worth being aware that they are nearly all franchises, and so as a result the quality can vary dramatically, so it’s always worth reading reviews before visiting.

For booking and reviews, we highly recommend Booking.com . We have nearly always found this to be the cheapest option, even compared to turning up at the property, and the reviews can be a helpful guide. However, just bear in mind that cheaper hotels tend to rate worse, as folks can have high expectations!

Hopefully all this helps, let us know if you have any more specific questions we can help with!

Natasha says

9th January 2019 at 10:22 am

PS We are also planning to visit family in LA and have possible access to accommodation in Pacific Grove so should we be considering finding snow at Big Sur instead of north of San Fran? PPS Budget is going to be very tight!

9th January 2019 at 10:38 am

Hey Natasha!

So I’ll answer the Big Sur question first 🙂 Snow isn’t very common at Big Sur as it’s right by the sea, and it doesn’t usually get much except at higher elevations. The most reliable option is to head east to Tahoe or Yosemite, although that is going to be quite a drive and won’t fall into the definition of a short drive I’m afraid 🙁 The other option is to head up towards Auburn, as you get closer to the Sierra Nevada Mountains you will definitely find snow, but again, this isn’t going to be a short drive.

Whilst there is always a possibility of snow elsewhere, I wouldn’t want to guarantee it!

In terms of house swaps, the closest option we have for you is TrustedHousesitters , but that’s more of a house sitting opportunity than a home swap. I know there are home swapping platforms, but we’re not familiar with them, so I wouldn’t want to give a recommendation!

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

9th January 2019 at 2:44 pm

Thanks for the super-prompt response! Very helpful to know Big Sur is unlikely to tick the box and we hadn’t considered Auburn so I’ll find out more about that instead. Otherwise we’ll stick to Yosemite or Tahoe, which we’ve heard lots about.

9th January 2019 at 2:50 pm

My pleasure! Those two will definitely be fantastic, Yosemite in winter in particular is stunning. We have a guide to visiting Yosemite here 🙂

Also, I know real snow is ideally preferable, but there are a number of locations that generate snow that are going to be closer to San Francisco. If you google “snow in san francisco” or something similar, you should find some options!

9th January 2019 at 10:17 am

Thrilled to find your fascinating and helpful site! We live in Cape Town, and are planning a month in California between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, focussed around spending time with family in San Fran.

But my 14- and 16-year-olds have never experienced snow so we’re looking for guaranteed on-the-ground snow in early/mid December, as short a drive from SF as possible. Skiing not required, but snowman-building and perhaps some sledging would be great.

Also, can you recommend a site we might arrange a house swap through?

20th November 2018 at 8:30 pm

Hi, I’d like to know if February os a good time to make this travel. And what do you think about Sequoia National park?

27th November 2018 at 11:22 am

February would be good, just be aware that there might still be snow in Yosemite and so you’ll need to keep an eye on road closures around that area. We haven’t visited Sequoia National Park, but we have heard it is a great park, well worth visiting 🙂

12th November 2018 at 10:53 am

Hi there! This post has been really helpful as my partner and I are planning our honeymoon for April 2019 and we would love to roadtrip in the US. We have about 12 nights and would love to spend good chunks of time in San Francisco, LA or Santa Monica and some national parks. We would also love to do the Pacific Coast. We were originally thinking of flying into San Francisco and out of LA, but your post has me wondering if a roundtrip is better. Would you suggest we amend your suggested route? Which of the the national parks would be the best to visit?

12th November 2018 at 4:15 pm

Hey Neely! There are so many great National Parks, but Yosemite is definitely up there as one of my favourites. I would say a round trip is better – the route I have outlined makes a nice loop, and car hire is nearly always better value if you return the car where you picked it up 🙂

Chiara says

2nd October 2018 at 5:21 pm

Hi! I love your blog guys! We are thinking about a road trip in California next summer, and this post is a perfect inspiration! We will travel with our kids, they will be 3 and 6 and we have 3 weeks instead of 2. Do you have suggestions on how/where to use the extra days? Considering we can’t plan super long tiring car journeys and have to incorporate some activities they would enjoy too like some beach life, aquariums… Any suggestion is very welcomed! Thank you very much in advance!

4th October 2018 at 4:20 am

Hey Chiara!

So my suggestion would be to follow this itinerary, but just to go a bit slower and spend a bit more time in each place. I’d definitely suggest the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the San Diego Zoo as two great options along the way, and Universal Studios in LA is also sure to be a hit 🙂 Along the PCH you’ll also find loads of lovely beaches, so I think you’ll easily be able to stretch this two week road trip into a three week California itinerary! Have an awesome time!

4th October 2018 at 2:09 pm

Thank you very much!

ANGELINE MONTIJO says

19th August 2018 at 3:48 pm

Hi Im planning a road trip with my family to California from Orlando,Fl on June 2019. I want some advice where should we start.

19th August 2018 at 5:41 pm

Hi Angeline! Do you mean where to start in terms of planning? If you could let me know how long you are travelling for and what your interests are, then we can try to help. In the meantime, we can help out with some tips on driving in the USA:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-usa/

And some tips on budgeting for your trip:

The overall route you take will also take you through part of our Deep South USA itinerary:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/usa-deep-south-road-trip-itinerary/

As well as parts of our Route 66 itinerary:

https://independenttravelcats.com/2-week-route-66-itinerary-ultimate-american-road-trip/

Which should both serve to help inform your planning on your route 🙂

Lisa Stark says

16th August 2018 at 1:20 pm

Hi, my partner and me are planning to do a road trip next September 2019, starting from San Fran and heading south, eventually arriving in San Diego over a 2 week period. Can you recommend a good car hire company, how long before we should book and some nice places to stop with boutique hotels, This will be out first time in America and I’m completely at a loss where to start planning. Many thanks. Lisa

16th August 2018 at 7:05 pm

Hey Lisa! Well, that’s a great question. There are a number of hire car companies that we recommend, you can see our list here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/travel-resources/#Car-Rental

It looks like you are doing a one-way trip, so just bear in mind that sometimes the “meta-search” tools that search a variety of providers don’t always account for that. So it might be easier to go direct. We’ve found that it really varies, but we’ve often had success with Enterprise and Hertz. It’s also worth bearing in mind that pick up from an airport location is nearly always more expensive than a city location, so if you can be flexible in that regard you will likely save a bit of money. Especially somewhere like San Francisco, as you don’t really need the car for the city and it will just end up costing you in car parking fees and wasted rental fees for a car you aren’t using.

For hotel and car bookings, I’d usually say the further in advance the better so you have everything sorted and don’t have to worry about it. In terms of stops, your route pretty much follows the Pacific Coast Highway, and we have a super comprehensive guide to all the towns along the route which you can see here:

https://independenttravelcats.com/planning-a-california-pacific-coast-highway-road-trip-from-san-francisco-to-los-angeles/

That also has planning tips and suggestions. I’d also advise reading our tips for driving in the USA: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-usa/

And our guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-usa/

In terms of other things to think about, I’m not sure which country you are coming from, but definitely consider getting a travel credit card that won’t charge you for foreign transaction fees, and maybe a SIM card that offers roaming in the USA. Three in the UK has a pretty good deal for SIM cards that offer free data in the USA.

Hopefully this helps a bit, let me know if you have other questions. It gives me an idea to put together a first timers guide to travelling in the USA 🙂

6th August 2018 at 12:24 pm

This is a great read, thank you for sharing. My partner and I are looking to do a similar trip in October this year. However, we are slightly confused on the route (and in what order) to do it all in. We want to do 14 nights and start in San Francisco and either end in San Diego or Vegas. (Everyone says Vegas is a must see at least once and although not on the top of our list, we thought we could add it on the end).

Our initial thoughts are 3 nights in San Fran, 2 in Yosemite, 1 in Monterey, 1 in Santa Barbara. 3 in la, 2 in San Diego and 2 in Vegas. Does this sound too ambitious? And any thoughts on in what order we would do this? I would appreciate anyones input on this. Thank you in advance!

6th August 2018 at 12:58 pm

My pleasure. So the only slight niggle in your itinerary is that Yosemite is the opposite direction to the Pacific Coast Highway, so that will add a bit of driving time to your route (it’s about 3 – 4 hours each way from San Francisco). I definitely recommend Yosemite, it’s just going to take a bit of time to do it on this trip. Overall your route is certainly do-able, as long as you don’t mind a fair bit of driving. I like that you are scheduling multiple nights in the various locations, that will give you more time to enjoy without rushing. I’d say that your order is pretty good, I can’t think of a better way to do it.

6th August 2018 at 1:27 pm

Thank you for taking the time reply! I am glad it sounds doable. I think the multiple stops should help to break up the drive (I won’t be doing it my other half has that pleasurable job =) ). Yes Yosemite is the one we are are a bit confused about as when to add it. Before or after San Fran and at what point as you say it is out of the way, but is a must for us, and we don’t want to miss anything on the drive down from San Fran to La, so a tricky one. Thank you for your input, much appreciated!

Tim Shakespeare says

24th July 2018 at 9:42 am

Hi there, my wife and I are coming mid October to California for a road trip celebrating my 50th. We start in SF, only for 2 days, then have 3 days before we get to Yosemite. Have you any recommendations of where to visit in that time, we don’t mind going in any direction before heading towards Yosemite? We then head to Las Vegas for my actual birthday for 3 days then onto LA for a further 4 days, any suggestions of where to spend time between the cities?

24th July 2018 at 9:42 pm

Hey Tim! Well, it really depends on what you are interested in! Obviously you’re not too far from Napa Valley if it’s wine you’re after, or you could head north to Redding, where there’s some beautiful scenery. A sojourn along the Pacific Coast Highway, or at least part of it, is also an option – there are so many cute towns along that route to check out (see our guide here: https://independenttravelcats.com/planning-a-california-pacific-coast-highway-road-trip-from-san-francisco-to-los-angeles/

Between Vegas and LA, the obvious choices are Joshua Tree National Park, and the whole Mojave Desert is pretty impressive. I’m assuming you’ll stop at Death Valley from Yosemite, but if not, you could head up that way. Another option is to head south from Vegas and find Route 66, and follow then into LA, which is a fun option. You can see more on Route 66 here: https://independenttravelcats.com/2-week-route-66-itinerary-ultimate-american-road-trip/

Hope this helps a bit! Have a great trip and happy birthday!

tim shakespeare says

27th July 2018 at 2:56 pm

Thanks Laurance, that info is really useful

28th July 2018 at 4:08 pm

My pleasure 🙂

Paula Lambie says

20th July 2018 at 2:35 pm

Hi Laurence, Absolutely loved your article. We are a group of 6 friends that are coming from Trinidad and want to stay about 7-8 days on a road trip starting in LA and possibly leaving from San Fran. We are coming around the end of Feb 2019 and leaving around March 6 or 7th. Still in the planning stages and would appreciate any advice or recommendations. I want to include Yosemite and Sequoia but don”t know if it is feasible with the time period we are looking at. Any advice would greatly be appreciated. Take care.

22nd July 2018 at 9:09 pm

Thanks very much. So Yosemite would be feasible, but you have to bear in mind that in February and March it can still be quite snowy in the park, and it’s also a four hour drive each way from San Francisco, so that’s going to eat up a lot of your time. My suggestion would be to definitely do the Pacific Coast Highway over two or three days, and then depending on your interests, either some time in places like the Joshua Tree, or the cities like LA, San Francisco or San Diego. Another option is to go further north of San Francisco, although Yosemite is a really incredible place and well worth the effort to get out there!

Hope this helps, have a great trip!

Louisa says

12th June 2018 at 6:03 pm

Hi Laurence, We are a family of 5 holidaying in California in August and staying San Francisco (3 nights) -Yosemite (3 nights)-Monterey (2 nights)-Santa Barbara (1 night) and at the moment San Diego (2 nights) and LA (3 nights). I am wondering if we are being over ambitious at the end of the holiday and should just stay in LA rather than driving down to San Diego and back to LA for our flight back? Is San Diego a must see? I am torn between wanting to see it all while we are in California but not overdoing it and rushing too much. What are the travel times likely to be realistically between Santa Barbara, LA and San Diego at that time of year? Thank you for any advice.

13th June 2018 at 11:07 am

Hey Louisa!

I think San Diego is worth visiting, and as you have 3 nights already in LA I don’t think you’ll have too much rush. I will be honest and say that I don’t know exactly what the travel times at that time of year will be, but I find that Google usually estimates travel times pretty well – just avoid the peak rush hours and you should generally be fine 🙂

Shelley says

14th May 2018 at 9:00 am

Hi Laurence, Great website! We are booking a 3 week trip over Christmas. LA to San Francisco, via Vegas/Death Valley etc. Weather wise, what should we expect, particularly with Yosemite? Is there anywhere along the coast which is worth stopping off between LA and San Francisco for a night? Many thanks Shelley from Sydney

14th May 2018 at 2:53 pm

Hi Shelley!

Thanks for your comment – sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned. So, Yosemite in particular can be tricky in winter. It can be accessed, but you need to be aware that it will obviously be quite snowy, and access isn’t possible from all sides – the route I have laid out for example you would have to alter a bit in order to access Yosemite in winter, as the Tioga Road is closed. You also usually can’t get up to Glacier point in winter. But the major attractions in the valley are accessible. For more on visiting Yosemite in Winter, you can check out this guide to Yosemite in a day that Jess wrote: https://independenttravelcats.com/planning-day-yosemite-national-park-introduction-yosemite-valley/

There is a lot to see and do on the Pacific Coast Highway, certainly enough to fill a day or two. There are lots of towns to stop at, and which you choose really depends what you are into. Cambria is a favourite of ours, but there’s a lot to see and do. This post breaks down all the highlights, so you can make an informed decision 🙂

Have a fabulous trip!

Lis Brown says

1st May 2018 at 11:15 pm

Hi Laurence, great post and photos! My husband and I are planing to do 2 weeks driving trip in California, i love all your suggested destinations, I may do the same trip as yours. However, I will be 4 months pregnant (planning to go in May) during the trip, may I know if the in-land route/parks and lake visits are suitable for me and accessible by car or light walking/ light hiking? your trip is start from san francisco and end there too, am i right? thanks in advance!

2nd May 2018 at 8:24 pm

Hi Lis! Thanks very much 😀 The trip does start and end in San Francisco yep.

For your question – I have to admit to not being an expert as we’ve not had any kids, however there is definitely light hiking in the majority of places. Just be aware it can get very hot in some parts of California, so do take plenty of water along. My advice would be to check the websites for the national parks you want to visit and see what hiking routes they have – I think you should be fine, but it’s always best to check as one persons “light hike” is another persons marathon 😉

Theresa says

10th April 2018 at 1:59 am

This looks like a great route, but I was really hoping to see Sequoia National Park. Any advice?

13th April 2018 at 6:16 pm

Hi Theresa! Thanks very much! As that’s in the north, you’d want to add it on near San Francisco. So you could either spend less time in the city, or lose a day somewhere else on the route. It’s hard to give specific advice without knowing your exact interests, but as you sound like you prefer nature to cities, perhaps spending less time in the cities might work better for you? Have a great trip!

15th April 2018 at 5:51 pm

Thanks for your reply. Sequoia National Park is south of Yosemite on the map (Redwood National Park is north of San Francisco). It doesn’t appear that there is road access to Sequoia NP on your route which heads north on 395. I did more research and verified that is the case.

18th April 2018 at 6:22 am

Hi! My apologies, I was thinking of the redwoods to the north of San Francisco and got a bit confused – but that is another option if you can’t make it to Sequoia. Road access can be a challenge due the mountains, and also in winter some of the roads into Yosemite are closed due to snow. So you might have to alter the route a fair bit to make it to Sequoia if that’s a priority 🙂

Jacques says

5th April 2018 at 10:41 pm

Hi Lawrence , we are also considering tyis roadtrip this month. Were from Canada. Assuming we are on the road a giving day with no reservations for a room the same night , by what time do we need to confirm a room or is there plenty of options once arriving early evening. Thank for everything.

6th April 2018 at 5:09 pm

Hi Jacques! At this time of year for the most part you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a room at the last minute. It does depend a little on what level of accommodation you are after, but for quick and easy motels we found they had lots of availability in general. We do definitely advise always checking prices online somewhere like booking.com though, as we nearly always got better deals that way compared to turning up – often the person at the desk didn’t have the power to actually match a price. So do keep that in mind 🙂 Have a great trip, and let me know how it goes!

Jacques Gauthier says

20th May 2018 at 1:13 am

Hi Lawrence ! We decided to take two weeks to travel from San Francisco to LA (Manhattan Beach) . We travel along the coast for these 14 days and enjoyed it tremendously. Next trip will be the National Parks .

Thank you .

20th May 2018 at 2:36 pm

13th March 2018 at 1:27 pm

We are hoping to do everything in your itinerary plus San Diego, we will only have 15 nights and would like to spend at least 2 full days in San Diego and 2 full days in SF, do you think this is reasonable without spending too long out of the 15 days in the car?

13th March 2018 at 8:34 pm

I think that should be do-able yes, if you are focused and don’t get too distracted 😉 Have an awesome trip!

Jacqueline says

19th February 2018 at 4:25 pm

Hi! I am planning a trip with my 10 year old son and love the looks of your itinerary. What would you suggest budget wise for this trip (minus flights) for the two of us?

Thanks, Jacqueline

19th February 2018 at 6:03 pm

Hi Jacqueline! It’s quite tricky to put a budget together on a case by case basis because everyone has different styles and standards of travelling. I’d suggest taking a look at my guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA, which covers pretty much all the areas you need to consider, and should give you some ballpark figures 🙂

Let me know if you still have questions after checking that out 😀

Gai Pendlebury says

12th October 2017 at 11:04 pm

Thank you — what a great and helpful site you have made.We are flying into San francisco from Australia in April.We only have 10 nights.Your suggestions are great — we will miss the LA part.Happy for anyone hear to put in their opinions for an itinerary!We will spent 4 or 5 nights in San fran and 3 in yosemite but the 3 nights are up for grabs –we have done Big Sir before so probs wont go south on the coast.I am thinking maybe Lake tahoe,gold rush towns …love to walk,history, beautiful scenery and quaint American towns.Happy to drive long distances– thank you –your photos are wonderful!

Laurence says

13th October 2017 at 10:33 am

Our pleasure – thanks for commenting to let us know, it’s always appreciated. Sounds like you have some good plans already – one idea might be to head north for Shasta Cascade region and see the caves / redwoods. I have a post about that region on the site too 🙂 Have a fabulous trip!

14th October 2017 at 5:09 am

Thank for that .I will look into it a bit more — I am really impressed with your links for such like 12 best spots for photographing San Fran or Yosemite. So helpful to know where to go to get those great shots!

Jules Selby says

28th August 2017 at 10:24 pm

We are planning two weeks but thinking of hiring an RV instead of hotels, what do you think?

28th August 2017 at 10:43 pm

An RV is definitely a good idea, but do be aware that they can be pricey, and you often have to pay for camping on top of that as well – although there are a lot of places you can camp for free in the US! So really it’s up to you – we’ve done both, and RV’ing is definitely a lot of fun!

Bob Steiner, Jr says

25th June 2017 at 4:07 am

You can’t drive a highway 1 through Big Sur. The highest us closed and detours long and winding over dirt roads

25th June 2017 at 1:32 pm

Thanks for pointing this out. Do you know how long the road will be closed? I’ll put a note in the post.

Erica Landry Napolitano says

16th April 2017 at 7:52 pm

This is some great advice for our upcoming trip. We have almost three weeks out in CA and these will be some great spots! Traveling with an 8 and 10 year old this still seems doable! Thanks.

16th April 2017 at 7:54 pm

My pleasure, have an awesome trip!

Jenna Francisco says

17th September 2016 at 5:18 am

So many good ideas here, and I agree that visitors should plan at least 3 days in San Francisco and Yosemite. One suggestion I’d make related to the “when to visit CA” section–SF and much of the coast are cold and foggy in the summer, so it’s a good idea for visitors to dress in layers and expect lots of fog in summer, that way they won’t be disappointed!

Sarah @ Endless Distances says

14th August 2016 at 1:16 pm

Wow this is so exhaustive!! I’ve don’t the pch before and it’s a dream. I would also definitely recommend staying in Santa Barbara – and the Mexican street food!!!

20th August 2016 at 8:28 pm

Thanks Sarah! It’s a fun place to road trip for sure – thanks for the recommendation!

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8 Amazing California Road Trips That Take You From Big Sur to the Sierras

Whether you're seeking beaches or mountains, deserts or small towns, these California road trips deliver.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

When it comes to road trips , California is hard to top. The land of fair weather and car culture always seems to deliver that carefree, top-down experience. And due to its size — California is the third-largest U.S. state — there's plenty of terrain to explore. You can start at the ocean and end up in the mountains, or spend an entire weekend exploring the California desert.

All it takes is a solid playlist, some road-trip friendly snacks, and a little planning to get out of your routine and on the road. To get you started, we've outlined some of California's best road trips — from multiday to multiweek adventures that criss-cross practically every part of the state (and kick off in major, easy-to-access cities).

Start: San Francisco

End: Los Angeles

Distance: Approximately 440 miles

Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway (or PCH), snakes along the California coastline delivering almost 656 miles of ocean views along with plenty of nature (hello, elephant seals) and some of the state's most interesting sites.

Technically, the route runs from the city of Leggett to Dana Point, south of Los Angeles , but many people cut the 656-mile drive short by starting in San Francisco . If you're leaving from the Golden City, fuel up with a to-go brew from Snowbird Coffee before hopping on Highway 1. From there, slowly make your way south, stopping in Santa Cruz to watch (or catch) the surf.

The next section of road — connecting Carmel-by-the-Sea to Big Sur — is particularly stunning, so you'll want to take your time. Book a stay at the expansive Carmel Valley Ranch or the adults-only Alila Ventana Big Sur . When you get back on the road, spend an afternoon at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park , or continue on to San Simeon to see the elephant seal rookery . (One practical note: Landslides sometimes close sections of Highway 1 in this region, so it's a good idea to check road conditions before your trip in case of potential detours.) Before finishing up your journey in LA, spend a day or two relaxing on the beaches of Santa Barbara or exploring the area's vineyards.

Highway 395

Start: Los Angeles

End: Mammoth Lakes

Distance: Approximately 330 miles

This stretch of highway connects Southern California with the Eastern Sierra mountains up north. Most people start this iconic road trip in LA, making their way out of the city and into the natural world of lakes, hikes, and bizarre roadside attractions. You won't want to miss a visit to Alabama Hills , a formation of rounded rocks at the base of the Sierra Nevada, or the area's famous Mobius Arch, which perfectly frames Mount Whitney. Before leaving, drop by the Manzanar National Historic Site , a memorial of the American concentration camp where more than 110,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II.

Further north, grab a hearty meal at Copper Top BBQ , home of mouthwatering pulled pork, then make your way to see some of the oldest living trees in the world at the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest . From there, keep an eye out for hidden hot springs — or stop at the slightly more established Wild Willy's Hot Springs. Also in this final stretch of the drive lies Mammoth Mountain ski resort, perfect if you're passing through in the wintertime. If you're up for extending your trip, continuing past Mammoth Lakes can take you to Mono Lake , a super-salty body of water that was formed at least 760,000 years ago, and to Travertine Hot Springs in Bridgeport.

Carlsbad to the Lost Sierra

Start: Carlsbad

Distance: Approximately 888 miles

This California road trip will transport you to some of the state's best attractions, with plenty of food and fun along the way. From the sandy beaches of Carlsbad, head north along the coast to Malibu and spend a night at the Malibu Beach Inn . The next day, drink plenty of water on your way to Solvang , a Danish village that's rich in wineries and hard-to-top farm-to-table fare.

From Solvang, continue north to the coastal town of Monterey, where you can put up your feet for a few days at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa while making day trips to iconic Californian destinations like Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Pebble Beach . After Monterey, make your way through Napa Valley for more wine, or spend the day hiking and biking in the valley's Alston Park .

Finally, go through Sacramento before arriving at the Lost Sierra , an under-the-radar area of pristine forest, dramatic peaks, and crystalline lakes just north of Tahoe . Here, you can camp out at Nakoma Resort while spending your days exploring the Lakes Basin Recreation Area of Plumas National Forest .

Northern California Wine Country

Distance: Approximately 180 miles

Sure, you can do a one-day road trip from San Francisco to Napa Valley, but where's the fun in that? To really experience Northern California's wine country, you'll want to find a great home base (we recommend the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa , where you can rest after a long day of driving).

From San Francisco, head northeast, making a quick stop at Domaine Carneros to grab a flute of bubbly as you reach Napa. Here, plan a stop at the nearby William Hill Estate Winery for a tasting and tour of the sprawling estate. When you need more sustenance than wine and nibbles, stop by Oxbow Public Market for a hearty meal.

After a night of rest, head north to Calistoga's Castello di Amorosa , a 14th-century-style castle built using medieval methods and antique bricks. Here, you can make a reservation to sample wine and explore the castle grounds. To top off the trip, book a meal and tasting at Sequoia Grove , a family-owned winery situated in — what else — a grove of sequoia trees.

Before heading back to the city, ease into the naturally carbonated hot waters at Vichy Springs Resort , which was established in 1854, or hike through the resort's 700 private acres.

Rim of the World Scenic Byway

End: Big Bear Lake

Distance: Approximately 120 miles

This California road trip may be a bit shorter than some of the others on this list, but it makes up for it with beauty. The Rim of the World Scenic Byway travels inland from the Southern California coast to the city of Big Bear Lake, home to ski resorts and endless lake-based fun.

From LA, you'll want to head east, then north between the San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountains to reach Cajon Pass on State Route 138. Make a stop at the off-highway Silverwood Lake Overlook before taking a detour to the community of Lake Arrowhead. Here, spend a few days kicking back at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa . You can hike part of the Pacific Crest Trail , kayak across the lake, and view the coast from your perch on the Lake Arrowhead Queen steamboat.

Once you arrive in Big Bear Lake, grab a bite at Tropicali , which serves up a blend of California and Hawaiian cuisine. Then, tackle the Castle Rock Trail to catch unparalleled views of Big Bear Lake.

Southern California Beaches Road Trip

Tobiah Lui/Travel + Leisure

Start: San Diego

End: Malibu

Distance: Approximately 175 miles

If you're craving a beach vacation, head to Southern California , home to some of the country's best sandy shores and unbeatable balmy weather. In San Diego , spend the morning reading and people-watching in La Jolla Cove before making your way to the nearby Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve , a coastal park that has managed to retain its wild feel. From La Jolla, continue north to get your fill of Orange County's beach towns — Newport Beach, Laguna Beach , and Huntington Beach. (Trust us, you'll want to spend a few days here.) Grab a surfboard and ride the waves, or walk the pier and watch for sea life from above.

For your final beach foray , book a couple of nights in Malibu , so you have plenty of time to explore Zuma Beach , Leo Carrillo State Park , and the cliffs of Point Dume . When you need a break from beaches, feed your seafood cravings at Neptune's Net before venturing out on a hike in Corral Canyon .

California State Park Road Trip

Start: Sacramento

End: Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park

Distance: Approximately 800 miles

While California's national parks — most notably Yosemite and Joshua Tree — get all the attention, many people overlook the smaller, less-visited state parks. That's not the case on this Northern California road trip, where the state parks take center stage as you zig and zag across less-traveled landscapes.

Start your journey in Sacramento and make your way east to the first park on this road trip: Emerald Bay State Park . Check out Eagle Falls, enjoy the views over Lake Tahoe, and, if you're there between June and September, visit Vikingsholm , a 38-room Scandinavian-inspired mansion. Head north from there to Plumas-Eureka State Park , where you'll learn everything you ever wanted to know (and then some) about the California Gold Rush. After a few days of exploring the area, travel back west toward the coast — a five-and-a-half-hour drive that'll require a fuel up at From the Hearth Kitchen & Pie Shop in Red Bluff.

When you're close to the ocean, you'll run into Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park , a 400-acre oasis with groves of old-growth redwood trees. After a night or two spent under the redwoods and alongside the river, make your way north to Humboldt Lagoons State Park on the coast. Here, you'll find coastal lagoons, wetlands, and estuaries, before making your way east toward Redding.

Continue north to Castle Crags State Park , home to dramatic and ragged rock formations (and great camping and hiking). Your final stop on this excursion is well worth the final push: Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park , a tiny area (mainly water) that's just four miles long and no more than one mile wide. The park is only accessible by boat and has areas covered by the remnants of lava flows, plus stunning views of Mount Shasta.

San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

End: Joshua Tree National Park

Distance: Approximately 387 miles

When most people think of California, they picture beaches, but in reality, a good chunk of the state is covered in awe-inspiring desert. To get your fill of the sweeping arid landscape, start in San Diego and head northeast toward State Route 78. Make your way to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park — home of the famous springtime superbloom — and explore the park's slot canyons and cactus forests. From there, travel to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument , where you can experience extensive backcountry trails, snow-capped mountains, and miles of emptiness.

Once you've spent enough time reveling in some of California's open space, make a detour south toward the Salton Sea , a vast saline body of water. Head to the eastern shore for views of the iconic Salvation Mountain , a hand-painted, love-inspired work of art that's worth a visit (and a few photos). From there, turn around and go north toward Palm Springs (or, if you have time, drive around the sea before traveling north). Once you arrive in Palm Springs, book a stay at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs and rest for a day or two before venturing into the expansive Joshua Tree National Park .

10 Classic California Road Trips to Drive in Your Lifetime

The coastal highway 1 route is, of course, on the list, along with many you may have never heard of..

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California is, hands down, one of the best places in the world for a road trip . It’s the third largest state in the USA, and its 164,000 square miles are packed with varied terrain highlighted by some 66 scenic byways . Along the 865 miles of coast, road-trippers will meander by remote beaches and sheer cliff vistas as well as lively urban beach communities, such as Santa Monica and Venice in Los Angeles or laid-back La Jolla in San Diego. Inland, rocky desert landscapes give way to rolling farmlands, and two-lane highways carve through quiet groves of towering sequoias before climbing into the high, rugged peaks of the 352 mountain ranges.

All of that in mind, any Californian would agree that renting a car and hitting the road is a must while visiting (or living) in the Golden State. We’ve gathered together 10 great California road trips to get you started.

Full-state California road trips

The Point Reyes Lighthouse is a short but unforgettable detour from Highway 1.

Photo by Chris LaBasco/Shutterstock

1. California’s Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)

• Start: Dana Point (Orange County)
• End: Leggett (Mendocino County)
• Distance: 656 miles
• Recommended time: At least five days, ideally one or two weeks.

Following the California coastline, the iconic State Route 1—or Highway 1—is one of the best road trips in the world . It is sometimes referred to as the Pacific Coast Highway (or “PCH”), though technically, the PCH is only a southern part of the route ; other sections of Highway 1 are known as Cabrillo Highway, Coast Highway, or Shoreline Highway. Think of Highway 1 as a collection of the state’s greatest hits.

Start off with your toes in the Pacific at Huntington Beach, or Laguna Beach, or any one of the other scenic beaches of sunny southern California , then head north. Catch Spanish colonial architecture and sip local Santa Ynez valley wines in Santa Barbara. Then follow the forested road through Big Sur, stopping often to marvel at mountains that end abruptly in sea cliffs.

Be sure to pay homage to John Steinbeck at Cannery Row in Monterey , then bundle up to cut through the fog in San Francisco . Don’t worry, it tends to clear just after you cross the Golden Gate Bridge. From there, the road gets narrower and feels more remote as it winds through the hills of Marin County. Buy some oysters at the Tomales Bay Oyster Company and picnic along the Point Reyes National Seashore .

Finish up your trip walking driftwood-strewn beaches and tree-lined trails in the sleepy coastal town of Mendocino , or if you’re feeling really intrepid, keep following the coast north. Highway 1 officially ends in Leggett, where it turns to Highway 101, but that route continues more or less along the Pacific all the way into Oregon .

Itinerary: The Best Stops for a Road Trip on the Pacific Coast Highway

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is home to some of the oldest living things on Earth.

Photo by Laurens Hoddenbagh/Shutterstock

2. The Eastern Sierras (Highway 395)

• Start: Lone Pine
• End: South Lake Tahoe
• Distance: 232 miles
• Recommended time : Four to five days

While Highway 1 follows the coast, its sister trip, Highway 395, traces the Sierra Nevada range, the backbone of California. Rather than beaches and coast, this route features prehistoric forests, historic mining towns, and a variety of geological features. The drive from Lone Pine up to Lake Tahoe is only about four hours—seven if you’re starting in Los Angeles —but you’ll want to plan for a four- or five-day trip.

Kick off your journey in Lone Pine, a former mining town sandwiched between Sequoia National Park and Death Valley National Park . Spend the day hiking among the boulders, arches, and jagged peaks of the Alabama Hills , where a number of movies, including The Lone Ranger, Gladiator, and Django Unchained , were filmed, before heading north. Before you leave, pay a visit to Manzanar National Historic Site to remember and honor the 110,000 Japanese Americans who were stripped of their rights and forced into the internment camp during World War II.

In Big Pine, stop for pulled pork and ribs at Copper Top BBQ , then and take a short detour onto Highway 168 to visit Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest , home to some of the oldest living trees on the planet. Be on the lookout for hot springs once you pass the climber’s haven of Bishop: Wild Willy’s Hot Springs and Hot Creek Geologic Park are both worth a stop, but as you continue north there are plenty of secret spots that locals might share if you ask.

A bit farther along Highway 395, you’ll pass Mammoth Mountain , a popular ski resort, and then Mono Lake, with its mud-drip rock formations. Those bound for Yosemite National Park would head west here, but those continuing north might take a detour to explore the ghost town of Bodie off Highway 270. Leave Highway 395 near Topaz Lake and take Highway 89 to Truckee or South Lake Tahoe, where you can finish your trip relaxing on the shores of a place Mark Twain once referred to as the “fairest picture the whole world affords.”

Related: 5 Amazing Lake Tahoe Hotels for Any Season

Northern California road trips

Stay the night at Boonville Hotel, which sits on Boonville’s one main road.

Photo by Jessie Beck

3. The Best of Northern California: Highway 128

• Start: Winters
• Distance : 140 miles
• Recommended time : Three to four days

A road trip along Highway 128, which runs east-west from the Sacramento Valley to the Mendocino coast, means getting to experience some of the most iconic parts of Northern California: Napa and Sonoma wines, redwood forests, Mendocino seafood, Michelin-starred restaurants. The scenery—and attractions—are constantly changing along this 140-mile route.

Start your drive in the agricultural town of Winters with a visit to the region’s breweries ( Berryessa is a local favorite) and, if it’s hot out, a swim at Berryessa Lake. Once in Napa County, stop by Nichelini Family Winery , the oldest continuously operated family winery in Napa, or any number of excellent wineries in the valley . Then end your day with a stay and soak at the geothermal pools at Solage or Calistoga Motor Lodge in Calistoga. The mineral waters that flow underground in this area have long been thought to have healing powers.

Continue winetasting as you drive across Sonoma County. Aim for Healdsburg, where you could stroll the town square and eat all day, or stop and sample the olive oil at Medlock Ames . As you enter Mendocino County and approach Boonville—a small blip of a town surrounded by farms and ranches—the rolling hills and vineyards of Napa and Sonoma give way to redwoods and apple orchards. Explore both with a hike in Hendy Woods State Park and a stop at the farmstand at Philo Apple Farm right outside the park entrance. Plus, of course, enjoy more wine—this time with cheese—at Pennyroyal Farm .

The last stretch of Highway 128 is one of the most scenic, passing through an 11-mile-long “tunnel” of second-growth redwood forest, before popping out on the foggy Mendocino Coast, where travelers can spend the night and sample the freshest catch at Michelin-starred restaurant Harbor House Inn in Elk .

Itinerary: A Food- and Wine-Centric Road Trip Along California’s Highway 128

Be sure to add extra days to your wine country road trip to properly enjoy tastings at wineries like Clos du Val on the Silverado Trail.

Photo by Rocco Cesalin

4. Northern California Wine Country Road Trip in Napa and Sonoma

• Start: San Francisco
• End: San Francisco
• Distance: 161 miles
• Recommended time: Two or three days

Plenty of people treat Northern California wine country as a day trip from San Francisco, but go for a long weekend so that you can really savor those winetastings and pamper yourself with a stay at one of the area’s luxurious hotels .

Make a beeline from San Francisco to Domaine Carneros to start your trip sipping California bubbly. Then jogging north on Highway 121, you’ll pass through the town of Napa, where it’s worth a stop for lunch at the Oxbow Public Market . Continue northeast on Highway 121 and you’ll pass the hot springs resort Vichy Springs , or turn north instead onto the Silverado Trail, where you can hop between some of the best wineries in the area, including Clos du Val and Mumm .

The Silverado Trail ends in Calistoga. Spend the night at Solage or Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs . The next day, loop back to Sonoma via the winding Calistoga Road and Highway 12, stopping to walk off your wine at a few great state parks, including Robert Louis Stevenson State Park , Sugarloaf Ridge State Park , and Jack London State Historic Park . Dine on seasonal tamales at El Molino Central in Sonoma, or pick one of the many restaurants that ring historic Sonoma Square. Spend your second night at the Lodge at Sonoma Resort, Autograph Collection and book a dinner at Animo , a creative new addition to Sonoma’s dining scene inspired by Basque and Korean cuisine.

For your final day, there are plenty of small wineries and towns to explore in this area before you end your trip with a sunset drive back to San Francisco.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is filled with lakes and meadows as well as with hydrothermal sites.

Photo by Galyna Andrushko/Shutterstock

5. Redding to Lassen Volcanic National Park

• Start: Redding
• End: Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Distance: 188 miles
• Recommended time: Three to five days

Lassen Volcanic National Park and the area around it form one of the more beautiful parts of the state, especially if you’re a mountain junkie who loves craggy peaks and volcanic rock. But it’s one that even locals tend to miss, partly because, at three hours from Sacramento and five hours northeast of San Francisco, it’s harder to get to than the coast or the state’s wine countries. But those who make the trek should plan for a three-day weekend with plenty of day hikes and geologic curiosities—this is, after all, volcano country.

Starting in Redding, a bustling city on the Sacramento River, travel north on 1-5 to Shasta Lake, the largest reservoir in California and a popular spot to rent a houseboat with friends . Continue north on I-5, passing through the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and maybe stopping to take in the ragged spires at Castle Crags State Park , before reaching Mount Shasta, where you can stop to stroll through town or hike in the mountain’s foothills.

Then, escape from the interstate and head south on Highway 89. This section of the highway is actually part of the 500-mile Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, which travels from Oregon in the north down to Lassen along the Cascade Mountain Range. Take some time to hike McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park and see the 129-foot-tall waterfall that shares a name with the park. Or kayak and paddleboard on serene Lake Almanor. Finish your trip with a day, if not two, wandering through Lassen Volcanic National Park, which is filled with mud pots, geysers, lava fields, shield and cinder cone volcanoes, mountain lakes, and even a few green meadows where you’ll find wildflowers in the spring .

Pass by forest and mountain foothills while on this history-filled road trip.

6. Gold Chain Highway (Highway 49)

• Distance: 295 miles
• Start: Oakhurst
• End: Vinton
• Recommended time: Five or six days

Follow in the footsteps of miners and prospectors through California’s Gold Country along Highway 49—a road named after the gold-seeking immigrants, or “49ers” who made their way to the state during the 1849 Gold Rush. Plan for five days to give yourself a chance to strike it rich panning for gold in the region’s rivers. You’ll want to spend time exploring the rocky meadows and pine-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevadas too. Start off with a history lesson at the California State Mining and Mineral Museum in Mariposa, just north of Oakhurst. As you move north along the route, you’ll pass a number of Gold Rush–era buildings and towns—many of which you’ll have learned about at the Mining and Mineral Museum. In Coulterville, Hotel Jeffery , first built in 1851, is known for paranormal activities and claims John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt as past visitors. Jamestown’s Railtown 1897 Historic State Park gives a glimpse of what transportation was like in the late 1800s, and Columbia State Historic Park and the town of Sonora are both well-preserved mining towns.

Highway 49 passes over the South Fork of the American River near Placerville, which is a popular place for river rafting. A little farther north here, in Coloma, you can actually try your own luck with a gold pan at Sutter’s Mill in Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park . Continue up through Auburn State Recreation Area , where the north and middle forks of the American River meet, stopping in Auburn’s Old Town and later Nevada City—make this an overnight stop and book a room at The National Exchange Hotel .

From there, Highway 49 heads northeast through Tahoe National Forest, but there’s more mining history to see before you end in Vinton. Be sure to stop at Empire Mine in Grass Valley, one of the oldest, largest, deepest, longest, and richest gold mines in California, and Downieville, a town founded during the Gold Rush along the Yuba River and now a popular spot for downhill mountain biking, hiking, and swimming in the summer.

Central California road trips

The road outside of Fresno is best explored in the spring.

Photo by Tommy Lisbin/Unsplash

7. Fresno Blossom and Fruit Trails

• Distance: 85 miles
• Start: Fresno
• End: Clovis
• Recommended time: two days

Best experienced February through September, the areas outside of Fresno erupt in color from blossoming fruit and nut trees—be sure to drive with the windows down, taking in the scent of fresh cherries, plums, and peaches. While it’s on the shorter end of California road trips, plan to stop often.

Kick things off in Fresno with a visit to the Vineyard Farmers’ Market (Wednesdays and Saturdays) to get a taste of the fresh fruit that will line your drive. Next, head to the Forestiere Underground Gardens for one of the area’s unique attractions. This hand-dug maze of courtyards and rooms was mapped and built by an Italian immigrant, Baldassare Forestiere, looking to stay cool during the summertime.

After exploring Fresno, hop in the car and start heading out of the city, first stopping at Simonian Farms , a massive fruit stand—and home to a model Old West town—that’s been managed by the same family for five generations. Continuing west, you’ll also hit the scenic town of Sanger with its hefty roster of wineries.

Keep heading west to Orange Cove, a town known for its citrus, with an optional stop to walk around the quaint downtown area in Reedley. Explore the region’s Swedish roots by admiring the Nordic architecture in Kingsburg, including a water tower modeled after a Swedish coffee pot, and pay a visit to the Sun-Maid raisin market (and the world’s largest raisin box).

The last stop, Clovis, isn’t far from where you started. It’s a haven for antique enthusiasts, who won’t want to miss exploring the town’s memorabilia shops and 6,000-square-foot antique mall.

8. Central Highlights

Napa and Sonoma aren’t the only great wine regions of California: Paso Robles is worth a visit too.

Photo by Shutterstock

• Distance: 185 miles
• Start: Carmel-by-the-Sea
• End: Paso Robles
• Recommended time: Four days

Can’t decide between a nature or food-filled adventure for your road trip itinerary? Then hop in your car and tackle the Central Coast and San Luis Obispo County for a route that marries several of California’s best attractions: food, wine, and stunning ocean views.

Start in Carmel-by-the-Sea with a visit to 17-Mile Drive, a scenic road along the coast between Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach before following Highway 1 south to Big Sur (being mindful of road closures; it’s currently closed southbound until July 14, 2023). Among the area’s many attractions and landmarks, be sure to make a pit stop for McWay Falls, a waterfall that flows into the Pacific Ocean, Rocky Creek Bridge, and Calla Lily Valley—if you’re traveling between late January and April, you’ll find thousands of blooms overlooking the ocean here.

After admiring Big Sur’s natural attractions, drive south to San Simeon (if the road is open) stopping at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery for some seal spotting along the way. This is where you’ll find Hearst Castle, which was once home to publisher William Randolph Hearst and hosted a revolving door of celebrities in the 1920s. Make sure to visit the nearby Hearst Ranch Winery . After, continue on toward Cambria to settle in town for the night—we recommend booking a room at Oceanpoint Ranch.

Farther south, stop to take in the views of sand dunes along the coast at Morro Bay before turning inland for lunch in San Luis Obispo. Next, drive north for some winetasting in Paso Robles, where producers like Opolo , Tablas Creek , and Calcareous Vineyard make the most of the region’s chalky soil. Don’t miss Tin City , a collection of industrial buildings that house local winemakers, brewers, and distilleries, before turning in for the night at luxurious, boutique property Hotel Cheval .

You’ll end the road trip by making the drive back to San Francisco or Los Angeles—just make sure to factor in lots of pit stops for snacks and taking in the views.

Southern California road trips

The stylish cabins at Noble + Proper are an ideal place to spend a night (or two) after ending your road trip in Big Bear.

Jenny Siegwart

9. Rim of the World Scenic Byway (State Highway 18)

• Distance: 117 miles
• Start: Cajon Pass
• End: Big Bear

When most people think of Southern California, they think of beaches. But the lower half of the state has just as much stunning mountain scenery as its other half. For visitors who want to spend most of their vacation frolicking in the sand, but also want some mountain air, the relatively short Rim of the World Scenic Byway offers an easy weekend getaway to the rockier terrain of the Inland Empire. State Highway 18 officially begins at the Cajon Pass, about an hour outside Los Angeles on Highway 138. The route heads east, passing small mountain towns and following cliff edges and skirting the peaks of the San Bernadino Mountains, which are sometimes called the “Alps of Southern California.” Take a slight detour onto route 173 to visit Lake Arrowhead, a popular escape for Angelinos, who head up to camp, hike, and ride the Lake Arrowhead Queen steamboat , and more. You can even hike a section of the Pacific Crest Trail here. Back on Highway 18, at the town of Running Springs, you can take a quick, five-mile side trip up to Keller Peak Fire Lookout, where on a clear day, you might be able to spot the Pacific Ocean.

Finally, Highway 18 follows the edge of Big Bear Lake to the town of Big Bear. Book into a cabin at stylish mountain retreat, Noble + Proper , and enjoy the area’s hiking and water sports in the summer or snow sports in the winter.

Some of California’s most distinctive scenery isn’t along the coasts, it’s in Joshua Tree National Park and other desert areas.

Photo by Lisa Corson

10. The Desert Drive

• Distance: 290 miles
• Start: San Diego
• End: Joshua Tree National Park
• Recommended time: Five to seven days

Plenty of travelers make the trip from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park to marvel at its spiky namesake trees. But many think of Joshua Tree as a destination and miss out on all the beautiful and sometimes quirky things the deserts of Southern California have to offer along the way. In fact, you should really spend a full five days exploring the rock formations, wildflower meadows, art installations, and architectural hot spots of this region.

Starting in San Diego, point your car northeast on Highway 163 to Highway 78 heading toward Anza-Borrego Desert State Park , famous for its wildflower super blooms in the springtime. But even when the flowers aren’t blooming, the landscape is striking, with its badlands, slot canyons, and cactus forests. Near the park entrance, keep an eye out for the 130-foot prehistoric animal sculptures created by Ricardo Breceda .

Once you’ve explored the park, you can either head north on Highway 79 and cut through Anza en route to Palm Springs —the drive through wooded Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument is a nice break from the desert sun—or continue on Palm Canyon Drive toward the dying Salton Sea . Admittedly not the most scenic part of this drive, the Salton Sea is fascinating nonetheless: It’s one of the world’s largest inland seas and is rapidly drying up. Skirt the southside of the body of water, then make your way toward Slab City, an abandoned Navy base that’s become an off-grid living community, and the massive, hand-built and brightly painted art piece Salvation Mountain , just outside.

From Slab City, take Highway 111 north to Palm Springs, an oasis of midcentury modern architecture (which you can learn more about at the Palm Springs Art Museum ) that’s home to plenty of pools that provide respite from the heat. From Palm Springs, follow Highway 10 to Pioneer Town for a drink or a meal or maybe a concert at the famous saloon Pappy and Harriet’s , just outside of Joshua Tree Park. The area has long attracted artists and bohemian types, so while there’s ample natural scenery to enjoy, such as Jumbo Rocks or Skull Rock, you can visit local art galleries, the Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum , and the Integratron Sound Bath too.

More: The Best Places to Eat, Stay, and Hike in Joshua Tree, California

This story was originally published in 2020. It was most recently updated on April 21, 2023. Erika Owen contributed to the reporting of this story.

The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary

Written By: The Planet D

Road Trips , United States

Updated On: February 8, 2024

This California road trip itinerary will take you along incredible the famous Pacific Coast highway, through deserts, and around lakes and mountains. It is one of the most diverse road trips you can take in the United States.

We have personally driven these roads and highways on different road trips in California and we visited all the sights recommended. This two week itinerary can easily be mixed and matched to create different California road trips as long or short as you like.

California Road Trip Itinerary

Make sure to download your Pacific Coast highway Self Drive tour before embarking on your California road trip. Explore the California Coast at your own pace as you follow the app to discover monuments, towns, and points of interest along the route. It will track your route and play automatically to tell you about your stops as you drive from Monterey to Pismo Beach.

Table of Contents

California Road Trip Map

1. San Francisco – 2 Days

We’ve planned the initial stage of our California road trip itinerary from San Francisco . It is easy to fly into from all major hubs and car rentals can be picked up directly at the airport. Plus, traffic in San Francisco isn’t as congested as it is in Los Angeles making it the perfect start for any California road trip itinerary.

Spending two days in San Francisco will give you the chance to see all the iconic sites like the incredible Golden Gate Bridge before moving South. We have an excellent 72 hours in San Francisco guide where you can plan your entire stay in San Francisco .

• Tip: When we visited San Francisco for the first time, we bought a  City Pass  and explored all the neighborhoods by bus. It was a great way to get acquainted with the layout of the city and have the option to hop on and hop off whenever we wanted with a 24 or 48-hour pass.
• Click here to search all the car rental agencies and get the best price for your California Road Trip!

Things to do in San Francisco

• San Francisco Cable Car
• Golden Gate Park – one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge
• The Painted Ladies – made famous by Full House
• Hippie district of Haight Ashbury and China Town
• Palace of the arts
• See our complete guide to the Best Hikes in San Francisco

Make sure to get out on the Bay to see the city when in San Francisco, this Golden Gate Bay Cruise let’s you see many of San Francisco’s top attractions. You’ll cruise along the waterfront, sail under the Golden Gate Bay Bridge, go around Alcatraz and see the former hippy enclave of Sausalito. Whatch for marine life such as sea lions, dolphins and whales as you cruise the Marin Headlands wildlife reserves.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

For first-time visitors to San Francisco, we suggest staying near Fisherman’s Wharf. You will be close to all the iconic places in the city.

• Luxury: Argonaut Hotel – A 4-star hotel located next to the SF Maritime National Historic Park for about $300 per night. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
• Mid-Range: Pier 2620 Hotel – This eco-friendly hotel is close to the beach. It is a new and modern design, with a fitness center. $200 per night TripAdvisor / Booking.com
• Budget: Hotel Zephyr – This boutique has nautical-themed rooms, central, near Pier 39, Lombard Street, and Ghirardelli Square. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
• Read our full guide for San Francisco Neighborhoods and Accommodation Where to Stay in San Francisco 

2. Monterey / Carmel By the Sea – 1 Day

Drive just 2 hours and 45 minutes from San Francisco to Monterrey

After leaving San Francisco, we make our way down the Pacific Coast Highway to Monterey. You can stay either stay in Monterey or Carmel by the Sea. Monterey and Carmel by the Sea are only 10 minutes from each other. We stayed at Carmel by the Sea and it was a great location to get around Big Sur.

When visiting Monterey, you’ll want to get out on the water as it is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. This Monterey Bay tour departs from Old Fisherman’s Wharf to set sail for some whale watching. You’ll see Californian Sea Lions basking in the harbor as you pass Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. 

Things to See and Do

• Cycling 17 Mile Drive – If there is one thing to do in Carmel before moving on, you must take a tour of 17-Mile Drive. We had a blast on e-Bikes with Big Sur Adventures . Read about our full experience at 17-Mile Drive – California’s Most Scenic Drive. 
• Cannery Row – The Historic Cannery Row has been transformed from old warehouses to colorful buildings lining the waterfront filled with eateries and shops.
• Monterey Aquarium – The Monterey Aquarium is the centerpiece of the city where they study the waters of Monterey Bay and tackle the oceans health problems.
• Kayaking Monterey Bay – Don’t miss getting on the water in Monterey. We highly recommend taking a kayaking tour of Monterey Bay with Adventures by the Sea to view sea otters and sea lions.
• Surfing Carmel – Beginners will love the easy break and sandy shallow waters of Carmel Bay. We spent the morning taking a lesson with the Carmel Surf Company

Hotels and AirBnBs in Monterrey

The Hideaway – Centrally Located on Juniper Street, a short walk to restaurants, and just a few blocks from the beach. This luxury boutique hotel has in-room fireplaces and offers a modern design. TripAdvisor / Booking.com

Suggested Place to Eat – La Belana Cucina Toscana takes you straight to the heart of Tuscany with a traditional setting. Sit outside on the heated patio and enjoy a fresh farm to table menu drizzled in olive oil and truffles.

4. Big Sur – 1 Day

Continue down the Pacific Coast Highway 1 for an hour from Monterrey to Big Sur .

The Pacific Coast Highway is the Grand Dame of all California road trips. We suggest a minimum of 2 days exploring the coast along Big Sur. You can easily keep your base in Monterey to explore these sights.

A great compliment to your Big Sur road trip is to download this Pacific Coast Highway Self Drive tour. The app showcases the top scenic stops and views from Monterey to Pismo Beach. It tracks your route and the audio guide plays commentary to tell you stories and suggest points of interest. On this leg, you’ll see places like Garrapata State Park, Pfeiffer Canyon, McWay Falls, and the Bixby Bridge.

Considered by many the world’s most scenic drives, The Big Sur portion of California Coastal Drive on Highway 1 is a must for any road trip lover. In our opinion, all California road trips should include this leg as there are so many gorgeous stops from sea cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Things to See in Big Sur

• Bixby Bridge – Don’t miss stopping at the Bixby Bridge. Made famous by many a film and TV Show (most recently Big Little Lies . Tip : Go for sunrise no tourists were there at all when we were up before dawn.
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – This a good place to go for hikes and walk along the trails. It’s most famous for the McWay Waterfalls and offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
• Pfeiffer Beach – One of the best beaches on the route. Pfeiffer Beach is a bit of a drive off the main highway down a narrow and bumpy road, so it attracts fewer tourists than other viewpoints on Highway 1. Check out: 24 Of The Best Beaches in California
• Garrapata State Park – Hiking trails along the coast, Karst formations, sea arches, and jagged rocks make for extraordinary views of a rugged coastal landscape at Garrapata State Park. For a complete breakdown of photography stops with GPS Co-ordinates visit our Photography Guide to Big Sur

Where to Stay in Big Sur – Ventana Resort

When exploring Big Sur we made a home base at Ventana Resort and spent two days exploring the surrounding area. We spent one night in  their glamping tents  and one night in a luxurious suite overlooking the ocean. Ventana is the perfect base for exploring Big Sur as it’s in the heart of everything.

Check out our guide to The Best Places to Camp in Big Sur

Where to eat in Big Sur

• The Sur House – Located at  Ventana Big Sur , The Sur House is an upscale dining establishment using locally sourced cuisine created by Executive Chef, Paul Corsentino. $90 Fix menu offers a divine three-course meal. Location: 48123 Highway 1
• Big Sur River Inn – The  Big Sur River Inn  was the first hotel and restaurant in the area. Enjoy the photographs from a bygone era dating back to 1932.
• Nepenthe – Open since 1949,  Nepenthe  is a staple of Big Sur attracting artists, poets, and travelers to its 800-foot sea cliff views. Location: 48510 Highway One
• Big Sur Roadhouse – This locally run eatery has a funky vibe with family-style seating. Designer Steve Justrich transformed the roadhouse into a unique design that they claim as homegrown modernism.

5. Coastal Highway Stops

This drive takes 3 hours from Big Sur to Santa Maria, but take you time to see all the sights.

We continue down the coast from Big Sur to the charming town of Santa Maria, which is one of our favorite California road trip stops. Be sure to give ample time for breaks on this route. There is still a lot more to see on this portion of the California Coast and you can easily spend a day exploring the sites as you make your way to your next overnight stop. 

• Hearst Castle – Built by San Simeon, this incredible estate was built on 127 acres on a hill overlooking San Simeon. Pop in for a tour of America’s castle before driving on to spend the night in the lovely town of Santa Maria.
• Morrow Bay – Another beautiful beach, Morrow Bay’s main attraction is Morrow Rock, a 180-meter tall volcanic plug standing proud offshore.
• Pismo Beach is another place to stop if you still have time before spending the night in Santa Maria.

6. Santa Maria – 1 Day

So it is a good time to park your car and get out to explore the nearby vineyards for a proper “Sideways” wine tour experience. We have it as one day on your California road trip itinerary, but if you can spend two days here, we recommend it.

Things to do in Santa Maria

• Wine Tours – There are several vineyards to choose. Hire a private car through Gold Coast Executive Transportation to take you on a wine tour. We had an amazing time touring Wine Caves of  Cottonwood Canyon .
• Dune Buggy Adventure – To explore even more of the highest dunes in the world, go on a Dune Buggy adventure with  Steve’s ATV Rentals, 332 Pier Ave. Oceano.  Get in a dune buggy and hit the dunes.
• Hidden Hollywood – Don’t miss this very cool Hidden Hollywood at the Dunes Center museum in Guadalupe Cecil B. Demille created an entire set of the pyramids of Egypt in the middle of the California Sand Dunes. He didn’t want anyone to use his set again, so he buried it in the desert and didn’t tell anyone where it was. It was nearly forgotten by everyone, until the 1990s when the director, Peter Brosnan decided to search for the hidden city.

Hotels and AirBnBs in Santa Maria

Check in to the historic Santa Maria Inn in the center of town. It has been a staple in Santa Maria since 1917. Be sure to peruse the halls to see legendary movie stars that have stayed here.

• Santa Maria Style Barbecue – If you want to try authentic Santa Maria Style Barbecue, go to Far Western Tavern Tavern in Orcutt.

7. Santa Barbara – 1 Day

Today we drive a short distance of just 1 hour from Santa Maria

Continuing on through wine country and making our way through our California road trip itinerary, we arrive in Santa Barbara for a night before stopping in Los Angeles.

Santa Barbara is considered one of the world’s most beautiful wine regions with nine different wine routes to explore. It is a popular escape from Los Angeles, and there are many things to do here.

Things to do in Santa Barbara

• Sunset Sail – We suggest a sailing trip to enjoy the beautiful sunset and the California Coast followed by dinner on a patio by the waterfront.
• Stearns Wharf – Historic deep-water pier dating back to 1871.
• Shopping – Santa Barbara is all about the upscale experience, stroll the Spanish style shops lining State Street.
• Museums – Check out the many museums. The Museum of Art, MOXI – The Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation and Museum of Natural History and the Sea Center.

Santa Barbara Hotels and AirBnBs

We stayed at the luxurious Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara. This estate is the perfect place to relax after all that driving.

8. Los Angeles – 2 Days

It’s an hour and a half to Los Angeles so you can start enjoying the city immediately

Click here for map CA coast

We’ve come to the next metropolis on our California Road Trip and it is time to explore L.A. Los Angeles is a good place to start for southern California road trips. Who doesn’t love Los Angeles? There are so many things to do in LA , that you could have your entire California road trip right here.

Things to do in Los Angeles

The possibilities are endless for sightseeing in L.A. so you can decide how long you want to stay here. From Universal Studios and Disneyland to hiking up to see the Hollywood sign or follow the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You must get out to see the beaches of Los Angeles. Our favorite beach is Manhattan Beach where you can see the famous 90210 beach house. But everyone loves popping over to Venice Beach too. I hope you’ve rented a nice car to drive along Rodeo Drive but if not, don’t worry, you’ll fit right in with the Bohemian atmosphere of Venice Beach. Read 25 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles – Hollywood, Hikes, And More

• Note: You seriously need a car to explore L.A. It is spread out and it was made for driving.
• Check out our post: Where to Stay in Los Angeles – 4 Hotels to Make You Feel Like a Star. 

Option: Continue to San Diego – Or Turn North

From Los Angeles you can continue south to San Diego or start heading north to make your way back to San Francisco.

• The Best Things to Do in San Diego – A Local’s Guide to the City
• Where To Stay In San Diego – The Best Neighborhoods & Areas

For our road trip, we turned north up towards the National Parks .

9. Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

From Los Angeles we drive two hours to the iconic Joshua Tree National Park .

Get the link to this portion of your road trip ideas in California.

Joshua Tree National Park is where two deserts meet: The Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert. There are lookout points and there’s even a cactus garden. You can camp overnight in Joshua Tree and there’s also rock climbing. It’s one of the premier places on earth for bouldering. We only suggest spending a day here on this California Road Trip Itinerary, but if you have more time, put a tent in the back of your car and spend a couple of days hiking Joshua Tree and exploring more of California

10. Death Valley National Park

It takes about 2 hours to drive through non stop

If you are planning a California road trip, you must try to include a day driving through Death Valley. It’s very hot, dry, and it’s a beautiful drive, but this portion of your California road trips planner should involve some precautionary steps. The average temperature is 48 degrees Celcius. (120F) Luckily there are enough stops at viewpoints along the road that keep you from having to trek too far for viewing in the heat.

• Safety in Death Valley : Pack plenty of water, cover-up, and wear sunscreen.
• Get the Google maps of  road trips California with a detour to Vegas .

11. Yosemite National Park – 2 Days

From Death Valley we drive 7 hours to Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the Big 3 National Parks in the USA and it did not disappoint. It is where the legendary photographer Ansel Adams set up shop and took some of the most recognizable nature photographs of all time.

Things to See in Yosemite

Yosemite has all those iconic formations that you’ve all heard of like “The Nose” and “El Capitan”. Here you’ll find Bridalveil Falls, and the famous Tunnel View Lookout. Glacier Point is another not-to-miss stop. It’s also a place for adventurers to get out an enjoy nature. There are so many hiking trails you will need days to complete them all. Read more at Things to do in Yosemite National Park

En route to Yosemite, be sure to stop at Sequoia National Forest. We combined our stay in Yosemite with seeing the sequoias as they are less than an hour away. A highlight for us was taking the park tour to see the Grand Sequoia Trees of Mariposa Grove. It is a bit of a drive from Yosemite, but hey, you’re on a road trip so it’s right up your alley!

When booking accommodation in Yosemite, plan in advance. During high season, things sell out fast! Curry Village has a range of canvas tents and wooden cabins plus hotel rooms. Accommodation range from basic tents with shared bathrooms to private hotel rooms with bathrooms. Check out TripAdvisor for prices .

• Yosemite Valley Lodge is a great location to make a base in Yosemite. There’s free parking, free Internet and a pool. Read more: Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

12. Lake Tahoe – 2 Days

From Yosemite it is 2 hours and 30 minutes to Tahoe.

There are two major tourist areas to make a base in both South and North Lake Tahoe. The south is certainly the busier of the two sides of the lake with casinos, nightclubs and lots of people. While the north side of the lake is all about nature, quiet family run lodges and rugged and historic ski hills, the South sits directly on the Nevada border and feels kitschy and commercial.

Things to do in Lake Tahoe

• Scenic Drive – The best views most certainly happen when driving between South and North Tahoe via Emerald Bay State Park. It takes an entire day to really explore the lake and you must give a lot of time for sightseeing at Emerald Bay.
• Emera l d Bay State Park – Emerald Bay has several different scenic stops and each one is a must! When you pull over, be sure to get out of your car and hike to the viewpoints. They get more spectacular with each turn! Hike down to the bay and see the famous Vikingsholm Castle or go on a lake cruise.
• Camp Richardson – If you are up for more hiking, there are trails all around Camp Richardson that are less steep than the hike down from Emerald Bay. They also offer hotel and cabins for lodging.
• Skiing – Sugar Bowl Ski Resort is the closest skiing to San Francisco and receives the most snowfall out of all the hills in California. After driving up the long and winding road, we stopped for a magnificent view of Donner Lake. North Star offers the luxury end of the spectrum of skiing with the only slope-side five-star lodging in the area, and don’t forget Mt.Rose offering Tahoe’s Highest Base elevation. Heavenly Mountain located in South Tahoe.
• Read Things to do in Lake Tahoe in Winter

Hotels and AirBnBs in Lake Tahoe

• There are plenty of lodging options in North Lake Tahoe and a good stay for families would definitely be our lodge at Cedar Crest Cottages .
• Sunnyside Resort is a welcoming resort located on the Shore of Lake Tahoe. Your stay includes continental breakfast and afternoon tea.

Where to Eat – We loved our meal and the friendly staff at  Sunnyside Restaurant and Resort  located at 1850 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City. It has been a Sunnyside tradition since 1965.

13. Sacramento – Bonus Night

It’s about a five-hour drive from Lake Tahoe to San Francisco, so if you want to split up the 5-hour drive we suggest stopping in Sacramento . Even if it’s not on your California road trip itinerary from the start, it’s worth the time to see all of this history. The state capital of California is worth a visit even if you only see the historic downtown landmark of Old Sacramento. This 28-acre district is filled with old town saloons and bars taking you back to the 1800s.

Where to Stay in Sacramento

A great place to stay is  The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel  that is just a short 15-minute walk from Old Town. This new upscale hotel is located in the heart of Sacramento overlooking the Golden 1 Center, home of the Sacramento Kings.

How much does it cost to Road Trip in California?

As you’ve seen, your California road trip itinerary can move in a lot of different directions. There were a lot of stops we didn’t even make because this state is so enormous. As such, the cost can vary greatly depending on lodging.

Accommodation – If you stay in a campground you will pay $35 per night but you can also spend up to $1000 per night in luxury lodges like Ventana in Big Sur or the Four Seasons in Santa Barbara.

This road trip is 1500 miles in total . If the average car gets 20 miles per gallon and the average cost of fuel is $3.50 per gallon, you can expect to pay $262 in fuel for this trip.

Meals too can have a broad range. If you want a multicourse meal at some of the luxury hotels, you can spend up to $200. but you can also hit roadside diners for $20. We mixed and matched packing lunches, eating in diners and sometimes splurging on gourmet meals. We suggest you do the same to make the most of your trip.

If you can get breakfasts included and pack sandwiches and waters for lunch, you have just saved a lot of money for a romantic dinner out.

Full Map of Our Road Trip in California

Whatever route you choose, you will go through some of the best  scenery in all of California . We hope to have given enough information to create your own tour by offering these California road trip ideas.

You have now completed the route and can make your way back to The San Francisco Bay area to return your rental car. Or feel free to stick around California. There are so many places to visit , you can spend months exploring.

Did you enjoy this California Trip Planner? Why not pin it to use as a reference for future road trips.

And that ladies and gentlemen are our picks for the best road trips California has to offer. So, now you are ready to hit the road with a solid plan of all the things to do in California!

To see our full itinerary through California check out  Follow ThePlanetD from Oceans to Mountains  on the Visit California Website.

• Things to do in Napa Valley
• 16 Best Cities in California
• 27 Best Beaches in California
• 15 Best Hikes in California – Inspiration to Get Outdoors

You may also like these other great road trips:

• 25 of The Best Road Trips in the World – That We’ve Taken
• 13 of the Best Canadian Road Trips – That We’ve Done
• Arizona Road Trip – The Ultimate 10 Day Itinerary
• Dempster Highway Road Trip – Yes You Can Drive to the Arctic
• The Cowboy Trail – A Southern Alberta Road Trip
• Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Alberta

Our trip to California was in partnership with Visit California. For more information on California travel and itineraries,  visit their website. As usual, all opinions are our own.

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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49 thoughts on “The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary”

Wow, what a great itinerary! I remember my California road trip like it was yesterday – an unforgettable experience. Starting in San Francisco was a smart choice – it’s such a diverse city with so much to see and do. I couldn’t get enough of the panoramic views from Golden Gate Park! And that City Pass was definitely a worthwhile investment. Made getting around the city super convenient. The drive along the Pacific Coast Highway was absolutely stunning. It’s a journey I think everyone should experience at least once. For anyone planning this road trip, don’t rush it! Take your time and really soak in the breathtaking views. It’s worth every second.

Oh wow! This is a great itinerary. Super detailed – thank you. We love California.

Thank You for sharing! This detail very use full for me!

This is really an ultimate road trip! I live in CA and have done so much of this but only little bits at a time. Beautiful photos!

This California road trip is really amazing and very useful for road trippers. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks Sharon, I’m glad we could help! And have a great road trip! When do you leave for California?

This is incredible and you travel photography is totally shocking! In spite of the fact that I live in California, there are a few places on your excursion that I haven’t visited at this point! I’m anticipating getting to Lake Tahoe and Death Valley sooner rather than later! A debt of gratitude is in order for sharing!

You are going to love Lake Tahoe. In the winter it’s a great destination. They really have it figured out as a four season destination. Make sure to bring plenty of water for Death Valley. I am sure you are used to the heat, but we were amazed with how hot it actually was.

Santa Barbara, California is a nice place to vacation and travel to often.

Santa Barbara is gorgeous. I’ve always wanted to go there since the soap opera called Santa Barbara. It didn’t disappoint.

I’m looking forward to getting to Lake Tahoe and Death Valley in the near future! Thanks for sharing!

Enjoy! They are two great and very different locations.

Super detailed – thank you!

Thanks, I’m glad we could help!

This is a great itinerary! There is so much to see in California. I have been creating CA road trip itineraries for 4 years of different duration and covering various interests. I currently have 35 and counting on my blog.

Oh wow! There are so many places to see in California, it really does take years. This road trip planner is from several different trips we’ve taken as well. It would be a dream to do it all again at one time!

I could not agree with you more about California being one of (if not the) best destinations for a road trip. Have you ever thought of renting a campervan to make the trip? It really makes the trip all the more immersive when you can stop and sleep right in the middle of it instead of having to venture off the beaten path to find lodging. And in most cases, you can do that in Cali. I recommend Travellers-Autobarn for an awesome campervan rental. They have locations in San Francisco and LA. I put their link in the website field. Happy Trails!

A campervan would be amazing. We love camping and meeting people on the road and we find that campgrounds are so much fun. Thanks for the tip!

Good to see wonderful snapshot of California and California road trip itinerary.

Thank you for sharing with us.

Great guide. Brings back so many California road trip memories. Planning one now with kids in tow!

Thanks! We love California

California is just amazing and blog was so informative about the Joshua Tree,Los angles ,South Lake Tahoe,Yosemite,Death Valley i love these kinda places actually nice write-up thanks or posting!

This post made me move towards road trip to California. Incredible post along with awesome photograph which is central attraction of the blog. Reading this post made my day. I wish I could travel like you without any worry of time.

Appreciate it for your great effort that made my day with motivation.

I hope you get the chance to road trip in California. We also have a photography guide to Big Sur with all the GPS coordinates so you can make the most of yoru trip. https://theplanetd.com/visual-guide-to-big-sur-coastal-drive-california/

A California road trip has been on the top of my travel bucket list for so long and this post hasn’t changed my mind. I’ve been to both LA and SF but would love to see all the amazing scenery in between.

Two great locations! You already have a great start to your road trip? Where would you like to go next?

This post makes me want to move home and go on a road trip! Thanks for giving me so many places to book mark. Can’t want to visit Cali again now!

Lucky you being from California. It is one of the greatest states in our opinion 🙂

Yes indeed it is great

This is great and you photography is absolutely stunning! Although I live in California, there are several places on your road trip that I haven’t visited yet! I’m looking forward to getting to Lake Tahoe and Death Valley in the near future! Thanks for sharing!

Wow, that is a serious road trip, filled with so many gorgeous things! When I was growing up, we did the Highway 1 trip several times, and I have so many great memories of it. This route takes you to all kinds of places I am yet to explore! Love it!

This is some great advice for our upcoming trip. I’m currently planning a road trip from San Francisco, so this is super helpful! Beautiful pictures you captured. Thank you so much for sharing this post.

I just want to tell that your photographs are really very inspiring and they just got me. I wanted to meander in the streets of this state. Thank you for taking us on this part.

Okay … just read over all the comments and I see a lot of people don’t care for Las Vegas. Fair enough. Please don’t right the whole city off as wasteful and uncaring for the environment. I’d ask you to please be open minded and learn more about our city before jumping to that conclusion. There’s more to Las Vegas than the four miles people know as the Strip.

Get in touch regarding Las Vegas and anything you want to know about the Southwest. I’ve lived in Vegas for five years and know the Southwest well. Would love to chat about your plans and provide recommendations/answer questions. You know where to find me!

We’ve been living in the bay area our whole lives and still haven’t done this route. SF direct to LA yes, but not this kind. Sounds like an adventure! I heard you two were at a Travel Massive event in SF late last year no? It was at a beer shop I believe. We were there too!

Hi. That trip sounds amazing. I’ve actually been to all those places on a Trek America tour. Alcatraz is a must see, there is plenty to do in Vegas without gambling and if you get the chance to take a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon do it because the views are to die for. You’ll have a blast! l look forward to reading about it.

You guys are going to have such a great trip! I’m from the SF area, went to college in LA and spent several summers on family backpacking trips in Yosemite, so I have to admit I’m actually a little jealous. Enjoy it extra for me, please!

Too bad you will be missing Lake Tahoe! One of the most beautiful places in the country! You definitely have to plan a trip to visit here at some point 🙂

Did a similar road trip last year and Cam is right, you need to stop by Sequoia National Park and see the General Sherman Tree (it’s basically on the way from Yosemite to Bakersfield!). With that said, still looks like tons of fun and I’m sure it’ll be a blast!

Thanks for the report : ) We will be doing about the saem route in September: Denver-Ouray-Arches-Bryce-Zion-Grand Canyon-Las Vegas-Death Valley-Mammoth Lakes-Yosemite-SFO 🙂

— Anton Way Any Way – Airfare search done right http://www.wayanyway.com

Sounds like a lot of fun. I’ve always wanted to do a west coast road trip. I have driven from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas, and I definitely did not spend enough time at the Grand Canyon. Las Vegas is fun, and as for shows any Cirque du Soleil show will be a good bet. I saw O which was fantastic.

Seriously–you are driving right by some really amazing places with no time to stop. You have to add several more days and visit Sequoia National Park (world’s largest trees), and Death Valley National Park.They are both incredible! Las Vegas is soulless and weird and there’s nothing to do if you don’t like gambling (my friend Jane who lives there slaps me every time I say that–well, not really, but I can tell she wants to). Replace your time in Las Vegas with time in Sedona, Arizona, about an hour’s drive south of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Plus, Zion isn’t all that far from Bryce Canyon National Park, which is way better! How’s that for unsolicited advice!

If you want to get out of California, these are all great suggestions. We need a year to really visit California and all the great States that Surround it.

Wha?! You’ve never been to Vegas…? Looks like a fun road trip, we’ve done a couple Californian road trips but we’ve never made it to Utah or Arizona. We originally planned to due a Utah, AZ, NV, CO road trip combined with TBEX this year, but Baby B is not a fan of long car trips, so that ones on the shelf for a few years

What a great route, including some mind-blowing scenery. Don’t spend too long in Vegas. We were disgusted by the excess and waste also. A sidetrip to the Hoover Dam would be an eye-opener as to just how much water is being sucked up. The water of Lake Mead will be so low by 2017 that they dam may not be able to produce any power.

Whoa! I met Felipe from Twtvite in Berlin last summer. Cool guy! Sounds like the road trip will be a blast. Zion National Park is amazing!

You’re not doing Highway 1 at all????

That’s by far one of my favourite road trips, between SF and LA!

Thanks for your great and motivating article.

The Best California Road Trip Itineraries: 13 Grand Adventures

California is built for road trips. We’ve got 163,000 square miles of mountains, desert, redwood forest, beaches and pastoral landscapes. And while driving the Pacific Coast Highway or doing a lap of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are popular (more on them below), there are a whole lot of other backroads and coastal drives that await you.

So, we’ve compiled our favorite baker’s dozen of California road trip itineraries. These CA road trip ideas cover the whole state, north, south, east and west and all of them promise stunning landscapes and epic adventures.

(This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase, I’ll make a small commission.)

• Our 13 Fave California Road Trip Itineraries

This CA road trip planner has a lot of detail. Each itinerary has mileage info and suggested number of days along with a rough idea of which roads to take. We’re also suggesting some itinerary highlights, when to go and some top stays along the way.

We think you should read the whole thing, so that you can get itinerary ideas for multiple trips. But if you’re in a hurry, please use the table of contents to skip around to the areas which most peak your interest.

Pacific Coast Highway: SF to LA

Pacific coast highway: north coast, north coast redwoods, the central coast loop, napa/sonoma wine country drive, highway 49 gold country route, the lassen/shasta volcanic legacy highway.

• National Park Trifecta: Yosemite, King's Canyon and Sequoia National Parks

Highway 395 Eastern Sierra Drive

South coast beaches: la to san diego, california deserts loop: san diego to death valley, the best of the sierra nevada scenic drive, the best california road trip itinerary (in 2 weeks).

SCORE A RENTAL CAR DEAL

Make sure you get the best possible deal when renting a car. Compare across brands at Rentalcars.com . Or look for special member deals at Avis , Hertz , Budget or Enterprise .

• Start : San Francisco
• End : Los Angeles (you can do the reverse, but pullouts are easier to do north-to-south.)
• Miles : 460
• # of Days : 3-6
• Route : Highway 1 all the way down

The Pacific Coast Highway is America’s classic road trip and hand’s down the most popular California road trip itinerary. It actually runs the full length of California from the Oregon Border to San Diego. And we cover more sections of it in the North Coast and South Coast road trips below.

But the section from SF to LA is a fave Cali road trip for the sheer jaw-dropping scenery. If you need some convincing, check out our advice on why we think Big Sur is so worth it .

Just go ahead and bookmark our SF to LA PCH itinerary . It’s a 5-7 day slow roll down the coast which is optimized for epic coastal views, marine life, wine tasting and fun beaches.

On the northern section of the drive, key stops include whale watching in Monterey Bay, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the 17-mile drive through Carmel .

Once you hit Big Sur , our favorite stops include the Point Lobos State Park, Garrapata Beach, redwoods in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach (purple sand!), Sand Dollar Beach, the Piedras Blancas lighthouse , Hearst Castle and elephant seals at Ragged Point.

After Cambria, you can head inland for wine tasting in Paso Robles or stay on the coast road. You can visit quirky Harmony town , do some fun hikes and eat cookies in Cayucos , or take on some activities in Pismo Beach , like visiting Pismo’s best beaches or doing some Edna Valley wine tasting .

In the southern section of the hike, you can visit the quirky Solvang Danish town, do yet more wine tasting in Los Olivos and swing into Santa Barbara to visit the mission and art galleries. Then it’s a long roll down Highway 1 past some of Northern LA County’s prettiest beaches.

When to Do the PCH

Summer is the busiest time to visit Big Sur . And winter is very tricky because winter storms often close Highway 1 through Big Sur. We favor April/May or September-November for the finer weather and slower pace.

Notable Places to Stay on the PCH

The Hyatt Carmel Highlands is a 5-star splurge with killer views. For something more low-key amidst the redwoods, you can also rent glamping cabins in Big Sur . Get an ocean view (with free sunsets!) at the Vespera Marriott in Pismo Beach.

• End : Leggett
• Miles : 210
• # of Days : 3-5
• Route : Highway 1 all the way up

This northern section of the PCH is less popular than the Central California section, but it’s notable for its rugged coastline, Tule elk, some of our favorite northern California coastal towns . And if you’re thirsty, there’s no shortage of wine tasting throughout this region.

On the southern end of this road trip, notable stops include Muir Woods (reservations in advance are required), the Marin Headlands and dog-friendly Stinson Beach (one of our favorite CA hippie towns .)

In the mid section, Point Reyes National Seashore is worth at least a full day, with tons of hikes, Tule elk, elephant seals and the lovely cypress tunnel. There are also wine and cheese tasting rooms nearby. Cute Bodega Bay is worth a stop, as are the Sonoma Coast, Fort Ross and Salt Point State Parks.

There’s also a ton to do in and around Fort Bragg and Mendocino. Detour onto Highway 128 to visit the Anderson Valley vineyards and take a stroll through the Hendy Woods redwood groves. You can also find coast redwoods and a fern grove in Van Damme State Park , killer sunsets on the Mendocino Headlands, a quiet cove at Jug Handle beach and the skunk trail and rail bikes in Fort Bragg.

We are (arbitrarily) ending this routing in Leggett on Highway 101, but you can combine this California road trip plan with the one for the North Coast redwoods and do both as a loop.

When to Do the North Coast

This part of California receives a ton of rain between December and March. Any other months are fine and April/May and Sept/Oct are quieter times to go.

Notable Places to Stay on the North Coast

The Palace Hotel in SF is one of the city’s oldest and it offers afternoon tea in their stunning atrium lobby. For some oceanfront bathing, the Seamist cottage in Bodega Bay has an ocean front hot tup and the North Cliff hotel in Fort Bragg has ocean view bathtubs with a fireplace.

• End : Crescent City
• Miles : 355
• # of Days : 4-7 days
• Route : Highway 101/Highway 1 all the way up

This is one of our favorite California road trip itineraries for all of the forest bathing opportunities. California’s North Coast Redwoods can easily be done as a loop in conjunction with the coastal route just above. Or, if you are keen for some serious me-time in the trees, you can just focus on this particular itinerary.

This road trip covers 13 state parks, one national park and some whacky roadside attractions…all focused on Coast Redwoods. We have a very thorough redwoods road trip itinerary with a full FAQ, map, advice on the best time to visit the redwoods , and trip planning ideas.

But here are some of our favorite highlights: The Avenue of the Giants scenic drive in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the scenic Drury parkway drive in Prairie Redwoods State Park, the Roosevelt Elk in Prairie Redwoods, the wacky Trees of Mystery , the Lady Bird Johnson grove in Redwoods National park, and the groves and Boy Scout hike in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

Phew, that’s a lot of trees!

When to Do the North Coast Redwoods

Notable places to stay in the redwoods.

There aren’t a lot of fancy hotels in this part of California. You’ll want to look for cozy inns and places that give you forest or ocean views. You can go glamping in the woods near Trinidad, or at the Mendocino Grove , or lodge at the Lighthouse Inn in Crescent City is near Jedediah Smith and close to downtown restaurants and the actual lighthouse.

• Loop : Between Monterey and Santa Barbara
• Getting There : ~2 hours from LA to Santa Barbara or SF to Monterey
• Miles : 506
• #of Days : 3-5
• Route : Highway 1, Highway 101, Highway 33

Many folks just drive down Highway 1 through Big Sur, which is certainly worth the views and the beaches. But there are some really great things to see and do on the Central Coast’s interior.

This itinerary goes down (or up) the coast and then laps back, taking some little known scenic roads. This whole region has a chill vibe and you can use that to set a leisurely pace for your road trip.

Drive…stop at a beach…drive…stop for a walk…drive…have a long lunch…drive…do a wine tasting…wash rinse repeat.

All of the key stops that we noted on the PCH itinerary above are still relevant. But some of our favorite interior stops include: wine and olive oil tasting in Paso Robles , the San Luis Obisbo Mission, eating danish in Solvang, and the Carrizo Plain National Monument (if the spring flowers are blooming).

We also recommend taking a winding scenic drive through Los Padres National Forest. It goes from Ventacopa to Ojai on Highway 33. And for that matter, it’s really fun to wander around the wine country backroads in Paso Robles and Los Olivos. Even if you aren’t into wine, the countryside is really beautiful.

When to Do the Central Coast Loop

This route is really fun in the summer, after the June gloom fog clears. The Carizzo Plain often blooms in early April. And there are fall wine harvest festivals, which is a great time to visit Pismo Beach .

Notable Places to Stay in on the Central Coast

There’s the completely over the top Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, the Ojai Valley Inn (with spa!), and yet more glamping tents and trailers at the Flying Flag in Buellton (near Solvang).

• Start/End : Loop from San Francisco
• Mile s: 213
• # of Days : 3-4
• Route : Highway 101, Highway 29, Highway 128, Highway 116

Many people just go to either Napa or Sonoma and hang out in one spot for wine tasting. But it’s worth extending your wine country stay and doing a wider loop because you’ll find lovely country drives, state parks, fine cheeses and fun on the water.

This wine country drive is a loop which starts in SF, goes up Napa Valley and down through Healdsburg, with a side trip to Guerneville before heading down Sonoma Valley. If you want to go wine tasting, especially on a weekend, it’s best to get reservations in advance.

In Napa Valley, start by taking a wander around Napa’s downtown shopping and art district. The Oakville Grocery is a great place to pick up picnic provisions and you can do a mud bath in Calistoga. From there, branch off of Highway 128 and take the slow road to the Petrified Forest and Safari West, before heading into Healdsburg.

Healdsburg has a really cute downtown with galleries, boutiques and a great indy bookstore. Heading southwest on Westside road will take you along the Russian River and past the Armstrong Woods State Park (redwoods!) to quirky Guerneville . If it’s summer you can do a lazy river float along the Russian River, or take a cedar bath at the Osmosis Day Spa. Then head south to groovy Sebastopol where there are three dairy tasting rooms from the California Cheese Trail , Finally, heading back east, taking Highway 12 down Sonoma Valley.

Take a hike in the Trione Anondel State Park or visit the Jack London State Historic Park , then taste some yummy private label Jack London wine at the Kenwood Winery. Sonoma has the well-preserved Sonoma Mission, a chill downtown square and a couple more cheese stops.

When to Do the Napa/Sonoma Drive

This region gets a lot of rain in the winter. Which is not to say that you can’t visit during that time, but pay attention to the forecast. The fall is a fun time because of the wine harvest festivals. Any weekend from May to September is going to be very busy, so book ahead.

Notable Places to Stay in Napa/Sonoma

Go for some Buddhist vibes at Bann in Oak Knoll , Dr. Wilkinson’s spa is a quirky boutique motel with mud baths, Autocamp Russian River has the full glamping experience with luxury tents and Airstreams, or a historic ranch stay at the Beltane in Glen Ellen .

• Start : Mariposa
• End : Nevada City
• Miles : 186
• # of Days : 2-4
• Route : Highway 49 all the way up

By most measures, California’s economy is one of the largest in the world. And it all started when, in 1849, gold was found in them thar hills. This historic Highway 49 route, also known as the Golden Chain Highway, takes in some of California’s well-preserved gold rush history and it has a lot of fun activities for kids and history buffs.

The key on this itinerary is to take it slow and take advantage of the many historic markers and tiny little towns along the route. Start in Mariposa, which is also the western gateway to Yosemite National park. It also has a historic park with gold rush exhibits and one of the oldest (and loveliest) county courthouses in the state.

There’s another small county museum in Coulter and a nice vista along the Don Pedro reservoir. If you’re keen on covered bridges, you can take a detour to Knights Ferry. Otherwise continue to Jamestown for the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, and then through Sonora to the Columbia State Park. It’s an oldey timey gold rush town and living museum.

Take a side trip up Highway 4 to Calaveras Big Trees State Park for some Giant Sequoia trees. Then north to Indian Grinding Rock State Park and then the adorbs little town of Sutter Creek. If you are into wine, there are a lot of places to stop in the stretch between Sutter Creek and Placerville.

North of Placerville, you’ll find the Gold Bug Park and Mine and Sutter’s Mill, which is where gold was initially found. You’ll find the Empire Mine State Park near Grass Valley along with a cute historic downtown in Nevada City, before ending the trip at Malakoff Diggins State Park .

If you have extra time, stay on Highway 49 and then take the Gold Lake Highway scenic byway to Highway 395.

When to Do the Gold Country

Unless there have been heavy winter storms, you can do this drive any time of year. Although expect to find cold winter temps in some of the state parks and Nevada City.

Notable Places to Stay in Gold Country

Bed, breakfast and wine at the Hanford Inn in Sutter Creek. The National Exchange Hotel was built in the throes of the gold rush and it occupies a sweet spot in downtown Nevada City. Or you can go glamping at the Autocamp Midpines , which is just 5 miles from Mariposa.

• Start : Mount Shasta
• End : Lassen National Park
• Route : Highway 89

The official Volcanic Legacy Scenic Highway actually starts at Crater Lake and the full drive is 500 miles. But this alternative routing is shorter and takes in the best bits of the California section. On this drive, you get a lovely mix of volcanic geology, waterfalls and charming historic communities.

This part of northern California is not nearly as popular as places like Lake Tahoe or the PCH, so you can enjoy a relaxed pace and a strong dose of outdoorsy vibe with this itinerary.

Key stops include historic Dunsmuir, Weaverville Joss House State Park, Shasta State Historic Park, Burney Falls, Bumpass Hell hydrothermal pool, Devastated Area interpretive trail and Lake Almador.

When to Do the Lassen/Shasta Drive

Late May through late October. The waterfalls are best in spring, but the main road through Lassen is  closed in the winter .

National Park Trifecta: Yosemite, King’s Canyon and Sequoia National Parks

• Start : Three Rivers
• End : Groveland
• Miles : 276
• # of Days : 4-6
• Route : Generals Highway, Highway 180, Highway 41, Highway 120

This California road trip itinerary is optimized for sheer awe inspiring nature.

Sequoia National Park is famous for their giant Sequoia trees and Kings Canyon has conifer forest and the deepest canyon in North America. There’s a scenic route connecting the two parks. The Generals Highway covers the best-of Sequoia National Park and Highway 180 covers the best-of Kings Canyon, including the Giant Forest, Grant Grove, and trails to Mist Falls and Zumwalt Meadow.

Yosemite is California’s most popular national park, and for good reason. It presents the best of the Sierra Nevada mountain range with pine forests, giant Sequoia groves and soaring granite peaks.

Valley highlights include the Mariposa grove, Glacier Point overlook, Vernal Falls, Mirror Lake loop, and Yosemite falls. In the upper reaches, there’s the scenic drive over Tioga pass, tons of hikes and the Merced grove. Consider cribbing part of this SF to Yosemite itinerary if you’re also keen to add on some Gold Country.

When to Do the National Park Trifecta

Mid-spring through late fall is best. The parks are open throughout the year, but Tioga Pass and the higher elevations will be closed for snow. You can do Yosemite Valley in the winter , but keep an eye on the National Parks site for closures.

Notable Places to Stay on the Trifecta

The Ahwahnee is Yosemite’s historic inn and it has great views and lovely architecture. They Tenaya Lodge is located in the southern section of Yosemite, offering free park entrance and amenities for the kids. And Autocamp in Midpines is a cool glamping option near-ish to Yosemite Valley.

However you stay, even if it’s a modest motel, book early for these parks.

• Start : Bridgeport
• End : Lone Pine
• Miles : 147
• # of Days : 4-6 days
• Route : Highway 395

The Eastern Sierra doesn’t get as much love as the Western Sierra (and Yosemite), but there’s a lot there for people who like crazy geology, hot springs, ghost towns and sparsely populated forests.

This drive is a straight down (or up) Highway 395 and can easily be combined with a visit to Lake Tahoe, the higher elevations of Yosemite National Park or Death Valley. We’ve got a full 5 day Eastern Sierra itinerary along with detailed stay and play guides for both Bishop and Lone Pine .

Some highlights on this itinerary include: Mono Lake and its moonscape, Bodie Ghost Town State Historic Site, the June Lake Loop, Mammoth Lakes, the Devil’s Postpile National Monument, Convict Lake , Hot Creek Geologic site, the Laws Railroad Museum, Manazar National Historic site, and the Alabama Hills.

And if that isn’t enough for you, there are about 2 million acres of National Forest lands which feature alpine lakes, scenic canyon drives and more hiking and fishing than you’ll ever have time for.

When to Do the Highway 395 Drive

Unless you are a skier, winter is not a great time as many of the forest areas and Tioga Pass (via Yosemite) will be closed. Summer is a great time to visit, but it will be hot in the southern end. This is one of our favorite California road trip itineraries for October because the fall color is unbelievable.

Notable Places to Stay in the Eastern Sierra

Just for grins, you can rend a covered wagon at the Virginia Creek Settlement motel . And if you want to pick a central spot for your base, there are tons of condo rentals in Mammoth Lakes .

• Start /End: Los Angeles or San Diego
• Miles : 120
• Route : Highway 1, I-5, Coast Highway/El Camino Real

Forget Disneyland, the San Diego Zoo and the California Missions. This SoCal road trip itinerary is all about the shoreline. And there’s 120 sweet, sweet miles of it between the Los Angeles and San Diego airports.

For this road trip, be sure to override the Google mapping instructions. It will always steer you on the large freeways and this itinerary is best done on the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) and the slower surface roads.

Key stops in greater LA include: Manhattan Beach (stroll or bike The Strand), Huntington Beach (10 miles of uninterrupted sand), Newport Beach (electric Duffy Boat rentals), Catalina Island (old school beach resort) and Laguna Beach (Crystal Cove State Park), and Dana Point (whale watching).

Key stops in greater San Diego include: Carlsbad (spring ranunculus flowers), Encinitas (Moonlight Beach), Solana Beach (San Elijo Lagoon), Torrey Pines State Reserve, and La Jolla (sea lions and tide-pooling).

When to Do the South Coast Beaches

Try to avoid the May/June gloom season. Otherwise, go for it!

Notable Places to Stay in on the South Coast

Laguna Beach House , is a unique surf-themed ocean-front stay. The Hotel del Coronado is an old-school 130 year-old luxury resort hotel with historic architectural features and a prime spot on the beach. The Sea Bird is an oceanfront hotel in Oceanside, with a spa!

• Start/End : San Diego
• Miles : 822
• # of Days : 7-8
• Route : San Diego, Julian, Salton Sea/Bombay Beach, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, Kelso Dunes, Death Valley National Park, Ballarat, San Diego

This is one of the best winter California road trip itineraries for its vast open landscape. The southeastern California deserts include both the Sonoran and Mohave deserts. And what to some people is a whole lot of brown, to us is a surprisingly diverse ecosystem with a lot of subtle beauty.

And this lap from San Diego (or LA) shows off the best of CA’s deserts. This itinerary has a fun mix of forest, desert, weird geology and even offbeat art projects.

The first section includes Julian (apple cider and pies), Anza Borrego (hiking and metal sculptures), Slowjamistan (a weird micronation), the Slab City squatter community and the East Jesus art installation .

Center yourself in Palm Springs, taking in the mid-century vibe, palm oasis’ and a scenic lap around the Palms to Pines drive .

Spend at least a day in Joshua Tree (two is better), using our Joshua Tree hiking guide to prioritize which areas to explore, then head into Joshua Tree town for more quirky art projects.

Ignore the Google mapping instructions for how to get to Death Valley and instead, take the slow way to Death Valley via the Amboy Crater and Kelso Dunes. Then use our Death Valley visitor’s guide to plan your time there.

On the way back to San Diego, take the Trona Wildrose road out via Ridgecrest, stopping at Ballarat Death Valley Ghost town on the way out.

When to Do the California Deserts Loop

This whole region is volcanically hot in the summer. October to April is best and going between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is a very quiet time to be in the National Parks.

Notable Places to Stay on the California Deserts Loop

In Palm Springs, go for the Fleur Noire , a low-key spot with floral murals and rosé all day. Joshua Tree town has a ton of quirky trailers and cabins to rent , and the Inn at Death Valley is a fancy historic inn right in the heart of the park.

We’ve also got camping guides for Death Valley , info on hotels and motels in and near Death Valley , and also for Joshua Tree campgrounds .

The two CA road trip itineraries below combine several of the plans noted above into one larger itinerary.

• Start/End : Anywhere along the loop
• Miles : 900-1,000
• # of days : 12-14 days

Glue together the Yosemite/Sequoia, Highway 49 and Highway 395 road trips into one epic, mountain adventure. This itinerary does a full lap around the Sierra Nevada range, with Lake Tahoe at the north end and Lake Isabella at the south end.

After you finish up Highway 49, head over to Lake Tahoe, where you can do a scenic drive around Tahoe . Head over to Highway 395 via either historic Carson City or take Highway 88 over Monitor Pass.

Once you’ve lapped Highway 395, ignore the Google maps instructions and head back over to the western Sierra via Highway 178 and Lake Isabella.

When to Do the Best of the Sierra Nevada Scenic Drive

This drive is best done between late May and early November. You’ll avoid snowy road closures. For any portion of the trip that occurs on a weekend (especially in Yosemite and Tahoe), be sure to book lodging ahead.

• Start/End : San Francisco or LA
• Miles : ~1,000 miles
• # of Days : at least 14, more is better

This loop combines two of the most popular road trips in California: Yosemite/Sequoia and the Pacific Coast Highway from SF to LA.

You can do the drive in either direction, however we like doing the PCH from north-to-south as it’s easier for the scenic pullouts. Do not underestimate how much driving this is, so get an early start everyday and bake in some down time.

If you have extra days and want to spend some time in San Francisco, we have travel tips for SF first timers and a local’s guide to San Francisco .

If you don’t care to visit SF, just use Highway 152 to cut over from Yosemite directly to Monterey and start down Big Sur. If you don’t care to visit LA, head northeast from Ventura, on the scenic Highway 33 through the Los Padres National Forest to Ventacopa, then east from there.

When to Do California’s Most Epic Road Trip

November through April are the worst weather for both the Sierra Nevada range and Big Sur. You’ll also get some June gloom along the coast. We like April/May or July-October for this route.

Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road. Jack Kerouac

Got that right Jack! Enjoy your epic California road trip. Whichever of these routes you take, you are sure to have a most grant adventure.

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California Road Trip: A 21-Day Suggested Itinerary

California is the third-largest state in the country and home to over 40 million people, as well as a range of environments and landscapes: dense forests in the north, rugged mountains in the east, majestic deserts in the south, world-class beaches on the coast, and the fabulous wine regions in the west and in the Central Valley.

And it’s perfect for road trips.

I’ve already outlined an awesome seven-day itinerary for Southern California , but today I wanted to share a longer, more comprehensive route for anyone who has a few weeks to explore more of the state’s cities and landscapes.

Even with three weeks, you’ll still miss a lot of great spots in this state (I mean, you could spend months traveling California), but this suggested itinerary hits some of my favorite major — and not so major — places.

Table of Contents

Days 1–3: San Francisco

Day 4: big sur, days 5–7: los angeles, days 8–9: san diego, days 10–12: joshua tree national park, days 13–15: sequoia national park & kings canyon national park, days 16–18: yosemite national park, days 19–20: napa valley, day 21: back to san francisco.

• Walk the Golden Gate Bridge – When it opened, the Golden Gate Bridge was the world’s longest and tallest suspension bridge, stretching some 4,200 feet. It offers incredible views of the bay and the ships coming and going. You can walk across it too.
• Tour Alcatraz – Alcatraz is one of the country’s most infamous former prisons. It housed some of the worst criminals, such as Al Capone. Today, it’s a national landmark in which you can take tours of the prison, step foot in the cells, and learn about its history. Admission is $53.25 USD (this includes round-trip transportation by boat, entrance fees, and an audio guide).
• Visit the Beat Museum – Dedicated to the 1950s Beat Generation, this unique museum houses original manuscripts, rare books, letters, and more from authors like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. It also holds regular events, so check the website to see if anything is happening during your visit. Admission is $8 USD.
• Take a food tour – San Francisco is known for its foodie culture. If you want to cast a wide culinary net and try a lot of different cuisines and dishes, consider taking a food tour. Some companies to check out are SF Native Tours and Secret Food Tours . Tours are generally around $79 USD.
• Explore Chinatown – When immigrants from China first came to America, many set up shop in San Francisco. Today, in the biggest Chinatown in the US, you’ll find some of the best Chinese food in the country, as well as wonderful teahouses, bars, souvenir stalls, and fortune cookie makers.
• Relax at Golden Gate Park – This gigantic park is a great place to walk or relax. It features a Japanese garden, museums, an arboretum, a carousel, and many hiking and walking trails. It’s 20% bigger than New York’s Central Park, so you easily could spend an entire day here!

For more suggestions, here’s a detailed list of things to see and do in San Francisco .

Where to Stay

• HI San Francisco – Downtown – HI Downtown has some standard perks, like free breakfast and free towels, but the staff also organize a lot of events, including pub crawls, trips to Muir Woods and Yosemite, and bike tours across the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Green Tortoise Hostel – This lively hostel is my favorite in the city. It offers free breakfast, free dinners multiple times per week, and even a free sauna! It’s a party hostel, so be sure to stay here only if you’re looking to meet people and get rowdy.

For more suggestions, here’s a full list of my favorite hostels in San Francisco!

And if you need a rental car to kick-start your trip, check out Discover Cars . They search rental agencies big and small to find the best deals.  

Where to Stay I suggest staying at least one night around Big Sur (or just south of the region) to split up the drive to LA. If you don’t have camping gear, Airbnb has a lot of places around the area. You can also just pop into any of the numerous cheap motels nearby too.  

Here are some suggestions on how to fill your days:

• Hit the beach – Venice Beach is an iconic LA hot spot where you’ll encounter all kinds of street performers, surfers, roller skaters, and locals and tourists alike soaking up the sun. Other beaches worth checking out are Carbon Beach, Santa Monica State Beach, Huntington City Beach, and El Matador.
• See the Le Brea Tar Pits – Located in Hancock Park, these natural asphalt pits have existed for over 50,000 years. Tons of fossils preserved for centuries have been found in them, and there’s a museum nearby that has lots of interesting information about them and how they came to be. Adult admission is $15 USD.
• See the Hollywood Sign – You can snap pictures of the sign from pretty much anywhere in Hollywood. However, it’s also possible to hike up to the sign itself to take in the view. The three trails that you can take (from easiest to hardest) are the Mt. Hollywood Trail, the Brush Canyon Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail. Bring water, because the hike will take a few hours.
• Visit LACMA – Home to some 150,000 works, the LA County Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the western USA. It has collections from pretty much every era throughout history and every region of the world. Admission is $25 USD.
• See The Last Bookstore – This is one of my favorite bookstores in the world. It also sells records, has art displays, and features a cool upstairs area with cheap used books. Browse the shelves, grab a coffee, and buy a book for your journey.
• Stroll down Hollywood Boulevard – Don’t miss the Walk of Fame (where celebrities have their names engraved in the sidewalk) and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (featuring stars’ handprints and footprints).
• Tour the Getty Museum – This art museum opened in 1997 and boasts a diverse collection of paintings, manuscripts, drawings, and other artwork. The collection runs from the 8th century to the present day, so there is something for everyone. Admission is free.
• Go hiking – Get out and stretch your legs on the city’s hiking trails. Some worth checking out are the Charlie Turner Trail (90 minutes), Baldwin Hills (30 minutes), Runyon Canyon (45 minutes), Portuguese Bend Reserve (3 hours), and Echo Mountain (3-3.5 hours).
• Visit The Broad – This contemporary art museum is one of the city’s newest. Opened in 2015, it has over 2,000 pieces of art. It also has a rotating series of temporary exhibitions too (check the website to see what’s on during your visit). Admission is free, though you must reserve a timed entry slot in advance.

For a much longer list on what to see and do in LA, check out my Los Angeles travel guide .

Moreover, the city also has innumerable world-class food options. Some places I really like are Musso & Frank Grill, Dan Tana’s, Meals by Genet, The Butcher’s Daughter, and Sugarfish.

• Banana Bungalow Hollywood – A laid-back but social hostel that organizes lots of activities and makes it easy to meet people. If you want to party and have fun, this is the place for you!
• Freehand Los Angeles – This hostel/hotel features designer rooms with comfortable beds, a rooftop pool and bar with amazing views of the city, a lobby bar, a restaurant, and even a fitness center.

For more suggestions, here’s a list of my favorite hostels in Los Angeles.  

Here are some suggestions for things to see and do during your visit:

• Visit the USS Midway Museum – This aircraft carrier, commissioned right after World War II, was the largest ship in the world until 1955 and saw action in numerous conflicts, including Vietnam. It was decommissioned in 1992 and became a museum. You can explore the flight deck as well as many of the rooms below. Admission is $32 USD and you can get them in advance here .
• Hike Point Loma – Walk out to the tip of the peninsula where Europeans first arrived in California and enjoy the serene views, visit the lighthouse (built in 1855), and watch locals climb the rocks and cliffs of Osprey Point.
• Explore the San Diego Zoo – This is one of the best zoos in the country. Located in Balboa Park (see below), it has over 3,500 animals and 700,000 plant species. It’s a massive, 1,800-acre park where you could easily spend an entire day. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss it. A one-day adult pass is $72 USD.
• Admire Balboa Park – In addition to the zoo, Balboa Park also offers dozens of museums, as well as walking paths, sports fields, gardens, greenhouses, stadiums, theaters, and much more. It’s one of the oldest recreational parks in the country.
• Enjoy Pacific Beach – If you want to soak up the sun, swim, or surf, head to Pacific Beach. If you’re a night owl, the area also has lots of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
• Go whale-watching – California gray whales, which can grow up to 49 feet and live for over 70 years, migrate from Alaska to Mexico each year between December and April. They are incredible to see up close, and tours are quite affordable (usually around $39 USD).
• Relax in Belmont Park – This is a kitschy amusement park right next to the ocean. It has a few classic rides, as well as games and lots of greasy (and delicious) snacks. It’s cheesy but fun!
• Go surfing – Whether you’re a veteran or a newbie, grab a board and hit the waves. There’s some awesome surfing here. You can usually rent a board for around $60 USD a day. Lessons cost around $130-150 USD and last 90 minutes.
• HI San Diego – HI San Diego organizes lots of events and tours that make it easy to meet other travelers. Breakfast is included, and there’s also a big kitchen so you can cook your own food to save money.
• ITH Adventure Hostel – This is an eco-friendly hostel with a vegetable garden (guests get free veggies), a recycling and compost program, and even backyard chickens. There is lots of outdoor common space to relax in too.

If you’re on a budget, here’s a list of the best hostels in San Diego for you.  

The park was declared a national monument in 1936 and designated a national park in 1994. There are a lot of trails here, so consult the trail map when you visit. Some of my favorites are:

• Barker Dam Trail – A quick 1.1-mile loop on which you can see wildlife such as rabbits, bighorn sheep, and all kinds of birds.
• Wall Street Mill – An easy 2.8-mile hike that leads to an old mill used to refine ore from nearby gold mines.
• Ryan Mountain – A steep 3-mile hike offering some incredible views.
• Split Rock Loop – A quiet 2-mile hike with lots of neat rock formations.

A seven-day vehicle pass for the park is $30 USD (it allows multiple entries in case you stay in one of the nearby towns).

Where to Stay Airbnb is the best option if you don’t have your own camping gear, although there are also glamping and more rustic options.  

Start your visit at the Giant Forest Museum to learn about the history, geography, and importance of the park and its flora and fauna. Afterward, walk the Big Trees Trail, a short loop that will get you in and among the trees so you can see them up close.

For a sweeping view of the forest and surrounding landscape, hike up Moro Rock, a massive 250-foot granite dome that juts out of the surrounding hills and forest. Stairs and a concrete viewpoint were built into the rock itself, so you can safely climb to the top and enjoy the magnificent vista.

And for more hiking options and beautiful scenery, visit nearby Kings Canyon National Park. Here you’ll find “General Grant” (the third largest tree in the world). For a scenic drive, cruise along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.

Both parks are around 4-6 hours from Joshua Tree. Combined admission for both parks is $35 USD. If you plan on visiting a lot of national parks and federal lands on your road trip, you might want to get an America the Beautiful parks pass ($80 for a one-year pass).

Where to Stay There are tons of places to camp here (both inside and outside of the parks). However, there are also lots of lodges and hotels if camping is not for you. Booking.com is the best place to search for affordable options.  

Yosemite is also where you’ll find El Capitán, the towering granite cliff you’ve likely seen on social media (it was also featured in the documentary, Free Solo , where elite rock climber Alex Honnold ascended the cliff face without ropes or other protective gear).

Here are a few hiking suggestions to help you get started:

• Mirror Lake – An easy 2-mile hike to the lake. Takes 1-2 hours.
• Nevada Falls Trail – A challenging 5.8-mile hike to the top of the Nevada Falls waterfall. Takes 5–6 hours.
• Tuolumne Grove Nature Trail – An easy 2.5-mile hike around a grove filled with massive giant sequoia trees. Takes 1–2 hours.
• Elizabeth Lake Trail – A moderate 4.8-mile hike that leads to a glacier-carved lake at the base of Unicorn Peak. Takes 4–5 hours.
• Eagle Peak Trail – A difficult 6.9-mile hike to the top of the peak and back. Takes 8 hours.

Be sure to visit the visitors’ center on arrival to get information on activities, prices, and the latest weather. Admission is $35 USD and reservations to enter the park are required for peak hours and seasons.

Where to Stay If you aren’t planning to camp, there are actually many other options here. Lodges, resorts, and hotels can be found both inside the park and all around it. Use Airbnb or Booking.com to find a place to stay.  

While it’s a particularly expensive region of the state, it is possible to visit Napa Valley on a budget if you plan ahead and share costs with other people.

If you’re on a budget, stick to the markets and sandwich shops. Gott’s Roadside has locations in both Napa and St. Helena and serves yummy burgers for $10-15 USD , while Ad Hoc runs a lunch-only food truck called Addendum offering delicious fried chicken made by a Michelin-star chef (only open Friday & Saturday).

Where to Stay While some vineyards offer accommodation, they are usually super expensive. Unless you’re looking to splurge, use Airbnb . I find the best value accommodation in the area on that site.  

It’s time to head back to San Francisco. The drive is around 90 minutes, so you’ll have plenty of time to make stops along the way if you see anything that piques your interest.

This three-week itinerary will help you cover a lot of ground without being too rushed. Adjust the route as you go (or based on the amount of time you have). But no matter the route you pick, the diversity and beauty of California will ensure you’ll have a wonderful road trip.

Book Your Trip to the USA: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Need an Affordable Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

And if you need an RV, RVshare lets you rent RVs from private individuals all around the country, saving you tons of money in the process. It’s like Airbnb for RVs, making road trips fun and affordable!

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on the United States? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to the US for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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12 Best California Road Trips For Your Bucket List

If you’re hoping to see more of California, there’s no better way to see more of the Golden State than by hitting the open road!

California is one of America’s best states for road tripping, with everything from scenic coastal highways to steep mountain hairpins and stunning desert desolation.

I’ve written this guide to best California road trips and broken it into two sections: Northern California road trips, which all depart from San Francisco, and Southern California road trips, which all depart from Los Angeles.

I understand not everyone will be departing from those specific cities, but I think they’re enough of a regional hub that, say, someone departing from Sacramento or Santa Cruz can use one of these SF road trip ideas just as easily as someone from San Diego or Santa Barbara can use one of these LA road trip ideas!

Below is my list of all the best road trips in California, covering virtually every national park, countless incredible cities and natural landscapes, and so much more!

Best Northern California Road Trips from San Francisco

San francisco peninsula & big sur, note: this post contains affiliate links, which earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase using one of these links. thank you for supporting this free content.

Start Point: San Francisco End Point: San Simeon Distance : 217 miles Driving Time : 4 hours, 45 minutes (one way) Recommended Number of Days : 3 days Route : San Francisco –> Pacifica –> Pescadero –> Santa Cruz –> Capitola –> Monterey –> Carmel-by-the-Sea –> Big Sur –> San Simeon

It doesn’t get much more classic California road trip than heading down the coast to Big Sur, does it? While Big Sur has long been a California local favorite, it’s gotten a lot more popular in recent years due to the advent of Instagram and Big Little Lies.

However, despite its recent boom in popularity, Big Sur is still absolutely worth a visit… just be sure to follow proper etiquette when you visit and don’t be a “selfie tourist” .

Spend a few days exploring Big Sur and appreciating it beyond its most Instagrammable points. Go for a beautiful hike in Garrapata State Park or Point Lobos State Park, immersing yourself in the nature further. Or watch the elephant seals squeal and play along the coast at one of their many chill-out spots, the most famous of which is in San Simeon.

Spend a few days camping in Big Sur , enjoying the company of old-growth forest and beautiful redwoods, and you’ll get to see for yourself why this corner of California is absolutely worth protecting.

But beyond Big Sur itself, there are plenty of small coastal towns along the way worthy of a stop.

The towns on the San Francisco peninsula such as Half Moon Bay and Pescadero are absolutely breathtaking and usually not very crowded, only with a few local day-trippers rather than hordes of out-of-town tourists.

Santa Cruz is quite popular in the summer due to its boardwalk, but even there, it’s quite easy to get some peace and quiet by immersing yourself in the forests, state parks, and state beaches that surround it.

Take a blissful walk in the redwoods of Henry Cowell, or opt for a beautiful beach walk along Natural Bridges.

Monterey is a wonderful place to base yourself for a bit, indulging in whale watching tours, local seafood, and one of the best aquariums in the world, whereas Carmel-by-the-Sea is a fantastic former artist colony that is now a beloved, in-the-know weekend getaway from San Francisco beloved by nearly all who visit it even once.

Road Trip at a Glance:

• Seeing the iconic California lighthouses along the coast such as Pigeon Point and the Santa Cruz Breakwater Light
• Spending the day relaxing at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk or hiking in Santa Cruz
• Going on a whale-watching tour in Monterey and checking out the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Stopping at stunning photography spots in Big Sur such as Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls, and Pfeiffer Beach
• Seeing the stunning mansion that is Hearst Castle and the wild elephant seal reserve at your endpoint in San Simeon

San Francisco to Mendocino

Start Point: San Francisco End Point: Mendocino Distance : 171 miles Driving Time : 4 hours, 50 minutes (one way) Recommended Number of Days : 5 days Route : San Francisco –> Muir Woods –> Stinson Beach –> (Optional: Point Reyes)–> Bodega Bay –> Jenner –> Sea Ranch –> Point Arena –> Mendocino –> (Optional: Glass Beach at Fort Bragg)

For a beautiful Northern California road trip that gets you a bit off the beaten path, head up through the Marin Headlands upon leaving San Francisco for some beautiful local spots before you start making your way up north to Mendocino and Fort Bragg.

The towering redwoods of Muir Woods meander through a beautiful grove of trees with several incredible hiking trails for all levels, including the more difficult Dipsea Trail which allows you to get to beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean after emerging from the redwood forest.

If you’re blessed with some sunny weather, lay out on the beautiful Stinson Beach and watch the surfers ride the waves. However, more often than not, Stinson Beach will be rather foggy and moody — which makes it no less beautiful, though perhaps a little less inviting for sunbathing.

Continue up the coast towards Bodega Bay (making a stop at Point Reyes along the way if you’d like, where you can see a beautiful lighthouse and do some Point Reyes hikes) as well as the Cypress Tree Tunnel in nearby Inverness, a great photography spot.

You’ll continue up towards Bodega Bay (the filming location of Hitchcock’s Birds!) and a famous place for whale-watching, as well as the beautiful coastal town of Jenner, which is where the Russian River and Pacific meet in a beautiful embrace, creating two epic beaches: Jenner Beach and Goat Rock Beach, two of my favorite wild beaches in Northern California.

From there, you can continue up the coast to reach the one-with-nature architectural community of Sea Ranch, where the buildings seemingly melt into the sea grass, cliffside landscape, not interrupting the beauty of nature. Further up, you’ll notice the Point Arena lighthouse, a great final stop before reaching Mendocino.

Mendocino is known for its wines, whale-watching, and wonderful hikes, so make it a point to stay in Mendocino for at least a few nights. I also recommend extending your California road trip a tiny bit more north to hit up the Glass Beach at Fort Bragg.

• Wandering amongst beautiful redwoods at the closet redwoods to San Francisco, Muir Woods National Monument
• Watching the surfers at the beautiful Stinson Beach
• Admiring the quaint town of Bodega Bay and trying to spot migrating whales from the Bodega Head peninsula
• See where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean at Jenner
• Stop at the beautiful lighthouse at Point Arena on your way up to Mendocino , with an optional further trip to the Glass Beach at Fort Bragg on your way.

San Francisco to Wine Country

Start Point: San Francisco End Point: Calistoga Distance : 155 miles Driving Time : 3 hours, 30 minutes (one way) Recommended Number of Days : 3 days Route : San Francisco –> Sebastopol –> Healdsburg –> Glen Ellen –> Napa –> St. Helena –> Calistoga

Nothing says a Northern California road trip like wine, wine, wine! This epic wine country road trip in California will bring you to what (in my extremely biased opinion) are the two best wine regions in California: Sonoma County and Napa Valley. Be sure to have a designated driver for this Cali road trip, or plan for frequent overnight stops to sober up: all those wine tastings will add up, and I don’t encourage anyone to drive unsafely.

This wine-themed California road trip has you departing San Francisco and making your way directly to Sebastopol. Sebastopol is a great gateway to further exploration of Sonoma County, and while it may be a deceptively small town of some 10,000 residents, there’s quite a bit to do there. Check out the funky Barlow district, and indulge in some of the local wineries and tasting rooms.

Don’t miss the Golden State Cider Taproom (Sebastopol is known for its Gravenstein apples!) in the Barlow, and then head out to some of the local wineries. My favorite is Iron Horse Vineyards, which is great for sparkling wine lovers. Halleck is also great, but his tastings are a bit pricy and require an advance reservation. But we loved his wines so much my family became wine club members!

Next up, hit up funky Healdsburg, which has even more delicious wines (try Simi Winery and Seghesio Family Vineyards, which is known for its Zins) and lots of great art galleries to peruse while you walk off some of the wine. Next up, visit the beautiful Glen Ellen, which has some great wineries but its main draw are its parks (especially beautiful in autumn): Jack London State Historic Park and Sonoma Valley Regional Park.

Finally, make your way to Napa and St. Helena for some of the most luxe wineries in all of California! I recommend Hendry Winery and Monticello in Napa, and Merryvale in St. Helena. Downtown Napa is also a fun stop with its funky Oxbow Market which is a great place to grab a picnic or sit-down lunch.

Finally, end this Northern California wine road trip in Calistoga, watching the geyser, indulging in a local mud bath made from geothermal waters, and of course — doing more wine tasting!

• Drinking tasty sparkling wine at Iron Horse Vineyards in Sebastopol
• Checking out the hip art galleries of Healdsburg
• Enjoying the scenic Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen
• Visiting Oxbow Market and the trendy tasting rooms in Downtown Napa
• Seeing the geyser at Calistoga and staying in a spa hotel with mud baths

San Francisco Loop via Tahoe, Eastern Sierras & Yosemite

Start Point: San Francisco End Point: San Francisco Distance : 640 miles Driving Time : 12 hours, 22 minutes (total loop) Recommended Number of Days : 7-10 days Route : San Francisco –> Sacramento –> Truckee –> North Lake Tahoe –> South Lake Tahoe –> Bridgeport –> Lee Vining –> June Lake –> Mammoth Lakes –> Yosemite –> San Francisco

This is one of the longer California road trips, which covers quite a bit of Northern California as well as the Eastern Sierras. This is an ideal fall road trip in California, as the area around Bridgeport, Lee Vining, June Lake, Mammoth Lakes, and Yosemite all boast incredible fall foliage in California !

Start off in Sacramento, doing a walk along the river bank along the “City of Trees.” Next up is Truckee, a popular stop just north of Lake Tahoe, that has its own quaint small town vibe. From North Lake Tahoe, make your way to South Lake Tahoe via the west coast of the lake, stopping at all the incredible viewpoints along the way.

You’ll definitely want to make a point of stopping in D.L. Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay State Park, and I also highly suggest doing a few Tahoe hikes while you’re in this area, like the Eagle Falls hike with incredible waterfall and Emerald Bay views.

Next, you’ll head south to Bridgeport and Lee Vining, where the beautiful fall foliage of Mono County begin! June Lake is a lesser-known but incredible stop in the Eastern Sierras, wonderful in all seasons: wildflowers in spring, swimming in summer, fall leaves in autumn, and snow sports in winter!

Drive the scenic but short June Lake Loop before making your way to Mammoth Lakes, stopping optionally at some of the hot springs near Mammoth Lakes along the way.

After enjoying some time in Mammoth Lakes (whether it’s winter, fall, summer, or any time in between), make your way to Yosemite. Whether you have one day for Yosemite , or better yet, two days for Yosemite , you’re sure to love exploring this incredible national park which, in my opinion, is the most beautiful national park in California.

Finally, it’s a long drive back to San Francisco, though of course, you could continue the California road trip south through Sequoia National Park and other southern California national parks if you want to continue on!

• Enjoying some time exploring Sacramento’s river waterfront and seeing the State Capitol Building
• Wandering around the quaint town of Truckee near Tahoe
• Drinking your way around the South Lake Tahoe Beer Trail
• Driving the scenic June Lake Loop
• Tackling the best easy hikes that Yosemite National Park has to offer

San Francisco to Eureka

Start Point: San Francisco End Point: Eureka Distance : 317 miles Driving Time : 7 hours, 15 minutes (one way) Recommended Number of Days : 7 days Route : San Francisco –> [optional: Muir Woods, Stinson Beach] Bodega Bay –> [optional: Jenner, Sea Ranch, Gualala, Elk] Mendocino –> Fort Bragg –> Avenue of the Giants –> Ferndale –> Eureka

This road trip has you going along California’s coast for a bit before ducking inland to go through the redwood forests of Redwood National and State Parks through the beautiful Avenue of the Giants, giving you the best that Northern California has to offer.

You can optionally stop at Muir Woods, Stinson Beach, and Mt. Tamalpais State Park on your way up to Bodega Bay, but I went over that in another California road trip itinerary earlier in this post, so feel free to go up and re-read that section if you choose to add those to this itinerary.

Next up, hit up Bodega Bay for an overnight, indulging in some whale-watching and sightseeing the beautiful architecture in this foggy, scenic seaside town. Between Bodega and Mendocino, you can make optional stops at Jenner, Sea Ranch, Gualala, and Elk, though since this is a bit of a longer road trip, I suggest just going straight to Mendocino unless any of those stops are particularly calling out to do.

After spending some time enjoying wine, whale watching, and hikes in Mendocino, head to Fort Bragg for a ride on the nostalgic ‘Skunk Train’ and wandering along the scenic Glass Beach. Next up, you’ll drive straight up inland through the Avenue of the Giants, where you can stop at some of the novelty points like the Drive-Thru Tree along the way.

Finally, make your way to the scenic small town of Ferndale, which has gorgeous Victorian-inspired architecture and is a gateway to California’s Lost Coast beaches, before finally reaching Eureka, a gem of Victorian architecture and home to the Carson Mansion, one of the most famous individual residential buildings in all of California.

• Admire the filming location of The Birds in Bodega Bay as well as do some whale-watching on a cruise or from Bodega Head viewpoint
• Relax for a few days in Mendocino , hiking, trying the local wines (some of the most underrated in California), visiting lighthouses, and whale watching.
• Go to the Glass Beach or take the nostalgic ‘Skunk Train’ through Fort Bragg
• Drive through the Avenue of the Giants awe-inspiring redwood alley
• Check out the adorable downtown of Ferndale and chill in Centerville Beach County Park and other beaches of California’s Lost Coast
• Make your way up to the incredible Victorian architecture town of Eureka , being sure not to miss Carson Mansion!

San Francisco to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Start Point: San Francisco End Point: Lassen Volcanic National Park Distance : 368 miles Driving Time : 6 hours, 10 minutes (one way) Recommended Number of Days : 5 days Route : San Francisco –> Sacramento –> Redding –> Shasta Lake (+ optional hikes) –> Burney Falls –> Lassen Volcanic National Park

Starting in San Francisco, this California road trip will bring you all the way to Lassen Volcanic National Park, one of California’s national parks that gets far less credit than it deserves!

Make a quick pit stop in Sacramento for lunch and a walk along either the American or Sacramento River along one of the pedestrian and bike trails that make this city a heaven for pedestrians and cyclists. Then, make your way to Redding, crossing the famous Sundial Bridge which goes over the Sacramento River in a beautiful feat of architecture.

After that, you’ll arrive in Shasta Lake, where you can indulge in some swimming, boating, or other water sports. Alternately, you could keep going from here and do some Mt. Shasta area hikes if you’re a hiking fiend.

If you’re done with hiking, head to Burney Falls for a quick walk to see one of the most beautiful and easy-to-access waterfalls in California. This is also located right by the famous Pacific Crest Trail, made famous by the book and movie Wild, so if you want to walk even just a bit on the PCT, here’s your chance!

Finally, you’ll end this Cali road trip in Lassen Volcanic National Park, where you should at least make the time to visit Manzanita Lake, one of the best views of Lassen Volcanic National Park where you can see the peak beautifully reflecting in the crystal clear waters of the lake. Bumpass Hell is also a really fun hike (albeit a smelly one) where you can hike through a geothermal landscape reminiscent of Iceland!

• Marvel at the twin rivers of Sacramento and enjoy a walk in the so-called City of Trees
• Cross the famous Sundial Bridge over the Sacramento River into Redding
• Spend the day relaxing in the sun or boating on Shasta Lake , perhaps taking some time to do some hikes near Mt. Shasta
• Check out the marvelous waterfalls of Burney Falls just off the PCT (and maybe hike a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail!)
• Head to Lassen Volcanic National Park to see Bumpass Hell, Manzanita Lake, and other park highlights

San Francisco to Crescent City

Start Point: San Francisco End Point: Crescent City Distance : 317 miles Driving Time : 7 hours, 45 minutes (one way) Recommended Number of Days : 7 days Route : San Francisco –> San Rafael –> Healdsburg –> Vichy Springs –> Avenue of the Giants –> Eureka –> Arcata –> Fern Canyon –> Crescent City

This California road trip leaving from San Francisco goes all the way up practically to Oregon!

Start with a brief lunch pit stop in San Rafael, eating at the delicious and widely beloved Sol Food restaurant which serves up Caribbean and Puerto Rican fare (it’s a must-visit stop on all my road trips in California when I’m heading any point north!).

After you’ve eaten, head up to Healdsburg for some wine tasting and gallery perusing, or take a walk in some of the redwood forests near Healdsburg.

Finally, head to Vichy Springs Resort, where you can take a ‘champagne bath’ — don’t worry for your wallet, it’s not real champagne: that’s just what they call it because the naturally-carbonated waters bubble furiously, almost like a flute of champagne would! It’s a really fun and low-key experience soaking in the rustic, carbonated waters of Vichy Springs for the day, and it makes a great place to stop and spend the night on a multi-day California road trip.

Next up, continue north until you pass through the Avenue of the Giants. Again, here you can stop at some of the novelty spots, or you can stop and do some hikes in this part of the Humboldt Redwoods: it’s up to you! You’ll make a pit stop in Eureka and Arcata to admire the Victorian architecture of these quaint Northern Californian towns, before heading to Fern Canyon for an epic hike.

Fern Canyon is basically exactly what it sounds like: a hike surrounded by ferns in a Jurassic Park-looking environment you’ll have a hard time believing is in California and not a tropical rainforest somewhere! It’s absolutely worth a stop on this trip, especially since it’s so far north, it’s unlikely you’ll pass it again, so definitely make a stop here.

Finally, you’ll end in Crescent City, the last major city in California before reaching the border with Oregon. Enjoy the Battery Point lighthouse or some more redwood hikes in the vicinity!

• Stop in San Rafael for a Puerto Rican lunch at Sol Food and some vintage and second-hand shopping
• Do some winery-browsing at the hip wineries and galleries of Healdsburg
• Soak in the ‘champagne baths’ at Vichy Springs Resort
• Drive the awe-inspiring Avenue of the Giants highway through the redwood canopy
• Marvel at the architecture of Eureka and Arcata
• Go for a Jurassic Park vibes hike in Fern Canyon
• See one of the northernmost cities in California and marvel at its unique (and haunted !) Battery Point Lighthouse

Best Southern California Road Trips from Los Angeles

Los angeles loop via the desert.

Start Point: Los Angeles End Point: Los Angeles Distance : 485 miles Driving Time : 8 hours, 50 minutes Recommended Number of Days : 5-7 days Route : Los Angeles –> Palm Springs –> Joshua Tree National Park –> Salton Sea –> Salvation Mountain –> Anza Borrego State Park –> Temecula –> Los Angeles

Starting in Los Angeles, make your way to Palm Springs, a beloved Southern California getaway spot for sun-seekers and architecture-lovers alike. Admire the mid-century modern architecture mixed with the desert landscapes, wander around the incredible windmill farms, and take the aerial tramway up for views over Palm Springs.

After a day or two in Palm Springs, hit up Joshua Tree National Park, which is worth a day or two of sightseeing on this Southern California road trip. Make sure to see the Cholla Cactus Garden, Skull Rock, Keys Ranch, and other key spots in the park to maximize your time in Joshua Tree.

Next up is a bit of a peculiar place: the Salton Sea. Don’t get in your bathing suit just yet: while beautiful, the Salton Sea is very toxic due to rising salt levels and bacteria, and it is definitely not suitable for swimming! However, it’s a great place for admiring the strange beauty of this bygone desert resort, and it’s a great place for birdwatching and sunsets.

Next up is the strange Salvation Mountain and Slab City, a renegade artist community in the middle of the desert. They welcome a lot of visitors, so don’t be afraid to visit, despite what you may have heard about Slab City!

Finally, head to Anza Borrego State Park to enjoy some more desert landscapes, before heading to Temecula for some bougie wine tasting (and maybe even a sunrise hot air balloon if you’re fancy like that!) on your way back to Los Angeles!

• Relaxing in the mid-century modern architectural oasis of Palm Springs
• Seeing the iconic Joshua Tree National Park and staying in a cool desert Airbnb to stargaze
• Marveling at the bizarre landscape of the Salton Sea
• Seeing the strange art of Slab City , especially Salvation Mountain
• Wine tasting in the cute town of Temecula

Los Angeles Loop via the Eastern Sierras & 4 National Parks

Start Point: Los Angeles End Point: Los Angeles Distance : 1,057 miles Driving Time : 19 hours, 20 minutes (total loop) Recommended Number of Days : 2 weeks Route : Los Angeles –> Tecopa –> Furnace Creek (Death Valley NP) –> Lone Pine –> Bishop –> Mammoth Lakes –> June Lake –> Yosemite National Park –> Sequoia National Park –> Kings Canyon National Park –> Los Angeles

This incredible Southern California itinerary covers a whopping four national parks in just two weeks (though it could be done in less if you don’t mind rushing around a bit).

Make your first stop Tecopa, a desert community at the gateway to Death Valley which is also known for its hot springs. It’s a great place to book a Death Valley Airbnb as there aren’t a lot of places to stay within the park itself (and those that are there are pricy!).

Next up, spend around two days in Death Valley exploring the area around Furnace Creek, Dante’s View, Badwater Basin, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and some Death Valley hikes if the water allows (not recommended in the summer!).

After Death Valley, make your way to Lone Pine for a quirky stop at the Museum of Western Film History and perhaps a hike of the Mobius Arch Loop, a short hike in the desert. After Lone Pine, a stop in Bishop is a good place to grab lunch and do a quick bit of sightseeing on your way to your next main stop, Mammoth Lakes.

Mammoth Lakes has tons of incredible hikes to indulge in the summer and epic slopes to shred in the winter, as well as epic fall foliage in late September and early October. The same goes for June Lake (and be sure to drive the June Lake Loop as well!).

Once you’ve covered Mammoth Lakes and June Lake (being sure to indulge in some hot springs in Mono County if you want as well), head to Yosemite National Park for national park #2. Allocate at least two days in Yosemite in order to see the best of the park, including Tunnel View, Lower Yosemite Falls, Cooks Meadow, and Glacier Point.

Next up is Sequoia National Park and the adjoining Kings Canyon National Park, which despite being two separate parks can easily be seen jointly. Visit Moro Rock for epic sunset views in Sequoia and be sure to visit the four largest trees in the world, all of which can be found in the two adjoining parks. General Sherman is the largest tree by volume in the entire world, so don’t miss him!

Finally, make your way back to LA, having ticked off four incredible national parks in one fell swoop on this epic Southern California road trip!

• Take a dip in the hot springs of Tecopa
• Admire some of the most incredible, remote landscapes of Death Valley National Park
• Marvel at the many lakes of Mammoth Lakes and head to the hot springs nearby them
• See North America’s tallest waterfall at Yosemite National Park and hike your way through this gorgeous park
• Admire the largest trees in the world at Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park

Los Angeles to San Diego via the Coast

Start Point: Los Angeles End Point: San Diego Distance : 160 miles Driving Time : 4 hours 20 minutes (one way) Recommended Number of Days : 2-3 days Route : Los Angeles –> Malibu –> Santa Monica –> Venice Beach –> Redondo Beach –> Long Beach –> Huntingon Beach –> Laguna Beach –> Dana Point –> Carlsbad –> San Diego

This coastal Southern California road trip is beyond perfect for beach lovers looking to get an in-depth look at Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego!

Starting in LA, quickly backtrack up to Malibu for some of the most scenic beaches in Los Angeles, like Zuma and El Matador Beach. Driving up this section of the Pacific Coast Highway is incredible, and while it may be a bit out of the way from other parts of this road trip, it’s worth the detour.

Next up, hit up Santa Monica and Venice Beach for some people-watching along the beach, stopping at Muscle Beach and the Venice Boardwalk for spotting lots of characters, and also be sure to check out the cool canal houses of Venice (yes, Venice has real canals!).

After that, start heading south out of Los Angeles county towards Redondo Beach, a chill beachside city that is a great place to while away a Southern California afternoon. Afterwards, hit up Long Beach, which has some great museums as well as the RMS Queen Mary, a supposedly haunted ocean liner that is also a hotel!

Next up, there’s Huntingon Beach with its incredible wooden pier (stop at Ruby’s for a burger and a shake!) which is one of the longest in all of California. Laguna Beach is up next, which has some of the prettiest coastline in all of Southern California, and then next is Dana Point, a great place if you want to go whale-watching in Southern California.

Finally, as you make your way down to San Diego, be sure to stop at some of the best beaches in San Diego County — Carlsbad being one of them, and Torrey Pines being another just outside of San Diego.

• Enjoy the incredible beaches of Malibu, including Zuma and El Matador Beach
• People-watch the funky scenes along the Venice Beach Boardwalk, and check out the ritzy houses on the canal for an exercise in contrast
• Check out the supposedly haunted RMS Queen Mary in Long Beach
• Make like an O.C. reality star and enjoy the waves at Laguna Beach
• Go on a whale watching cruise from Dana Point or Newport Beach

Los Angeles to Santa Barbara via the Coast and Islands

Start Point: Los Angeles End Point: Santa Barbara Distance : 103 miles [not counting ferry] Driving Time : 2 hours 20 minutes (one way) Recommended Number of Days : 2-3 days Route : Los Angeles –> Malibu –> Oxnard/Ventura –> Ferry to Channel Islands National Park –> Carpinteria State Beach –> Santa Barbara

This Southern California road trip heads south to north from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, which is at the border of Southern California and Central California, but it is a bit special since it also allows for a bit of an island trip as well as a road trip!

Start by driving from Los Angeles to Malibu, where you can stop at several of the most beautiful beaches in Malibu, particularly El Matador, which is absolutely worth spending sunset at if you can time it that way.

Next up, you’ll want to head to either Oxnard or Ventura, where you can indulge in some delicious tacos and other foods and enjoy the cool smaller-city vibes while planning your trip to the Channel Islands National Park. This is one of the least-visited national parks in the USA so it does require a little advance planning since you can only get there by ferry.

Arrange a ferry ride to the Channel Islands, and allocate at least a full day to exploring this scenic national park! Note: Channel Islands National Park is comprised of multiple islands in the Channel Islands but does not include Catalina Island, another popular Southern California getaway.

After returning from the Channel Islands National Park, continue making your way up the California coast towards Carpinteria State Beach, a great place to spend the day and even camp if you brought camping gear or are traveling in a campervan!

Finally, continue onwards to Santa Barbara where you can spend several days indulging in all the best sights, meals, hikes, and drinks!

• Chill out on Malibu’s most beautiful beaches, having a beachside meal or sunset view
• Stop in Oxnard or Ventura to explore the towns
• Take the ferry to the Channel Islands National Park from either Oxnard or Ventura
• Chill and enjoy some fun in the sun on Carpinteria State Beach
• Walk around Santa Barbara ‘s boardwalk, enjoy some time in Santa Barbara breweries and shopping in the Funk Zone , and go on some local hikes

Los Angeles Wine Country Loop

Start Point: Los Angeles End Point: Los Angeles Distance : 600 miles Driving Time : 9 hours 45 minutes (loop) Recommended Number of Days : 7 days Route : Los Angeles –> Paso Robles –> Solvang –> Santa Barbara –> Temecula –> Los Angeles

Who said wine-themed California road trips have to only be up north? There are lots of great wine regions in Southern California, too! This oenological Southern California wine trip hits up three distinct wine countries: Paso Robles, Santa Ynez/Santa Barbara, and Temecula.

First up, drive up north to Paso Robles, which is a great destination for wine tasting as well as just enjoying a relaxing getaway from Los Angeles. There are also some easy day trips you can add on from Paso Robles such as visiting San Luis Obispo (and the Madonna Inn!) or Morro Bay, both of which are worth the side trip.

Next up is the quaint Danish village inspired town of Solvang, which coincidentally is where my grandmother lived when I was growing up! Solvang has gone from a sleepy, cheesily-European town a super-hip getaway for urban Santa Barbarans and Angelenos, full of wine bars next to kitschy shops selling clog-themed souvenirs. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, but I personally love Solvang — and the wine near Solvang is incredible! You can do a wine tour leaving from Solvang or Los Olivos, and both are well worth the time.

Finally, head to Santa Barbara for some urban wine tasting, doing the Funk Zone wine trail and exploring the urban wine trail that the city specializes in at its local wine bars.

As you make your way back to LA, bypass the city and go a little further south to Temecula for one final wine-tasting getaway. Finish your trip with a hot air balloon if you want to make it special before returning to Los Angeles and finishing this fun, wine-filled SoCal road trip!

• Head straight to Paso Robles for some of the best wineries in California
• Hit the cute Danish-inspired town of Solvang , for great wine tasting nearby there and Los Olivos
• Head to Santa Barbara and wine taste your way through the urban wine trail in the Funk Zone
• Head to the quirky wine town of Temecula for even more wine tasting and even a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards!

Pin This Guide to California Road Trips!

Allison Green is a travel blogger, writer, and podcaster who grew up in the Bay Area of California. She has spent time living in New York, Prague, and Sofia, but has returned to live in the East Bay. She has traveled to 60 countries before the age of 30 while running several digital travel publications. Her writing and podcast have been featured in Forbes, CBC Canada, National Geographic, the Huffington Post, and CNN Arabic, amongst others. She’s obsessed with bouldering, houseplants, other people’s pets, and anywhere she can see the ocean.

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California Road Trip: Top 15 Scenic Stops Along the Way

California is truly filled with unique treasures. Although many people associate California with Hollywood, there are so many places to explore in the Golden State ! 

Road-tripping through California could take weeks, and you still won’t see it all. That’s why we’ve put together a California road trip itinerary for you to journey your way down the coast from Northern California through the Central Coast and into Southern California. 

For this California road trip, you’ll mainly be following Highway 1 south. This famous highway gives you incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. Even beyond these stops, you’ll see amazing sights throughout your entire journey, even just from your car. 

Once you hit Santa Barbara, it’s time to head back north, but you’ll be following a more inland path. This way, you’ll be able to make time for national parks, hidden hideaways, and fresh food from California’s farmland!

This road trip takes you through some of the more hidden gems of the state, like Half Moon Bay, San Simeon, and Solvang. From wine tours to hiking trails to amusement parks, there’s so much to do at these stunning locations that you may want to spend a few days at each stop. 

But to help you get the most out of each day, we’ve picked out a few of the sights you just can’t miss seeing. Follow this carefully curated California road trip itinerary to uncover all the famous and little-known destinations California has to offer.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Scenic Stops Along Your California Road Trip 

1. explore golden gate park in san francisco.

Before you venture south, start your journey in San Francisco. Known for its steep rolling hills, eclectic architecture, and fantastic food scene, you could spend your whole vacation getting to know this diverse city. But if you’re only stopping by and visiting for a few days, there should be a few highlights on your list of things to do in San Francisco . 

Take a walk along the Lands End Coastal Trail for one of the best views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Then, explore Golden Gate Park, where you’ll find beautiful places to spend an afternoon, like the Japanese Tea Garden or the Conservatory of Flowers . 

Another stop to make is the Palace of Fine Arts , one of the most picturesque structures in the city. If you’d like to see the famous Painted Ladies, head to Alamo Square Park for a view like no other. Finish your eventful day off by dining in Ghirardelli Square .

Experience a Golden Gate Park Segway Tour

2. Have a Beach Day in Half Moon Bay

As a northern California coastal town filled with excellent surfing, clean beaches, and bright blue waters, you may end up spending your entire time in Half Moon Bay relaxing in the sand. But there’s plenty more to do in this charming town, especially if you visit in the fall. 

Located an easy 30 miles south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is known for its pumpkin patches. The farms in Half Moon Bay put on quite a show in autumn, with corn mazes, haunted hayrides, and plenty of pumpkin picking. If you’re visiting closer to winter, many of these pumpkin patches turn into Christmas tree farms, complete with hot cocoa and tons of fun for adults and little ones alike.

Once you’re done at the farms, head to Half Moon Bay’s historic downtown for some great dining options and stores boasting one-of-a-kind finds. Here you’ll find handcrafted trinkets, hand-cut flowers, and even baby chicks to coo over.

3. Catch Epic Waves in Santa Cruz

Venturing an hour south of Half Moon Bay on Highway 1, your next stop should be the laidback and beachy town of Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is best known for its iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk , where you can ride the historic Giant Dipper, play skeeball in a huge and classic arcade, and spend a whole day sampling delicious boardwalk eats. 

But if you’d rather spend time in the forest instead of at the beach, climb aboard a train at the Roaring Camp Railroads . Hop on the Redwood Forest Steam Train for a tour of the redwoods until you reach Bear Mountain. 

Or take the Santa Cruz Beach Train, where you’ll be taken through Henry Cowell State Park and delivered to the Santa Cruz beaches. Around the holiday season, these trains are transformed into an illuminated wonderland.

Santa Cruz also has a diverse downtown, where you’ll find delicious dining options and unique shopping opportunities, as well as live music, historic movie theaters, and more. There are so many fun things to do in this beachside beauty – you could easily spend three days in Santa Cruz .

4. Spot Majestic Sea Creatures in Monterey

Less than an hour south of Santa Cruz is Monterey, another waterfront town with a very different vibe and a must on any California road trip. You won’t find amusement park rides in Monterey, but what you will find is incredible wildlife, amazing eats, and aquatic attractions like no other. There are tons of fun things to do in Monterey !

If you only have a few days in Monterey, you’ll likely want to spend them exploring the bay itself. Climb aboard a kayak at the Monterey Bay, and you’re bound to see sea lions, seals, otters, and maybe even dolphins while you’re paddling. Or venture to Old Fisherman’s Wharf to take a whale-watching tour and see humpbacks, orcas, and many more unique types of whales that spend time in the Monterey waters. 

One of the biggest attractions in Monterey is the Monterey Bay Aquarium , a world-renowned aquarium known for its rehabilitation efforts for abandoned wildlife. Learn about how surrogate otter moms train lost pups to prepare them to be released back into the wild. 

While you’re here, you’ll spot stunning creatures from diverse habitats, from the many organisms that call kelp forests home to the bewildering beauties of the little-seen deep sea. Once you’re done exploring the aquarium, head out to Cannery Row for fine dining options with an ocean view.

5. Take in Unreal Pacific Views in Big Sur

Not too far from Monterey is Big Sur, a historic location on the water. Take a photo at the Bixby Bridge, one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. Then, go for a hike at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Keep your eyes peeled for the hidden Keyhole Arch!

As you explore this gorgeous park, you’ll come across the 80-foot McWay Falls, a rushing waterfall surrounded by sandy beaches and granite cliffs. Another great hike is the Partington Cove Trail, a one-mile hike that leads you to a cove with tide pools, wildflowers, and one heck of a view.

For another unique beach experience, head to Pfeiffer Beach. Here you’ll walk along shimmering purple sand, which gets its color from manganese garnet. Check the north side of the beach near the tidepools for this naturally occurring phenomenon. 

Experience a Big Sur Guided Tour

6. Check Out the Elephant Seals in San Simeon

When you stop at San Simeon, you’ll find many beautiful beaches to visit, as well as breathtaking views. But there are two locations that you have to check out if you have a short stay in this spectacular town on the water. 

The first is the real jewel of San Simeon, Hearst Castle . Started in 1919, this castle consisted of a twin-towered main building, three guesthouses, and 127 acres of terraced gardens, fountains, and pools. It’s also a museum that’s home to art and antiquities from around the world. 

There are several different types of tours available, including one that invites guests to dress in period costumes and be transported back to the age of William Randolph Hearst himself. Pick the tour that you’d like to go on most, but be sure to book in advance as space is limited.

The other stop you should make is at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery , an easily accessible rookery where you’ll spot (and hear!) thousands of elephant seals nestled in the sand. Although you’ll find elephant seals here all throughout the year, up to 17,000 seals can be found here during peak times, which occur in January, April, and October.

7. Go Kayaking in Morro Bay

Located just 30 miles south of San Simeon, Morro Bay is a fishing village that’s a perfect stop for people who love getting out on the water. Charter your own fishing boat or rent a paddle board to venture around the bay. 

You’re bound to spot playful otters, resting seals, and barking sea lions no matter where you go in Morro Bay. After that, ride off into the sunset on a floating tiki bar complete with 1950s-style cocktails, or paddle as the moon rises over the famous Morro Rock with a sunset kayaking tour .

Morro Bay is often foggy, but the fog typically burns off by midday. Otherwise, the climate is very temperate, so there’s never a bad time to visit this beachside town. But two of the best times to come here are during fall’s Avocado Margarita Festival and spring’s Morro Bay Kite Festival . 

During the Avocado Margarita Festival, you’ll listen to live music in a picturesque setting while you sip on eclectic cocktails and dine on gourmet avocado treats. This festival truly is very Californian! 

During the Kite Festival, you and your family will watch as pieces of art fly overhead, flown by trained kite pilots. For even more fun for the little ones, some of these kites are packed with candy, which will drop at certain times of the day.

8. Rent a Dune Buggy in Pismo Beach

Once the Clam Capital of the World, Pismo Beach is a beachy town filled with places for outdoor adventures. You’ll find this gem 26 miles south of Morro Bay, so it’s a great place to get out and stretch your legs during your California road trip.

From October to February, you can watch thousands of butterflies soar overhead at the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove . You can also head to Dinosaur Caves Park , a bluff park that spans 11 acres. Kids will love playing at the dinosaur-themed playground, while you’ll love sightseeing in the lush green open space. 

For a more tranquil spot, venture over to Eldwayen Ocean Park . During low tide, you’ll spot tons of aquatic creatures here, from anemones to sea stars. But if you’re more of a daredevil, you’ll want to go to Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, the only place in California where motor vehicles can drive on the beach. Rent a dune buggy and go for the ride of your life!

Rent a Dune Buggy in Pismo Beach

9. Wine and Dine in Santa Barbara

Set 82 miles south of Pismo, Santa Barbara is one of the most popular weekend destinations in Southern California for a good reason. This gorgeous coastal town boasts beautiful beaches, gorgeous gardens, and many more amazing activities. 

Explore Lotusland , a lush and whimsical garden sitting on 37 acres and filled with a stunning collection of exotic plants once collected by famous Polish opera singer and socialite Madame Ganna Walska. Or head to Arroyo Burro County Beach Park for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.

Santa Barbara is known for its food and wine scene, so if you only have a day or two, join a wine or food tour to get the full experience of this scenic location. Take a sustainable wine tour , where you’ll go behind the scenes to see how small-production wines are made and sample them in private tasting rooms. Or go on a tasting tour to find local eats that are hidden gems to the area. 

End your day here with a show at the Lobero Theatre , the oldest continuously-performing theater in California. Or take in the sunset at Stearns Wharf, the oldest wooden wharf continuously in use in California. 

Now that you’ve made it to Santa Barbara, it’s time to venture back up the state. Although we journeyed down the coast, you’ll be heading back up more inland to mix things up!

Go on a Wine, Chocolate, and History Walking Tour

10. Be Transported to Denmark in Solvang

A must on any California road trip bucket list, the charming village of Solvang will make you feel like you’ve been transported across the world. This town is known for its Danish history, architecture, and treats. 

Ride along the historic horse-drawn Solvang Trolley and take in the sights of this uniquely wonderful location. As you wander along the main street, Mission Drive, you’ll gawk at colorful facades, spectacular windmills, and beautiful blooming flowers. 

Solvang features many wine-tasting rooms, fine dining establishments, and shops with one-of-a-kind treats. Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolate Inc. is a must-do for any sweets lover. Here you’ll find handcrafted chocolates of all kinds. If you’re a fan of the holidays, head to Jule Hus , where it’s Christmas all year long. 

If you’re a history buff, you’ll find many one-of-a-kind museums in Solvang. The Hans Christian Andersen Museum will take you into the life and works of this beloved Danish writer. 

To learn more about the Danish history of the area, the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art will take you through art and artifacts of Solvang’s Danish roots, all housed in a building reminiscent of 18th century Denmark farmhouse. And the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum shows off exotic and vintage motorcycles and European racing bikes, a perfect stop for a racing lover.

Book a Solvang Food & Photo Tour

11. Spend the Night at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo

Continuing north for about an hour, you’ll head to San Luis Obispo, where you’ll find wine tasting, farm-to-table dining, and an entertaining downtown to explore. 

Take a tour of the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa , take a walk through the strange and wonderful Bubblegum Alley, or give your kids a day of play at the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum . For a truly unique site, visit the Cal Poly Architecture Graveyard, a nine-acre area packed with eclectic structures built by students at Cal Poly.

If you have a night to spend in San Luis Obispo, rent a room at the Madonna Inn , a world-famous, whimsical inn with uniquely designed rooms. From rooms that look like they were built into the wall of a canyon to bright pink love shack-inspired suites, this kitschy gem is truly a one-of-a-kind find.

Book a night at the Madonna Inn

12. Go Wine Tasting in Paso Robles

Drive 30 miles north, and you’ll come across Paso Robles, a haven for art, culture, and wine. Visit Senserio , a 15-acre light show across rolling hills, for a spectacle unlike any other. Hike around Carrizo Plain National Monument, where the best time to explore is from March to May when the California poppies are in bloom. 

After that, you can take a hot air balloon ride over Paso Robles’ many vineyards or rest and rejuvenate in the area’s natural hot springs. You can dine on a castle rooftop at Tooth and Nail Winery , but there are plenty more wine-tasting options in the area. Hop aboard Paso Robles’ many wine tours to get a chance to experience several of the area’s biggest and best wineries.

Experience the Wine Country Sightseeing Tour

13. Take a Hike in Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles is a national park located just east of the Salinas Valley. About 23 million years ago, multiple volcanoes erupted, and the lava flow slid to form what would later become Pinnacles National Park. 

Throughout this gorgeous landscape, visitors can journey through chaparral, oak woodlands, and canyon bottoms. This park is home to many rare creatures, like the California condor. Hikers can also venture through talus caves and come out to find towering rock spires.

Because temperatures can reach the 90s and swing wildly throughout the day, it’s not recommended to hike in the Pinnacles during the peak of the summer. Although traveling here in the fall and winter can be beautiful, the best time to visit is in spring, when the wildflowers are in bloom. There are over 30 miles of hiking trails, so there’s plenty to explore here!

14. Try All the Garlicky Treats in Gilroy

Famously the Garlic Capital of the World, Gilroy is an adorable hidden gem in Santa Clara County, roughly an hour from Pinnacles National Park. Stop at one of the many garlic stops along the road here and even try some garlic ice cream if you’re feeling adventurous. 

Follow the Road to Garlic to find restaurants and shops offering the best garlic treats Gilroy has to offer. And if you have little ones, you’ll love Gilroy Gardens , which features beautiful gardens, amusement park rides, and the living sculptures that are the Circus Trees. 

Just outside of Gilroy is Henry W. Coe State Park, the largest state park in northern California and home to 87,000 acres of hills and mountain ridges in the Diablo Mountain Range. Wildflowers bloom all over this park from February to March, so it’s a masterpiece of color by April. With so many trails lining the flower-covered hills, this park is a hiker’s paradise.

15. Take It Easy in the East Bay

Now that you’ve made it back up to northern California finish off your road trip in the East Bay. Lying across the Bay Bridge to San Francisco, the East Bay consists of Contra Costa County and Alameda County. 

Hike your way around Tilden Regional Park, go stargazing at Chabot Space & Science Center , or dine on the water at Jack London Square in Oakland. If you’d like to see the iconic redwoods, be sure to stroll along the trails at Redwood Regional Park.

If you have young children, they’ll love Children’s Fairyland , an amusement park that looks like it came right out of a storybook. It’s conveniently located nearby the scenic Lake Merritt. This lake is also home to a large and eclectic farmers market every Saturday that’s certainly worth a stop. 

And now your California road trip has come to an end! Did we miss any of your favorite road trip stops in California? Let us know in the comments!

Planning a trip to California? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

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About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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Scenic California Drives: 7 Routes That Will Make You Swoon

Martin Sundberg/Getty Images 

These seven California drives are guaranteed to make you say "Wow!" — And say it more than once. They're the best places you can go for a short road trip in California, journeys where you will measure progress by photos per mile rather than miles per hour.

If you take them all, you will see waves crashing on coastal cliffs and drive beneath trees that are the tallest living things on earth. You will travel over high mountain passes, through valleys with floors a mile high, feeling small in comparison to the mountains that soar 10,000 feet above you. You will cross the desert through a World Biosphere Reserve and see the lowest place in North America.

All of these road trips are between 100 and 180 miles long, short enough to do in a single day and interesting enough to turn into multi-day trips. In fact, you could string them all together to make the ultimate one- to two-week California road trip vacation. You can see where they are on this handy Google map .

Before you get started, take a little time to go old school. While all of these routes have fantastic views, they can take you far from the nearest cell phone tower. Before you hop in the car, download a map to your mobile device or get one printed on paper.

Big Sur: From Carmel to Morro Bay

Ershov_Maks/Getty Images

California Highway 1 between Morro Bay and Carmel-by-the-Sea is the best drive in California. And it may just be the most famous 155 miles in the world. It's undoubtedly the most photographed, talked about and dreamed about route in the Golden State.

It's all about the scenery on the Big Sur drive, with the highway tracing the curvaceous coastline and the Pacific Ocean crashing on the rocks below.

Driving on this road can be nerve-wracking. Some of the turns are so tight you'll feel like you can see your own taillights. That is when you're not fretting about whether you're going to veer off the road and end up in the ocean at the bottom of those sheer cliffs. To minimize that drama, start in Morro Bay and drive north which puts your vehicle on the land side of the highway.

The 120-mile distance seems short, but photo opportunities, hairpin turns, and slow-moving drivers combine to make the trip take up to twice as long as you might expect.

The best time to go is in spring and fall when the sky is the clearest. In summer, the coast is subject to coastal fog called June Gloom , the road gets crowded, and there are few places to pass those slow-moving vehicles. In winter, mudslides can close Highway 1 for weeks to months at a time. Before you set out, check the road conditions on the CalTrans website and find out what you can do instead if it's closed.

Where to Stop

You can find all the best stops and points of interest in the guide to driving Highway One through Big Sur.

If you want to make this trip in two days, you'll want to spend more time in Morro Bay . You can also spend a day or more exploring Carmel-by-the-Sea .

Places to stay are scarce except around the Big Sur village area where you can find plenty of inns and campgrounds .

What You Need to Know

You can find food and restrooms at Ragged Point, Gorda and in Big Sur village. Purchase gasoline in either Carmel or Morro Bay. If you're driving an electric vehicle, charge up in Big Sur village or Cambria (75 miles apart).

If you or your companions are prone to motion sickness, be prepared. Try these remedies or take the wheel which helps many people avoid the problem.

The highway is a paved, two-lane road suitable for all passenger vehicles. You can take large RVs and travel trailers on it, but most people who have tried that say they won't do it again.

The High Sierras: Bridgeport to Lone Pine

George Rose/Getty Images

Between Bridgeport and Lone Pine, the 150-mile stretch of US Highway 395 passes through a landscape that looks like it was torn from the pages of National Geographic magazine. In the fall when the aspen trees turn golden, it’s arguably the most beautiful drive in California.

One of the delights of 395 is the diversity of landscapes you can see just by looking out your window. You'll travel through the broad, high Owens Valley with the Sierra Nevada mountains on the west side and the White and Inyo Mountains on the east. You'll even be able to see Mount Whitney, the highest summit in the contiguous United States with an elevation of 14,505 feet (4,421 meter).

Fall is the most spectacular season to make the drive. In the spring, you may see wild iris and other wildflowers blooming beside the highway. Summer is also fine, with moderate temperatures and lots of sunshine. In the winter, the area gets snow, which makes the mountains beautiful but can make the driving difficult.

Must-see sights along Highway 395 include Mono Lake and its unique tufa rock formations, Devil's Postpile outside Mammoth, Convict Lake , June Lake , and the Manzanar National Historic Site (a World War II Japanese internment camp). 

If you make this trip in two days, you can also take side trips to see the west's best-preserved ghost town at Bodie State Historic Park, and the bubbling, turquoise-colored mineral springs at Hot Creek.

Bishop is an excellent place to stop, but you can also find lodging in Lee Vining, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, and Lone Pine.

Food, gasoline, and restrooms are available in most of the towns along 395. Most of them also have electric vehicle charging points with at least a few stations.

The highest point on this drive is Conway Summit which is 8,138 feet (2,480 m) high, enough to cause altitude sickness in some people.

The main highway is suitable for any type of vehicle. Passenger vehicles can use the unpaved road to Bodie ghost town, but it is famous for its bumps and potholes. A few of the side trips in the Highway 395 guide are accessed by dirt roads that are passable in a passenger vehicle (although you may come out covered in dust).

Highway 1 North: San Francisco to Fort Bragg

Yuval Helfman/EyeEm/Getty Images

The Big Sur coast is justifiably famous and jaw-droppingly scenic, but it isn't the only part of California Highway 1 that offers views so gorgeous you might not believe they're real.

The 180-mile drive between San Francisco and Fort Bragg on Highway 1 offers scenery and lots of places to stop and explore, from charming villages that look they should be in New England to cliffside vista points so far above the ocean they could give you vertigo.

The best time to go is in spring and fall when the sky is the clearest. In summer, the coast is subject to coastal fog called June Gloom. The highway can sometimes be closed for repairs, especially in the winter. Check for closures and other road conditions at the CalTrans website before you go.

The best stops are at Point Reyes to see one of the coast's most scenic lighthouses, the tiny town of Marshall where you can enjoy oysters fresh from the ocean, and the storybook town of Mendocino .

Between those points of interest, you'll be high above the ocean's edge. You can find out about everything else along the way in the guide to traveling Highway 1 north.

There's enough to enjoy on this route that it would also make a multi-day trip. You can find places to stay in most of the towns you pass through.

Gasoline, food, and restrooms are also available at most of the towns on Highway 1. Many of them also have electric vehicle chargers with at least a few stations.

If winding, clifftop roads make you or your companions nervous, drive from south to north, which will keep your vehicle on the inside of all the curves.

From the Beach to the Desert: San Diego to Palm Springs

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

If you're driving from San Diego to Palm Springs, don't let your GPS or navigation app take you on a boring drive on busy interstate highways. Instead, take control of your route to travel through the Cuyamaca Mountains, visit a gold rush town from the 1870s, and descend to the desert to explore a World Biosphere Reserve. 

Fall, winter, and spring are all great times to go. Between October and January, you can see up to 400 species of migratory birds around the Salton Sea — almost half of those known in North America. In the spring, you might catch the wildflowers at Anza-Borrego. Fall is apple season in the town of Julian. In the summer, desert temperatures are so high that you won't want to get out of your air-conditioned vehicle — but hotel rates in the desert cities will be low.

Along the way, stop in  Julian , a tiny gold rush town that's a good place to shop for antiques and get a slice of apple pie made from fruit grown in the nearby orchards.

On the east side of the mountains is Anza-Borrego, California's largest state park and a World Biosphere Reserve. For a quick visit, stop at the desert garden outside the visitor center which is a concentrated version of the park's entire 600,000 acres. Or go into depth and explore all the things you can do in Anza-Borrego .

At the town of Borrego Springs, detour west on Highway S22. Before long, you'll be rubbing your eyes in disbelief when you start seeing some of the more than 100 metal sculptures scattered over 10 square miles. Created by sculptor Ricardo Breceda for Dennis Avery (of the Avery label company), the Borrego Springs sculpture garden include mammoths, wild horses, giant sloths, camels, birds of prey and saber-tooth tigers. 

Continuing toward Palm Springs, you'll come to the Salton Sea , a body of water that covers almost 350 square miles of the California desert, is twice as salty as the Pacific Ocean, and is disappearing fast. From a distance, it looks like a mirage, an optical illusion formed by shimmering heat waves rising from the desert floor. .

If you want to take the trip in two days, you could stay overnight in Julian or Borrego Springs.

Food, gasoline, and restrooms are available in Julian and Borrego Springs, and you can also find restrooms at the Anza-Borrego visitor center. If you are driving an electric vehicle with a range of fewer than 200 miles, check ahead for charging stations along your route.

To take control of that GPS, map your trip in sections. If you're starting from San Diego, don't type Palm Springs into your mapping app. Set it for Julian instead. When you get there, navigate to Borrego Springs. Then plot a route to Palm Springs using the Interstate or take California Highway 111 which goes through the desert towns south of Palm Springs. If you're starting in Palm Springs, do the reverse: Borrego Springs, then Julian, then San Diego.

This drive is suitable for any type of vehicle, although it has quite a few hilly, curving sections. In the summer, be sure your vehicle is capable of handling high temperatures and check your fluid levels.

Redwood Highway: Oregon Border to Leggett

Jason Langley/Getty Images

Northern California's Redwood Highway takes you through the home of some of the most spectacular trees on earth. They cluster in groves, growing as tall as 300 to 350 feet and spanning 16 to 18 feet across.

The 175-mile route also passes some of Northern California's most dramatic coastal scenery. Between the redwood groves, you can spot elk, hike through a canyon filled with ferns, or stop to see the famous Chandelier Tree where you can actually drive your car through its trunk.

You can do basic drive between Leggett and the Oregon border in a day. If you have more time, take a few side trips. You can travel back in time in Ferndale (a village full of charming Victorian-era homes), watch the waves crash on offshore rocks, or take a photo of yourself next to an oversized statue of Paul Bunyan and his pal Babe the Blue Ox.

You can enjoy this drive any time of year. Winter can be rainy, but snow is rare.

If you only see one thing along the Redwood Highway , it should be Jedediah Smith State Park . The 6-mile drive through the park on Howland Hill Road is a must if you have never been in an unspoiled redwood forest. It's not suitable for all vehicles, though.

You're never far from a service station, a place to eat or a restroom on the highway. Expect to find more amenities in the larger towns. Electric vehicle charging stations may be difficult to find, making it a good idea to search for their locations before you start your trip.

Highway 101 is suitable for any vehicle, including large RVs and travel trailers, even on a side drive through the Avenue of the Giants.

Howland Hill drive is never suitable for large RVs or vehicles towing trailers. If the hard-packed gravel road has been graded recently, it's passable for a family sedan, but conditions can vary from smooth to deeply rutted. Check conditions at one of the park's visitor centers entrance in Crescent City and near the Hiouchi entrance.

Through Yosemite: Mariposa to Lee Vining Over Tioga Pass

David Toussaint/Getty Images

There's a lot more to Yosemite National Park than just the famous valley. On this drive, you'll also see alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and get a bird's eye view of Yosemite Valley from above.

The 100-mile route starts in the foothill town of Mariposa, climbs into the mountains and through the Yosemite Valley alongside the Merced River. Don't give in to temptation and spend all your time visiting the valley unless you have more than one day to make the trip. Instead, drive over the mountains through Tioga Pass to see Yosemite's high country.

This drive is beautiful any time of year. In the spring, you will see lots of flowering trees and wildflowers and the rivers and waterfalls will be at maximum flow. You can take the drive roughly from October through May, but in the winter, the mountain pass closes because of snow. You can get a look at historical opening and closing times at the Yosemite website.

Even though it looks like any other state highway on the map, this route goes through a national park with an entrance fee which applies even if you're only driving through.

Where to Stop The most spectacular vista points along the drive are Olmstead Point, Tenaya Lake, and Tuolumne Meadows.

You can easily make this drive in a day, but if you want to stop along the way, you will find cabins at  White Wolf Lodge  and more lodging at the  Tioga Pass Resort .

You can buy groceries in Yosemite Valley or at the Tuolumne Meadows store.

Gas pumps at Crane Flat (at the junction of Big Oak Flat Road and Tioga Road) are open 24 hours a day year-round, but the store is open only from spring through fall. It will be less expensive to fill up with gasoline in Mariposa or Lee Vining.

Be sure you know where to charge your electric vehicle before you start.

The highest point on this drive is Tioga Pass which is 9,943 feet (3,031 meters) high, enough to cause altitude sickness in some people.

The road is suitable for any type of vehicle, include large RVs and travel trailers.

The Heart of Death Valley: Shoshone to Stovepipe Wells

TripSavvy / Amanda Capritto

Death Valley is the place to travel through some of California' most spectacular desert scenery, an other-worldly landscape that looks like it belongs in an outer space movie. That is, unless If you drive into it on the wrong road, which can be so dull that it will make you wonder why people say that.

If you follow the scenic route, you will travel over two mountain passes before dropping to a spot that's well below sea level. You'll also get a look at Lake Manly which dried up 10,000 years ago. If you're lucky enough to go at the right time, you can see it temporarily come back to life. That happens once every decade or so. The last time was 2015 when a few people went kayaking on it.

The best time to make this drive is between October and April. Some people enjoy summer in Death Valley, but it can get so hot that those cheap dollar store flip-flops might just melt and stick to the pavement if you stand still for too long.

If you want to make this drive into a two-day trip, you can stay at one of the Death Valley hotels or bring your gear and stay in one of the campgrounds .

The only gasoline stations in Death Valley are at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells. There is also a station at Panamint Springs, but it is exorbitantly expensive. If you are driving an EV, it's best to keep charged up and research charger locations before you go.

To take this drive, follow the route on this handy Google map or use these directions: From Shoshone, California exit Highway 127 onto Highway 178. Travel past the ruined Ashford gold mill to Badwater, then on north past the Devil's Golf Course. Take the side drive through Artist's Palette. Continue to Furnace Creek, then drive north through the park to Stovepipe Wells. It's about 100 miles from Shoshone to there.

From Stovepipe Wells, you can exit the park on Highway 190 over the mountains toward Panamint Springs or go east to Beatty, Nevada.

Death Valley is an unforgiving place that sometimes lives up to its name. Before you go, stock up on water and food and find out how to get to Death Valley without dying on the way.

The main roads described above are all passable in any type of vehicle. If you want to go off-road to locations like The Racetrack, you may need a four-wheel drive vehicle.

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Home » North America » USA » California

Epic California Road Trip Guide [Coolest Routes in CA!]

Going on a road trip in California has to be one of the best ways to experience the state. With amazing national parks, world-class cities and everything in between – California has everything that a road tripper could ever want!

But California is huge , and is practically a nation unto itself. Where do you pick where to go on your California road trip? How long will you visit each place? How much will it cost?

Don’t worry – we have the insider information you need for an EPIC road trip.

Written by our road-trip experts, this epic guide covers everything you need to know about your California road trip.

We’ll show you exactly how to stick to a budget, where to find California’s hidden gems, and give you plenty of ideas and itineraries so you can easily plan out your entire California trip!

The highway is calling – let’s dive right into our insider California travel guide!

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California Road Trips Costs

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Let’s be frank here: a road trip in California is not going to be cheap by any means.

It’s not the kind of cost to be discouraged though since we at The Broke Backpacker still look for ways to save! Even if we are unable to travel for $10 a day we can at least help reduce the prices of a California road trip to a reasonable level.

The average daily budget for a California road trip is between $75-$150 – this includes gas, a rental car, lodging, food, drink, and entry into certain attractions. Make note of this number but please do not let it discourage you – we’re going to show how to reduce it to a more budget-friendly amount soon.

The largest cost will definitely be your rental car, as it is unavoidable for a road trip. We suggest visiting California outside of peak season for cheaper prices.

California is a large state – don’t be surprised to drive 5+ hours in a day – so gas prices are inevitable too. While much cheaper than say, Europe, California gas prices are one of the most expensive in the country.

Finally, lodging, food, and drink can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it. This is where you can really bring the costs down, which we’ll break down in the next section.

The USA is  blisteringly beautiful. It’s also blisteringly expensive! Visiting two national parks in day can run you $70+ in entry fees.

Orrrr… you kick those entry fees to the curb, buy an annual ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ for $79.99,  and get unlimited access to ALL 2000+ federally managed sites in the States totally FREE!

You do the math. 😉

Average Costs of a California Road Trip

Rental car per day: $30-$100

RV rental: $100-$300

Gallon of gas: $3.65

Private AirBnB home: $100-$200

Hotel room: $150-$250

Hostel: $25-$45

Campground: $10-$20 (sometimes free!)

Sandwich: $8-$12

Beer at a bar: $5-$8

Coffee: $3-$4

Bottle of Whiskey from market: $18

Dinner for two: $60-$80

Southern California Road Trip – 5 days

Sf and the sierra nevada – 7 days, eastern california road trip – 10 days, road trip on the california coast – 14 days.

Below is a list of the best itineraries for a California road trip. Varying from 5 to 14 days in length, they cover many of the top destinations in California. Each itinerary provides day-by-day highlights, which are meant to give you some good California road trip ideas.

Southern California may be the first place everyone imagines when they think about the state. Fine-sand beaches, palm trees, plenty of urban sprawl, and plenty more weed and booze, SoCal is quintessential California.

Going on a road trip in Southern California will afford you lots of chances to try all of the aforementioned activities.

The area between Los Angeles and San Diego is classically considered SoCal. Between two massive cities, you’ll get to do everything from surfing to smoking to skating in the parks. You’ll get to hang with hipsters in Echo Park, have date nights in La Jolla, and chillax in Venice Beach.

If you’d like to shoot for the stars, you can even make road trips to Southern California’s other top spots, likes of Santa Barbara, the San Bernardinos, and Santa Catalina Island.

Road Trip Length:

Highlights:.

San Diego, Los Angeles, Huntington Beach, Malibu, San Bernardino’s, Santa Catalina, Channel Islands

Notable bars and restaurants:

The food carts, Lost Abbey (San Diego), Greenflash (San Diego), El Prez (San Diego), A.O.C. (LA), Night Market Song (LA), Tabula Rosa (LA)

Where to Sleep:

Samesun Venice Beach (LA), Grafton on Sunset (Los Angeles), USA Hostels Hollywood (LA), ITH ZOO Hostel San Diego , Lucky D’s (San Diego)

Activities:

Surfing, brewery walks in San Diego, food tours in Los Angeles, partying in Hollywood, Venice Beach oddities, hiking on the Channel Islands

Scenic Drives:

I-5, California Highway 1 road trip, Palos Verdes Drive

Festivals and Events:

Sun and Sea Fest San Diego (July), Rose Parade and Rose Bowl (January), Adult Swim Festival (October), Desert Daze (October), Camp Flog Nawg Festival (November)

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These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

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The Bay Area is (in my opinion) the best part of California – it’s drop-dead gorgeous, prosperous, dynamic, and absolutely chalked full of things to do. Food, drink, nature, culture, weather; it’s all here. No road trip on the California Coast is complete without stopping in the Bay.

There are just so many superlatives around the Bay:

San Francisco is probably the most beautiful city in the USA (it knows this though). Oakland is low-key the coolest part of the Bay. Napa produces the best wine in the state. Finally, a road trip down California Highway 101 will land you in Santa Cruz – the surf capital of NorCal – and then Big Sur, which is arguably the most popular part of the coast.

The Bay Area is also conveniently within a few hours’ drive of amazing outdoor destinations like Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe. Both offer some of the most scenic drives in California, not to mention an endless amount of outdoor activities.

John Muir Woods, San Francisco, Oakland, Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, Napa, Big Sur

Bierhaus (Oakland), Wreck Room (San Francisco), Zeitgeist (SF), Thieves Tavern (SF), Stonefly Restaurant (Markleeville), Austin’s Restaurant (Tahoe)

USA Hostels San Francisco, Green Tortoise Hostel (SF), Knights Inn (Oakland), Yosemite Bug Rustic , Mellow Mountain Hoste l (Lake Tahoe)

Climbing in Yosemite, wine tasting in Napa Valley , swimming at Lake Tahoe, beers in Dolores Park, art walks in Oakland, staying in Big Sur

Highway 1, Tioga Pass, Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive, Silverado Trail

Treasure Island Festival (October), SF Pride Parade (June), SF Chinese New Year (February), Outside Lands (August), Festival Napa Valley (July)

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Eastern California is a side of the state that not too many see. A lot of people are turned off by the region’s heat, desolation, and lack of coastline.

While the East may not be as popular as a road trip on the California Coast, it is still beautiful in its own way.

As you make a road trip on California’s 395, you will be presented with unexpected natural splendor. To the west, the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada rise very prominently. To the east, the Great Basin stretches on for unfathomable miles.

This California road trip route offers a lot of the state’s best destinations, like Death Valley, Mt Whitney, Lake Mono, and Lassen Volcanic Park. All of these locations are stunning and it goes without saying that some of the best hikes in California are around these parts.

Death Valley, Alabama Hills, Bishop, Lake Mono, Lake Tahoe, Lassen Volcanic National Park

Holy Smokes Texas Style BBQ (Bishop), Aaron Schat’s Roadhouse (Bishop), The Stove (Mammoth Lakes), John’s Pizza Works (Mammoth Lakes), La Vecchia (Reno), Peg’s Glorified Ham n Eggs (Reno)

Grafton on Sunset (Los Angeles), USA Hostels Hollywood (LA), Morris Burner Hostel (Reno), Moderne Hostel ( Mammoth Lakes ), Hostel California (Bishop), Mellow Mountain Hostel (Tahoe)

Climbing Mt. Whitney, skiing at Mammoth Lakes, hiking in John Muir Wilderness, paddleboarding at Lake Tahoe, gambling in Reno

Highway 395, Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive, Lassen Scenic Byway

Burning Man (August), Reno Artown (July), Reno Hot August Nights (August), Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza (August), Mammoth Village Summer Jam (June), Bishop Manzanar Pilgrimage (April)

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A road trip on the California Coast is the stuff of dreams – it’s one of the most romantic parts of the entire USA and has inspired countless people to pack up their lives and move west. Ultimately, it is a superbly beautiful place to travel around and, crucially, very easy as well.

You can take a road trip on California Highway 1 and 80% of the time you will never leave the coast. Seriously, the ocean is within sight for the near entirety of the trip. For those who want to be close to the sea, this California Coast road trip route is about as close as it gets.

You will also visit most of the state’s top locations while on a Highway 1 California road trip as well. This includes San Diego, Los Angeles, Big Sur, San Francisco the Redwoods; all that and then some.

San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, SLO, Big Sur, San Francisco, Marin Country, Redwoods National Park

Greenflash (San Diego), El Prez (San Diego), A.O.C. (LA), Night Market Song (LA), Tabula Rosa (LA), Wreck Room (San Francisco), Zeitgeist (SF), Oaxaca Grill Restaurant (Eureka), Annie’s Cambodian Cuisine (Eureka)

USA Hostels Hollywood, ITH ZOO Hostel San Diego , HI San Luis Obispo, HI Monterey, USA Hostels San Francisco, Emerald Forest Cabins (Eureka)

Hanging out in Santa Cruz , hiking in SLO, road trip along Big Sur, food in LA, photography with the Redwoods, beers in San Diego

The entire road trip on California Highway 1

Kinetic Grand Championship (May), Redwood Coast Music Fest (May), Reggae on the River (August), Pride Parade (June), Outside Lands (August), Sun and Sea Fest San Diego (July), Desert Daze (October)

Below is a list of the best road trip stops in California. Study them well and decide which ones you like the most. Check out this post for  romantic getaway ideas  found along your California road trip route.

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Road Trip to Los Angeles

When people imagine California, the first place that comes to mind is Los Angeles . Let’s just get it over with. Not that it isn’t a great place to visit in California. In many ways, Los Angeles does epitomize Californian life – hopeful, buzzing, fortunate, decadent, and decrepit all at once. I can think of no better place to start a road trip in California than the “City of Angels.”

Located in Southern California on the Pacific Coast, Los Angeles is an enormous city. It’s the second-largest city in the USA and has dozens of unique districts that offer their own flair. To speak to each one would require a lot more time than we have in this guide so we’ll have to gloss over a lot of LA. If you want to get a better idea for the city, then check out our in-depth Backpacking Los Angeles guide .

Los Angeles does a lot of things to do. It is statistically superlative: the most LGBT-friendly city in America, one of the most ethnically diverse cities, and one of the most sexually active. In summation, LA is really good at being open-minded and enjoying itself.

Much of LA’s reputation precedes it. World-famous Hollywood is still a playground for the rich, famous, and beautiful. Santa Monica is still the place for family fun and fresh-out-of-college greenhorns. Venice Beach is still full of weirdos.

There is a lot more to LA these days. Once crime-ridden and neglected areas like Koreatown, Silverlake , and Echo Park are on the rise. Hipsters are becoming the new socialites, not aspiring actors. If there’s one thing I can credit LA for, is that it’s always surprising me.

So stay in Los Angeles for good food, good parties, and good vibes. You’ll find it to be one of the most unique things to do in Southern California.

Road Trip to San Diego

People often imagine Los Angeles as a laid-back surfer town with sick beaches and good vibes but this is not always the case. If this what you’re looking for, you should visit San Diego instead as it is the more the stereotypical Southern California road trip experience.

San Diego is a fun, easygoing beach city that is renowned for its excellent surf, seriously spectacular weather, and righteous residents.

San Diego is south of Los Angeles and sits right on the border of Mexico. Literally, from a large hill, you can Tijuana and the Mexican border . This makes trips to Mexico very easy and also imbues the city with a very Latin vibe.

Aside from Balboa Park , the best places to visit in San Diego are the many coastal neighborhoods or one of the many cultural sites.

San Diego has a lot of history, both as an ex-colonial town and important military base during World War years. You’ll a decent amount of Spanish-inspired architecture in San Diego and many landmarks like the Cabrillo Monument , the USS Midway , and the Old Colonial Park.

Seriously, you can’t go wrong with just laying on the beach in San Diego. The city beaches here are some of the best in California and should not be missed. Coronado, Mission, La Jolla , and Pacific are all noteworthy ones.

Be sure to grab a drink or attend a concert while road tripping in San Diego. The Gaslamp Quarter (Downtown) is definitely ground zero for parties in San Diego though Mission and North Park are also good. There are many breweries around San Diego and it’s often ranked one of the best beer cities in America. Check out ListenSD for all up upcoming music shows.

Road Trip to Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo

Heading north from Los Angeles we begin our real road trip in Southern California; the area we’re about to describe is known as the Central Coast and arguably the best area in the state.

When driving northbound, you definitely have to drive on California Highway 1 and 101 . These coastal routes are among the most famous roads in California because they hug the coast perfectly and offer breathtaking scenery.

Leaving Los Angeles and the ultra-luxurious Malibu , you’ll first pass through Ventura . Ventura is a nice coastal town with a couple of things to do ; mostly it’s a welcome respite from mad LA. Look out for the iron bells on the 101, which mark the original pilgrimage of Junipero Serra, who was one of the most important religious figures in Californian history.

Keep driving on the 101 and you’ll eventually you’ll arrive in Santa Barbara . Santa Barbara is one of the most beloved cities in California due to its historical significance, downtempo vibe, and excellent beaches.

The Mission Santa Barbara and County Courthouse are two of the best examples of the local (Catholic) Mission-style architecture. They’re nice to appreciate but only for about 15-30 minutes.

Much better is East Beach and Leadbetter Beach , which could rival any Californian beach in terms of beauty. Try visiting more cultivated spots like Lotusland and the Botanic Gardens also.

If you’d like to stay in Santa Barbara for the night be sure to check out the best places to sleep in the city . (Hint: the lodges are really nice here.) Otherwise, let’s move on.

Back on the road again, we head further north towards San Luis Obispo . You’ll notice by now the landscape becoming increasingly green and rugged, which comes to a zenith in San Luis Obispo. Upon arriving in San Luis or “SLO,” you’ll see that it’s a gorgeous college town.

San Luis Obispo is surrounded by woods, volcanic-formed hills, and rugged coastline, all of which are prime places for hiking and adventure sports. It’s also close to Paso Robles , a popular spot for wine-lovers passing through the area.

For the more hedonistic travelers, there is an excellent farmers market in SLO every Thursday that offers live music and plenty of fresh food. Wine tours in the Edna Valley are also recommended.

Road Trip to Big Sur and Monterey

The coastline between Los Angeles and San Francisco, referred to as Big Sur , is considered by many to be one of the top destinations in California.

This part of the California Coast is an absolute feast for the eyes. With wind-warped trees, towering cliffs, and some of the most rugged topography in the state, this will be one of the highlights of your road trip on California Highway 1.

Not long after you enter Big Sur from San Simeon in the south, you’re afforded views of one the most photographed places in California: McWay Falls . This near-perfect waterfall empties straight onto a gorgeous beach and is framed by equally inspiring sea cliffs. There are several trails around this area that take you to various little canyons and cascades.

Moving along, you’ll drive further into Big Sur and past many remote beaches. Pfeiffer Beach is one of the most famous due to the keyhole formation in a local seastack and sparkly, purple sand. You can access several more beaches from Andrew Molera State Park via hiking trails.

Continuing on you’ll round Point Sur and be afforded some epic views of the coast. There are lots of vistas here on the side of the road so be sure to pull over for photos.

You’ll also see the impressive Bixby Creek Bridge , another oft-photographed landmark in Big Sur. Don’t forget to stop by Garrapata Beach for a break.

Last but not least on our Big Sur road trip is Point Lobos , which has lots of gorgeous coves that are accessed via trails. Beyond Lobos is Monterey  and the upscale Carmel , a charming little beach town that deserves a day or two to be explored.

If you’re looking for some excellent surf, nearby Santa Cruz is legendary for its waves as well as its alternative lifestyles and omnipresent fog. Don’t be surprised to smell the grass. Check out this post for fun things to do in Santa Cruz. If you need cheap accommodation in Santa Cruz, check out these stunning motels .

You can either sleep in Big Sur or around Monterey Bay. We love Monterey and the local hostel there but camping in Big Sur is an awesome experience.

Road Trip to San Francisco

San Francisco has always been in a league of its own. Though it often competes with Los Angeles for the title of “coolest city in California,” it is in so many ways incomparable to any other city, both in America and the world for that matter.

A supremely confident place with a host of attractions that most international cities dream of having, San Francisco is simply one of the coolest places in California.

San Francisco is a different city from Los Angeles both culturally and geographically. Here, ubiquitous, bright sunny days are swapped for more moody, misty ones and people here are generally more alternative in their lifestyle choices. That is not to say LA and SF are at odds with one another. At the end of the day, the two cities probably have more in common than not.

There is just a fuck ton to do in San Francisco and, like Los Angeles, we can’t cover everything in this brief section.

My advice for what to do in San Francisco is to just start walking around. As one of the densest urban areas in the USA, there is literally something to see on every street corner.

Take a walk down Market Street to see the city’s skyscrapers. Tour the ultra-touristy Fisherman’s Wharf and make your way past Marina District to the elegant Presidio . Get Italian food in North Beach . Explore the ritzy Nob Hill and Russian Hill food and bar scene. Wander around the increasingly gentrifying Mission, Haight , and Castro districts, which were once the hubs of civil action.

Of course, no road trip to San Francisco is complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge too.

If you want to really dive into the city, then be sure to read out more comprehensive backpacking San Francisco travel guide!

Road Trip to the Greater Bay Area

It’s sometimes easy to forget that San Francisco is a part of a much larger urban organism, one that is among the most dynamic in the USA. Referred to as the Bay Area , there are many cities besides worth visiting when planning a trip to SF . The most noteworthy of these include Oakland, San Jose , and the combined counties of Marin and Napa . Between these other destinations, there is an even greater amount of things to do outside of San Francisco.

San Jose aka “Silicon Valley” is the center of the technological world in California and probably the entire United States. Here are some of the richest, most daring company headquarters in the world, including Google, FaceBook, and Apple, and yet San Jose is kind of a boring place.

Oakland is a way more fun to visit, arguably more than San Francisco actually. Granted, Oakland has had a pretty rough reputation in the past for being crime-ridden and underprivileged, but it is quickly becoming one of the most eclectic and interesting places in California.

The lifestyle here is notably more relaxed than San Francisco and much more geared towards the anti-establishment mentality. With soaring costs of living though, this could all change.

Berkeley is famous for its local university but is a charming place to visit otherwise. Think hippies who made a lot of money and wanted to settle down; that’s Berkley. The local Cal Sailing Club also offers free sailing tours in the Berkeley Marina on certain nights, which is one our favorite free things to do in California!

North of SF is Napa Valley, famous for its world-class wineries, and Marin County, arguably the prettiest part of the Bay Area. This area is also where rich hippies settle down. Both make for excellent day-long road trips from San Francisco. Be sure to check out Mount Tamalpais and the Bay’s own redwood collections.

Road Trip to Yosemite

One of the most popular road trips from San Francisco is to Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada . Sacred to rock climbers and incomprehensible to first-timers, Yosemite is one of the best places in California and the entire world for that matter. If you’re planning on a road trip to California’s national parks , Yosemite is absolutely mandatory.

Yosemite is a short 4-hour drive away from the Bay Area. You’ll drive along the 508 and Highway 5 through the Central Valley before merging onto the 120 , which will take you all the way to the edge of the park.

Beyond Yosemite, the 120 is also one of the most beautiful and famous roads in California because it goes over the Tioga Pass . Views are plentiful and astounding in the summer but during the winter the pass is closed.

Most people end up staying in Yosemite Village where the Visitor’s Center is. You’ll have to pay a $35 per vehicle entry fee for Yosemite National Park.

If you are visiting more than one national park on your California road trip route, then we highly suggest buying an America the Beautiful pass. It allows unlimited entry to all national parks for one year, and only costs $80 (limit one per vehicle).

In Yosemite Valle y, you’ll see all of the park’s most iconic features, including the hallowed Half Dome and El Capitan . Both of these granite gods are legendary rock climbing destinations and arguably the most famous places to go sport climbing in the world.

For the more casual outdoors person, Yosemite has some of the best hikes in California. The trails leading up to Glacier Point via 4 Mile, Vernal/Nevada Falls via Mist , and Yosemite Falls are all spectacular. You can even hike to the top of Half Dome with a highly competitive permit. Several viewpoints, like Tunnel View and Glacier Point View , are accessible by car as well.

Road Trip to Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is an unfathomably beautiful lake, the likes of which is a great source of pride for Californians. Lying deep in the Sierra Nevada and on the border of the state of Nevada, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in the USA and the largest freshwater lake in California.

It is one of the most popular road trip spots in California among locals and visitors alike.

There are several roads leading to Lake Tahoe. Both Highway 50 (to South Lake) and 80 (to North Lake)will take you to the lake from the Bay Area and both will take 3-4 hours to drive. If you’re looking for a piece of American history, try taking a detour over Donner Pass , which is another famous road in California due in part to the story of the Donner Party .

Arriving at Lake Tahoe, you will be knocked dead in your tracks by the beauty of the lake. It is a massive body of water with huge boulders intermittently strewn and a painter’s palette of colors.

The water, a deep turquoise and blue, is often considered some of the clearest in the world and ranked right up there with Lake Baikal and Crater Lake.

There are several places to stay at around Lake Tahoe . The major towns are South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City  in the north. There are several little villages, resort towns, and campgrounds all around the perimeter of Lake Tahoe as well.

Summer is the most popular time of year to visit Lake Tahoe. Swimmers, hikers, and boaters all enjoy the crystal clear (and very cold) water at this time as well as the scenery. There are several gorgeous beaches, both obvious and hidden, around Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe has awesome skiing in the winter. Tahoe gets absolutely dumped on by snow during this time, sometimes 8 feet at a time, though as of late the snow seasons have been hit or miss. The opening of the ski season varies wildly depending on the year as the climate is becoming increasingly unpredictable.

Home to the number one rated hostel in all of California, nowhere else can compete with South Lake Tahoe neighborhoods in terms of budget accommodation options. Check it out yourself and decide what suits you best!

Road Trip to Northern California

Northern California , excluding the Bay Area and Sacramento, is a very different place than the rest of the state. With a penchant for successionism and a far, far sparser population/infrastructure, Northern California can feel like a completely separate state.

It receives far fewer visitors than the more southern California destinations and, for this reason, is actually kind of exotic. With hidden coastlines, gigantic flora, and a string of overactive volcanoes, Northern California is an excellent place for an adventure.

Your Northern California road trip route will probably start in the state capital of Sacramento . A misunderstood city, Sacramento is often mislabeled as “dull” or “backwater.” In reality, Sacramento has an amazing cultural scene, with excellent dining and lots of history, not to mention an exploding arts scene thanks to the influx of hipsters.

Driving north along I5 , you’ll travel quite a ways before you reach anything noteworthy, first of which is the Lassen Volcanic National Park . Due to its isolation, Lassen is one of the least visited parks in the state but has some of the most unique offerings. There are bubbling thermal pools here, surreal landscapes, and one of the most active volcanoes in the country.

Traveling north along the 89, a very scenic drive in California, you’ll pass by Burney Falls , which is one of the prettiest falls in the state. Beyond Burney, you’ll see the massive Mt. Shasta in the distance, which, at 4322m, is one of the most bulbous mountains in the lower 48.

In the summer, you can climb the mountain over several days or get a good view from Castle Lake/Heart Lake.

Making the long drive west over the Trinity Alps , which is great for wilderness backpacking, you’ll eventually land in Redwood National Park , home of the giants. Truly, one of the most beautiful places in California, do not miss the state parks around RNP.

At this point, you’ve met back up with Highway 101 and the California coast. Road trip back down through Eureka and Humboldt County, the weed growing capital of California, until you arrive back in the Bay Area or keeping driving north to Oregon!

National Parks in California

California has a whopping 9 national parks , which is more than any other state in the USA! Between these many parks are some of the best hikes in California as well as some awesome campgrounds and villages. On your California road trip route, visiting at least some of the nationals parks are absolutely mandatory!

• Yosemite – Yosemite is Mecca for rock climbers and photographers. Here are some of the most imposing, most dramatic, and most beautiful rock walls in the entire world. Everyone who visits Yosemite and the valley is awestruck.
• Kings Canyon/Sequoia – Two separate national parks that are located right next to each other. Sequoia National park is famous for its towering sequoia trees e.g. General Sherman and Tunnel Tree . Kings Canyon is a craggy, mountainous terrain that is typical of the High Sierra. Lake Marjorie in Kings is one of the most beautiful places in California.
• Death Valley – One of the lowest and hottest places on Earth! Characterized by high mountains, surreal geology, and the tallest dunes in North America. Be sure to look for accommodation in Death Valley ahead of time as well – you don’t want to be stuck in the heat without a place to stay.

• Joshua Tree – Very popular place for boulderers and weekend road trippers from Los Angeles. Very unique flora and fauna and arguably the best stargazing in the state. There are also great accommodation options near Joshua Tree National Park .
• Redwood – The Land of the Giants. This enormous park is full of giant redwood trees, which are among the tallest trees on the planet. One of the lushest and most ancient places in California.
• Lassen Volcanic – Lesser-visited park in Northern California. A very geologically active place full of bubbling lakes and active volcanoes. A little Yellowstone.
• Pinnacles – Small and newest national park in the country, but significant national park southeast of San Francisco.
• Channel Islands – Islands that have huge ecological diversity. Good for whale watching, scuba diving, and hiking.

Off the Beaten Path California Road Trip Ideas

California is an absolutely massive state and so there are plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten path. Most travelers stick to the popular routes while road tripping in California as well, which means these locations will be way quieter. Consider visiting these remote and special destinations in California while on your adventure.

• Lost Coast – The name alone gives away this location’s anonymity! Located in Northern California south of Eureka, this area experienced massive depopulation in the 30s thus giving it its name. The Lost Coast is one of the most underdeveloped and remote places in California for this reason and is stunningly beautiful. The eponymous Lost Coast Trail is very popular with backpackers and hiking this may be your only chance in Cali to have a beach to yourself.
• John Muir Wilderness – John Muir is a legend in the outdoor community thanks to his herculean effort to navigate and preserve California’s nature. Long gone, he is now honored with a section of wilderness in the Sierra Nevada named after him. The John Muir Wilderness and Ansel Adams Wilderness has some of the most beautiful natural attractions in all of California including Thousand Islands Lake/Minaret Lake, Bear Lakes Basin, and Sailor Lake . To appreciate this area, you’ll have to go wilderness backpacking for several days, at least, or maybe even for a whole month if you want to complete the whole John Muir Trail !
• Eastern Sierra Nevada – The Western side of the Sierra Nevada receives far more visitors than the blistering hot Eastern side. If you can be there in the Spring or Autumn, the Eastern Sierras are absolutely breathtaking! Aside from hosting the highest mountain in the lower 48, Mt. Whitney (4421m), the Eastern Sierras are far more rugged and barren than the Western side, making them look like an alien planet. Travel between the towns of Lone Pine and Bishop for the best of the Eastern Sierra.

California Roadside Attractions

Americans have a weird affinity to the strange landmarks that are usually found out in the middle of nowhere. These roadside attractions have become so admired that many people go on a trip just see them! If you’re around one of these sites on your California road trip, be sure to drop by. Did we mention that a lot of these stops are among the best cheap things to do in California as well?!

• Galleta Meadows (Borrego Springs) – A collection of fantastical iron-welded sculptures in the middle of the desert!
• Salvation Mountain (Niland) – A pretty famous attraction on the edge of San Diego. Surreal and Gaudi-like shrine in the desert. Definitely one of the most unique things to do in Southern California.
• Cabazon Dinosaurs (Cabazon) – One of the OG California roadside attractions! A favorite for many.
• Neverland Ranch (Los Olivos) – The former residence of the infamous pop singer, Michael Jackson. Now an abandoned palace that sometimes attracts offerings from ardent fans.
• Forestiere Underground Gardens (Fresno) – An impressive and intricate series of underground passageways with gardens everywhere. Very pretty place.
• Trees of Mystery (Klamath) – An amusement park of sorts with, most notably, two giants statues of Paul Bunyon and his ox Babe .
• International Museum of Bananas (HWY 111 near the Salton Sea) – Hope you like bananas for this one! Or else you’re going to go bananas if you visit here….

California Scenic Drives

There are many famous roads in California, renown for both their beauty and history behind them. Those who want to take the long-way-round should definitely check out these scenic drives in California.

• Highway 1 – Highway 1 and its neighbor Highway 101 run the near entire length of the California coastline. It is arguably the most romanticized road in all of America outside of Route 66. From north of San Diego to the border of Oregon (HWY 101), you can see the best of the California coastline. For those looking for the best California road trip route, Highway 1 is without question the road for you.
• Silverado Trail – Wine-os rejoice! The Silverado Trail is an awesome Californian scenic drive north of San Francisco through prime winery territory. On this byway, you’ll have lots of chances to try the local drops, responsibly of course.
• Route 395 – Most travelers stick to Highway 1 on their road trip through California, which is totally understandable but they’re missing out on the epic Route 395. Running all the way from the outskirts of Los Angeles to the Canadian border, 395 passes through some of the most stunning landscapes in Eastern California. If you’re looking for more deserts and mountains on your California road trip, Route 395 is undoubtedly the better choice. Be sure to drop by Mono Lake, which is one of the most interesting places in the USA!
• San Diego to Las Vegas – This way passes through some of the finest desert landscapes in the state. Watch the sea slowly recede behind you and an ocean of sand rise ahead. You’ll pass by the Anza Borrego Desert, the Salton Sea, San Bernardino National Park, Joshua Tree, and the Mojave Desert on this route. Big Bear Lake makes for a picturesque place to stop for a rest stop.

Get 15% OFF when you book through our link — and support the site you love so dearly 😉

Booking.com is quickly becoming our go-to for accommodation. From cheap hostels to stylish homestays and nice hotels, they’ve got it all!

Why Visit this Part of the World

How many songs have been written about the state of California? Hundreds? Thousands? Whatever the final count it is, it should be made apparent that people are quite fond of this state. California Dreamin’ by the Mamas and Papas; California Love by Dr. Dre; every single song every written by the Red Hot Chili Peppers (these guys really like Cali); the list goes on and on.

California is one of the most attractive, most prosperous, and most desirable places in not only the USA but the whole world. The landscape here is absolutely jaw-dropping, the lifestyle is notorious if not expensive, the food is honestly some of the best in the country, and the legendary parties are, for the most part, just as you’d expect them to be – that is wild and crazy.

In a lot of ways, California is the epitome of American decadence and, at the same time, its problems.

Everyone knows about California, and I mean everyone . I’ve met village people in the Karakorum of Pakistan who don’t know what a cellphone is but know what California is. That’s saying something.

For those who want to get a taste for the American dream, and for those who want to see some of its greatest natural attractions, California is probably your best option.

Granted, you will see some ugliness in the state, including rampant homelessness, gentrification, and gang-related crime. With an open mind though, you’ll be able to digest these harsh realities and look beyond towards California’s greater positives. At the end of the day, California simply has everything going for it.

Getting Insured

Whilst the USA is generally safe for tourists , not everything goes as planned.

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

If there’s one insurance company I trust, it’s World Nomads.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers

Below is a list of California road trip ideas for saving money. Try and practice these as much as possible.

• Rent an economy car: Prices can be as low as $25/day depending on the time of year and how far in advance you reserve. Economy cars are also more fuel efficient so you’ll save on fuel. Use apps like ViaMichelin to find cheap gas, which, seriously, always ends up being one of the most surprising and costly expenses on a road trip.
• Use vehicle relocation services: These brilliant services offer huge discounts to people on the condition they get a vehicle to a certain place at a certain time. No joke, you can rent a car sometimes for as low as $1/day! Availability is very limited though, so keep a watchful eye on the sites. Check immova and Cruise America to start with.
• Sleep overnight in an empty lot: Though not technically legal in California, people sleep in parking lots all the time. Make sure the lot is safe by asking around. Walmarts are reportedly good places to park overnight as they allow overnight parking.
• Camp: Unless you want to fork out big bucks for a lodge, you have to camp. Campgrounds are way less expensive and sometimes even free. Check out this post for a breakdown of the best tents to take backpacking.  If you’re feeling really adventurous and want to save some cash, consider picking up a backpacking hammock.
• Cook your own food: Eating out can be very expensive in California. Cook your own food as much as possible to save – I recommend bringing a portable backpacking stove. Otherwise, have a fancy night out at a food cart.
• Do free shit: There are lots of free things to do in California! From hiking to laying on the beach to going to the local monuments; all of these things cost you nill. Be sure to keep your ear to the ground for all things free in California.
• Buy an America the Beautiful Pass : Seriously, if you’re visiting more than two national parks, you’d be a fool not to buy this.
• Pack a travel water bottle: It’s good for your wallet and the environment.

Good news is that there is a huge array of hotels and apartments in California. The bad news is that they’re all expensive, even by American standards. Staying in San Francisco can be ESPECIALLY expensive.

For those road tripping in California on a budget, you’re either going to have to get very creative or accept the fact that you’ll be crashing in some pretty basic digs.

Cheap hotels in California are like those in much of the USA – barren, bland, and sometimes bleak. You’ll find some pretty decent motels and budget hotels in California, ones that are clean and tidy, but they’ll still be an eyesore and often located in a rough part of town. You’ll be paying at least $60-$80/night minimum as well.

AirBnBs in California are usually around the same price as hotels, if not cheaper. Since you’ll often be staying in someone’s home or in a shared space, there’s a better rapport and at least some character.

Californians can be really creative with their homes as well – I’ve seen luxury Airstreams, yurts, and even a Gingerbread house on AirBnB!

To save the most money, stick to hostels and campgrounds on your road trip through California. Hostels in California are actually really nice (some of the best hostels in the US , in fact) and are usually the most affordable accommodation available. Camping is the best way to experience the beautiful nature in California; it’s also the cheapest way to visit California.

If you’re feeling lucky you could try your hand at couchsurfing! Lots of people use this though so competition is quite high in California.

Camping in California

Camping in California won’t just help you stick to a budget, but is a great way to make the most of your road trip experience. Campgrounds are way cheaper to stay at than hotels or apartments, and often may be your only means of lodging. If you’re going to go on an affordable road trip in California, camping will be a necessity just as much as pleasure.

There’s all sorts of nature in California and, consequently, countless places to go camping. There are several types of campsites in California that range in price and amenities. Some common examples include walk-up sites, cabins , and primitive sites. You can even stay in a fire lookout , which has to be one of the coolest things to do in California!

The grand majority of campgrounds in California will require payment that can either be accepted via an electronic authorization or a physical drop box at the actual grounds. In regards to the latter option, some people get away with not paying since receipts are not always checked. Whether or not one actually pays or not is none of our business, but the money does go towards maintaining the grounds for future guests.

If you intend on going on a “National Park Road Trip” in California and want to sleep inside one of them, prices will be much higher and availability will much lower. When camping in California’s most popular outdoor areas like Yosemite or the Redwoods, I highly recommend reserving ahead.

If there is no reservation system, get to the campground as early as possible to claim a walk-up campsite. Generally, the more expensive sights have running water, clean bathrooms, and fire pits. Primitive camping often requires you bring your own water (or means of filtering natural water nearby).

For a complete list of official campgrounds in California, you can refer to this website here  for a useful search engine.

Camping in California – Gear Checklist

Camping is one of the best ways to travel cheaply in the USA , and California has some of the finest camping in the whole country. You could sleep in your car or an RV while road tripping in California but sleeping outside under the stars is way more fun. Having a good tent will keep you comfortable on those chilly nights and give you lots of flexibility when it comes to finding a place to sleep.

Here are some other essentials that we recommend if you plan on camping out…

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Check out our full road trip packing list for more inspiration on what to bring on your road trip!

Free Camping in California

There are a number of free campgrounds in California that road-trippers should totally take advantage of. Refer below for a list of these. Note that electricity, bathrooms, and running water are not guaranteed at any of these. Bring water just in case.

Books to Read during your California Road Trip

These are some of my favorite travel reads and books set in California. Read one or two and you may have some great road trips ideas for California…

• The Girls – A young and impressionable woman becomes attracted to another woman in a group of girls. She becomes a part of the group and is eventually caught up with a burgeoning cult.
• The Mountains of California – The musings and ramblings of John Muir, one of the most famous and beloved naturalism in American history.
• Slouching Towards Bethlehem – A collection essays about some of California’s greatest icons including John Wayne, Howard Hughes, and the Haight neighborhood of San Fran.
• The Big Sleep – One of the most culturally significant murder mystery novels in existence. A piece of American history in itself.
• East of Eden – One of Steinbeck’s masterpieces, considered his magnum opus by many. Explores the relationship between two families in the Salinas Valley in the early 20th Century.
• The Octopus – A semi-biographical novel about the conflicts between California wheat farmers and the Union Pacific Railroad. A look into the brutal and relentless tactics of capitalism.
• Lonely Planet Coastal California – It’s sometimes worth traveling with a guidebook.

Renting a car is the most popular way of getting around California. There are a myriad of car rental agencies here that offer varying deals and varying models.

To find the best rental car deal in the USA, use search engines that compare the prices from individual companies. We personally like using rentalcars.com as they’ve never failed to give us a great price.

You can also rent an RV in California, which means you don’t have to worry about packing camping gear. They cost a bit more to rent, but they do make for some epic travel stories!

We suggest booking a campervan with Outdoorsy as they usually have a good selection and good prices. Better yet, Broke Backpackers also get a $40 discount with Outdoorsy! Just use the coupon code “BACKPACKER” when checking out.

The roads in California are generally very good and a sedan or economy car should deliver you to most of California’s top destinations. Only in the most remote portions of the state and the Sierra Nevada, will the roads be so bad that you need 4×4 or at least high clearance.

If you’re on a road trip in California in the winter and want to go to the mountains, you will definitely need all-wheel or 4-wheel drive.

If traveling onwards, check out our West Coast road trip guide then!

Tips for Saving Money on Car Rentals in the US

• We mentioned before that you can reach out to vehicle relocation services, like immova and Cruise America, as a way of saving heaps of cash on rentals. Pursue these as best you can as they can save you a lot of money. Don’t get your hopes up too much though, as availability is always limited.
• Car insurance isn’t always mandatory in the USA but is highly encouraged. This being said, you don’t necessarily have to buy car insurance from the company you’re renting from. Purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.
• Many credit card companies offer free car insurance if you book the car with the proper card. Call your credit card company for more information regarding terms and conditions.

Best Time to Visit California

With so many places to see, and so many things to do in California, it’s tough to know when the best time to visit is. With a very mild climate, compared to the rest of the USA, and a plethora of activities appealing to all sorts of travelers, California can, honestly, be visited at any time of the year.

California is a big state and so is subject to several different types of climates. Most of the coast has a lovely Mediterranean-like climate while the interior is dominated by harsh desert or alpine conditions. There are unique pockets strewn throughout the rest of the state.

Generally speaking, California has four seasons regardless of geographic position. Most of the state has warmer, drier summers and cooler, wetter winters. Temperatures and annual rainfall vary depending on latitude and local geography. Northern California gets much more rainfall and is generally more temperate while the south is quite arid and very hot depending on how far from the coast you are.

In terms of road tripping in California on a budget , the summer months should be avoided at all costs. During this time there way too many tourists and prices are even higher than usual.

On another note, forest fires are becoming very common and very violent in recent years. They usually start in July and can rage until September. Air quality may be very poor in August.

Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit California because there are fewer people and the weather is still agreeable. The mountains may still have snow or be on fire depending on the season. Southern California will have very comfortable temperatures at this time.

If you like winter sports, you can totally visit California in the winter! There are lots of world-class ski resorts ( Mammoth Lakes , Squaw Valley, Heavenly, etc.) in the Sierra Nevada and the surf is sometimes epic with big winter storms coming through.

Food in California

California is consistently rated by several national publications as one of the top states in the country for foodies. Thanks to its bountiful crops, large immigrant population, and demand for high-quality products, California is simply one of the best places to eat!

Most of California’s restaurants will be located in the larger cities. Los Angeles and San Diego are most famous for their amazing and authentic Mexican food, which, swear to God, is the best you’ll find north of the border.

San Francisco is known more for its eclecticism and diversity of culinary offerings due in part to the fact that it has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in the country. You’ll find excellent Asian food in the Bay Area, where many immigrants have settled throughout the century: Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, India, you name it.

Sacramento, considered the breadbasket of California, has an amazing farm-to-table food scene and the city is one of the greatest hidden culinary gems in the state. Expect excellent farmers markets year round. You’ll also find some affordable motels in Sacramento which are perfect for road trippers.

When driving on the highways, you’ll encounter a mix of fast food and holes-in-the-wall along the way. Along the major routes, like I5, you’ll see a lot of burger and taco joints including the infamous In-and-Out Burger , which you should definitely try at least once (get the animal style).

On the smaller, satellite roads, you’ll see more diners and mom-and-pop joints , which are, in my opinion, far better. In these little haunts, you’ll get great home cooking and for a low price.

If you’re trying to stick to a budget in California, you’ll have to limit how much you eat out. Rely more upon off-the-beaten-path diners when driving and food trucks when in the cities.

Seriously, food trucks will be your best friend on any road trip in California as they offer cheap and delicious eats. If your hostel or campground has cooking facilities, use them too!

Get your Buzz on in California

It’s hard to imagine an easier place to unwind or party in than California. The wine is superlative, the beer is endless, the bars are raucous, and weed is legalized. How can it get much better than this?

You will have lots of opportunities to drink and smoke on a road trip in California. Whether or not you choose to do so in the cities or at the campgrounds makes no difference. Everywhere you go, there will be booze or cheeky smokes. Though remember my young backpackers, the drinking and marijuana age is 21 and over.

All of the larger Californian cities have a huge selection of bars and nightclubs. Los Angeles and San Francisco, in particular, have some of the best nightlife in the country. You could find anything that you could possibly want in these cities from dives to speakeasies to burlesques to underground raves. You can even procure your favorite drugs in these places quite easily if that’s your thing.

Partying in the big cities regardless of how you do so will almost always be expensive. Cover charges are exorbitant in places like Hollywood and the price of drinks/drugs will not be far behind.

On the other hand, California has some cheapest retail prices for booze in the entire USA. There are alcohol superstores in California that are dangerously inexpensive, and you can buy alcohol in just about any food store in California (which is not the case in many states).

A better road trip idea for California would be to buy alcohol from a supermarket and then prefade. Few things can top a pint of cheap camp whiskey or craft beer enjoyed next to the fire.

Weed is legal in California! To buy weed in California, all you need to do is have a valid ID that proves you’re over 21 years of age and go to a dispensary . Dispensaries look and behave very much like any bottle shop with educated clerks and a wide selections of strains. Note that dispensaries only accept cash .

Being a Responsible Backpacker in California

Remember to be a respectful camper while on your California road trip. Depart from the grounds at a decent hour, follow leave no trace principles , and be very, very aware of fire bans. Forest fires are an enormous problem in California and are often caused by reckless campers.

Californians are also very conscious of the environment and like to take care of it, as should you.

Reduce your plastic footprint: Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in a landfill or in the ocean.

I know it can be hard, but do your best to use the least amount of plastic water bottles that you can. Refill the ones that you do buy! Use a Grayl Geoprress . Refill at your hostel/guest house! There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic!!!

Pack a  tough and cool travel water bottle . You’ll use it every single day whether you are traveling or not! Help save the planet, and pick up a water bottle here.

Check out our post on how to be a responsible backpacker.

Make Money Online Whilst Traveling in California

Want to stay in the USA longer? Worried that you don’t have enough cash for a longer California road trip? One idea is to make money while traveling!

Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection. Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills!

It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start  teaching English online .

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad .

Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code PACK50), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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> The largest cost will definitely be your rental car, as it is unavoidable for a road trip.

Huh? Unavoidable? Millions of people actual OWN a car.

Thanks for clarifying this. It is indeed news to us as we were under the impression that it is not possible to own a car. Our guide will be updated in due course to reflect this strange and terrifying development!

Roaming Ralph has a dirty mouth ? My pre teen daughter was reading your article out loud to the family. Our “excited to plan our family road trip together” session was marked by fifth because of your bad language. Now we have an unpleasant memory associated with our trip. You know, there are people in this world who make it a better place by promoting clean, wholesome goodness. Ralph you’ve clearly shown by your base expressions that you surely must walk around with a slimy butt as dirty as your mouth. Too bad you never learned your manners Ralph. How does it feel to leave a trail of filth as you go?

You’re welcome for the awesome free resource, if you don’t like certain parts of it or find some of our language offensive, you can either 1. Create your own content, 2. Stop reading, or 3 (the one I recommend for you Esla), go fuck yourself.

Awesome that you cover the costs – super useful!

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The Complete Southern California Road Trip Route

Post Summary: The Ultimate Southern California Road Trip Itinerary

Craving a little sunshine?

Go where people play in the sun all year long – Southern California!

There are so many gorgeous places to see in Southern California, where do you even begin planning your Southern California itinerary? 

This is where we come in. We’ve escaped the gloomy PNW plenty of times and driven through this part of the west coast plenty of times! Why choose a few stops when you can see everything in one epic Southern California road trip?

In this post, we’re sharing exactly how to plan the best Southern California itinerary , and all the best stops to have the most memorable trip ever. 

Let’s hop in the car!

The Ultimate Southern California Road Trip Itinerary

Where is southern california.

Southern California is located in the southwest contiguous United States. Its rough borders are generally as north as San Luis Obispo, as east as Death Valley National Park, and as south as the Californian USA/Mexican Border.

Its general geography consists of a desert landscape, dry climate, and often sunny conditions . 

Where Do I Start My Southern California Road Trip?

There are many different places to start your Southern California road trip itinerary. The easiest way to reach southern California is by flying into one of its main cities. Here are the easiest and most convenient starting cities below:

• San Diego (San Diego International Airport – SAN)
• Los Angeles (Los Angeles International Airport -LAX, Ontario International Airport – ONT, John Wayne Airport – SNA, Hollywood Burbank Airport – BUR, Long Beach Airport – LGB)
• San Francisco (San Francisco International Airport – SFO, Oakland International Airport – OAK)

What do we recommend? We recommend flying into San Diego! It’s the most southwest point you can reach, which makes it easy to plan your road trip in a nice, neat loop.

How To Rent a Car In Southern California

Now, what you want to do during your Southern California road trip will depend on what kind of car you should rent for the journey. Here are a few tips to know when trying to rent a car in Southern California:

Staying in B&B’s, resorts, and hotels? Rent a regular car. This kind of car fits easily in tight parking spaces (believe us, you’ll encounter those) and allows you to zip around town without a problem. 

We recommend booking from RentalCars.com . They have the biggest selection of cars and prices, to fit your exact type of road trip!

Want to go camping and do outdoorsy things? Reserve an epic campervan with Outdoorsy . They’ve got a huge selection of vintage VW vans, sprinter vans, and RVs for your perfect outdoor trip. It will be a bit more of a challenge parking this kind of vehicle in the city, but this minor inconvenience is nothing when you think about all the money you’ll save sleeping in your car!

How Many Days Should I Plan for My Southern California Road Trip?

If you want to try and visit all the stops we will list in this post, we suggest planning a one-week Southern California road trip .

This will allow you to break up the trip into bite-sized pieces (aka not spending all day in the car!) and experience areas a little bit deeper than just passing through.

Read More: Use These Road Trip Planner Tools and Apps to Mark Your Route!

When Is The Best Time To Plan A Southern California Road Trip?

The best time to plan a Southern California road trip is during the spring and fall season .

This is because the wintertime can bring quite frigid temperatures in the desert, and then oppositely the summer can bring unbearable hot temperatures during the day.

Spring and Fall bring milder temperatures, which makes for a more comfortable southwest road trip !

The Best Stops On A Mega Southern California Road Trip

(Scroll all the way down for our downloadable google map route!)

1. San Diego

Following the route in our blog post, San Diego is going to be an easy place to begin your Southern California itinerary. San Diego is a large city, with easy access to grocery stores, bulk food places, outdoor gear stores, and any other place you may need to pick up last-minute items. 

Make sure to stop by Balboa Park , La Jolla Cove , and a quick jaunt around Old Town before heading out on your adventure. For a fun trip to the beach, try driving out to Coronado Beach for some sunny, secluded waves!

2. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Often referred to as “the Badlands of Southern California” the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a geographical wonder with deep slot canyons, cactus-covered terrain , and gorgeous oases covering this area of the state. Flash-floods and earthquakes constantly change the geography here, so you can come back time and time again to discover new things about the area. 

Hike the Palm Canyon trail near the water, watch the sunset at Font’s Point , visit the Pumpkin Patch (they look like rock bowling balls!), and stay up late to view the starts from this amazing Southern California state park. 

Read More: 10 Amazing American Southwest Destinations You Have To See To Believe

3. Joshua Tree National Park

Located 30 minutes from Palm Springs, this relatively small national park is surprisingly full of amazing attractions, natural and historical alike! Located close to Southern California cities like San Diego and Los Angeles, this is a popular place for people to come for a quick weekend trip, especially if you love rock climbing!

Make sure to stop by famous landmarks like Arch Rock , the Cholla Cactus Garden , the Keys View , and the Skull Rock Nature Trail . We liked visiting these spots during dawn and dusk – this is when the temperature was comfortable and there were few visitors as well!

Looking for a camping spot near the park? There are actually tons of free camping around the park – click here to read all about how to find free camping spots near your favorite places!

4. Palm Springs, California

If you are looking for a fun break from driving your Southern California road trip route, Palm Springs is absolutely worth a stop! It’s known for its mid-century architecture and bright pastel colors . You’ll find a lot of incredible photo opportunities and fun antique stores here! 

Not only can you resupply and do laundry here, but you can also spend some time relaxing resort pools and indulging in fancy brunch spots. It’s not really an outdoor destination (as far as hiking and exploring go), but it’s a great spot to stay and experience this Coachella-hosting desert escape.

Want to stay overnight? The Korakia Pensione is a swanky, bucket-list hotel perfect for a dreamy few nights. Stay awhile, enjoy the scenery, and rest up from your road trip!

5. Mojave National Preserve

The Mojave National Preserve spans 1.6-MILLION acres of rolling sand dunes, secret mines, and gorgeous fields of wildflowers. This is the perfect Southern California destination if you are seeking solitude and quiet. This place is big enough for you to spread out and not see anyone else…if you choose!

Stop by the Kelso Depot Visitor Center  to get more information about the area. You can also discover what events are happening during the season you visit.

Some of the most popular things to do in the Mojave Desert is camping ( Hole-In-The-Wall Campground and Mid-Hills campground are the most popular). You can also take easy hiking trails like Lake Tuendae Nature trail and T eutonia Peak trail .

SoCal Road Trip Tip: This place rarely gets cell service, so make sure you have the right road trip planner apps to navigate offline. Download offline maps on Google to help you navigate around the desert. 

6. Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a must-see destination on your Southern California road trip.

While the name isn’t actually that fitting (there’s actually an abundance of life here!) , living beings like kangaroo rats, coyotes, and bats can be found mostly at night!

Many of these attractions can be seen in Death Valley in one day (let’s say 24 hours), making it a perfect overnight stop. Arrive in the evening to catch the sunset at Dante’s View , camp in the backcountry spots nearby. 

In the morning, watch the sunrise at Zabriskie Point . Afterwards, hurry down to check out Badwater Basin before it gets too hot outside! On the way out of the park, make quick stops at the Devil’s Golf Course, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes , and Father Crowley Overlook.

 Have a little extra time? Take a super long detour to the Racetrack or Ubehebe Crater for less-visited Death Valley attractions. 

Read More: How The Plan The Perfect Trip To See Death Valley In One Day

7. Kings Canyon National Park

Boasting dramatically huge sequoia trees, epic views of the Sierra-Nevada Mountains and its 14ers, and tons of wildlife, Kings Canyon National Park is a must-see stop on your SoCal road trip.

Kings Canyon National Park was named after its rugged, glacier-carved canyon . It is a land of giants and “a rival to Yosemite,” according to the national park entrepreneur and preservation advocate, John Muir.

Much of the park is designated wilderness . This means that the park is a choose-your-own-adventure type of stop on your Southern California road trip. With tons of summer and winter activities, you and the family can stay in Kings Canyon National Park for as long or as little as you’d like!

Best Camping Spots In Kings Canyon National Park:

• Atwell Mill Campground (Three Rivers, CA)
• Sentinel Campground (Kings Canyon National Park, CA)
• Moraine Campground (Dunlap, CA)
• Canyon View Group Sites (Hume, CA)
• Meadow Campground (Fresno, CA)
• Big Meadows Cabin (Sequoia National Park, CA)

8. Sequoia National Park

While on your Southern California road trip, you must stop at Sequoia National Park .

Sequoia National Park was established in 1890. This was to protect the giant sequoia trees that cover the southern Sierra-Nevada Mountains! It is enjoyed by over 1 million visitors each year!

Within Sequoia National Park, you can find the largest tree in the world (the General Sherman Tree). Visitors can also drive the scenic General’s Highway , which shows off a group of some of the largest trees in the world, climb Moro Rock , and more.

Some other must-see stops in Sequoia National Park include any of the park’s visitor centers and museums , and hiking any of the Cedar Grove trails .

Best Camping In Sequoia National Park:

• Azalea Campground (Grant Grove, CA)
• Crystal Springs Campground (Hume, CA)
• Sunset Campground (Hume, CA)
• Potwisha Campground (off of Generals Highway)
• Buckeye Flat Campground (Sequoia National Park, CA)

9. San Luis Obispo

Located near the coast of California, San Luis Obispo (or, “SLO,” or simply “San Luis” as the locals say) is a cute SoCal town with big adventures.

During this Southern California stop, do some relaxing! Sunbathe at Pismo Beach , go wine tasting in SLO’s wine country , or explore Montaña de Oro State Park .

Within the huge oceanside Montaña de Oro State Park, you can enjoy the solitude of the beach. For a more active time, hike popular trails like the Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail (easy, 4.1-mile trek with 229’ elevation gain), or go on a scenic drive throughout the park.

Don’t forget to walk through downtown San Luis Obispo and grab a bite to eat and a souvenir!

10. Big Sur

Exploring this iconic drive down Highway 1 is a must-add to your Southern California road trip itinerary.

While driving Big Sur , you’re guaranteed epic views of the incredible California coastline and numerous jaw-dropping places to stop along the way.

Malibu , McWay Falls ( park pass required ), and Pfeiffer Beach are among the many amazing stops along Big Sur that you simply must explore.

If you have time for more, check out Bixby Creek (Canyon) Bridge , stay at the luxury Alila Ventana Big Sur Hotel , or camp at Limekiln Campground .

11. Santa Barbara

Just north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is another great stop on your Southern California road trip.

Some of the best things to do in Santa Barbara include visiting the Old Mission Santa Barbara , relaxing at East Beach (free!), exploring the Santa Barbara Zoo , walking the State Street Promenade , and meandering through the Ganna Walska Lotusland .

With easy mountain access and beachside views, Santa Barbara is a wonderful stop while driving through SoCal.

12. Los Angeles

Los Angeles is not only a bustling city of entrepreneurs and movie stars , but it’s also a unique stop on your next Southern California road trip with tons to discover for yourself.

While in Los Angeles, Santa Monica , Hollywood , Getty Villa Museum , and Venice Beach are among some of the most popular attractions.

Up for a longer visit? Camp at Chino Hills State Park and take a few days exploring the nearby Disneyland Park and Universal Studios !

Read More: How To Spend a Fun Weekend In West, Hollywood California

13. Orange County

This is the perfect stop on your Southern California road trip. There are so many free things to do in Orange County !

Huntington Beach , Newport Beach , and Crystal Cove State Park are just a few of the best free things to do in Orange County. However, exploring art galleries in Laguna Beach and visiting the Muckenthaler Cultural Center are also fun free things to do on your road trip.

Looking for Southern California hikes? Try the East Ridge View Trail (moderate, 4 miles with 482’ elevation gain) or walk around the Fullerton Arboretum !

If you’re up for spending a few bucks, check out Disneyland Park and Universal Studios .

Read More: Gorgeous Places To See In Orange County This Weekend

14. Encinitas, California

For great restaurants and beaches, visit Encinitas, California during your SoCal road trip!

Here, you’ll find the lovely Moonlight Beach , excellent surfing at Leucadia State Beach (Beacon’s) , and epic tidepooling at Swami’s Beach .

You can also visit the regular farmer’s market in Encinitas (every Sunday, 2-10PM). If you have time, check out the Butterfly Farms , go wine tasting at Solterra Winery , or go shopping in downtown Encinitas.

This fun little part of Southern California is meant for you to explore!

15. San Diego, California

San Diego, California is downright gorgeous . With fantastic plants and succulents that will make you say, “That’s real?!” and jaw-dropping scenery, San Diego is a must-see stop on your SoCal road trip.

While in San Diego, be sure to explore La Jolla . Here, you can walk along the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail near the La Jolla Cove . Check out Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve , visit the San Diego Zoo , walk through Balboa Park , and stop at any of the city’s unique beaches.

For top-notch bread and baked goods, visit Izola Bakery in downtown San Diego. If you go, be sure to make a reservation to get a loaf of bread, as they sell out FAST each day!

Another fun attraction near San Diego is Coronado Island , which has cute shops, delicious restaurants, the relaxing Coronado Beach , and the famous Hotel del Coronado (or “Hotel del,” as the locals say).

Read More: How To Drive The Pacific Coast Highway From San Diego To Seattle

Southern California Road Trip Map

Below, you’ll find our complete Southern California road trip map, with all the major stops to plan along your way. Click on the icon in the far left corner to open it in a new browser. Save in on your own google maps for reference!

Have you ever taken a Southern California road trip? Did we miss any of your favorite spots? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

More california adventures.

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The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

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The Happiness Function US

My Husband and I Did a 5-Day Road Trip Along the Most Iconic Highway in California: Here's Where To Stay, Eat, & Play

Posted: April 25, 2024 | Last updated: April 25, 2024

Our 5-day Highway 1 Road Trip itinerary covers Avila Beach, Cayucos, Cambria, San Simeon, and Baywood-Los Osos along the Central Coast of California in San Luis Obispo County.

A road trip along California’s famous Highway 1 is a bucket list trip if you love adventures with ocean views, wildlife, and fun outdoor activities.

My husband, Pablo, and I drove from San Luis Obispo (SLO) to San Simeon and are sharing what we did to help you plan your trip. From hiking and kayaking to foraging for seaweed, discover things to do, find the best places to eat (gluten-free friendly), and learn where to stay.

When Highway 1 Road Trip invited us for a hosted adventure, we jumped at the chance because we’d been dreaming of driving the iconic route for years.

How To Get There and Where To Start

If you’re not from California, like us, fly into the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP). It’s a small airport and easy to get in and out of.

You’ll want to rent a car if you’re flying in. Pick up your vehicle at the airport by the baggage claim area (it’s super easy).

Start your adventure right from the airport and head southwest towards the coast to kick the day off at Avila Beach.

If you’re not flying in, no problem. Still, start at Avila Beach.

Where To Stay

Highway 1 is known for its cute artisan communities recognized for their laid-back coastal vibe. You can find boutique hotels and motels or inns overlooking the ocean. It’s the perfect road trip for adventurous couples and friends.

The Pacific Motel – Cayucos

We stayed at The Pacific Motel in Cayucos for half our road trip.

The owners take pride in what they have built. The motel has a hip surfer ambiance that is ideal for people wanting a relaxing and casual adventure near Cayucos. The rooms are trendy and within walking distance of the beach. They also serve a nice coffee bar in the morning.

The motel has fire pits, ping pong, a cute shop that supports local businesses, beach towels, beach chairs, and a beer and wine cooler. Guests can use beach cruisers from The Pacific Motel to get around town if they don’t want to walk.

It’s one of the cutest places we have stayed at, and we loved walking to breakfast and the beach every morning.

The Baywood Inn – Baywood-Los Osos

When we walked into our room at the Baywood Inn , we immediately ran to the huge windows and balcony facing Morro Bay.

Staying here is like staying in an apartment. There is a living room with vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, a small kitchenette, a bathroom, and a bedroom. It’s within walking distance of a handful of restaurants and an excellent location to access hiking, kayaking, and the Morro Bay Marina.

Breakfast is complimentary with your stay. When you check-in, the inn will tell you which restaurant is hosting breakfast.

Best Time To Visit

The Central Coast of California has a Mediterranean climate, meaning you can visit year-round. However, depending on the type of adventures you want, like getting in or on the water, spring, summer, and fall will have warmer temperatures. June, July, and August are busy, so be sure to plan ahead if you travel during the summer.

We visited during April. It was warm enough to wear a light jacket. Every day was sunny except for two days when the famous coastal fog rolled in. It was neat to see the fog, so it didn’t mess up our plans. We still hiked and explored until it burned off later in the day.

The wildflowers bloomed during our spring trip, and we saw the Elephant Seals. I can’t recommend the beauty of traveling along Highway 1 in the spring enough.

Explore Avila Beach, drive to Cayucos, check into The Pacific Motel, then walk Moonstone Beach in Cambria

Kick the adventure off by driving straight to Mersea’s for food near Avila Beach. We both got fish tacos – they were so good.

The restaurant is at the end of a pier. You might also see seals hanging out on the platform (we did). The water is a beautiful blue, and it will take your breath away.

After eating at Mersea’s, drive to Avila Beach a little down the road. You can access the beach here, and there are a bunch of boutique shops and restaurants.

Hit the road, drive towards Cayucos, and check into The Pacific Motel . If there’s still time in the day, drive a little further north towards Cambria and walk the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk .  It’s pretty at sunset.

For dinner, Pablo and I had a wonderful garden patio dinner at Robin’s Restaurant in Cambria. When we visited, they served mouthwatering, handcrafted meals and even had gluten-free cheesecake. If you’re road-tripping with your dog, pets are allowed on their darling patio.

Day 2 – Morning

Tour Hearst Castle in San Simeon  

Rise and shine. Then, walk to breakfast at the Hidden Kitchen in Cayucos. They have gluten-free waffles and breakfast tacos that are out of this world. Sit out back on their patio and enjoy oceanfront views.

After breakfast, hop in your car and drive Highway 1 north towards San Simeon to tour Hearst Castle . With the help of architect Julia Morgan, media mogul William Randolph Hearst funded the elaborate estate—the “who’s who” of the entertainment industry would retreat here by invitation only.

Today, you can take a guided tour to see all the magnificent art William Randolph Hearst collected from around the world. We thought the most interesting parts of the tour were walking through the gardens, seeing the Neptune Pool and the Egyptian Fountain, and walking across gold-plated tile in the Roman Pool. Online reservations to take a tour can be made 60 days in advance.

After we visited the castle, we drove to the Cavalier Coastal Kitchen . I ordered a BLTA on gluten-free bread, and Pablo got a fried chicken wrap that hit the spot. If you’d like to take in the views, a path is near the parking lot that overlooks the ocean. You might have the beach to yourself — we did.

Day 2 – Afternoon

Visit the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery near San Simeon and go seaweed foraging in Cayucos

Drive to the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery to work off your food coma. Located right off Highway 1, park your car and walk the trails along the coast to see the seals basking in the sun.

Walk to the north of the parking lot if you want to take photos — it has better vantage points. Watching the Elephant Seals was one of my favorite parts of our trip. Plus, it’s free to see them.

Did you know you can eat other seaweed besides the nori found around your sushi roll? During a seaweed foraging tour with Kelpful , you’ll learn all about the seaweed you can gather and eat. You can only do this special eco-activity when the tide is low. Visit Kelpful’s online scheduler to make a reservation.

We met our guide outside of Cayucos and walked down to the tide pools. We tasted raw seaweed from the ocean and saw crabs and an octopus while exploring. The experience was heartfelt, informative, and inspired us.

For dinner, check out the Lunada Garden Bistro . We walked there from our motel in Cayucos. They served up some of the best steaks we’ve ever had – and that’s not an exaggeration.

Day 3 – Morning

Hike Fiscalini Ranch Preserve outside of Cambria

From The Pacific Motel, walk to breakfast at Bijou Bakery in Cayucos . They have delicious gluten-free pastries (I got a lemon scone) and regular pastries (Pablo got a croissant). After enjoying a lovely breakfast on their patio, head back to the motel and pack up. Check out and drive toward Cambria to hike the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve .

We loved the trail along the bluff. There are neat spots to sit along the trail that remind us of Games of Thrones . Keep your eyes peeled for Harbor Seals – we saw one hanging out on the rocks. It’s free to hike here.

After, head into Cambria for lunch at Linn’s Restaurant . Try their famous Olallieberry pie – they have a gluten-free and regular pie crust. We were in pie Heaven.

Day 3 – Afternoon

Check into the Baywood Inn and walk El Moro Elfin Forest in the Baywood-Los Osos area

In the afternoon, drive south towards San Luis Obispo and check into the Baywood Inn . If you still have energy, drive and explore the El Moro Elfin Forest . It’s about a 5–10-minute drive from the inn, and you can get good views of the estuary. It’s free to hike here.

For dinner, Noi & Doi’s 2 nd Street Café , across from the Baywood Inn, serves some fantastic Thai food. The beef fried rice and green curry with tofu did not disappoint. We got ours to go and enjoyed a sunset dinner from our inn overlooking Morro Bay.

Day 4 – Morning

Kayak in Morro Bay  

If hungry, drive 10 minutes into Los Osos and grab breakfast at Celia’s Garden Café . Pablo ordered corned beef hash, and I ordered an omelet. It reminded me of a good old fashion diner breakfast — they give you huge portions of food.

After breakfast, drive to A Kayak Shack at the Morro Bay State Park Marina. The manager at A Kayak Shack said the best time to paddle is early morning before the winds pick up, so keep that in mind. We did a self-guided trip and cruised around the bay. It was terrific, and we even saw otters.

Make sure you stay at least eight kayaks length away from the otters so you don’t stress them. If they get stressed, they could have trouble finding food or taking care of their young.

After kayaking, have lunch at the Bayside Café across from A Kayak Shack. Guess what we had? If you guessed fished tacos – you’re our people.

Day 4 – Afternoon

Hike at Monta ña de Oro State Park outside of Baywood-Los Osos

Montaña de Oro State Park is one of the largest state parks in California. We used AllTrails to find a hike that suited our adventure level for the afternoon. We walked along the Bluff Trail and loved it.

Along with a beach to sun at and enjoy the water, the Bluff Trail wanders along the ridge, and you get fantastic views of the ocean and rocky coastline. We even saw more otters (or seals) frolicking in the waves.

After hiking, if you’re up for some tasty Mexican cuisine, walk to La Palapa across from the Baywood Inn. I ordered chicken enchiladas, and Pablo enjoyed the carne asada. It hit the spot.

Check out of your inn, go to breakfast, and drive to the SBP Airport

On your last day, check out of your inn and head to breakfast in Los Osos. We grabbed pastries and lattes at Ascendo . It is right across from Celia’s Garden Café.

They did offer gluten-free muffins while we were there. I grabbed a gluten-free blueberry muffin and a chai latte, and Pablo ordered a croissant and latte.

After, find a place to gas up your rental and return to the SBP Airport.

We couldn’t believe how fast the trip went and were sad to leave. We honestly sat in the airport looking at real estate because we loved visiting so much and were dreaming about living in this area full-time.

More Towns To Explore Along Highway 1 Nearby

If you have more time in the area, you might also enjoy visiting Ragged Point, further north of San Simeon.

The Edna Valley wine region, Arroyo Grande Valley, Oceano, and Nipomo are south of San Luis Obispo.

Have a wonderful time. The area truly is remarkable.

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26 top things to do in california.

There's something for everyone in the Golden State.

Top Things to Do in California

Getty Images

California is full of beautiful destinations and fun attractions to experience.

California's attractions are so diverse that travelers of all types will have no problem finding things to thrill them. Beaches , lakes , forests, mountains and deserts all sit side by side within the state's borders. Amid its natural wonders, California is also home to several wine regions, luxury hotels and, of course, star-studded Hollywood. With all this and so much more, it may be challenging to figure out how to fit all the state's most important must-sees in one or more trips.

Let this guide assist you in your California vacation planning, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro. From the north to the south and everything in between, these are the top things to do in California.

17-Mile Drive

California's 17-Mile Drive is a spellbinding and awe-inspiring route that weaves along the most scenic stretch of the Monterey Bay coastline. This must-visit road, winding through the exclusive community of Pebble Beach, takes drivers up into the Del Monte Forest, past palatial mansions and down along picture-perfect craggy beaches and bluffs. Take time to stop at the various lookout points marked along the way, including the famous Lone Cypress.

If you're interested in bedding down in Pebble Beach, consider splurging on a room, or at least stopping for a meal, to behold the stunning scenery that surrounds the properties at Pebble Beach Resorts, including The Lodge at Pebble Beach or The Inn at Spanish Bay . If you are not staying overnight or dining here, expect to pay a vehicle fee to access 17-Mile Drive. Also note that motorcycles are not allowed.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

This small community in Monterey County is one of the most unique and charming towns in California. Its enchanting coastal location, wooded streets, fairytale-like architecture, and bevy of local shops and restaurants make Carmel-by-the-Sea well worth the detour from the iconic state Route 1. Even if you only have a half-day in Carmel, browse the art galleries, take a walk on the beach and enjoy a meal in one of the quaint restaurants.

Be sure to visit a few of Carmel's beaches, starting with the namesake Carmel Beach, which is located at the end of Ocean Avenue, the town's main drag; pet owners will be pleased to know it's a dog-friendly beach . Carmel River State Beach, which is lesser known and typically not as highly trafficked, connects to the even more secluded Monastery Beach via the Carmel Meadows Trail. As for where to stay, consider treating yourself to one of the town's luxurious accommodations, including traveler-approved L'Auberge Carmel or La Playa Carmel .

[Read: The Top Weekend Getaways From Los Angeles .]

Visit the theme parks

Courtesy of Universal Studios

You are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to theme parks in California. The impressive amount of options will please every type of traveler. Kids will naturally be dazzled by Anaheim's world-famous Disneyland Resort . However, if you're not up for paying Disneyland's notoriously high ticket fees, consider exciting alternatives such as Legoland California . There are Six Flags amusement and water parks near both Los Angeles and San Francisco – perfect for thrill-seekers – and Universal Studios Hollywood is home to the popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the new Super Nintendo World.

Due to the popularity of these parks, you'll have no problem finding nearby accommodations. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is a top choice among travelers, as is The Garland for those visiting Universal Studios Hollywood. Legoland has two kid-friendly hotels to choose from, though travelers can also opt for a stay at the well-received Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort and Spa , which is located right on the beach and only a short drive to Legoland.

Read: The Top California Theme Parks

Yosemite National Park

If you only have time to visit one outdoor destination during your California trip, make it Yosemite . With the national park welcoming more than 3 million visitors per year, Yosemite Valley has been known to stir awe for centuries with its grand granite peaks, magnificent waterfalls and lush evergreen landscapes. There is so much to do in this nearly 750,000-acre park that you'll need several days to take it all in. If you're unsure where to start at this California bucket list destination, know that Glacier Point, Half Dome, Tunnel View and the Mist Trail are considered iconic, can't-miss Yosemite attractions , according to recent travelers.

There are three hotels within Yosemite, including the luxury Ahwahnee hotel. You'll also find cabins, canvas-sided tents, campgrounds and RV campsites spread around the park, as well as several dining options. Be warned that the park does get very crowded during the summer months, so visiting in the offseason is a great idea – especially with Yosemite's picturesque snow-capped peaks. Check for road closures during winter months; tire chains may be required.

Explore the desert

To properly appreciate California's diverse geological landscape, you'll need to venture beyond the coast and explore the desert. Luckily, two magnificent desert landscapes can be found less than three hours from Los Angeles and San Diego. Joshua Tree National Park , located about 130 miles east of Los Angeles, is an approximately 800,000-acre oasis dotted with the unique Joshua tree, which can only be found in the American Southwest. Meanwhile, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, located about 85 miles northeast of San Diego, is California's largest state park and features striking scenery ranging from slot canyons to palm oases.

Both of these parks offer memorable hiking trails and camping options. You'll want to plan a multiday trip to explore either of these vast parks. Traveler favorites in Joshua Tree include the 3-mile out-and-back Ryan Mountain trail and the 1.7-mile Skull Rock loop trail. In Anza-Borrego, visitors enjoyed the 2.6-mile out-and-back Pictograph Trail and the more moderate 2.3-mile Slot loop trail. Due to the desert's extreme summer heat (think: daytime temperatures in the 90s or even 100-plus degrees), it's best to visit during the spring and fall.

See more of Joshua Tree National Park: Things to Do | Photos

Laguna Beach

If you're interested in experiencing small-town Southern California, Laguna Beach is the perfect place to start. Conveniently situated between Los Angeles and San Diego, Laguna Beach is located along the coast just off state Route 1. Laguna Beach's picturesque setting is characterized by pristine oceanfront parks and a collection of beautiful beaches wedged between its coastal bluffs. Be sure to visit unique cove beaches, such as Victoria Beach and Crescent Bay Beach, as well as larger shorelines, including traveler-favorite Crystal Cove State Park, which receives praise for its beautiful setting between Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar.

Laguna Beach is also home to a bevy of luxurious accommodations , including The Ranch at Laguna Beach and the traveler-approved five-star Montage at Laguna Beach . Once an artists' colony, Laguna Beach is known for its summer art festivals and numerous art galleries. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy too, such as mountain biking, skimboarding and hiking. Parking can be hard to find in the summer months and on holiday weekends, but there is a free open-air trolley service that runs along the area's stretch of coastline.

See more of Laguna Beach: Things to Do | Photos

Located a little more than 30 miles west of Los Angeles, Malibu is often seen as a coastal refuge for the rich and famous. While that impression is certainly true, Malibu is worth a visit for its superb beaches and the exceptional parks a stone's throw away.

Drive up state Highway 1 and make a pit stop at popular shorelines, including Robert H. Memorial State Beach, Zuma Beach and Point Dume State Beach. Nature lovers should also take time to hike some of the many trails at Point Mugu State Park, Topanga State Park or the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. For hikes with spectacular ocean views, hit up the 3-mile Solstice Canyon Loop trail or the challenging 2.7-mile Mugu Peak loop trail. Check for trail closures before heading out.

Due to Malibu's small size and affluence, you won't find many hotels that offer affordable rates, so you might want to bed down in nearby Los Angeles. If you are intent on staying in Malibu, you'll find comfort and luxury at the Malibu Beach Inn , The Surfrider Malibu and Hotel June Malibu. Stop by Malibu Country Mart for high-end shopping and farm-to-table dining, or check out Trancas Country Market for snacks at Vintage Grocers or lunch at Malibu Brewing Company.

Read: The Top Los Angeles Beaches

San Francisco

A visit to California is not complete without a stop in San Francisco . There are several ways the city is a standout, not only in the state but in the entire country. Its scenic bayfront setting, towering hills and the plethora of colorful Victorian homes that line them are a feast for the eyes. On top of all of that, the city is home to world-famous attractions and is widely considered to be one of the best foodie cities in the U.S.

While here, check out all the visitor-favorite sights , including the Golden Gate Bridge and Chinatown. You can also take advantage of the outdoor spaces that make up the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, such as Land's End, Muir Woods National Monument and more. As for where to stay, you have endless hotel options in San Francisco , including Ritz-Carlton , Four Seasons and St. Regis outposts.

See more of San Francisco: Tours | Photos

Alcatraz Island

While in the San Francisco Bay Area, take a tour of the infamous Alcatraz Island , an island that has housed a fort, military prison and penitentiary. Self-guided audio tours are included with your ferry ticket to Alcatraz: Listen to the stories of past inmates as you walk through what was once a maximum-security prison. On the island, you'll also find an exhibition about the 1969 Native American occupation of Alcatraz that took place for 19 months to advocate for Indigenous civil rights.

Alcatraz features amazing views of the San Francisco skyline, historic gardens and a sanctuary for nesting waterbirds. The ferry ride aboard Alcatraz City Cruises takes about 15 minutes. Advance reservations are recommended.

The state's second-largest city is a great alternative for those who want a big city experience without the intense traffic and smog of neighboring Los Angeles. San Diego is a premier vacation destination thanks to its diverse array of attractions . Here, you have your pick of fantastic beaches , including Pacific Beach and La Jolla Shores.

Other top things to explore include the world-famous San Diego Zoo, museum-heavy Balboa Park, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and traveler-favorite USS Midway Museum, located in a retired aircraft carrier. You'll find plenty of hotels near various points of interest in San Diego, including by the beach, the bay and downtown. For a real treat, consider a stay at the elegant Fairmont Grand Del Mar or the historic Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton .

See more of San Diego: Tours | Photos

Death Valley National Park

This national park is one for the books, breaking records as both one of the hottest places on Earth and the driest land in North America. A visit to Death Valley is not easy; the closest major airport sits nearly two hours away in Las Vegas . Should you decide to make the trek, you'll be rewarded with memorable desert landscapes, including walkable sand dunes and Artists Drive, a 9-mile paved road past colorful hills. There's also the Racetrack, which is home to the famous moving rocks. If you'd like to stay within the park, know that there are a variety of campgrounds and lodging options, including The Oasis at Death Valley.

This laid-back remote region located along the central coast of California should be on everybody's bucket list. The beauty of Big Sur is so palpable and restorative that it's become a popular spot for a wellness retreat. You can achieve this with a stay at the famous Esalen Institute, a holistic educational and wellness center, or at the luxurious Alila Ventana Big Sur , where you can book spa treatments and wellness activities. Travelers can also practice mindfulness while taking in all of Big Sur's stunning natural sights .

First-time visitors should stop and admire Bixby Bridge, hike along the coast at Andrew Molera State Park and visit McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. You can also check out the inspiring Hawthorne Gallery or browse the Henry Miller Memorial Library before capping off the day by sitting in an Adirondack chair in the river at the Big Sur River Inn or catching a sunset at Pfeiffer Beach, home to the famous Keyhole Arch. Don't miss out on the delectable pastries at Big Sur Bakery. For lunch with a view and artisan souvenirs, Nepenthe is a must.

If Ventana Big Sur is out of your price range for accommodations , consider a stay at the more affordable Glen Oaks Big Sur or the Big Sur Lodge, both of which earn high praise from travelers for their serene woodland settings. Or, pitch a tent at Ventana Campground.

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Los Angeles

The City of Angels is a go-to place that deserves a spot on every California itinerary. Aside from being home to Hollywood, Los Angeles also offers an incomparable dining scene; some of California's most famous beaches, including Venice and Santa Monica; world-class art institutions, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the state-of-the-art Getty Center; self-guided hiking options galore; and a variety of other attractions .

There is so much to do that you'd need more than a week to see it all. An easy way to take in the sights is through bus tours: Some tours allow you to skip the line for popular attractions. LA is also filled to the brim with exceptional hotels . Give yourself the celebrity treatment and splurge on a stay at highly rated properties, such as The Beverly Hills Hotel , Hotel Bel-Air or The Peninsula Beverly Hills .

See more of Los Angeles: Tours | Photos

Indulge in wine country

Many are aware of Napa Valley 's reputation as a world-class wine destination , but Napa isn't the state's only wine producing hot spot. Sonoma is considered Napa's more casual sibling, offering more diversity in terms of attractions , including the beaches of Sonoma Coast State Park and the African-style game drives run by Safari West. Travel farther south to experience the Santa Ynez Valley, considered one of the most diverse grape-growers in the country. Meanwhile, Temecula Valley Wine Country, found north of San Diego, has produced hundreds of award-winning wines from its member wineries. With so many wine regions in California, you are likely to be within driving distance of at least one wherever you are in the state.

Behold the giant sequoias and redwoods

Did you know that the Pacific Coast of the U.S. is the only place in the world where giant sequoias and coastal redwoods grow naturally? Visiting these natural wonders is a must-do when in the Golden State. Contrary to popular belief, redwoods and sequoias are not the same tree; they require two separate climates to survive. To see giant sequoias, head into the Sierra Nevada mountain range, such as to Sequoia National Park , where you'll find the world's largest tree measured by volume: General Sherman.

To marvel at giant redwoods, you have your pick of Redwood National Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park or Humboldt Redwoods State Park (don't miss the Shrine Drive Thru Tree). All these parks sit in northwestern California. These parks offer a variety of camping experiences, such as individual campsites, group sites and trail camps for wilderness backpacking and backcountry camping. Tent camping sites and cabins are available.

If you're the kind of traveler who enjoys a lake vacation , know that Lake Tahoe is California's best. Situated in Northern California, Lake Tahoe is so big that is spills into neighboring Nevada. This alpine lake destination is lauded for its spectacular clear blue waters and beautiful mountainous landscape, and it features some of the best skiing in the country .

If you're visiting during winter, enjoy a ride along the slopes of Heavenly Ski Resort and Northstar California Resort. During the summer, soak up the sun with a dip at Kings Beach State Recreation Area or with a hike through one of the many trails that meander around the lake, such as the 4.4-mile out-and-back Emerald Point Trail at Emerald Bay State Park. What's more, there are a bevy of highly rated hotels in the area, including The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe ; The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe; and the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino .

See more of Lake Tahoe: Things to Do | Photos

Experience wildflower season

Spring and summer are great times to see an abundance of wildflowers – such as the state flower. Depending on where you go, the California poppy has been known to blanket valleys and hills with its vibrant orange tint. How much of a bloom you see and where varies based on the year's seasonal rainfall. Some of the best places to see wildflowers are in Southern California. Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Point Mugu State Park, Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area and Chino Hills State Park are a few of the most popular locations where you can spot pretty flowers.

If your California travels will be concentrated in the north, try North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve or Lake Tahoe, the latter of which is known to feature a spectacular seasonal display of violet and deep blue lupines. Just be sure to respect the landscapes by staying on designated trails, checking to see if dogs are permitted before you bring your furry friend, and visiting only during park hours.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara enjoys a beautiful location wedged between the coast and the mountains, affording visitors plenty of opportunities for hiking and time at the beach. Can't-miss shorelines include Summerland Beach, Arroyo Burro Beach and Leadbetter Beach. Santa Barbara's alluring Spanish and Mediterranean architecture also makes this destination feel like a true getaway.

Visit the Funk Zone for wine tasting and art, State Street for shopping and dining, and the one-of-a-kind Ganna Walska Lotusland. Hotel options in Santa Barbara are just as dreamy as the setting, with highly rated spots like The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara and El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel . What's more, Santa Barbara sits around 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles (about a two-hour drive), which could make it a convenient addition to your LA itinerary.

See more of Santa Barbara: Things to Do | Photos

Learn to surf at Huntington Beach

One of the most quintessentially Californian things to do during your trip is learn how to surf . There are several places you can surf up and down the coast, but beginners shouldn't go just anywhere: The best shorelines for novice surfers feature calm waters and knowledgeable lifeguards. Surf City USA (the nickname for Huntington Beach ) fits that bill perfectly, with several surf schools here. Highly rated operators include Corky Carroll's Surf School, Learn2Rip Surfing and Ocean Academy, and Banzai Surf School. After hitting the waves, rest your sore muscles at top-rated beachfront hotels , including the Kimpton Shorebreak Resort or the Pasea Hotel & Spa .

See more of Huntington Beach: Things to Do | Photos

Explore one or more of the national forests

Did you know California has the most national forests of any state in the nation? In addition to its famous national parks, California has 18 national forests to its name. If you are vacationing in the southern part of the state, consider a visit to the Cleveland, Angeles, San Bernardino or Los Padres national forests (but check with the U.S. Forest Service before you go to ensure they're not under closure orders caused by fire or storm damage when you visit). These options sit in proximity to vacation hot spots like San Diego, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.

North of Sacramento, outdoor lovers have their choice of nearly a dozen national forests, including the Mendocino, Six Rivers and Klamath national forests, to name a few. These forest destinations offer beautiful wilderness landscapes, hiking trails and camping options.

Trek along the Lost Coast

Intrepid travelers looking to experience the untouched landscapes of California should consider a trek along one-of-a-kind Lost Coast. Located less than 40 miles south of Eureka in Northern California, the Lost Coast is an undeveloped stretch of coastline. Unlike Big Sur, which shares similar geography, the Lost Coast is devoid of major roads and can be accessed via a 25-mile-long hiking trail. The trail takes about two to four days to traverse (one way), so you should only attempt this hike if you're an experienced backpacker.

Visitors who make the journey will be treated to peace and quiet, empty beaches and plenty of wildlife, ranging from elk to elephant seals, not to mention striking views of the King Range, a collection of mountains that hug the coastline. Camping is allowed on the coast, but you need to obtain a backcountry permit in order to do so.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore gives visitors a glimpse into a wilderness landscape on the Northern California coastline with no development. Conveniently situated less than 40 miles northwest of San Francisco, this national seashore is easier to reach than Big Sur and the Lost Coast.

Here, you'll be treated to breathtaking stretches of coastline, some of which are only accessible by trail, including the popular 9.7-mile round-trip Tomales Point Trail. A visit to Point Reyes will also take you through verdant, wooded landscapes and put you in close contact with wildlife such as elk, bobcats, seals, beavers and much more. You'll find campgrounds on-site for backcountry hike-in and boat-in camping, as well as modest accommodations in nearby towns, including Olema, Point Reyes Station and Inverness.

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory sits on the south face of Mount Hollywood and overlooks the Los Angeles basin. Its location gives visitors impressive views of the surrounding area, which many rave about. But there's more than just a pretty photo-op here: The observatory hosts fascinating exhibits and features a top-notch planetarium. Recent travelers cited the breathtaking setting as Griffith Observatory's main draw, though the free entry was certainly a bonus. Use of the public telescopes is also free, but you will have to pay a fee for the planetarium shows.

Hollywood Sign

The iconic Hollywood Sign is located in Griffith Park on Mount Lee. Visitors can hike to this iconic landmark on a few different routes and get sweeping views of LA, but the sign itself is fenced off and is typically guarded. Many visitors say that seeing the sign up close is a must-do.

The sign was originally built in 1923 and read, "Hollywoodland," the name of a real estate development, before the last four letters were removed in 1949. After years of neglect, the dilapidated sign was finally rebuilt in 1978 and has been a universal symbol for the glitz and glamour of the movie industry ever since. In 2023, the sign is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Griffith Park is free and open to the public daily with limited complimentary parking provided throughout the property.

Palm Springs

If you're looking for a place to unwind, Palm Springs is hard to beat. The Sonoran Desert provides a beautiful backdrop, warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities. In the late fall and early spring, temperatures typically range from the 50s at night to the 80s during the day. If you just want to chill, you can spend the day sipping cocktails poolside or get pampered at a luxurious spa. For travelers seeking an active vacation, other draws to the area include golf, tennis and miles of hiking trails.

A traveler-favorite Palm Springs attraction is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which whisks visitors from the desert floor up 2.5 miles to Mount San Jacinto State Park. When the sun sets, head out to one of the city's hip bars or restaurants for a gourmet meal or craft cocktail, such as Bar Cecil or Mr. Lyons Steakhouse. Make it a weekend away with an overnight stay at a Palm Springs hotel like the new wellness-focused Sensei Porcupine Creek or the modern yet rustic Sparrows Lodge .

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Located on the central California coast, the Monterey Bay Aquarium draws nearly 2 million visitors per year. This institution houses more than 200 world-class exhibits that highlight the marine habitats of the area, as well as plants and creatures of the deep ocean. Guests can watch sea otters frolicking, witness glowing jellyfish and admire a 28-foot-tall kelp forest.

The aquarium also prides itself on working to protect the Pacific Ocean off California's coast. Its initiatives include reducing plastic pollution in the ocean, promoting sustainable seafood choices and helping rebuild sea otter populations. Past visitors recommend taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Places to Visit in California
• The Top Romantic Getaways in California
• The Top Things to Do in Big Bear Lake, California
• The Top Things to Do in Orange County, California
• The Top Hot Springs in California

The 13 Best National Parks in California

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Roadtrip from Chicago to San Francisco - California Forum

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Planning for a roadtrip from North Chicago area to San Francisco late June and would like to know your advice as I haven't driven that long before.

Driving time per google maps is 32 hours so I am thinking of driving 8 hours on average for 4 days and potentially 5 days if you guys recommend this.

Based on google maps, there are 2 main routes both start with Iowa then Nebraska:

Denver-Moab-St. George- Vegas - Bakersfield -SF

Salt Lake City- Reno - Lake Tahoe - Sacramento -SF

Any recommendations? I am not sure which will be best during the late June time. Each route has a mixture of stuff I have never been to and stuff I have been. For example, in the first option, I have been to Denver and Vegas but have never been to southern Utah and it seems I can get many national parks in Utah via this route. On the other hand, in the second option, I have never been to Salt Lake City but the rest of the drive is desert until Reno/Lake Tahoe which are not far from SF where I will be living and would only take 4 hours.

Also, are there any other routes you recommend that are not showing on google maps?

4 replies to this topic

Repost on the multistate Road Trips forum.

You may need to add some places in South Dakota such as Badlands, Custer State Park.

Road trip forum:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g1-i12567-Road_Trips.html

So you have 5 total days for the trip? Google map assumes driving at freeway speed, without rest stops. So I'd add 30% to be more realistic for the drive time. If you are driving 8 hrs a day, it does not leave you much time for tourism.

Especially if you haven’t done cross-country road trips, it might be better to allow more time so you can adapt to being in the car for hours, especially if you're solo, and especially on the interstates. I-80 can be very soporific, and in Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Nevada particularly, settlements are few and far between. In Colorado, I-70 is not as straight as I-80 because it crosses the Rockies so it follows the topography.

Honestly, Iowa, Nebraska, and the east sides of either Colorado or Wyoming (before you reach the Rockies) are not very exciting; they are called the Plains or Prairie States for good reason. You could make excellent time crossing them on I-80 or I-70. But if you wanted to, depending on the route, you could stop and see several state capitols, the Amana Colonies in Iowa, Latter-day Saint historic sites in Iowa, Nebraska, or Wyoming, the National Mining Museum & Hall of Fame in Leadville, and any number of places of interest in major cities like Denver, Salt Lake City, Reno , or Las Vegas . All that before you even set foot in California .

Since you mentioned desert between Salt Lake and Reno, there is also lots of desert in southern Nevada and southern California. You won’t get from Chicago to San Francisco without seeing some fairly desolate country. Even within California, if you take I-5, you’ll wilt away from boredom the same as you would on I-80 in Nebraska. If this were a vacation, I would suggest taking one route going and another returning, but you said you would be living in San Francisco – does that mean it is a one-way trip?

An additional thought and another possibility to consider from someone who has made this trip in summer and winter. In June, even late June, in the Rockies or Sierra Nevada, it’s possible to encounter snow. I’ve had it happen in the Sierra, and also west of Denver once, I don’t recall exactly how late in June; I was driving a rental sedan and a snowstorm came along. It didn’t last long and I was able to get over the spine and down through some hair-raising twisty mountain roads to Grand Junction in one piece, but if it had been earlier and the storm was heavier, it would have been troublesome. The Sierra Nevada summit in California is only about 7000 feet in elevation, but it has been known to get occasional spring snowstorms; again, it isn’t that common, but it can happen.

If you want to avoid all but the tiniest shred of possibility of any snow, you could take the real southern route, but it would add about 300 miles over sticking to I-80. It’s the old Route 66, now mostly I-40: St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, Needles, and Barstow; then through Bakersfield enroute to San Francisco. Or if you want more scenery on the last leg of the trip, ditch Bakersfield and detour through the Los Angeles area and take 101 or some other combination of California roads the rest of the way (locals will be more than happy to offer ways to avoid I-5). Like all interstates, I-40 is not the most dramatic or intriguing drive; the idea is to get from one place to another. But there are things to see and do along the way that folks can suggest.

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University of California Athletics

BASE 4/22/2024 2:45 PM | By: Cal Athletics

Bears Open Road Trip Against Pacific

Cal Begins Season-Long 7-Game Road Trip In Stockton

• Tuesday, April 23, 6 p.m. | Stream: ESPN+ | Live Stats: CalBears.com  
• Cal's eight-game win streak is its longest since winning eight in a row between March 29-April 13, 2019.
• Cal's sweep of Oregon State is its first against a top-5 team since Cal swept the Beavers in 2016.
• Cal has three Pac-12 series sweeps in 2024 against UCLA, Washington State and Oregon State, its most since sweeping Washington State, Arizona State and USC in 2017.
• Gwynn is Cal's first Pac-12 Player of the Week since teammate Caleb Lomavita won the award in the final week of the 2023 regular season.
• Newmann is Cal's first Pac-12 Pitcher of the Week recipient since Joseph King won it in March 2022.
• The 59 home runs are third most in the Pac-12 and 53 rd nationally. Cal's 1.55 home runs per contest are also the third most in the conference and 47 th nationally.
• The Bears are on pace to finish the year with 80 home runs, which would be fourth most in program history. The program record of 86 was set in 1999.
• Rodney Green Jr. hit his 11th home run in the season on Friday night, giving him 31 for his career. He is tied with David Cooper (2007-08) for 10th all-time in program history.
• Cal is the only team in the conference with two active players in its top 10 for home runs. Caleb Lomavita is currently eighth all-time with 35 home runs and trails Dylan Beavers (2020-22) by two for seventh all-time. 
• Milestone Watch: In Saturday's win over the Beavers, Caleb Lomavita earned an RBI – his 44th of the season and 133rd of his career. Lomavita is just seven RBI shy of tying Mike Tonis (1998-00) for 10th all-time in program history.
• Cal's pitching staff boasts an ERA of 5.02, which is fifth in the Pac-12 and 65th best nationally. The Bears held Oregon State to just 6.3 runs per game over the weekend. The Beavers entered the series averaging a Pac-12-leading 9.5 runs per contest. 
• Cal's RPI soared following the 4-0 week, which was keyed by the Oregon State sweep. The Bears entered the weekend series ranked 79th in D1Baseball.com's RPI, and their sweep of the Beavers moved them up to 48th.
• The Bears play their seventh and final game against a West Coast Conference foe when they take on the Tigers on Tuesday. Cal is 5-1 against WCC teams, with the lone loss coming at home against Saint Mary's on April 9. Peyton Schulze is batting  .400 (10-for-25) with 17 RBI, four doubles and a home run in six games against WCC schools. Andres Galan is 3-1 with a 2.08 ERA in five appearances, including four starts, against the WCC. In 21.2 innings pitched, he has struck out 26 batters and held opponents to a .205 batting average.  
• Tuesday will be the 95th meeting between Cal and Pacific.
• The Bears own a 68-26 advantage in the series.
• Under  Mike Neu , Cal is 4-3 against Pacific, his former team. Neu led the Pacific program for two seasons (2016-17).
• Last time out, Cal defeated Pacific 17-1 in seven innings on April 2, 2024. Cal clubbed six extra-base hits (four doubles, two home runs) in the contest. Peyton Schulze went 3-for-3 with two doubles, a home run and drove in six runs. 
• Cal will stay in the Bay Area but make the trip down to the Peninsula to take on rival Stanford at the Sunken Diamond. The three-game series begins Friday at 6 p.m. The series will be televised on the Pac-12 Bay Area.

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Road Trip! Go See These Endangered Species Murals

‘Tis the season for long drives to visit extended family and long-time friends. Inevitably, you’ll have to make a pitstop. You could stop at the roadside gas station or you could stretch your legs while taking in some beautiful artwork. Across California, artists have painted murals featuring endangered species. Join us as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act by visiting one of these murals – some make a great selfie spot! Tag your pic #ESA50. Here’s a few to add to your road trip route.   

Marbled murrelet

Backside of 280 E Street (Intersection of US 101 South and Samoa Boulevard), Arcata, CA 

Stretching more than 250 feet, a mural in the California coastal town of Arcata painted by artist Lucas Thornton features the  marbled murrelet, a seabird listed as threatened under the ESA. About the size of a chubby robin, the marbled murrelet can be found from Canada to California. Its numbers are dwindling due to low reproductive rates and loss of nesting habitat. The Service is working with partners to monitor populations of the bird and look for ways to help its populations recover.

Western snowy plover 

830 S Street, Sacramento, CA

The tall buildings in downtown Sacramento don’t exactly conjure up images of shorebirds, but the Western snowy plover is the star of a wall on the corner of The Nature Conservancy’s office. The shorebird is only about 6 inches long, and its thin dark bill, pale brown to gray back and white belly help it blend in with the coastal sand dunes it calls home. Invasive grasses and ice plant have taken over many of the sand dunes along the California coast, giving coverage to predators that prey on the birds, including coyotes, foxes, and domestic cats and dogs. Several dedicated organizations and volunteer groups are working to improve nesting habitat for the bird by restoring the dunes and removing the invasive plants. These efforts also help build the resilience of the sand dunes as rising sea levels threaten shorelines and habitat. This mural is part of the Audubon Mural Project, which aims to bring visibility to birds that are impacted by climate change climate change Climate change includes both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century humans have had an unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale. Learn more about climate change . The mural was painted by Jonathan Martinez in collaboration with Audubon California and Wide Open Walls.

San Francisco garter snake

5400 Hollis Street, Emeryville, CA

Slithering down one of Emeryville’s main streets, an incredibly realistic looking San Francisco garter snake pops from a building wall. Painted by artist Sonny Sundancer, the San Francisco garter snake mural captures the snake’s rich colors of red, bright greenish-blue, black and cream. Due to its beautiful coloring, one of the biggest threats to the species is illegal trapping and sale in the pet trade. The snake is listed as endangered.

Western monarch butterfly

455 Hyde Street, San Francisco, CA

Have you ever seen a 50-foot-tall monarch butterfly? Now you can! The monarch, which is currently a candidate species for listing, is seen softly landing on a California poppy on the side of a building in San Francisco. Each year, Western monarch butterflies travel from the Rocky Mountains to the California coast. It takes four generations of butterflies to complete its entire life cycle, which includes this 1,000-mile journey – quite a feat for any creature, let alone a butterfly! This mural, known as “Le Papillon,” is part of the Migrating Mural series that showcases species in the places where their migration routes intersect with the human world. The mural was designed and developed by artists Jane Kim and Thayer Walker as part of a collaboration Veritas, Bay Area art studio Ink Dwell and the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. This building also contains a smaller mural and artwork on the entryway to the building and garage featuring some of the 34 species of butterflies found around San Francisco.    

Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep

Multiple locations on the Highway 395 Corridor in California (Lone Pine Airport in Lone Pine, Mount Williamson Hotel in Independence, and Sage to Summit in Bishop)

Heading to the eastern part of California? Highway 395 provides breathtaking views of the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada range where endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep roam. The historical range of this subspecies of bighorn sheep stretches from Olancha Peak in the south to Sonora Pass in the north. These bighorn sheep live at elevations ranging from 4,000-14,000 feet and have adapted to live in harsh mountain conditions. Predation, environmental factors and concern of disease transmission from domestic sheep pose challenges to the species' recovery. Catching a glimpse of these alpine dwellers is quite rare, but luckily, there are a few murals of the sheep painted by artist Jane Kim along the 395 corridor to enjoy: Lone Pine Airport in Lone Pine, The Mount Williamson Hotel in Independence and Sage to Summit in Bishop. The artwork is also part of the Migrating Mural project and was funded by the Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep Foundation.   

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Our Polestar 2 May Lowkey Be One of the Best Road-Tripping EVs

Here’s why our far-driving fastback EV is seriously underrated.

Billy Rehbock Writer, Photographer Apr 26, 2024

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For such a sleek-looking car, the Polestar 2 got off to a bumpy start. When the handsome hatchback made its debut, it arrived with standard front-wheel drive and not enough range to fight its chief rival, the Tesla Model 3. That all changed when the 2 got its big refresh for 2024 , the newest version, like our yearlong review Polestar 2, sending more to the rear wheels. While more power is always nice, the best part is the 2’s incredible EPA-estimate combined range of 320 miles, which translates to an as-tested road trip range of an incredible 329 miles based on our standardized procedure .

Not one to make concessions that will sacrifice my comfort for the sake of squeezing the most range out of a car’s battery, I’ve enjoyed having the ability to drive our long-term Polestar 2 without having to adjust many of my habits. My wife takes a lot of these road trips with me, so she’s also been relieved that we don’t have to cut off the air or throttle our cruising speed . The habits I’ve changed have been for the better, ultimately saving me time on my oft-repeated road trip between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Whereas I tended to stop twice in gasoline cars on this trip because I didn’t have to plan ahead for refueling and eating, I now plan to plug in our Polestar 2 at the closest charger to the center of the route. During that stop, I have just enough time for a meal and a restroom break before finishing the drive. How often, exactly, could I repeat that formula? That’s what I aimed to find out during the Polestar 2’s latest long-range drive.

Better Than a Gas Car

After a couple of mixed experiences navigating California’s Central Valley in the Polestar 2, namely getting stuck waiting for a charger at the popular Electrify America location in Kettleman City, I’ve taken to leaving at the crack of dawn to ensure the quickest charging experience. The occasion for our Polestar’s latest outing was my father-in-law’s birthday, so my wife and I didn’t want to miss a moment of our planned long weekend. Hauling out of Los Angeles at 6:00 am sharp, we made good time to the midpoint in Kettleman City, which boasts a massive bank of ten Level 3 350-kW Electrify America chargers. Usually, about two stalls are out of order, so leaving early guaranteed I beat the rush.

After this uneventful journey of 179.9 miles, the Polestar 2 replenished 68.265 kWh of electricity, which amounts to 86 percent charge and 260 miles of range. This was one of my longer fast-charging stops, taking 42 minutes and costing $38. I pulled the Polestar off the charger early, even though the automaker recommends a maximum of 90 percent, since that final 5 percent tends to be slow, and I didn’t want to hold up the line that had formed since I plugged in.

Based on prior drives, I had total confidence we could make it to my in-laws’ house in San Jose without stopping, so I hit the road and finished the drive without drama. The Polestar 2’s suspension is supple enough for comfortable highway cruising and stiff enough to make short work of California 152’s winding curves as we slithered from I-5 to U.S.-101. Upon completing the final 159.8-mile stint, the battery still had 15 percent charge remaining, which the computer estimated would allow a further 50 miles of driving.

I took advantage of the 120-volt power outlet located at the front of my in-laws’ garage to recoup some electricity over the course of our visit since we weren’t planning to do much driving over the weekend. The Polestar 2 slowly replenished 41 percent charge over 39 hours and 23 minutes. With 66 percent of charge on hand after a day and half, the Polestar 2’s dash displayed 220 miles of range available for the next leg of our grand tour, which would take us into San Francisco.

Range Anxiety Is Over, if You Want It

The more we’ve driven our long-term Polestar 2 to new places, the less worried about range and charging we’ve been. Toward the beginning of our test, I would have wanted at least 80 percent charge before heading into a city where I’m unfamiliar with the charging network. Having now taken the Polestar 2 into Arizona and back again with range to spare , I’m cautiously confident that I can use my best judgment to plan the route.

Arriving at our hotel in the city, the Polestar 2 crushed the 60-mile drive using just 22 percent of its battery, leaving me with a whopping 44 percent remaining. With 140 miles of driving range left, I could relax and enjoy my father-in-law’s birthday without dwelling on where I’d need to charge on the drive back to Los Angeles the following day.

With over 7,000 miles on the odometer, the Polestar 2 has shown that its in-car Google Maps routing can reliably find an open charger most of the time. When we set off on our return trip, I tapped the button for my home address and let the Polestar 2 figure out where I should top off the battery before heading south. To my pleasant surprise, Google Maps found a 200-kW EVgo station in Oakland, just shy of the 2’s 205-kW peak charge rate.

Starting from 33 percent charge, which could have given me an additional 110 miles of driving range according to the Polestar 2’s estimate, the EVgo station replenished 47.962 kWh of electricity in 43 minutes. I yanked the cord at 86 percent again, because 280 miles would be plenty to get us far enough to stop for lunch. This was a cheaper charge than before, costing just $29.29.

Dodging traffic as we headed east and then south after rush hour, the Polestar kept us entertained as we blasted classic rock over the high-quality Harman Kardon speakers, equipped as part of our car’s optional Plus pack. We were peckish as we arrived at the California-favorite Harris Ranch Resort’s Prime Steakhouse , even though the Polestar 2 didn’t necessarily need a charge just yet. Still, we figured we could turn off the charge limiter and get as much range as possible by allowing the 150-kW to keep juicing up the battery while we enjoyed a longer meal.

Plugging in at 17 percent after 168.6 miles of much hillier driving than we experienced during earlier legs of the trip, we still had about 55 miles of range left if we wanted to extend to a further charging station. There weren’t many people on the road since it was a Monday, so most of the other fast chargers at Harris Ranch were still available. I didn’t feel bad leaving the Polestar 2 alone for an hour and ten minutes as it charged up to 97 percent, bringing about a stated range of 320 miles thanks to the addition of 68.864 kWh of electricity.

Finishing the Trip and Concluding Thoughts

Climbing over the Grapevine back into Los Angeles is always where the Polestar 2’s battery is stretched, but we still managed to round out the final portion of the road trip in a single charge. We piled on another 195.2 miles before eventually charging back home in Los Angeles, one of the longest trips recorded in our log to date. When we ultimately plugged into the 350-kW Electrify America charger in my neighborhood, the Polestar 2 was showing 8 percent charge and 27 miles remaining on the battery. Getting it back to 90 percent added 70.8311 kWh of electricity, which took a relatively quick 51 minutes considering some of the other charges we logged in this story. It wasn’t very expensive, either, costing just $33.60.

Our 2024 Polestar 2 impressed us with its overall build quality, thoughtful features, and satisfying driving dynamics. While that’s all well and good, its functionality as a long-range EV truly blew us away during this most recent excursion. It’s hard to imagine living with the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range after we had this excellent experience driving our Polestar 2 all over California.           

For More on Our Long-Term Polestar 2 Single Motor:

• 2024 Polestar 2 Single Motor Yearlong Review Arrival: Meet Our Far-Driving Fastback

2024 Polestar 2 Single Motor Yearlong Review: Long-Range Road Trip Champ?

• Our 2024 Polestar 2 Can Drive Farther Than Google Thinks

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