14 Best Road Trips in California (+ Scenic Drives)
We take pride in providing authentic travel recommendations based on our own experiences such as unique images and perspectives. We may earn a commission when you purchase a product or book a reservation. Learn more ›
Written by Divya Premkumar
Are you looking for the best California road trips? In this article, we’ll discuss the top places to visit in the state.
Road-tripping is a fun activity with your family and friends and a great way to explore a new destination. California is a truly majestic place to tour by road, filled with sites to see and stories to live on the way that will make your journey an unforgettable experience.
Let us help you develop the best California road trip itinerary. We have created the perfect guide covering the best California road trips in the region.
Northern California Road Trips
If you’re looking to take in the stunning natural diversity California is known for, a Northern California road trip is the right way. From beautiful beaches to redwood forests, from vineyards to mountains to natural parks, you can savor many natural views when you take to the roads of Northern California.
This part of California is much different from the city-centric, glamorous vibes you’ll find in Hollywood. Not many people realize just how huge California is, and the natural diversity that comes with it is breathtaking.
Let’s break down some of the stunning things you can see and do during a Northern California road trip:
1. San Francisco to Mount Shasta
San Francisco is famous for its astounding views, and to the north, Mt. Shasta is famous as a California 14er (a mountain that exceeds 14,000 feet). It’s located on a potentially active volcanic plate at the edge of the Cascade Range.
The trip from San Francisco to Mount Shasta is a 5-hour journey north, averaging 290 miles. This road trip is a great one to take over 3 to 5 days in the summer. This time frame lets you take advantage of the sunshine and stunning views you’ll encounter.
How to get there?
To drive from San Francisco to Mount Shasta, take Highway 8 towards Sacramento. This will fast-track you to Interstate 5 (but you will run into some toll roads).
You might want to rent a recreational vehicle (RV) for your California road trip from San Francisco. As a bonus, check out the guide we created before renting one.
An RV is a great choice for groups due to its space efficiency, and it also provides bed space accommodation, which saves you money since you don’t have to rent expensive hotel rooms.
What to do?
Once you arrive at Mount Shasta, there’s plenty to see and do during your stay! Many visitors like to hike the Black Butte Trail, a 5.2-mile trail leading to a summit with stunning 360-degree views. Other trails include the McCloud River Trail (where you’ll see three waterfalls!), Heart Lake Trail, Spring Hill Trail, Horse Camp Trail, and Panther Meadows Trail.
If you’re feeling adventurous, Mount Shasta also has dedicated areas for sports such as mountain biking, river rafting, and rock climbing, as well as off-roading, boating, and fishing. In the summer, there are areas dedicated to tennis and golf, and in the winter, you can go skiing or snowboarding. The surrounding areas also feature camping spots.
While summer is the best time to take advantage of these outdoor adventures, there’s plenty to do in both the summer and winter. San Francisco to Shasta is one of the ideal road trips in California, no matter the time of year.
See Related: Rental Cars That You Can Take Out of State
2. Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley – NorCal Road trip
This road trip is perfect for all wine lovers. As you explore the wine-making process from vine to bottle, you’ll appreciate what goes into every glass of wine you drink. The entire road trip is easily accessible from San Francisco, starting in Napa Valley and circling through Sonoma Valley.
The small towns you can visit on this day trip are home to 600 wineries. The best time to visit these wineries would be during the fall harvest season.
How to get there?
Start your journey from San Francisco by heading north on Highway 121, which leads you to the quaint town of Napa.
Towards the northeast end of Highway 121, you can either travel past various springs or turn north to drive through the Silverado Trail, which ends in Calistoga. You can head to Sonoma via the connecting highway between Calistoga Road and Highway 12.
What to do?
Both Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley have plenty of things to see and do, especially for wine lovers. Visitors in the gorgeous Napa Valley tour popular winery estates such as Hess Persson Estates or Pine Ridge Vineyards. If wine isn’t your thing, though, Napa Valley offers self-guided art walks, spas, hiking, a thriving nightlife scene, shopping, and much more.
Sonoma Valley is also known for its wineries, with Jacuzzi Family Vineyards and Cline Cellars being two of the most popular. Sonoma is also home to a number of stunning beaches, hiking trails, rivers, state parks, and restaurants, with plenty of options for those looking for an outdoorsy adventure.
In Napa and Sonoma Valley, RV travel is an ideal choice! Many wineries offer camping grounds, meaning you can hit the winery during the day and stay comfortable in your RV at night.
See Related: Best Travel Cooler for Road Trips
3. The Best of Northern California: Highway 128
When you take a California road trip along Highway 128, you run east to west from the Sacramento Valley to the Mendocino coast. This means you can explore some of the more iconic locations Northern California has to offer. There is plenty to discover, from giant redwood forests to delicious seafood in Michelin-starred restaurants.
How to get there?
This Northern California road trip will take you from Winters to Elk, traveling along Highway 128. This 3- to 4-day journey leads you from Yolo County west into the gorgeous Vaca Mountains.
You’ll begin on Highway 128, following it as it guides you into Napa Valley and through St. Helena and Calistoga. Eventually, you’ll meet a two-way roadway that connects Highway 128 to Highway 101 for the rest of the journey.
What to do?
Along this 140-mile route, you’ll find plenty of amazing scenery and exciting attractions! You start your trip in the agricultural town of Winters, which has plenty of breweries to visit, including Berryessa, a local favorite. As you keep driving, you’ll also encounter some other cool food and drink spots, such as Nichelini Family Winery, one of the oldest family wineries in Napa.
When you’re ready to stretch your legs, you can have some adventures in the great outdoors! Take some time to explore and hike through Hendy Woods State Park.
This hike is amazing, especially for those who want to see California’s redwood trees. You’ll pass through an 11-mile-long tunnel of redwood trees offering stunning scenery.
See Related: Things to Do in Idyllwild
California National Parks Road Trip
Another great way to experience California’s natural wonders is to visit the wide range of National Parks across the state. These parks offer a variety of wildlife, foliage, and terrain, from the rocky terrain of Joshua Tree to the redwoods in Sequoia. There are plenty of great options!
There are 9 different national parks in California. These include:
- Yosemite National Park: This stunning northern California park is home to waterfalls, forest hikes, and rock climbing.
- Death Valley National Park: Near the California-Nevada border, this park has flat dunes and a distinct desert feel.
- Joshua Tree National Park: East of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree is known for its hiking, massive boulders, unique Joshua trees, and views of the nearby mountains.
- Sequoia National Park & Kings Canyon National Park: These two parks, which are side by side in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, are known for their tall sequoia trees, meadows, and rivers.
- Lassen Volcanic National Park: Found in northeast California, this park features lava rock, hot springs, and unique volcanoes.
- Pinnacles National Park: This park, east of the Salinas Valley, is characterized by unique rock formations, wildflowers, caverns, and canyons.
- Redwood National Park: Located in the north, this park is known for its old-growth redwood trees and is home to some of the tallest, oldest redwoods in the world. It also has rivers, waterfalls, and sprawling grass areas.
- Channel Islands National Park: Found off the Pacific coast, this park comprises eight islands teeming with wildlife. Come for hiking, kayaking, whale watching, and stunning ocean views!
It’s not just national parks that make California great, though. The gorgeous Crystal Cove State Park and Castle Crags State Park are smaller ones worth visiting.
See Related: Things to Do in Pasadena, California
4. Eastern Sierras Road Trip
The trip from Lone Pine to South Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful California road trips. The journey to Lake Tahoe is a 4-hour road trip, 232 miles from Lone Pine. You should plan on 4 to 5 days to explore the region.
How to get there?
Lone Pine is situated between Sequoia National Park and Death Valley National Park. For most of your journey, you must stick to Highway 395 as you head into the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Highway 395 takes you to Topaz Lake, where you’ll turn onto Highway 89, which will take you directly to South Lake Tahoe.
What to do?
The best part about this road trip is that many sites with rich historical significance exist to explore. You can detour Highway 168 to see prehistoric sites in the Sierra Nevadas.
Manzanar National Historic Site features a monument built to honor Japanese-Americans who were forced into internment camps there during World War II.
In the 40s, Manzanar confined over 10,000 Japanese-Americans and Japanese immigrants, an act fueled by anti-Asian sentiment formed during the war. This camp was closed after the war ended, but an official apology wasn’t issued until the 1980s. Today, Manzanar is a national historic site, so visitors can learn about this piece of history.
Further onto Highway 395, you will see beautiful ski resorts on Mammoth Mountain. You’ll also pass Mono Lake, which is popular for its mud-like rock appearance.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort has some of the best skiing in the state, with 150 different runs, 25 lifts, and 3,500 acres of skiable terrain. The resort’s non-skiing activities include gondola rides, mountain hikes, snowmobile rides, bowling, full spas, and more.
Cut through on Highway 89 and finish the day by soaking up some sun at the shores of South Lake Tahoe. Here, you can explore Lake Tahoe on private cruises, go for a sunset hike along the Rubicon trail, swim at Lake Tahoe beach, or enjoy local restaurants and casinos for a relaxing evening.
See Related: Best Things to Do in Northern California
5. Sacramento to Eureka
The road trip from Sacramento to Eureka is great, especially for those who like to spend time outdoors! Along this route, you’ll find plenty of campgrounds and RV spots, and many of them are pet-friendly.
Stop to check out the hidden hiking spots scattered along this 400-mile drive. This drive should take 3 to 10 days, depending on how many stops you make.
How to get there?
Head northwest from Sacramento to start your road trip toward Clear Lake. Once you finish enjoying the vibrant views of Clear Lake, head northwest towards Eureka, where you can see the classic California redwoods or backpack the Lost Coast Trail.
As many of the activities to see and do are outdoors, we highly recommend taking this road trip between April and November to avoid harsh winter weather.
What to do?
Once you reach Clear Lake, stroll on the Indian Nature Trail. On this hike, you can follow a self-guided discovery trail to learn all about the natural resources used by the Pomo Indians. You’ll learn more about local plant life and see stunning valley views.
Once you’re done, end your walk with a glass of cabernet sauvignon made from grapes grown in the region. Another hike you can try takes you through Redwoods National Park, exploring one of the most majestic ecosystems in the world.
There are many campgrounds throughout the park, as well as hiking trails that take you to protected tree groves. You could also spend time by the water at Gold Bluffs Beach or picnic at Elk Meadow. You can also glimpse the past when you visit the Victorian houses in Eureka County, which date back to the 18th Century.
See Related: Things to Do in Calabasas
6. Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park
This route from Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park offers plenty to do and see. The most direct route will take slightly more than 5 hours — not including all the stops you undoubtedly will make along the way.
How to get there?
The fastest route will take you through California’s San Joaquin Valley via I-5. Take it north to Fresno, where you can connect to CA-41.
What to do?
There’s a reason Los Angeles is one of the USA’s top tourist destinations! Before your road trip, you’ll find many famous attractions in LA.
Like theme parks? Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain are two amazing parks waiting for you! Or visit the Santa Monica Pier to ride a Ferris wheel while enjoying some ocean views.
You could also explore the glamorous look and feel of Hollywood! You can take a selfie of yourself with the Hollywood sign in the background, then do some celebrity sighting with a Studio Tour at Warner Brothers, or check out the commemorative stars lining the streets on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
Other tourist attractions in and near Los Angeles include the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Griffith Observatory, Sunset Boulevard, and more.
Once you’ve had enough of the city, your road trip will take you on more natural adventures. Once you make it to Yosemite National Park, you can take in the gorgeous Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and El Capitan and do plenty of hiking and rock climbing.
Plan to reserve campsites and dedicated RV spots in the park, and don’t miss the Yosemite Museum, Ansel Adams Gallery, Ahwanee Lodge, and more.
See Related: Things to Do in Irvine
7. The Majestic Mountain Loop
If you want to visit three national parks in three days, take the Majestic Mountain Loop road trip. On this adventure-filled route, you can visit Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite.
How to get there?
The Majestic Mountain Loop is an iconic California road trip. To begin, start your journey in Visalia, near Sequoia, and visit Sequoia National Park. You can stay there for the day and camp there.
Next, depart and travel to Kings Canyon National Park, spending the night in the Lone Pine area. Finally, depart for Yosemite to take in your last National Park.
What to do?
Once in Sequoia, you can climb Moro Rock. This quarter-mile steep climb offers stunning views. Once that’s checked off, hop back into your car and drive through Sequoia’s Tunnel Log. It is an iconic road where a 2,000-year-old tree fell, and it is now a tunnel you can drive through.
Next up, see the world’s largest tree! The General Sherman Tree is 275 feet tall and can be found on the half-mile Main Trail in Sequoia National Park. This giant sequoia tree was named after Civil War General Willam Tecumseh Sherman.
Next, go underground at Boyden Cavern near Kings Canyon. You can take a 50-minute walking tour to see the inside of this cavern, going underground to view stalagmites and stalactites. The cavern is open from late May through early November.
Moving from Kings Canyon to Yosemite offers other outdoor adventures, like hiking Zumwalt Meadow to see giant granite walls. You can also try bike rentals closer to Yosemite, biking through Curry Village.
Other things to do while exploring the Majestic Mountain Loop include hiking the Mist Trail in Yosemite and watching the sunset at Yosemite’s Glacier Point. Interested? Take a guided tour through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
See Related: Things to Do in Red Bluff
8. Cajon Pass to Big Bear
The entire journey through the Cajon Pass and up to Big Bear is 117 miles and is approximately a 5-hour drive. It’s a gorgeous drive, past green forests and towering mountains.
We highly recommend the drive for those in RVs or micro-cabin RV cars. It’s a great way to take it all in and always feel at home right where you are.
How to get there?
Coming out of the Cajon Pass, you’ll want to take the scenic Highway 18 east into the San Bernardino Mountains and up to Big Bear Lake.
What to do?
The San Bernardino Mountains are often called the Alps of Southern California due to their tremendous views and abundance of skiing and snowboarding opportunities. One popular place to stay is Big Bear Lake, home to the Big Bear Mountain Resort, known for its skiing and snowboarding in the winter, as well as golfing, hiking, biking, zip lines, and more during the summer.
You can also trek the Pacific Coast Trail if you detour on Route 173. The trail covers 76 miles, and you will see views of Big Bear Lake.
A nice, warm cabin in the center of Big Bear after a long day of hiking is the perfect way to end the day. This Big Bear Retreat is a great cabin just 15 minutes from Snow Summit at Metcalf Bay.
See Related: Do You Need a Car in Los Angeles?
9. Redding to Lassen Volcanic National Park
A road trip from Redding to Lassen Volcanic National Park is a popular California road trip, especially in the spring. This trip will drive you through impressive mountains with plenty of campground stops. This is a 188-mile journey and can be as fast as 3 hours with a few stops along the way.
How to get there?
The journey begins in Redding, a small city in the Sacramento Valley. You will have to travel north on I-5 past Mount Shasta. Cross Highway 89, heading for the foothills of Lassen Volcanic National Park.
What to do?
Lassen Volcanic National Park is an underrated California park, with a lot to see and do every season! You can take a scenic drive along the 30-mile Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway to see views of Emerald Lake, Lake Helen, and the mountains. Or you can go into the park to enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and camping.
Of course, the most popular activity here is to see surreal volcanoes. This park is home to all four kinds of volcanoes (shield, cinder cone, plug dome, composite) situated among the lakes and meadows.
To get the most out of this park, we recommend planning a stay for several days, camping, or renting an RV! That way, you have the time to take in everything to see.
See Related: Most Beautiful Places in the World
More to Do on a California Road Trip
We have more California road trips to add to your bucket list! The trips we outline here connect various iconic locations found throughout California. If you take any of these trips, you’ll be able to see some of the best places California has to offer!
From Big Sur to Palm Springs, the road trips we outline here reflect both nature and city life. They truly speak to California’s diversity, with its many different lifestyles.
See Related: Restaurants in Dana Point
10. Los Angeles to Palm Springs – SoCal Road Trip
Don’t miss out on the hidden gems when going from Los Angeles to Palm Springs. If you love sports and other fun-filled activities, this is the road trip for you.
Palm Springs is known to host sporting events, including golf, tennis, and horseback riding tournaments throughout the year, making it a great destination for those who enjoy watching or playing these sports. Ruth Hardy Park is a great spot to play a game of basketball or tennis and then relax with a picnic.
It’s also a great place to visit if you have ever wanted to explore the desert! The desert rarely rains, so it is a great place to hike with your friends and family during the cooler months. Fun excursions also include biking or off-road desert Jeep tours.
How to get there?
The entire distance from Los Angeles to Palm Springs is 110 miles without any stops. Depending on the traffic, it can take 2 to 4 hours on the road. After leaving Los Angeles, make a beeline toward Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains. Continue on I-10 East to reach Palm Springs.
What to do?
There are many amazing things to see and do in Palm Springs, which offers equal parts chic sophistication and outdoor adventuring.
If you like the outdoors, head further to Joshua Tree National Park! Here, you can see the Cholla Cactus Garden or hike to Keys View to get a stunning view of the Coachella Valley. You could also visit the Coachella Valley Preserve for hiking trails through desert dunes and palm tree oases.
If you’re less inclined to outdoor adventuring, visit tourist attractions such as The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, the Palm Spring Art Museum, or the Moorten Botanical Garden. You can enjoy great nightlife, live music, and entertainment and eat at world-class restaurants.
If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, check out this video we made on YouTube!
11. San Diego to Coachella Valley
Another fun road trip is between San Diego and Coachella Valley. This trip takes you away from the city and into the desert, covering 600 miles over 4 to 7 days of driving and exploring.
The best time to take this trip is in spring when the weather is tolerable for outdoor activities and the desert starts to bloom. This is one of the best California road trips to see Southern California deserts.
How to get there?
To start this journey, we begin in San Diego. You can drive from here to Carlsbad to enjoy beach views or visit Legoland California! Drive through Southern California to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley.
There are plenty of stops along the way. You can visit wineries such as Belle Marie Winery or Big Horn Canyon Ranch.
See Related: Joshua Tree Itinerary
What to do?
Visiting Joshua Tree National Park is a great idea! You can hike or take a self-guided audio tour as you explore the park.
If you like art and you arrive in the spring, you could also visit the increasingly popular art exhibit Desert X. This installation, which is free to visit, presents a strong message on climate change and social culture.
As spring turns into summer, it’s time for the immensely popular Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival—but buy your tickets well in advance! You can also visit attractions such as Cabot’s Pueblo Museum or the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens or go on a hot-air balloon ride.
See Related: Best Vacations in the Southwestern United States
California Coastal Road Trips
California is home to one of the most spectacular shorelines in the world. Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the best ways to see stunning coastal views of the Pacific Ocean.
Along the California coast, you’ll find amazing cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego while viewing inspiring landscapes like Big Sur. In addition to the stunning views on this drive, you’ll also be able to pull off and explore some of California’s most exciting places.
To drive the entire California coastline, you’ll need at least a week (maybe two) if you want to spend doing it right. Of course, you don’t have to go over the entire coastline on one trip. Consider smaller, more manageable trips up part of the coast if you have more limited time.
12. Dana Point to Leggett (The Pacific Coast Highway Road trip)
The drive between Dana Point and Leggett is a 656-mile trip! Dana Point is considered the “start” of the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as PCH, making it a great place to begin a road trip.
We recommend detaining at Pismo Beach and seeing the Point Reyes Lighthouse to make the most of the drive. Some great restaurants can be visited along the way, including near the Point Reyes National Seashore.
How to get there?
To start this journey, you’ll begin in Dana Point. All you’ll need to do is get onto the Pacific Coast Highway. You’ll take this road for most of the journey before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to get on the 101.
From there, you can keep heading north toward Leggett! The journey with no stops is over 10 hours, meaning with stops along the way, it could take you at least two or three days.
What to do?
This long drive will take you past many of the California coastline, with different tourist attractions to hit along the way. If you plan your road trip in October and February, stop at the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove. Over 10,000 butterflies migrate to the beach every year.
Another must-see on PCH is Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Stay in nearby Cambria and book tours to visit all parts of this lavish estate (and keep an eye out for zebras grazing on the rolling hills).
You can also stop to explore San Francisco, which is about two-thirds of the way through your journey. While there, you can visit Union Square, the San Francisco Museum of Art, or Ocean Beach. And you’ll get to drive over the Golden Gate Bridge as you leave the city!
Once in Legget, it’s time to explore the great outdoors. Many people like to drive under the Chandelier Drive-Through Tree, a popular road trip landmark. You can also visit the Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area for camping and hiking.
See Related: Things to Do in Palo Alto
13. Big Sur Road Trip
On this Big Sur road trip, you will experience the California coast’s many wonders. Here, we will travel along legendary Highway 1, journeying the 93 miles between Hearst Castle and the town of Carmel. Along this route, you will see the famous cliffs in the Big Sur region.
Big Sur extends about 20 miles inland and features dozens of nature parks and other protected areas. You can also explore the beaches and forests while enjoying the picturesque views. If you love hiking trails and want to stretch your legs, this is the place to do that.
How to get there?
To get to Big Sur from San Francisco or Los Angeles, take Highway 1 or Pacific Coast Highway from the north or south. From Los Angeles, the drive is around 6 hours driving nonstop. San Francisco is a bit closer, with the driver only taking around 3 hours.
What to do?
The drive from Los Angeles to Big Sur will take you past some fun things to do! If you need a break from the car, you can stop at Ventura Beach or spend an afternoon in nature at the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area.
If you want to take a break, Santa Barbara is a great place to stop partway through the trip. We recommend the Santa Barbara Inn if you enjoy luxurious hotels with great amenities. While you’re there, visit attractions like Santa Barbara Beach and the Santa Barbara Zoo. We also love the Marina Beach Motel! This accommodation is just 3 minutes away from the water and offers a great bay view.
Once in Big Sur, there’s lots to do and see. The Bixby Creek Bridge is the most popular in the region. It sits 279 feet above the water and offers amazing views. Another place to visit is the Point Sur Lighthouse, one of the most famous lighthouses in the state.
There are also over 80 hiking trails and panoramic ocean views. McWay Falls Overlook Trail and Partington Cove Trail are just two more popular trails.
See Related: Things to Do in Burbank
14. The Perfect Coastal Road Trip
If you are feeling adventurous and have some time, consider going on a 10-day California coastal road trip. Here are a few of the stops you can expect along the way:
How to get there?
Pacific Coast Highway, also known as California State Route 1, is the best route because it runs directly along the Pacific Ocean for almost 800 miles. With a few gaps, it stretches from San Diego to the Oregon border, providing views of California that are unlike any other drive in the state.
What to do?
Here is a small list of places to visit and things to do in the trip’s San Francisco and Central Coast portions.
- San Francisco to Santa Rosa: After crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, quickly detour through the wine country and enjoy your drive. Then, jump on Highway 101, have some wine and delicious food in Santa Rosa, and enjoy the vineyard views.
- Santa Cruz: Pass through Pacifica, stroll along the beach, enjoy one of the largest wooden roller coasters in the world at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, and visit Pigeon Point Lighthouse in Pescadero.
- Carmel by the Sea: On your way to Carmel by the Sea, stop over in Monterey and visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row. Next, take a trip down 17 Mile Drive, hugging the coast. Go for a wine tasting at Blair Estates Winery and enjoy the small-town vibes.
- Carmel to Big Sur: Stop by Point Lobos State Park for a hike and start the 60-minute drive to Big Sur. Take your time on this route and enjoy the scenery.
These routes don’t cover everything you can do when taking a California coastal road trip. It is just a small sampling of the amazing sights you can explore and things you can do.
Related Resources
Please sign in to leave a comment.