A road trip in California is an unbeatable way to explore the diverse beauty of the Golden State. From the towering redwoods of Northern California to the sun-soaked beaches of Southern California, there’s no shortage of amazing scenery to discover. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, here are some of the best road trips to take in California.
Highway 1: San Francisco to Los Angeles
One of the most scenic drives in the world, Highway 1 takes you along the rugged coastline of California, offering stunning views at every turn. Starting in San Francisco and ending in Los Angeles, this road trip will take you through charming towns like Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, past iconic landmarks like Hearst Castle and the Bixby Bridge, and provide ample opportunities for hiking, beachcombing, and wildlife viewing.
Highlights:
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Muir Woods National Monument
- 17-Mile Drive
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Hearst Castle
- Santa Barbara Mission
- Venice Beach Boardwalk
- Santa Monica Pier
Highway 395: Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains
If you’re looking for a road trip that combines breathtaking mountain scenery with off-the-beaten-path destinations, then Highway 395 is for you. This route takes you through some of California’s most remote and picturesque landscapes, including Mono Lake, Mammoth Lakes, and Alabama Hills. Along the way, you can hike to hidden waterfalls, soak in natural hot springs, and stargaze under some of the clearest skies in the country.
- Mono Lake
- Bodie State Historic Park
- Mammoth Lakes
- Devils Postpile National Monument
- Alabama Hills
- Manzanar National Historic Site
- Whitney Portal
Route 66: California to Chicago
For a road trip that’s steeped in history and Americana, there’s nothing quite like Route 66. This iconic highway spans eight states and over 2,000 miles, but the California portion is full of must-see sights, including the Mojave Desert, the Grand Canyon, and quirky roadside attractions like the Wigwam Motel and the Blue Swallow Motel.
- Santa Monica Pier
- Mojave National Preserve
- Oatman Ghost Town
- Petrified Forest National Park
- The Blue Swallow Motel (Tucumcari)
- The Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo)
- The Gateway Arch (St. Louis)
No matter which road trip you choose in California, make sure to pack plenty of snacks, water, and a camera to capture all the amazing memories you’ll make on the road. Happy travels!