California is famous for its stunning views, from the wild coastal cliffs to the vast deserts and high mountains. This guide highlights the top road trip routes in the Golden State. It shows off the natural beauty and famous spots that make California a top spot for scenic drives in the U.S.
Looking for a classic coastal trip, a wine country tour, or a journey from beach to desert? This article gives you detailed plans and tips for the best California road trip.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Explore the diverse landscapes of California, from the rugged Pacific Coast to the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Discover the best road trip routes in the Golden State, including classic coastal drives, scenic mountain highways, and wine country excursions.
- Gain insider tips and detailed itineraries to help you plan the ultimate California road trip adventure.
- Uncover the iconic destinations and natural wonders that make California a top destination for scenic drives in the United States.
- Ensure your road trip is tailored to your preferences, with options for varying trip durations and budgets.
Classic Pacific Coast Highway Trip
Starting the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, is a key California adventure. This route follows the coastline, showing off amazing ocean views at every turn. From San Francisco to Los Angeles, you’ll see beautiful seaside towns, giant redwood forests, and the stunning cliffs of Big Sur.
The drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles is about 500 miles. But with all the places you’ll want to stop, plan for 5-7 days. You’ll cross the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, visit the Monterey Peninsula, see Big Sur’s natural beauty, and find Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean charm before reaching Los Angeles.
San Francisco to Los Angeles
Starting in San Francisco, you’ll see the famous Golden Gate Bridge. This sets the stage for the stunning views ahead. You’ll stop in towns like Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea to enjoy fresh seafood, look at art, and see the coast.
Big Sur is the trip’s highlight, with the Santa Lucia Mountains meeting the Pacific Ocean. Make sure to stop at places like Bixby Creek Bridge and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Then, head to Malibu and end in Los Angeles, visiting famous spots like the Hollywood Sign and the Santa Monica Pier.
The Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles is unforgettable. It has beautiful coastlines, lovely towns, and many attractions. It’s perfect for anyone who loves nature, culture, or just a great drive.
Redding to Lassen Volcanic National Park
Head into northeast California for a road trip full of volcanic and geothermal wonders. Start in Redding and drive north on I-5, passing by Shasta Lake and the towering Mount Shasta. Then, take Highway 89 south, part of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, to see the 129-foot Burney Falls in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park.
Your journey ends at Lassen Volcanic National Park, where you’ll find bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles. This 188-mile route is perfect for a spring or summer trip, showing off California’s natural beauty.
The drive from Redding to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitors Center in Lassen Volcanic National Park takes about an hour and a half. The park’s main road is 28 miles long. How long you spend driving depends on the places you stop to see.
There are different hiking trails in the park, each with its own time needed. For example, a 3-mile hike to Bumpass Hell takes about 2 hours round trip. Hiking to the top of Lassen Peak takes 3-5 hours round trip. And a 2-hour hike will take you to Kings Creek Falls.
Summit Lake is great for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming in the summer. Rentals are not available on-site. The Devastated Area Interpretive Trail is a paved loop that’s good for families and those in wheelchairs. Walking the whole loop takes about 15 minutes.
Manzanita Lake is your last stop, offering water fun and wildlife watching. It’s a good idea to spend at least an hour there. Driving back to Redding from the park on CA-44 takes about an hour.
Lassen Volcanic National Park gets around 500,000 visitors a year. This is fewer than the 4.5 million who visit Yosemite National Park each year. It’s one of California’s hidden gems.
Napa Valley’s Silverado Trail
The Silverado Trail in Napa Valley is perfect for those who love wine and scenic drives. It’s a 26-mile route that runs alongside the busier Highway 29. This route offers a peaceful way to see California’s famous wine country. Start in Napa and head north, stopping at places like Reynolds Family Winery, Clos du Val, and Mumm Napa.
As you drive, you’ll go through beautiful towns like Yountville and Calistoga. You can enjoy great food at top restaurants, stay in fancy hotels, and take in the vineyard views. Spring is the best time to see the vines budding and wildflowers blooming.
This scenic drive takes you to amazing wineries, including:
- Clos du Val
- Judd’s Hill
- Mumm Napa
- Signorello Estate Winery
- Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
Napa Valley is home to over 150 bird species and the Napa River Ecological Reserve is a great spot for nature lovers. In Calistoga, you can check out the hot springs and mineral pools. Don’t miss California’s Old Faithful Geyser and the Sharpsteen Museum.
| Road Trip Route | Distance | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Silverado Trail | 26 miles (43 km) | 1 hour |
| Calistoga to Spring Mountain | 22 miles | 45 minutes |
| Silverado Trail + Howell Mountain Road | 38 miles | 1.5 hours |
| Highway 128 | 27 miles | 1 hour |
| Cruising Coombsville | 9.5 miles | 30 minutes |
The Silverado Trail in Napa Valley is perfect for anyone looking for great wines, beautiful views, or a relaxing trip. It’s a top spot for your California road trip.
California Road Trip Routes
California has amazing road trip routes that show off its stunning beauty and famous spots. You can’t miss the classic California road trip routes like the Pacific Coast Highway and the Napa Valley’s Silverado Trail. But there are many more scenic drives in California that are a must for every traveler.
For a stunning trip from the mountains to the desert, try driving from Lake Tahoe to Lone Pine or Yosemite National Park on Highway 395. Or, take the Rim of the World Scenic Byway in the San Bernardino Mountains. You can also explore the state’s farms on the Fresno Blossom and Fruit Trails.
The drive from La Jolla to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park takes you from the beach to the desert. No matter which California road trip routes you pick, you’ll see everything from high mountains to beautiful waterfalls, vineyards, and beaches.
“California’s roads will lead you through a diverse tapestry of landscapes, from towering peaks and cascading waterfalls to rolling vineyards and sun-kissed coastlines.”
Coastal and Wine Country Drives
Beyond the famous California coastal routes, our state has more stunning drives. These highlight the diverse landscapes and culinary delights of our coastal and wine country. Two top picks are the Highway 1 from San Francisco to Fort Bragg, and the Highway 101 route from Malibu to Lompoc.
Highway 1 from San Francisco to Fort Bragg
Starting in San Francisco, the Highway 1 drive takes you along the California coast. You’ll see the windswept beauty of the North Coast. Don’t miss Muir Woods, Point Reyes National Seashore, the Mendocino Headlands, and Glass Beach. This route lets you dive into the rugged natural beauty of the area.
Highway 101 from Malibu to Lompoc
The Highway 101 drive from Malibu to Lompoc goes through California’s wine country. You’ll pass by Malibu beaches, Laguna Beach art galleries, and the hidden Lompoc Wine Ghetto. It’s perfect for wine lovers wanting to explore the diverse tastes and beautiful landscapes of our wine regions.
Whether you’re here for a few days or weeks, these coastal and wine country drives will impress you. So, pack up, get in the car, and get ready to see the best of California.
Surf Safari Through Orange County
Start a classic California road trip by taking the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1). Explore Orange County’s vibrant surf culture. Begin in the lovely harbor town of Dana Point. Then, head north to Laguna Beach for art galleries and beautiful beaches.
Next, visit Newport Beach, famous for its yacht harbor and treats like frozen bananas and Balboa Bars. End your trip in Huntington Beach, known as Surf City USA. This 30-mile stretch lets you enjoy the Pacific, watch surfers, and experience Southern California’s beach culture.
On your journey, you’ll see amazing views, unique shops, and a variety of dining spots. These celebrate the area’s rich food culture. Whether you surf or just love the coast, this Orange County surf safari will give you unforgettable memories and a new love for the California coast.
- Explore the art galleries and beaches of Laguna Beach
- Indulge in classic California treats like frozen bananas in Newport Beach
- Immerse yourself in the surf culture of Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City USA
“The ocean is a magical and ever-changing canvas, and Orange County offers the perfect backdrop to experience its wonders firsthand.”
So, pack your wetsuit, grab your surfboard, and get ready for an amazing California road trip. It will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready to explore more of this sunny coastal paradise.
Beach to Desert Drive from San Diego
For a captivating road trip, start in the beautiful La Jolla and head east. Drive through the rural Ramona region on State Road 56. Then, take Highway 78 through the Cuyamaca Mountains to the Anza-Borrego Desert.
This 90-mile drive takes you from the Pacific coast to the desert. You’ll see wildflowers in Anza-Borrego, visit historic Julian, and stargaze in Borrego Springs. It’s a unique adventure.
Exploring the Diverse Wonders of Southern California
This trip shows off Southern California’s natural wonders. You’ll see the Pacific coast and the Anza-Borrego Desert. It’s a big change that shows the area’s beauty and diversity.
- Experience the transition from coastal beaches to desert landscapes
- Witness the vibrant wildflower blooms in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- Explore the historic charm of the town of Julian
- Stargaze in the International Dark Sky Community of Borrego Springs
This drive from San Diego to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is unforgettable. It’s perfect for nature lovers, history fans, or anyone looking for a great road trip. Discover the beauty of Southern California on this amazing journey.
“The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a true gem, where the stark beauty of the desert meets the lush oases and towering mountains. It’s a place that never fails to captivate and inspire.”
Conclusion
California’s diverse landscape offers an unparalleled array of scenic road trip routes. Each route showcases the state’s natural beauty and iconic destinations. From the classic Pacific Coast Highway to the wine-centric Silverado Trail, and from the volcanic landscapes of the Shasta Cascade to the beach-to-desert drive in Southern California, this guide has provided an overview of some of the best road trip options in the Golden State.
Whether you have a week or a month, plan your California road trip to suit your interests and travel style. Get ready to be captivated by the state’s stunning vistas, charming towns, and unforgettable experiences. With over 400 wineries in the Napa Valley region, breathtaking national parks like Yosemite and Joshua Tree, and picturesque coastal drives along Highway 101, California is a road trip enthusiast’s dream destination.
The hardest part will be deciding where to begin your California road trip adventure. With so many incredible routes to choose from, the only limit is your imagination. So start planning your California road trip today and get ready to explore the Golden State’s natural wonders and vibrant culture.
FAQ
What are some of the best road trip routes in California?
California is famous for its stunning landscapes. It offers many scenic road trip routes. Some top choices include the Pacific Coast Highway, Shasta Cascade, Napa Valley’s Silverado Trail, and routes through coastal and wine country. You can also explore beach-to-desert drives.
What makes the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) such a popular road trip route?
The Pacific Coast Highway, or Highway 1, is a top scenic drive in California. It follows the rugged coastline. You’ll see the ocean, charming towns, redwood forests, and Big Sur’s dramatic cliffs.
What can travelers expect on a road trip through the Shasta Cascade region?
In northeast California, the Shasta Cascade region is a must-see. It’s full of volcanic and geothermal wonders. You’ll pass by Shasta Lake, Burney Falls, and Lassen Volcanic National Park. There, you can see bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and alpine lakes.
Why is the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley a must-drive for oenophiles and lovers of scenic country roads?
The Silverado Trail in Napa Valley is perfect for wine lovers and those who enjoy scenic drives. It offers a peaceful way to see California’s top wine region. You can visit famous wineries, charming towns, and vineyards. It’s best in spring when the vines are budding and wildflowers bloom.
What other scenic road trip routes does California offer beyond the Pacific Coast Highway?
California has more than just the Pacific Coast Highway. You can drive from Lake Tahoe to Lone Pine or Yosemite National Park on Highway 395. There’s also the Rim of the World Scenic Byway in the San Bernardino Mountains and the Fresno Blossom and Fruit Trails. These highlight the state’s agriculture.
What are some of the must-drive coastal and wine country routes in California?
California has more than the Pacific Coast Highway. You can drive from San Francisco to Fort Bragg on Highway 1. Or take Highway 101 from Malibu to Lompoc. These routes show off the diverse landscapes and food of these areas.
What can travelers expect on a surf safari road trip through Orange County?
The 30-mile stretch from Dana Point to Huntington Beach is a great California road trip. You can enjoy the Pacific Ocean, watch surfers, and experience Southern California’s beach culture.
What is the beach-to-desert drive from San Diego like?
The drive from San Diego to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is amazing. It takes you from the coast to the desert. You’ll see wildflowers, the historic town of Julian, and can stargaze in Borrego Springs.