10 Best Road Trips to Take in California
California is a wonderland, home to a variety of landscapes and a beauty that offers some of the best road trips in the United States. From the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley and majestic Redwoods to the rugged coastline and sun-drenched desert, adventure awaits around every corner in the Golden State. Its highways and byways promise unforgettable journeys, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're seeking coastal escapes, mountainous retreats, or desert adventures, California's diverse terrain ensures a road trip experience like no other.
Napa Valley’s Silverado Trail (29 Miles Long)
The Silverado Trail, a picturesque two-lane country road, winds through world-class vineyards in a 29-mile-long stretch. In true Napa Valley fashion, it is blooming with wineries around everybody's bend. Built in 1852 to link Napa and Calistoga, the Silverado Trail follows alongside State Highway 29, making the best wineries in the state easily accessible. Beginning in Napa and moving north towards Calistoga, this scenic route is tucked into the valley’s hills and is optimal for year-round travel.
The Silverado Trial is lined with prestigious wineries, including the renowned Stags Leap District collection of wineries that comprise the Mecca of Cabernet Sauvignon and full-bodied reds. Those who embark on this journey can find sparking wine at Mumm Napa and savor flavors on their tasting patio. Wine connoisseurs won't want to miss Darioush Winery, where they can sip wine in a unique landscape surrounded by Persian architecture. Their award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are served with palate-cleansing pistachios, accentuating Darioush’s eye for detail and passion for winemaking.
Pacific Coast Highway (656 Miles Long)
From San Francisco to San Diego, the Pacific Coast Highway hugs 600 miles of California’s dynamic coastline. Considered one of the most scenic roads in the world, it’s meant to be traversed slowly so travelers can savor the mountain views, towering trees, sweeping beaches, and endless sky. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the variety of activities California offers, from surfing villages to farm-fresh foods and bohemian enclaves.
Felton, tucked into the redwood trees, is a picturesque mountain town to explore before entering the popular Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is home to old-fashioned rollercoasters, an arcade, and everything a quintessential beach town would have. Further along the drive, San Luis Obispo features the vibrant Gum Alley and Point San Luis Lighthouse, which offer breathtaking views.
Sierra Vista Scenic Byway (83 Miles Long)
Forest Roads weave through the Sierra National Forest, offering a glimpse into what the High Sierra looked like a century ago. Best enjoyed during June through October, the trip starts on Forest Service Road 81 near North Fork, 45 miles northeast of Fresno. This journey spans almost 100 miles of breathtaking panoramas, vistas, and unique formations.
Travelers can visit the Sierra Mono Museum along the way to see the largest display of Mono Indian basketry in California. For summer visitors, the blossoming Jackass Meadows is an oasis of wildflowers and wooden boardwalks. A stop at the Mile High Curve and Vista overlooks the Sierra Vistas Scenic Byways' most mesmerizing views. At the precipice, the peaks that comprise the “heart of the Sierra Nevada” are easy to appreciate. Overlooking Mammoth Pool and the San Joaquin River Canyon, the Minarets, Mr Ritter, Mammoth Mountain, and a dozen other peaks serve as a towering backdrop.
Route 66 (315 Miles Long)
Historic Route 66, with its 315 miles, exists almost entirely across California. Originally built in 1926 to connect Chicago and Los Angeles, the iconic road has left literal and figurative marks on the landscape. Initially intended for farmers and truckers to transport their wares between big cities, the highway became a cultural pillar, immortalized in John Steinbeck's “The Grapes of Wrath.” Route 66’s significance skyrocketed even further after Nat King Cole released his 1964 hit “(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66.”
During World War II, Route 66 flourished as an express lane for supplies and an escape for travelers looking for new experiences. Amenities along the highway skyrocketed to accommodate tourists as they navigated the route. However, by the 1960s, its popularity had waned as President Eisenhower enacted the Federal Highway Act, establishing the interstate highway system.
Open year-round for travel, 85 percent of the road is still drivable, passing through Santa Monica, the Mojave National Preserve, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino County. Visitors can explore Needles, the childhood home of Charles Schulz, the beloved creator of the Peanuts comics. The Mojave National Preserve is home to a harsh desert landscape of volcanic cinder cones, sand dunes, and Joshua Trees. In contrast, the San Gabriel Valley features picturesque orange groves as far as the eye can see.
Fresno Blossom Trail (62 Miles Long)
A panorama of blossoming fruit and nut trees transforms into acres of vibrant colors as almonds, peaches, plums, and cherries grow to harvest. Starting in Fresno and ending in Clovis, the 62-mile trip is a self-guided adventure exploring the prosperous agriculture of the region. The county's orchards feature pink apricot blossoms, white almond, plum, and apple blooms, as well as rose-colored peach and nectarine posies.
Those touring the area can visit Simonian Farms, a family-run fruit stand established in 1901 and operated for four generations. This historical gem includes a towering red barn, an old town saloon, a church, a barber shop, and a schoolhouse. Visitors can weave through their collection of antique tractors and gasoline pumps before stocking up at the stand. Continuing the adventure, the trail extends through Orange Cove, where groves of blooming orange and lemon trees permeate the air with their fragrance. Upon reaching Cedar View Winery, acres of almond, nectarine, and peaches are to be enjoyed. Hillcrest Farm in Reedley is a perfect family stop where little ones can ride a miniature steam train around the peach and plum orchards.
Highway 49, Gold Country (295 Miles Long)
Also known as the Gold Rush Trail and Gold Chain Highway, Highway 49 takes travelers back to the Gold Rush era. This nearly 300-mile route is teeming with historic mining towns and sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Best for travel during summer and early fall, the trip begins in Oakhurst and travels through Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe, ending in Vinton, where it merges with Route 70.
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is home to the site where the first flecks of gold were discovered, starting the epic race for riches that transformed the country in a whirlwind of 7 years. Explorers can visit the California State Mining and Mineral Museum in Mariposa to learn about the Gold Rush and its impact. The museum’s collection contains over 13,000 objects, including mining artifacts and rare specimens of crystalline gold like the Fricot “Nugget,” a 12.6-pound crystalline gold specimen from the 19th century.
Rim of the World Scenic Byway (110 Miles Long)
Open to travel year-round, the Rim of the World Scenic Byway is named for its breathtaking cliff views in the San Bernardino Mountains and spans 110 miles, beginning at Cajon Pass and ending at Big Bear Lake. The Cajon Pass Overlook is a favorite among history buffs and photographers, as it offers views of BNSF Railroad trains moving up the pass created by variable shifts of the San Andreas Fault. The section between Mill Creek and Onyx Summit features unique vistas of the Sand to Snow National Monument. Further along, roadtrippers can learn about the trees in the San Bernadino National Forest at Heaps Peak Arboretum before heading to Lake View Point, which overlooks Big Bear Lake. The Big Bear Solar Observatory, located on the lake's northern side, houses the world's largest solar telescope and welcomes visitors for scheduled tours to experience the telescope in action.
Avenue of the Giants (32 Miles Long)
Considered one of the most scenic drives through the redwood trees, the Avenue of the Giants has been called the “finest forest drive in the world" and is a trip optimal year-round for explorers. This 32-mile trip parallels Highway 101, meandering slowly through secluded forest hamlets, campgrounds, picnic points, and access points to the Eel River for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Along the way, Humboldt Redwoods State Park is canopied by the world's tallest trees, some of which were seedlings during the Roman Empire. The magical 51,000 acres of redwood forest provides vibrant displays of nature as tourists drive through ten types of ancient giants and explore local history.
The Avenue of the Giants also has multiple iconic drive-through redwoods that drivers can actually drive through due to their massive girth. Shine Drive-Thru Tree is one of the most popular. It has a smaller walk-through tree, two large treehouses for children to play in, picnic benches for families, and a drive-up tree.
Beach-to-Desert Drive from San Diego (90 Miles Long)
This 90-mile drive takes tourists through Southern California's coast, mountains, and deserts. Most popular in the late winter and spring, the route winds through the beaches of La Jolla to the farmsteads of Ramona, the towering Cuyamaca Mountains, and leads into the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. La Jolla is considered San Diego’s prized gem. It boasts sandy beaches, 300-foot sea cliffs, rocky reefs, and hidden coves. There are a variety of activities for all ages in La Jolla, with prime spots for kayaking, scuba diving, swimming, and snorkeling.
Anza-Borrego is well known for its marvelous acres of blooming desert wildflowers. Every year, in February and March, the 600,000-acre park bursts into rolling fields of color. Visitors can marvel at the unmatched stargazing in the resident International Dark Sky Community, Borrego Springs. The Milky Way and other celestial features are easily visible, with over 300 clear nights a year, minimal light pollution, and dry air. Borrego Springs’ commitment to dark sky protection has made it the state's only International Dark Sky Community.
Highway 101 from Malibu to Lompoc (120 Miles Long)
Beginning in Malibu, Highway 101 follows along the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains before moving west through ranchlands towards Lompoc. This scenic stretch of Highway 101 explores beaches, the famous Lompoc flower fields, and the Pinot Noir region of wine country and offers breathtaking experiences year-round. Along the route, Point Mugu State Park and Natural Preserve features 5 miles of sandy beaches, bluffs, and canyons. Visitors can also find 70 miles of hiking trails that traverse uplands, river canyons, and valleys filled with sycamore trees. In autumn, the valley is teeming with monarch butterflies that have stopped over on their southern migration.
Continuing the journey, the landscape transforms into farmlands where beets, lima beans, strawberries, avocados, lemons, and other vegetables are grown before opening up into Ventura. Ventura is home to a thriving arts community, a historic downtown with boutique shopping, and variety of culinary options. Further along, Olivas Adobe Historical Park provides a glimpse into Latino and ranching history. This two-story hacienda, furnished with period decor and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The house museum and grounds are open daily to visitors.
Wrapping Up The Drives
California has a hidden gem for every explorer seeking their next adventure. Whether navigating the winding roads through towering redwoods, savoring coastal views, or exploring historic landmarks and state parks, the Golden State’s breathtaking landscape and vibrant history are home to something for everyone. From the majestic vistas of the Sierra Nevada to the iconic Pacific Coast Highway and historic Route 66, each journey promises unique experiences and unforgettable memories.
