10 Great Road Trips to Take in California
California is a road-trippers paradise, promising an endless array of scenic routes that wind through diverse landscapes, from sun-kissed beaches to towering mountains, and bustling cities to quiet, hidden towns. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just in search of adventure, California’s highways and byways suggest something for everyone. Picture cruising from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to the wild beauty of Yosemite National Park, or making your way down the coast on the Pacific Coast Highway, with views of rugged cliffs and pristine beaches at every turn.
Each of these 10 great road trips to take in California will take you on a journey not only across the state but through time, culture, and unforgettable landscapes. From hidden gems to must-see landmarks, California's roads are calling. Get ready to hit the open road and discover the beauty that lies just beyond the horizon.
San Francisco To Paso Robles
The road trip from San Francisco to Paso Robles brings 214 miles of California’s coast, culture, and wine country. Following the iconic Highway 1 for a significant portion the journey lasts for 3 hours and 45 minutes. Start by heading south from San Francisco along Highway 1 to Half Moon Bay. Visit the Half Moon Bay State Beach for a peaceful stroll or stop at the charming Main Street for coffee and pastries at a local café like Moonside Bakery. Continue toward Santa Cruz, about an hour's drive. This lively coastal city is home to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a historic amusement park with ocean views. For a quieter option, visit Natural Bridges State Beach to explore tide pools or see the monarch butterfly preserve if you’re traveling in the right season.
As you drive further inland, stop in Soledad in the Salinas Valley. Here, the Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad gives a serene glimpse into California’s Spanish colonial past. Arrive in Paso Robles, known for its wineries and hot springs. Plan a visit to one of the family-owned wineries, such as Eberle Winery, for a tasting.
San Francisco To Pinnacles National Park
You will cover about 126 miles when going to Pinnacles National Park from San Francisco in slightly more than two hours. This route via US-101 and CA-25 provides plenty of stops worth exploring. Begin your drive with a stop in San Mateo, 20 miles south of San Francisco. Take a break at Central Park, where the Japanese Tea Garden is the ideal spot to relax. Grab a coffee or a snack at one of the bakeries on Burlingame Avenue before heading south. The next stop is San Jose, roughly 30 minutes away. The Winchester Mystery House attracts with its unusual architecture, while Santana Row is another great option for lunch, boasting many dining choices and boutique shops.
From San Jose, head southeast for about an hour to Hollister. This small town is a gateway to Pinnacles National Park and has attractions of its own. Leal Vineyards presents a wine tasting with scenic views, while downtown Hollister is perfect for a quick walk and local bites. Nearby, Swank Farms is a seasonal stop offering fresh produce and family-friendly activities. Finally, Pinnacles National Park invites you to admire its striking rock formations, caves, and wildlife. Whether you’re hiking the High Peaks Trail or exploring Bear Gulch Cave, the park provides a stunning end to the drive.
San Francisco To Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is at the 170-mile mark from San Francisco. This route through I-580 and CA-120 features many gateways to the Sierra Nevada in the 3-hour travel. Start by heading east across the Bay Bridge to Oakland. For breakfast or coffee, Grand Lake Kitchen on Lake Merritt works up your appetite with its savory French toast and scrambled eggs. Resume southeast to Hayward, a short 20-minute drive. Take a break at Hayward Japanese Gardens to walk around in nature. Nearby, you’ll find local diners like Doug’s Place for a hearty meal before hitting the road again. Next, drive about an hour to Oakdale, the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” where the Oakdale Cowboy Museum reveals local ranching history. You may also stop at Bloomingcamp Ranch for fresh-baked pies and jams.
From Oakdale, head into the foothills to Groveland. This historic town delivers a taste of Gold Rush history with landmarks like the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum. Drop by the Iron Door Saloon, one of California’s oldest operating saloons, to appreciate its storied past while grabbing bar bites. Yosemite National Park is a dreamy end to the drive. Whether you’re visiting Yosemite Valley, hiking to Bridalveil Fall, or simply taking in El Capitan’s towering granite walls, the park promises unforgettable beauty.
San Francisco To Sacramento
The 88 miles between San Francisco and Sacramento takes 1.5 hours along I-80. Start by discovering Berkeley, just 25 minutes from San Francisco. Stop at the UC Berkeley campus to see Sather Tower or pop into the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. For a snack, Gourmet Ghetto tempts with its artisanal cafes and bakeries. Next, drive 15 miles to Richmond and enjoy the waterfront at Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park. This site features exhibits on wartime history and stunning views of the Bay. Continue toward Fairfield, about 30 miles away. Here, the Jelly Belly Candy Store is a highlight for a fun and interactive tour. You can also stop by Vezer Family Vineyard in nearby Suisun Valley for a quick wine tasting.
Before reaching Sacramento, take a detour to Davis, a quaint college town 20 miles outside the city. Walk around the UC Davis Arboretum or browse the Davis Farmers Market for fresh produce and handmade goods. Arrive in Sacramento, California’s capital. Visit Old Sacramento, a historic district boasting cobblestone streets, museums, and riverfront dining. Don’t miss the California State Railroad Museum, which showcases the history of trains in the West. Stroll through the Capitol Park to see the state capitol and surrounding gardens.
San Francisco To Mendocino Headlands State Park
If you want to go to Mendocino Headlands State Park, then San Francisco is the ideal start to experience Northern California. The 156 miles take 3 hours via US-101 and CA-128. You will need to cross the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County. Make a stop in San Rafael at the Marin County Civic Center, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, for its impressive architecture and historical significance. Next, head to Petaluma, 30 miles further. Get a coffee at Della Fattoria Café and scour the Petaluma River Walk. Continue to Santa Rosa, another 20 miles north. The Charles M. Schulz Museum allows you to celebrate the creator of Peanuts. You will also find Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square for antique shops and dining options like The Spinster Sisters.
From Santa Rosa, travel to Healdsburg, for a taste of its wineries. Stop by Dry Creek Vineyard or Seghesio Family Vineyards for a quick tasting session. Further along CA-128, drive through Boonville, a small town with a quirky personality. Relish a bite at Lauren’s at The Buckhorn or sit at the Anderson Valley Brewing Company for craft beer. The drive through this area is lined with redwood forests, adding a touch of tranquility to the journey. Mendocino Headlands State Park will welcome you with dramatic cliffs on the Pacific Ocean.
Los Angeles To Joshua Tree
For travelers seeking a change of pace, driving from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree might be the answer. About 130 miles in two hours will cover desert landscapes, quirky towns, and stunning natural landmarks. Begin your journey by heading east out of Los Angeles. Stop in Claremont, the “City of Trees and PhDs.” The Claremont Village is worth visiting for its boutiques, coffee shops, and the Folk Music Center. Further along, sits Cabazon, home to the Cabazon Dinosaurs. These iconic roadside attractions are perfect for a quick photo stop. Just a few miles away, you’ll find the Desert Hills Premium Outlets for shopping or dining options.
Once you’re back on the road, drive through Yucca Valley on your way to Joshua Tree. This small town is a gateway to the desert with unique thrift stores, such as The End, and local art galleries. Joshua Tree National Park is where rugged rock formations and iconic Joshua trees await. Take a short hike to Barker Dam or check out Hidden Valley for an introduction to the park’s beauty. The town of Joshua Tree has its own charm with local spots like the Joshua Tree Coffee Company.
Los Angeles To Salton Sea
The Salton Sea, with its surreal scenery, makes for a memorable destination, and the stops along the way add depth to the 2-hour and 35-minute journey from Los Angeles. Turn southeast and stop in Anaheim, just 30 miles from Los Angeles. While known for Disneyland, you can instead troll the Anaheim Packing District for diverse food options in a 1910s setting. Continuing east, Riverside presents a cultural and historic break. Wander the halls of the Mission Inn Museum, located in the famed Mission Inn Hotel, or relax at Fairmount Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
As you move closer to the desert, make a stop in Whitewater, near Palm Springs. The Whitewater Preserve is a peaceful spot for a picnic or a short hike along streams framed by rugged hills. Further along, detour to Oasis, where the Coachella Valley Preserve provides a special experience among its palm oases. It’s an excellent stop for stretching your legs on the trails while observing the area's distinct ecosystem. Arrive at the Salton Sea, a vast inland saline lake surrounded by desert landscapes. Stop by the North Shore Beach and Yacht Club, a mid-century modern structure turned visitor center.
Los Angeles To Coronado
Taking the coastal route from Los Angeles where each stop adds variety and charm to the trip, Coronado serves as the perfect ending point after 133 miles. Your first stop could be Long Beach, about 25 miles from Los Angeles. Take a quick walk at Shoreline Village's waterfront shops and casual eateries or drop by the historic Queen Mary. Continuing south, Newport Beach proposes a relaxing detour. Stroll along Balboa Island or explore the tide pools at Crystal Cove State Park. Carlsbad is another worthwhile stop. Check out the Carlsbad Flower Fields in spring or enjoy a bite at one of the many restaurants near Carlsbad Village.
Del Mar is a great place to take a short break before entering San Diego. A standout for its beaches and upscale atmosphere, it’s worth stopping at Seagrove Park for ocean views. Once in San Diego, consider stopping at Seaport Village or the Gaslamp Quarter before crossing the iconic Coronado Bridge. Coronado itself is a favorite for its pristine beaches and the historic Hotel del Coronado.
Los Angeles To Oak Glen
A road trip to Oak Glen from LA is all you need to admire cityscapes, natural beauty, and a taste of small-town charm in its 87 miles. Commence with a short stop in Monterey Park, just 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Featuring a vibrant Asian culture, it has great dining options for a quick bite. Try a local dim sum restaurant, like NBC Seafood Restaurant or Dim Sum World, for an authentic experience. Next up to the east is West Covina, where you can halt at the Galster Wilderness Park for a short hike. The park delivers beautiful views of the San Bernardino Mountains, making it a good place to move around.
Bloomington marks the halfway point for a brief moment to relax. The city is known for its small-town feel. Before reaching Oak Glen, make a detour to Redlands. This charming city has several points of interest, including the historic A.K. Smiley Public Library, with its beautiful architecture. Meanwhile, Oak Glen takes pride in its apple orchards. You can head to Riley’s Apple Farm for apple picking, fresh cider, and farm-made treats. The town also has hiking trails, including those at the Oak Glen Preserve, where the natural beauty makes it a perfect ending to your road trip.
Los Angeles To Big Bear Lake
Just under 2 hours and 100 miles will transport visitors from the bustling streets of Los Angeles to the captivating beauty of Big Bear Lake. Pasadena is a mere 10 miles from downtown LA and popular for its iconic Old Town and Rose Bowl. The Norton Simon Museum is a must-visit if you enjoy art, or you can take a stroll through the Pasadena Playhouse District for a quick cultural fix. Steering east on I-210, your next stop is Azusa. This small city delivers a short detour to the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. The Azusa Canyon calls for a nature break.
As you make your way to San Bernardino, the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum is a fascinating attraction. Located in the old depot, the museum gives you a look into the area's railroad heritage. If you're in the mood for some fresh air, take a brief walk through the nearby San Bernardino National Forest area. The final leg of your journey brings you to Running Springs, about 15 miles from Big Bear. Here, you can stop for a meal at a local diner or take in the mountain views at the Running Springs Farmers Market, which is open seasonally. Finally, after winding through the picturesque mountain roads, you'll reach Big Bear Lake. Whether you're into hiking, boating, or just relaxing by the water, this destination has plenty of options to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Final Thoughts
These road trips to take in California present more than just a change of scenery—they provide a deeper connection to the state’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you're winding your way through the coastal cliffs on the Pacific Coast Highway, exploring charming towns like Oak Glen or Mendocino, or soaking in the natural beauty of places like Yosemite and Big Bear Lake, each road trip promises unique experiences.
As you roll through California’s roads, you’ll come across delightful corner stops, hidden gems, and moments of serenity that make every mile worthwhile. From the beaches to the mountains, and the cities to the small towns, these 10 great road trips in California highlight the diversity of California’s wonders. No matter the destination, the journey is always the heart of the adventure in the United States. So pack your bags, fill your gas tank, and let California’s open roads lead you to unforgettable experiences.
