17 California Epic Road Trips from North to South

Not a lot of adventures can beat a California road trip. With fair weather, a carefree atmosphere, and diverse landscapes – I understand why many venture to the Golden State to make lifelong memories.

To get you started on your California holiday, I share my personal experience of tackling the roads. Next, I’ll recommend 17 of the best California road trips, covering a variety of routes and sharing helpful tips along the way.

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Key Takeaways

• The Pacific Coast Highway is the perfect way to explore California’s coastline.
• California is home to dozens of State Parks, National Forests, and National Parks.
• There are plenty of road trips you can do in a single day.
• Wine lovers should stop over at Solvang.
• Always pack plenty of water and an emergency kit before you depart.

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What people say on Reddit

For north/south routes in California the most beautiful is 1/101 which you’re doing. 395 is amazing but it would be the second slowest. If you have the time it’s worth it.

99 is slightly more pretty than I5, your research is correct, there’s not a ton on or near I5 between Sacramento and Los Angeles. Pacheco state park is pretty especially in the spring.

As far as drive difficulty 1 is very windy with switchback type turns in places, but you’ll be going very slow. I think the only difficulty is the views can be so fantastic that if you’re driving you need to make sure you’re paying attention to the road. If you decide on 395 you’d need to cross a mountain pass. I5 is another mountain pass into Los Angeles, it’s not hard but people drive at very different rates of speed so it can be a little nerve wracking.

uleekunkel

Here’s some ideas I haven’t seen mentioned yet:

Burney Falls: just a little north of Lassen, and maybe right on your route; it’s a waterfall unlike any other in California

Lava Beds National Monument: head NE at Weed on Hwy 97 to near the Oregon border, and can return to I-5 via OR-66. There are an amazing variety of lava tubes here; some with ice year round, others with Native American petroglyphs, and so many more (highest concentration in Us, I think). Also, the site of the last of the Indian wars, there’s some fascinating history here.

Oregon Caves NM: neat limestone cave, and cool old lodge

Smith River, along hwy 199: it’s the largest undammed watershed in the lower 48, plan to stop at lots of turnouts as the views are gorgeous and you’ll be amazed at the clarity of the water.

Trinidad, Arcata, and Eureka are all nice towns to spend some time in. I’m partial to Arcata as that’s where I went to college.

All of the Redwood parks are cool, but you won’t have time for them all. I’d suggest Jedediah Smith (that’s where the Ewok scenes in Empire Strikes Back were filmed), Prairie Creek (specifically Fern Canyon, and Avenue of the Giants.

Have fun!

terrafarma

Piedras Blancas! Great stop. If you’re really into Elephant Seals, there is a great guided tour at Ano Nuevo during mating season Dec 15th to Mar 31st further north. It’s a great day trip from the SF Bay Area.

DiveGlideCycle

There are lots! If you’re in the Chico area I recommend driving up to the Ishi Wilderness in the Lassen National Forest. That’s where the Yahi, last ever primitive, untouched native tribe lived up until the beginning of the 20th century. It’s definitely a bit less tame (there’s maybe an unmarked trailhead and that’s it) but definitely worth the trip if you’re into some adventure.

Bigfrostynugs

My Personal Road Trip through California

• Start point: San Francisco
• End point: Los Angeles
• Distance: 400 miles
• Duration: 7 days

About a year ago I decided to embark on a solo road trip through California. I had just quit my job – the perfect time for adventure.

I started in San Francisco. It’s easy to get to thanks to the airport, from where I rented a Toyota Rav4 from Budget car rentals.

The Pacific Coast Highway was my route of choice. Breaking down my entire itinerary will be a whole separate article, so to keep it short, I stopped at these places:

• Monterey: I stayed at the reasonably priced Hotel Pacific in the downtown area.
• Big Sur: Crossed the Bixby Bridge on the way to Pfeiffer Beach. I stayed at Ventana Campground surrounded by redwoods (I had my own tent).
• San Simeon: Wine time! I popped into the Hearts Ranch Winery, explored Hearts Castle, lounged at the beach, and rested my head at Quality Inn.
• Cambria: Hiked around Fiscalini Ranch Preserve and enjoyed the sunset at Moonstone Beach. Stayed at Bluebird Inn.
• Santa Barbara: Spent two nights here. Popped in at the Maritime Museum before going on a Wine Country road trip to Margerum Wine Co. and Santa Barbara Winery. Slept at the Best Western Plus Santa Barbara.

My trip ended in Los Angeles where I navigated the urban jungle, coasted along Highway 1 past Huntington Beach, and spent the night at the Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel.

This California road trip had a massive impact on me. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who wants to explore the country and break free from routine, even just for a few days.

Best Road Trips in California

1. Pacific Coast Highway: San Francisco to Los Angeles

• Start point: San Francisco
• End point: Los Angeles
• Distance: 400 miles
• Duration: 3 – 7 days

You can do this California road trip in as little as three days, but I recommend you take your time. California’s Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) takes you along the most amazing coastline in the country.

Some worthy stops along the way are:

• San Jose: Visit Winchester Mystery House and spend your cash at Santana Row.
• Monterey and Carmel-By-The-Sea: Visit Point Lobos State Park.
• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: Hike through the redwood forests.
• Morro Bay: Catch a boat out to Morro Rock and visit the Morro Bay National Park.
• Santa Barbara: Visit some wineries.
• Oxnard: Chill at the Oxnard State Beach, or go museum hopping at the Mullin Automotive Museum and Channel Islands Maritime Museum.
• Los Angeles: Treat your inner child at Universal Studios Hollywood (always a winner when it comes to California family trips), visit The Grove outdoor mall, and snap Insta shots at the Hollywood sign.

Along your California coast road trip, you will find plenty of nature, breathtaking beaches, and amazing local eateries.

Tip Sometimes landslides affect the PCH near San Simeon, so just check the road conditions before you depart.

2. Redwoods and Wine Country: San Francisco to Mendocino

• Start point: San Francisco
• End point: Mendocino
• Distance: 155 miles
• Duration: 1 day

You can easily make the drive from San Francisco to Mendocino in three hours – but we are not here to rush! Taking your time, you can do this California road trip in a day, or stay over in Santa Rosa (for that true Napa Valley experience) or along the coast if weekend trips are more your vibe.

Your iconic road trip starts by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. For some, this is a bucket list event, so make sure to walk along the bridge for the full experience. Okay, back in the car; we have some driving to do!

Some noteworthy stops along your Redwood road trip are:

• Point Reyes National Seashore: You may need a full day here; there are plenty of hikes, waterfalls, and a lovely lighthouse.
• Bodega: If you were also traumatized by Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds as a kid, then you want to stop in at Bodega where his iconic movie was filmed. Stop in at Sonoma Coast Vineyards for a wine tasting, or head further inland to Occidental Winery.
• Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve: Ready to feel small? Redwoods can grow up to 350 feet high! Walk among the giants and pack a picnic for lunch – it’s free to enter!
• Salt Point State Park: Camp, hike, picnic, go horseriding, or go fishing.
• Point Arena: Stop at one of the most famous lighthouses on the PCH – buy a ticket to climb all the way to the top.
• Mendocino: If you have time, stop in at Van Damme State Park before you reach your final destination.

Tip There are plenty of beaches along this California coast road trip. Muir Beach, Bodega Bay, Schoolhouse Beach, and Bowling Ball Beach are all worth a visit.

3. Volcanic Wonders: Lassen Volcanic National Park to Mount Shasta

• Start point: Lassen Volcanic National Park (near Summertown)
• End point: Mount Shasta
• Distance: approx. 100 miles
• Duration: 1 – 2 days

The drive from Lassen Volcanic National Park to Mount Shasta is the perfect day trip. The scenery along this drive is out of this world. You have two options – either you can drive along Route 89, or take the I-5 north.

For one of the best road trips in northern California, I’ll be taking you along the I-5 via Redding.

Lassen is a gorgeous park with vast wildflower meadows, the bluest lakes, stunning hiking trails, and – of course – a handful of volcanoes.

Redding is 50 minutes from Lassen and a great place to stay over if you want to make your California road trip a weekend-long adventure. Stay over at the Oxford Suites and make sure you grab a bite at the highly-rated Deja Vu for scrumptious best pancakes!

The drive to Mount Shasta is about an hour from Redding, taking you across Shasta Lake, past SweetBriar Falls and Hedge Creek Falls, and finally into town.

Mount Shasta is a volcano that looms over the town, with a gorgeous snow-capped peak in winter. Around the town, you will find Castle Lake and Lake Siskiyou where the volcano is reflected in the clear waters.

Make sure you get a good night’s rest before tackling Mount Shasta. If you want to hike to the peak, be prepared! You will face a 5,000-foot climb and a 6 to 9-hour ascend (the descent is a bit quicker).

4. Lake Tahoe Loop: Reno, Nevada, to Lake Tahoe

• Start point: Reno, NV
• End point: South Lake Tahoe
• Distance: 83 miles
• Duration: 1 – 2 days

Okay, so technically Reno is not in California. But starting off in this city sees you quickly crossing the border along Route 80 near Mystic, CA.

Make your way past Floriston and Boxa, and enter Truckee where you turn south towards Kings Beach. Soon the lake will shimmer in the distance!

Now for the fun part – making your way along the west coast of the lake. There are so many secret spots on the way:

• Lake Forest Beach in Dollar Point
• Commons Beach in Tahoe City
• Sugar Pine Point Beach just south of Tahoma
• Rubicon Point Light near Lester Beach
• Vikingsholm Castle

You can modify your California road trip itinerary along this route. Do the trip in one day, or extend it by staying over in the small towns dotting the lakeshore before ending in South Lake Tahoe.

Tip If you rather want to make it a Nevada road trip, stick to the east shore of Lake Tahoe and make a detour to Cason City before crossing into California along Route 50.

5. Yosemite National Park and Sierra Nevada: San Francisco to Yosemite

• Start point: San Francisco
• End point: Yosemite National Park
• Distance: approx. 270 miles
• Duration: 4 – 7 days

Sadly, this California road trip won’t see you crossing the Golden Gate Bridge (unless you take a short detour), but don’t despair – there are lots of worthy sites along the route!

Head east out of San Francisco, towards Manteca. Continue on to Oakdale, Moccasin, and finally Groveland. Continue along, following the clearly marked road signs before driving straight into Yosemite National Park, with the Sierra Nevada mountains proudly standing in the distance.

Spending as much time as possible in Yosemite National Park is recommended, but you can always stop somewhere along the way for a bite to eat.

Once you get to Yosemite you will have plenty of places to stay. There are lodges, campsites, hotels, and cabins – your budget and sense of adventure will determine what you choose!

Tip Make sure to take some snow chains if you plan on passing through in winter!

6. Gold Country Adventure: Sacramento to Nevada City

• Start point: Sacramento
• End point: Nevada City
• Distance: 60 miles
• Duration: 1 – 2 days

Nevada City should not be confused with Nevada state – it is a city within California, about 60 miles north of Sacramento.

If you’re short on time, then this is one of those California road trips that you simply must take. You can easily do it in a day, but staying over in Auburn is a nice change of pace if you come from a big city.

Here are a few worthy stops along the way:

• Roseville: Visit the incredibly unique Roseville Telephone Museum.
• Loomis: Indulge in Lebanese food at Wally’s Cafe.
• Auburn: Discover the Gold Rush Museum and walk around Old Town.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Nevada City. Make sure to include a visit to Crystal Hermitage Gardens in your California road trip itinerary in the city!

7. Big Sur Coastal Drive: Carmel to San Simeon

• Start point: Carmel-By-The Sea
• End point: San Simeon
• Distance: approx. 90 miles
• Duration: 1 day

If you don’t have time to do the entire PCH, then a mini California road trip from Carmel-By-The-Sea to San Simeon is well worth it.

The route takes you through the gorgeous Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The peaks of the Santa Lucia Mountains tower above you as you drive through gorges and valleys, spotting redwoods, oaks, maples, and willows along the way.

Keep an eye out for wildlife along the drive!

Tip This section of Highway 1 is often closed due to mudslides. Check the State Park website to ensure the road is open before you kick off your California road trip.

8. Central Coast Gems: Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo

• Start point: Santa Barbara
• End point: San Luis Obispo
• Distance: 115 miles
• Duration: 1 day

This is the perfect day trip if you find yourself in Santa Barbara!

Although there is a more direct route from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo, via the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, this road trip itinerary is all about sticking to the coast.

Head west along the coast in the direction of Gaviota (stop off at the beach if you have time!). Then, start north towards Lompoc. Make sure to stop in at the Lompoc Flower Fields.

Continue on to Orcutt before making your way to the coast. Here are some must-see beaches along the way:

• Grover Beach
• Pismo Beach
• Eldwayen Ocean Park

Make your way inland to San Luis Obispo from Avila. If you plan on spending the night, stay at the San Luis Creek Lodge.

Tip Feeling a bit stressed from the drive? Stop in at the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa at Avila Beach for a bit of pampering!

9. Channel Islands National Park: Ventura to Santa Barbara

• Start point: Ventura
• End point: Santa Barbara
• Distance: 27 miles
• Duration: 1 day

I know Ventura to Santa Barbara is just a 30-minute drive, but if you include the Channel Islands National Park then suddenly you have an entire day trip planned – including a boat trip!

There are visitor centers for the National Park in both Ventura and Santa Barbara.

Island Packers is the official cruise company to reach the islands. Through them, you can organize day trips or overnight camping trips; they depart from Ventura.

Tip There is no transport on the Channel Islands, so make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes!

10. Santa Barbara Wine Country: Santa Barbara to Solvang

• Start point: Santa Barbara
• End point: Solvang
• Distance: 35 miles
• Duration: 1 day

There are plenty of wineries along this route, so make sure you have a designated driver for this particular California road trip! Unless you prefer to sip and spit, of course.

Some of my favorite wineries near Santa Barbara, Solvang and along Route 154 are:

• Santa Barbara Winery
• Witcraft Winery
• Crown Point Vineyards
• Carr Winery
• Sunstone Winery
• Brave & Maiden Estate

Within Solvang, you’ll also find an absurd amount of tasting rooms. There is almost one around every corner! I therefore highly recommend that you spend the night in Solvang. Hotel Corque is right in the center of town and within walking distance of many tasting rooms.

11. Southern California Beaches: Los Angeles to San Diego

• Start point: Los Angeles
• End point: San Diego
• Distance: 120 miles
• Duration: 1 – 3 days

Day trips in southern California are never a bad idea, but why keep it short when you can have a multi-day road trip?

This is another California road trip itinerary that takes you along the coast, but this time you’re driving all the way to San Diego. Along the way, you can stop off at dozens of beaches. Some are world-famous, while others are a bit more secluded.

When leaving Los Angeles, make sure to stop in at Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach. Crystal Cove State Park is also worth a visit – you can camp at the Moro Campground, or continue on your way.

Other notable stops while heading south to San Diego include:

• Laguna Beach
• LEGOLAND California
• Carlsbad State Beach
• La Jolla Cove
• Mission Beach

The sheer amount of beaches along this strip of coast means you can devise a California road trip itinerary that includes all your bucket list spots.

12. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: Palm Springs to Borrego Springs

• Start point: Palm Springs
• End point: Borrego Springs
• Distance: 86 miles
• Duration: 1 – 2 days

The drive from Palm Springs to Borrego Springs is a short one, around one and a half hours – but well worth it! Firstly, it takes you past the Salton Sea before you turn west towards Borrego Springs.

Borrego Springs is home to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park – a must-see on your California road trip itinerary.

I recommend that you spend the night at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, just book your campsite in advance.

Tip A 4WD vehicle is recommended if you plan on leaving the paved roads within the state park. Also, download maps ahead of time.

13. Joshua Tree National Park: Palm Springs to Joshua Tree

• Start point: Palm Springs
• End point: Joshua Tree National Park
• Distance: 38 miles
• Duration: 1 day

Looking for day trips in California?

Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect short trip from Palm Springs – one of those perfect short road trips. You can either spend the day here or extend the trip overnight.

Grab a bite at Las Palmas Mexican Cuisine in Yucca Valley before entering the park – or buy some snacks for a picnic.

You can spend the entire day exploring the park. Take pictures of the unique Joshua trees, and try and spot the differences between the Mojave and Colorado deserts.

Tip You should definitely spend the night if you enjoy camping – the stars are fabulous!

14. Salton Sea Exploration: Palm Springs to Salton Sea

• Start point: Palm Springs
• End point: Salton City
• Distance: 60 miles
• Duration: 1 day

The drive from Palm Springs to Salton City on the shores of the Salton Sea will only take one hour if you rush – but why rush with so much to see?

The Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful spot for sunrise. This park is home to the endangered Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard. There are also lots of different birds and dune vegetation.

From there, you can either head straight to Salton Sea Beach or take a detour along the east coast of Salton Sea and south to Red Hill Marina County Park for unspoiled views of the water.

Drive around the southern corner of the Salton Sea and north until you reach Salton City. There are plenty of hiking trails around the coast, and camping at the Salton Sea Campground is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

15. Palm Springs Desert Oasis: Los Angeles to Palm Springs

• Start point: Los Angeles
• End point: Palm Springs
• Distance: 107 miles
• Duration: 2 – 3 days

Making the hour-and-a-half drive from the City of Angels to Palm Springs can be done in a day, but this bustling road has so much to see along the way!

Here are some of my must-see stops on the way:

• Mount Baldy: Do the Devil’s Backbone hiking trail or stop off at one of the campsites.
• Rancho Cucamonga: Get some comfort food at The Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar.
• San Bernardino: Stay in luxury at the Homewood Suites by Hilton and explore the city. Stop over at the San Bernardino National Forest.
• Rim of the World Scenic Byway: The entire drive is around 110 miles long, but you can drive just a short section of this gorgeous road.
• Mount San Jacinto State Park: Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for gorgeous views of the landscape.

16. Death Valley National Park: Las Vegas, Nevada, to Death Valley

• Start point: Las Vegas, NV
• End point: Death Valley National Park, CA
• Distance: 130 miles
• Duration: 2 days

Begin this road trip in Sin City – Las Vegas – and head west through Mountain Springs and the Red Rock Canyon National Park.

Follow the road until you cross into California near Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and pick your way northwest until you reach Death Valley.

Without any stops, the drive will take you just longer than two hours, giving you plenty of time to explore Death Valley – the country’s driest national park.

Despite the slightly morbid name, there are plenty of oases within the park – there are even fish around! If you’re the camping sort, there are campsites available. Not so keen on being one with nature? You can also stay at The Oasis Inn or Stovepipe Wells Village within the park.

Tip Pack plenty of water in the car! There is also very little cell reception, so download maps beforehand.

17. San Diego and Tijuana: San Diego to the Mexican border

• Start point: San Diego
• End point: Tijuana
• Distance: 20 miles
• Duration: 1 day

Looking for road trips in southern California? The drive across from San Diego into Mexico is a rather short one; it only takes 30 minutes and you are in a whole new country!

Tijuana is considered the gateway to Baja California in Mexico, and a great place to start your Mexican adventure. But first, you need to get there.

You can probably spend a whole week in San Diego alone, but I’m sure you have places to be.

Drive along San Diego Bay, and head to Imperial Beach before driving to the border crossing at San Ysidro. Make sure you have all the proper documents before crossing into Mexico (i.e. your passport and a Mexico Vistor’s Permit).

Preparing for Your Road Trip

Here is how you can prepare for your own California road trip:

What to pack

• Clothes appropriate for the season
• Water (and reusable water bottle) and snacks
• Camping gear
• Hiking gear
• Offline maps
• Cell phone and charger
• First aid kit
• Bug repellent
• Sunscreen
• Swimming gear and towels
• Camera
• Cooler box
• Backpack
• Cash and debit/credit cards
• Sunglasses
• Vehicle documents
• Roadside emergency kit (jumper cables, jack, flashlight, tire repair kit)
• Spare tire

Useful tips

• Make sure to plan your route in advance.
• Check the condition of your car before the trip.
• Fill up on gas wherever possible.
• Ask locals for recommendations.
• Stay alert, especially when driving in the dark
• Be aware of wildlife.
• Stay flexible.
• Have a playlist ready.
• Always carry some cash.
• Check weather forecasts.

Car maintenance

You must ensure your car is in working condition. Here are some checks to do:

• Oil level
• Coolant level
• Battery (no corrosion)
• Tires – wear and tear; balance; pressure
• Brakes
• Lights – indicators, headlights, brake lights and reverse lights
• Aircon and heating (including air filters)
• Spare tire, jumper cables, and jack

Tips for Planning Your Itinerary

Going on a road trip through California can be fun and spontaneous, but it’s a good idea to know where you want to go first.

Here are some tips to help you plan your California road trip itinerary:

1. Have an idea of where you want to go and how you plan on getting there. Do you want to stick to the coast, hit up the Redwood National Park, or go wine tasting in Napa Valley? You don’t need exact pit stops, but a general direction is a good start.
2. Decide on your route. Use your phone’s GPS or Google Maps to check out route options before you get started.
3. Give traffic a skip by driving outside of peak hours or missing the biggest cities.
4. Allow yourself time to explore by not being too stringent. The best California road trip is one without a strict schedule!

Accommodation Recommendations

There is no shortage of accommodation options in California, but here are some budget and luxury options to consider in some of the major road trip destinations.

Apart from these, you can also camp at the sites within national and state parks for low prices.

Los Angeles

• Best budget: The Steady, Hollywood (from $33)
• Best luxury:Hotel Per La, Downtown (from $243)

Santa Barbara

• Best budget: Orange Tree Inn, Downtown (from $125)
• Best luxury: El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel (from $795)

San Francisco

• Best budget: Nap York San Francisco Sleep Station (from $53)
• Best luxury: Four Seasons, Financial District (From $540)

San Diego

• Best budget: Stay Classy, Downtown (From $54)
• Best luxury: Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Carmel Valley (From $883)

Palm Springs

• Best budget: Delos Reyes Palm Springs (From $63)
• Best luxury: L’Horizon Resort & Spa (From $630)

Conclusion

The Golden State is the perfect road trip destination. There are dozens of towns, major cities, beaches, mountains, valleys, and wineries!

Whether you want to do a foodie trip across the state or stop off at some of the best parks in the country, California is the perfect state for a bucket list road trip.

Frequently Asked Questions