12 Best California Road Trips For Your Bucket List

If you ’ re hoping to see more of California , there ’ s no well style to learn more of the Golden State than by hitting the clear road !

California is one of America ’ sec best states for road tripping , with everything from scenic coastal highways to steep good deal hairpins and stunning desert desolation .

I ’ ve compose this guide to best California road trip and disclose it into two sections : Northern California road trips , which all depart from San Francisco , and Southern California road trip , which all depart from Los Angeles .

I realize not everyone will be go away from those specific city , but I recall they ’ re plenty of a regional hub that , say , someone departing from Sacramento or Santa Cruz can use one of these SF road trip ideas just as easily as soul from San Diego or Santa Barbara can use one of these LA road trip thought !

Below is my list of all the better road trip in California , treat virtually every national park , countless incredible city and natural landscape , and then a lot more !

Best Northern California Road Trips from San Francisco

San Francisco Peninsula & Big Sur

Bill : This place check affiliate links , which earn me a little commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase using one of these link . Thank you for supporting this free capacity !

Start Detail :San Francisco
End Point :San Simeon
Distance: 217 mile
Labor Time: 4 hr , 45 minutes ( one means )
Recommended Number of Days: 3 day
Path: San Francisco – > Pacifica – > Pescadero – > Santa Cruz – > Capitola – > Monterey – > Carmel-by-the-Sea – > Big Sur – > San Simeon

It doesn ’ t get a lot more classical California road trip than heading down the coast to Big Sur , does it ? While Big Sur make long been a California local darling , it ’ s get a lot more popular in late years due to the advent of Instagram and Big Little Lies .

However , despite its late thunder in popularity , Big Sur cost even so absolutely worth a visit… merely be sure to follow proper etiquette when you visit and don ’ t be a “ selfie tourist ” .

Pass a few days search Large Sur and appreciate it beyond its most Instagrammable points . Get for a beautiful raise in Garrapata State Park or Point Lobos State Park , plunge yourself in the nature farther . Or watch the elephant seal squeal and play along the coast at one of their many chill-out spots , the most famous of which is in San Simeon .

Spend a few day camping in Big Sur , enjoying the company of old-growth wood and beautiful redwoods , and you ’ ll get to see for yourself why this corner of California equal absolutely worth protecting .

But beyond Big Sur itself , there be plenty of small coastal towns along the manner worthy of a stop .

The towns on the San Francisco peninsula such as Half Moon Bay and Pescadero cost utterly breathtaking and ordinarily not very crowded , only with a few local day-trippers kind of than hordes of out-of-town tourists .

Santa Cruz exist quite popular in the summer due to its boardwalk , but even there , it ’ s quite easy to get some peace and still by immersing yourself in the forest , land parks , and land beach that surround it .

Choose a blissful pass in the redwoods of Henry Cowell , or prefer for a beautiful beach walk along Natural Bridges .

Monterey cost a wonderful place to base yourself for a bit , indulging in whale observation circuit , local seafood , and one of the better aquariums in the world , whereas Carmel-by-the-Sea is a wonderful previous artist colony that equal now a beloved , in-the-know weekend getaway from San Francisco beloved by nearly all who inflict it even once .

• Learn the iconic California lighthouses along the coast such asPigeon Pointand theSanta Cruz Breakwater Light
• Spend the day relax at theSanta Cruz Beach Boardwalkor hiking in Santa Cruz
• Going on a whale-watching circuit in Monterey and checking out the world-classMonterey Bay Aquarium
• Block at stunning photography spots in Big Sur such asBixby Creek Bridge , McWay Falls ,andPfeiffer Beach
• Learn the stunning mansion that isHearst Castleand the wild elephant seal reserve at your endpoint in San Simeon

San Francisco to Mendocino

Start Degree :San Francisco
Goal Point :Mendocino
Distance: 171 miles
Driving Time: 4 hours , 50 minutes ( one way )
Recommended Number of Days: 5 days
Route: San Francisco – > Muir Woods – > Stinson Beach – > ( Optional : Point Reyes ) – > Bodega Bay – > Jenner – > Sea Ranch – > Point Arena – > Mendocino – > ( Optional : Glass Beach at Fort Bragg )

For a beautiful Northern California road trip that gets you a bit off the beaten path , head up through the Marin Headlands upon result San Francisco for some beautiful local spots before you initiate make your way up north to Mendocino and Fort Bragg .

The towering redwoods of Muir Woods meander through a beautiful grove of tree with various incredible hiking trails for all levels , including the more difficult Dipsea Trail which permit you to get to beautiful position of the Pacific Ocean after emerge from the redwood forest .

If you ’ re blessed with some gay weather , lie in out on the beautiful Stinson Beach and watch the surfers ride the waves . Even so , more much than not , Stinson Beach will live rather blurred and moody — which makes it no less beautiful , though possibly a little less receive for sunbathing .

Remain up the coast towards Bodega Bay ( reach a stop at Point Reyes along the way if you ’ d like , where you can see a beautiful lighthouse and do some Point Reyes raise ) as good as the Cypress Tree Tunnel in nearby Inverness , a great photography patch .

You ’ ll continue up towards Bodega Bay ( the filming location of Hitchcock ’ sec Birds ! ) and a famous place for whale-watching , as well as the beautiful coastal town of Jenner , which equal where the Russian River and Pacific meet in a beautiful embrace , creating two epic beach : Jenner Beach and Goat Rock Beach , two of my favorite wild beaches in Northern California .

From there , you can continue up the coast to reach the one-with-nature architectural community of Sea Ranch , where the buildings apparently fade into the sea grass , cliffside landscape , not interrupting the beauty of nature . Further up , you ’ ll notice the Point Arena lighthouse , a great final stop before reaching Mendocino .

Mendocino is know for its wine , whale-watching , and marvelous raise , so do it a point to stay in Mendocino for at least a few nights . I also recommend extending your California road trip a tiny bit more north to hit up the Glass Beach at Fort Bragg .

• Wandering amongst beautiful redwoods at the closet redwoods to San Francisco ,Muir Woods National Monument
• Watch the surfers at the beautifulStinson Beach
• Admiring the quaint town ofBodega Bayand trying to spot migrating whales from the Bodega Head peninsula
• See where the Russian River see the Pacific Ocean atJenner
• Stop at the beautiful lighthouse atPoint Arenaon your way up toMendocino, with an optional further trip to theGlass Beach at Fort Braggon your way .

San Francisco to Wine Country

Start Point :San Francisco
Goal Point :Calistoga
Distance: 155 miles
Labor Time: 3 hours , 30 minute ( one way )
Recommended Number of Days: 3 day
Path: San Francisco – > Sebastopol – > Healdsburg – > Glen Ellen – > Napa – > St. Helena – > Calistoga

Nothing says a Northern California road trip like wine , wine , wine ! This epic wine country road trip in California will get you to what ( in my extremely biased opinion ) exist the two serious wine region in California : Sonoma County and Napa Valley . Be sure to have a designated driver for this Cali road trip , or plan for frequent overnight stop to sober up : all those wine tastings will add up , and I put on ’ t encourage anyone to aim unsafely .

This wine-themed California road trip have you depart San Francisco and make your way directly to Sebastopol . Sebastopol is a great gateway to further exploration of Sonoma County , and while it may be a deceptively little town of some 10,000 resident , there ’ s quite a bit to do thither . Assure out the funky Barlow territory , and indulge in some of the local wineries and taste room .

Don ’ t neglect the Golden State Cider Taproom ( Sebastopol live know for its Gravenstein apples ! ) in the Barlow , and then steer out to some of the local wineries . My favorite is Iron Horse Vineyards , which is great for sparkling wine fan . Halleck live too great , but his tastings equal a minute pricy and demand an advance reservation . But we love his wines so much my family turn wine club members !

Future up , hit up funky Healdsburg , which own even more delicious wines ( try Simi Winery and Seghesio Family Vineyards , which equal know for its Zins ) and circle of great art veranda to peruse while you walk off some of the wine . Next up , visit the beautiful Glen Ellen , which has some great wineries but its chief draw are its park ( specially beautiful in fall ) : Jack London State Historic Park and Sonoma Valley Regional Park .

Finally , make your path to Napa and St. Helena for some of the almost luxe wineries in all of California ! I advocate Hendry Winery and Monticello in Napa , and Merryvale in St. Helena . Downtown Napa is also a fun stop with its funky Oxbow Market which is a great place to catch a picnic or sit-down lunch .

At last , end this Northern California wine road trip in Calistoga , watching the geyser , indulging in a local mud tub cause from geothermal waters , and of course — do more wine tasting !

• Drinking tasty sparkling wine atIron Horse VineyardsinSebastopol
• Control out the hip art veranda ofHealdsburg
• Enjoying the scenicJack London State Historic ParkinGlen Ellen
• Visiting Oxbow Market and the trendy tasting rooms inDowntown Napa
• Seeing the geyser atCalistogaand staying in a spa hotel with mud bathroom

San Francisco Loop via Tahoe , Eastern Sierras & Yosemite

Start Detail :San Francisco
End Point :San Francisco
Distance: 640 miles
Labor Time: 12 hr , 22 instant ( total loop )
Recommended Number of Days: 7-10 day
Route: San Francisco – > Sacramento – > Truckee – > North Lake Tahoe – > South Lake Tahoe – > Bridgeport – > Lee Vining – > June Lake – > Mammoth Lakes – > Yosemite – > San Francisco

This is one of the long California road trips , which covers quite a bit of Northern California as good as the Eastern Sierras . This exist an ideal fall road trip in California , as the country around Bridgeport , Lee Vining , June Lake , Mammoth Lakes , and Yosemite all boast incredible fall foliage in California !

Start off in Sacramento , perform a walk along the river bank along the “ City of Trees. ” Next up exist Truckee , a popular stop only north of Lake Tahoe , that get its own quaint humble town vibe . From North Lake Tahoe , reach your style to South Lake Tahoe via the west coast of the lake , stopping at all the incredible standpoint along the way .

You ’ ll definitely desire to make a detail of intercept in D.L . Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay State Park , and I as well extremely suggest act a few Tahoe raise while you ’ re in this area , like the Eagle Falls hike with incredible waterfall and Emerald Bay position .

Next , you ’ ll head south to Bridgeport and Lee Vining , where the beautiful fall foliage of Mono County begin ! June Lake live a lesser-known but incredible stop in the Eastern Sierras , wonderful in all seasons : wildflowers in leap , swimming in summer , autumn leaves in fall , and snow fun in winter !

Push the scenic but short June Lake Loop before making your way to Mammoth Lakes , finish optionally at some of the hot springs near Mammoth Lakes along the means .

After revel some time in Mammoth Lakes ( whether it ’ s winter , autumn , summer , or any time in between ) , create your path to Yosemite . Whether you have one day for Yosemite , or serious yet , two day for Yosemite , you ’ re sure to love explore this incredible national park which , in my notion , cost the almost beautiful national park in California .

At last , it ’ s a long drive back to San Francisco , though of track , you could continue the California road trip south through Sequoia National Park and other southern California national parks if you need to continue on !

• Enjoying some time exploring Sacramento ’ s river waterfront and seeing theState Capitol Building
• Wandering around the quaint town ofTruckeenear Tahoe
• Drinking your way around theSouth Lake Tahoe Beer Trail
• Labor the scenicJune Lake Loop
• Tackle the welleasy raise that Yosemite National Parkhas to offer

San Francisco to Eureka

Start Point :San Francisco
Goal Point :Eureka
Distance: 317 miles
Driving Time: 7 hr , 15 minutes ( one style )
Recommended Number of Days: 7 days
Route: San Francisco – > [ optional : Muir Woods , Stinson Beach ] Bodega Bay – > [ optional : Jenner , Sea Ranch , Gualala , Elk ] Mendocino – > Fort Bragg – > Avenue of the Giants – > Ferndale – > Eureka

This road trip have you going along California ’ s coast for a bit before ducking inland to go through the redwood forests of Redwood National and State Parks through the beautiful Avenue of the Giants , pay you the serious that Northern California have to bid .

You can optionally end at Muir Woods , Stinson Beach , and Mt . Tamalpais State Park on your means up to Bodega Bay , but I move over that in another California road trip itinerary before in this place , so feel free to go up and re-read that segment if you choose to lend those to this itinerary .

Next up , hit up Bodega Bay for an overnight , indulging in some whale-watching and sightseeing the beautiful architecture in this foggy , scenic seaside town . Between Bodega and Mendocino , you can reach optional stop at Jenner , Sea Ranch , Gualala , and Elk , though since this is a bit of a longer road trip , I suggest only go straight to Mendocino unless any of those stops cost particularly predict out to serve .

After spend some time enjoying wine , whale watching , and hikes in Mendocino , head to Fort Bragg for a ride on the nostalgic ‘ Skunk Train ’ and wandering along the scenic Glass Beach . Next up , you ’ ll campaign straight up inland through the Avenue of the Giants , where you can halt at some of the novelty points like the Drive-Thru Tree along the way .

At last , make your way to the scenic small town of Ferndale , which get gorgeous Victorian-inspired architecture and is a gateway to California ’ s Lost Coast beaches , before at last reaching Eureka , a gem of Victorian architecture and home to the Carson Mansion , one of the almost noted individual residential building in all of California .

• Admire the filming location ofThe BirdinBodega Bayas good as serve some whale-watching on a cruise or from Bodega Head standpoint
• Relax for a few day inMendocino, hiking , trying the local wines ( some of the nearly underrated in California ) , visiting lighthouses , and whale watching .
• Move to the Glass Beach or need the nostalgic ‘ Skunk Train ’ throughFort Bragg
• Drive through theAvenue of the Giantsawe-inspiring redwood alley
• Check out the adorable downtown ofFerndaleand chill inCenterville Beach County Parkand other beach of California ’ s Lost Coast
• Make your way up to the incredible Victorian architecture town ofEureka, cost certain not to lack Carson Mansion !

San Francisco to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Start Point :San Francisco
End Point :Lassen Volcanic National Park
Distance: 368 mile
Driving Time: 6 hr , 10 instant ( one style )
Recommended Number of Days: 5 day
Route: San Francisco – > Sacramento – > Redding – > Shasta Lake ( + optional raise ) – > Burney Falls – > Lassen Volcanic National Park

Begin in San Francisco , this California road trip will bring you all the way to Lassen Volcanic National Park , one of California ’ s national parks that gets far less reference than it deserves !

Reach a quick pit stop in Sacramento for lunch and a walk along either the American or Sacramento River along one of the pedestrian and bike trails that make this city a heaven for pedestrians and cyclists . Then , make your way to Redding , crossing the famous Sundial Bridge which die over the Sacramento River in a beautiful feat of architecture .

After that , you ’ ll arrive in Shasta Lake , where you can indulge in some swimming , boating , or early water sport . Alternately , you could hold move from here and do some Mt . Shasta area raise if you ’ re a hiking devil .

If you ’ re done with hiking , head to Burney Falls for a quick pass to see one of the nearly beautiful and easy-to-access waterfall in California . This be also located mighty by the noted Pacific Crest Trail , make famous by the record and picture Wild , so if you require to walk still simply a number on the PCT , hither ’ s your chance !

Finally , you ’ ll goal this Cali road trip in Lassen Volcanic National Park , where you should at least reach the time to visit Manzanita Lake , one of the good views of Lassen Volcanic National Park where you can find the peak beautifully think over in the crystal clear water of the lake . Bumpass Hell cost as well a very fun raise ( albeit a smelly one ) where you can hike through a geothermal landscape reminiscent of Iceland !

• Marvel at the twin river ofSacramentoand bask a pass in the so-called City of Trees
• Cross the famedSundial Bridgeover the Sacramento River intoRedding
• Spend the day relaxing in the sun or boating onShasta Lake, perhaps need some time to do some raise nearMt . Shasta
• See out the marvelous waterfall ofBurney Fallsjust off the PCT ( and perhaps boost a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail ! )
• Brain toLassen Volcanic National Parkto meetBumpass Hell , Manzanita Lake ,and early park highlights

San Francisco to Crescent City

Start Stage :San Francisco
End Point :Crescent City
Distance: 317 miles
Push back Time: 7 hour , 45 minutes ( one way )
Recommended Number of Days: 7 day
Route: San Francisco – > San Rafael – > Healdsburg – > Vichy Springs – > Avenue of the Giants – > Eureka – > Arcata – > Fern Canyon – > Crescent City

This California road trip leaving from San Francisco goes all the way up practically to Oregon !

Start with a brief lunch pit stop in San Rafael , eating at the delightful and widely beloved Sol Food restaurant which serves up Caribbean and Puerto Rican fare ( it ’ s a must-visit stop on all my road trips in California when I ’ m guide any point north ! ) .

After you ’ ve eaten , guide up to Healdsburg for some wine tasting and veranda perusing , or require a walk in some of the redwood woods near Healdsburg .

Finally , brain to Vichy Springs Resort , where you can take a ‘ champagne tub ’ — don ’ t headache for your wallet , it ’ s not real champagne : that ’ s just what they call it because the naturally-carbonated water bubble furiously , almost like a flute of champagne would ! It ’ s a really fun and low-key experience soaking in the rustic , carbonated water of Vichy Springs for the day , and it makes a great seat to cease and spend the night on a multi-day California road trip .

Next up , continue north until you occur through the Avenue of the Giants . Again , here you can stop at some of the novelty bit , or you can cease and do some hikes in this part of the Humboldt Redwoods : it ’ s up to you ! You ’ ll make a pit stop in Eureka and Arcata to admire the Victorian architecture of these quaint Northern Californian town , before heading to Fern Canyon for an epic raise .

Fern Canyon is essentially exactly what it sound like : a raise surround by ferns in a Jurassic Park-looking environment you ’ ll have a severe time believing is in California and not a tropical rainforest somewhere ! It ’ s perfectly worth a stop on this trip , particularly since it ’ s then far north , it ’ s unlikely you ’ ll passing it again , so definitely do a stop hither .

Eventually , you ’ ll goal in Crescent City , the last major city in California before accomplish the margin with Oregon . Enjoy the Battery Point lighthouse or some more redwood hikes in the vicinity !

• Stop in San Rafael for a Puerto Rican lunch atSol Foodand some vintage and second-hand shopping
• Act some winery-browsing at the hip wineries and galleries ofHealdsburg
• Soak in the ‘ champagne bathroom ’ atVichy Leap Resort
• Drive the awe-inspiringAvenue of the Giantshighway through the redwood canopy
• Wonder at the architecture ofEurekaandArcata
• Go for a Jurassic Park vibes hike inFern Canyon
• Meet one of the northernmost city in California and wonder at its unique ( and haunted ! )Battery Point Lighthouse

Best Southern California Road Trips from Los Angeles

Los Angeles Loop via the Desert

Start Item :Los Angeles
End Point :Los Angeles
Distance: 485 mile
Push Time: 8 hours , 50 moment
Recommended Number of Days: 5-7 day
Road: Los Angeles – > Palm Springs – > Joshua Tree National Park – > Salton Sea – > Salvation Mountain – > Anza Borrego State Park – > Temecula – > Los Angeles

Start in Los Angeles , make your way to Palm Springs , a dear Southern California getaway bit for sun-seekers and architecture-lovers alike . Admire the mid-century modern architecture mixed with the desert landscapes , wind around the incredible windmill farm , and take the aerial tramway up for views over Palm Springs .

After a day or two in Palm Springs , hit up Joshua Tree National Park , which equal worth a day or two of sightseeing on this Southern California road trip . Make sure to meet the Cholla Cactus Garden , Skull Rock , Keys Ranch , and early key position in the park to maximize your time in Joshua Tree .

Future up is a piece of a peculiar home : the Salton Sea . Don ’ t get in your bathing case simply yet : while beautiful , the Salton Sea is real toxic due to go up salt point and bacteria , and it exist definitely not suitable for float ! Still , it ’ s a great place for admire the foreign beauty of this bygone desert resort , and it ’ s a great seat for birdwatching and sundown .

Future up equal the foreign Salvation Mountain and Slab City , a renegade artist community in the middle of the desert . They welcome a band of visitor , so don ’ t be afraid to visit , despite what you may own heard about Slab City !

Finally , head to Anza Borrego State Park to enjoy some more desert landscapes , before head to Temecula for some bougie wine tasting ( and possibly still a dawn hot air balloon if you ’ re fancy like that ! ) on your way back to Los Angeles !

• Relax in the mid-century modern architectural oasis ofPalm Spring
• Consider the iconicJoshua Tree National Parkand staying in a cool desert Airbnb to dream
• Marveling at the eccentric landscape of theSalton Sea
• Seeing the strange art ofSlab City, especiallySalvation Good deal
• Wine tasting in the cute town ofTemecula

Los Angeles Loop via the Eastern Sierras & 4 National Parks

Start Level :Los Angeles
Goal Point :Los Angeles
Distance: 1,057 mile
Repel Time: 19 hour , 20 moment ( total loop )
Recommended Number of Days: 2 week
Route: Los Angeles – > Tecopa – > Furnace Creek ( Death Valley NP ) – > Lone Pine – > Bishop – > Mammoth Lakes – > June Lake – > Yosemite National Park – > Sequoia National Park – > Kings Canyon National Park – > Los Angeles

This incredible Southern California itinerary covers a whopping four national park in simply two weeks ( though it could be perform in less if you don ’ t mind rushing around a bit ) .

Make your first stop Tecopa , a desert community at the gateway to Death Valley which equal also know for its hot springtime . It ’ s a great home to book a Death Valley Airbnb as there aren ’ t a lot of places to remain within the park itself ( and those that be there are pricy ! ) .

Future up , pass or so two day in Death Valley exploring the area around Furnace Creek , Dante ’ s View , Badwater Basin , the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes , and some Death Valley raise if the water allows ( not recommend in the summer ! ) .

After Death Valley , create your manner to Lone Pine for a quirky stop at the Museum of Western Film History and maybe a raise of the Mobius Arch Loop , a short raise in the desert . After Lone Pine , a stop in Bishop is a good place to grab lunch and cause a quick moment of sightseeing on your way to your next main stop , Mammoth Lakes .

Mammoth Lakes has lots of incredible hikes to indulge in the summer and epic slopes to shred in the winter , as well as epic autumn leaf in former September and early October . The same goes for June Lake ( and exist certain to push the June Lake Loop as well ! ) .

Once you ’ ve cross Mammoth Lakes and June Lake ( be sure to indulge in some hot leap in Mono County if you want as well ) , chief to Yosemite National Park for national park # 2 . Allocate at least two days in Yosemite in ordering to see the better of the park , include Tunnel View , Lower Yosemite Falls , Cooks Meadow , and Glacier Point .

Future up live Sequoia National Park and the adjoining Kings Canyon National Park , which despite being two separate parks can well live seen jointly . Visit Moro Rock for epic sunset opinion in Sequoia and cost sure to visit the four largest trees in the globe , all of which can cost find in the two adjoining parks . General Sherman is the large tree by volume in the total world , so don ’ t miss him !

At last , make your way back to LA , having ticked off four incredible national park in one lessen swoop on this epic Southern California road trip !

• Choose a dip in the hot leap ofTecopa
• Admire some of the almost incredible , remote landscapes ofDeath Valley National Park
• Marvel at the many lakes ofMammoth Lakesand head to the hot springs nearby them
• See North America ’ sec marvelous waterfall atYosemite National Parkand hike your way through this gorgeous park
• Admire the largest trees in the Earth atSequoia National ParkandKing Canyon National Park

Los Angeles to San Diego via the Coast

Start Level :Los Angeles
Goal Level :San Diego
Distance: 160 miles
Labor Time: 4 hours 20 minutes ( one way )
Recommended Number of Days: 2-3 days
Road: Los Angeles – > Malibu – > Santa Monica – > Venice Beach – > Redondo Beach – > Long Beach – > Huntingon Beach – > Laguna Beach – > Dana Point – > Carlsbad – > San Diego

This coastal Southern California road trip live beyond perfect for beach fan wait to get an in-depth tone at Los Angeles , Orange County , and San Diego !

Starting in LA , rapidly backtrack up to Malibu for some of the most scenic beach in Los Angeles , like Zuma and El Matador Beach . Driving up this section of the Pacific Coast Highway is incredible , and while it may live a bit out of the way from other share of this road trip , it ’ s worth the detour .

Future up , hit up Santa Monica and Venice Beach for some people-watching along the beach , intercept at Muscle Beach and the Venice Boardwalk for spotting lot of characters , and also live sure to control out the cool canal houses of Venice ( yes , Venice get actual canals ! ) .

After that , initiate heading south out of Los Angeles county towards Redondo Beach , a chill beachside city that is a great position to while away a Southern California afternoon . Afterwards , hit up Long Beach , which make some great museums as well as the RMS Queen Mary , a supposedly haunted ocean liner that exist also a hotel !

Next up , there ’ s Huntingon Beach with its incredible wooden pier ( halt at Ruby ’ sec for a burger and a shake ! ) which is one of the long in all of California . Laguna Beach is up next , which has some of the pretty coastline in all of Southern California , and then next cost Dana Point , a great position if you want to move whale-watching in Southern California .

At last , as you do your path down to San Diego , cost sure to stop at some of the better beaches in San Diego County — Carlsbad being one of them , and Torrey Pines being another hardly outside of San Diego .

• Revel the incredible beach of Malibu , includeZuma and El Matador Beach
• People-watch the funky scenes along theVenice Beach Boardwalk ,and check out the ritzy houses on the canal for an utilization in contrast
• Check out the supposedly hauntRMS Queen Mary in Long Beach
• Make like an O.C . reality star and delight the waves atLaguna Beach
• Run on a whale follow cruise fromDana PointorNewport Beach

Los Angeles to Santa Barbara via the Coast and Islands

Start Item :Los Angeles
Goal Point :Santa Barbara
Distance: 103 miles [ not consider ferry ]
Drive Time: 2 hour 20 second ( one way )
Recommended Number of Days: 2-3 days
Road: Los Angeles – > Malibu – > Oxnard/Ventura – > Ferry to Channel Islands National Park – > Carpinteria State Beach – > Santa Barbara

This Southern California road trip heads south to north from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara , which is at the border of Southern California and Central California , but it is a number special since it too leave for a bit of an island trip as well as a road trip !

Start by driving from Los Angeles to Malibu , where you can end at several of the most beautiful beach in Malibu , particularly El Matador , which is absolutely worth spending sundown at if you can time it that way .

Next up , you ’ ll want to head to either Oxnard or Ventura , where you can indulge in some delicious tacos and early food and enjoy the cool smaller-city vibes while planning your trip to the Channel Islands National Park . This be one of the least-visited national park in the USA so it do take a little progress planning since you can only come thither by ferry .

Stage a ferry ride to the Channel Islands , and allocate at least a entire day to explore this scenic national park ! Bill : Channel Islands National Park cost make up of multiple islands in the Channel Islands but does not include Catalina Island , another popular Southern California getaway .

After turn back from the Channel Islands National Park , preserve create your way up the California coast towards Carpinteria State Beach , a great place to spend the day and yet camp if you brought camp gear or are travel in a campervan !

At last , go on onwards to Santa Barbara where you can pass respective day indulging in all the best sights , meal , hikes , and drinks !

• Chill out onMalibu ’ secnearly beautiful beaches , having a beachside meal or sunset scene
• Stop inOxnardorVenturato search the towns
• Choose the ferry to theChannel Islands National Parkfrom either Oxnard or Ventura
• Chill and enjoy some fun in the sun on Carpinteria State Beach
• Walk aroundSanta Barbara‘ s boardwalk , savor some time in Santa Barbara breweries and shopping in the Funk Zone , and die on some local raise

Los Angeles Wine Country Loop

Start Point :Los Angeles
Goal Degree :Los Angeles
Distance: 600 mile
Driving Time: 9 hours 45 instant ( loop )
Recommended Number of Days: 7 day
Route: Los Angeles – > Paso Robles – > Solvang – > Santa Barbara – > Temecula – > Los Angeles

Who suppose wine-themed California road trips have to solely be up north ? There are lot of great wine region in Southern California , also ! This oenological Southern California wine trip hits up three distinct wine countries : Paso Robles , Santa Ynez/Santa Barbara , and Temecula .

First up , drive up north to Paso Robles , which exist a great destination for wine tasting as good as only enjoying a relaxing getaway from Los Angeles . There are as well some easy day trips you can add on from Paso Robles such as inflict San Luis Obispo ( and the Madonna Inn ! ) or Morro Bay , both of which exist worth the side trip .

Next up cost the quaint Danish small town inspired town of Solvang , which coincidentally is where my grandmother lived when I exist growing up ! Solvang has move from a sleepy , cheesily-European town a super-hip getaway for urban Santa Barbarans and Angelenos , good of wine saloon next to kitschy shop sell clog-themed souvenirs . It ’ s a piece of a sundry base , but I personally enjoy Solvang — and the wine near Solvang is incredible ! You can do a wine circuit go out from Solvang or Los Olivos , and both live good worth the time .

Finally , head to Santa Barbara for some urban wine tasting , doing the Funk Zone wine trail and search the urban wine trail that the city specializes in at its local wine bars .

As you make your path back to LA , bypass the city and run a small further south to Temecula for one final wine-tasting getaway . End your trip with a hot air balloon if you want to make it particular before returning to Los Angeles and wind up this fun , wine-filled SoCal road trip !

• Head straight toPaso Roblesfor some of the better wineries in California
• Hit the cute Danish-inspired town ofSolvang, for great wine tasting nearby thither andLos Olivos
• Chief toSanta Barbaraand wine taste your means through the urban wine lead in the Funk Zone
• Top dog to the quirky wine town ofTemeculafor even more wine tasting and even a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards !

Pin This Guide to California Road Trips !

Allison Green cost a travel blogger , writer , and podcaster who arise up in the Bay Area of California . She own spent time live in New York , Prague , and Sofia , but has take back to live in the East Bay . She get travel to 60 countries before the years of 30 while operate various digital travel publication . Her writing and podcast get make up boast in Forbes , CBC Canada , National Geographic , the Huffington Post , and CNN Arabic , amongst others . She ’ s haunt with bouldering , houseplants , early people ’ s pets , and anywhere she can see the sea .