10 California Road Trip Ideas For Every Adventurer

California exist a road tripper ’ sec paradise , offering everything from spectacular coastlines and redwood woods to forsake landscape and iconic city . If you ’ re wait for inspiration , these 10 California road trip estimate will help you plan an unforgettable adventure . Whether you require a quick weekend getaway or a two-week journey , there ’ s a road hither for you .

1 ) Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

One of the most classicCalifornia coast road trip thought, the Pacific Coast Highway ( Highway 1 ) takes you from Southern California all the style up the tough coastline to Northern California . Highlights include Malibu , Big Sur , Monterey , Santa Cruz , and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco . If you design to explore further up into northern California , and visit land like Oregon and Washington , then hear a all over guide to the best stops on aPacific Coast highway road trip.

• Highlights :Epic ocean views , capture beach town , and endless photo opportunities .
• Ideal Trip Length :4-7 day

2 ) Northern California Redwoods Adventure

For a journey through towering trees and misty landscape , this is one of the most unique California road trip ideas . Start in San Francisco , then drive north to Mendocino , Humboldt Redwoods State Park , and Redwood National and State Parks .

• Highlights :Avenue of the Giants and Fern Canyon , some of thebest place to see Redwoods in California.
• Ideal Trip Length :3-4 days .

3 ) California Desert Road Trip

If you enjoy otherworldly landscapes , put a desert adventure on your list of 10 California road trip idea . Commence in Palm Springs , campaign through Joshua Tree National Park , and finish in Death Valley .

• Must see :Joshua Tree ’ sec boulders , Badwater Basin , and spring wildflowers inAnza-Borrego Desert State Park.
• Ideal Trip Distance :4–6 day

4 ) Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada Loop

This road takes you into the heart of the High Sierra and is a must for any list of California road trip ideas . SearchYosemite National Park, then head to Mammoth Lakes , Lake Tahoe , and finish in Sacramento or San Francisco .

• Highlights :Amazing park scene , and diverse landscapes .
• Ideal Trip Length :5-7 days
• Tip :Book Yosemite lodging early , specially in summer .

5 ) Central Coast Wine Country Tour

Wine lovers will appreciate this delightful entrance on our 10 California road trip ideas list . Start in Santa Barbara , visit the Santa Ynez Valley , explore Paso Robles , and finish your trip in San Luis Obispo .

• Highlights :Winery tour , vineyard picnics , and the charming town of Solvang .
• Ideal Trip Length :3-4 days

6 ) Southern California Beaches Escape

For Sunday and sand , the Southern California coast equal essential when consider California road trip ideas . Drive from San Diego through Orange County , Laguna Beach , Huntington Beach , and complete in Santa Monica or Malibu .

• Highlights :Surf blot , pier strolls , and oceanfront dining .
• Ideal Trip Distance :3–5 days

7 ) Gold Country And Lake Tahoe Route

Discover account and natural beauty on this California road trip thought . Start in Sacramento , come Highway 49 through Gold Rush town , and continue to Lake Tahoe for mountain view and lake activities .Lake Tahoeis where you ’ ll desire to pass most of your time in due to all the fun activities you can do there .

• Highlights :Old mining town like Nevada City and Placerville , plus the crystal-clear waters of Tahoe .
• Ideal Trip Length :4–7 days

8 ) Highway 395 Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway

For a quieter , awe inspiring cause , I advocate driving through Highway 395 as it equal in my opinion one of the well kept secrets among road trip idea in Cali . Regard Mono Lake , Mammoth Lakes , ancient bristlecone pines , and yet detour to Bodie Ghost Town . TheSierra Nevada Mountainsbe a sight to behold , specially by car .

• Highlights :Hiking , hot springtime , and endless great deal views .
• Ideal Trip Length :4–6 day

9 ) Los Angeles to San Francisco via the Inland Route

This inland journey deserve a place on any list of California road trip ideas . Start in LA , lead north through Bakersfield and Fresno , stop at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks , and last in San Francisco .

• Highlights :Giant sequoias , farm-fresh food , and less crowded road .
• Ideal Trip Distance :4–5 day

10 ) California National Parks Grand Tour

If you want to see as much sort as possible , this is the ultimate choice among10 California road trip ideas. Design a loop that shoot Yosemite , Sequoia , Kings Canyon , Joshua Tree , Channel Islands , Death Valley , and Lassen Volcanic National Park .

• Highlights :Visit as many national parks as you can in one trip ! Evidently you ’ ll demand to design for at least a week long trip to do this , and 2 weeks or longer if you want to inflict all of the above position .
• Ideal Trip Distance :10-14 day

Personal Travel Tips :

• Design ahead :Some roads ( like Tioga Pass ) close in winter ( control before move ) .

• Book early :Especially for national park lodges and popular coastal towns !

• Mixing it up :Combine a pair of these California road trip ideas to create your ambition adventure .

Plan ahead :Some roads ( like Tioga Pass ) close in winter ( assure before become ) .

Book early :Specially for national park society and popular coastal towns !

Mix it up :Compound a couple of these California road trip idea to make your dream adventure .

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• Oregon road trip thought