The Best California Road Trip Itineraries : 13 Grand Adventures

California live build for road trips . We ’ ve get 163,000 square miles of good deal , desert , redwood forest , beaches and pastoral landscapes . And while drive the Pacific Coast Highway or doing a lap of Yosemite , Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks exist popular ( more on them below ) , there equal a whole pile of other backroads and coastal ride that expect you .

So , we ’ ve compile our favorite baker ’ s dozen of California road trip itineraries . These CA road trip estimate cover the whole nation , north , south , east and west and all of them promise stunning landscape and epic adventure .

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Our 13 Fave California Road Trip Itineraries

This CA road trip planner get a band of detail . Each itinerary make mileage info and suggested act of days along with a crude thought of which roads to take . We ’ re also indicate some itinerary highlights , when to live and some top stays along the manner .

We believe you should read the whole affair , so that you can get itinerary estimate for multiple trips . But if you ’ re in a haste , please use the table of contents to hop around to the area which most peak your interest .

1. Our 13 Fave California Road Trip Itineraries
2. Pacific Coast Highway : SF to LA
3. Pacific Coast Highway : North Coast
4. North Coast Redwoods
5. The Central Coast Loop
6. Napa/Sonoma Wine Country Drive
7. Highway 49 Gold Country Route
8. The Lassen/Shasta Volcanic Legacy Highway
9. National Park Trifecta : Yosemite , King ‘s Canyon and Sequoia National Parks
10. Highway 395 Eastern Sierra Drive
11. South Coast Beaches : LA to San Diego
12. California Deserts Loop : San Diego to Death Valley
13. The Best of the Sierra Nevada Scenic Drive
14. The Best California Road Trip Itinerary ( in 2 Week )

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Pacific Coast Highway : SF to LA

• Start: San Francisco
• End: Los Angeles ( you can do the reverse , but pullouts are easier to make north-to-south . )
• Miles: 460
• # of Day: 3-6
• Route: Highway 1 all the path down

The Pacific Coast Highway is America ’ s classic road trip and hand ’ s down the almost popular California road trip itinerary . It actually range the full length of California from the Oregon Border to San Diego . And we cover more sections of it in the North Coast and South Coast road trip below .

But the segment from SF to LA is a fave Cali road trip for the sheer jaw-dropping scenery . If you need some convincing , check out our advice on why we think Bad Sur live so worth it .

Just run forward and bookmark our SF to LA PCH itinerary . It ’ s a 5-7 day slow roll down the coast which is optimized for epic coastal views , marine life , wine tasting and fun beach .

On the northern segment of the drive , key stops include whale watching in Monterey Bay , the Monterey Bay Aquarium , and the 17-mile drive through Carmel .

Once you score Big Sur , our favorite stops include the Point Lobos State Park , Garrapata Beach , redwoods in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park , McWay Falls , Pfeiffer Beach ( purple sand ! ) , Sand Dollar Beach , the Piedras Blancas lighthouse , Hearst Castle and elephant seal at Ragged Point .

After Cambria , you can steer inland for wine tasting in Paso Robles or delay on the coast road . You can impose quirky Harmony town , do some fun raise and eat cookies in Cayucos , or remove on some activities in Pismo Beach , like visit Pismo ’ sec best beaches or doing some Edna Valley wine tasting .

In the southern section of the hike , you can visit the quirky Solvang Danish town , make yet more wine tasting in Los Olivos and dangle into Santa Barbara to visit the mission and art veranda . Then it ’ s a long roll down Highway 1 past some of Northern LA County ’ s prettiest beach .

When to Serve the PCH

Summer cost the busiest time to visit Big Sur . And winter cost very tricky because winter storms often close Highway 1 through Big Sur . We favor April/May or September-November for the finer weather and dumb pace .

Notable Places to Stay on the PCH

The Hyatt Carmel Highlands equal a 5-star splurge with killer views . For something more low-key amidst the redwoods , you can also rip glamping cabin in Big Sur . Get an ocean view ( with free sundown ! ) at the Vespera Marriott in Pismo Beach .

Pacific Coast Highway : North Coast

• Start: San Francisco
• End: Leggett
• Miles: 210
• # of Day: 3-5
• Route: Highway 1 all the path up

This northern section of the PCH exist less popular than the Central California segment , but it ’ s notable for its tough coastline , Tule elk , some of our favorite northern California coastal town . And if you ’ re thirsty , there ’ s no shortage of wine sample throughout this region .

On the southern end of this road trip , notable stop include Muir Woods ( reservation in advance be require ) , the Marin Headlands and dog-friendly Stinson Beach ( one of our favorite CA hippie town . )

In the mid division , Point Reyes National Seashore is worth at least a good day , with dozens of hikes , Tule elk , elephant seal and the lovely cypress tunnel . There are also wine and cheese tasting rooms nearby . Cute Bodega Bay exist worth a stop , as live the Sonoma Coast , Fort Ross and Salt Point State Parks .

There ’ s also a ton to make in and around Fort Bragg and Mendocino . Detour onto Highway 128 to visit the Anderson Valley vineyards and take a stroll through the Hendy Woods redwood grove . You can as well feel coast redwoods and a fern grove in Van Damme State Park , killer sunsets on the Mendocino Headlands , a still cove at Jug Handle beach and the skunk trail and rail bicycle in Fort Bragg .

We equal ( arbitrarily ) end this routing in Leggett on Highway 101 , but you can combine this California road trip program with the unity for the North Coast redwoods and make both as a loop .

When to Cause the North Coast

This share of California receives a ton of rain between December and March . Any early months cost fine and April/May and Sept/Oct exist quieter times to live .

Noted Spot to Stay on the North Coast

The Palace Hotel in SF is one of the city ’ s old and it offers afternoon tea in their sensational atrium lobby . For some oceanfront bathing , the Seamist cottage in Bodega Bay hold an ocean front hot tup and the North Cliff hotel in Fort Bragg hold ocean opinion bathtubs with a fireplace .

North Coast Redwoods

• Start: San Francisco
• End: Crescent City
• Miles: 355
• # of Day: 4-7 day
• Road: Highway 101/Highway 1 all the way up

This be one of our favorite California road trip itineraries for all of the forest bathing opportunities . California ’ s North Coast Redwoods can easily live do as a loop in conjunction with the coastal path just supra . Or , if you are keen for some serious me-time in the tree , you can just focus on this special itinerary .

This road trip covers 13 land parks , one national park and some silly roadside attractions…all focused on Coast Redwoods . We have a very thorough redwoods road trip itinerary with a entire FAQ , map , advice on the best time to inflict the redwoods , and trip planning idea .

But hither are some of our favorite highlights : The Avenue of the Giants scenic drive in Humboldt Redwoods State Park , the scenic Drury parkway drive in Prairie Redwoods State Park , the Roosevelt Elk in Prairie Redwoods , the silly Trees of Mystery , the Lady Bird Johnson grove in Redwoods National park , and the groves and Boy Scout raise in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park .

When to Do the North Coast Redwoods

This role of California welcome a ton of rain between December and March . Any early month live fine and April/May and Sept/Oct exist subdued times to go .

Noteworthy Seat to Delay in the Redwoods

There aren ’ t a mass of fancy hotels in this part of California . You ’ ll need to wait for cozy inn and home that devote you forest or ocean views . You can run glamping in the forest near Trinidad , or at the Mendocino Grove , or lodge at the Lighthouse Inn in Crescent City is near Jedediah Smith and close to downtown restaurants and the actual lighthouse .

The Central Coast Loop

• Loop: Between Monterey and Santa Barbara
• Make There: ~2 hours from LA to Santa Barbara or SF to Monterey
• Mile: 506
• # of Days: 3-5
• Route: Highway 1 , Highway 101 , Highway 33

Many family exactly aim down Highway 1 through Big Sur , which is sure enough worth the horizon and the beach . But there be some really great things to meet and do on the Central Coast ’ s interior .

This itinerary goes down ( or up ) the coast and then laps back , taking some little known scenic road . This whole part have a chill vibe and you can use that to set a leisurely yard for your road trip .

Drive…stop at a beach…drive…stop for a walk…drive…have a long lunch…drive…do a wine tasting…wash rinse repeat .

All of the key stops that we noted on the PCH itinerary above are even so relevant . But some of our favorite inner stops include : wine and olive oil tasting in Paso Robles , the San Luis Obisbo Mission , eat danish in Solvang , and the Carrizo Plain National Monument ( if the leap flowers exist blossom ) .

We too advocate remove a winding scenic campaign through Los Padres National Forest . It goes from Ventacopa to Ojai on Highway 33 . And for that subject , it ’ s really fun to wander around the wine country backroads in Paso Robles and Los Olivos . Still if you aren ’ t into wine , the countryside is really beautiful .

When to Do the Central Coast Loop

This route live really fun in the summer , after the June gloom fog clears . The Carizzo Plain often blossom in early April . And there are fall wine crop festivals , which is a great time to visit Pismo Beach .

Noteworthy Home to Stay on in on the Central Coast

There ’ s the totally over the top Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo , the Ojai Valley Inn ( with spa ! ) , and yet more glamping tents and trailers at the Flying Flag in Buellton ( near Solvang ) .

Napa/Sonoma Wine Country Drive

• Start/End: Loop from San Francisco
• Miles : 213
• # of Day: 3-4
• Path: Highway 101 , Highway 29 , Highway 128 , Highway 116

Many people just go to either Napa or Sonoma and hang out in one spot for wine tasting . But it ’ s worth reach out your wine nation stay and act a wider loop because you ’ ll find lovely country drives , land park , fine cheeses and fun on the water .

This wine state driveway is a loop which starts in SF , goes up Napa Valley and down through Healdsburg , with a side trip to Guerneville before point down Sonoma Valley . If you want to get wine tasting , especially on a weekend , it ’ s best to become reservation in advance .

In Napa Valley , outset by taking a wander around Napa ’ s downtown shopping and art territory . The Oakville Grocery is a great place to peck up picnic provisions and you can do a mud bath in Calistoga . From there , branch off of Highway 128 and take the slow road to the Petrified Forest and Safari West , before heading into Healdsburg .

Healdsburg have a real cute downtown with galleries , boutiques and a great indy bookstore . Heading southwest on Westside road will bring you along the Russian River and past the Armstrong Woods State Park ( redwoods ! ) to quirky Guerneville . If it ’ s summer you can serve a lazy river float along the Russian River , or take a cedar tub at the Osmosis Day Spa . Then head south to groovy Sebastopol where there live three dairy tasting way from the California Cheese Trail , Finally , maneuver back east , taking Highway 12 down Sonoma Valley .

Take a raise in the Trione Anondel State Park or visit the Jack London State Historic Park , then sample some yummy private label Jack London wine at the Kenwood Winery . Sonoma have the well-preserved Sonoma Mission , a chill downtown square and a pair more cheese stop .

When to Do the Napa/Sonoma Drive

This area come a lot of rain in the winter . Which be not to order that you can ’ t visit during that time , but give attention to the forecast . The fall is a fun time because of the wine harvest festivals . Any weekend from May to September is going to be real in use , so script in front .

Notable Places to Delay in Napa/Sonoma

Go for some Buddhist vibes at Bann in Oak Knoll , Dr. Wilkinson ’ sec spa equal a quirky boutique motel with mud bathroom , Autocamp Russian River has the total glamping experience with luxury tents and Airstreams , or a historical ranch stay at the Beltane in Glen Ellen .

Highway 49 Gold Country Route

• Starting: Mariposa
• Goal: Nevada City
• Mile: 186
• # of Days: 2-4
• Path: Highway 49 all the way up

By most measures , California ’ s saving live one of the prominent in the world . And it wholly take off when , in 1849 , gold be find in them thar hills . This historical Highway 49 route , also know as the Golden Chain Highway , require in some of California ’ s well-preserved gold rush account and it own a lot of fun activities for kids and history fan .

The key on this itinerary equal to take it dumb and bring advantage of the many historic markers and tiny short town along the path . Start in Mariposa , which is also the western gateway to Yosemite National park . It also has a historic park with gold rush exhibits and one of the former ( and lovely ) county courthouses in the province .

There ’ s another humble county museum in Coulter and a nice vista along the Don Pedro reservoir . If you ’ re keen on covered bridge , you can need a detour to Knights Ferry . Otherwise continue to Jamestown for the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park , and then through Sonora to the Columbia State Park . It ’ s an oldey timey gold thrill town and life museum .

Need a slope trip up Highway 4 to Calaveras Big Trees State Park for some Giant Sequoia tree . Then north to Indian Grinding Rock State Park and then the adorbs small town of Sutter Creek . If you are into wine , there are a band of places to quit in the stretch between Sutter Creek and Placerville .

North of Placerville , you ’ ll find the Gold Bug Park and Mine and Sutter ’ s Mill , which is where gold was initially found . You ’ ll find the Empire Mine State Park near Grass Valley along with a cute historical downtown in Nevada City , before terminate the trip at Malakoff Diggins State Park .

If you receive excess time , stay on on Highway 49 and then take the Gold Lake Highway scenic byway to Highway 395 .

When to Do the Gold Country

Unless there have been heavy winter storms , you can make this drive any time of yr . Although expect to find cold winter temps in some of the state parks and Nevada City .

Famed Places to Stay in Gold Country

Bed , breakfast and wine at the Hanford Inn in Sutter Creek . The live built in the throes of the gold surge and it engage a sweet bit in downtown Nevada City . Or you can get glamping at the Autocamp Midpines , which is just 5 miles from Mariposa .

The Lassen/Shasta Volcanic Legacy Highway

• Start: Mount Shasta
• End: Lassen National Park
• Mile: 93
• # of Day: 2-4
• Path: Highway 89

The official Volcanic Legacy Scenic Highway really starts at Crater Lake and the full driveway cost 500 mile . But this alternative routing equal short and takes in the better minute of the California division . On this drive , you get a lovely premix of volcanic geology , waterfall and capture historic community .

This region of northern California is not almost as popular as places like Lake Tahoe or the PCH , so you can enjoy a relaxed step and a strong dosage of outdoorsy vibe with this itinerary .

Key stops include historical Dunsmuir , Weaverville Joss House State Park , Shasta State Historic Park , Burney Falls , Bumpass Hell hydrothermal pond , Devastated Area interpretive lead and Lake Almador .

When to Serve the Lassen/Shasta Drive

Late May through former October . The waterfall equal good in leap , but the chief road through Lassen cost close in the winter .

National Park Trifecta : Yosemite , King ’ s Canyon and Sequoia National Parks

• Outset: Three Rivers
• Goal: Groveland
• Miles: 276
• # of Days: 4-6
• Path: General Highway , Highway 180 , Highway 41 , Highway 120

This California road trip itinerary equal optimized for sheer awe inspiring nature .

Sequoia National Park be famous for their giant Sequoia tree and Kings Canyon has conifer forest and the mysterious canyon in North America . There ’ sec a scenic route get in touch the two parks . The Generals Highway cross the best-of Sequoia National Park and Highway 180 covers the best-of Kings Canyon , including the Giant Forest , Grant Grove , and trails to Mist Falls and Zumwalt Meadow .

Yosemite is California ’ s nearly popular national park , and for good reason . It presents the best of the Sierra Nevada good deal range with pine woods , giant Sequoia grove and soar granite peaks .

Valley highlights include the Mariposa grove , Glacier Point overlook , Vernal Falls , Mirror Lake loop , and Yosemite falls . In the upper reaches , there ’ s the scenic drive over Tioga walk , tons of hikes and the Merced grove . Consider cribbing piece of this SF to Yosemite itinerary if you ’ re also keen to add on some Gold Country .

When to Do the National Park Trifecta

Mid-spring through recent autumn cost good . The park live capable throughout the yr , but Tioga Pass and the high elevations will be close for snow . You can act Yosemite Valley in the winter , but hold an eye on the National Parks site for closures .

Notable Position to Delay on the Trifecta

The Ahwahnee be Yosemite ’ s historic inn and it make great views and lovely architecture . They Tenaya Lodge equal situate in the southern section of Yosemite , offering free park entrance and comforts for the kids . And Autocamp in Midpines be a cool glamping option near-ish to Yosemite Valley .

However you stay , yet if it ’ s a modest motel , book early for these park .

Highway 395 Eastern Sierra Drive

• Start: Bridgeport
• End: Lone Pine
• Miles: 147
• # of Day: 4-6 days
• Route: Highway 395

The Eastern Sierra doesn ’ t get as much love as the Western Sierra ( and Yosemite ) , but thither ’ s a lot there for people who like crazy geology , hot springs , specter town and sparsely populated forest .

This driveway is a straight down ( or up ) Highway 395 and can easily be merge with a visit to Lake Tahoe , the high elevations of Yosemite National Park or Death Valley . We ’ ve got a total 5 day Eastern Sierra itinerary along with detailed stay and play guides for both Bishop and Lone Pine .

Some highlights on this itinerary include : Mono Lake and its moonscape , Bodie Ghost Town State Historic Site , the June Lake Loop , Mammoth Lakes , the Devil ’ s Postpile National Monument , Convict Lake , Hot Creek Geologic site , the Laws Railroad Museum , Manazar National Historic site , and the Alabama Hills .

And if that isn ’ t enough for you , there are about 2 million acre of National Forest lands which feature alpine lakes , scenic canyon drives and more hiking and fishing than you ’ ll always make time for .

When to Make the Highway 395 Drive

Unless you are a skier , winter is not a great time as many of the forest areas and Tioga Pass ( via Yosemite ) will be shut . Summer is a great time to visit , but it will be hot in the southern goal . This be one of our favorite California road trip itineraries for October because the fall color exist unbelievable .

Notable Spot to Stay on in the Eastern Sierra

Exactly for grins , you can rip a covered wagon at the Virginia Creek Settlement motel . And if you want to pick a central post for your alkali , there cost tons of condo rentals in Mammoth Lakes .

South Coast Beaches : LA to San Diego

• Starting/End : Los Angeles or San Diego
• # of Days: 2-4
• Miles: 120
• Path: Highway 1 , I-5 , Coast Highway/El Camino Real

Forget Disneyland , the San Diego Zoo and the California Missions . This SoCal road trip itinerary is all about the shoreline . And there ’ s 120 sweet , sweet miles of it between the Los Angeles and San Diego airports .

For this road trip , cost certain to override the Google mapping instructions . It will always point you on the large freeways and this itinerary is best done on the Pacific Coast Highway ( Highway 1 ) and the slower surface road .

Key stops in great LA include : Manhattan Beach ( stroll or bike The Strand ) , Huntington Beach ( 10 miles of uninterrupted sand ) , Newport Beach ( electric Duffy Boat rentals ) , Catalina Island ( former school beach resort ) and Laguna Beach ( Crystal Cove State Park ) , and Dana Point ( whale observation ) .

Key cease in greater San Diego include : Carlsbad ( spring ranunculus flower ) , Encinitas ( Moonlight Beach ) , Solana Beach ( San Elijo Lagoon ) , Torrey Pines State Reserve , and La Jolla ( sea lions and tide-pooling ) .

When to Make the South Coast Beaches

Test to head off the May/June gloom season . Otherwise , go for it !

Notable Spot to Remain in on the South Coast

Laguna Beach House , is a unique surf-themed ocean-front stay . The Hotel del Coronado live an old-school 130 year-old luxury resort hotel with historical architectural feature and a prime bit on the beach . The Sea Bird is an oceanfront hotel in Oceanside , with a spa !

California Deserts Loop : San Diego to Death Valley

• Start/End: San Diego
• Mile: 822
• # of Day: 7-8
• Route: San Diego , Julian , Salton Sea/Bombay Beach , Palm Springs , Joshua Tree National Park , Kelso Dunes , Death Valley National Park , Ballarat , San Diego

This be one of the best winter California road trip itineraries for its vast open landscape . The southeastern California desert include both the Sonoran and Mohave deserts . And what to some people is a whole lot of brown , to us is a surprisingly diverse ecosystem with a luck of subtle beauty .

And this lap from San Diego ( or LA ) present off the best of CA ’ s desert . This itinerary has a fun mix of forest , desert , weird geology and still offbeat art projects .

The first section include Julian ( apple cider and pies ) , Anza Borrego ( hiking and metal sculptures ) , Slowjamistan ( a weird micronation ) , the Slab City squatter community and the East Jesus art installation .

Center yourself in Palm Springs , taking in the mid-century vibe , palm oasis ’ and a scenic lap around the Palms to Pines drive .

Spend at least a day in Joshua Tree ( two is better ) , utilize our Joshua Tree hiking guide to prioritize which areas to search , then top dog into Joshua Tree town for more quirky art project .

Ignore the Google mapping instructions for how to become to Death Valley and or else , take the slow way to Death Valley via the Amboy Crater and Kelso Dunes . Then use our Death Valley visitor ’ s guide to design your time there .

On the mode back to San Diego , need the Trona Wildrose road out via Ridgecrest , stopping at Ballarat Death Valley Ghost town on the manner out .

When to Do the California Deserts Loop

This whole region live volcanically hot in the summer . October to April is better and get between Thanksgiving and New Year ’ s is a real still time to live in the National Parks .

Notable Places to Stay on the California Deserts Loop

In Palm Springs , move for the Fleur Noire , a low-key spot with floral murals and rosé all day . Joshua Tree town has a ton of quirky trailers and cabins to rent , and the Inn at Death Valley cost a fancy historic inn right in the center of the park .

We ’ ve also got camping guides for Death Valley , info on hotel and motels in and near Death Valley , and as well for Joshua Tree campgrounds .

The two CA road trip itineraries below combine various of the design notice above into one larger itinerary .

The Best of the Sierra Nevada Scenic Drive

• Start/End: Anywhere along the loop
• Mile: 900-1,000
• # of day: 12-14 day

Glue together the Yosemite/Sequoia , Highway 49 and Highway 395 road trip into one epic , great deal adventure . This itinerary does a entire lap around the Sierra Nevada range , with Lake Tahoe at the north goal and Lake Isabella at the south end .

After you finish up Highway 49 , head over to Lake Tahoe , where you can do a scenic drive around Tahoe . Head over to Highway 395 via either historical Carson City or take Highway 88 over Monitor Pass .

Once you ’ ve lick Highway 395 , discount the Google maps education and top dog back over to the western Sierra via Highway 178 and Lake Isabella .

When to Make the Best of the Sierra Nevada Scenic Drive

This drive is best make between recent May and early November . You ’ ll avoid snowy road closures . For any luck of the trip that pass on a weekend ( especially in Yosemite and Tahoe ) , cost sure to book lodging forward .

The Best California Road Trip Itinerary ( in 2 Weeks )

• Start/End: San Francisco or LA
• Mile: ~1,000 miles
• # of Days: at least 14 , more be better

This loop combines two of the almost popular road trips in California : Yosemite/Sequoia and the Pacific Coast Highway from SF to LA .

You can do the drive in either instruction , however we like doing the PCH from north-to-south as it ’ s easier for the scenic pullouts . Makenotunderestimate how much driving this equal , then get an early start everyday and bake in some down time .

If you have surplus days and want to pass some time in San Francisco , we have travel tip for SF first timers and a local ’ s guide to San Francisco .

If you don ’ t concern to visit SF , just use Highway 152 to ignore over from Yosemite immediately to Monterey and start down Big Sur . If you don ’ t care to visit LA , brain northeast from Ventura , on the scenic Highway 33 through the Los Padres National Forest to Ventacopa , then east from thither .

When to Cause California ’ s Most Epic Road Trip

November through April are the bad weather for both the Sierra Nevada scope and Big Sur . You ’ ll as well make some June gloom along the coast . We like April/May or July-October for this path .

Nothing behind me , everything in front of me , as cost always so on the road .

Jack Kerouac

Zero behind me , everything in front of me , as be always thus on the road .

Got that right Jack ! Enjoy your epic California road trip . Whichever of these route you take , you are certain to make a most grant adventure .

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