Top 23 Road Trips In CALIFORNIA (Extraordinary)

Load your truck and strap in for heart-wrenching drives through the breathtaking countryside on a road trip through California.

You may expect life-changing moments as you drive through the sensual wine region, the humbling redwood woods, the enormous desert area, the never-ending stretches of coastal road, and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada that seem to touch the clouds.

Thus, you’ll want to ensure your rental car company has unlimited mileage.

Also, you might spend weeks exploring the backroads of the third most populous state in the United States, far from the stress and traffic of the interstates. 

The breathtaking landscapes along these five time-honored driving routes will make every leisurely, meandering mile fly by.

And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Scenic Drives in California.

Road Trips in Dana Point, California

1. Drive to Highway 101 along the Pacific Coast (Stunning Coastal Views)

• Distance from Dana Point: 656 miles
• Drive time: 720 minutes

Drive all 656 miles of Highway 1 or a little section following the shore, and you can even choose from various scenic backdrops, such as towering cliffs, surf towns basking in the sun, and the iconic bridge.

Although only a short portion of Highway 1 is legally eligible to use the Pacific Coast Highway, this stretch of highway is known for its beautiful weather, and it is one of the top selections for classic California dreamin’ along the sea line. 

If you can, avoid driving along the Pacific Coast Highway during the growing and summer seasons, when dense fog can enshroud the shoreline and rainy weather can trigger landslides. 

Spend a week crossing this stunning destination off your list in September or October, when you can expect the sunniest sky and one of the most fantastic weather.

Address: 34197 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629

2. Explore the Pasadena (Art & Architecture & Rose Bowl)

• Distance from Dana Point: 67.7 miles
• Drive time: 65 minutes

Pasadena is a city located to the northeast of the downtown area of Los Angeles, California.

The Old Pasadena, located in the city’s core, is a dining and shopping district famous for the Victorian and art deco structures that make up the area and exhibits significant works of European and Asian art; the startlingly contemporary Norton Simon Museum also features a sculpture garden.

Also, the Rose Bowl is a famous sports area best coined for hosting the Rose Bowl Game on an annual basis, which takes place on January 1 most of the time.

Along the drive, you stop at the Pasadena Ice Skating Center, the city’s best tourist destination, since it allows visitors to transition straight from shorts to skates.

For $15 (which includes skate rental), the rink is accessible to the public for skate sessions in the mornings, afternoons, and nights.

Address: 100 North Garfield Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101

3. Visit Beverly Hills (Celeb Hotspots & Luxe Living)

• Distance from Dana Point: 69.5 miles
• Drive time: 70 minutes

Do you dream of a road trip to the city of Hollywood stars or taking a drive to famous locations seen on TV?

Well, this road trip is for you!

The city of Beverly Hills may be found precisely in Los Angeles, California, and it is explicitly located at Rodeo Drive, a street known for its high-end retail establishments and home to several Hollywood celebrities.

A lighted Beverly Hills sign may be found in the huge Beverly Gardens Park, which also features fountains and rose gardens.

The Greystone Mansion, which was built in the 1920s, has appeared in several movies which you can also visit during your stopovers; you can also visit the Beverly Hills Hotel is a well-known hangout for celebrities; lush grounds surround it and features a poolside restaurant and bar.

Address: 9601 Wilshire Blvd Ste 1, Beverly Hills, CA, USA

4. Travel to Long Beach (Ocean Scenery & Family Fun)

• Distance from Dana Point: 48.1 miles
• Drive time: 52 minutes

Long Beach is situated in Southern California along the ocean, which is perfect for sightseeing because you can choose the scenic route with ocean views and sea breeze freshly hitting your face.

RMS Queen Mary is a former ocean liner that now serves as a museum ship, and you can also travel to this place with your family and friends.

The Aquarium of the Pacific has touch tanks and a shark lagoon famous for kids, so be sure to bring them during your road trip for a more fun adventure.

Also, the Museum of Latin American Art has a collection of works from the modern era to the present day.

The adobe mansion and museum at Rancho Los Cerritos date back to the 19th century and are surrounded by expansive gardens.

Address: Long Beach, California

Also see our article on Ocean View Hotels in California.

Road Trips in Santa Monica, California

1. Drive to Route 66 (Vintage Stops & Pacific Coast)

• Distance from Santa Monica: 315 miles
• Drive time: 330 minutes

You can get your thrills on the famous highway in the United States, known for bringing people to California and travel from the middle of nowhere to the coast of the Pacific Ocean while stopping at vintage antiquities, staying in tipi hotels, and refueling in unique diners along the way.

After traveling a lengthy and, at times, lonely path, one finally reaches the promised land, the Golden State. 

If you continue, after passing through well-known western cities on your way to your next destination, you will now drive across the Mojave Desert, which is much easier than in earlier times. 

Throughout your trip, you will have a fantastic view of the coast, the desert, the various restaurants, and the exceptional residences that will give you a different outlook on life.

Address: Santa Monica, California, United States

2. Santa Monica to Greater Palm Springs (Desert Oasis & Joshua Tree)

• Distance from Santa Monica: 132 miles
• Drive time: 150 minutes

Get ready for a trip to Greater Palm Springs, where you can kick back and recharge.

You can head first to the gateway to Joshua Tree National Park, which features hundreds of miles of trails for biking, trekking, and riding horses, as well as an unrivaled array of enticing luxury hotels, resorts, and spas, and is home to nine separate cities.

After a 2.5-hour trip, you can reach the peak of Mount San Jacinto by the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the largest spinning tramway car in the world, but if you get tired and in need of a leg stretch, you can go rock climbing on enormous rocks or a desert trip. 

You can also visit the Old West movie set of Pioneertown and then wind out the evening with a barbeque at the world-famous saloon and restaurant Pappy & Harriet’s, complete with live music.

Address: 70100 CA-111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

3. Journey to San Diego (Maritime History & Culinary Delights)

• Distance from Santa Monica: 137 miles
• Drive time: 150 minutes

After spending a few days in the desert’s stimulating environment, it’s time to hit the road and see some of San Diego’s iconic sights and districts, as each place offers unique culture and cuisine that will suit your taste. 

Downtown’s nighttime is as lively as the city itself, and the city’s distinctive Cali-Baja cuisine culture and specialty brew industry draw visitors looking for new experiences.

You can also explore the maritime hub of the USS Midway Museum, a harbor cruise of 1 or 2 hours, and the floating Maritime Museum on the Embarcadero during the afternoon. 

In the evening, you can sip cocktails at one of Harbor Island’s hip bay-side eateries before dining on delicious fare by renowned chefs in Little Italy, San Diego’s current dining hotspot.

Address: San Diego, California

4. Visit Nevada City (Gold Rush History)

• Distance from Santa Monica: 200 miles
• Drive time: 210 minutes

If you want a more adventurous road trip, Highway 49 will take you through the harsh reality of the slopes around the area, a fortress of the historical perspectives on the era of the gold influx with exciting stories primarily based on simple robbery and crime events.

The significance of that highway number lies in its paying tribute to the “49ers,” or people who traveled to California in search of fame and fortune during the first influx of gold in the area.

Also, this route now meanders through cities in the Gold Country, passing by abandoned mines from the iconic Old West and the Victorian structures home to restaurants, museums, and inns.

You will want to experience the combination of the history of the West and quaint wineries dotted across the way with breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Alternatively, allow yourself to appreciate this outdoor-focused and kid-friendly road vacation within a week or two to be fully immersed in the area’s history. 

Visiting throughout the summer or at the beginning of October is best and recommended by locals.

Address: Nevada City, California 95959

Also see our article on Date Ideas in California.

Road Trips in Avenue of Giants, California

1. Stafford to Highway 101 junction (Majestic Giant Redwoods)

• Distance from Avenue of Giants: 32 miles
• Drive time: 38 minutes

Some of the world’s most giant trees can be seen as saplings in the 32-mile stretch of state park around the area, home to the park, and visitors to California often stop here because this road is one of the state’s most famous tourist attractions. 

Sunrise is ideal because the sun sparkles off the ferns that have just been bathed with dew, and the highway links a string of sleepy burgs where you can stay in a motel from the 1950s, eat in a restaurant where you can have a “lumberjack” meal, and see a lot of Harleys parked outside.

California Federation of Women’s Clubs Grove features an intriguing four-sided hearth created by renowned architect Julia Morgan which is considered the regal oaks that run alongside the main road, and indeed the woods have trails you can walk along for the whole tree-hugging experience.

Address: Avenue of the Giants, California, USA

2. Stop in Willits (Redwood Forest Exploration)

• Distance from Avenue of Giants: 88.6 miles
• Drive time: 110 minutes

One of the famous stopovers you should visit is Willits, California, the famous redwoods, since exploring Northern California’s redwood forests is a great way to experience what nature offers.

If you get hungry on the way, about an hour from the start of the Avenue of the Giants is a little town with a few places to eat and shop for unique cuisine and beverages.

Many fun and interactive activities are also available when you arrive at Willits, one of which is enjoying a hike or a picnic in Ohl Redwood Grove Park, enjoying the view while riding on the Skunk Train, or you can stop by Northspur Brewing Co. for a cold or hot drink to pair your pastries which the whole family can cherish all of these.

Address: Willits, California 95490

3. See the Black Sand Beach & Lighthouse in Shelter Cove (Outdoor Adventures & Scenic Views)

• Distance from Avenue of Giants: 41.3 miles
• Drive time: 70 minutes

Are you a fan of an outdoor adventure with the fresh sea breeze hitting your face and the smell of salt as the waves crash through rocks?

Well, visiting Shelter Cove is perfect for you!

It’s a windy 40-minute journey from the Avenue of the Giants to Shelter Cove so that you can enjoy the fresh breeze it offers away from the city’s pollution.

If you always wanted to hike the Lost Coast Trail, this sheltered cove is the trailhead, allowing groups or couples to go hiking on a new adventure.

You can also experience many adventures when you travel to Shelter Cove, which majestically enjoys the lighthouse of Cape Mendocino, which has an overlooking ocean view.

Moreover, you can go to Gyppos to celebrate your arrival at the place and have a beer while you play on Black Sand Beach.

Address: Shelter Cove, California 95589

Also see our article on Outdoor Activities in California.

Road Trips in Death Valley, California

1. Journey across the Desert Solitaire (Unique Landscapes & Natural Wonders)

• Distance from Death Valley: 290 miles
• Drive time: 300 minutes

Looking for a new set of adventures to spend time with the whole clan?

Fill the tank before driving through Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Joshua Tree, and Death Valley because the roads you travel on were formerly wagons carrying explorers and collectors of gold in California.

The epic struggles of nature and humanity meet in Death Valley, and the Artists Drive showcases the area’s endemic flora and fauna, as well as its massive sand, water-carved gorges, rocks formations, a dormant volcano, and towering mountains are some of the landscape features that can be found in this region and more.

Visit during the growing season to see the spring wildflower blossoms and enjoy the milder weather.

Badwater Basin, the fantastic Mesquite Flat, the famous Emigrant, and Wildrose Canyons are all worth seeing, and you should give yourself three days to do it.

Address: CA 190 from Death Valley Junction, CA

2. Go to Red Rock Canyon (Scenic Drive & Hiking Trails)

• Distance from Death Valley: 63 miles
• Drive time: 60 minutes

Red Rock Canyon is beautiful, with a 13-mile loop drive and various exciting hiking opportunities.

Due to its new management and rule by the National Park Service, visitors in high season (October 1 through May 31) must reserve a time to drive the scenic circle because there may be a chance of many people lining up.

Before setting off on the gorgeous circular drive, you can visit the superb Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center, which features numerous outdoor displays explaining the area’s geological history.

The walk will take not more than three hours to go there and back if you stop for short walks along the way, and you can also take the Lost Creek route, view the petroglyphs near Willow Springs, and have fun climbing around on the rocks there.

Address: 37749 Abbott Dr, Cantil, CA 93519

3. Visit Alabama Hills and Manzanar (Old West Atmosphere)

• Distance from Death Valley: 148 miles
• Drive time: 170 minutes

Lone Pine, California, is a small town in California that you probably have yet to hear of; that has fewer than 2,000 permanent residents, yet the city more than makes up for its small size with beautiful scenery and an authentic Old West atmosphere.

This town can be found in the Owens Valley between the Inyo and the Sierra Nevada, meaning the scenery is breathtaking!

Alabama Hills Cafe & Bakery is a local and tourist favorite and serves a delicious breakfast to kickstart your day with a fantastic view of the mountains if you eat outside.

It is also a BLM-managed park in the Sierra Nevada foothills where you can spend the day after a hearty breakfast.

Moreover, it is popular among campers and features hiking routes and stunning vistas of Mount Whitney.

Address: 5001 US-395, Independence, CA 93526

Also see our article on Fun things to do in California.

Road Trips in Paso Robles, California

1. Westside Paso (Vineyard Drive & Coastal Mountains)

• Distance from Paso Robles: 130 miles
• Drive time: 140 minutes

You can start from the 101, 46 West winds to historic Highway 1 via hillside vineyards and across the Santa Lucia Mountains Coastal Mountain Range to Paso, California’s Pacific coast entrance. 

From there, you can visit the wineries along Vineyard Drive and Adelaida Road or take a picturesque drive to the coast through Santa Rosa or Old Creek Roads, all located outside Paso proper.

As you approach the coast, two popular intersections are Santa Rosa Road and Old Creek Road. 

If you follow Santa Rosa Road north, you’ll eventually wind down to Cambria and the famous Stepladder Creamery; however, if you take Old Creek Road south, you’ll pass through a scenic area dotted with citrus groves, and it also offers panoramic vistas of Whale Rock Reservoir and the ocean.

Although 46 West leads us to the ocean, it also leads us to some of Paso Robles’ most fascinating and picturesque wineries, which will satisfy your tastebuds, especially if you love wines. 

Address: Paso Robles, California 93446

2. Travel through Vineyard Drive (Scenic Wine Country Drive)

• Distance from Paso Robles: 12.5 miles
• Drive time: 18 minutes

According to what the name suggests, Vineyard Drive is considered a scenic drive through rolling vineyards and hidden wineries.

The busy city and the tension it causes melt away as you drive down the quiet road under the shady oak trees.

Some of Paso’s most well-known wineries can be found on Vineyard Drive.

Still, the street is also a dwelling place for several of the region’s most forward-thinking outsiders and some of the best wineries to check out.

The white wines produced by Paix Sur Terre are often coined as the best in California, and the Thacher winemaking crew has been a frontrunner in the trend toward lower-proof beverages.

Two of Paso’s finest olive oil producers, Pasolivo and Kiler Ridge Olive Farm, can be found across Vineyard Drive and the roads leading to two canyon roads.

Each offers entertaining and informative samples that will alter your perspective on olive oil for the better.

Address: Vineyard Dr. Paso Robles, CA

3. Visit Adelaida Vineyards (Rhone Vineyards & Scenic Tours)

• Distance from Paso Robles: 10.7 miles
• Drive time: 20 minutes

Adelaida Road is renowned as the home to some of the best Rhone and Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in California, as well as it is breathtaking scenery and high elevation.

Take a stroll down Adelaida to learn more about wine than what’s offered in a tasting room since several wineries in Adelaida advertise exciting tours and tastings through their vineyards. 

Hiking trips, horseback riding excursions, and wine tastings can all be arranged at Halter Ranch, and you can also enjoy a red-carpet wine and meal pairing at DAOU, located atop DAOU Mountain. 

Near the crossroads of Vineyard Drive and Adelaida Road, Paso Robles is home to two of the world’s most renowned vineyards.

As the first winery in Paso to have a wine awarded a perfect score of 100, JUSTIN showed the world that the best Cabernet Sauvignon was produced in other regions outside Napa. 

Tablas Creek, a pioneer in eco-friendly practices, comes in at number two since Tablas was one of the first to import Rhône grape varieties, including Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Grenache Blanc, to California, so you can thank them for the delicious wines you’ve been drinking all this time.

Address: 5805 Adelaida Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446

4. Explore Lake Nacimiento (Dragon-Shaped Lake Adventure)

• Distance from Paso Robles: 17.9 miles
• Drive time: 27 minutes

Lake Nacimiento, also called “The Dragon” because of its unusual pattern of rivers, bays, and twisting tributaries, is located just outside town.

Water and environment lovers will adore the lake and its surrounding hills and trees, and the extensive, immaculate trails around “Lake Naci” are outdoor activities.

The lake is also full of many fish species, and its 165 miles of shoreline make it easy to choose the ideal spot to throw your line.

You can also stroll with your dog along the well-groomed dog path, exploring the area’s oak-studded hillsides and picturesque lake views is a breeze from the marina viewpoint.

Paddle around the famed dragon-shaped lake and discover its peaceful, winding inlets as water is released from the dam throughout the summer; Lake Nacimiento’s shoreline shifts every week.

You can also enjoy the altered landscape by exploring shallower, less exposed areas with kids of all ages.

Address: 10625 Nacimiento Lake Drive Bradley, CA 93915

Also see our article on Bachelor Party Ideas in California.

Road Trips in Atascadero, California

1. Begin at Hush Harbor Artisan Bakery (Family-Owned Bakery)

• Distance from Atascadero: 0.1 miles
• Drive time: 2 minutes

This bakery and café is owned and operated by a family, so you can have a hearty breakfast before you head off to enjoy your weekend. 

All the baked items, including various artisan loaves of bread, are produced from scratch daily in the shop so that every customer will be served freshly made pastries.

You will also enjoy the fantastic, warm, inviting ambiance and the locally sourced food.

Every day at lunch, as well as Saturday mornings, they serve breakfast and lunch menus like sandwiches and salads, which are some of the more popular options for lunch. 

Daily sales of homemade soups are offered during the fall and winter months. 

Their slices of bread are prepared without any chemicals or preservatives, and our lunch foods are constructed using the most current products available.

Address: 5735 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA93422

2. Explore Margarita Adventures (Ziplining & Outdoor Thrills)

• Distance from Atascadero: 9.2 miles
• Drive time: 9 minutes

Are you seeking an outdoor adventure to test your courage with the whole family?

This outdoor zipline in San Margarita is worth trying because it offers many outdoor activities that suit you best.

An outdoor zipline tour is a great way to see a bird’s eye perspective of the rolling hills, wineries, and wildlife in San Margarita.

Your fears will likely be tested when you experience things like flying through the air or walking on their swaying suspension bridge.

Margarita Adventures offers the best nature experience for the whole family, and it does so by providing access to six incredible zip lines.

But if you want something more tranquil, you must sign up for one of their wildlife Buggy trips or kayak adventures at Santa Margarita Lake.

Address: 22719 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita, CA93453

3. Unwind at the Dinner Downtown (Italian Cuisine & Nighttime Stroll)

• Distance from Atascadero: 2 miles
• Drive time: 4 minutes

Stroll through Downtown Atascadero and its numerous quaint stores and art galleries as the evening draws to a close making it more lively and vibrant, appealing to all visitors and locals. 

Afterward, go to La Donna’s Dinner House and Cocktail Lounge, which now features outside seating, to indulge in genuine Italian cuisine and a tasty nightcap. 

And while you’re there, make a detour to stop at the nearby Sunken Gardens to view the illuminated historical Atascadero City Hall, fountain, and statues with an epic background worth knowing.

You can also end the night by spending your time at a cafe for a cup of coffee or tea at the Bru Coffeehouse, which is famous for a mug of Stumptown coffee or a cup of 5 Mountains tea, a healthy smoothie, or a slice of our vegetarian quiche. 

They assert they provide the best latte on the Central Coast, but you must judge whether this is true.

Address: 6195 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422

4. Visit Atascadero Lake Park (Lakeside Trails & Relaxing Picnics)

• Distance from Atascadero: 2 miles
• Drive time: 4 minutes

Atascadero Lake Park is a vast open space with picnic sites, a lakeside walking trail, a gazebo, and other attractions perfect for taking in the scenery after hiking.

The park is also dedicated to the Charles Paddock Zoo, which is the only zoo in the city, as well as the Faces of Freedom Veterans Memorial, both of which are much-liked attractions in the area and have recently reopened following the implementation of updated safety measures.

All seasons find locals and tourists flocking to this park, and the picturesque lake only adds to Atascadero’s allure.

A trail runs along the water’s edge, perfect for a stroll, jog, or bike ride, and the park also features a zoo, a small and a big BBQ area, horseshoe pits, a children’s play area, sailboats, bicycle rentals, fitness stations, and restrooms.

You can call (805) 470-3360 for details or to secure a grilling spot since they are also open for outdoor picnics, especially with the view they have.

Address: 9305 Pismo Ave, Atascadero, CA 93422

5. Stop by Charles Paddock Zoo (Educational & Fun Animal Encounters)

• Distance from Atascadero: 2 miles
• Drive time: 4 minutes

Visit the Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero to have fun and learn valuable information about animals and their lives. 

This quaint location is an affiliate of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and provides a haven to many different animal species originating from all corners of the globe. 

Before going to the zoo, parents need to get a copy of the animal report and activity guide by downloading them first because it will help them understand the dos and don’ts of the place.

Charles Paddock Zoo gives its full attention and resources to the protection of native as well as non-native species. 

The zoo is the place to go if you want to personally see some of the most unique and exotic creatures on the planet.

Also, they provide a wide variety of options available to their customers, such as birthday parties, camps, and classes.

Address: 9100 Morro Road, Atascadero, CA 93422

If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Attractions, Lakes, and Mountains in California.

Looking beyond California? Check out our article on the best Road Trips in Texas and Florida.