13+ of the Best California Road Trips to Take Any Time of the Year

California, the third-largest state in the United States has a lot to offer. With over 163,000 square miles to explore, California offers a diverse range of activities and makes for a perfect state to go on a Road Trip! Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco make for great cities to start a road trip. The following are some of the best California Road Trips.

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The Best California Road Trips from Los Angeles

Los Angeles to Death Valley

By Monica from This Rare Earth

The desert is my favorite place and makes for one of the best California road trips. I spend as much time in that environment as possible, whether at home or abroad.  I have road-tripped from Los Angeles to Death Valley National Park a number of times. It is a road trip that everyone should experience!  The nature both in the park and along the way is unbelievable. 

Death Valley is an amazing National Park in California, roughly 215 miles and 3.5 hours outside of Los Angeles.  I recommend a minimum of three days for your trip so that you have at least one full day in Death Valley National Park.

Leave Los Angeles as early as possible on day one.  About an hour north, off of State Highway 14, is the famous Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park.  The area may look familiar as it has starred in various movies and TV shows over the years.  Come prepared for a bit of hiking (you can climb and hike the rocks at your own risk), but know that the park closes at 5pm. 

Another great option for unbelievable rock formations can be found another hour north on State Highway 14 at Red Rock Canyon State Park.  This can also be saved for the drive back if you are returning to Los Angeles.

In another two hours, you will reach your destination: Death Valley National Park. Death Valley is the largest of US National Parks outside of Alaska. There is a lot of land to cover! You will see mountains, sand dunes, deep canyons, and salt flats inside of this more than 5,000 square mile park. 

Some of my personal favorites are the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and enjoy the sunset at Zabriskie Point.  When you are ready to call it a night, there are cabins and hotels both inside and outside of the park to choose from.  

Los Angeles to Joshua Tree Via Palm Springs

By Vivien and Aaron Salyer of The Dharma Trails

This trip is perfect for a weekend getaway with a partner or friends, or for those who just want to get out of the Los Angeles hustle for a few days. Starting from Los Angeles, the trip to Palm Springs is around 125 miles which can take around 2.5 hours and is one of the best California road trips.

A great stopping point on the way into Palm Springs is the windmill farms. One of the best places to see these iconic towers with stunning mountain backdrops is along the Indian Canyon Drive (which is right off the I-10). If you are a succulent lover be sure to check out the Moorten Botanical Garden in Palm Springs. These gardens boast an impressive array of rare cactus from around the world.

Stay at least one night in Palm Springs to admire the sun setting through tall palms over the art deco homes. Vista Las Palmas is a great neighborhood. From Palm Springs it’s only around 40 miles (one-hour drive) to the Joshua Tree northern entrance.

Once you have checked out of your Palm Springs stay, make your way through the Yucca Valley. Yucca has some quirky thrift stores along Twenty-nine Palms Highway. Then, spend the afternoon driving through Joshua Tree National Park.

There are some great Joshua Tree glamping sites nearby to spend the night so you can get the most out of the desert sunsets. It is also well worth waking up for the sunrise too.

If you want a little taste of the California desert, this two-night itinerary has got you covered. For those who have more time, two nights at each location is ideal. This makes it one of the best California road trips.

Los Angeles to Las Vegas via Highway 395

By Emily Mandagie of The Mandagies

One of the best California road trips is driving between Los Angeles, via Highway 395 to Las Vegas. Between these two major cities, you can experience the beautifully isolated deserts of Southern California, and experience stunning views and long highway drives.

The total trip distance is 550 miles and will take 9 hours of driving. I recommend spending three days on the road. Opt to stay in Alabama Hills and again in Death Valley to break up the long driving days.

Along the way, you will drive through some of the most iconic places in Southern California. Alabama Hills is known for its amazing free camping and rock climbing opportunities. In the morning, stop by Movie Road to snap a popular picture of the glowing sunrise that lights up the distance Mount Whitney in the distance with oranges and pinks.

After Alabama Hills, make your way to Death Valley National Park, where you can take Highway 190 and drive through popular parts of this national park. You can easily see Death Valley in one day, which makes it a fun park to drive through on your way to Las Vegas. Must-see stops here include the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, and Father Crowley’s Overlook.

This California road trip is best taken in the off-season (fall/winter/spring) to avoid the high temperatures in the desert!

Los Angeles to San Diego

By Erin McLaughlin from The Gal On The Go

If you are living in Los Angeles, getting out of the city every so often is a must! Luckily, there are many easy road trips to explore, one of them being a drive down south to sunny San Diego! This one-day trip is 124 miles between both destinations and takes a little over 2 hours going straight through. However, with any good road trip, there are fun things to see along the way!

Halfway through your drive, cruise over to San Clemente State Beach for an easy stop to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the gorgeous California coast. Spends at least an hour here soaking up the sun.

About 40 minutes before arriving in San Diego, be sure to make a stop at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad. Allow at least two hours to take in the stunning multi-colors fields of fresh ranunculus. Since the flowers are seasonal, this stop is only available beginning of March through mid-May, but is highly recommended!

Admission is $18 for adults and wagon rides are $6. There is even a short flower maze featured as well as a greenhouse that is fun to tour. As your road trip is winding down, soon enough you will be at your final destination in San Diego. This makes for one of the best California road trips.

Los Angeles to San Francisco 

By Manpreet Kaur of Hello Manpreet

One of the best California road trips, without a doubt is the drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco. This route sees a lot of people making the journey on Fridays and Sundays as both cities are fantastic for a weekend getaway.

If you choose the quickest route, which is mainly inland, it is about 380 miles. However, for a more scenic route, take the drive along the coast which will pass through via Santa Marina. This route will take you alongside the Pacific Ocean and add a worthwhile 50 miles on to the journey. If you love wine, make sure to stop in Paso Robles along the way!

Ideally, you will want to have 2 nights, 3 days in San Francisco, which is ample time to see all the best bits. These include a drive along the Golden Gate Bridge, stopping on either side to get amazing photos like the ones we see in the movies.

Visit Alcatraz Island, home to the famous federal prison which was built 2 miles off the coast on a small island that no prisoner could escape. If you are taking kids with you, then you must visit the Palace of Fine Arts. You will be welcomed by a beautifully constructed, almost Roman Empire type structure before visiting the number of interactive exhibitions on display.

There are plenty of hotels available throughout the city, and ideally, you will want to stay as close to Union Square as possible. This enables you to access all parts of the city fairly swiftly.

The Best California Road Trips from San Francisco

San Francisco to Monterey

By Kelli of The Vanabond Tales

Highway 1 runs the coast between San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the historic seaside town of Monterey offering one of the most scenic stretches of coastline highway in the world. This 120-mile road trip takes just over two hours one-way without stops and is one of the best California road trips. It makes for an easy day trip or weekend getaway.

As you drive down this stunning coastal route you will see some of California’s dramatic coastline, featuring cliffs, viewpoints, sandy beaches, tidal pools, rock formations, and plenty of wildlife. Spot otters, seals, sea lions, and even whales.

There is so much to see on this short stretch of highway that you could spend days pulling into each headland, hiking trail, state park, beach, and surf town. Highlights of the road trip include:

• Hiking, viewpoints and surf beaches in Pacifica
• The cliffs of Gray Whale Cove where you can hike to the headland to spot whales between April and May and August to October
• The pretty Half Moon Bay and Poplar Beach
• Seals and tide pools at Bean Hollow State Beach
• Historic Pigeon Point Lighthouse
• The elephant seals of Año Nuevo State Park
• Sights like Shark Fin Cove, Natural Bridges, and the Wharf in the surf town of Santa Cruz
• 17-mile drive in Monterrey a scenic drive featuring viewpoints, famous golf courses, and forests of Cyprus tree and Monterey pine

After a full day of exploring the coastline, head back to San Francisco. You can also continue the journey south toward Big Sur or inland to Monterey’s wine country. Check out more road trip ideas at The Vanabond Tales.

San Francisco to Redwoods State Park

By Constance of The Adventures of Panda Bear

California is full of beautiful trips to take and one of the most scenic and best California road trips is from San Francisco to Fort Bragg, Mendocino, and the coastal redwoods. This trip is also an amazing way to see beautiful parts of northern California, especially the cute coastal towns and some of the tallest trees in the world. 

This amazing 3 to 4 day northern California road trip starts in San Francisco with stops in Fort Bragg and Mendocino before reaching the coastal redwoods at Humboldt Redwoods State Park for a total of 333 miles. 

In Fort Bragg, be sure to stop by the city’s infamous Glass Beach. The Glass Beach is a remnant from the 1900s when people used to treat the ocean as a garbage disposal, throwing glass bottles into the ocean to be “rid” of the trash. Over the years the glass pieces would tumble in the ocean eventually creating an entire beach full of sea glass. 

Mendocino is well known for its beautiful bluffs along the Pacific coast. Hike in Mendocino Headlands State Park along the coastal trail and you’ll see wildflowers and take in amazing views of the cliffs.  

Humboldt Redwoods State Park has so many beautiful trails to explore. It is the perfect place to visit for a taste of nature. Driving along the Avenue of the Giants is an absolute must, and you will get a chance to see some of the tallest trees in the world. This road trip is one of the best road trips you could possibly do along the northern California coast.

San Francisco to Yosemite Loop

By Julie of More than Main Street

When planning one of the best California road trips, consider this epic 10 day California road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite and back. In around 550 miles roundtrip, you will get to experience some of the best the Golden State has to offer.

Begin your road trip in San Francisco. Check out the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Lombard Street, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Then head south to Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Big Sur. Make sure to stop at the world-class Monterey Aquarium, drive the iconic 17-mile drive by Pebble Beach, and take in the stunning views off Highway 1.

Next, you will head to Yosemite National Park. An outdoor paradise, you must see Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and El Capitan. There is no shortage of adventures at Yosemite National Park from hiking, climbing, bouldering, camping, even river rafting.

Once you have had your fill of nature, a stop in wine country on the way back is a must! Stop in Napa Valley and Sonoma to sample some of the country’s best food and wine. For the kid in all of us, take a little detour and pop into the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield along the way.

Finally, get ready to be awed by the giant redwoods in Muir Woods. An absolute must-do while in California, it’s a stop you will not regret. End your road trip back in the city of San Francisco with memories to last a lifetime.

Other Best California Road Trips to Take

Eastern Sierras to Death Valley

By Allison of She Dreams of Alpine

A road trip along the Eastern Sierras will take you through some of the most amazing outdoor spaces in California, from Yosemite to Death Valley and many stops in between. It is one of the best California road trips. The drive from Yosemite to Death Valley covers approximately 230 miles. Although this takes about four hours straight through, you will really want to take at least 5-7 days to fully experience all the outdoor adventures along the way.

You will start your road trip in Yosemite National Park. Make sure to take a few days to explore the grandeur of its granite walls on many of the epic hikes in Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome or the Clouds Rest hike. Also check out Tuolumne Meadows for sweeping views of a different variety, featuring the grand meadow, alpine lakes, and wildflowers.

From Yosemite, head out of the park and make your way to Mammoth Lakes. Here you can hike, fish, camp, and relax in the natural hot springs. You can also stop for a bit in Bishop to do some rock climbing or mountain biking in a beautiful setting.

Then continue on to Lone Pine, the gateway to Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states. If you’re lucky enough to get a permit, you can hike Mt. Whitney on the long, strenuous yet rewarding trail to the 14,505 summit, or you can simply view the soaring peak from afar.

Finally, you will finish your road trip in Death Valley. Here you can visit the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin. You can also see the gorgeous sand dunes of Mesquite Flats. Hopefully, you will have a camera full of photos at this point, otherwise, it might be hard to believe that all the stunning sights you saw along one of the best California road trips were real!

Joshua Tree to Las Vegas 

By Helena Kreis of Through An Aussies Eyes

Road-tripping is one of my favorite types of adventures. My road trip from Joshua Tree National Park, California to Las Vegas, Nevada definitely did not disappoint and is one of the best California road trips.  This epic road trip is only about 186 miles and it is across a very unique landscape. There are a few different routes you could travel along to get to Las Vegas with views of either deserts or lakes and rivers. It really depends on what you feel like on the day.

While you could easily do this road trip in one day, I would highly recommend taking your time and having at least one stopover. If you are traveling in an RV, you have multiple options of RV campsites so you can really get exploring.

For stopovers, you have got some great options. These include the Mojave National Preserve, Lake Havasu City (Arizona), Lake Mead, and a section of the famous Route 66 to just name a few. Mojave is a beautiful national park with cinder cone volcanoes and a large Joshua Tree forest.

Lake Havasu City is a unique town with its own London Bridge. It has a lake that is so inviting you will not be able to resist its calls. Lake Mead lies on the Colorado River and is the perfect destination for any water sports; think boating, tubing, and fishing to name a few.

Route 66 stretches across the entire USA but you can go to the town of Needles. Needles is known as the ‘Gateway to California’ and see classic Route 66 motels and stores.

Lake Tahoe to Los Angeles

By Nicole Sunderland of Eat Live Travel Drink

Lake Tahoe to Los Angeles is one of the best California road trips. The beauty of this road trip is that there is more than one way to go. For those who seek a more naturalistic vibe, the trip is 442 miles and the shortest option. If you are after stopping in big cities, the trip is just a bit longer coming in at 491 miles, but it is mostly highway driving. If you plan to make the recommended stops, the drive is 573 miles in total.

Start your road trip to Los Angeles in Lake Tahoe, but before you leave, don’t miss the chance to see the crystal clear waters of Sand Harbor. Since the drive itself can easily be done in a day, you should plan for one to two overnight stays. Not because the drive is hard, but because of the incredible stops along the way.

The first place you should stop on your trip to Los Angeles is Mammoth Lakes. The drive is about 140 miles (2 hours and 37 minutes of your trip) and is absolutely stunning. It will remind you of Lake Tahoe and it is just gorgeous! Hiking and lake opportunities galore.

For your second stop, do not miss Sequoia National Forest! The drive is 245 miles and about 4.5 hours drive from Mammoth Lakes. This forest is known for its giant Sequoias and they are stunning!

From Sequoia National Forest, you can get to Los Angeles in about 3 hours and 41 minutes (about 188 miles). Los Angeles is one of the best girls trip destinations! From the food, nightlife, shopping, and city vibe. Whatever you decide to do there, you are going to have a blast.

Monterey to Big Sur 

By Monique Cordier of My Perfect Itinerary

Big Sur is located in central California directly between San Francisco and Los Angeles. This rugged coastline will give you jaw-dropping views the entire drive along with many state parks to stop and stretch your legs. It is one of the best California road trips.

The best area to start your road trip would be in the neighboring coastal towns of Carmel or Monterey. From there, head south along the coast so all of the beautiful viewpoints are on your right-hand-side. 

When I traveled to Big Sur, I drove down the coast for roughly 37 miles until I hit Julia Pfeiffer State Park and turned around to drive back, making it a fun day trip from Monterey/Carmel. If you would prefer, you can continue down the coast, all the way until you reach Los Angeles! 

If you decide to drive over 300 miles down the California coast, I would recommend breaking up the drive so you do not feel rushed. There are plenty of hotels and house rentals along the coast. Many people also prefer to camp in a beautiful oceanfront setting.

Whatever you decide to do, just make sure you save plenty of time to stop and take photos at the many pullover areas along Highway 1. Be sure not to miss all of the best viewpoints and state parks that are listed on my Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary!

San Diego – Anza Borrego – Palm Springs – Joshua Tree – Temecula – San Diego 

By Maria Haase of San Diego Explorer 

This 370-mile long Southern California road trip starts and ends in San Diego. It explores some of the most stunning desert places in the area and is one of the best California road trips.

What makes this road trip so special is that you will see and experience how diverse and stunning the California desert is. Each region has its own feel, due to terrain as well as the unique plants and wildlife you can see there.

While you can do this road trip in 3 days, I highly recommend spreading it out over 5-6 days. This way you can really experience the places you are visiting along the way, instead of just checking them off your bucket list. Here are some of the best things to do at each stop.

San Diego is a real gem and you should spend at least 1 full day there. There are a lot of things to do in San Diego, including relaxing on one of the stunning beaches, exploring Balboa Park, Old Town, or the downtown/Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. 

Anza Borrego

Your next stop on this road trip is Anza Borrego State Park. On the way, you should stop in Julian for some of the best apple pie you ever had. Aside from hiking, definitely check out the metal sculptures at Galleta Meadows in Borrego Springs. 

Palm Springs

This desert city is known for mid-century modern houses, pool parties, and fantastic art galleries and museums. In Palm Springs you will get to experience the desert in style!

Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its iconic cacti – the Joshua Tree. The spikey plants only grow in this particular region and make for a stunning landscape. 

Temecula

Temecula, Southern California’s largest wine region is one of the most popular weekend getaways from the Los Angeles and San Diego metropolitan areas, especially on the weekends. It can get quite busy, but you will have a great time exploring the various wineries and tasting their best wines. 

When you get back to San Diego, I recommend heading to La Jolla before you return your car and check out this fun and classy beach town just north of San Diego.

California has many options for road trips to take. No matter which one you choose, there is no bad choice! Some of the other best California Road Trips include Lake Tahoe to Reno, San Francisco to Sacramento and Sacramento to Medford. You could even do a road trip to all of the California National Parks. Have any other California Road Trip suggestions? Drop a comment below!

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