Jet setting off to far away places is one way to satisfy your wanderlust. However, another way to scratch that itch is by packing up the family, dog, cat, or just yourself and going on an unforgettable road trip.
Road trips are an amazing opportunity to see a destination through a different lens. It gives you a chance to explore places you find along the roadside, linger at a national park a little longer, or make an unexpected overnight stop at a local bed and breakfast.
A prime place for those looking to get out on the open road and explore is in California. The U.S.’s third largest state is bursting at the seams with stunning road trips, roadside attractions, national parks, and photo worthy moments.
Whether you decide to go on a long road trip or just get away for the weekend, California has something to offer everyone. To honor the Golden State’s many splendid highways, we have compiled a list of the Best Road trips in California where you can put down the top of your convertible, blare your music, and drive.
Southern California Road Trips
Southern California is known for its sun, weather, and surfing. It’s also where you can find some of the state’s most famous cities, such as Los Angeles and San Diego. You can also drive into the scenic hills that make up much of this part of the state. Check out a few of these road trips that give you some of the best sights to see in SoCal.
1. Mulholland Highway Road
The Mulholland Highway Road isn’t a long road trip, but it is memorable. This stretch of California asphalt is in Los Angeles County and connects Southern California’s two essential items: city and beach.
Beginning near Calabasas the highway winds its way through the Santa Monica Mountains popping you out near Malibu. While this road is scenic, make sure to be careful. This road can be a little dangerous at night because of the many twists and turns.
2. Temecula Valley Road Trip
No road trip through California would be complete without a drive through some vineyards. Napa Valley may be where most think of for wine, but another location in Southern California is the Temecula Valley.
You can head out to this area from Los Angeles on your trip or if you are staying a couple of nights in LA, try looking into a Temecula wine tour so you can let someone else navigate the LA traffic for you.
3. Rim of the World Scenic Highway
The Rim of the World road trip is the Inland Empire byway that takes your breath away by hugging the edge of the ridges of the Cajon Pass all the way to San Bernandino.
The road keeps you on your toes with steep cliff sides, but makes up for it with stunning views of the San Bernardino Mountains. This is a nice alternative to the more busy roadways you may find other travelers using.
Northern California Road Trips
Northern California is vastly different than its southern counterpart, but it is no less spectacular. Where cities and beaches are the main attraction in the South, redwood forests, vineyards, and large national parks are what make this part of the state worthy of a drive.
1. Pacific North Coast Drive
This scenic drive stretches from Northern California through Oregon and all the way up into Washington. It is part of the larger Pacific Coast highway, but this chunk is a nice reprieve from the warm weather down south and provides amazing views of the rugged coastline and smaller seaside towns of Northern California.
2. Yosemite National Park
This massive park is part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is famous for its massive sequoia trees, Bridalveil Falls, towering peaks, and granite cliffs. You can drive along this park as part of a larger Northern California road trip or stay a few days and check out the Yosemite village and lodges.
3. Napa Valley
If you’re going for a traditional wine tour of Northern California, then try spending a nice weekend doing a wine tour of Napa Valley. You can pop from one winery to the next while taking in the sprawling vineyards and nearby small towns that make this part of California so luxurious and desirable.
California Road Trips in December
One of the best things about California road trips is that you can do them anytime of the year. With California’s moderate climate, you can take a road trip even in the dead of winter.
This can be an alternative vacation during winter break than flying to a resort or staying home. You can visit holiday attractions on the road or take in some of the local festivities in cities like San Francisco, San Diego, or Sacramento.
Another reason why taking a road trip in December in California is a great option is because you can visit some of California’s top attractions when it is cooler out. For example, Death Valley or Joshua Tree National Park during the winter can be a chance to explore in the off-season.
If you’re looking to avoid the holiday rushes in the city, try heading out into Northern California and catching Christmas in smaller towns such as Mendocino or Solvang which was named one of the “Most Christmassy Towns in America.”
Top Roadside Attractions in California
Everyone who’s ever gone on a road trip knows that one of the best parts is visiting roadside attractions. These can either be spending a day at a national or state park or discovering the amazingness that is a giant ball of twine. If you’re planning a California road trip to get away, consider adding these attractions to your list of places to see.
1. Trees of Mystery
If the Redwood forest is on your road trip, pull off of U.S. Route 101 and check out this park that features interesting trails through the forest, mysterious tree formations, and a giant Paul Bunyun statue.
2. Salvation Mountain
Salvation Mountain is a manmade mountain that was created by a local resident as a visionary mount that is covered in paint, religious items, and sayings. It is said to have been created after the resident had visions at the location.
3. Mysterious Winchester House
For those interested in the supernatural, pull over to check out the Winchester House. The house was built by a descendant of the Winchester family that made the famous Winchester rifles.
The descendent believed she was haunted by the individuals that were killed by her family’s invention so she had the home built in interesting architecture with stairs leading to nowhere, twists and turns, and doors that open to a walls.
4. Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
Art comes in all shapes and sizes, so why not stretch your legs on your journey at this pitstop that features a literal tiny forest of sculptures made out of glass bottles and assorted items.
Most Scenic Drive in California
It’s hard to pick the most scenic drive in California, what with the Pacific Coast Highway, the Death Valley Scenic Byway, and the Santa Barbara Wine Route. However, one that usually tops the list for many is the Big Sur Coastal Route.
This specific part of Highway 1 in California is a cut above the rest because of its scenic views of the California coastline. It takes you near the vertical cliffs of the coastline, the Bixby Bridge that makes you feel like you are flying over the water, and mountain views to fill your heart. There are also plenty of pit stops along the way to make this journey last even longer like the small beach village of Cayucos or spending the day in Monterrey.
What makes this drive one of the best is that it takes you through every element that makes California, the coast, the cities, the desert, the forests, and quirky pit stops you will never forget.
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