California has it all, from golden beaches to towering redwood forests, rolling vineyards to snow-capped mountains. California, her third largest state in the United States, has vast expanses and varied topographical landscapes that make for some of the most beautiful road trips in the world. Whether you love rugged coastlines or fresh mountain air, sit back, relax, and embark on this amazing California road trip.
Santa Cruz to Pacifica – 67 miles
On one side of the road between Santa Cruz and Pacifica, fields of wildflowers hug rolling hills, while on the other, rocky cliffs plunge into the crashing waves of the wild Pacific Ocean below. I am. Explore rides on the boardwalk and watch surfers ride the waves along West Cliff Drive in the laid-back beach town of Santa Cruz, then begin your journey north to Davenport. Perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, this quaint little town is so blink-and-you’ll miss it that it’s best known for its two quirky restaurants: Davenport Roadhouse and Whale City Bakery.
After a lunch of clam chowder or calamari, continue north.pass by Swanton Berry Farm Visit a series of rugged beaches before stopping to see elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park. Next stop is the historic Pigeon Point Lighthouse, built in 1871 and the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States. As you watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, enter the beautiful town of Pacifica and grab a bite to eat at Taco Bell, the “World’s Most Beautiful Taco Bell,” located on the shores of Pacifica State Beach.
Carmel to Pismo Beach – 168 miles
The 168-mile stretch along the rugged California coast between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pismo Beach is one of the most spectacular road trips in the world. On one side, towering mountains soar to the sky, and on the other, cliffs drop precariously to the sea. Rugged rocks dot the coastline, creating a spectacular view of rough waves crashing onto the shore after a long journey across the Pacific Ocean. Stop at Bixby Bridge Vista his point at the beginning of this rugged and windy drive to take photos of the famous Bixby Bridge. His Bixby Bridge, the most photographed bridge on the West Coast of the United States, was built in 1930 and is one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world.
Next, stop at Big Sur Bakery for amazing cinnamon rolls and wood-fired pizza, then continue south on Highway 1 to Big Sur’s Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, the best place to see California’s redwoods Enjoy a spirited hike through one of the most beautiful places. Another 105 miles south is Hearst Castle, a road trip highlight. Published in 1919 by King William Randolph Hearst Castle, a grand historic mansion built by Hearst, is one of his most visited historic buildings in California. After touring the 165-room castle, continue the final 53 miles to Pismo Beach and stay at one of his quirky retro-style motels along the beach. Note: Highway 1 is often closed during the winter due to landslides, so be sure to check for closures before traveling.
Sacramento to Yosemite – 141 miles
There’s a reason Yosemite National Park is the fifth most visited national park in the United States. As soon as you enter its magnificent borders, you feel as if you have stepped into a magical realm. Granite peaks tower overhead, waterfalls drop hundreds of feet into the valley floor, and vast numbers of animals roam freely through the picturesque landscape. Yosemite is a great destination in itself, but the road trip to get there is half the fun.
Begin your journey in the state capital of Sacramento, a once-bustling Wild West town best known as the starting point of the 1849 California Gold Rush. Take a historic walking tour beneath Old Sacramento, then continue south on State Route 99. Pass through the golden fields of the Central Valley, then head east toward Angel’s Camp, a rustic town in the gold rush countryside. Angel’s Camp was one of the most important mining communities in the Mother Lode region during the gold rush. Feel like you’ve been transported back in time as you walk down Main Street past 19th-century storefronts. Then continue on State Route 4 to Mercer Cave, just outside the town of Murphys. These spectacular caves, formed 12 million years ago, offer guided tours and stunning examples of stalactites and stalagmites.
Before arriving in Yosemite, stop by the charming Columbia State Historic Park for an hour or two. This once gold rush mining town is perfectly preserved. You can also mine for gold, visit historic taverns, and ride a stagecoach. Finally, drive the final 108 miles to Yosemite Valley Vista Point. This is a great lookout point for a bird’s-eye view of California’s most popular national park. This drive is incredibly beautiful in the fall, when gold rush country’s foliage is at its peak.
Volcanoes of Northern California – 216 miles
California is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a geological belt surrounding the Pacific Ocean, and is a hotspot for volcanic and seismic activity. So it’s no wonder California has more than seven volcanoes. Although most have not erupted in the past few thousand years, they are still considered potentially dangerous because molten lava still remains deep within their cores. Although the threat of an eruption is unlikely, driving past these majestic volcanoes is very likely to leave you in awe of these natural wonders.
Travel north on Interstate 5 for 263 miles, then east on State Route 36 to Mineral. This is where the 30-mile Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway (State Route 89) begins. The one-hour walk takes you past the Sulfur Works hydrothermal area, Emerald Lake, and towering Lassen Peak. Continue north on CA 89, also known as the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, to Mount Shasta. Shasta-Trinity National Forest’s popular ski area and stratovolcano, Mount Shasta, last erupted 3,200 years ago. Before getting back on Interstate 5, stop by the Mount Shasta Sisson Museum to learn about local history.
San Francisco to Mendocino through wine country – 189 miles
Northern California’s most famous wine region offers some of California’s best road trips. In California, a whopping 84 percent of American wine is produced in Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties, just 80 miles north of San Francisco. This beautiful region is home to more than 800 wineries, and its narrow highways lined with rolling vineyards are backed by crisp blue skies most of the year.
Off Route 12 is Domaine Carneros, a French-style winery modeled after a historic mansion in France’s Champagne region. Sip a pinot noir or sparkling wine on the outdoor terrace and head to Yountville, home to a three-star Michelin restaurant where foodies flock. french laundry. If you’ve planned ahead and managed to secure your coveted reservation, you’re in luck! Otherwise, head to Calistoga’s elegant chateau Her Montelena. This European-style winery has perfected its Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc over the past 140 years and is one of the oldest wineries in the region. Finally, drive the final 100 miles through the redwood forests of California’s coastal mountains to the peaceful coastal community of Mendocino. Check into Stamford Inn by the Sea and enjoy a cozy stay with stunning views and a renowned plant-based restaurant.
Whether you’re drinking wine in Napa, walking among giant redwood forests, or eating tacos on the beaches of Pacifica, these California road trips promise to provide truly unforgettable experiences. To do.
