California is known for its stunning coastlines, majestic mountains, and diverse landscapes. The Golden State is home to some of the best road trips in the world. Whether you are a local or a first-time visitor, there’s always something new to discover along these scenic highways. Here are some of the best road trips in California, ranging from the coast to the mountains.
Pacific Coast Highway
One of the most iconic road trips in California is the Pacific Coast Highway. This stunning drive takes you along the rugged California coastline, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and picturesque towns along the way. The route starts in Monterey and ends in Morro Bay, covering a distance of about 123 miles. Some of the highlights of this road trip include the Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and the charming town of Cambria. Be sure to take your time on this road trip and stop at the many lookout points to fully appreciate its beauty.
Route 395
Route 395 is a lesser-known road trip that is filled with natural wonders and hidden gems. The route runs along the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, with stunning mountain vistas, scenic lakes, and historic ghost towns. This road trip is best done in the fall when the leaves change colors and the crowds thin out. Some of the highlights of this road trip include Mono Lake, Mammoth Lakes, and the ghost town of Bodie.
Death Valley
Death Valley is a unique and otherworldly destination that is best explored by car. This road trip takes you through the heart of Death Valley National Park, with stunning landscapes that vary from salt flats to sand dunes to mountain peaks. The best time to explore Death Valley is in the winter when temperatures are more manageable. Some of the highlights of this road trip include the Badwater Basin, Dante’s View, and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful and iconic parks in the United States. The park is known for its stunning granite cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and lush forests. The best way to explore Yosemite is by car, with many scenic drives and viewpoints along the way. The most popular route is the Tioga Road, which takes you through Yosemite’s high country and offers stunning views of the park’s iconic landmarks. Some of the highlights of this road trip include Tuolumne Meadows, Olmsted Point, and Tenaya Lake.
Big Sur
Big Sur is a scenic coastal drive that offers some of the most breathtaking views of the California coast. The route runs from San Simeon to Carmel and covers a distance of about 90 miles. The drive takes you along winding roads with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains. Some of the highlights of this road trip include McWay Falls, Bixby Bridge, and Point Sur Lighthouse.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a stunning alpine lake that straddles the border of California and Nevada. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains and offers a host of outdoor activities. The best way to explore Lake Tahoe is by car, with many scenic drives and viewpoints along the way. Some of the highlights of this road trip include Emerald Bay, Sand Harbor, and the drive up to Mount Rose Summit.
Highway 1
Highway 1 is California’s longest state route, running from San Diego to Leggett. The route takes you along the coast with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and charming coastal towns along the way. Some of the highlights of this road trip include San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The California section of the route is known as the Pacific Coast Highway, which we mentioned earlier.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a surreal and spiritual destination that is best explored by car. The park is known for its unique rock formations, otherworldly landscapes, and Joshua trees. The best time to explore Joshua Tree is in the winter when temperatures are cooler. Some of the highlights of this road trip include Keys View, Skull Rock, and the Cholla Cactus Garden.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer the coast or the mountains, California has some of the best road trips in the world. From the iconic Pacific Coast Highway to the surreal landscapes of Joshua Tree, the Golden State offers a host of unforgettable road trip experiences. Plan your next road trip and discover the beauty of California’s diverse landscapes.