The 5 Best Road Trips in California

Hitting the road is the ultimate way to discover California. Fill up the gas tank and get ready for unforgettable journeys through breathtaking landscapes that captivate the heart and soul.

Prepare for unforgettable experiences as you cruise through lush wine regions, towering redwood forests, vast desert vistas, endless coastal highways, and soaring Sierra Nevada mountains. Just make sure your rental car comes with unlimited mileage—you’ll want to explore it all.

California ranks as the third-largest state in the US, offering countless weeks' worth of exploration along its scenic rural routes, far removed from the chaotic and congested interstate highways. These five iconic road trip routes are filled with enough stunning scenery to make every winding mile a pleasure.

1. Pacific Coast Highway

Ideal road trip for breathtaking ocean vistas & fall adventuresDana Point at Interstate 5–Hwy 101 in Leggett; 656 miles

Whether you traverse the full 656 miles or just enjoy a scenic section of Hwy 1, you'll find plenty of Instagram-worthy spots. From stunning sea cliffs to vibrant surf towns, playful harbor seals, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, there are endless posing opportunities.

Our top choice for classic California vibes winds along the Pacific shoreline, though officially, only the sunny segment of Hwy 1 in Orange and Los Angeles Counties can be labeled as Pacific Coast Hwy (PCH). Regardless of these specifics, the equally captivating stretches of Hwy 1 and Hwy 101 beckon travelers throughout this journey.

Local tip: For the best experience, steer clear of driving the PCH during the spring and summer months, as fog can blanket the central and northern coastlines, and the rainy season may trigger landslides. Instead, visit in September or October for the sunniest skies and ideal weather while you tick this stunning route off your bucket list.

2. Route 66

Perfect for legendary drives & weekend getawaysFrom the Arizona border near Needles to Santa Monica; 315 miles

Experience the thrill of America’s “Mother Road,” which welcomed Dust Bowl refugees, Hollywood stars, and hippies heading to California. Travel from the desert to the Pacific, stopping at nostalgic landmarks, staying in a tipi hotel, and dining in neon-lit diners.

California was the promised land at the end of a long and often lonely journey. Today, you traverse the Mojave Desert—a far cry from the past—passing through iconic western towns like Barstow and Daggett, then into the San Bernardino National Forest. Finally, you’ll reach Pasadena and Los Angeles before culminating at Hwy 1 in Santa Monica for breathtaking coastal views.

3. Gold Country and California Highway 49

Ideal for historic landscapes & family adventuresFrom Oakhurst to Nevada City; 200 miles

Travel along Hwy 49 through the rugged Sierra Nevada foothills, a bastion of gold rush lore filled with gripping, mostly true stories of outlaws, saloons, and violence.

This highway number holds historical significance, honoring the ’49ers who sought fame and fortune during California’s original Gold Rush. The route meanders through Gold Country towns like Placerville and Nevada City, past eerie Old West mines and charming Victorian structures that host inns, restaurants, and museums.

Don’t miss the captivating mix of western heritage and delightful wineries framed by breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada. Plan for three to four days to fully savor this family-friendly adventure. The summer and early fall months are the best times to embark on this journey.

Detour: Hwy 49 is conveniently close to Yosemite National Park (15 miles) and Lake Tahoe (75 miles), both excellent starting points for family camping trips and enjoying nature's wonders.

4. Avenue of the Giants

Perfect for family road trips & awe-inspiring redwoodsStafford–Highway 101 junction; 32 miles

This remarkable 32-mile stretch through Humboldt Redwoods State Park is enveloped by the tallest trees on Earth, some of which were mere seedlings during the Roman Empire. It’s truly one of California's iconic drives, where visitors often find themselves in awe, gazing up at the towering giants. Early mornings are ideal, as sunlight sparkles on the dew-kissed ferns.

The route links several quaint towns featuring vintage motels from the mid-20th century, diners offering hearty “lumberjack” fare, and spots filled with roaring Harleys.

Within the stunning groves along the Avenue, including the famed Rockefeller Grove and the Founders’ Grove, you'll find the California Federation of Women’s Clubs Grove, which features a unique four-sided hearth crafted by the acclaimed architect Julia Morgan. Enjoy walking trails that meander through these groves, perfect for embracing the trees.

5. Desert Solitaire in Death Valley

Ideal road trip for captivating moonscapes & winter or spring journeysPalm Springs–Death Valley; 290 miles

Fill up your tank and stock up on water as you embark on a road trip from Palm Springs, passing through Palm Desert and Joshua Tree to reach Death Valley. You'll be traveling the same paths that California pioneers and gold miners once took with their wagons.

In Death Valley National Park, the powerful forces of nature and history intertwine. Artists Drive offers nine miles of strikingly colored desert hills, giving you a glimpse of the area’s alluring sand dunes, water-carved canyons, moving rocks, extinct volcanic craters, lush palm oases, towering mountains, and unique plant life.

Local tip: Visit between February and April to witness vibrant spring wildflowers and enjoy milder temperatures. Allocate three days to explore attractions like Badwater Basin (the lowest point in the US), Mesquite Flat, and Emigrant & Wildrose Canyons.