California has over 1,000 miles of its own coastline, as well as dramatic deserts, mountains and national parks — making it one of the world’s best places to take a road trip. The diversity from ocean drives to inland landscapes is what makes the experience. With that said, the breadth of what there is to cover makes planning a California road trip seem overwhelming at first.
If you’re looking for a short coastal drive, or an epic journey that takes you through national parks, this will help you map it out in a way that makes sense.
What’s the Best Route for a California Road Trip?
With so many options for the ultimate California road trip, with about 655 miles from San Diego to Leggett, the Pacific Coast Highway (also known as Highway 1) is what you want. It is regarded as the most scenic drive in the state as it closely tracks the coastline almost continuously, with ocean views all along.
Although, it is not the only choice. A faster, less scenic route would be inland Interstate 5; the Eastern Sierra route provides mountain views and fewer people. To help deliver a vastly different, desert-enabled, perspective on the ride there sits a section of historic Route 66 between Barstow and Needles.
How Long Does It Take to Road Trip California?
You can do a California road trip in as few as seven days, but that iteration pulls off the highlights and hops quickly between Los Angeles, Big Sur and San Francisco. If that works you’re pressed for time, but it doesn’t allow much flexibility for detours or slower travel.
So reciprocally a more balanced one takes about two weeks. That was to help track the Pacific Coast Highway, but it’s also a more comfortable approach, and it adds in places like Napa Valley; you could even go farther north toward the redwood regions. At this pace, the journey comes to feel complete rather than rushed.
For those who want to experience California more completely, a twenty-one day itinerary reveals new landscapes entirely. You could add on national parks like Yosemite National Park, Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park to make it a much more varied road trip than just a coastal drive.
Top Stops You Can’t Miss On The Trip
The coastal part is what most people think of first.
Los Angeles and Malibu
Begin in Los Angeles, where the coast is a way of life. Neighborhoods such as Santa Monica and Venice Beach establish a laid-back, surf-centric vibe. Even as you drive into Malibu, the highway tracks just above the ocean, giving long and loose coastal sightlines.
Santa Barbara
Its Mediterranean-style architecture and relaxed tempo may not make you forget the alarm buttons you’ve been pressing in your near-time zones, but it gives this network of lanes a slight European touch.
Big Sur
This is where the drive gets properly racy. Big Sur is famous for hairpin turns, sheer cliffs and expansive ocean views. Landmarks such as Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls make this one of the trip’s more picturesque stretches.
Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea
This place offers a quieter, more laid-back coastal experience. The villages are great places to slow down and appreciate a quieter aspect of the journey.
San Francisco
San Francisco adds a striking city counterpoint. Towering above, paired with the crown of structures like the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s a dramatic departure from the natural scenery lining the coast.
Yosemite National Park
It is famous for its colossal granite cliffs, waterfalls and limitless open spaces in nature.Classified as a World Heritage Site.
Joshua Tree National Park
Known for its wild and very different desert geography, outcroppings and a harsh, open environment.
Death Valley National Park
This place pushes the extremes even harder. It is one of the warmest places on Earth, with sites like Badwater Basin sitting below sea level.
Sequoia National Park
In the Sierra Nevada, Sequoia National Park houses some of the biggest trees in the world, such as the renowned General Sherman Tree.
Lake Tahoe
Further north, Lake Tahoe provides a crisp alpine backdrop. Famous for its blue, clear water, it’s a year-round venue for outdoors pursuits.
San Diego
San Diego gives you that coastal, laid-back vibe. Its blend of culture, green space and laid-back city living is exemplified in spots like Balboa Park.
Napa Valley and Sonoma
Wine regions such as Napa Valley and Sonoma provide a more leisurely, indulgent pace. These stops are great places to rest, take in the sights and get off the road.
Wrapping Up
Combined, these three elements determine the overall experience. Pick the right path, go at the right time and reserve in advance, and the journey becomes much smoother and more memorable.
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