Road Trips in California | Day Trips in California
What California is Known For: Hollywood, beaches, and diverse landscapes.
California’s Nickname: The Golden State
California’s Official Hobby: Surfing
California’s Most Popular State Park: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | Borrego Springs, California
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The Golden State offers an incredible variety of opportunities for California road trips, from scenic coastal drives to mountain adventures and desert explorations. Whether you’re exploring its bustling cities, charming small towns, or natural wonders, California promises an unforgettable journey.
Start your journey in the historic town of Monterey, known for its beautiful coastline and rich maritime history. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the best aquariums in the world, and explore Cannery Row, a waterfront street filled with shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks. Don’t miss the scenic 17-Mile Drive, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and iconic landmarks like the Lone Cypress.
Drive to the picturesque town of Santa Barbara, often referred to as the “American Riviera” for its Mediterranean-style architecture and beautiful beaches. Stroll along State Street to enjoy shopping and dining, visit the Santa Barbara Mission to learn about the region’s history, and relax at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, which showcases California native plants.
Head north to the charming town of Mendocino, located on the rugged Northern California coast. Known for its Victorian architecture and thriving arts community, Mendocino offers stunning coastal views and numerous outdoor activities. Explore the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and take a hike in the nearby Russian Gulch State Park.
Don’t miss the scenic beauty of Lake Tahoe, a year-round destination offering a wide range of outdoor activities. In the summer, enjoy hiking, boating, and fishing, while winter brings opportunities for skiing and snowboarding at world-class resorts. Visit the charming town of Truckee for its historic downtown and vibrant dining scene.
California’s scenic byways, such as the Pacific Coast Highway, provide breathtaking views and lead to quaint small towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Cambria. In Carmel-by-the-Sea, explore the fairy-tale cottages and art galleries, and visit the historic Carmel Mission. In Cambria, stroll along Moonstone Beach and explore the unique shops and restaurants in the East Village.
California Road Trip Checklist
Before you go on any road trip or day trip its advised you prepare and get the items you need including a phone charging cable, fix-a-flat tire repair, a cozzy neck pillow and more. This all inclusive guide is a day trip checklist to make sure if your road trip goes a little too long you are still covered. Make sure to check it out!
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Top Road Trip Routes in California
1. The Coastal Classic
Route: Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)
Cities: Monterey, Big Sur, Santa Barbara
Attractions: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Bixby Creek Bridge, Santa Barbara Mission
2. The Wine Country Trail
Route: CA-29
Cities: Napa, Sonoma, Calistoga
Attractions: Napa Valley Wineries, Sonoma Plaza, Old Faithful Geyser of California
3. The Mountain Majesty Drive
Route: US-395
Cities: Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, Lake Tahoe
Attractions: Mammoth Mountain, Mono Lake, Emerald Bay State Park
4. The Desert Discovery
Route: I-10
Cities: Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, Borrego Springs
Attractions: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Best Times to Visit California
California’s vast and diverse geography means there are great times to visit different regions throughout the year.
- Spring (March to May): Ideal for visiting the deserts and valleys when wildflowers are in bloom and temperatures are mild.
- Summer (June to August): Perfect for coastal and mountainous regions, offering warm weather for beach activities and outdoor adventures.
- Fall (September to November): Great for wine country and the Sierra Nevada, with cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage.
- Winter (December to February): Best for desert regions and winter sports in the mountains, such as skiing in Lake Tahoe.
Local Cuisine in California
California’s culinary scene is renowned for its diversity and emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Here are some must-try foods and restaurant recommendations in smaller towns:
- Fish Tacos: Try the fish tacos at Lola’s Mexican Cuisine in Long Beach, known for their fresh and flavorful offerings.
- In-N-Out Burger: Stop by any In-N-Out Burger location for a taste of this iconic California fast food.
- Avocado Toast: Enjoy this California staple at Zuni Café in San Francisco.
- Cioppino: Visit Phil’s Fish Market in Moss Landing for a delicious bowl of this Italian-American seafood stew.
- Sourdough Bread: Try the famous sourdough bread at Boudin Bakery in San Francisco.
Travel Tips when in California
- Plan for Traffic: California’s highways, especially around major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, can be very congested. Plan your travel times to avoid peak traffic hours.
- Beach Safety: The Pacific Ocean can have strong currents and cold water temperatures. Always swim at beaches with lifeguards and pay attention to safety warnings.
- Wildfire Awareness: California is prone to wildfires, particularly in the summer and fall. Check local conditions and be aware of evacuation routes when traveling in affected areas.
- National Park Visits: California is home to several famous national parks, including Yosemite and Joshua Tree. Make reservations well in advance, as these parks can be very busy, especially during peak seasons.