Ready to explore the USA’s Golden State like never before? Fasten your seatbelt as we hit the road on a sun-kissed, palm-studded escape to unveil the 10 best California road trips to take in 2023.
While the sheer beauty of Highway 1 and the stretches of sandy coastline make California’s road trips the stuff of legends, it’s the unique offerings that sets California apart. Whether you’re catching waves in the Pacific Ocean or exploring arts and culture in Monterey, these Californian routes promise unparalleled attractions and plenty of reasons to return.
We’re here to help you hit the open road with ease. Find the ideal car rental to match your needs and budget without breaking a sweat, giving you the freedom to fully experience these epic California adventures. Let’s take a peek at some of the best road trips to take when you visit California!
1. Pacific Coast Highway
This Californian adventure gives you a taste of the Golden State’s eclectic spirit. The Pacific Coast Highway, praised as one of the most scenic routes in the world, is the California road trip for free-spirited wanderers. This legendary stretch of Highway 1 unfolds an unforgettable journey that weaves through towns on the California coast, with dramatic cliffs and sandy spaces like Spanish Bay’s Pebble Beach.
Along the way, soak up the laid-back surf culture of Malibu, embrace the artsy vibes of Carmel-by-the-Sea and enjoy field-to-fork cuisine in Big Sur.
- Duration: 5-7 days
- Highlights: Malibu’s surf breaks, Hearst Castle, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur, Bixby Creek Bridge, Elephant Seal Vista Point
- Best time of year: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November)
2. Big Sur
The iconic Big Sur road trip is one of the best for its jaw-dropping vistas, rugged coastline and sky-meets-ocean views. It leads you through bohemian enclaves, like the quirky Nepenthe restaurant, dishing up culinary delights and Pacific Ocean panoramas.
Along this magical West Coast route, you’ll also find the Insta-worthy Bixby Creek Bridge, the ecological wonder of Point Lobos and postcard-perfect beaches like Pfeiffer Beach, where purple sand and captivating rock formations demand your attention. Meandering through these poetic landscapes, Big Sur is sure to awaken your inner artist.
- Duration: 2-3 days
- Highlights: Nepenthe, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach
- Best time of year: Spring and fall
3. Eastern Sierra
California’s Eastern Sierra boasts one of the oldest living organisms on Earth: the Bristlecone Pines. This stunning route along the Sierra Nevada has an undeniably rich nature, making it an absolute must for nature lovers and snap-happy photographers.
Milky Way stargazing, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and extraordinary landscapes perfectly blend to create a fascinating experience to fit the whims of outdoor enthusiasts. With chances to hike through wildflowers, secluded hot springs and kayaking opportunities on Lake Tahoe, this expedition is in a class of its own.
- Duration: 3-7 days
- Highlights: Mono Lake, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Mammoth Lakes, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs
- Best time of year: May-October
4. Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Discover the breathtaking beauty of California’s colossal trees and staggering cliffs on this road trip through Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon and Yosemite National Park. Not only does it offer an eyeful of nature, but it also presents lots of opportunities to quench your thirst for adventure.
Perfect for families, nature enthusiasts and photography buffs, this trip will leave you mesmerized by the vast landscapes filled with tumbling waterfalls, granite monoliths and giant sequoias. Embrace the call of the wild, hike through each national forest or simply unplug and unwind amidst these larger-than-life wonders.
- Duration: 4-7 days
- Highlights: Yosemite Valley, Mariposa Grove, General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock and Zumwalt Meadow
- Best time of year: May-October
5. Historic Route 66
Steeped in a hearty dose of nostalgia, the legendary Route 66 is for travelers seeking a unique slice of Americana. Crossing eight states, California’s segment of this iconic highway is made for history nerds, vintage car fanatics, roadside diner lovers and those in search of lost landmarks.
As you cruise down this monumental stretch of road, you’ll be surrounded by a mishmash of retro Americana — flaming neon signs and kitschy motels, wacky roadside wonders and mom-and-pop eateries serving timeless comfort food. Bask in the Route 66 lifestyle, rewinding the clock to the heyday of cross-country travel and embracing the sweet freedom it represents.
- Duration: 5-7 days (California portion)
- Highlights: Santa Monica Pier, Amboy Crater, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
- Best time of year: Spring and fall
6. South Coast (Los Angeles to San Diego)
What if we told you that the Southern California dream, complete with swaying palms, golden beaches and vibrant cityscapes, could all be experienced in just one road trip? Allow us to introduce you to the South Coast, stretching from the star-studded streets of Los Angeles and Hollywood to the sun-kissed coastlines of San Diego.
Calling all beach lovers, food aficionados, art enthusiasts and movie buffs — this route will have you zooming down the iconic Pacific Coast Highway while getting a taste of that laid-back Cali lifestyle. Hipster bars, coastal cafes, waterfront bike paths, hiking trails and hidden surf spots are bound to leave a sun-and-salt imprint on your heart.
- Duration: 2-3 days
- Highlights: Santa Monica Pier, Laguna Beach, La Jolla Cove
- Best time of year: Summer and fall
7. Central Coast Wine Country
Get ready to raise your glass and say “cheers” to the Central Coast Wine Country — where scenic sipping isn’t a pastime, it’s a lifestyle! This drive through California’s grape-laden hills is a dream come true for wine tasting enthusiasts, hopeless romantics and anyone who appreciates the finer things in life.
As you wine and dine your way through spots like Santa Barbara, you’ll discover exceptional wineries, swanky tasting rooms and cozy boutique hotels. To top it off, you can enjoy a flawless blend of delicious food, local art and even some hot springs to relax in after a long day of “grape” explorations. Trust us, this laid-back escape offers far more than just top-notch wines.
- Duration: 3-5 days
- Highlights: Vineyards, boutique wineries, local gastronomy, charming small towns, art galleries, hot springs
- Best time of year: Spring and fall
8. Shasta Cascade
Tucked away in Northern California, you’ll stumble across a fantastical world of jaw-dropping volcanic sights, mesmerizing waterfalls and pristine forests begging for a tree hug.
This picture-perfect road trip through Shasta Cascade is the prime escape for outdoorsy types, lovebirds hunting for a dreamy getaway and families craving a dose of nature’s magic. The numerous recreational opportunities offer a much-needed getaway from the urban rush to the site of the California Gold Rush. Embrace a more tranquil pace by visiting local breweries, strolling through artsy villages or unwinding by the banks of alpine lakes.
- Duration: 4-7 days
- Highlights: Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Burney Falls
- Best time of year: Late spring through fall
9. California Deserts
Picture yourself cruising along an endless, sun-baked highway surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes, otherworldly geological formations and bustling oases — welcome to the California Deserts road trip with a twist! If you’re seeking a blend of excitement and laid-back relaxation, this route covers the scorched terrain of Death Valley, the towering Joshua trees and the art haven of Palm Springs, with a side of quirky desert oddities.
Get ready to embrace the region’s offbeat personality: greet the Cabazon Dinosaurs, a dino-mite roadside attraction, and drop by the International Banana Museum for a peelin’ good time. While you’re at it, stop at Red Rock Canyon State Park, unwind at luxury spa resorts, savor tasty date shakes from local farms and detour to Las Vegas for some high-stakes fun.
- Duration: 6-8 days
- Highlights: Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs
- Best time of year: October-April
10. North Coast (San Francisco to Crescent City
Nothing says “California” quite like heading north along the untamed beauty of its North Coast, where you’ll zip by the trendsetting charm of San Francisco (and its Golden Gate Bridge!) all the way to the verdant Crescent City. Nature enthusiasts and culture vultures can enjoy the showcase of dramatic coastal viewpoints, get lost in ancient redwood forests and stumble upon cultural melting pots like Mendocino — a historic seaside village teeming with art hotspots, local wineries and farm-to-table fare.
Don’t miss a day trip to the Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, where wave-sculpted sea glass takes center stage. Continue through tranquil Humboldt County to enjoy its charming communities with a passion for sustainability and organic produce.
- Duration: 3-7 days
- Highlights: Redwood National Park, Russian River Valley wineries, Glass Beach, Avenue of the Giants
- Best time of year: May-October
How to plan a road trip
While going with the flow should be part of any adventure, planning ahead can really help you make the most of your trip. From finding accommodations to mapping and budgeting, we’ll go over a few things to consider for a smooth journey.
Map it out
Mapping out your road trip beforehand can take your adventure to the next level. Consider the attractions and must-sees you want to check out along the way. With a little bit of research, you can find the best routes, scenic drives and cool bucket list stops you won’t want to miss.
Nowadays, GPS apps and mapping tools come in handy for route planning. They can give you insights into travel times, traffic and nearby points of interest and even suggest alternative routes with nicer views or less traffic. Just plug in your destinations, set up your preferences and these apps will do the hard work.
Check the weather
California’s climate can differ greatly depending on the region and time of year. Coastal areas like San Luis Obispo typically experience milder temperatures, while inland regions like Sonoma County can be much hotter — and don’t forget that mountain areas can be cold and even snowy.
Pay attention to usual temperature ranges, rainfall patterns and potential wildfire risks before setting off on your journey. This information will help you determine the appropriate clothing, gear and emergency supplies to pack.
For example, you might want to bring extra layers and rain gear if you’re traveling during the cooler or wetter months, while sun protection and plenty of water are crucial for those hot California summers. Always be prepared and stay informed about weather updates to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
Plan your stays
When planning your road trip itinerary, it’s a good idea to sort out your accommodations in advance — especially in a popular destination like California. This way, you won’t be stressing over last-minute bookings and can focus on having fun.
Be sure to swing by Skyscanner for some awesome hotel deals. Not only do we have a wide range of choices, but our user-friendly platform makes booking easy. Think of us as your go-to travel buddy, helping you create unforgettable memories.
Budget
Don’t forget to consider expenses like fuel, accommodations, meals, attractions, entertainment and parking fees — they can add up fast!
Looking for a smart way to save? Check out the California Explorer Pass or CityPASS. They can help you score discounts on many attractions and activities throughout the state, so you can experience all the fun stuff without spending a fortune.
Stay flexible
Finally, don’t forget to stay flexible on your road trip! You never know what amazing discoveries you might wander into or what unexpected detours could lead to your new favorite spot. Some of the best road trip memories come from those “let’s take a chance” moments, so keep an open mind and go with the flow.
