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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USACalifornia

Drive California

Road trips in California are a must for anyone who wants to explore the diverse and breathtaking landscapes of this beautiful state. With a mix of scenic routes, unique attractions, and cultural hotspots, there is something for everyone on a road trip in California.


One of the most famous road trips in California is the Pacific Coast Highway, which offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastline. Along the way, you can stop at famous landmarks such as Big Sur, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the Bixby Bridge. The drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles is also full of surprises, with hidden beaches, charming towns, and incredible vistas.
Another popular road trip in California is Route 66, which takes you through the state's deserts, mountains, and cities, past famous landmarks such as Amboy Crater, Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch, and the Wigwam Motel. The Sierra Nevada Byway is a scenic drive through the Sierra Nevada Mountains with breathtaking views of rolling hills, snow-capped peaks, and crystal-clear lakes.
For a more rugged adventure, the High Sierra Road Trip takes you into the backcountry to explore remote trails, historic mining towns, and stunning alpine scenery. Another must-see is the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, which takes you through some of the most active volcanic regions in the United States.


Along the way, you can visit iconic cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, each offering a unique blend of culture, history, and entertainment. You can also explore the state's rich wine country, where you can taste some of the best vintages from California's vineyards.
Overall, a road trip in California is an unforgettable experience that combines stunning scenery, cultural landmarks, and breathtaking vistas. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, a road trip in California is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Expect on your itinerary

Beach Beach
Urban life Urban life
Landscape Landscape
Comfort Comfort
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Culture Culture
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Discover Road Trips in California

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West Route 66 Road Trip West Route 66 Road Trip

West Route 66 Road Trip

North America - United States
3,903 km 92 km/h 14 days roadtrip
Highway 1 Road Trip Highway 1 Road Trip

Highway 1 Road Trip

North America - United States
794 km 68 km/h 10 days scenic
Death Valley Panoramic Road Death Valley Panoramic Road

Death Valley Panoramic Road

North America - United States
210 km 74 km/h 1 days scenic
Kings Canyon Panoramic Road Kings Canyon Panoramic Road

Kings Canyon Panoramic Road

North America - United States
91 km 59 km/h 1 days scenic
Tioga Pass Panoramic Road Tioga Pass Panoramic Road

Tioga Pass Panoramic Road

North America - United States
196 km 65 km/h 1 days scenic
Ebbetts Pass Panoramic Road Ebbetts Pass Panoramic Road

Ebbetts Pass Panoramic Road

North America - United States
97 km 59 km/h 1 days scenic
Lake Tahoe Panoramic Road Lake Tahoe Panoramic Road

Lake Tahoe Panoramic Road

North America - United States
154 km 56 km/h 1 days scenic
Avenue of the Giants Panoramic Road Avenue of the Giants Panoramic Road

Avenue of the Giants Panoramic Road

North America - United States
51 km 54 km/h 1 days scenic
Silverado Trail Panoramic Road Silverado Trail Panoramic Road

Silverado Trail Panoramic Road

North America - United States
49 km 56 km/h 1 days scenic
Route 1 Road Trip Route 1 Road Trip

Route 1 Road Trip

North America - United States
1,227 km 65 km/h 14 days roadtrip
Epic Gold Rush Road Trip Epic Gold Rush Road Trip

Epic Gold Rush Road Trip

North America - United States
7,678 km 74 km/h 30 days roadtrip
Pacific Coast Road Trip Pacific Coast Road Trip

Pacific Coast Road Trip

North America - United States
2,954 km 70 km/h 26 days roadtrip
California Missions Road Trip California Missions Road Trip

California Missions Road Trip

North America - United States
1,247 km 75 km/h 21 days roadtrip
USA Road Trip USA Road Trip

USA Road Trip

North America - United States
17,109 km 80 km/h 42 days roadtrip
West USA Road Trip West USA Road Trip

West USA Road Trip

North America - United States
5,872 km 77 km/h 21 days roadtrip
Ragged Point Panoramic Road Ragged Point Panoramic Road

Ragged Point Panoramic Road

North America - United States
94 km 79 km/h 1 days scenic
Sierra Nevada Road Trip Sierra Nevada Road Trip

Sierra Nevada Road Trip

North America - United States
1,891 km 70 km/h 9 days roadtrip
Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road

Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road

North America - United States
174 km 58 km/h 1 days scenic
Sacramento to Lost Coast Road Trip Sacramento to Lost Coast Road Trip

Sacramento to Lost Coast Road Trip

North America - United States
437 km 62 km/h 3 days roadtrip
North Coast Road Trip North Coast Road Trip

North Coast Road Trip

North America - United States
676 km 72 km/h 3 days roadtrip
Big Thrills Road Trip Big Thrills Road Trip

Big Thrills Road Trip

North America - United States
1,707 km 45 km/h 10 days roadtrip
Volcano Land Road Trip Volcano Land Road Trip

Volcano Land Road Trip

North America - United States
580 km 79 km/h 3 days roadtrip
Ghost Towns Road Trip Ghost Towns Road Trip

Ghost Towns Road Trip

North America - United States
1,881 km 82 km/h 12 days roadtrip
Epic Route 66 Epic Route 66

Epic Route 66

North America - United States
3,510 km 101 km/h 14 days roadtrip
Lincoln Highway Road Trip Lincoln Highway Road Trip

Lincoln Highway Road Trip

North America - United States
4,990 km 101 km/h 20 days roadtrip
Rim of the World Panoramic Road Rim of the World Panoramic Road

Rim of the World Panoramic Road

North America - United States
221 km 61 km/h 1 days scenic
Lassen Park Panoramic Road Lassen Park Panoramic Road

Lassen Park Panoramic Road

North America - United States
54 km 52 km/h 1 days scenic
Lost Coast Panoramic Road Lost Coast Panoramic Road

Lost Coast Panoramic Road

North America - United States
138 km 57 km/h 1 days scenic
17 Mile Panoramic Road 17 Mile Panoramic Road

17 Mile Panoramic Road

North America - United States
28 km 27 km/h 1 days scenic
Volcanic Legacy Road Trip Volcanic Legacy Road Trip

Volcanic Legacy Road Trip

North America - United States
744 km 73 km/h 3 days roadtrip
America's Backbone the US 50 Road Trip America's Backbone the US 50 Road Trip

America's Backbone the US 50 Road Trip

North America - United States
5,071 km 84 km/h 21 days roadtrip
Coast to Coast on US 80 Road Trip Coast to Coast on US 80 Road Trip

Coast to Coast on US 80 Road Trip

North America - United States
4,000 km 84 km/h 21 days roadtrip
California US 395 Road Trip California US 395 Road Trip

California US 395 Road Trip

North America - United States
998 km 56 km/h 4 days roadtrip
Amazing Desert Road Trip Amazing Desert Road Trip

Amazing Desert Road Trip

North America - United States
769 km 57 km/h 3 days roadtrip
Theme Parks Road Trip Theme Parks Road Trip

Theme Parks Road Trip

North America - United States
422 km 56 km/h 5 days roadtrip
Milky Way Road Trip Milky Way Road Trip

Milky Way Road Trip

North America - United States
385 km 28 km/h 3 days roadtrip
To the Vineyards Panoramic Road To the Vineyards Panoramic Road

To the Vineyards Panoramic Road

North America - United States
121 km 57 km/h 1 days scenic
Vineyards Road Trip Vineyards Road Trip

Vineyards Road Trip

North America - United States
1,132 km 72 km/h 7 days roadtrip
Los Angeles to Death Valley Road Trip Los Angeles to Death Valley Road Trip

Los Angeles to Death Valley Road Trip

North America - United States
517 km 90 km/h 2 days roadtrip
San Luis Obispo Drive San Luis Obispo Drive

San Luis Obispo Drive

North America - United States
376 km 50 km/h 2 days roadtrip
Seaside to Giant Trees Road Trip Seaside to Giant Trees Road Trip

Seaside to Giant Trees Road Trip

North America - United States
476 km 66 km/h 3 days roadtrip
Napa Valley Panoramic Road Napa Valley Panoramic Road

Napa Valley Panoramic Road

North America - United States
100 km 50 km/h 1 days scenic
Historic Trail Road Trip Historic Trail Road Trip

Historic Trail Road Trip

North America - United States
318 km 73 km/h 3 days roadtrip
Napa Wines Road Trip Napa Wines Road Trip

Napa Wines Road Trip

North America - United States
273 km 61 km/h 3 days roadtrip
Highway 49 Panoramic Road Highway 49 Panoramic Road

Highway 49 Panoramic Road

North America - United States
137 km 67 km/h 1 days scenic
Bigfoot Panoramic Road Bigfoot Panoramic Road

Bigfoot Panoramic Road

North America - United States
247 km 65 km/h 1 days scenic
Alturas Panoramic Road Alturas Panoramic Road

Alturas Panoramic Road

North America - United States
230 km 31 km/h 1 days scenic
Bay Loop Road Trip Bay Loop Road Trip

Bay Loop Road Trip

North America - United States
407 km 56 km/h 4 days roadtrip
Far North Road Trip Far North Road Trip

Far North Road Trip

North America - United States
383 km 53 km/h 3 days roadtrip
Sandy Gems Panoramic Road Sandy Gems Panoramic Road

Sandy Gems Panoramic Road

North America - United States
131 km 54 km/h 1 days scenic
California Route 66 Road Trip California Route 66 Road Trip

California Route 66 Road Trip

North America - United States
470 km 54 km/h 2 days roadtrip
Arroyo Seco  Panoramic Road Arroyo Seco  Panoramic Road

Arroyo Seco Panoramic Road

North America - United States
23 km 46 km/h 1 days scenic
Landmark Buildings Road Trip Landmark Buildings Road Trip

Landmark Buildings Road Trip

North America - United States
443 km 75 km/h 4 days roadtrip
Military History Road Trip Military History Road Trip

Military History Road Trip

North America - United States
917 km 83 km/h 5 days roadtrip
Treasure Hunt Road Trip Treasure Hunt Road Trip

Treasure Hunt Road Trip

North America - United States
467 km 74 km/h 5 days roadtrip
Los Angeles to Las Vegas Road Trip Los Angeles to Las Vegas Road Trip

Los Angeles to Las Vegas Road Trip

North America - United States
547 km 73 km/h 2 days roadtrip
Central Valley Road Trip Central Valley Road Trip

Central Valley Road Trip

North America - United States
588 km 87 km/h 5 days roadtrip
21 Century Panoramic Road 21 Century Panoramic Road

21 Century Panoramic Road

North America - United States
139 km 64 km/h 1 days scenic

Must-drive Road Trips in California

California is home to some of the most breathtaking road trips in the world. Here are a few of the most popular:

Pacific Coast Highway (PCH): This iconic highway stretches along the California coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and scenic vistas.

Highway 1: This scenic drive follows the rugged coastline of Central and Southern California, offering stunning views of the ocean, beaches, and cliffs.

Route 66: This historic highway takes you from the heart of Los Angeles to the California-Arizona border, passing through deserts, mountains, and small towns.

Sierra Nevada Byway: This scenic drive takes you through the Sierra Nevada Mountains with views of rolling hills, snow-capped peaks, and crystal-clear lakes.

High Sierra Road Trip: This rugged journey takes you through the backcountry of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, offering views of remote trails, historic mining towns, and stunning alpine scenery.

Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway: This scenic drive takes you through some of the most active volcanic regions in the United States, offering breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes, forests, and lakes.

Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive: This scenic drive circles the stunning Lake Tahoe, offering breathtaking views of the clear blue waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Each of these scenic drives offers a unique and unforgettable experience, making California a prime destination for road trippers seeking breathtaking views and scenic landscapes.

When to take a Road Trip in California?

1. Sierra Nevada: The best time to take a road trip in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is during the summer months of June through September when the weather is warm and the roads are generally clear. This is also the best time to see the wildflowers in full bloom, hike and enjoy outdoor activities.


2. Pacific Coast: The best time to take a road trip along the Pacific Coast is during the summer months of June through September, when the weather is warm and sunny and the beaches are at their best. This is also the best time for whale watching, fishing and beachcombing.


3. Death Valley: The best time to visit Death Valley is from October to April when the weather is cooler and more comfortable. During the summer months, temperatures can soar well over 100°F, making it unbearable for many visitors. Winter is also the best time to see the desert wildflowers in bloom and enjoy scenic hikes and outdoor activities.

Be aware of Road Trip costs in California

Driving in California can be expensive, depending on a variety of factors such as gas prices, tolls, parking, and maintenance costs. However, there are ways to minimize expenses and make the trip more affordable.
Fuel prices in California tend to be higher than in other parts of the country, but you can save money by planning your route to minimize driving and finding the cheapest gas stations along the way.


Tolls can also add up, especially if you're driving on toll roads like the Bay Area's Fastrak or Orange County's 91 Express Lanes. Planning your route to avoid toll roads and using alternate routes can help minimize toll costs.
Parking can also be expensive in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, with rates ranging from $3 to $15 or more per hour. To save money, consider taking public transportation, using street parking, or parking in a less crowded area and walking to your destination.
Maintenance costs, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and repairs, can also add up over time. Regular maintenance can help keep your vehicle in good condition and minimize repair costs down the road.


Overall, driving in California can be expensive, but with careful planning and cost-saving measures, you can make your road trip more affordable and enjoyable.

Discover best Road Trips in West USA