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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USACaliforniaVineyards
Vineyards California

Vineyards Road Trip

San Diego - Escondido - Temecula - Tehachapi - Bakersfield - Kingsburg - Madera - Lodi - Sutter Creek

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Historical sites Historical sites
Beach Beach
Urban life Urban life
Vineyards Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages8 km1,132 h/stage2.0

Best months to drive

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

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Vineyards Road Trip in California?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 315EUR drive & more 150EUR sleep & more 550EUR eat & more 504EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,204EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,519EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 378EUR drive & more 200EUR sleep & more 836EUR eat & more 756EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,792EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,170EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 630EUR drive & more 275EUR sleep & more 1,386EUR eat & more 1,008EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,669EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,299EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,575EUR drive & more 300EUR sleep & more 385EUR eat & more 504EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,189EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,764EUR
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Vineyards Road Trip Itinerary

The Vineyards Road Trip is a fantastic journey through some of the most beautiful parts of the United States. Starting in San Diego, California, and ending in Sutter Creek, California, this road trip is 1132km and takes around 7 days to complete. The best time of year to take this road trip is during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. Along the way, you will pass through Escondido, Tehachapi, Kingsburg, and Lodi. Each of these towns offers its own unique attractions, such as vineyards, museums, and historical sites. You will also be able to enjoy some of the most stunning landscapes in the area, including rolling hills, lush forests, and breathtaking views. The roads along the route are generally in excellent condition, making it suitable for drivers of all skill levels. This road trip is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the United States and create lasting memories. It can be completed on a moderate budget and is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
number of days 7 number of days
route length 1,132 km route length
budget fair budget
good for tourist good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START San Diego

Distance 1,132 km Driving time 15.8 h Pace: fast 339.7 kWh Airports SAN
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San Diego, California is the perfect starting point for the "Vineyards Road Trip". With an average temperature of 70°F, it's a great place to enjoy a sunny day. The city is home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, the USS Midway Museum, and the Balboa Park, which offers a variety of attractions including museums, theaters, and gardens. Those looking for a beach day can head to Coronado Beach, La Jolla Shores, or Pacific Beach. The closest international airport to San Diego is San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN). There are car rental options available from the airport, and those looking to explore the vineyards of the region can easily rent a car for the journey. San Diego is a great place to start the "Vineyards Road Trip" as it offers plenty of attractions and activities for travelers of all ages. From the stunning beaches to the fascinating museums, San Diego is sure to provide a memorable start to your journey.

1 San Diego - Escondido

Distance 72 km Driving time 1.1 h Pace: fast 21.7 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips interesting  historic site interesting cultural site accommodation options camper parking available
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Start your road trip adventure in San Diego, United States and make your way to Escondido! This 45 mile journey will take you fewer than 2 hours of driving, and along the way you will get to explore some of the most interesting places in the area. In San Diego, you can visit the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and the USS Midway Museum. For those looking to take in some of the local culture, you can also explore the Gaslamp Quarter, where you can find plenty of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. As you make your way to Escondido, take some time to enjoy the scenic roads and take in the natural beauty of the area. Along the way, you can also visit the San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park and the San Diego Archaeological Center. When you arrive in Escondido, you can explore the California Center for the Arts, the Kit Carson Park, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along this route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready to explore San Diego and Escondido!

2 Escondido - Temecula

Distance 82 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: fast 24.7 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips accommodation options camper parking available
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Welcome to the Escondido-Temecula road trip! This 51 mile journey will take you less than two hours to complete and is one of the most scenic routes in the region. Start your journey in Escondido and make sure to stop at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for a unique wildlife experience. Next, you'll pass through the charming town of San Marcos, where you can take a break and enjoy some local shopping. After that, you'll drive through the rolling hills of wine country and visit the award-winning wineries of Temecula. Finally, you'll end your journey in the beautiful city of Temecula, where you can explore the Old Town district and taste some of the delicious local cuisine. Along the way, you'll also encounter some of the most breathtaking views of the countryside. Be sure to keep your eyes open for interesting attractions, restaurants, and campsites. For more information on planning your Escondido-Temecula road trip, be sure to check out the Itinerary section of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

3 Temecula - Tehachapi

Distance 301 km Driving time 3.7 h Pace: fast 90.3 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues accommodation options camper parking available
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Welcome to the Temecula-Tehachapi road trip stage! This is a great opportunity to explore the beautiful landscape of Southern California. The drive is about 187 miles long, and can be completed in fewer than 4 hours. Start your journey in Temecula, a city renowned for its wineries and vineyards, offering delicious wine tastings and tours. Don't forget to visit the Old Town Temecula and the Temecula Valley Museum. Then, get ready to drive to Tehachapi, a mountain town located in the Tehachapi Mountains. Here you can take a ride on the Tehachapi Loop, a famous railroad loop. You can also go hiking in the Tehachapi Mountain Park and visit the Tehachapi Heritage League Museum. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

4 Tehachapi - Bakersfield

Distance 69 km Driving time 1.0 h Pace: fast 20.8 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options camper parking available
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Tehachapi to Bakersfield? This 43-mile journey will take you less than an hour, but you'll find plenty of interesting places to explore along the way. Start your journey in Tehachapi and make sure to visit the Tehachapi Loop, one of the most famous railroad engineering feats in the world. Then, drive to the nearby Tehachapi Museum to learn more about the area's history and culture. As you continue on your way to Bakersfield, don't miss the small town of Caliente and the beautiful Kern River. Finally, you'll reach Bakersfield, where you can explore the Kern County Museum and the Bakersfield Museum of Art. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

5 Bakersfield - Kingsburg

Distance 144 km Driving time 1.5 h Pace: fast 43.2 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues accommodation options camper parking available
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Are you ready for a breathtaking road trip? Start your journey in Bakersfield, United States, and get ready for an 89mi drive that will take you less than 2 hours to reach Kingsburg. During this stage of your tour, you can enjoy a variety of attractions and activities. In Bakersfield, don't miss the chance to visit the Kern County Museum, the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, and the Bakersfield Museum of Art. In Kingsburg, take the time to explore the Old Town Kern County Historical Museum, the Kingsburg Historical Museum, and the Kingsburg Swedish Festival. There's something for everyone! More information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

6 Kingsburg - Madera

Distance 69 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: fast 20.6 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues accommodation options
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Are you ready for your next road trip adventure? The journey starts in Kingsburg, United States, and ends in Madera, 43mi away, with a driving time of fewer than 1 hour. The first stop should be Kingsburg Historical Park, a beautiful place to admire the old-fashioned buildings, the museum, and the park's gardens. After that, you can continue to the Kings River Winery, where you can sample some of their delicious wines. The next stop is the Madera Wine Trail, where you can take a tour of the vineyards and taste some of the best wines in the area. Don't forget to make a stop at the Madera County Historical Museum, to learn more about the area's history. On your way back to Madera, take a detour to the Sierra National Forest, where you can enjoy some of the best hiking trails in the area. And finally, end your journey with a visit to the Madera Municipal Golf Course, a great place to practice your golf skills. These are just some of the highlights of this road trip stage, but there are many more places to explore. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, take a look at the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

7 Madera - Lodi

Distance 336 km Driving time 5.4 h Pace: fast 100.8 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Madera to Lodi? This 209mi drive will take you fewer than 6 hours and you will be able to see some of the most amazing sights of the region. The journey will start in Madera, where you can visit the Madera County Historical Society, a museum that will give you a glimpse into the history of the region. After that, you can take a stroll through the Madera Wine Trail and sample some of the best wines of the area. The next stop will be in Lodi, where you can explore the Lodi Lake Nature Area, a beautiful park with trails and a lake. You can also visit the World of Wonders Science Museum, which has a variety of interactive exhibits and activities that will entertain the whole family. As you drive, make sure to keep an eye out for the scenic road that will take you from Madera to Lodi. You won't regret it! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage of your road trip. Enjoy your journey!

8 Lodi - Sutter Creek

Distance 59 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: fast 17.6 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips accommodation options camper parking available
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Are you ready for a road trip adventure? Let’s start in Lodi, United States and explore the 37 mi journey that will take us to Sutter Creek! Along the way, you will be captivated by the scenic beauty of the countryside. Our first stop is the Lodi Lake Nature Area. Here, you can take a peaceful stroll along the trails and enjoy the wildlife. You can also explore the lake and the surrounding park. Next, we will make our way to Sutter Creek. This charming town is full of history and culture. You can explore the shops and restaurants or take a walk along the creek. The journey from Lodi to Sutter Creek is a great way to experience the beauty of the countryside. You can take your time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the area. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to hit the road and explore the beauty of Lodi and Sutter Creek!

  Sutter Creek

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Sutter Creek is the perfect destination to end your Vineyards Road Trip. Located in the heart of California's Gold Country, this historic town is known for its historic buildings, charming shops, and inviting atmosphere. Take a stroll through town and explore the many well-preserved 19th-century buildings, antique stores, art galleries, and restaurants. While in town, don't miss the chance to visit the Sutter Creek Wine Tasting Room and the Sutter Creek Cheese Factory. If you're looking for outdoor activities, the scenic Sutter Creek Walking Trail is a great spot for a leisurely stroll. You can also take a short drive to Amador County's Shenandoah Valley and explore the beautiful vineyards and wineries. For those traveling by car, Sutter Creek is conveniently located off Highway 49. If you're flying in, the nearest international airport is San Francisco International Airport (SFO). End your trip in Sutter Creek and enjoy the tranquility and unique charm of this historic Gold Rush town.

Vineyards Road Trip at a glance

The above itinerary will become an ideal inspiration for your future travels.
The tour we’ve suggested can be used as a foundation that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with diverse beauty spots of your choice.
If car travel is a means of travel that you prefer, there are a number of vital traffic regulations to follow and a number of elements to keep in mind to make your road trip smooth and safe. These tips will surely become useful for holidayers who are interested in vehicle rental or camper hire.
In California, there are a number of road regulations to be kept in mind while on a tour. Avoiding spirits is the best way to ensure full safety of you and your passengers. Holidayers ought to remember that the amount of alcohol that the driver can consume is extremely low and cannot exceed 0.5‰. In order to avoid a speeding fine, it is best to never exceed 40km/h, which is the maximum permissible speed when travelling around the urban areas. If you are aiming for rural areas, you should be mindful of the fact that the maximum car speed is 72km/h. Avoid driving faster than the maximum speed of 129km/h when travelling along highways. We recommend driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit to increase your safety.
The majority of drivers wonder about the costs of the whole tour. The budget option that you choose determines the amount of money that you have to pay during the whole adventure. A wide range of budget configurations is showed below.
We estimate that the cheapest offer when it comes to gasoline to cover the planned 1,132km while travelling around California will be roughly 150 EUR. Economy accommodation options may cost you around 550 EUR. Those who opt for this option will spend approximately 504 EUR on food and restaurants. The cheapest car rental offer will also cost approximately 315 EUR. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the costs of the road trip from around 1,204 EUR to roughly 1,519 EUR.
Holidayers who are looking for greater comfort and the standard option will pay about 200 EUR for the fuel needed to cover the itinerary. The expected approximate cost of standard accommodation is 836 EUR. Tourists can expect that the standard option in terms of food and restaurants will cost around 756 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard rental car should expect a cost of around 378 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay approximately 2,170 EUR for the whole road trip, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle rental will spend roughly 1,792 EUR.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will live up to the expectations of the most demanding travellers. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 3,299 EUR for travellers who are considering car hire and 1,792 EUR for those who do not need a hire car. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a premium hire vehicle should expect a cost of about 630 EUR. In the premium version of the tour, the cost of the gasoline needed to cover all stages around California is more or less 275 EUR. Holidaymakers who will go for top services in all aspects of their itinerary should expect to pay about 1,386 EUR for hotels and approximately 1,008 EUR for restaurants and food.
Our tour is also a superb opportunity for all camper fans. If you choose this travel means, it costs roughly 1,575 EUR. Travellers will spend more or less 300 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the tour. Drivers who opt for camper rental should expect to pay around 385 EUR for accommodation and about 504 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs shows all the presented costs in detail.
The period between January and December is perfect to visit the part of California described in our Vineyards Road Trip. If you like Vineyards Road Trip, you should see other exciting road trips that are available on our website. Even the most demanding of tourists will definitely be taken aback by the great versatility of options that we offer.

Facts for safer driving in California

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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