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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
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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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

Before you set off

Embark on the captivating Vineyards Road Trip, an extensive 1132km journey that stretches from the lively city of San Diego to the quaint town of Sutter Creek in the heart of California's Gold Country. This route is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and a diverse collection of attractions. Spanning approximately 7 days, it serves as a perfect exploration of the United States' west coast, presenting an opportunity to witness the region's viticultural heritage, visit engaging museums, and explore historical sites nestled along the path.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

This Road Trip will take travelers through a variety of charming towns and picturesque landscapes. Begin your journey by exploring Escondido, where local wineries offer a taste of the region's rich wine-making traditions. In Tehachapi, immerse yourself in the local history and check out the famous Tehachapi Loop, an engineering marvel for train enthusiasts. Experience a touch of Scandinavia in Kingsburg, often referred to as `Little Sweden,` and be sure to admire its unique architecture and Swedish festivals. As you venture into Lodi, you'll find yourself in the Zinfandel Capital of the World, a region boasting award-winning wines and a must-visit for any oenophile. Throughout the journey, relish the scenic views of California's diverse countryside, from undulating hills and vineyard vistas to the verdant forests that make the Golden State so iconic.

Best Time to Go:

Embarking on this Road Trip during the spring and summer months is ideal, as travelers can take full advantage of the warm and sunny Californian climate. This period highlights the natural beauty of the route and ensures a more comfortable wine-tasting experience.

Potential Risks:

While the route is predominantly secure with well-maintained Roads, it is important for travelers to remain informed about local weather forecasts to avoid any unexpected conditions. Additionally, staying aware of potential traffic disruptions can help ensure a smooth journey.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

The Vineyards Road Trip offers an affordable and approachable adventure for travelers with varying budgets and driving experiences. Due to the high demand and allure of California's wine regions, it is wise to book accommodations and schedule vineyard visits well in advance. Interestingly, California is the fourth-largest wine producer in the world and contributes to approximately 81% of all U.S. wine production, with the regions along your route playing a significant role in this industry.

A good choice for:

The Vineyards Road Trip is more than just a leisurely drive; it's a celebration of American culture and the art of winemaking. It's a journey that promises a blend of tranquility and discovery, offering a quintessential Road Trip experience for those looking to forge unforgettable memories amidst the renowned viticultural landscapes of the United States. Whether you're a wine connoisseur, a history buff, or simply in search of a new adventure, this Road Trip through California's wine country is one for the bucket list.

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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