Ad feature by VisitCalifornia.com
PUBLISHED: 08:50, 9 February 2024
When it comes to road trips, California has it all, with an incredible mix of dazzling landscapes and two of America’s most famous routes.
You can stitch together stunning beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway, and Route 66 crosses the state from east to west, the final flair of a journey that starts in Chicago and ends with a splash in Santa Monica.
Whether you’ve just got a couple of days to explore or want to make yours a longer trip, in California, you can combine city sights with stunning national parks, desert landscapes with dramatic mountain peaks.
Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge
California’s northern powerhouse invites you to explore in so many different ways. Climb the steep streets in a traditional cable car, cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge, stroll among the colourful street art of the Mission District. Then it’s time to hit the road and explore beyond the city.
Climb the steep streets in a traditional cable car
Drive northeast to the Central Valley and in less than two hours, you’ll be exploring the rolling countryside of Yolo County. Here you can visit organic farms and microbreweries, pick up incredible fresh produce at farmers' markets and visit charming towns such as Woodland and Davis.
Fuse farm and city life with a trip to Sacramento, California’s vibrant capital, with its exciting farm-to-fork foodie scene, Gold Rush history and artistic flair.
In less than three hours, you’ll find yourself in the wilderness, exploring the ancient sequoia groves, granite domes, giant waterfalls and more than 800 miles of hiking trails that thread Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite National Park has more than 800 miles of hiking trails
The City of Angels is best explored by car. It’s the easy way to link together Lakers games at the Crypto.com Arena, the hilltop Griffith Observatory, Hollywood, Beverley Hills and Venice Beach.
Take the scenic drive along the coast from celebrity hangout Malibu, through to the vibrant beach vibes of Santa Monica and all the way down to the exclusive seaside village of Marina del Rey.
Experience the vibrant beach vibes of Santa Monica
Continue driving south and you’ll find Orange County, home to Anaheim and the magic of Disneyland, as well as the glittering coastal towns of Newport, Laguna Beach and Dana Point - home to gorgeous beaches, glamorous harbours and wonderful whale-watching experiences.
For more wildlife, head north from Los Angeles via stylish Santa Barbara to Morro Bay, where you can spot sea otters and whales, and on to the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery.
Orange County is home to the magic of Disneyland
With its spectacular coastline and amazing parks, San Diego makes for the ideal setting for an epic road trip. Head an hour north from the beach city to explore Temecula, the heart of Southern California’s Wine Country and home to a pretty old town, boutique resorts and farm-to-table restaurants alongside the rolling vineyards.
Explore Temecula, the heart of Southern California’s Wine Country
Further inland, past the star-studded resorts, hot springs and desert scenery of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree calls – a mesmerising national park that’s the ultimate outdoor playground, with hiking trails, rock climbing, scenic drives and a cactus garden.
Joshua Tree National Park is the ultimate outdoor playground
Then just to the south lies Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, one of California’s unsung heroes, where you’ll find amazing hiking trails and excellent campsites, perfect for experiencing unforgettable sunsets and evening skies bathed with a blanket of stars.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, one of California’s unsung heroes
A Californian road trip can weave together an amazing variety of experiences in such a short space of time. From desert trails to glamorous coastlines, epic hikes to incredible wildlife encounters, it’s a playground for unforgettable adventures on the open road.
Get inspiration for your California holiday at visitcalifornia.com
