Exploring California’s Scenic Road Trips
Growing up in California’s Bay Area, some of my favorite memories were spent in the back seat of the family car following a road trip itinerary ripped out of our local newspaper. Whether it was a day trip from my hometown of San Jose to the coastal grandeur of Carmel-by-the-Sea or longer getaways to feel that distinct warm desert breeze of Palm Springs, these drives were about more than just the destinations. The highlights were the stumble-upon gems in between. (A standout moment for me: a spontaneous stop at a U-pick kiwi farm near Half Moon Bay.)
Best Road Trip Itineraries in California
Now, Visit California is highlighting its best road trips in the new 2023 edition of its California Travel Guide—featuring 13 new itineraries that all conveniently start and end at airports. The travel planning is done for these easy fly-and-drive routes, and all you have to do is get off the plane and start your engine.
“California’s natural beauty, diverse topography, and culturally rich communities are the perfect backdrop for an epic road trip,” said Caroline Beteta, Visit California’s president and CEO. “This year’s guide showcases how the state’s vast network of international and regional airports provide travelers with convenient access to every corner of the California Road Trip Republic.”
Highlighted Itineraries
- The week-long 445-mile route from San Francisco to the Wild North Coast, with stops in Bodega Bay, Mendocino, and Clear Lake.
- The 411-mile Cactus and Cocktails itinerary taking you through Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, Amboy Crater, and Mojave National Preserve, ending at the retro Pioneertown.
- A family-friendly option is the Animals, Desert, and Offbeat Art route visiting Legoland California and the artsy Borrego Springs.
- The three- to four-day, 238-mile Innovation, Nostalgia, and Agricultural Bounty trip from San Jose to the charming foothill town of Los Gatos, winding through Santa Cruz, Salinas, Pinnacles National Park, and ending in Gilroy.
Themed Itineraries for Adventurous Travelers
For those who prefer more of a themed itinerary, a few options cater to varied interests:
- 《National Park Adventure》 spans four to six days through Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia national parks.
- Fans of cinema will enjoy the three- to five-day Movie Locations Tour from L.A.’s Griffith Observatory to Mammoth Mountains, featuring iconic film locations.
Celebrity Favorites Along California’s Routes
To celebrate the joy of road tripping through California, NBA champion and winery owner Dwayne Wade, who graces the guide’s cover, discussed his affection for the Golden State’s open roads. He expressed the importance of finding solitude amidst his busy life. Other celebrities in the guide include comedian Margaret Cho, who loves the route from L.A. to her ancestral home in San Francisco, and actor Anthony Anderson, who enjoys the Pacific Coast Highway.
Discover More Through the California Travel Guide
The California Travel Guide can be ordered or downloaded at visitcalifornia.com and is available at California Welcome Centers, providing valuable insights and inspiration for your next road trip.
