Top 8 Scenic California Road Trips from Big Sur to the Sierra Nevada

Whether you’re seeking beaches or mountains, deserts or small towns, these California road trips deliver.

Fact checked by Sarah Cahalan

When it comes to road trips, California is hard to top. The land of fair weather and car culture always seems to deliver that carefree, top-down experience. And due to its size — California is the third-largest U.S. state — there’s plenty of terrain to explore. You can start at the ocean and end up in the mountains, or spend an entire weekend exploring the California desert.

All it takes is a solid playlist, some road-trip-friendly snacks, and a little planning to get out of your routine and on the road. To get you started, we’ve outlined some of California’s best road trips — from multiday to multiweek adventures that crisscross practically every part of the state (and kick off in major, easy-to-access cities).

Highway 1

Start: San Francisco

End: Los Angeles

Distance: Approximately 440 miles

Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway (or PCH), snakes along the California coastline delivering almost 656 miles of ocean views along with plenty of nature (hello, elephant seals) and some of the state’s most interesting sites.

Technically, the route runs from the city of Leggett to Dana Point, south of Los Angeles, but many people cut the 656-mile drive short by starting in San Francisco. If you’re leaving from the Golden City, fuel up with a to-go brew from Snowbird Coffee before hopping on Highway 1. From there, slowly make your way south, stopping in Santa Cruz to watch (or catch) the surf.

The next section of road — connecting Carmel-by-the-Sea to Big Sur — is particularly stunning, so you’ll want to take your time. Consider staying at the expansive Carmel Valley Ranch or the adults-only Alila Ventana Big Sur. When you get back on the road, spend an afternoon at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, or continue on to San Simeon to see the elephant seal rookery. (One practical note: Landslides sometimes close sections of Highway 1 in this region, so it’s a good idea to check road conditions before your trip in case of potential detours.) Before finishing up your journey in LA, spend a day or two relaxing on the beaches of Santa Barbara or exploring the area’s vineyards.

Highway 395

Start: Los Angeles

End: Mammoth Lakes

Distance: Approximately 330 miles

This stretch of highway connects Southern California with the Eastern Sierra mountains up north. Most people start this iconic road trip in LA, making their way out of the city and into the natural world of lakes, hikes, and bizarre roadside attractions. You won’t want to miss a visit to Alabama Hills, a formation of rounded rocks at the base of the Sierra Nevada, or the area’s famous Mobius Arch, which perfectly frames Mount Whitney. Before leaving, drop by the Manzanar National Historic Site, a memorial of the American concentration camp where more than 110,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II.

Further north, grab a hearty meal at Copper Top BBQ, home of mouthwatering pulled pork, then make your way to see some of the oldest living trees in the world at the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Keep an eye out for hidden hot springs — or stop at the slightly more established Wild Willy’s Hot Springs. Also in this final stretch of the drive lies Mammoth Mountain ski resort, perfect if you’re passing through in the wintertime. If you’re up for extending your trip, continuing past Mammoth Lakes can take you to Mono Lake, a super-salty body of water that was formed at least 760,000 years ago, and to Travertine Hot Springs in Bridgeport.

Carlsbad to the Lost Sierra

Start: Carlsbad

End: Clio

Distance: Approximately 888 miles

This California road trip will transport you to some of the state’s best attractions, with plenty of food and fun along the way. From the sandy beaches of Carlsbad, head north along the coast to Malibu and spend a night at the Malibu Beach Inn. The next day, drink plenty of water on your way to Solvang, a Danish village that’s rich in wineries and hard-to-top farm-to-table fare.

From Solvang, continue north to the coastal town of Monterey, where you can unwind for a few days at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa while making day trips to iconic Californian destinations like Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Pebble Beach. After Monterey, make your way through Napa Valley for more wine, or spend the day hiking and biking in the valley’s Alston Park.

Finally, go through Sacramento before arriving at the Lost Sierra, an under-the-radar area of pristine forest, dramatic peaks, and crystalline lakes just north of Tahoe. Here, you can camp at Nakoma Resort, spending your days exploring the Lakes Basin Recreation Area of Plumas National Forest.

Northern California Wine Country

Start: San Francisco

End: Ukiah

Distance: Approximately 180 miles

While you can do a one-day road trip from San Francisco to Napa Valley, experiencing Northern California’s wine country in depth is far more rewarding. Establish a great home base; we recommend the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, where you can unwind after a long day of driving.

From San Francisco, head northeast, making a quick stop at Domaine Carneros to enjoy a flute of bubbly as you reach Napa. Plan a visit to William Hill Estate Winery for a tasting and tour of the sprawling estate. To refuel after the tastings, check out Oxbow Public Market for a hearty meal.

No visit is complete without exploring Calistoga’s Castello di Amorosa, a charming 14th-century-style castle. Book a tasting and explore the castle grounds. To conclude your wine tour, enjoy a meal and tasting at Sequoia Grove, a family-owned winery situated in — what else — a grove of sequoia trees.

Before heading back, soak in the naturally carbonated hot waters at Vichy Springs Resort, established in 1854, or hike through the resort’s 700 private acres.

Rim of the World Scenic Byway

Start: Los Angeles

End: Big Bear Lake

Distance: Approximately 120 miles

This California road trip may be a bit shorter than some others on this list, but it makes up for it with breathtaking views. The Rim of the World Scenic Byway travels inland from the Southern California coast to the city of Big Bear Lake, known for ski resorts and endless lake-based activities.

From LA, head east, then north between the San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountains to reach Cajon Pass on State Route 138. Stop at the off-highway Silverwood Lake Overlook before detouring to Lake Arrowhead. Here, relax at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa. You can hike part of the Pacific Crest Trail, kayak across the lake, and view the coast from the Lake Arrowhead Queen steamboat.

Upon arriving in Big Bear Lake, enjoy a meal at Tropicali, which blends California and Hawaiian cuisine. Later, venture onto the Castle Rock Trail to capture unparalleled views of Big Bear Lake.

Southern California Beaches Road Trip

Start: San Diego

End: Malibu

Distance: Approximately 175 miles

If you’re craving a beach vacation, head to Southern California, home to some of the country’s best sandy shores and unbeatable balmy weather. In San Diego, enjoy reading and watching people at La Jolla Cove before making your way to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a coastal park that retains its wild feel. From La Jolla, continue north to partake in Orange County’s beach towns — Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach. (You’ll want to spend a few days here.) Grab a surfboard and catch some waves, or walk the pier in search of sea life.

For your final beach excursion, book a couple of nights in Malibu. You’ll have time to explore Zuma Beach, Leo Carrillo State Park, and the cliffs of Point Dume. When you need a break from the beach, satisfy your seafood cravings at Neptune’s Net before embarking on a hike in Corral Canyon.

California State Park Road Trip

Start: Sacramento

End: Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park

Distance: Approximately 800 miles

While California’s national parks — most notably Yosemite and Joshua Tree — often take center stage, many people overlook the smaller, less-visited state parks. This Northern California road trip highlights the beauty of these hidden gems as you zig and zag across less-traveled landscapes.

Start in Sacramento and make your way east to your first stop: Emerald Bay State Park. Check out Eagle Falls and enjoy views over Lake Tahoe. If visiting between June and September, make sure to explore Vikingsholm, a 38-room Scandinavian-inspired mansion. Head north to Plumas-Eureka State Park, where you can learn about the California Gold Rush.

After a few days of exploration, drive west toward the coast; fuel up at From the Hearth Kitchen & Pie Shop in Red Bluff along the way. Near the ocean, you’ll encounter Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, a 400-acre oasis filled with old-growth redwood trees. Spend a night under the redwoods and alongside the river before making your way to Humboldt Lagoons State Park on the coast, renowned for its lagoons, wetlands, and estuaries. After this detour, make your way back east towards Redding.

Continue north to Castle Crags State Park, known for its breathtaking rock formations and excellent camping. Conclude your adventure at Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park, a unique area easily accessible by boat, characterized by stunning views of Mount Shasta and remnants of lava flows.

San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park

Start: San Diego

End: Joshua Tree National Park

Distance: Approximately 387 miles

When people envision California, they often think of beaches. However, a significant portion of the state is dotted with awe-inspiring deserts. To immerse yourself in California’s breathtaking arid landscapes, embark from San Diego heading northeast along State Route 78. Dive into Anza-Borrego Desert State Park — home to the iconic springtime superbloom — and explore the park’s slot canyons and cactus forests.

Afterward, travel to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, where backcountry trails and snow-capped mountains await. After enjoying California’s diverse open spaces, consider a detour south to the Salton Sea, a large saline body of water. Check out the eastern shore for breathtaking views of Salvation Mountain, a colorful, love-inspired artwork that’s sure to fit well in photos.

Following your exploration, head back north toward Palm Springs (or, if time permits, drive around the sea before heading north). Once you arrive in Palm Springs, enjoy a relaxing stay at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs. After settling in, venture into the expansive Joshua Tree National Park for an unforgettable experience.