21 Awesome Road Trips To Make In California

California is one of the most popular states in the United States of America, and it’s a go-to destination for adventure enthusiasts. Apart from the epic scenic beauty and the sun-kissed beaches, California is also home to some of the most diverse landscapes in the country. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and embark on an epic road trip, California should be your next destination. Here are 21 awesome road trips you can make while in California.

1. Pacific Coast Highway

Spanning the entire coast of California, the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the USA, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

2. Big Sur

It is a rugged and mountainous stretch of coastline that's highly popular for its redwood forests, pristine beaches, and jaw-dropping views.

3. Joshua Tree National Park

Known for its iconic jagged rock formations and stunning desert landscapes, Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit destination.

4. Death Valley National Park

It is one of the most unique and stunning landscapes in the world, with its otherworldly features like the Badwater Basin, Artist's Palette, and Zabriskie Point.

5. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is famous for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoia groves, making it a photographer’s paradise.

6. Lake Tahoe

You can take a stunning drive around Lake Tahoe, which sits on the California and Nevada border, for panoramic views of the crystal-clear waters and the surrounding mountains.

7. San Francisco to Napa Valley

This road trip will take you through the Bay Area and into the heart of wine country, where you can unwind, relax, and taste some of the world's best wines.

8. The Central Valley

The Central Valley is considered the agricultural capital of California, and the expansive fields, orchards, and vineyards are worth the drive to experience.

9. Lake Merritt

Take a scenic drive around Lake Merritt to see some of the best sites in Oakland, including the Oakland Museum of California, Jack London Square, and the Paramount Theatre.

10. Mono County

Mono County is known for its stunning scenery, including granite mountains, geothermal hot springs, and the picturesque Mono Lake.

11. Santa Barbara to San Diego

Drive down the PCH and take in the beauty of Southern California's coastal towns and their stunning beaches.

12. The Lost Coast

The Lost Coast is one of the most remote and rugged stretches of coastline in California, but it's also one of the most beautiful and unspoiled.

13. The Desert Circle

The Desert Circle is a 760-mile road trip that takes you across the Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree National Park, and back to Palm Springs.

14. Redwoods to Yosemite

This epic 370-mile road trip takes you through the heart of Northern California, including the Redwood Forest and Yosemite National Park.

15. Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, but it is also an ideal destination for a summer road trip with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities.

16. San Diego to La Jolla

This road trip takes you down the scenic PCH from San Diego to La Jolla, where you can enjoy the stunning coastal scenery, tide pools, and surf breaks.

17. Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Home to some of the tallest trees in the world, the Humboldt Redwoods State Park is a must-see for anyone interested in the beauty of nature.

18. Napa Valley and Sonoma Wine Country

This road trip is perfect for wine lovers, taking you through the heart of Napa Valley and Sonoma, where you can taste some of California's finest wines.

19. Palm Springs

Known for its hot springs, spas, and golf courses, Palm Springs is an ideal destination for a relaxing road trip.

20. The Salton Sea

The Salton Sea is one of the most unique and fascinating destinations in California, with its photogenic deserts, palm trees, and stunning sunsets.

21. San Luis Obispo to Paso Robles

This road trip takes you through the quaint towns of San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles, where you can taste some of the best wine in Central California.

California truly is a road tripper’s paradise, with its endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. Whether you're looking for a relaxing drive through wine country or an adrenaline-filled journey through the heart of California's most rugged wilderness, there's a road trip for everyone. So, get behind the wheel, turn up the music, and hit the open road to experience all that California has to offer. You won't be disappointed!