Can't decide where to go?
There are road trips in California. If you want to experience California in a way that tugs at your heart and soul, fill the gas tank and take a road trip. As you travel through wine country, awe-inspiring redwood forests, epic desert expanses, endless miles of coastal highway and sky-touching Sierra Nevada peaks, you're going to have a lot of memories. Make sure the car you rent has unlimited miles. California is the third largest state in the US and you could easily spend weeks navigating its rural byways, safely distant from the interstate system. The five classic road-tripping routes are filled with epic scenery that makes each mile worthwhile. It's the best road trip for ocean views.
Dana Point at Interstate 5–Hwy 101 in Leggett; 656 miles
1. Pacific Coast Highway
If you follow the entire 656 miles or just a short stretch of coast-hugging Highway 1 you'll hit the big time. Posing options include dramatic sea cliffs, sun-drenched surfing towns, and playful harbor seals.
Only the short, sun-loving stretch of Highway 1 through Orange and Los Angeles counties can legally be called the Pacific Coast Highway. There are equally bewitching ribbons along this route.
If you want to get the best results, avoid driving the PCH in the spring and summer when the central and northern coastline can be hit by fog and rain. You will get some of the best weather in September and October as you check out this beautiful place.
It's the best for weekend and icon drives.
Arizona border near Needles–Santa Monica; 315 miles
America's " Mother Road" brought refugees from the Dust Bowl to California and brought celebrities to the state. You can take a cruise from the desert to the Pacific Ocean and stay in a tipi hotel.
The promised land at the end of the road was the state of California. Today you can drive across the Mojave Desert and into the San Bernardino National Forest. Proceed from Los Angeles to Pasadena and then to Santa Monica for a panoramic view of the ocean.
It's the best for family road trips.
Oakhurst–Nevada City; 200 miles
The Sierra Nevada foothills are a stronghold of gold-rush history with stories of banditry, brothels and bloodlust.
The highway number commemorates the 49ers who came to California in search of fame and fortune. The route goes through Gold Country towns such as Placerville and Nevada City, past old West mines and Victorian buildings.
The combination of western history and charming wineries strung along stunning views of the Sierra Nevada will appeal to you. You can take a road trip for three to four days. It's best to go during the summer and early fall.
There are two wonderful jumping-off points for family camping and natural beauty located close to the highway.
It's the best for road trips with children.
Stafford–Highway 101 junction; 32 miles
Some of the tallest trees in the world were planted during the Roman Empire. Travelers stand with jaws agape and necks craned upward on one of the most celebrated drives in California. The best time to visit is in the morning when the sun is shining.
Diners serving "lumberjack" meals and pull-offs filled with Harleys can be found along the route.
Julia Morgan designed the four-sided fireplace at the California Federation of Women's clubs grove. There are walking trails through the groves.
It's the best road trip for winter or spring.
Palm Springs–Death Valley; 290 miles
You can take a road trip from Palm Springs through Palm Desert and Joshua Tree to Death Valley. California pioneers and gold miners used to roll their wagons there.
Natural and human history come together in Death Valley National park. Artists Drive is nine miles of desert hills that include sand dunes, water-sculpted canyons, rocks moving across the desert floor and extinct volcanic craters.
It's a local tip to go between February and April for springtime wildflower blooms. Three days is enough to see sites like Badwater Basin, Mesquite Flat, and Emigrant & Wildrose Canyons.
The article was first published in 2011.
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