I’ve been living in California for over a decade and driven all over this stunning state. Although the Pacific Coast Highway is (rightfully) lauded as one of the most iconic California road trips, it’s far from the only one worth planning an adventure around—especially if you’re interested in some of California’s other iconic sites, like redwood forests or national parks.

Below, here are 5 must-drive California road trips—and where to stop along the way—according to a local Californian.

In this article: California road trips

Short on time? Here’s a quick list of the top California road trips featured in this article:

Quick, 2-4 Day Road Trips

Highway 128: Napa to Mendocino [read the full itinerary]
Central Coast: Paso Robles to Ojai [read the full itinerary]
Sonoma Coast & Russian River Road Trip [read the full itinerary]

5+ Day Road Trips

The Pacific Coast Highway: San Diego to San Francisco [read the full itinerary]
Highway 395: Reno/Tahoe to Palm Springs [read the full itinerary]

The Pacific Coast Highway: A Coastal Classic from San Diego to San Francisco

Distance: ~500–600 miles (depending on detours)
Number of days: 6–10 days for the full drive; or just do a portion
Recommended time of year: April–June or September–October
Highlights: Big Sur; Santa Barbara; detour to Channel Islands National Park; Santa Ynez Valley; Malibu beaches; Hearst Castle; Central Coast seafood; and California’s major cities

The stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) from San Diego to San Francisco is hands down the most iconic drive in California—and the most well-known California road trip. Honestly, I don't think it's overrated and it does live up to the hype in a lot of ways. However, it's worth taking your time so you can make a few detours to off-the-beaten path gems along the way. As of writing, the full stretch along Big Sur has re-opened, making now a great time to take this trip.

Begin in San Diego, then Santa Monica/Malibu + Ojai

Start with a night or two in San Diego. A stay at the maximalist Lafayette Hotel in North Park is the move. It’s an actual crime to leave SD without eating some Tijuana-style tacos — try Tacos El Gordo — before heading north. Make your first overnight stop in Santa Monica at The Georgian or in Malibu at The Surfrider. Spend a lazy morning at Malibu’s Zuma Beach before detouring inland to Ojai. It’s a small, hippie town with great food, shops, outdoor bookstore Bart's Books, and the fittingly road-trip-themed Caravan Outpost.

The good stuff: Big Sur and Central Coast

From Ojai, rejoin the PCH and work your way up the Central Coast: whale watching or Channel Islands in Santa Barbara, wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley, kayaking followed by oysters at Grassy Bar in Morro Bay, blue corn waffles on the beach at The Hidden Kitchen in Cayucos, and Hearst Castle before dropping into Big Sur. Ventana Big Sur is the once-in-a-lifetime splurge; Glen Oaks is the charming, more affordable alternative with redwood cabins and soaking tubs.

Carmel, Santa Cruz, and ending in San Francisco

Don't skip Carmel-by-the-Sea (I love getting drinks at Bud’s at La Playa Hotel) before pushing north through Santa Cruz. Stay at the newly opened La Bahia Hotel & Spa if you want to linger here.

You can drive from Santa Cruz to San Francisco in a day. Stop in the charming small town of Pescadero for artichoke bread; Half Moon Bay for lunch at Dad's Luncheonette. Oceanside Moss Beach Distillery is another fun choice—the ocean views are better than the food—before rolling into San Francisco.

Small Towns + Wine in Central California: Paso Robles to Santa Ynez to Ojai

Distance: ~200–250 miles
Number of days: 5-7 days
Recommended time of year: April–June or September–November
Highlights: Paso Robles wineries, Santa Ynez Valley’s charming small towns, Ojai spas, and scenic inland highways

Maybe you've already driven the Pacific Coast Highway. You've spent time in Santa Barbara. But you hear there are some hidden gems just waiting for anyone willing to drive an extra 30 minutes or so. This road trip is for you—and it’s easy to do from San Francisco or Los Angeles. Simply reverse this itinerary if you're starting in L.A.

Start in Paso Robles: 2 nights

Start by hauling it to Paso Robles, where you'll want to spend at least two nights. For a special treat, book one of the spacious rooms at B&B Geneseo Inn, which sits on an actual working winery (read my full review). While you're in town, don't miss Sensorio, a nearby outdoor art installation that lights up the hillside at night.

For your full day, head out to the vineyards to drink wine, go on an e-bike tour with VineCycle, or hit the trails on horseback with Central Coast Trailrides.

Favorite wineries include Clos Solène (reservation required), Turley, and Tablas Creek—all within the same(ish) area. Hubba Wines in Tin City is another small, creative, and modern winemaker worth checking out.

For food, yes it’s old school but Il Cortile has been a downtown institution for good reason. Definitely order the pasta.

Then mosey to Santa Ynez: 2-3 nights

From here, mosey south toward Santa Ynez Valley with an optional detour to Morro Bay or pit stop in the cute small town of Atascadero. You could easily do an entire road trip just in this valley, so plan for two or three nights exploring each of its small towns.

Make your base the midcentury modern, hilltop motel Skyview Motel in Los Alamos or mansion-like B&B, The Genevieve, in Santa Ynez. If neither of those work, anything by the Nomada Hotel group (which has several properties here) is lovely.

There’s so much good food here but you definitely won’t want to miss Highway Tacos in Santa Ynez, Bell’s and Priedite BBQin Los Alamos, or Bar Le Côte in Los Olivos. The adventures here will revolve around wine (don’t miss Clementine Carter or Lumen), but also make time to wander the downtown areas of Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Solvang. Each of these small towns has its own distinct personality and is full of small shops and quirky gems to discover. Fore something more active, head out on a horseback ride with Vino Vaqueros.

End in Ojai: 1-2 nights

End your adventure with another night or two in the small, hippie town of Ojai best known outside of California for its pixie tangerines. If you’re craving coast, Santa Barbara is on the way—swing by and grab some lunch or hang out on the beach.

Once in Ojai, highlights include more tiny boutiques and the iconic outdoor bookstore, Bart's Books. Favorite restaurants include Full Moon Izakaya andThe Dutchess. For hotels, I love the very on-theme Caravan Outpost. But if you’re staying for more than a night, you may appreciate the pool at Hummingbirdor splurge-worthy Hotel El Roblar.

From here, it’s a reasonable drive to LA to fly home, or settle in to the drive with a good audiobook and circle back to San Francisco.

Related: Read My Travel Guides to Santa Ynez and Paso Robles

Highway 395: An Outdoorsy Adventure from Tahoe to Palm Springs

Distance: ~400 miles
Number of days: 5-7 days
Recommended time of year: May–June or September–October
Start in Tahoe or Reno, Nevada and end in Palm Springs.

Highway 395 is one of California’s most dramatic drives, yet often overlooked. Instead of ocean views, you’ll trace the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada, driving along the California-Nevada border through some truly stunning and dramatic landscapes.

Start in Reno/Tahoe and head south

The scenery shifts constantly: starting with alpine lakes near Tahoe, volcanic formations around Mono Lake, pine forests in Mammoth, and cinematic desert landscapes near Lone Pine (literally: Alabama Hills is a popular filming location for Hollywood sci-fis and westerns). It’s expansive, rugged, and feels like a true Western road trip. Although the highway technically ends in Hesperia outside of LA, you can continue your drive to Palm Springs and Joshua Tree for a little extra time in the desert.

This drive is best done with flexibility and plenty of time for detouring. It’s also easy enough to play it by ear, deciding where you want to go when you wake up each morning and camping along the way. Here are some key stops to plan your route around:

You’ll likely start near Lake Tahoe or Reno, if you’re flying in from elsewhere.
Loop around the lake and make your first stop Carson City, Nevada for lunch or dinner at The Bank Saloon, a stop by the Nevada State Museum, or a little detour for a waterfall hike at Kings Canyon.
Bodie State Park is a ghost town not far from Mono Lake and worth the detour.
Mono Lake, known for its Tufas. Some good fishing nearby too.
June Lake and Mammoth, a ski area with great hikes, mountain biking, and hot springs. June Lake has a good campground right on the lake and Pino Pies is the best stop here for food.
Bishop, a small town with a big rock climbing community. Good place to stop for lunch/food. I liked Mountain Rambler Brewery.
Alabama Hills and Lone Pine for camping + dramatic rock formations with Mount Whitney in the background. Lone Pine has some basic accommodation and food/restaurant options too.

If you have time, detour through Death Valley before finishing in Palm Springs — the contrast between snow-capped peaks and sand dunes in one trip is what makes this route unforgettable. You can also see the Western part of Yosemite while on this trip.

Marin, Sonoma Coast, and Russian River Loop

Distance: ~120–180 miles (loop dependent)
Number of days: 2–4 days
Recommended time of year: April-November
Highlights: Kayaking, Tomales Bay oysters, redwoods near Guerneville, river swimming spots

The Sonoma Coast has always been a beautiful yet underrated stretch of highway for a road trip, but with several exciting new restaurant and hotel openings, there’s never been a better time to drive this loop. It also takes you through some of Marin County's most scenic coastal spots and into the redwoods before heading back to San Francisco. It’s a great option if you're short on time and can't decide between coast and forest.

Start in San Francisco, with an overnight in Tomales Bay

Start by driving from San Francisco to Tomales Bay, checking into Lodge at Marconi for a night. Nick’s Cove is another good option for hotel and seaside lunch. Plus their boatshack (which burned down several years ago) is now back in action. Either way, make sure you head back to Point Reyes Station to eat dinner at the newly opened seafood restaurant, Bar Aucklet.

Explore Tomales Bay, then spend the night in Jenner

Next morning, take your time exploring the area—go hiking, kayaking, or bike the backroads—and swing by either the Marshall Store or Hog Island for lunch. The area is known for its oysters so make sure you shuck a few before you mosey on north to Jenner. Enjoy the coastal views on the 1-hour long drive to your second hotel, Maderia House in Jenner. Just be sure to get there before sunset so you can grab a glass of wine at the newly opened Siren Cellar (open 2pm - sunset) before heading to dinner at River’s End then turning in for the night.

Trade the coast for the Redwoods, with a stop in Guerneville

Next day, get coffee at the iconic Cafe Aquatica then head inland towards Guerneville. Take your time and make plenty of detours—it’s a short drive, after all. Stop in the small towns of Occidental or Forestville, go for a hike in Armstrong Redwoods, or stop in Monte Rio for a swim in the river and pizza at new restaurant, Wonderland Pizzeria, before making your way into the charming small town of Guerneville just in time for happy hour margaritas at El Barrio.

If you’re spending the night, check into River Electric for a glamping moment, Boon Hotel + Spa for an adults only stay with a pool, or Stravrand for a homey yet elevated stay in the forest. This is a good spot to spend two nights, since you’ll want to spend a full day floating the river. In the summertime, Guerneville is all about Russian River shennanigans. Start by renting a canoe at Burke’s Canoe and paddle your way down river with a stop at Stumptown for a beer (the food is fine). End with dinner at Dawn Ranch or wine and small bites at Trillium. If you’re still craving a party after dark, Rainbow Cattle Company is a pinnacle of the local LGBTQ scene and very fun. Whatever you do, leave room for ice cream at Nimble + Finn’s in the old bank building.

Highway 128: Winters to Napa to Mendocino

Distance: ~140 miles
Number of days: 3–4 days
Recommended time of year: April–June or September–November
Highlights: Napa and Anderson Valley wineries, redwood trees, Mendocino coast, Michelin-starred food
Stay: Hotel Winters, Dr. Wilkinson’s, Boonville Hotel, and Harbor House Inn

In 2021, I did this road trip for the first time from end to end, starting in the farming community of Winters, California and weaving through Napa Valley, Anderson Valley, and eventually ending in Mendocino. I absolutely love this underrated drive because it’s basically a “sampler of California”. You get to see dramatic coastlines, drive through redwood forests, stop three wine regions, and eat fantastic food. Plus, it’s short enough to stop often and never have more than one or two hours of driving ahead of you.

Start in Winters, near Sacramento

On day one, start in Winters near Sacramento. Grab a pint at Berryessa Brewing Co. and stay the night at Hotel Winters. The town is small, so wander about to find a good spot for dinner—there’s no one “must try” restaurant, though Hotel Winters does have a good steakhouse and Berryessa Brewing Co. often has food trucks for more casual vibes.

Drive through Napa Valley, ending in Calistoga

Day two takes you to Napa Valley and Calistoga. Stop at Lake Berryessa for a swim, taste wine at Nichelini Family Winery—a low-key winery and the oldest continuously operated family winery in Napa. Grab a late lunch at Charlie’s in St. Helena, then end in Calistoga with a stay at Brannan Cottage Inn or cheap and cheerful Calistoga Motor Lodge. You won’t want to miss the newly opened Eight-North restaurant in Calistoga for dinner.

Napa to Boonville

Start day three with coffee at Sam’s and a stop at Calistoga’s gyser before crossing into Sonoma. If it happens to be a Saturday, I wouldn’t fault you for detouring to Healdsburg for their amazing weekly farmer’s market. As you continue your drive, stop for lunch at Diavola in Geyserville and a stroll among the town’s sculpture gardens. Then, hop onto the windy road to Boonville, a small, quirky town (and one of my faves). Stretch your legs with disc golf at Anderson Brewery then settle in for the night at the Boonville Hotel, which serves a four-course prix-fixe dinner in its garden courtyard.

Boonville to the Mendocino Coast

On your final day, the road takes you through redwoods and out to the coast. It’s my favorite part of the drive. Have an early lunch at Pennyroyal Farm, taste wine at Navarro (no fee), and stop at Hendy Woods State Park for a walk through old-growth trees. End the trip at Harbor House Inn in Elk — a bed and breakfast and Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking a private cove. This is also an excellent place to spend an extra night, either at Harbor House Inn or at one of the many cute B&Bs as you make your way up the coast towards the town of Mendocino and Fort Bragg. Mendocino Cove is a new addition (same owners of Mendocino Grove) and an excellent option for a hotel.

Related: Review of Harbor House Inn

5 California Road Trips You Should Take at Least Once in Your Life

In this article: California road trips

The Pacific Coast Highway: A Coastal Classic from San Diego to San Francisco

Begin in San Diego, then Santa Monica/Malibu + Ojai

The good stuff: Big Sur and Central Coast

Carmel, Santa Cruz, and ending in San Francisco