Golden State getaways: Six California road trip routes

Home to iconic Highway 1 and part of Route 66, California is renowned for its epic road trips.

The state’s highways traverse breathtaking views and diverse landscapes.

Whether you’re wanting to cruise down one of the classic routes or explore a lesser-known road, buckle up and discover six of the best road trip routes in the Golden State.

Iconic trips 

Highway 1 (San Diego to San Francisco)

Mileage: 587 miles

This spectacular coast-hugging route runs from San Diego to San Francisco and provides some of the best views of the West Coast. Setting off from San Diego, head northbound and stop off in Orange County at Huntington Beach, known as Surf City USA, where surfing was first popularised in the US. Visit San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast to sample local wine and produce from the bustling SLO Farmers Market.  This autumn, travellers will once again be able to drive the coastal route north from SLO CAL to Monterey, but due to current road closures, taking Highway 101 from Cambria to Carmel-by-the-Sea and then southbound to Big Sur is the recommended route. Finish this bucket list journey in San Francisco to explore its unique neighbourhoods and snap a photo at the Golden Gate Bridge.

Key pit stops: Sample the delicious wines of  Santa Barbara on a tasting tour

Route 66 (Needles to Santa Monica)

Milage: 351 miles

Route 66 was first opened in 1926, and although it was gradually superseded by the federal state highway, it remains a road trip icon. The California section of Route 66 begins in the desert town of Needles where you can still spot the Route 66 logo emblazoned on the road outside the Needles Regional Museum. Detour to Mojave National Preserve to admire the dramatic landscape and second-largest dune system in the state before heading to the historic town of Barstow. The town is a timeless place harking back to the heyday of Route 66. Following a drive through Pasadena and West Hollywood, and  end the tour on Santa Monica’s Pier.

Key pit stop: Get spooked in the abandoned silver mine of Calico Ghost Town which has been around since 1881.

Lesser-known road trips

Highway 395 (Lake Tahoe to Death Valley)

Mileage: 556 miles

Known as California’s backbone, Highway 395 is also home to the lowest and hottest point on earth in Death Valley, adrenaline-filled ski towns and spooky ghost towns. Begin your journey at Lake Tahoe, an all-year-round destination for winter sports enthusiasts and summer hikers. Take the highway southbound to Mammoth Lakes and onwards to Lone Pine for epic views of 14,505-feet high Mount Whitney. End the journey in Death Valley and be sure to tick off a visit to the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin, and its incredible salt flats.

Key pit stop: Detour to Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest to spot trees up to 4,000 years old.

Gold Chain Highway (Nevada City to Columbia State Historic Park)

Mileage: 130 miles

California’s Highway 49, known as the Golden Chain Highway, is the perfect road trip for history buffs. Set off northeast of Sacramento in Nevada City and be transported back to the Gold Rush era as you spot the buildings which date back to the roots of the original ’49ers’ in search of Gold. This route guides you through the historic towns of Auburn and Coloma with beautiful views of the state park and options to get the adrenaline pumping trying out white water rafting on the American River.

Key pit stop: Try panning for gold at Marshall Gold Discovery Historic State National Park.

Route 99 (Yolo County to Bakersfield)

Mileage: 328 miles

From the northernmost point of the Central Valley in Yolo County down to Bakersfield, cruise through seemingly never-ending picturesque farmland and stop off to taste the region’s local produce along the journey. From Yolo County, head towards the quaint town of Winters and try out one of the many tasting rooms to sample the local wine. End the trip in Visalia which offers the perfect base camp from which to explore the Sequoia National Forest and Kings Canyon State Park.

Key pit stop: Explore the old-world charm of Modesto, a town which inspired George Lucas’ classic film ‘American Graffiti’.

Architectural Gems (Los Angeles to San Diego)

Milage: 296 miles

Architecture fanatics will love this route beginning at the Getty Center in Los Angeles and ending at California Tower in San Diego’s Balboa Park. Prepare to marvel at the spectacular spots in Los Angeles alone with a visit to Walt Disney Concert Hall, home to Los Angeles Philharmonic, and contemporary art museum, The Broad. Head to Palm Springs, a mecca for modernist architecture and lovers of mid-century styles. Explore Elvis’ Honeymoon Hideaway which doesn’t have a single square room before heading to Rancho Mirage. This 200-acre estate is a mid-century modern masterpiece which also houses an impressive art collective with the likes of Monet and Picasso. Finish the journey in San Diego and explore the 20th century park and impressive Spanish Renaissance architecture.

Key pit stop: Check out Parker Palm Spring Hotel in Palm Springs for the perfect colourful 1950’s style stay.

For more on California road trips discover Visit California’s Road Trip Republic tool 

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