5 of The Best Road Trips in California

California is a paradise for road trippers in 2025. From the awe-inspiring coastline to winding mountain passes and desert escapes, each journey offers something fresh and memorable. Here are five top-tier road trips, packed with non-generic, practical insights to help you create an unforgettable experience.

1. Pacific Coast Highway: San Francisco to Lobos State Beach

Distance: about 350 miles round‑trip
Time needed: 2–3 days
Why it’s awesome: Classic views, quaint towns, and hidden gems

Stop in Half Moon Bay for fresh crab sandwiches at The Coastal Tap and a stroll along lively Main Street.
Santa Cruz offers the nostalgic Beach Boardwalk plus a surf session at Steamer Lane.
Big Sur has breathtaking vistas—don’t miss McWay Falls and the hidden.
Cambria and San Simeon are perfect pitstops. Tour the barn owl colony near Moonstone Beach or stroll the blufftop trails around Hearst Castle.
Final highlight: Lobos State Beach, near Morro Bay. Lesser-known, wide golden sands make it a refreshing finale.

Best time to go: Late spring to early fall—clear skies, though summer mornings can fog up the coast.
Road tip: Watch for sudden weather swings—pack layers. Fuel up in rural regions; stations are sparse beyond Big Sur.

2. Sierra Nevada Loop: Lake Tahoe ➝ Yosemite via Ebbetts Pass

Distance: roughly 360 miles
Time needed: 3–4 days
Why it’s cool: Alpine lakes, stunning overlooks, high-elevation passes

Start at North Lake Tahoe. Early summer brings lupines, and calm mornings offer superb kayaking conditions. Eat breakfast at Driftwood Cafe in Tahoe City.
Drive west on CA‑4, over Ebbetts Pass (elevation 8,730 ft). It’s open only from late May to mid-October and offers jaw-dropping views of pine-clad ridges.
Bond with nature at Markleeville Hot Springs for a refreshing soak.
Head south via CA‑89, passing Hope Valley. Stop at the ghost town of Pony Express for history-lovers.
Enter Yosemite through Tioga Pass (9,945 ft) and descend to Tuolumne Meadows—a calm contrast to Valley’s crowds. Hike to Soda Springs or Cathedral Lakes.
Finish in Yosemite Valley, where evening light on El Capitan, plus fewer day-trippers if you stay late, creates perfect photography conditions.

Fuel/facilities tips: Remote mountain stops may only take cash. Bring snacks, a physical map, and check for road closures.
Best time to go: July through September.

3. Southern California Wine Road: LA to Temecula via Malibu & Ojai

Distance: about 180 miles
Time needed: 2 days
Why go: Wine tasting, coastal cliffs, artsy getaways

Kick off in Malibu. Walk the bluff trail at Point Dume early to dodge crowds, then grab fish tacos at Malibu Farm Pier.
Leave the coast via Pacific Coast Highway 1, turning inland near Oxnard. Stop in Ojai—its peaceful vibe and breakfast at The Nest are refreshing.
Onto the historic Olivas Adobe site, where you can explore 19th-century architecture and peacocks roaming the grounds.
Head south on CA‑23 toward Lake Piru, pause to kayak or fish.
Arrive in Temecula, California’s most underrated wine country. For 2025, noteworthy vineyards include Leonesse Cellars for Rhône blends or South Coast Winery for Cabernet Franc rosé.
Stay overnight at a bed‑and‑breakfast (many vineyards offer onsite lodging). Wake up to vineyard views and sip breakfast bubbles.

Extra tip: Avoid Temecula weekends if you dislike big crowds; weekday visits are more relaxing.
When to go: April for wildflowers, September for harvest festivals.

4. Eastern Mojave Desert Drive: Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park

Distance: around 200 miles one‑way
Time needed: 1–2 days
Why it shines: Desert landscapes, stargazing, unique public art stops

Start from Los Angeles after sunrise. Plan an outdoor breakfast stop in Fontana.
First stop: Edwards Air Force Base viewing area. It’s free, off old Route 66 and you might spot sporadic aerospace tests or carrier jets overhead.
Next: Route 395 via Ridgecrest, with lunch at Cowboy Café—a bona fide desert truck-stop gem.
Drive toward Trona Pinnacles, an otherworldly spot made of ancient tufa formations. A peaceful detour and seldom crowded.
Reach Joshua Tree mid-afternoon. Hike Hidden Valley or access Cholla Cactus Garden just before sunset—watch for glowing silhouettes.
Sleep under the Milky Way. Joshua Tree dark skies rank among the best in Southern California.
Next morning: sunrise at Balancing Rock, followed by breakfast at Crossroads Café.

Park note: Wildflower season varies by rain—winter-spring is best. Summer is hot; carry extra water and go early.
When to go: October–March for milder weather.

5. Central Coast Roadtrip: Santa Barbara to Big Sur via San Luis Obispo

Distance: about 300 miles round‑trip
Time needed: 2 days
Why it’s worth it: Chica coastal towns, food scenes, hidden wineries

Begin in Santa Barbara. Stop for a downtown espresso at Handlebar Coffee Roasters and stroll State Street’s Spanish‑style architecture.
Head to Solvang, a Danish-style town with award-winning æbleskiver, plus family-run wineries like Rusack.
Continue to San Luis Obispo. Hike Bishop Peak (1,500 ft elevation), then drop into the historic bubblegum-lined Bubblegum Alley.
Lunch recommendation: Big Sky Café for fresh produce plates.
Pass Morro Bay, where oyster tasting at Dorn’s Original Breakers Café lets you sample Pacific flavors with harbor views.
The Nipomo Dunes Ecological Reserve is ideal for bird-watching and dune walks.
End your day in Cambria. Dine at Robin’s Restaurant (local seafood specialties), then check out the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk.
Big Sur day trip: explore Pfeiffer Beach’s purple sand, Pfeiffer Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and enjoy a sunset picnic at Garrapata State Beach.

Seasonal notes: Wildflowers bloom in spring, but summer often brings mist in Big Sur—mornings clear by midday.
Fuel & lodging: Reserve Big Sur lodging months ahead—hotels fill up quickly.

Quick Planning Tips for All Trips

Check current conditions: Road closures and fire seasons can change plans fast—Caltrans updates real-time road statuses.
Stay safe: Cell service fades in remote parts of Sierra and Mojave—download maps offline and carry emergency gear.
Pack smart: Layers, headlamps, cooling towels, extra water, and a first-aid kit are essential.
Reserve ahead: Popular lodges and campsites in Big Sur, Lake Tahoe, and Joshua Tree fill quickly on weekends.

Why These California Trips Stand Out in 2025

Each route brings something distinct:

The Pacific Coast offers timeless scenic views,
Sierra Nevada delivers alpine tranquility,
the Southern Wine Road adds relaxed luxury,
the Mojave trip highlights desert solitude,
the Central Coast weaves culinary culture into coastal charm.

Whether you’re chasing surf, stars, wine, or wildflowers, California serves it best. Select your style, plan smart, and hit the road for an unforgettable summer.