Best Road Trips California

By Dejan B.. Published on March 18, 2021

Home to some of the most iconic destinations in the US, California offers a number of amazing cities, theme parks, and natural treasures worth visiting. Spend a weekend on the beach, go hiking, and check out all the cool vineyards in the area. Here is a list of top road trips ideas from California.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is such an amazing coastal city and it's no wonder that many call it "The American Riviera". If you like wine, make sure to make a pit stop on your road trip at Santa Barbara Winery. They offer tastings and you can learn about how their wine is made. Accommodation in Santa Barbara can be expensive and a night at a hotel can cost you up to $500, but there are dozens of smaller hotels like the Wayfarer where you can spend a night for like $70.

Lake Tahoe

An ideal place with its deep blue waters, Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful spots in California. Many say how the best time to visit Lake Tahoe is definitely during the winter season because of its ski resorts. What I like about this place is that it's quite big and you can go to the north side or the south side of the lake. South Lake Tahoe is all about casinos and snow sports, while the North is a laid-back rustic piece of heaven where you can rent a cabin and just chill.

Palm Springs

It doesn't really matter if its June or October, the temperature in Palm Springs rarely goes below 21C. With its amazing architecture, a number of cocktail bars, and several swimming pools spread across the city, it's a great place to come and unwind. Check out all the cool mansions here and the amazing architecture. If you want to relax, go for a mud bath or a massage. There are a number of places in Palm Springs that offer all kinds of spa treatment services.

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is small coastal city famous for its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere. Head out to the Harley Farms to try some goat cheese and go to La Nebbia Winery for a glass of wine. In case you are into golf, there are two world renowned golf courses here in Half Moon Bay with 180-degree ocean views. For dinner, we suggest going to Mezza Luna or Pasta Moon. If you are in the mood for a cold one and some classic American cuisine, make sure to stop by the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Perfect for kayaking and hiking, Point Reyes is famous for its brushy hillsides and open grasslands. There are over 1400 species of animals and plants to discover and Point Reyes Seashore National Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Northern California. Travelers who love hiking with definitely want to go to Point Reyes Hiking Trails. For amazing ocean views, go to the top of the Point Reyes Lighthouse.

Wine Country

Sonoma and Napa are known for their amazing wineries and most of them offer tours that include wine tasting, so what's not to like? Some of the places worth visiting on this road trip are Castello di Amorosa and Benziger vineyard. Don't forget to check out the famous Santa Rosa that is located in Matanzas Creek and features a lovely lavender field.

Santa Cruz

Located in Northern California, Santa Cruz is one of the most popular destinations in the country for surfers. Go for a walk on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and visit the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. There are a number of beaches where you can just chill in the sun including the Cowell Beach, Twin Lakes State Beach, and Seabright State Beach. If you are looking for some American cuisine, try the bacon waffles at Linda's Seabreeze Café. Stagnaro Bros Seafood offers tasty seafood specialties, while Mozaic Restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean dishes.

San Diego

Perfect for a weekend getaway, San Diego offers plenty of outdoor activities and a number of restaurants and bars worth visiting. Spend an afternoon at the beautiful Balboa Park and go see the old footbridges in Hillcrest. No visit to San Diego is complete without eating Mexican food. Go to La Puerta or Miguel's Cocina for delicious Mexican specialties. Don't forget to check out the hang gliders right over the famous La Jolla cliffs.