California is the ultimate road trip playground, offering breathtaking coastal drives, scenic mountain routes, and desert escapes. Whether you're mapping out a weekend getaway or an extended adventure, a little planning can go a long way in maximizing your trip. From the best times to hit the road to must-see stops, scenic routes, and budget-friendly tips, this FAQ guide has everything you need to make the most of your California road trip.
What’s the best time of year to take a road trip in California?
California offers excellent road trip options year-round, but different seasons bring their own special opportunities. In general, spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are ideal for sunny weather and fewer crowds, especially by the beaches. January and February tend to be the sweet spot for enjoying shorter lines at theme parks, and February and March are prime time for seeing wildflowers as well as blossoming fruit trees in the Central Valley.
If you want your road trip to include stops for winter sports and snow play at California ski resorts, you can visit pretty much anytime between late November and April (and sometimes even later; take note of these safe winter driving tips). For more details on when to visit wine country, national parks, and more, check out these tips for timing your trip.
Where can I rent a car for a road trip in California?
You’ll find abundant car rental options at airports as well as standalone locations in cities and towns around the Golden State. In most cases, you must be at least 25 years old and have a valid driver's license or passport to rent a car, plus a credit card for a security deposit.
Besides car rental agencies, an alternative is Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform that connects car owners with renters. Owners list their cars on Turo, set availability and pricing, and renters choose based on location, date, and other preferences.
Before you arrive, get up to speed on California’s traffic laws regarding carpool lanes, snow travel, and more.
What are the must-see spots on a California road trip?
California’s greatest attractions also tend to make wonderful stops on a scenic road trip. Drive along Highway 395 to soak up the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe or Yosemite National Park, or cruise the Central Coast and Highway 1 to experience majestic Big Sur. You can combine cities and scenery when taking the Pacific Coast Highway from Southern California up to Santa Barbara, or when heading east from Los Angeles to the desert and Palm Springs. Driving along Highway 101 in Northern California is an easy way to access the rugged coastline as well as the tall trees in Redwood National and State Parks.
How much time should I plan to spend on my California Road Trip?
However long you want! Depending on your route, most road trips in California can range from a few days to a few weeks. Our Road Trips hub features easy-to-follow itineraries as short as one weekend (like the SoCal Taco Tour) and as long as 10 days (such as the North Coast Redwoods, Seascapes, and Wine Tasting tours).
What should I pack for a California road trip?
Be sure you’ve got either your own GPS-enabled device or an old-school map in the car (a map is always a good idea in national parks or remote areas where cell sevice may be limited). If you’re stopping to take in scenery and wildlife—say, California’s amazing birds—supplement your phone or camera with binoculars or a scope. Add in sunscreen, a hat, and be ready to dress in layers. Even in sunny San Diego, warm days can turn into chilly, jacket-worthy nights.
Make sure you’ve also got water and snacks in the car—and it’s worth pointing out that gathering them is half the fun. Check out these gas stations around the Golden State that are favorites with foodies thanks to their unique offerings—from burritos to barbecue to fish tacos.
For more prep, listen to this California Now Podcast episode in which three influencers share their best road-trip tips.
What are the best road-trip routes in California?
It depends on whether you want to see beaches, mountains, wine country, or something else entirely. Some routes are especially famous—like Highway 1 up the coast or historic Route 66, which you can still trace from Santa Monica to the desert—but they aren’t the only scenery-rich highways. Check out these 10 super-scenic routes, such as the Rim of the World Scenic Bywayin the Inland Empire, or the Silverado Trail that winds through the Napa Valley.
Is it safe to drive on Highway 1 (aka Pacific Coast Highway)?
The Pacific Coast Highway spans more than 650 miles of California, starting in Orange County’s Dana Point and stretching up to Mendocino County. A few sections of the highway—near Big Sur in Monterey County, Pacifica in San Mateo County, and Jenner in Sonoma County—are known for narrower lanes and some sharper turns, so just take those sections nice and slow. Be sure to check the weather and road conditions before heading out too, especially around Big Sur, which has experienced some closures and detours in recent years.
How can I avoid traffic on a California road trip?
If you’re driving through the major metropolitan areas—especially in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco—try to avoid rush hour. That typically means you’ll want to drive very early morning, late morning, or early afternoon on weekdays, and then after 8 p.m. at night. Weekend driving tends to be less congested in major urban centers.
Do I need a permit for national parks during my California road trip?
California’s nine national parks all require entrance fees, but you typically only need permits if you want to access certain wilderness areas or for backcountry camping or overnight hikes. The best bet is to check the specific park’s site to see if permits are required for your chosen activity, or if you need a reservation to visit the park.
Are there camping options during a California road trip?
Yes, and national parks are just the beginning for world-class camping in California. You’ll find campgrounds in many of the 280 state parks, as well as strikingly idyllic options near cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. There are numerous beach campgrounds too—just keep in mind that you should book months ahead of time for the most popular sites. If you’re new to camping, check out this beginner’s guide to California camping.
What are the best road trips with kids in California?
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and so do Golden State road trips. If your family loves the great outdoors, consider this Sierra Adventure itinerary that includes Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and Mammoth Lakes. If your crew loves roller coasters and famous characters, embark on this Theme Park Thrills road trip that covers six parks in Southern California, including Disneyland Resort and SeaWorld San Diego. To balance fun with education, try the Family Learning Adventure that includes hands-on museums and stops including the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Or take a deep dive into California’s Gold Rush past on the California History Tour.
As you plan your trip, brush up on these kid-friendly tips for California Road Trips to keep everyone in the car happy.
What are some great weekend getaways in California?
Starting at one of the main hubs—San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego—makes it easy to cover a lot in a weekend trip. In the Bay Area, consider the San Francisco Bay Loop that features the city as well as redwoods and wineries, or the Tech Tour that explores Berkeley and San Jose. From Los Angeles, you can embark on the Southern California Taco Tour that offers a delicious route to San Diego, or take the Quirky Museum adventure that includes fascinating stops in the desert.
Can I bring my dog on a California road trip?
The Golden State is very pet-friendly, with many state parks, dog beaches, and even wineries that welcome dogs. Just do a little research before you set out to pinpoint destinations and California hotels that allow pets—check out these tips on how to travel with your dog in California.
How can I save money on a California road trip?
You can always save money by booking your hotel and rental car at least three weeks in advance. Even if you’re planning last minute, start by looking at the website of your destination’s tourist board: Many sites showcase great deals on lodging, as well as discounts on local attractions or dining.
A fun way to uncover more deals while you’re on the road is to stop in at any of the 23 California Welcome Centers located throughout the state. Not only are these centers staffed by friendly locals ready to offer inside tips for things to see and do in their hometowns, but the centers are also stocked with brochures and coupons for attractions, museums, theme parks, and more. At the California Welcome Center in Oceanside, for instance, you can score a variety of discounts for nearby attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND California, and Universal Studios Hollywood.
California Welcome Centers are also excellent spots to take a reliable comfort stop—and they can be fun destinations in themselves: Some are located inside historic buildings or at outlet malls, and others have their own onsite activities—say, feeding local trout at the Shasta County California Welcome Center in Anderson or taking the Jelly Belly Factory Tour next door to the California Welcome Center in Fairfield.
What are some popular road-trip food stops?
California is home to a world-class culinary scene that includes everything from fresh seafood to farm-to-fork cuisine to Michelin-starred fine dining. Some of the best places to eat, though, happen to sit along the most popular road trip routes, such as Gott’s Roadside in Napa, or Alien Jerky in the desert near the old Route 66. During spring and summer, you can feast your way through fruit stands in areas such as Fresno, Modesto, and Gold Country’s Apple Hill.
All over the state, you’ll find great waterfront dining, burgers by the beach, and plenty of In-N-Out Burger and other fast-food icons. For more inspiration, check out these 30 can’t-miss road-trip food stops and these locals’ favorite restaurants around the state.
Can I drive a rental RV on a California road trip?
Yes! RVs offer a liberating way to explore the Golden State on your own schedule. Check out these tips for renting an RV in California, where you can choose from options such as mainstream RVs with all the bells and whistles, Mercedes-Benz sprinter vans, or souped-up VW camper vans. Just be sure to plan ahead by checking for any road restrictions and campground availability.
Can you drive an electric vehicle for your whole road trip in California?
Yes. California has about 40 percent of the EVs on American roads today and more than 73,000 stations—about one third of all the charging stations in the U.S.
The distance between charging stations depends on the area, so download the PlugShare or ChargeHub apps to find the most convenient charging stations on your route, especially when traveling in more remote areas. Brush up on these tips for driving an EV in the Golden State then put your plan in action by taking this EV-friendly road trip that traces Route 66.