Follow this spectacular coast-hugging drive, making time for stops in places like Huntington Beach, Santa Barbara, and Monterey.
Take a California Road Trip!
California is the ultimate road trip destination, from iconic coastal drives and thriving urban centers to sunny beaches and towering redwoods. Plan your perfect road trip in California—where every road leads to something unforgettable.
How can we help you plan your road trip?
Take a quick three-question quiz and our Road Trip Finder will match you with ideal itineraries.
Explore more than 70 curated road trips to find the itineraries that suit you best.
Try our experimental tool to help you plan your trip—it's like having your very own concierge.
Featured Road Trip Itineraries
California has over 20 Welcome Centers where you can talk to locals who can help you make the most out of your Golden State adventure.
Hidden Gems
- Quirky Museums2 - 4 Days, 8 Stops, 153 MilesCulver City to Cabot’s Pueblo Museum
- Siskiyou Scenic Byway2 - 4 Days, 9 Stops, 210 MilesTulelake to Forks of Salmon
- Hidden Beaches3 - 5 Days, 11 Stops, 453 MilesTrinidad to Wilder Ranch State Park
- Road to Gold4 - 5 Days, 10 Stops, 300 MilesSacramento to Coloma
- Amazing Desert Oddities3 - 6 Days, 14 Stops, 496 MilesSan Diego to Baker
- Ghost Towns3 - 6 Days, 10 Stops, 770 MilesShasta State Historic Park to Calico Ghost Town
- Undiscovered Wine Regions2 - 4 Days, 10 Stops, 616 MilesEscondido to Scott Harvey Wines
Must-Do Road Trip
With the diversity of experiences on this trip, kids might not even notice that they’ve been learning
Don't miss these unforgettable roadside stops
Columbia State Historic Park
Casa de Fruta
Cabazon Dinosaurs, Greater Palm Springs
Cannery Row
Trip-Planning Hub

Order your free California travel guides
Ready for your next adventure? Sign up for our weekly emails with travel tips and adventure ideas, and get a link to our FREE California Road Trips guide—packed with must-visit spots and hidden gems. (The California Road Trips Guide is available only in English.)
From must-see stops to budget-friendly tips, this FAQ guide has everything you need to make the most of your road trip.
Plan the trip of a lifetime with smart tools and expert advice—from the best times to visit to how to get around like a local.
Check out these helpful ideas before hitting the road with your pup—including where to find dog-friendly parks, beaches, and hotels.
Car & RV Rentals
Trusted car & RV rental companies make your trip much easier