Featuring never-ending coasts and beautiful mountain tops, it’s no surprise that California is one of the best states for road trips. No matter the time of year, there’s always a scenic destination waiting for those looking to explore. If you’re ready for your next California adventure, this guide will walk you through 5 scenic experiences you’ll want on your itinerary.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)
Start: Orange County
End: Mendocino County
Distance: 655 miles
Starting off our list is California’s most famous highway: Pacific Coast Highway. Running through most of the state, no California road trip list would be complete without mentioning this significant road. And at over 655 miles long, PCH takes drivers from sunny Orange County all the way up to northern Mendocino County.
Along the way, there are plenty of places worthy of a pit stop. If starting on the southern end, we recommend getting out of Los Angeles County and stopping somewhere along the Central Coast. Some of our favorite stops include Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Morro Bay. Once you’re in Northern California, be sure to continue heading north to the Point Reyes National Seashore, a protected coastline with breathtaking views.
2. Avenue of the Giants (State Route 254)
Start: Humboldt County
End: Humboldt County
Distance: 32 miles
The next adventure on our list may not be long enough to be a complete road trip in itself. Still, the Avenue of the Giants has plenty of beautiful scenery, so you’ll want to make the trip. Located in Northern California inside of Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Avenue of the Giants takes riders on a journey between enormous coastal redwood trees that can grow up to 300 feet tall.
This stretch of road also has plenty of groves and attractions you can stop at to enhance your experience. For example, if you stop at Founders Grove, you can see what was once believed to be the park’s largest tree (362 feet tall), known as the Dyerville Giant. When visiting, you’ll marvel at the tree’s massive roots, which stretch some 52 feet in circumference.
3. Rim of the World Scenic Byway (State Highway 18)
Start: San Bernardino County
End: San Bernardino County
Distance: 110 miles
When you hear Southern California, it’s easy to think of sunny beaches and sunsets. However, Southern California is also home to beautiful mountain scenery that is just a short drive from the beach. Utilizing the Rim of the World Scenic Byway, SoCal visitors can quickly go from spending a day in the sand to breathing fresh mountain air.
Also known as State Highway 18, this route officially begins at Cajon Pass, which is just about an hour’s drive from Los Angeles using Highway 138. Once on the Rim of the World Scenic Byway, you’ll travel through the San Bernadino Mountains and experience stunning panoramic views. Continue on the road up to Big Bear, where you can rent a cabin and enjoy the various recreational activities in the area all year long.
4. A Desert Drive to Joshua Tree
Start: San Diego County
End: San Bernardino County
Distance: 160 miles
If you’re looking for a desert setting for your California adventure, there’s no better destination than Joshua Tree. While many start their trip to Joshua Tree from Los Angeles, starting in the San Diego area allows you to fully explore the desert environments that California has to offer. From San Diego, head northeast on Highway 163 towards Highway 78, which will take you to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Anza-Borrego is known for its wildflower blooms during springtime. However, the park’s massive landscape of cactus forests is on display year-round. Once you’re finished exploring the park, keep heading east on Highway 78 until you reach the Salton Sea. While not the most scenic of stops, it is one of the world’s largest inland seas (and it’s also quickly drying up). From here, finally, head north to finish the trip in Joshua Tree.
5. The Eastern Sierras (Highway 395)
Start: Los Angeles County
End: Mono County
Distance: 330 miles
While PCH takes riders along the coast of California, Highway 395 follows the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. Instead of beaches, you’ll drive through some of the state’s historic mining towns and lush forests. Using Highway 395, you can venture towards Mammoth Mountain, a terrific wintertime escape.
When heading north from Los Angeles, you’ll want to stop at the Alabama Hills, a famous rock formation located at the base of the Sierra Nevadas. As you get closer to Mammoth, keep an eye out for signs announcing fun pitstops, such as the well-known Wild Willy’s Hot Springs. From here, continue northwest for a short drive to arrive at Mammoth Mountain ski resort and Mono Lake.
Stay Protected with Orion Indemnity
Before heading off on your ultimate California adventure, it’s essential to make sure you have the proper auto insurance in place. Because some of these destinations take you to remote areas, having additional coverages, such as roadside assistance, could be helpful if you run into any mechanical issues during your road trip. To learn more about the coverage options Orion Indemnity offers California drivers, call us at (833) 336-7466.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources and is offered for educational purposes. Furthermore, it should not replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
